Bath Life – Issue 491

THYME TO RELAX

GARDEN SEATING MADE STYLISH BY GEORGE!

EXPLORING THE ECLECTIC GEORGE STREET

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

BEAUTIFUL ACCESSORIES TO ACCENTUATE WINE

FANCY

SELF

FROM APPRENTICESHIPS TO PORTRAITS WITH THE ARTIST NATHAN FORD

EXPRESSION

Are you Bath Life Awards ready yet? Despite being editor of the magazine that champions these marvellous indie and local supporting celebrations; writing about the gorgeously glamorous event for months; and being privy to the behind the scenes planning, drama, and gossip thanks to our ridiculously hard working events team – I am not ready.

Yup the BLA have been a date etched in Bath stone for quite a while now. Yet here I am, mere weeks away, and I still haven’t grown my hair to luxurious Rapunzel lengths, nor have I lost a stone, I’m very much a whiter shade of pale, and I forgot about my pledge to learn how to wear heels and now I fear it is too late. However after compiling this issue I am reminded none of these things actually matter. Starting on page 49, we have a special Bath Life Awards preview and there, in black and white and full technicolour, is the true meaning of the Awards. This is about all of us getting together on 23 March at the Bath Pavilion, and then putting our hands together for all the innovators, achievers and hard workers who enter and help make this city to special and so successful.

There’s all that, and then admittedly my panic has also been quelled by our bang on the money fashion writer Marianne Cantelo, who over on page 46, delivers some sage advice about eing red arpet read in a ash d ittedl alread ne iggle dresses weren’t going to be my friend, but my second-hand shop swoop for the perfect little clutch bag is imminent.

One place perfect for such rummaging is George Street (page it is a erita le egas o a strip long ith so e treasure filled charity stores, there’s bars, restaurants including Comptoir+Cuisine (read about our visit on page 38), designer shops, an auction house, property specialists, and much more besides.

And along with foodie news (page 40); an outdoor special on garden seating (page 68); and business stories (page 63) – over on page 10 we also have an interview with Nathan Ford, the incredibly talented artist whose striking self-portrait features on our cover. Enjoy!

SARAH MOOLLA

© IMAGE BY DAN BURMAN, FROM FUTRE PROOF CREATIVE /

WWW.FUTUREPROOFCREATIVE.CO.UK

COVER Self 9.22 by Nathan Ford, as part of an exhibition at Beaux Arts Gallery; www.beauxartsbath.co.uk (page 10)

THE ARTS

10 NATHAN FORD Award winning portraitist at Beaux Arts Gallery

15 ARTS INTRO America in Crisis, this spring’s photography exhibition at the American Museum 17 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, comedy, art, sport and more

STREET LIFE

26 GEORGE STREET Meet Bath’s modern-day Georgians

FOOD & DRINK

38 RESTAURANT REVIEW Vive la France at Comptoir+Cuisine 40 FOOD & DRINK Meet Thai chef Saiphin Moore and get the juice on Bath Cider House

SHOPPING

BATH LIFE AWARDS PREVIEW

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy editor Lydia Tewkesbury lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor 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, Rachel Ifans, Paul Marland, John Mather, and Matilda Walton Group commercial manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash. co.uk Business development manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Production and 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 / Gemma Bourne gemma.bourne@mediaclash. co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 Circus Mews, Bath, BA1 2PW. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk Instagram @TheMediaClash ©All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

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Arts and culture FESTIVAL FEVER

The Bath Festival has revealed this year’s exciting programme of events which will take place at a host of venues around the city from 12 to 21 May – and we’re particularly excited this year because Bath Life is the o ial sponsor

First up, let’s talk things that are new for 2023. Of course, Bath Festivals has a fantastic heritage in the city, but it’s wonderful to see our local arts charity embracing change and keen to try new things.

The theme for this year’s festival is Opening Up and this drives both the content of the programme and also the festival’s ambition be more inclusive. Tickets go on general release on Friday 17 March, and this year there will e a ne e i le pri ing odel to better accommodate people’s circumstances and hopefully enable a wider local audience to enjoy the events.

The Festival is also welcoming London’s award-winning literary salon to ath or the first ti e Inspired by the gay slang of the same name, Polari is a celebration of LGBTQ+ words and voices. It features Polari Salon founder, Paul Burston, poet and winner of the TS Eliot Prize, Joelle Taylor, and cabaret legend, Miss Hope Springs.

In terms of headliners, we’re delighted that former Bath Life cover star Max Porter is hosting a special evening inspired by his new novel SHY, a journey into the mind of a troubled teenager in 1995. It will start with a reading from Max accompanied by a live electronic score by his musician brother Roly Porter. After the interval, there will be a Q&A then the evening will end with a drum ’n’ bass and jungle set by local DJ, Nicho.

The rest of the programme includes bestselling author Joanne Harris, The Great British Sewing Bee’s Esme Young, Costa First Novel award-winner Caleb Azumah Nelson, Bath Festival Orchestra and violinist Esther Yoo. Also coming to Bath are politician Vince Cable, Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path, comedian Fern Brady, menopause expert Dr Louise Newson, Times fashion director Anna Murphy, broadcaster Jon Snow, actor Paterson Joseph, designer a e assett and string quartet Quatuor Agate. And, of course, there will be many more open mics, concerts, guided walks and visits as well as plenty of opportunities to buy books, chat, and be inspired.

For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk

LEFTFROMTOP: Paul Burston; Esther Yoo; Max Porter; BELOW: Joanne Harris

© KYTE PHOTOGRAPHY

© JEWON KIM, STUDIOJ

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ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

Nathan Ford on apprenticehips, portraits, and painting with his children

Interview by Aidan Quinn

Adapted from a film made by Emmy Awardwinning cameraman Michael Pitts

Nathan Ford, who lives in Wales with his wife and two children, is a much demand and highly a lai ed artist e as a arded first pri e ro the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Winsor & Newton Young Artist of the Year Award in 2001, 2003 and 2010, and in 2011 Visitors Choice 2nd ri e at the ational ortrait aller a ards is distin ti e gre ashed or s o ten depi t sensiti el thought out it s apes ith the sparsest o rushstro es he an in o e at osphere, e pression and eaut ere idan uinn, o ner o eau rts aller in ath ho represent athan and are urrentl e hi iting his or , tal s to the artist a out ho he started out, his portrait or , and painting ith his hildren

STARTING OUT

asn t planning to e an artist hen le t school I did a YTS training scheme doing car od repair as dad anted e to or at the garage had ind o gro n up on the s rap ard so I was dismantling cars from very young, and I worked in that environment from very young, so ne ars and ne od or t al ost see ed that that s hat ould naturall do, e ause hen ou go to the areer o e, there s isn t the option o eing an artist

MOVING ON

as doing an apprenti eship ut it s just that hen as in apprenti eship, it as horri le and as isera le M u said, ell you’re living at home and you want to do the art thing, so why not try it? M u as right he said, i ou don t just ha e a go no then, ou no , li e gets o pli ated and ou re not going to ha e the han e

PORTRAIT WORK

t s unn starting a portrait e ause orget ho to start, nearl e er ti e no a tuall e er ti e and so ha e tools, ha e an as and ll ha e so e od in ront o e ar the top o the head and the otto o the hin ten enti etres li e ten enti etres and then ll egin

ortraiture, lands ape, still li e it s ind o a a or galleries and editors to define things so that the an e sold to the pu li , ut ro the point o ie o the a er, ou re using the sa e e uip ent hether ou re loo ing at a lo o heese or hether ou re loo ing at so e od s a e, it s not that di erent to loo into t first, to loo an od in the a e, to loo into so e od in the e es, it s unner ing hat happens t is ele tri it there s so ething a out that a areness ho do ou get past that ou a e it, ou a e it do n, and then it stops eing so o er hel ing e ause ou re just tra elling o er it ou al ost spend so long doing this that ou e lost the spar , and ou re loo ing deeper and deeper to tr and find that thing s ares ou

PAINTING WITH FATHER

“Joachim made a drawing, he drew the scene ithout the uildings in the a ground it as just on a pie e o lined paper er s all in his aths oo e s aled it up ro that er s all si e to this ig indi ates the painting ehind him The Dump 2023, oil on ir h panel , pi tured elo ith athan u en and oa hi painted it in ith a roller and then there ere its painted in and dra n in the ere just pla ing e ade lots o sten ils and he turned up uite a e ti es points to the s all red onster in the painting e s a finger puppet a riend o ine ett ought it or the ids hen the ere a out three ears old e s ade out o elt and just ept it and eep painting three e ed onster he just see ed li e a tragi ello to finish the s ene he seagulls, the ere done the ids, and the du p as done the ids too put a it o red under the ing li e e alan ed things out a it put so e filters, and ga e it a it o dra a e did ring our s ills together to e a le to put this out there, ut the truth is don t ha e authorship did rite na e on the a and do eed hildren so ut this one e or ed on it together so, although did put athan ord, reall should e put athan ord and o n

For more: www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

“You’re using the same equipment whether you’re looking at a block of cheese or at somebody’s face”

OPPOSITE: Self 9.22; ABOVE: Joachim 10.22;

RIGHT: Nathan Ford pictured in front of The Dump 2023

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FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

The bottom line

Flats discovers heavy metal is the answer to his accidental destroyer of furniture

My dad is a big bloke and has quite a large arse. But his heft and his derrière are not quite so substantial as to explain the hilarious regularity with which he destroys furniture. Really, it’s a running family joke now. He’s smaller than me but seemingly has a way of sitting down and getting up again that puts chairs and sofas under so much torsional pressure that the snap ll the ti e had an a es ounge hair ahe , a copy) in the sitting room that I loved, mainly as it was next to shelves full of books and made visitors presume it to be my reading spot, whereas actually what I did in it was ignore the books and watch TV.

n a , he snapped that iterall hit it and split it. “Nope, that’s gone” he said, as ood splintered and leather oun ed o the oor nd or as long as an re e er, there have always been certain chairs around

house”

wicker sofa lasted zero seconds. It honestly was like a comedy sketch show. Except that it cost a lot of money and was destroyed on day one. He understandably moved to our other outdoor sofa because it had ‘proper wooden slats’ on it, and, yep. Gone. Truly, this is a thing! He is an accidental destroyer.

So we came, last year, to the stage where we had to get some furniture for our garden here in town. Of course, we wanted it to loo ool and to fit the s he e e didn t have a scheme – just sounds good), but we actively took into account my father’s record of obliteration to the point where we disregarded certain major brands because Sue from Bedford had commented circa 2007 on a random forum for people who need to be busier that her bench was ‘a bit i s ter hours spent in urniture ased Mumsnet rabbit holes, we decided that any future purchases had to be made of metal. Surely he can’t break metal.

Then I met quite a large (but in a good, health loo ing a lo e alled a ren e at my favourite shop, Treacle George in Tetbury, and he introduced me to Fermob. Now I am obsessed with Fermob. I want all of their things.

the table that Dad or I couldn’t sit on as he’d already caused them some damage. “Ooh, not that one, darling, remember.”

In fairness, he only damaged one chair at Christmas. It sadly was a new chair, probably only a week old, but it was really our fault. You see, we just bought some chairs that we liked. What we failed to do was delve deep into the re ie s to find out hat ol s had said of its build quality and durability. Dad 1: Chair 0. I now avoid it and let my mates sit on it when they come for dinner. Rather they hit the deck than me, right?

The Eames (copy) incident was quite an intense one as it was such a loud disintegration – and the thuds of bodies on oor oards as o entaril orr ing ut the most inconvenient one was the day he went straight through our brand new outdoor furniture. I even joked: “Right, mate, sit down gently and once you’re down just don’t bloody breathe.” How we laughed. The

ast ti e ol s a e, the sun as out and de ided to go or it to o er dad a o ee on the ne garden en h e s entertainingly oblivious to the damage he causes, so out he piled to the garden and onto said bench he plonked himself. Meanwhile, I watched from the kitchen window.

u e to sa , e no ha e urniture that my lovely old man cannot murder. I will ne er use another rand nd no ant to repurpose outdoor furniture for the inside of my house. Partly because it’s cool, but mainly because, at some stage, a family member is going to ruin Christmas by getting impaled by a splintered chair leg, inadvertently softened up by Grandad hours earlier. Heavy metal is the answer. Rock on (I will obviously never get a rocking chair as the physics would equal disaster).

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

“I now want to repurpose outdoor furniture for the inside of my

SNAPSHOTS OF BATH’S CULTURAL LIFE

THE ARTS BORN IN THE USA

The American Museum is hosting the only showing of a major American photography exhibition outside London. America in Crisis runs from 11 March to 4 July and, in partnership with the Saatchi Gallery, it features more than 80 photographs from 39 top American artists.

The original America in Crisis was a Magnum Photos project conceived in 1969 to assess the state of the nation, led by photographer Charles Harbutt and Lee Jones, then Magnum’s New York bureau chief. The project turned a critical eye on the US at a time of great social, political and cultural change, and examined key events in 1968 leading up to Nixon’s inauguration.

he olle tion reates a dialogue et een the original photographs and ne or s produ ed fi e de ades later, during another tumultuous time in America, by contemporary photographers such as Balazs Gardi,Sheila Pree Bright and Stacy Kranitz, which in turn highlights the themes present in both eras and confronts the myth of American exceptionalism with the reality of current events.

For more: www.americanmuseum.org

WHAT’S ON

11 March –14 April

EXHIBITIONS

Until 25 March

NATHAN FORD

Beaux Arts solo exhibition features the work of Nathan Ford. His distinctive portraits and landscapes have received much critical acclaim. Turn to page 10 for an interview with the London-born now Walesbased artist conducted by Aidan Quinn. www.beauxartsbath.co.uk

Until 28 March

PERRY HARRIS

Having worked as a punk fanzine cartoonist, a stage scenery painter, an architectural illustrator, and an art technician, Perry Harris’s exhibition at Widcombe Social Club demonstrates his considerable talent and his far-reaching range. www.widcombesocialclub.co.uk

Until 30 March

MAISIE WALKER

Society Café in Kingsmead Square hosts a beautiful, beach-churning exhibition depicting the Pendine Sands Hot Races in Wales by Bath photographer and Instagram fave, Maisie Walker. www.maisiewalker. co.uk | www.society-cafe.com

Until 11 April

CAPTURING LIFE: A CENTURY OF THE NEW ENGLISH ART CLUB

The New English Art Club was founded in 1886 by a group of rebellious young artists protesting against their repeated rejection by the Royal Academy, and this Victoria Art Gallery exhibition showcases work by members past and present, including Gwen John, Winifred Nicholson, John Singer Sargent, Walter Sickert, and Paul Nash. The paintings can also be viewed in an online exhibition, with many on sale. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 11 April

JESSICA PALMER: WETLAND SPRING

Jessica, whose work spans collage, paper sculpture, paper cutting, digital drawing and painting, is in-house illustrator for English Heritage and her current Victoria Art Gallery exhibition displays collages of meadows, meadow plants and the ora ro around Bath. The exhibits are for sale, with the proceeds of one piece to be donated to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 29 April UNTITLED

For the group show Untitled, co-curators Francis director Rosa Park and independent curator Emily Andrew of EKA Art Advisory, bring together the work of British painter Luke Samuel, Franco-British photographer Charlotte Colbert, and Australian sculptor Ceara Metlikovec. www.francisgallery.co

Until 23 April

ILLUSTRATING THE WORLD: WOODCUTS IN THE AGE OF DÜRER

This is a rare opportunity to view the complete set of woodcuts known as The Great Passion, produced by the most famed artist of the German Renaissance, Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). www.holburne.org

Until 30 April

BATH MIND: ART AS THERAPY

Jason Dorley-Brown, artist and Bath Mind ambassador, has curated this extensive RUH exhibition featuring 52 artists, many local, with the purpose

of raising awareness and muchneeded funds for the important community work done by Bath Mind. On display is an eclectic mix of mediums including sculpture, illustration, and even the written word. www.artatruh.org

Until 8 May

ALBERTA WHITTLE

Alberta Whittle’s exhibition, Dipping below a waxing moon, the dance claims us for release, includes the themes of pleasure and health, as well as directly addressing some uncomfortable truths of the 18th-century including those of the Holburne itself. www.holburne.org

Until 8 May

RODNEY GRAHAM

Currently on show at the Bruton gallery, Hauser & Wirth Somerset is the work of Canadian artist Rodney Graham (1949 – 2022). ith a pra ti e spanning fi e decades, he operated through systems of quotation, reference and adaptation, often revolving around a central absurdity. His signature photographic lightbox works are elaborate, allegorical and witty compositions focused on his use of

Royal-Tea, presented by Pests Production, is appearing as part of the Elevate Festival on 11 March

the self-portrait to explore scenarios from our collective cultural memory. www.hauserwirth.com

Until 8 May

THE NEW BEND

The New Bend travels from the Hauser & Wirth gallery in Los Angeles to Somerset, and brings together 12 contemporary artists working in the raced, classed and gendered traditions of quilting and textile practice including Anthony Akinbola, Qualeasha Wood, and Zadie Xa. www.hauserwirth.com

Until 3 June

REVOLUTION, PROPAGANDA, ART: PRINTMAKING IN MODERN CHINA

This striking, informative exhibition at the Museum of East Asian Art showcases a series of prints selected from the Muban Educational Trust’s collection of over 6,000 works. It explores artistic trends, political movements and technical developments in modern Chinese printmaking. www.meaa.org.uk

11 March – 4 July

AMERICA IN CRISIS

This new exhibition, which is an American Museum partnership with the Saatchi Gallery, features more than 80 photographs from 39 top American artists, as well as an interactive immersive experience. Turn to page 15 for more. www.americanmuseum.org

13 – 19 March

UNRULY PERFORMER

Artist Kiri Kiri, who works with analogue, digital and 3D collages, brings her latest exhibition to 44AD Art Space. Expect surreal social commentary, humour, and some dark edges. www.44ad.net

THEATRE / CINEMA

Until 18 March

THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE

Adapted by Joel Horwood from the best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman is the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation. Returning to his childhood home, a man is transported on an epic journe to a lost hildhood filled with thrilling adventures, myths and friendships. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 19 March

ELEVATE FESTIVAL

The Elevate Festival is taking

place in a 40-seater, pop-up venue created inside the Theatre Royal Bath’s 1805 Rooms, and features 140 local participants from 27 companies performing across 15 da s, ith as an as three di erent performances daily including new writing, dance, theatre for families, rehearsed readings, drag entertainment and scratch nights. www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Until 19 March

CHARLOTTE & THEODORE

Familiar local face Kris Marshall (of Love Actually, Death in Paradise and My Family fame) stars in a timely new play about keeping long-term romance alive in the face of a whole range of contemporary issues and obstacles, not least modern gender politics and supposed cancel culture. Ustinov; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

21 & 22 March

THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

From kayaking in the Arctic Circle to an unusual climbing expedition in Devon and tightrope walking between hot air balloons, this new olle tion o ad enture fil s o es to Komedia. www.komedia.co.uk

22 March TURANDOT

A screening at the Wiltshire Music Centre of the Royal Opera’s production of the Puccini classic, featuring Nessun dorma, about Princess Turandot whose suitors are

ABOVE: The Colors of Mexico is screening at the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour; MIDDLE: Join renowned fashion illustrator Gladys Perint Palmer at the Royal Crescent on 28 March; BOTTOM: Printmaking in modern China is the subject of Museum of East Asian Art’s current exhibition, Revolution, Propaganda, Art

ABOVE: The Ocean at the End of the Lane performs at Theatre Royal Bath until 18 March; MIDDLE: The New Bend exhibition at Hauser & Wirth brings together 12 contemporary artists including Qualeasha Wood; BOTTOM: Wildlife film-maker Gordon visits Bath Forum on 25 March to talk about his wild life

murdered when they fail to solve her riddles. www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

MUSIC

19 March

THE 7 HILLS SPRING FESTIVAL

After curating last year’s Americana Festival at The American Museum, Komedia has partnered up with ex-Noah & The Whale musician Matt Owens to give the 7 Hills Festival a new exciting reincarnation at Komedia. The all-day three-stage event includes performances from Black Eyed Dogs, Ida Mae, Beth Rowley, and Robert Vincent. www.komedia.co.uk

21 March

BEANS ON TOAST

Performing at Moles is Beans on Toast, whose simple songs about complicated subjects has seen him become a people’s champ of the modern folk scene. www.moles.co.uk

31 March

TUBULAR BELLS LIVE IN CONCERT

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tubular Bells by multiinstrumentalist, composer and song riter Mi e ldfield, the masterpiece will be performed live with a full band at Bath Forum, conducted and arranged by ldfield s long ter olla orator Robin Smith. www.bathforum.co.uk

COMEDY

5 April

RAY BRADSHAW

In his new stand-up show Deaf Com 1, the comic covers his recent fatherhood, teaching his young

son sign language, and a disastrous trip to Bahrain. Ray grew up with deaf parents, and all of his shows are performed in both BSL and English. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

13 April

ALEX KEALY

Alex, who mixes smart political material with self-deprecation and relatable observations and has recently been described as the ‘rising star of the British stand-up scene’, comes to the Bath’s Rondo to talk Silicon Valley tech monopolies, advertising, and addiction. www.rondotheatre.co.uk

CHILDREN

Until 31 July

THE WILD ESCAPE

Victoria Art Gallery is taking part in The Wild Escape, a nationwide project uniting hundreds of museums, schools and families to find nature in useu s hildren are in ited to find a a ourite ani al in the gallery, create an artwork imagining its ‘escape’ back to its natural habitat. The pictures and stories created will then be brought together and launched online and in museums for Earth Day on 22 April. www.victoriagal.org.uk

SPORT

14 / 18 March

BATH CITY FC

The Romans’ upcoming National League South Table home games include Dulwich Hamlet and St Albans. www.bathcityfc.com

24 March

TEAM BATH NETBALL SUPER

LEAGUE

Team Bath start a busy run of fi e ho e at hes in our ee s including a match with old rivals Saracens Mavericks on 24 March. 7.30pm University of Bath; www. netball.teambath.com

26 March

BATH RUGBY FC

The home side take on Exeter hie s as part o the allagher re iership i o at the e 3pm. www.bathrugby.com

OTHER

15 March

ROXANE GAY

American podcaster, short story writer, and novelist, Roxane Gay, rings her first e er li e sho s to the

© QUALEASHA WOOD COURTESY THE ARTIST AND GALLERY KENDRA JAYNE PATRICK -

PHOTO BY QUALEASHA WOOD

© BRINKHOFF-MOEGENBURG

UK and is calling in at Bath Forum. pe t an e ening o re e ti e social criticism. www.bathforum.co.uk

18 March

MEN’S WALK TO SUPPORT

This 8-mile walk is an opportunity for guys aged 12+ to join together and raise vital funds to help Dorothy House provide crucial end-of-life care. www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

20 – 26 March

EQUALITY WEEK

Bath Spa University are hosting a programme of IRL and online events centred around amplifying the voices of People of Colour, LGBTQIA+, disabled persons, and anyone who has ever felt like they’ve not been listened to. www.bathspa.ac.uk

23 March

BATH LIFE AWARDS 2023

The best of Bath is celebrated with 22 Bath Life Awards at the Bath Pavilion, hosted by the legendary rugby commentator, former player, and TV pundit David Flatman. Turn to page 49 for our glittering preview. www.bathlifeawards co.uk

25 March

GORDON BUCHANAN: 30 YEARS IN THE WILD ildli e fil a er ordon is visiting Bath Forum to talk about life both behind and in front of the camera, and sharing insights into his most favourite wildlife encounters. www.bathforum.co.uk

28 March

GLADYS PERINT PALMER

Immerse yourself in the world of couture with renowned fashion illustrator Gladys Perint Palmer at the Royal Crescent. Co-hosted by Connie Gray, fashion curator from Gray M.C.A, the afternoon includes drawing materials and a champagne afternoon tea. www.royalcrescent.co.uk

31 March

ELIZABETH DAY

In this exclusive Bath event, Elizabeth Day is in conversation with her friend Andi Oliver, and ill unpi the signifi an e and evolution of friendship to celebrate the publication of her new book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict www.komedia.co.uk

CULTURE CLUB …with Charlie Day

Bristol-based actor, director and theatre-maker Charlie Day brings his one-person show Rock Bottom to Theatre Royal Bath’s Elevate Festival on 18 March.

After a short tour in 2021 and a successful run at the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Rock Bottom will be playing in London, Bristol, Worcester and Cardiff followed by a run across the pond in New York.

The last great film I saw That would definitely be The Banshees of Inisherin, excellent storytelling, subtle character development, and beautiful cinematography.

A film I could watch over and over again

My family has a tradition where we watch Hot Fuzz on repeat. With jokes that make you laugh after 20 or 30 times of hearing them, it might be the best comedy film of all time.

My lockdown boxset

I finally caved in and watched Fleabag, and wow, I was blown away. Not only was it funny and poignant, it stood as an example of what can come of a one-person show like mine.

Best TV show ever…

I don’t think there is a better TV show than It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Ridiculously funny, brave and rude in equal measure, it’s 100 per cent uncompromising. I was introduced to it because I have the same name as one of the actors, words can’t describe how much I love this show.

The book that changed my life

When I read the play Bouncers by John Godber, it changed the way I saw theatre. The story of the three characters trying to hold back their demons is both hilarious and a tear jerker.

The book I could happily re-read

I would have to say Poetic Off Licence by Hovis Presley. Funny, down to earth, and unique, his poems have had a real impact on me.

The last live music gig I went to That would be the monthly newwave jazz night at The Southbank Club in Bristol. Improvised funky tunes are good for the soul.

Favourite arts place in Bath

I really love the street performances. Watching large companies of performers take to the square outside the Roman Baths or by the Abbey, and start a larger-than-life, whimsical show, is just so much fun.

The first song I remember ‘really’ hearing

Like many people in my generation, the first thing I remember hearing is My Name Is by Eminem. He seemed to sum up all the angsty feelings a teenager was feeling, I listened on repeat.

My karaoke go-to

I think I have the ability to both empty and fill a dance floor with my rendition of Mr. Brightside by The Killers. What a tune!

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Charlie Day stars in Rock Bottom presented by Fresh Life Theatre as part of the Elevate Festival

Elizabeth Day is in conversation at Komedia on 31 March to talk about her new book Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict

BUYING CARPET & FLOORING IN BRISTOL MADE SIMPLE

We have one of the largest selections of carpets, laminate, vinyl and karndean flooring in bristol and the south west region. Our flooring showroom is conveniently situated at longwell green bristol with free parking; so when buying your next carpet or flooring, why not come and experience our wide range, first class fitting service and great prices for yourself?

You’ll be spoilt for choice with our wide range of carpets & flooring...

BY GEORGE!

George Street has got it all going on

Words by John Mather

Main pictures by Dan Burman

If ever there was a street in Bath mixing it up and shaking things up a bit, it’s going to be George Street. It’s a veritable pocket of opposites, indies, and originals. Above the legendar night lu Moles ou ll find the up ar et estate agent a ills, up the road the oung o e or ers sip rooftop cocktails in Sub 13, there’s charity shops nestled ne t to the designer led ra e Ma el, along ith a embarrassing gluttony of excellent foodie places including Martini restaurant, Chandos Deli and Clayton’s Kitchen.

There’s nothing predictable or bland about George Street. And yet, despite its diversity there is still a sense of community among the businesses as Zoltan Sagi, manager of Mail Boxes Etc the local postal, parcel, and printing services found on 3 Edgar Buildings, explains, “We deal with many of the local galleries, antique shops, and artists, as well as auction houses in the area – this means we get to know a lot of people and we get to pack and ship lots of very interesting items.” ere e eet just a e other eorgians to tal go tos, ghosts and joys of George Street.

Andrew Walker, director of the eponymously named residential letting agency, First Floor Office, 4 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath; www.awrl.co.uk

“I set up here in September 1995 because George Street was, and is, in the heart of the business district, comprising letting agents, solicitors, estate agents, accountants and insurance brokers. It made sense that we started business in George Street. In the 1990s, the north side of George Street was known as ‘Estate Agents Row’.

“Our building was built in 1761, and is Grade II listed. It is believed Thomas Jelly was the architect, and it was home to Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, who played a hugely prominent part in the Methodist o e ent o the th entur e er o sta elie es the on e sa a ghost on the first oor landing a tall an ith dar eard in black clothing with black top hat.

M a ourite ie ro our o e is the southerl ie do n Milsom Street, and over the rooftops towards the hills and trees of ee hen li t s al a s good, hate er the eather

The sun sets on the honey stone of George Street

© PICTURES BY DAN BURMAN, FROM FUTURE PROOF CREATIVE (WWW.FUTUREPROOFCREATIVE.CO.UK)

Andrew Wilson loves the view down Milsom Street and to the hills in the south

Aga Marcinkowska, general manager of Robun which specialises in authentic Japanese food and drink, 4 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath; www.robun.co.uk

o un first opened its doors in ugust and lo e eing part o eorge treet hi h is e erging as the gastrono i hu o ath e ha e rought another le el o apanese ood and drin to the it and it has een a a ing to see ho an ne usto ers are o ing in to tr us out and then returning or ore eing lo ated in the heart o ath, ith a lot o tourist attra tions near , is er help ul or ringing in holida a ers and shoppers ali e li e er lose to the it entre, and it is great that e ha e so an independent usinesses around us and that ea h o the is o ering a o pletel di erent e perien e or e, the est part o the da is hen the sun rises and eorge treet starts to o e ali e

Caroline Vincent, sales associate with Grace & Mabel the boutique clothing, accessories and lifestyle goods store, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk

isters helle , aniela and irstie esta lished ra e and Ma el in ristol in n e a single s all outi ue in li ton illage, ra e Ma el gre ui l , opening a se ond shop in ath in n earl , e o ed to eorge treet ro road treet ne o a ourite things a out this lo ation is loo ing out o the ront and seeing the railings in ront o a ills

he area is a essi le ar, uses and train and is a isi l i rant lo ation this reall suits ra e Ma el s ethos hi h is all a out ualit and indi idualit ll ite s are handpi ed ro the orld s top designers he tea onl pie es the li e

ABOVE: LEFTTORIGHT: The Robun team Paulina Jedrzejewska, Aga Marcinkowska, Annabel Croll, Steph Kiss and Nat Cann BELOW: Caroline Vincent, from Grace & Mabel

“George Street is emerging as the gastronomic hub of Bath”

“We moved into the premises in January 2019 because we loved the window space and wanted to be in a prominent position as well as close to the long-established Bath Antiques Centre on Bartlett Street. One advantage of being right next to the tra lights is that it gi es the passing ars a han e to check out our window displays.

e re entl au tioned o a super olle tion o arl Chinese ceramics which included some Neolithic pottery dating as ar a as and a olle tion o to figures and horses dating to the Tang dynasty (618-907AD).

“Our go-to eatery on George Street is Charm Thai Restaurant. We go there for lunches, on Saturdays, and we had our last Christmas work party there too!

“My walk to work is from Weston and a lovely stroll through Victoria Park, past the Royal Crescent and onto George Street. One of my favourite things is seeing all the dog walkers in the mornings.”

Leon Ma loves the extensive window space of his George Street premises

Leon Ma owner of Ma San Auction, an auction gallery specialising in Asian art that also holds live auction sales every two months, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath; www.masanauction.com

Pair Of Chinese Huanghuali Horseshoe Back Armchairs, Quanyi, 20th Century. SOLD £16,120

A Chinese Geyao Celadon Glazed Hexagonal Brush Washer. SOLD £12,400 incl.

A Group Of Chinese Famille Rose Porcelain Items, Tongzhi Period (1861-75). SOLD £5208 incl. premium

Alison Watson, business manager with the recruitment agency Juice, 12 Miles’s Buildings, Bath; www.juicerecruitment.com

“Juice was established in 1998 and we moved to Miles’s Buildings in 2000. Juice has always been at the heart of Bath’s business community and this location means we are easily accessible for anyone to pop in and meet with our talent team members. Before Juice, 12 Miles’s Buildings was home to Bath Rugby so it has lots of heritage behind it.

“As well as George Street being a hub for independent, retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, I think this little alcove, Miles’s Buildings, is so special. It’s tranquil, a hidden beauty and quite often you see period dra as eing fil ed on our doorstep

“There’s so much going on around us, and we even have Moles, a legendary nightclub, in our basement! We love supporting our neigh ours and handos eli is a fir a ourite the o ee and anana bread is delicious. The best business meetings are held outside Claytons and e ha e re entl dis o ered o ptoir uisine hat a find

“I live in Bathford and love nothing more than to walk into work. Bath is a place of beauty and the architecture never ceases to amaze me even after 20 years of it being my home.”

“It’s tranquil, a hidden beauty and quite often you see period dramas being med on o r doorste

LEFTTORIGHT: The Juice crew Lily Reid; Emily Skinner; Courtney Chambers; Eve Wright and Ali Watson

a ills opened its ath o e ears ago in t as a natural and organi e pansion o the usiness e ould see real potential to gro a strong usiness in ath and eorge treet as an ideal ase eorge treet is not onl ell situated ithin the it entre, ut has a real u a out it, ith a great i o shops, restaurants and a es, hi h e lo e lso eorge treet, as ith an o the other streets in this part o to n, sees a good deal o passing trade his part o ath attra ts ore than its air share o e ite ent oth the late ueen and ing harles ha e dri en past our o e at di erent ti es, radle iggins rode past and the l pi or h as paraded , all these ith plent o po p and pageantr ersonall , thin a ta e out sand i h and sli e o illionaire s short read ro handos eli, just a ross the road, is al a s uite spe ial nd lo e la tons it hen, it has the per e t lend o great ood and a ian e

Matthew Pegler, director at Savills Bath, the residential sales and lettings agents, Edgar House, 17 George Street, Bath; www.savills.co.uk

Celebrity spotting is not out of the question, says Matthew Pegler

Jenny Bower, managing director of Bowerhouse which specialises in property sales and lettings, 4 Bladud Buildings, Bath; www.bowerhousebath.com

“We opened in 2017 and chose here because we wanted to be situated among some of Bath’s most prominent property specialists. Also, George Street is one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares which sets us apart from similar businesses situated in quieter streets.

ur o es ere uilt et een and he ground oor has always been either retail or business, and originally, we believe it was a grocer and draper.

For food, I enjoy visiting Clayton’s Kitchen, and Seasons is great for shopping; the owner is just so incredibly knowledgeable about her health products.”

BACKROW: Michael Lancaster-Clark, Jenny Bower, and Sabrina D’Alimonte-Morrison; FRONTROW: Sue Snook, Alannah Godbold, and pooch Annie Godbold

“Seasons is great for shopping; the owner is just so incredibly knowledgeable about her health products”

© SPENCER KING OF SPENCER KING PHOTOGRAPHY

Alex Miller and Tim Whelehan, co-owners of Sub 13, the cocktail ar, clu and terrace set o er three oors, 4 Edgar Buildings, Bath, B EE. 4 ; www.su .net

Alex: “I opened Sub 13 with my school friend Dan Perry in 2004. Dan had been running bars in London and we both loved Shades Wine Bar as it then was, so it was a dream to be able to continue the legacy in such a great location.

“The building was a family home until the 1970s, when it was di ided into ats, o es and a ar in the ase ent he ase ent where we are was latterly used for storage but it was originally the it hen and s uller or the eorgian uilding here is little firepla e in one of the vaults that originally had a copper bowl for heating water.

“Apparently, the basement is haunted by the malevolent spirit of a cook, which does sort of make sense seeing as it used to be the kitchen. e eral people i and sel in luded ha e lai ed to see a figure in chef’s whites and have felt a tap on their shoulder when alone.

There is also the occasional phantom smell of frying garlic so maybe the cook was French!”

Tim: “We’re called Sub 13 because the basement where it all started is, obviously, underground hence the ‘Sub’, and the 13 comes from the fact that there are 13 steps down from George Street to our front door.

“We’ve been going for nearly 20 years but still some people don’t realise we have a massive terrace at the back, which is great all year round; in winter we have loads of heaters.

“Having several bars and clubs in the same spot is good for everyone; people don’t have far to walk between venues. It’s sort of become like “the strip” for Bath which is great. Plus you’ve got great restaurants nearby so you could spend your entire night on one street e ha e re entl tea ed up ith Martini restaurant to o er their delicious pizzas to our guests. This has been really popular and it’s great to support a local business.”

Alex Miller and Tim Whelehan from Sub 13

“We have a massive terrace at the back which is great all year round”

© SOUL MEDIA

Successfully letting residential property in Bath and Bristol, the counties of Somerset and Wiltshire and in South Gloucestershire since 1995.

Matt Carr owner of Artizan, the independent salon established 30 years ago, 8a George street, Bath; www.artizanbath.co.uk

“I was born in Bath and have worked in and around George Street for around 40 years. The street has developed from being a little bit downcast to being an amazing centre of socialising these days.

I actually set up my own salon here 30 years ago – it was an unusual space with a large skylight and the Georgian features just made it feel di erent and reati e lso, eing on the first oor is o ten pre erred our guests who don’t want to be looked at through a shop window.

e also ha e t o oors a o e the salon that e ha e on erted to holida apart ents, alled rti an s est and rti an s en he are really successful because of the close proximity to all of the Georgian sites and having so many restaurants and bars around us.

“You can’t go wrong with Clayton’s Kitchen for food. We’ve also had some beautifully cooked lunches at Martini Restaurant and have sourced some great bargains from Shaw Trust Charity Shop. It’s not te hni all eorge treet ut e reall lo e os eos, su h a a little bar run by some great young people.” n

“I set up my salon here 30 years ago – the Georgian features made it di erent and reative

Stylist and business owner Matt Carr doing what his loves

COMPTOIR+CUISINE

Rachel Ifans takes one for the team and agrees to test out a whole new French culinary combination: Champagne and cheese

Small Plates is giving Tapas a bad name,” I said going all Nora Ephron.

“Yeah!” he enthused. “Tapas must be well gutted. Plying her well-established and honest shar i es or de ades onl to find Small Plates swanning all over town in a body-con dress, expecting kudos for what is sometimes a saucer full of over-rich food.”

“It goes to show how the world has changed,” I hurrumphed. ”Imagine calling something Small Plates in the 80s – it was all Hungry Horse back then. No-one boasted about smallness.”

We like a rant about food, we do. Hey, we’ve been married for decades, we need something to talk about on a night out. We like a good whine about how prices have risen and quality has dropped, and we still reminisce about favourite restaurants that have long since left Bath – I’m talking Salvo’s, The Rajpoot (sob) and that rustic tapas under North Parade, where you’d sit at barrels and so eti es there d e a en o dan ing

Just a week after this particular rant, I was invited to Comptoir+Cuisine on George Street and echoes of

our conversation rang in my ears as I perused the Small Plates menu waiting for my friend to arrive.

I’m a huge Francophile though so I did feel in safe hands with the concept; there’s lunch and dinner, nibbles and snacks, cheese and charcuterie boards, a selection of traditional French tapas (aka the aforementioned Small Plates), and a good selection of Champagnes, cocktails, wines and beers.

I was intrigued by the restaurant’s Champagne+Fromage idea, something our waitress (the knowledgeable and charming Izzy) was keen for us to try at the start of the meal, without our taste buds having een ruined the lange o a ours ou get in the usual starter/main course/pud menu.

To be honest, I usually just have Champagne with more Champagne and leave the cheese until the end of the meal to have with whatever is lurking in the bottom of a bottle of leftover holiday digestif (I know, classy), but she assured me that Champagne is an excellent pairing with cheese because it’s light enough to not overpower cheeses like goat or Comté and its acidity cuts through savoury blues or creamy Camembert.

he e er es en e o the u les also s ru s the palate et een ea h outh ul and the oolness is re reshing ho ere e to dou t e hose a glass o e allais ea h and ordered a three heese and three eat oard to go alongside

he oard as ore aried and ell thought out than ould ha e i agined e had eau ort d lpage, the ing o ru re, hi h ent eauti ull ith a uin e paste, and o ue ort ro rene hi h as so deli ious ith a arena herries and a gulp o fi e also had a harentais h re hi h ent ell ith a fig ja , and three eats, na el osette de on, an etta ro orsi a and a s o nutt por shoulder, all sprin led ith grapes, oli es and ra ers

o ptoir uisine is a a il usiness that laun hed as ha pagne ro age in ondon o ent arden in and e panded to ath in he ath ran h has di ersified its o ering to in lude the s all plates and the tea are loo ing else here in the outh ast to open their third restaurant

he restaurant is u h igger than ou d thin and is de orated in a uir ren h a that learl sho s the sense o hu our o the o ners

here are old oloured ronts hanging on a line, or instan e, and the loo is a per e t i o sha hi , ar oires, art nou eau poster art and is at hed so t urnishings here s e en a utes shop area at the ront here ou an u heese o iousl as ell as eauti ul r ton ju pers, hi ra es and other deli atessen produ e

e d stu ed oursel es ith heese and eat ut ere still een to tr the ren h tapas so ordered a e to share a h as an e plosion o taste and pleasingl plenti ul e lo ed the s allop o s ith roasted auli o er and tru e and the eat ushroo ste hi h as a eal in itsel , ut a ourite as sardine pissaladi re hose resh fishiness ade e orget all that heese e ould arel get up the ti e e d polished that lot o ut, e oldened the long aiting ti e or the ho olate ondant a spe ifi oo ing ti e is al a s reassuring , e sloshed do n so e ore o our light inot oir urgund and tu ed in to the per e tl oo ed pud ith t o spoons t as a onder ul e ening and did u h to restore aith in all lates pushed to hoose, d go ith the heese and eat oard and glass o ha pers i ou re passing this a t s a great pla e to ta e isiting riends ho ight just need to e on in ed o ath s e er in reasing ulinar superiorit , and it ould suit a date ith a it o a di eren e ut do e a are e ore oo ing, there s nothing to rant a out, so ou ll ha e to thin up so e other on ersation n

DINING DETAILS

Comptoir + Cuisine 5 George Street BA1 2EJ, 01225 684733

www.comptoirpluscuisine.com

Opening hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 12pm-3pm and 6pm-10pm, Friday 12pm-3pm and 6pm-11pm, Saturday 12pm-11pm. Wednesday currently closed  Type of food served French Covers 65 (no outside space)

Price Nibbles: £3.50 - £9 Tapas: £3.50£15, Desserts: £6.50 - £8.50

Drinks More than 35 types of Champange by bottle, French wine, Champagne cocktails, Belgium beers Dietary options Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free choices, and alternatives for people with allergies

Recommendations Shredded duck confit with cherry and cacao nibs sauce on homemade buckwheat bread, scallop bombs with roasted cauliflower and truffle, wild mushroom stew.

“The Roquefort was so delicious with amarena cherries and a o

FOOD & DRINK

SNAPSHOTS OF BATH’S FOOD SCENE

RAISING FUNDS

Bubble CiTea at SouthGate Bath is fundraising in aid of those a e ted the de asting earth ua es in ur e and ria he u le tea shop is donating p ro ea h drin sold to the isasters ergen o ittee s undraising appeal he appeal o uses on pro iding sear h and res ue ser i es, edi al treat ent or the injured, shelter or those ho ha e lost their ho es, heaters, ar lothes, and inter its ith lan ets, as ell as ensuring a ess to ood and lean ater u enderson, entre dire tor at outh ate ath, sa s, er pound raised or those i pa ted the de astating earth ua es in ur e and ria ill oost essential unds needed in helping

GROWN LOCALLY

urslade ar hop, hi h is set ithin the auser irth art galler on the edge o ruton, has laun hed its annual e rodu er o petition he ai is to see out lo al people in the area and support the ne t ig thing in the ood or drin orld ast ear the tea dis o ered ia ro ells ho as a ing o u ha in his edroo ia s usiness is no alled e re o u ha and it produ es a range o seasonal o u has or urslade ar hop, ith ingredients sour ed ro the estate, in luding lo alelder o er and rhu ar ro the alled garden Manuela irth, ho o ounded auser irth ith an irth, sa s, ur ar is our inspiration and e ant to share its resh and seasonal produ e or all to enjo e ant to pro ote and share lo al talent that e ha e dis o ered hile li ing here s the ar shop gro s, e ant the o unit to gro ith it For more: www.dursladefarmshop.co.uk

the illions urrentl a e ted t s great to see retailers li e u le i ea de onstrating our shared o it ent to help here e an For more: www.bubblecitea.com | www.southgatebath.com

I AM A CIDER THINKER

The Bath Cider House, which is celebrating a successful six months since setting up on Bladud Buildings, has launched a regular Sunday night pub quiz which features a £75 bar tab as first prize.

The team is also planning its first cider festival this spring. The event, happening on 9 April over the Easter weekend, will showcase dozens of local ciders alongside hot-off-the-griddle sausages and feature live music from Ninotchka. For more: www.bathciderhouse.co.uk

Hauser and Wirth is keen to celebrate local producers

The Bath Cider House has some new events up its sleeve

Drink and donate

NEWS FEED

The Ivy Bath Brasserie is celebrating Mother’s Day with a duo of cocktails and a limited-edition dessert. Available on Sunday 19 March, guests can choose from The Elderflower Spritz, a light and fruity mix of St Germain’s elderflower, prosecco and soda, and the Elderflower Royal, combining St Germain’s elderflower with The Ivy’s signature Champagne. There is also the Mothering Sundae Dessert special, a delicate combination of vanilla ice cream, strawberries, crushed meringue, with a raspberry and elderflower sauce.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa has partnered with local florist Flowers by Passion to create a Mother’s Day special. On 29 March expert florist Jo Wood will be teaching the intricate art of hand tied floral arrangements and sharing tips on how to arrange flowers for a personal take-home bouquet. The workshop is then followed by a Champagne afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and a selection of delicious cakes and pastries in the 5-star hotel’s lounge.

Robun has launched its Gatsu menu, a monthly changing set menu, featuring special dishes that reflect both seasonality and creativity. The Gatsu, which costs £24.50 for three courses, will bring new dishes to the table each month, showcasing the kitchen’s latest creations using techniques rooted in Japanese culinary tradition.

KITCHEN GRILLING

Rosa’s Thai founder SAIPHIN MOORE

One of the many much-anticipated new foodie hotspots in Bath is Rosa’s Thai launching 18 March on Cheap Street. Here we speak to its co-founder, celebrated Thai chef Saiphin Moore, who opened the first Rosa’s in London’s Spitalfields in 2008.

Welcome to Bath! What brought you here?

Opening a new Rosa’s Thai is always really exciting, but Bath feels particularly special. It’s a beautiful city, with an incredibly vibrant food scene. It’s a per e t fit or osa s and almost feels like we should already be here.

What makes the food and experience stand out among the many other Thai restaurants in the city?

We serve recipes that are close to my heart. They’re all based on family recipes passed down from my nan, my mum and all the aunties and uncles. Our chefs cook them according to my recipes, using ingredients from Thailand. It’s all about the experience of sharing a Thai meal in a casual environment rather than a formal setting which is what most Thai restaurants tend to do in the UK.

Did your upbringing inspire your love of food?

My family didn’t have much – they’re farmers – but we were fortunate to always have good food. I thought, why not set up my own business using these amazing ingredients. So, when I was 14 years old, I started a noodle stall in front of my parents’ house (it’s like having a lemonade stand).

When did you leave Thailand?

le t hen as hat as the first ti e I’d ever stepped foot outside my village and on to an aeroplane! I always have such fond memories of growing up on the family

farm, every morning helping my parents harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. We always cooked them straightaway so I grew up eating the best produce. Even though I’ve now been living overseas for longer than I was in Thailand, I always make time to go back home, especially around Thai New Year in April.

Did you do any other jobs before you became a professional chef?

I was a nanny in Hong Kong. Then I eventually became a home cook too, making food for the family I was working with, and selling to the neighbours. That gave me the opportunity to open my own Thai grocery store with a little takeaway shop attached to it.

What is one dish you could eat every day for the rest of your life?

Oh, that’s a tough one. Either noodle soup or papaya salad.

For more: www.rosasthaicafe.com

The great Gatsu

SUGAR CANE STUDIO

A cafe serving tasty french patisserie with an Asian twist!

All of our patisserie is made on site, we brew tea from Taiwan, matcha and hojicha from Japan, and have a selection of art and homeware, bringing what we love to Bath!

Nigel Dando

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

Nigel Dando

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

Luxury & local

The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

1 Grove Street, Bath, BA2 6PJ www.sugarcanestudio.co.uk  BathLife

SHOPPING

CABINET MATTERS

You don’t have to go out to enjoy good wine, so why not raise the bar and make your at-home social space uber stylish? Not only is this Momoka mango wood bar cabinet a practical way to store and preserve wine – its controlled environment ensures the wine is kept at the perfect temperature, humidity and away from light, preserving its quality and taste – but, when closed, the intricate Japanese-inspired hand ar ed o er design eans it s also a eauti ul pie e o urniture

Momoka mango wood bar cabinet, £895, from Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

SET

OF FOUR LAVAUX GOBLETS, £60

Sapphire blue brings a certain whimsy to these Lavaux glasses and this set is ideal for adding a burst of colour to your tablescape. These stylish glasses are both beautiful and versatile – their short stems mean they won’t look out of place holding either water or wine.

From OKA, 26-27 Milsom Street, Bath; www.oka.com

CLOUD WINE

Toast stylish home drinking with these grape accessories

ROUND WINE RACK, £150

Who needs art when you have a wine rack like this? Crafted from black iron, this striking wallmounted wine rack will display up to 14 bottles in style.

From Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

EICHHOLTZ JORDAN WINE COOLER, £280

An eye-catching wine or Champagne coolerin a intage rass finish ith a purr e t t ist are ou to pick it up by those big-cat handles…

From India Jane, 20 Milsom Street, Bath; www.indiajane.co.uk

STAG WINE BOTTLE POURER, £18.99

Moulded perfectly into the shape of a proud stag head, this stainless steel pourer helps aerate and smooth the tannins in wine.

From Vinegar Hill, 16 Milsom Street, Bath; www.vinegarhill.co.uk

ROYAL CRESCENT DECANTER, £105

Hand-sculpted by local glassblowers out of lead-free crystal, this decanter features the classic Georgian ‘knop twist’ stem. From Bath Aqua Glass, 15 Abbey Churchyard, Bath; www.bathaquaglass.com

ROSE BOTTLE STOPPER, £15

These lovely vintage-style handmade rose bottle stoppers from Nkuku combine beauty with functionality, and are handmade in India by artisans. From Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Building, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

RIPPLE WINE GLASSES FOR TWO, £39

Mouth-blown into their shape, these wine glasses have an appealing rippled surface and geometric silhouette. Treat yourself to a carafe to match.

From Holloways of Ludlow, 37 Milsom Street, Bath; www o owa sofl d ow om

SUFFOLK WINE RACK, PRICES START AT £1,395

This versatile 3ft rack answers several storage needs in one compact piece. The four oak shelves are adjustable and reversible, with one side grooved for holding up to 28 bottles, and the other smooth, suitable for books. Plus there’s a sturdy oak top work surface and a spacious single drawer to sweep life’s bits and bobs.

From Neptune, One Tram Yard, Walcot Street, Bath; www.neptune.com

BLUE BUTTERFLY COASTER £8

A pretty kaleidoscopic on this eucalyptus coaster, designed by US design duo PATCH NYC. From Avenida Home; www.avenidahome.com

WHITE OCTOPUS WINE HOLDER, £35 his uir a uati reature is a fir entertaining favourite, with white tentacles perfect for supporting a bottle of wine. From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

COSTUME DRAMA

A guide on how to ensure maximise impact with minimum e ort hen dressing or the Bath Life Awards

Words by Marianne Cantelo

If being unacceptably casual in the pre-1960s was forgetting to wear a hat, these days jogging bottoms and jeans must seem criminal. I imagine that if someone had invented a style time machine in the 19th century and they arrived in our midst now, they’d wonder if we’d taken leave of our senses – and also our sense of decorum.

Except maybe if they landed on 23 March in the middle of the Bath Life Awards – a time when the dress of those lucky enough to attend harks back to more formal ages. Almost everyone, in every sector, can experience their own version of the Oscars. Although we have dressed more seriously in previous generations,

we have the opportunity to do so joyously and extravagantly on certain days, without social repercussions, or feeling like an imposter.

The problem is that there is too much choice and too few occasions to get dressed up so what we choose to wear really feels like it needs to be The One. And as a Bath Life Awards attendee this year, I’m certainly feeling the imminent pressure. The advice I have given myself is to only consider looks that gladden my heart with a real emotional pull.

I’ll start with one thing that has inspired me and see what the Pinterest app suggests, curating a moodboard until I have a few ideas. ill then filter out loo s no ight eel uncomfortable in. The return to Noughties style has brought back lots of super-sexy formfitting e ellished nu ers ut iggle dresses and jumpsuits in unforgiving fabrics are not always your friend. When you need to visit the loo, stretch is the best!

Choosing voluminous skirts in tulle and trapeze shapes in satin is a great option –dramatic but not restrictive. If you

are worried about adding too much bulk, a one-shoulder dress, or asymmetric skirt is universally gorgeous. If you like to be less traditional, a tuxedo in an unexpected colour (lime green) or fabric (velvet)is always a hit. ll then filter sele tion the olours that I love – this isn’t about trends, it’s about understanding what suits your complexion and highlights your beauty. If you adore a dress but the colour isn’t complementary, how about a pair of chandelier earrings or glowing makeup that you know will lift your skin and balance the look?

ll then loo at hat an a tuall a ord i I have seen something that is out of my budget, I’ll hunt for it on secondhand clothing apps; I love thinking about the adventures that my dress might have been on before and the stories it might tell! The same with bags and shoes as statement items are always used less. Finally, I’ll try on at least three things that I know I can either resell, return, or donate to the Dorothy House online shop. It’s great being able to see what a look is like with shoes so always have a pair of heels that you are comfortable wearing, and if the hemline is too long then you will need to either challenge yourself to wear higher heels, or give yourself enough time to get the item tailored to your perfection.

Once that’s all sorted, it’s time to work on that acceptance speech for all the compliments you’ll be getting.

Marianne Cantelo is the business development project manager for Dorothy House Hospice Care. The charity has 25 high street shops across the region selling fantastic pre-loved items which provides a large part of their income, plus it also has an online shop. For more: www.dorothyhouse.org.uk

Photographer Egle Vasi; www.eglevasi.com

MUA Chantelle Moody; Instagram @chantellemoody.makeup

Models

Angelica Baines and Tash Kings

Styling Eleanor Tasker and Marianne Cantelo

Venue: The Curfew, 11 Cleveland Place West, Bath; www.thecurfewbath.co.uk

“The problem is that there is too much choice and too few occasions to get dressed up”

SHOPPING LIST

Essentiel Antwerp Cuivre dress, £220, Square, 12 New Bond Street. Bath; www.squarebath.uk

Suri square hair pin, £10, Spirit Fashion, 3High Street, Devizes; www.spiritfashion.co.uk

Oxygenated nail lacquer in Harmony by Nailberry, £16, Space NK, 10 New Bond Street Place, Bath; www.spacenk.com

Long dress with tulle skirt by Desigual, £119, Gaff Clothing, 29 Upper Borough Walls, Bath; www.gaffclothing.co.uk

Handmade semi-precious stone bracelet, £45, Portman, 28 Milsom Street, Bath; www.nickieportman.co.uk

Vintage red suede evening bag with gold chain, £15.99, Dorothy House; www.dorothyhouse.shop

Nixa dress by Stine Goya, £690, Grace & Mabel, 3 George Street, Bath; www.graceandmabel.co.uk

MUD Satin Lipstick in Idol, £22.50, Little Lab, 20 Broad Street, Bath; www.littlelab.co.uk

Velvet Mabel dress, £350, Pearl Lowe; www.pearllowe.co.uk

Bec aqua green high heel shoe, £275, Chanii B, 9 Milsom Place, Bath; www.chaniibshoes.com

3.

9. 10.

9

Get ready to celebrate the great and good of the city at the Bath Life Awards, on 23 March at The Pavilion. In this special preview, we meet the judges, showcase our finalists, and take a look back at last year’s glittering ceremony

The Bath Life Awards 2023 are almost upon us. Prepare to celebrate…

The Bath Life Awards is the absolute highlight of our social calendar, if not our entire ear er ti e, e find ourselves blown away again by the quality of the nominations and the innovation, creativity and tenacity of the businesses, organisations and individuals that make our energetic and eclectic city thrive.

Year after year, we celebrate the excellence shown by long-standing members of the community and exciting new talent from across all the industries – and make meaningful new connections along the way.

Judging is always a painstaking process, and this year is no di erent e er no ination is studied, disse ted, debated until we are left with only the absolute best. And the deserving winners are decided every year by a fresh crop of independent judges, selected by the Bath Life tea ro a range o di erent se tors around the it ou an find out ore a out the on the page opposite ou an also find details o this ear s a ulous

finalists on page ogether the represent a i ro os o e ellen e the it has on o er and inspire even more bubbling away to fruition.

On the big night, glam is the name of the game, with everyone dressed to the nines and ready to celebrate in the Pavilion, all glitzed up specially for the occasion, and the iconic Bath Life Hollywood-style lettering from CL rop ire there or all those nsta or it didn t happen moments.

Dinner comes courtesy of Strawberry Fields Catering at tables beautifully dressed with centrepieces by iant ards he ards the sel es are ade the inimitable Bath Stonemasons and Bristol Design Forge, hile the inner drin s o e ro aste o ath ter ards e head to u or the o ial ards afterparty.

ou e not got our ti ets, ou an ollo along on so ial edia er one else ee ou on Mar h

For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

When: The Bath Life Awards 2023 take place on Thursday 23 March

Where: Bath Pavilion, with the afterparty at Sub 13

Categories: There are 20 Award categories ready to be won

Tickets: Last ones available on our website now, and selling out fast with huge demand.

THE JUDGES WILL DECIDE…

AVERIL WILSON, Managing Director of Apex Hotels

Averil trained as a chartered accountant with KPMG in London before working for them in Auckland after completing her qualification. She later joined Apex Hotels Group as finance director in 2011 before being appointed as managing director in 2020.

ELLY ROWLEY, Head of Accelerator at NatWest

Elly is regional ecosystem manager for NatWest in the Southwest, leading enterprise, and signposting support to entrepreneurs through her extensive network to increase connectivity and accessibility across communities. NatWest is the leading UK bank for entrepreneurs, providing support to around one in four businesses throughout the country.

JAMES

of Truespeed Appointed Truespeed CEO in December 2021, James is leading the company through its current expansion. James has a wealth of senior telecomms experience and a proven track record of leading businesses through significant growth phases.

JOHN LAW, Director of Woodhouse & Law

John is co-founder and creative director of Woodhouse and Law, leading a small team who are passionate about design and providing creative solutions for their clients. Their unique service combines the expertise of in-house interior and garden designers.

KATIE

Katie heads up international and alumni engagement for the University of Bath, School of Management. She builds communities and networks, is a passionate advocate of business as a positive force for good and is particularly keen to support local innovation and entrepreneurialism.

LOUISE HARVEY, Head of Operations of House of St John’s

Louise joined St John’s Foundation in 2005 and works to continuously extend the reach and impact of the charity’s core services. Her role includes being director of St John’s Hospital Trading Company, a subsidiary of the charity that embarked on a new venture at the start of 2022 – the House of St John’s.

MARTIN

Martin founded the business as a small independent in 1998 which became Datasharp Integrated Communications. In June 2022, he took the business through a rebrand as Marlin Communications, a fully independent company delivering market-leading business communications technology systems.

PATRICK

Patrick began his career at Prudential as a financial advisor before progressing into senior leadership roles within the advice industry. He was managing director at Bradford and Bingley ran the UK’s largest IFA network at the time and is now group CEO at Novia.

RENÉE JACOBS, Founder of B in Bath

Renée is the founder of B in Bath, an organisation which supports and empowers individuals from UK minority and low-income backgrounds, as well as LGBTQ+ people in the workplace. She is a TEDx speaker, a partner business manager at Aria Networks and a NED at TechSPARK.

VICTORIA BOND, Founder of School Guide

Victoria is the founder and CEO of School Guide, the UK’s leading school information website. As a former Sunday Times and Daily Telegraph journalist, Victoria also writes and speaks on education issues and has a regular column in Bath Life

Every year, there’s a fresh panel of impeccably impartial and independent judges for the Bath Life Awards. It’s a diverse and knowledgeable group from a wide variety of sectors and sizes of business. They, and they alone, decide who the winners will be…

BUCKLAND, Owner of Marlin Communications

CALVERT-JONES, Head of International Engagement & Alumni of University of Bath

MILL, CEO of Novia

LOWTHER, CEO

FINALISTS & SPONSORS RECEPTION 2023

PHOTOS BY VRANCH VISUALS

WWW.VRANCHVISUALS.CO.UK

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

On 20 February, we all got together for the Finalists and Sponsors Reception ahead of the Bath Life Awards next month. The busy event hosted by Headline Sponsor Hilton by DoubleTree on Walcot Street gave everybody the chance to meet and network ahead of the big night, as well as get a taste of all that’s to come when we reconvene at the Pavilion later this month. Lucky attendees enjoyed prosecco and canapés, and went home with a goody bag from Taste of Bath that was packed full of delicious local food and drink.

Continued on page 55.

Zara Perry and Becky Brown

Angela Ghent, David Ghent, Vivian Simpson and Heidi Roberts

Will Maxwell and Anastasiya Sirjusingh

Gwen Cardiff and Ian Cardiff

Sylvia Hunt, Nick Steel and Craig Jenkins

Caroline Baxter and Will Maslin

Eve Wright, Caitlin

Walker, Sophie Wainwright, Polly Rathbone, Mike Allen, Florence Fallon, Halena Coury and Pippa Russell

Gavin Ethridge

Kate Jay, Lucy Middlefell, Malachi Bogdanov and Kara Preston

Nurry Lee, Elliot Cotterell and Channy Lee

Mason Pollock and Reuben Collings

Lauren Stone, Bryn Williams, Beverley Willbourne and Gena Goldfield

Aaron Taghdiri and Doug Miller

Megan Knight-Foster and Janik Yeshim

Phil Wickens, Rosie Brown, Kimberley Carter and Ian Bailey

Caroline Taylor, Holly Hunt, Giles Lascelle and Katherine Neylan

Natalie Sherman, Tom Beavan and Nancy Lewendon

£20

Fizz, nibbles and a blow dry for all BLA finalists on the night. First come, first served – limited space available!

REDKEN EXCLUSIVE SALON

Colour Specialist Award Stylists | Hair Extension Specialist

Blowdry Bar | Bespoke Wedding Packages | Private Event Hire

Lombard House, 30 St James Parade, Bath BA1 1UJ 01225 444178 | contact@zphairdressing.co.uk

It was a night of networking

Jason Heeney, Jess Farrar, Stacey Pearson and Lindsay Furness

and speeches

Applause for the speakers

Lydia Tewkesbury and Sarah Moolla

Vivien Simpson and Steve Fountain

Annie Kelly, Simon Jones, Jasmine Barker, Kate Abbey, Mason Pollock, Cherie-Anne Baxter, Reuben Collings and Sylvia Hunt

Rosie Marlow and Sylvia Murray

Nella Stokes, Ralph Oswick and Bill Clarke

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

HEADLINE SPONSOR

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON BATH has river and city views, indoor and outdoor dining and 3,000 sq. ft. of event space. Roman Baths and shopping on the doorstep. i. hilton.com/en/ hotels/bathndi-doubletree-bath | @doubletreebath

PLATINUM SPONSOR

MOGERS DREWETT is a leading Southwest legal and finan ial planning fir that ta es pride in building long-term client relationships ts people o er e pert ad i e a ross a range o legal and finan ial ser i es or individuals and businesses. mogersdrewett.com | @mogersdrewett

SPONSORS

APEX CITY OF BATH

HOTEL is a family-owned collection of nine contemporary hotels in the heart of London, Bath, din urgh, lasgo and undee that o ers an authentic and warm welcome tailored to you. apexhotels.co.uk | @apexhotels

BATH AUDI is now one of the largest automotive dealer groups in South Wales and the West of England. Its values are built on providing an exceptional customer experience and the team is committed to building lasting relationships. monmotors.com

BATH LIFE delivers eyecatching design and engaging and relevant editorial in a much-loved magazine which covers the very best of life in Bath, in all its many guises. mediaclash.co.uk/bath-life | @bathlifemag

BATH PROPERTY

AWARDS celebrates the best of Bath’s dynamic property sector. From residential to commercial, from lettings to new builds, Bath simply teems with clever property companies shaping our city’s destiny. bathpropertyawards.co.uk | @bathpropertyawd

BATH RUGBY is a worldrenowned elite sports club and an integral part of the city’s culture and community. As well as league matches, it recognises and showcases talent and celebrates it across the community. bathrugby.com | @bathrugby

CREATIVE BATH

showcases Bath’s unique, innovative creative, tech and arts se tor o ering a po er ul route to connect with some of the fastest-growing and most successful businesses in the city. creativebath.org | @creativebath

CRUMBS is a little slice of foodie heaven and voice for the hospitality trade. Crumbs supports all things food and drink throughout ristol, ath, ardi and eter crumbsmag.com | @crumbsmag

DIGITAL SAMURAI is an enthusiastic data-focused partner and database administration consultants. The team will expertly manage, analyse, migrate and protect your data. digitalsamurai.it

ENLIGHTENED is a leading complete technical solutions provider in the South West. It provides full production services, lighting, audio, staging and AV equipment and knows how to deliver spectacular events. enlx.co.uk | @enlightenedlx

ENTRECONF is the event for entrepreneurs and change makers. Combining inspiration and practical advice, EntreConf brings together entrepreneurs and advisers, brokering dynamic and valuable new business relationships. entreconf.com I @entre_conf

HOTEL INDIGO BATH is a beautifully restored, Grade 1 listed,166-bedroom boutique hotel; a luxury global brand located in and inspired by Bath. bath.hotelindigo.com | @ hotelindigobath

HPH COMMERCIAL

PROPERTY provides industrial, o e and retail spa e for businesses across the South West. Based in Bath, it delivers environmentally conscious workspaces with an emphasis on e ien , ualit and alue hph.co.uk

MINUTEMAN PRESS

is now based at Pines Way in Bath, and o ers design, print, signage and vehicle graphics. Truly a one-stop-shop for all printed graphics and exhibition requirements. minutemanbath.co.uk | @minutemanbath

NOVIA is an adviser-focused, online wrap platform that provides finan ial ad isers ith the tools, service, products, and

investment range needed to achieve positive outcomes for their clients. novia nan ia o @novia nan ia

ROBUN is a celebration of authentic Japanese food and drink. It specialises in Yakiniku – the art of grilling over a traditional charcoal fire ser ed alongside sushi, sashi i, sa e and Japanese whisky. robun.co.uk

SAVILLS advises corporate, institutional and private clients seeking to acquire, lease, develop or realise the value of prime residential and commercial property in the world’s key locations. www.savills.co.uk | @savills

STONE KING provides expert legal advice. It has built a name for excellence with private and commercial clients, alongside its leading reputation in the charity, faith and education sectors. stoneking.co.uk | @stonekingllp

TRUESPEED is a Bath-based company delivering ultrafast fullfi re road and a ross the outh West by building a brand new network for greater stability and guaranteed speeds. truespeed.com | @thetruespeed

WINDSOR HILL

MORTGAGES provides all its clients with the highest level of ser i e, o ering support ro start to finish ith a personalised and tailored approa h ts e perts are a le to find an appropriate solution, whatever the situation.

windsorhillmortgages.co.uk | @hillmortgages

ZARA PERRY

HAIRDRESSING is a professional and friendly environment where you will feel part of the family. It’s inspired by education, the latest trends, and each visit is personalised with a consultation by your chosen stylist. @hairzp

FEATURE SPONSORS

THE IVY

JUICE RECRUITMENT

SUB 13

TRIANGLE NETWORKS

SILVER SPONSORS

Bath Bus Company

Bath Forum & ath o e

Boom Battle Bar

Fine And Country Labyrinth

Novia global Richardson swift

Unividual

2 Margarets Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP T: 01225310 064 E: info@crescent-restaurant-bath.co.uk crescent-restaurant-bath.co.uk

Opening Times: Wednesday to Saturday: 9am - 9pm | Sundays: 10am – 4pm

Photo: © Future Proof Creative

AWARDS THROWBACK

A LOOK BACK AT OUR 2022 EVENT

HIT REWIND

Always a night to remember, but the Bath Life Awards 2022 was more joyful than usual. We were all still emerging from the pandemic in 2022 and the celebration felt extra special as a way of reconnecting with friends, colleagues and local people.

Last year’s event was a joyous showcase of our city, a night filled with extra-special moments and just the best excuse to glam up for a night of celebration. It was also one of the biggest networking events in the city last year, with hundreds of people – from local businesses, organisations, charities and projects – coming together to discover and toast each other’s achievements. Bring on the Bath Life Awards 2023 – we can’t wait! www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

Chloe Wheeler, Georgia Winkworth and Philomena Svtlecic

Chris Harris, Lucy Harverson, Jon Ducker, Heidi Street and Charlotte Mullen

Greg Ingham announced donations in support of Ukraine

Duncan Patterson, Gemma Drew, Julian Drew and Andrea Harris

Georgie Hughes and Lily Knight

Lucy Hogg and Fiona Daymond

Alvina Ware, Leah Moyle and Sheraton Watson

Jane Woods and Feargus Woods Dunlop

ALL PHOTOS BY SOUL MEDIA

Rafaella Ponce

Leslie Redwood

David Flatman, Sarah Moolla, Grainne Moher and Sue Fourie

David Flatman, Noya Pawlyn and Greg Ingham

Fang-Yu Lin and Neil Edwards

Emanuela Di Biase and Malachi Bogdanov

Celebrations are always enthusiastic

Stephanie Brown

David Flatman, Simon Jones, Greg Harris, Cherie-Anne Baxter, and Michael Musgrave

BATH WORKS

the UK chair

Capital ventures

& Partners announces plans to enter the UK market with Bill

announced as the UK chairperson

The Scandinavian wealth management company Söderberg & Partners has announced its intention to establish an independent finan ial ad i e and investment management business in the UK. Established in 2004, Söderberg & Partners is the leading non an finan ial ad iser and investment manager in Scandinavia, and manages more than £60 billion of clients’ investments and employs 3,000 people in seven countries.

der erg artners ill o er finan ial ad i e and investment solutions through its partnerships in the UK. With access to over 4,000 funds, and supported by Söderberg & Partners’ in-house investment research team, the group intends to make available market-leading investment solutions via a technology led solution.

To lead this part of the venture, Söderberg & artners has appointed ill asilie , o ounder and or the ath ased finan ial ser i es plat or Novia, and Nick Raine, former COO for Novia. ill asilie ill ta e on the role as hair an o the board for the UK company and Nick Raine will take on the role as CEO.

Bill says, “When Gustaf approached me and explained the depth of the proposition, I immediately saw it as truly innovative and unique in the UK adviser market. I am very excited to be involved in the launch into the UK.”

Söderberg & Partners will conduct its UK operations under the sub brand Söderberg & Partners Wealth Management.

For more: www.soderbergpartners.co.uk

The Söderberg and Partners HQ in Stockholm, and Bill Vasilieff announced as

Söderberg

Vasilieff

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

good ne s stor in tough ti es this issue, ith Mogers re ett sta raising , to support ood an s lo al to the soli itors o es in ath, her orne and ells ta raised the one selling hundreds o ra e ti ets throughout e e er, ith te pting pri es donated generous lo al usinesses

Foodbanks are seeing an unpre edented rise in de and or their ser i es, as rainne Moher, the anager o ath ood an , one o the enesis rust proje ts, e plains e re so grate ul or the support o lo al people helping other lo al people ho are in risis e re seeing ore o our o unit needing to re ei e e ergen ood, household supplies and a ess to ongoing support at our

ood an entres inan ial support su h as this ill help us to ontinue to support lo al people in desperate need this ear

ean M onough, Managing artner o Mogers re ett e plains that the ade a er ons ious de ision to support ood an s Mogers re ett ant to o us this ear s harita le a ti it on the ood an s as e an see ho deepl the ost o li ing risis is a e ting our o unities and e reall ant to help Mogers re ett sa s it ill also e en ouraging sta to olunteer at ood an s and ill or ith the ath ood an tea to identi additional support the an pro ide o er the o ing ear

For more: bath.foodbank.org.uk

CREATIVE THINKING

The Creative Bath Awards are back again for 2023, showcasing the est ath has to o er in the orld o reati it , te hnolog and ulture he a ards are a great a to share and ele rate our usiness or and a hie e ents, ith the glittering ere on ta ing pla e on ednesda une in ueen uare just ahead o e ath oules

he a ards are ree to enter, ut e ore ou ta e the plunge, ha e a loo at the e site or a list o all the ategories and to find so e top tips on reating the est entr ntering is eas and ta es just a e inutes, and ou an enter ultiple ategories using the sa e no ination or on the e site t ouldn t e si pler

eing no inated, a ing the finalist list and, o ourse, inning an a ard is rilliant or usiness, oosts re ruit ent and uilds real and tangi le usiness onne tions

lternati el , ou ould sponsor a ategor at the reati e ath ards t s a great a to sho ase our rand to the it s iggest olle tion o reati es, te hs, pro essionals and students and is an opportunit not onl to iden audien es ut to help support this e ono i all ital se tor underpinned onths o targeted ar eting a ross print, e and so ial edia For more: www.creativebathawards.org

Cariuma is planting 800 trees, one for every shoe in The Pigs’ 400-pair order

HOT TO TROT

e t ti e ou re o er at he ig ear ath, he out their trotters han es are the ll all e earing these su tle, st lish na and hite ethi all ade ariu a trainers pressi el , these gu s o it to planting t o trees or ea h pair o shoes sold, so the ig herd ust ha e got the sel es uite the little orest going alread e are passionatel a out e er aspe t o our suppl hain, ro edsheets to ees, sa s M o oss, so e re thrilled that ariu a, ith e ellent green redentials, is su h a jo to ear, and that our tea eels good in the For more: www.cariuma.com

What are you waiting for... enter your business today!

SPONSORED BY:

Staff from Mogers Drewett present Bath Foodbank with a cheque for £1,000

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

PAPAL HONOUR

Here’s something you don’t hear every day – Tim uther ord, a partner in ath la fir tone ing, has een ad itted as a night to the ontifi al uestrian rder o aint l ester ope and Mart r the atholi hur h

The award is intended to honour lay people who are a ti el in ol ed in the li e o the hur h, parti ularl as it is e e plified in the e er ise o their pro essional duties he sso iation o ro in ial ursars petitioned the ati an as a a to than i or his great ser i e and o it ent o er the ears to and, asso iation, to the atholi hur h

i uther ord sa s e tre el hu led to e granted this honour and a tou hed and grate ul that the e uti e o ittee at the as ed the ishop o li ton to no inate e or this a ard t is a pri ilege to or ith the an e ers o , supporting the to na igate the hallenges o operating as harities and through it I have personally learnt a lot, not just in legal onte t www.stoneking.co.uk

FLYING HIGH

s et ursul, ro essor o erospa e ngineering at the ni ersit o ath, has een ele ted a ello o the eri an nstitute o eronauti s and stronauti s in re ognition o his resear h into aerod na i s ello s are the ost respe ted na es in the aerospa e industr and the organisation praised ro essor ursul s outstanding te hni al ontri utions in orte do inated o s and unstead aerod na i s, and also or his sustained editorial ontri utions to the s ien e o aeronauti s

aura M ill, resident, sa s he lass o onorar ello s and ello s are a ong the est inds in the aerospa e pro ession hese distinguished individuals have earned the respe t and gratitude of our road s ien e and engineering o unit e are in awe of their reati it and e eptional ontri utions to ad an e the per or an e and apa ilit o aerospa e s ste s www.bath.ac.uk

SPORTING SCHOLARS

spiring l pians in artisti s i ing and ro ing, a rising road ra e ling star and t o ea ath et all uper eague pla ers ha e een a arded sporting s holarships the ni ersit o ath or the a ade i ear he fi e ne s holars are a ong urrent student athletes to re ei e finan ial a ing and li est le support at the uni ersit , hi h as the first in the to o er sports s holarships a a in he na es e should e loo ing out or in the uture are eorge ra , ophie ell , a da e ho a, ngus ollo and aura ur er ille, ho ha e all re ei ed a ash a ard to help the eet the de ands o training, o peting and stud ing at an elite le el list ra ill ha e plent o opportunity to put what he learns on his Modern anguages panish and

talian ourse to good use a ter se uring a ontra t ith leading talian road ling tea appi a ing et allers ell goal atta and e ho a goal eeper are ne e ers o ea ath et all s outh ul uper eague s uad ith outh le el international e perien e erospa e ngineering student ollo is a e er o the o ing ea tart progra e at the ni ersit o ath and as onsistentl the astest s uller in national trials during the season, hile port and er ise ien e student aura ur er ille is a e er o the ritish i ing artisti s i ing s uad and has alread o peted at a high le el, at the uropean ha pionships last su er e ish the all fi e athletes the est o lu in their sporting areers

For more: www.teambath.com

High five to these exceptional athletes

REGAL RESULTS

ing d ard s hool in ath has een ran ed as the se ond highest per or ing independent s hool in the outh est and the highest ran ed o edu ational independent s hool regionall the annual Parent Power Guide, pu lished

The Sunday Times he s hool is pla ed th nationall in this ear s ran ing o independent s hools o enting on the ne Parent Power Guide, Martin oden, head aster at , sa s a delighted to see ing d ard s maintain its position as one of the top per or ing s hools o an ind in the outh est, and the nd highest ran ed independent s hool in the region i e their peers around the ountr , our pupils ha e had to sho i pressi e resilien e in the a e o signifi ant hallenges o er re ent ears hat the per or ed so ell

in last ear s e a s is a redit not onl to their personal deter ination, ut also to the e eptional support pro ided olleagues here at and the nurturing en iron ent ulti ated at s hool

For more: www.kesbath.com

Tim Rutherford

Ismet Gursul

JOURNEY TO THE JOB

Dr Jane Ellis Brush

Dr Jane Ellis Brush is a senior lecturer in the Information Decisions and Operations Division of

the University of Bath’s School of Management, and the co-founder of 1st Impressions, a CIC which aims to support women into employment through provision of interview coaching and interview clothes and accessories. Here, she tells us more…

Talk us through your academic career

I graduated from the University of Brighton in the early 90s and started my career as a graduate trainee for London Underground in procurement/buying. I studied for hartered ualifi ations and started a part-time PhD at the University of Bath in 1993.

What other roles have you held?

For the following two decades

I worked in senior roles across various procurement sectors – government, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, construction – becoming president of the Chartered Institute of

Procurement and Supply. I went on to join a power company as supply chain director in 2009 and then a global bank as managing director of procurement and supply chain, in luding a o e to udapest hile I was out in Budapest, I also founded School of Babel with my husband, Kevin – a small company providing coaching services and products.

What was one of your biggest achievements during that time? Becoming president of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply at the age of 38.

When did you move to Bath?

I moved here during lockdown in March 2021. Although I had been to Bath occasionally as a student while studying for my PhD, I hadn’t been back for over 20 years. My husband and I made the decision to move back to the UK during lockdown, and both applied for jobs across the country –hoe er got the jo first as here we would move.

Tell us more about the job that brought you here...

I left the bank and joined the

University of Bath’s School of Management as senior lecturer, and co-founded the 1st Impressions charity a few months later. At the beginning of this year, I became director of studies for Executive MBA and I’ve just been appointed director of teaching across the MBA programmes.

What inspired you to start 1st Impressions?

My husband Kevin and I set up 1st Impressions in July 2021. I had left corporate life behind and had a huge wardrobe of clothes. Throughout my career, clothes had been important to e the ga e e onfiden e and I wanted to be able to share this with other o en e no ha e fi e board members and 10 volunteers. In November, we met our 50th client.

Who does 1st Impressions work with?

o en ho are loo ing or help in employment. Often we provide interview wear and interview coaching; we also provide capsule wardrobes for women who have started work but don’t have the funds to enable them to ‘dress for work’

until their first pa he ue e don t charge for our services and depend on our wonderful volunteers who help to style the women and give the onfiden e at inter ie s, o ten taking place in our boutique at airfield ouse

How do you connect with your clients?

e or ith an re erral organisations, such as HMP, job centres, Bath Central Library, women’s refuges and Ukrainian support organisations e ha e had lots of support from local people who have kindly donated clothes, and Mercy in Action have been collecting smart interview wear or us e ha e also een su ess ul in securing a few grants, which helps us pay our rent and covers other operational expenses.

Tell us about your work as a mentor

I work as a mentor for a number of local organisations in Bath. The o en s or a and ath uture Talent Programme, and the Gold Scholarship Programme at the University, for bright UK students from under represented groups.

What is it that motivates you?

I have been mentoring people for over 15 years and was recently asked by a student whether I got anything out of being a mentor, as they felt it must all be one way. I assured her that I always gain from being a mentor, either watching the person I am working with grow, or gaining a di erent perspe ti e sel e ran a reverse mentoring programme when I was still at the bank, which was a huge success. I also set up a challenger board – a board that comprised more junior members o sta to hallenge our e isting management board.

For more: www.1stimpressions.org.uk | www.bath.ac.uk

The senior lecturer dedicated to supporting others to achieve success

“I WORK AS A MENTOR FOR A NUMBER OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS”

Create the perfect seating areas to enjoy your garden

By Elsie Chadwick

The garden of Susie Watson, designer and founder of Susie Watson Designs opens in Wiltshire for the National Garden Scheme for the first time on 21 June

From cosy reading nooks to elegant dining areas, and from a single enjoy-the-view deckchair to a love seat for two, creating a space to make the most of your outdoor area is a key part of garden planning. Once all the planting and pruning is done, there can be nothing as satisfying than sitting back and enjoying the increasingly lush greenery come to life and seeing the blooms blossom.

As award-winning garden designer and National Garden Scheme trustee, Arit Anderson explains, “When designing a garden, I do like to incorporate areas to sit. Think about the views and try to place seating facing a favourite vista. But, if like me, you have a small garden then the position of the sun will guide you to the best spot; sun drenched or shady, marry it to your favourite time of day and you’ll make a bee line to immerse yourself in that seat.

“If the space allows, have multiple places to relax. An area that is social and allows seated dining is always fun, and another for a little more solitude, if only a patch to put a deckchair.”

“Think about the views and try to place seating facing a favourite vista”

STRONG FOUNDATIONS

Exterior paving is the perfect place to start your seating project, and so ething ith a dura le and hard earing finish i estone has a lo el natural finish, sa s e in a ing, the proje t onsultant ith rtisans o e i es t s highl dura le and is ideal or patios, terra es, pathways and pool areas so it works well for all sorts of outdoor entertaining s it s usuall uite at and s ooth, loo or a te tured finish i ou ant so ething ith a little ore slip resistan e or elain is another e ellent option or the great outdoors ur lenhei , re house and slington olle tions are e tre el hardwearing, highly water resistant and scratch proof, making these slabs a popular choice for outdoor areas including entertaining spaces as ell as patios and paths

ABOUT THE SIZE OF IT

Simon Burvill founder of Gaze Burvill, who have been specialising in outdoor urniture or ears spe ialists, sa s, o get the est result, try and sketch out a template of the furniture arrangement, so you can check that you have space to walk between, and that you can reach our seat ithout alling in a o er ed or a pond on ersel , a te plate is also use ul i ou ha e a large terra e or poolside t helps to position urniture so that ou an or out the o around it ou ight need to ater a o er ed ehind our outdoor so a just a e sure there is roo to anage e er thing ntertaining spa es do need standing roo too, so don t orr too u h a out lea ing neutral spa es in et een e e noti ed that lients are definitel e o ing ore dra n to ore e i le seating areas ithin their outdoor spa es o re ent, sa s i oodhouse reati e dire tor o gardens ith oodhouse a ather than separate dining and lounge urniture, e o ten ill loo at introdu ing generous, lo le el seating that o ers a o orta le spot on which to curl up and read a book, just as much as a place to eat and entertain ith a il and riends

ABOVE: Sketch out layouts first says Simon Burvill of Gaze Burvill; RIGHT: Kevin Lamming of Artisans of Devizes notes the importance of hardwearing foundations

“Considered arrangements can make the most of the sun”

Nick Woodhouse has noticed a move towards more flexible garden seating arrangements

“These seating arrangements can often take the form of modular furniture, which can be designed around the size, position and aspect of the space in question. Considered arrangements can make the most of the sun and shade throughout the day, as well as view lines and the route o o through the spa e eating an e arranged in a on ersational st le, perhaps around a generous o ee ta le ro which food and drinks can be easily enjoyed.”

MATERIAL WORLD

“For classic gardens, wood and metal will never go out of fashion,” says Rosie Nottage who 12 years of experience creating practical gardens in heritage settings. “I love a Hay Palissade chair, made in steel and powder coated, also available as benches and bar stools and with tables to suit. The crisp lines of the palissade go well in Georgian gardens and modern gardens alike.

“For a classic bench, perhaps as a focal point, the Lutyens timber bench is timeless. Frome Reclamation often have them in stock and you can invest in a beautifully aged one with a bit of lichen. If you would like classic cast iron furniture, our own Ironart in Larkhall, Bath are national specialists in restoring cast iron pieces if you have something which needs a little more love.”

ood is also a great option suggests i on ur ill t is ar er to tou h in inter and ool to the tou h in su er, so o ers a good per h all year round. Oak furniture should have a good clean yearly to clear winter dirt away, and there are treatments to keep the wood looking its best, but also oak is naturally bug-repelling and water-repelling, so there is no need for constant oiling. Well made oak outdoor furniture will weather gracefully, and the beautiful grain patterns will catch the light and delight the eye for many years to come.”

ABOVE:Look to create multiple seating areas like this design by Woodhouse & Law; BELOW: Metal is a timeless look for garden furniture says Rosie Nottage

“Beside a seating area how about planting something fragrant”

e ill o ten re o end ore hard earing finishes o er those ore traditional tea options ones that re uire less aintenan e and are ore long lasting, sa s i oodhouse his ight ta e the or o an alu iniu ra e, o ten finished ith an anti rust treat ent as ell as resistant po der oating to pre ent ade ro sunlight hilst so e ushions an e le t outside, it s orth re e ering that others ill re uire prote tion ro rain and old spells ere, e ould suggest introdu ing storage near so that ushions an e easil a essed hen that u h anti ipated sun does appear

FROM LITTLE ACORNS

ou don t ha e the lu ur o a ast plot, or li e on one o ath s a ous hills ou a need to thin outside the o , sa s a el o pan dire tor o el ands apes h not tr learing an area in an e isting planting order and putting do n so e gra el ith stepping stones his is the per e t spot or a en h to nestle into in a sunn orner o the garden ou li e on a hill site, ou ould uild a si ple de to reate a le el area ith ini al ground or l a s re e er to he ith planning and neigh ours i it s this ind o stru ture that ou re thin ing o lso al a s use a reputa le ontra tor to install de ing to ensure it lasts ou ell or ears to o e

CAST A SHADOW

ou ha e a dining set then e ould re o end to pla e it in the shade so ou don t get too hot hilst enjo ing our eals, sa s harlotte el ar eting and e o er e anager or hitehall arden entre, the a il run usiness esta lished in hereas i ou ha e a lounge set, da ed or lounger then pla e these in the sun so ou an sit a , rela and enjo so e ra s o e er, ou an al a s

ABOVE: Decent shade is a must reminds Charlotte Self of Whitehall Garden Centre; RIGHT: Even the smallest of spaces can accommodate a seating area like this by Selby Landscapes

“If the space allows, have multiple places to relax”

airready Property Management

add in a parasol to protect you from the sun as and when you require.”

And nature has her own way of throwing shade as Simon Burvill points out tree o ers the per e t shade, as ell as ind rea a ooling, dappled shade per e t he do nside is that it is not usuall o ea le, ut i ou ha e designed our terra e plan so that in une ul ugust our tree asts its shado e a tl o er our ta le spa e at lun hti e, then ou ha e definitel earned our stars tree an use ull as out unsightl ie spoilers too, ut e sure that it doesn t ta e all the light or ie ro all o our terra e i possi le that sunn orning o ee seat to righten the start o our da an e ood li ting, ita in gi ing, and er pre ious indeed

BEDDING DOWN

utdoor urniture isn t al a s just a out eing a separate appendage to enjo or dine in the garden the stru tures the sel es an lend themselves to enhancing the appearance and the experience of your plant li e, as osie ottage e plains, oating en h an e a lo el opportunit to tu so e shade lo ers underneath to so ten the edges, su h as r opteris er throsora and a h sandra ter inalis eside a seating area ho a out planting so ething ragrant and lo el to at h the ree e ar o o a or a inter en h, aphne odora or earl spring or hiladelphus or later in the ear ou reall ant to reate a on ersation pie e, trees are a aila le hi h ha e een trained ith ur es in the trun so that the fit on enientl around a dining ta le

nd or usie atson, designer and ounder o usie atson esigns, ho is opening her iltshire garden or the first ti e in une ith the ational arden he e, hen she dines al res o, she li es to use the ta le dressing to o ple ent her garden s he e hether it s a ternoon tea, a a il lun h or a lo el supper, using a olour palette that lends ell ith the garden surroundings or s est, she sa s tend to use lots o greens, pin s and reds in the garden ith tou hes o sa ron n

ABOVE: Susie Watson uses her table dressing to complement her garden’s colour scheme; RIGHT: Consider utilising an existing tree like this design by Gaze Burvill;

“Introduce storage nearby so that cushions can be easily accessed”

Damson Farm

A place to learn about gardening in tune with nature, growing food, and deepening a connection with the natural world through art and photography.

2023 Workshops: Design Your Edible Garden

Biodynamics

Ecological Planting Design

Regenerative Gardening

Seed Saving

Edible Ecosystems

Botanical Drawing

Drying Flowers

Garden Photography

For details go to www.alisonjenkins.co.uk

 damsonfarm

Damson Farm, Northend, Bath, BA1 8ES

Photos © Eva Nemeth

We are passionate about providing the highest standards of customer care, showcased in an exceptional review platform and with our team of all employed fitters offer a quality of traditional care and regard that in our day and age is often hard to find.

We have an extensive customer base of both domestic and commercial clients. We offer all flooring specialities, from luxury vinyl tile

design floors, wood, carpet, vinyl, safety flooring and artificial grass

PROPERTY

PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

Market growth

ONE IN A MILLION

The south west has seen the number of homes sold above £1 million double since 2019

There are now 730,390 homes valued at £1 million or more across Great Britain, according to the latest research for property fir , a ills his is the e ui alent to in e er ho es, or per ent o all housing sto nd ore than hal per ent o those £1 million homes are located outside of London, the highest proportion in the period anal sed sin e

The south west region has seen the number o ho es sold a o e illion dou le per ent sin e , helped a ast in rease in sales o o er illion in orth o erset

per ent , ast e on per ent and orn all per ent o er the past ear o es alued at illion or a o e now make up 2 per cent of all housing stock in this ar et listair eather, head o a ills ath, sa s, orth o erset has seen its popularit surge sin e the pande i ath and its surrounding countryside towns and villages are not only stunningly beautiful, but boast excellent connectivity and schooling and are home to thri ing o unities hese lo ations are being discovered by increasingly younger

u ers, ho, than s to e i le or ing, are now less tied to London and other big cities, su h as ristol

“For those wishing to leave the capital, Bath is a fantastic move; a vibrant, culturally rich city but, with a population of just over 100,000, it has more of the feel of a large to n Mean hile, illages li e resh ord, Wellow and Frome have become hugely attractive to those looking for a countryside o e, hile still eeling onne ted

For more: www.savills.co.uk

This three-bedroom penthouse duplex on Grade I listed Somerset Place is for sale with Savills Bath for a guide price of £1.750million

New development DYSON CANCER CENTRE ON TRACK

A check on progress at the RUH re eals s a olding o and or by construction company Kier progressing ni el on the ne ga e changing regional centre at Bath’s main hospital. In fact, you may have noti ed the glass atriu that is no un o ered and isi le to passers

he progress eans the ne a ilit is still on tra to o e into the fitting out stage in the summer and open to patients in autumn.

he o ple uild, hi h ill house oncology, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and research teams, as ell as the inpatient, nu lear medicine, physics and pharmacy tea s, has people or ing on it t ill also house the Ma illan

ell eing u , hi h is eing unded by Macmillan Cancer Support and ill pro ide a el o ing and al spa e here patients, a ilies and carers can access practical and emotional support.

he ne entre ill to e a an er services hub for half a million people in the outh est o ngland and is funded in part by a £4m donation from The James Dyson Foundation. The rest of the money has come from numerous sources including the Medlock Charitable Trust, funds raised the , the o ial harit o the rust, or erl no n as The Forever Friends Appeal) and the UK government.

For more: www.ruh.nhs.uk

Green-light thinking CITY OF THE FUTURE

The South West’s leading property experts are meeting up on 21 April at the M Shed in Bristol to talk, listen and collaborate on the topic of ‘The City of the Future’.

Local fundraising FARM FRIENDS

ath it ar didn t no hat as o ing hen uro no inated the ur an ar as its local charity of the year; they never could ha e guessed that uro e plo ees ould or so hard on their ehal

But over the last 12 months, the Curo team has raised a grand total of £10,842 or ath it ar , hi h is lo ated near uro s o es in erton, through a ariet of fundraising activities, including the Bath al Marathon, the hree ea s hallenge and a ra e

lison o ell, o uni ations ead at ath it ar , sa s the one raised ill help pay for food, bedding, shelter and vet ills or the ar s ani als, hi h in lude Shetland ponies, pigs, goats and chickens. “The animals are much loved by families

and visitors, delighting and educating children and adults alike. They also play a ital role in our therapeuti or ith parti ipants o our health and ell eing progra es he ar o ers lo al people ho are ha ing issues ith their ental health the chance to volunteer. “There are 140 volunteers at the Farm and on Mondays and Wednesdays they help out, planting veg and tending to animals,” says Alison. his is not uro s first or the ar in une , a uro tea fitted a ne kitchen in the farm’s volunteer cabin. “This is no a right, lean and el o ing spa e here olunteers an enjo a el o e up o tea and on ersation et een or on the farm,” says Alison. For more: www.curo-group.co.uk

ristol, ath, ardi and eter ill be under the microscopic as a group of thought leaders present on various topics. i on Martin, s dire tor o regeneration and housing; Ian Collinson, dire tor o it de elop ent at eter it oun il uliet a lin, prin ipal o er at n est in ardi and tephen ea o , hie e e uti e o er ro ristol it Council, are among speakers at the ropert posiu

i endle , the ounder, and creative director of Applied Information Group, a leading authority on cities orld ide, ill also spea , idening the o us ith a ore glo al lens

For more: www.bathpropertyawards.co.uk

The new cancer hub will open this autumn

© IBI ARCHITECTS

© FREIA TURLAND

© VISIT BRISTOL

M Shed plays host to the Property Symposium

Curo colleagues and a couple of furry friends

BATH’S PROPERTY HOTSPOTS

Bath is one of the most prestigious prime housing markets in the UK beyond central London. Testament to this is the fact that some 196 sales were agreed for homes at or over £1million in Bath and North East Somerset last year; a 7 per cent increase on what was, by historical standards, an exceptional property market in 2021.

PROPERTY HOTSPOTS

The northern suburb of Lansdown is the most valuable ward within Bath and North East Somerset, with average house prices reaching £961,725 in the year to June 2022. One of the city’s most aspirational property hotspots, its elevation means sweeping views of the cityscape and surrounding countryside. Plus, it is no coincidence that Lansdown is home to the highly regarded Royal High and Kingswood independent schools, as well as Bath Racecourse, Lansdown Golf Club and a popular local pub.

The next most valuable ward is Bathavon South. Historically a rural district of Somerset, the area takes in 15 villages, including Monkton Coombe, Freshford and Wellow. Here, in the 12 months to June last year, homes commanded an average of £770,277.

Completing the top three highest value wards, is the beautiful Chew Valley, where homes sold for £733,383 on average in

the same period. Sitting at the foot of the Mendips and running from Norton Malreward to Compton Martin, taking in Chew Magna and Chew Stoke along the way, this ancient area is home to the largest freshwater lake in the South West.

That these two wards have leapfrogged the city districts of Widcombe & Lyncombe (£702,545) and Bathwick (£699,179) in the league table is an indication of how village locations have grown in desirability during and since the pandemic. This said, these beautiful, leafy districts remain highly sought-after, not least because they boast excellent access to the centre, proximity to popular schools and some of the best views the city has to offer.

fact, the post-pandemic climate is supporting equally strong demand within the city.

We are increasingly seeing a younger demographic of buyer, who is attracted to Bath’s vibrancy and culture and while they would previously have been tied to London or another big city, is now working flexibly and as such, in a position to make the move.

The schooling in Bath continues to be a huge attraction to families relocating from elsewhere, and whether buyers are city-based or the outlying countryside, access to Bath’s great schools is a significant factor.

WHAT NEXT…?

In both city and country, annual house price growth peaked at the end of 2021 at 13.1 per cent and although we have seen some adjustments since then these have been relatively modest (just -0.4 per cent).

We are expecting to see more price sensitivity this year. Though the prime market of Bath is less exposed to the affordability pressures facing the wider housing market, it will not be entirely immune to the recent change in sentiment. But in such times, property that is ‘best in class’ rises to the top. Bath and its environs are undoubtedly wellcatered for in this respect.

CITY OR COUNTRY

Savills prime indices show that, since March 2020, the value of homes at the top end of the market in the countryside surrounding Bath have risen by 24.6 per cent, while those in the city itself have grown by 10.7 per cent.

Our sales figures over the last four years reflect this trend, with the proportion of completions recorded in the city in 2019 accounting for 70 per cent of total sales in that year. In 2020, when the pandemic arrived, we started to see this shift, with country sales accounting for 36 per cent, and then in 2021, this grew to 48 per cent of total sales, with 2022 broadly the same.

The likelihood is that we haven’t seen the end of the ‘race for space’ and, with hybrid working embedding itself in our professional lives, we think the market in the areas surrounding Bath will remain strong. But in

Our experienced team in Bath not only knows the local market inside out, but is part of a wider national and global network, ensuring far-reaching exposure for our clients. We pride ourselves on delivering the best advice, and so, if you are thinking about buying or selling in 2023, please call our expert team and we would be delighted to advise you. n

Alistair Heather, head of SAVILLS Bath takes a look at some of the most aspirational areas in and around the city…

“ IN SUCH TIMES, PROPERTY THAT IS ‘BEST IN CLASS’ RISES TO THE TOP. BATH AND ITS ENVIRONS ARE UNDOUBTEDLY WELL-CATERED FOR IN THIS RESPECT ”

61 GREAT PULTENEY STREET

By Paul Marland

Bath is awash with spectacular addresses, but few are quite as elegant-yet-gobsmacking as Great Pulteney Street, centrepiece of the Bathwick Estate, located just across a certain famous shop-lined bridge from central Bath, and a road uilt on a di erent s ale to most of the city: broad, elegant, and with the widest of pavements, it’s like a little slice of luxurious London or posh Paris plonked down in the west country.

Commissioned by Scottish lawyer, landowner (and reputedly the richest man in Britain) Sir William Pulteney, it was designed by local architect Thomas Baldwin (also responsible for the Guildhall, amongst others) and completed in 1789. Some 30 years later Baldwin would die in his own house here, but he was hardly the street’s most famous resident in those early years; some would argue for Napoleon III, others for antislavery campaigner William Wilberforce.

Illustrious company, and you could join them through The Garden Apartment at 61, right in the middle of the street, a generously proportioned home with three or four

Good looks are one thing, a great location another. This home has both

edroo s depending on ho ou ant to onfigure things – and its own private south-facing walled garden. a ing up t o oors o this si stor uilding, it o ers equivalent accommodation to any regular three bedroom house – and a grand one at that – along with that incredible location.

Descending steps from the street to the entrance hall on the lo er ground oor, ou an either turn le t or the large, ull tan ed under pa e ent aults per e t or storage, or perhaps as a studio, g or hat have-you – or enter the main hallway leading to three edroo s the aster is al ost , ith an en suite , plus a family bathroom. Following stairs to the garden oor elo , ou ll find a utilit roo , a ourth edroo or stud , and est o all the ain li ing area o the house, here a it hen dining roo and an onl slightl s aller sitting roo o into ea h other winningly.

utside, the garden has een pro essional designed a id te ens and lands aped da rost, to pro ide a generous proportioned Mediterranean-style sun trap. ith the uildings so solid, and reat ultene treet so lightl used tra , sitting here eels li e ou re in the heart o the ountr side, hen little ould e urther ro the truth.

HOUSE NUMBERS

Bedrooms 3-4

Bathrooms

2, plus a standalone loo Sq ft 2,371 (excluding vault)

Guide price £1.4million

For more: Fine & Country Bath, 36 Gay Street, Bath; www.fineandcountry.com

FOR THE HOME

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

ASPECT WINDOW STYLING

Inspiration for windows. Based in the heart of Bath, Aspect Window Styling are suppliers of top quality shutters, blinds of all types, curtains, poles, and awnings. Visit their showroom for inspiration and ad i e ro e pert sta on ho to trans or your windows into something gorgeous. Full design, easuring and fitting ser i e Tel: 01225 469559 www.aspectwindowstyling.co.uk

WOOLF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN create unique, client-focused contemporary and traditional interiors, valued for their individual, beautifully tailored characterful design. With 25 years of expertise delivering space planning, detailed design, procurement, art curation and project management. An award-winning practice with studios in Bath & London, WOOLF are accredited designers of historic, period, listed houses and hotels. Tel 01225 445670; woolfinterior.com

MENDIP FIREPLACES BATH

ath s leading firepla e, ood urner, gas fire, hi ne and ue spe ialist ro lassi to onte porar , on ept to completion, their team of experts can work with you to achieve your perfect interior. Brands include Chesney’s, ar as elfires, a , tu and et aster et in tou h or visit the showroom. Mendip Fireplaces, Monkton Combe, Bath BA2 7HD; info@mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk, Tel: 01225 722706; www.mendipfireplacesbath.co.uk

NEXUS OF BATH is a Bath based family business specialising in painting and decorating, plastering, tiling, sash window restoration and other property restoration. Nexus have built a reputation for the highest standards of workmanship with experience across a range of projects from listed buildings through to new builds, with a complete commitment to customer service and health and safety

Tel: 01225 300414; www.nexusofbath.co.uk

VIRTUOSO FLOORING

ering st lish, inno ati e ooring solutions to eet the needs of the savvy Bath homeowner. Virtuoso e plo the largest tea o e perien ed fitters in ath Their dedicated team are ready to turn your dream oor into a realit all no or a ree onsultation or visit their new show room on Moorland Road. To enquire, email info@virtuosoflooring.co.uk or call 01225 972715; www.virtuosoflooring.co.uk

JENNIFER MOSSE DESIGN STUDIO

A bespoke, tailor-made, client-focused interior design consultancy service based in Bath. Specialising in residential interior design and providing a truly personal ser i e adapted to ea h lient s needs, enni er s uni ue style blends seamlessly between period and contemporary homes. The aim is simple – to create spaces that bring joy, re e ting her lients li est les and personalities Tel: 07738289189; www.jennifermosse.com

CLAIR STRONG INTERIOR DESIGN

Clair Strong Interior Design is a boutique, creative company based in Bath, providing a wide range of services or oth residential and o er ial lients er port olio of projects includes the design, project coordination and sourcing for some of Bath’s most beautiful residences, as ell as hotels, sports lu s, o es and other o er ial venues. Contact Clair on 07855 797311 or 01225 426905; www.clairstrong.co.uk

BATH KITCHEN COMPANY

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

www.bathkitchencompany.co.uk

SCHMIDT BATH

Providing bespoke kitchens and made-to-measure interiors across the Bath area for more than 35 years, h idt ath o ers lu ur solutions or the ho e at a orda le pri es ith a dedi ated in house fitting tea , your project will be completed to the highest standards. Visit their showroom to see the latest ranges and more o hat the an o er 1 Park Road, Bath BA1 3EE; Tel: 01225 337276; www.schmidt-bath.com

REBECCA ROGERS

Becky is a novelist and civil servant who won the Comedy Women In Print prize in 2021 with her first novel, The Purgatory Poisoning

Becky’s book is published by Harper Collins and is celestial crime caper where protagonist Dave finds himself stuck in purgatory until he can solve the mystery of his own murder. It came out on 2 March 2023

I grew up in Birmingham. o ed as i portant to us as a a il Monty Python, Blackadder, The Young Ones... we watched the all and then e d endlessl uote the to ea h other, laughing li e drains

Apart from laughter, the other big thing in our house was music. d had piano lessons ro the age o fi e and , as asi all Mo art sa Mo art, ean Mr ean

enjo ed singing too, so it as an eas hoi e to stud usi at uni ersit

I wanted to be a pop star when I grew up… eel so lu to ha e een a teenager in the id s t as the age o ha , Smash Hits aga ine and illegall taping the harts on a unda e ening spent ost e enings in ront o a ool orths irror singing pandau allet songs into a hair rush, ad iring per

When I didn’t get the call from George Michael, I got a job, started a family and moved from London to pastures greener – Bath! e got t o gro n up o s ho are hole orld M oungest is

at uni ersit and oldest or s at a lo al engineering fir ouldn t e ore proud o the I’d been thinking about writing a book for months before actually putting pen to paper. realised that, i as serious a out riting, ould ha e to ta e so e ti e o or to do it o too a si onth sa ati al in thin ing that ould gi e e plent o ti e n the e ent, as u h slo er than thought ould e and didn t finish it e ore had to return to or hen as ade redundant during the pande i , too the opportunit to o plete hat d started

Winning the Comedy Women in Print Unpublished prize in 2021 was a huge high point for me. The Purgatory Poisoning had een shortlisted, hi h as un elie a le in itsel , and had een in ited to this a a ing a ards part at he rou ho lu in oho elt a it out o depth it as the sort o thing ou read a out in ell, Bath Life aga ine er one as loo ing s an and onfident and all ould do as orr that hadn t ut ringe straight

When they announced me as the winner, my world turned upside down. oo as a ele rit or a night Mel eidro inter ie ed e and as a solutel lo el nd then did a radio inter ie ith oanne arris ho ga e e lots o sage ad i e he e ening as li e hanging or e

The bleakest times as a writer were tied up with trying to get an agent. It is incredibly di ult to get oursel noti ed e ause literar agents an re ei e hundreds o su issions e er ee u il , inning the pri e eant that ound a lo el agent, ulia il , ho elie ed in e and oo

I like to write in bed. no sound li e ar ara artland, ut don t li e riting at a des e ause, or e, it eels li e or lie on ed and prop head up so o , find an e ore reati e

My inspiration is Michael Palin and he appears as a ain hara ter in oo o e, he s got a it o a a id tten orough i e going on he just oo es goodness and le erness nd he s re ar a l unn , o ourse

When I’m thinking about my writing, I go for a walk. ha e a a ourite route hi h goes ro house, do n the drung and a ross the field ith a ie o the old paper ill here M urner ought his paper , then under the iadu t no part o the o unnels path at the eauti ul u ing Mill reser oir arr on through Mon ton o e hur h ard, pausing at arr at h s gra e, and a ross to the ngelfish at i ple to e or o ee and a e n

For more: www.rebeccarogers.co.uk

“If I lie on my bed and prop my head up, I find I can be more creative”