Exeter Living - issue 201

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Homes ISSUE 201 / NOVEMBER 2016 / £3

TUM U A

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ARE YOU PARTY READY?

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ISSUE 201 / NOVEMBER 2016 / FANCY A BITE?

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EXETER & BEYOND

THE BEST OF THE AUTUMN MENUS

EXETER CHRISTMAS MARKET ABSOLUTE GEMS - jewellery shopping AND

B LU N D E L L’S / C R OW D C U B E / E X E T E R LI V I N G AWA R D S N E WS

EXETER COOKERY SCHOOL SALUTATION INN THE ODDFELLOWS

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 201 / NOVEMBER 2016

All in this together

20

WHAT’S COOKING? The best dish to order this autumn in some of our favourite local restaurants

This issue of Exeter Living was all but completed when the full extent of Exeter fire became known – so we haven’t been able to pay tribute to the much-loved buildings it ravaged. Most significantly, of course, the Royal Clarence Hotel. As the old girl began to collapse, heartbroken locals tweeted snippets of the place’s extraordinary history: the anti-slavery meetings, the visits of Franz Liszt and Beatrix Potter, its withstanding of the Blitz. Like you, we watched in utter horror.

Cathedral Green is changed forever.

However, owner Andrew Brownsword has expressed his wish to resurrect the Royal Clarence from the ashes “and to make it once again a building that the City of Exeter will be proud of.”

Until then, the city’s shops, restaurants, theatres and other businesses will pull together to restore Exeter’s morale and prosperity. This is a city that takes care of its own. And how good it will feel to see Exeter Christmas Market this month turning Cathedral Green back into a bustling marketplace full of twinkling lights and smiles, rather than a smoke-filled no man’s land. Enjoy it, and everything else, this November – and we’ll see you in three weeks.

Anna Britten, Editor Follow us on Twitter: @ExeterLiving

Bang & Olufsen of Exeter 30/31 Gandy Street | EX4 3LS 01392 424600 | exeter@bang-olufsen.co.uk Wires Removed. Inspiration Added.

Experience Beoplay H5 in store.

52 Southside St, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LB | 01752 228 451 | www.samcoxbridalwear.co.uk

CONTENTS / ISSUE 201 / NOVEMBER 2016

UPFRONT 8 Spotlight

Exeter Living Awards news, baby reindeer, Where Am I? and more

15 Lucy Hounsom

What is it about cafés?

48

M EET T H E T EAM Editor Anna Britten anna.britten@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Editor’s photo Emma Solley Contributors Roxanne Duris, Lucy Hounsom, Andrew Nadolski, Kitty Kane, Chris Bentley Advertising manager Joss Phillips joss.phillips@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Paula Miller paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Jason Coward jason.coward@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

17 My Desk We snoop around Paul Jepson’s desk at the Northcott Theatre

AUTUMN DINING SPECIAL 20 We Got Game Chefs share their favourite dishes from this autumn’s menus

Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Christina West christina.west@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk

26 Spirit Of The Claw We learn how to prepare seafood at Exeter Cookery School

Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

30 Restaurant The Salutation Inn, Topsham: a taste of paradise

35 Recipe

SHOPPING

BUSINESS

58 We’re Making A List

77 Business Insider

Exeter Christmas Market is back to cheer up a sad Cathedral Green

Crowdcube’s new CEO, Small Business Saturday and more

39 Arts Intro

60 Ed’s Choice

80 One To Watch

The Ken Loach-inspired Cathy at Bike Shed Theatre

From heirloom diamonds to sweet stocking fillers, here’s our pick of the best jewellery in town

Ashton Hargreaves from Amos Lighting in Topsham

Cook fillet of red mullet, The Oddfellows-style

ARTS

40 What’s On Reasons to get out and about in Exeter this November

HEALTH & BEAUT Y

48 Daddy, Those Men Scare Me

Best party beauty looks for AW16

Sinister short film Hell’s Bells

54 This Boys’ Life Andrew Nadolski’s study of life at Blundell’s school in the mid-1980s

64 Get A Groom 69 Magic Touch Unwinding at Sidmouth Harbour Hotel’s gorgeous revamped spa

PROPERT Y 84 Property Showcase Curl up in Inglenook Cottage

Exeter Living, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

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

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

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

REGUL ARS 70 Seen!

Were you papped?

98 Exeter Lives

Author Tess Read tells all

On the cover This mouthwatering pic of pears is by Ross Hayward, Well Seasoned PR wellseasonedpr.com

WHAT’S MAKING THE NEWS IN EXETER

Who will the judges deem best of the bunch?

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT…

EL AWARDS JUDGES The all-important line-up of judges for the 2017 Exeter Living Awards has been revealed.

And nominations and Early Bird ticket sales open this month, as momentum builds with only five months to go until the big night on 6 April.

Each year, a panel of impeccably independent judges assesses the nominations and meets to discuss in detail the year’s possible winners.

This year’s line-up looks particularly strong and eclectic: Joy Dunne (Exeter Foodbank), Tony Rowe (Exeter Chiefs), Mary Quicke (Quickes Farm), Paul Jepson (Northcott Theatre), Adam Stone (Rokk Media), Glen King (Glen King PR), Patrick McCaig (Otter Brewery) and Jill Lammonby (Foot Anstey).

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“We’re really pleased to welcome our new judges to the Exeter Living Awards,” says Steph Dodd, event manager at MediaClash, which publishes Exeter Living. “Choosing the Award winners is a tough task – but we’re confident that our judges from all parts of the Exeter business community will make excellent decisions.”

Nominations open on 15 November, via the Awards site – and any company or organisation in the area can enter, free of charge. Entries can be made in more than one category and cover the year of 2016.

“In our first year, we were absolutely delighted with the number of nominations as Exeter companies and organisations vied to win an Exeter Living Award. As the perception and awareness has continued to

rise, we hope to top that level!” Steph adds.

Tickets are also now on sale, with a strictly limited number of Early Birds available covering individual tickets and Associate Tables. Category and feature sponsorships are also still available.

The Exeter Living Awards are on 6 April at the Great Hall, University of Exeter. First sponsors include Princesshay, Wilkinson Grant and Cathedral Appointments, and Ottery Brewery is sponsoring the bar.

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact joss.phillips@mediaclash.co.uk.

Or, to be involved on the night, it’s stephanie.dodd@mediaclash.co.uk.

Full details are at exeterlivingawards.co.uk, with updates on Twitter: @ExeterLivingAwd

SPOTLIGHT

A literal smorgasbord

Local folk share their photos This issue: Tom Johnson of Exeter Chiefs – whose Testimonial Year Great Gatsby Party is on 18 Nov (tickets at tjtestimonial.co.uk)

Great to do some SAQ training with these youngsters yesterday

FOOD & DRINK

LET’S FIKA How many copies you want, boys??

Mouth watering leg of lamb from @dartsfarm tonight, cannot wait

The most unusual of the new restaurants in Exeter’s Queen St Dining zone has finally flung open its doors.

Kupp brings a taste of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden to the city, as well as the Scandi concept of ‘fika’ – like a coffee break, only cooler – and joins Turtle Bay, Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK), The Stable, Absurd Bird, The Terrace and Comptoir Libanais in the new £12m dining destination.

Exeter is Kupp’s first branch outside of London and that’s partly due to owner Steve

Cox’s links to the city: “We considered many locations for our first venue outside the capital,” he says, “and we feel the city and the location are exactly the right choice.

“Due to living here when I was involved in commercial diving, and my family’s connections to the old butcher’s shop on Cathedral Square, owned by my uncle, I felt a real affinity with the area and Exeter just seemed like a natural choice for our second site.” See you there for a cinnamon bun. queenst-exeter.com

CHRISTMAS

HOLLY GOOD SHOW That should keep us warm for a little while this winter

Tiger alert!

Everybody knows hand-made Christmas wreaths and decorations using natural materials are infinitely more comfortand-joy-inspiring than the most expensive shop-bought varieties.

Need a guiding hand? Then get yourself onto one of East Devon District Council’s festive weekend workshops.

Create willow Christmas stars, garlands and Christmas trees on Saturday 3 December at Seaton Wetlands; or make wreaths and enjoy mince pies, mulled wine and Christmas carols at Cranbrook on Saturday 10 December, and at Seaton Wetlands on Sunday 11 December.

Tools and materials are provided and booking is strongly advised. wildeastdevon.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT

FOOD & DRINK

SHUTTING UP SHOP

Peter and Henri Grieg

Magdalen Road has waved goodbye to landmark butchers Pipers Farm as the family-run company, which has had an active presence on the road for 23 years, shifts its entire business online.

Pipers Farm first set up shop on the thriving St Leonards street in 1993, the retail outlet for the awardwinning ethical farming business based in Cullompton.

Founder Peter Greig also served as chairman of the Magdalen Road Traders Association for 15 years.

“Magdalen Road is a thriving trading community with strong loyalty from its local customer base,” says Peter, who is committed to securing an independent retailer as the new tenant as quickly as possible, hopefully a butcher. “Newcomers on the scene, such as the Magdalen Road Village Bakery, have been very well received and show Magdalen Road is still very much at the heart of the community.” pipersfarm.com

SEVEN DEADLY SINS LAURA PRIOR, the lead in Peter Pan, bares her wicked soul LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today?

My guitar. I couldn’t fit it on the train down to Exeter so I’ll be on the lookout for any musicians who might be kind enough to lend me their guitar for an hour or so…

GREED: What should you be cutting down on (non-food and drink!)

Netflix. I am terrible for getting locked in to television shows! I have been known to cancel social events because I need to know what happens at the end of House Of Cards!

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GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst?

I come from a family who love to eat food, so going out or staying in with friends for a meal is a staple event in my week! When I was a kid my nan used to offer about five dessert choices for each meal and one of those was usually bread and butter pudding! Even now if I see it on the menu I have to have it. With lots of custard too!

SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now?

Training for the show. Before any job, I like to get as fit as possible so I am ready to rehearse. As I’ll be flying in Peter Pan, I need to make sure my core is strong, and that I feel agile and childlike, which definitely means laying off those bread and butter puddings for a while…

WRATH: What/who makes you angry?

Donald Trump. Where to even begin…

ENVY: Who are you jealous of?

Anyone who owns a dog. I love dogs. Big, small, medium, all shapes, all sizes. If I see one, I’ll usually drop all activity and go to it, hoping it will run to me like some long lost friend.

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement?

Going to university. I was the first person in my family to apply for university and graduate. It was a proud moment for me and my parents!

Peter Pan is at Exeter Northcott from 2 December – 1 January exeternorthcott.co.uk

Leggy beauty

CHRISTMAS

YOU LITTLE DEER

Every baby’s first Christmas is special; but we suspect this particular infant will be getting a lot of fuss and attention.

The latest addition to the herd of reindeer at Cotley Farm near Whimple, born in May, she’s believed to be the first reindeer calf born in the West Country for six years.

Cotley’s owner Helen Bowker says: “It was a bit of a surprise all round, to be honest. We hadn’t thought Spice was young enough to be in calf and she’d always been a bit tubby, but we knew there was an outside chance. One afternoon I heard an excited squeal – and there she was: the tiniest calf you’ve ever seen.

“Her mother, Spice, didn’t have any milk at first. Even if she had, the baby reindeer was so small she couldn’t have reached the teats!

So for the first 10 days of her life, I had to hand feed her with a bottle. This just goes to show how vulnerable baby reindeer are in the first few weeks – and why it is so rare to have one survive.”

The new baby will be on show at Cotley Christmas Tree Farm & Shop from 26 November until Christmas Eve, and you can help choose her name via the website. cotleychristmas.co.uk

Where am i?

Test your knowledge of Exeter’s hidden corners...

Is it a stone cupcake? A sacrificial altar?

Find out where, and what, this is on page 98. . .

QLOCKTWO...

No hands...

No digits...

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS IN TOPSHAM

We adore CHRISTMAS For the most sparkly decorations. luxurious Christmas trees and brilliant lights, visit Otter Nurseries. Each year we love unveiling new designs of lights and the latest colour ranges to make your home sparkle over the festive season. Our Christmas displays are inspirational, giving you plenty of wonderful ideas for your home.

Santa’s magical kingdom

At Otter Nurseries, Ottery St Mary. Santa is in his grotto on various dates from 19th November to 24th December. ÂŁ8.99 per child includes present and magical reindeer food. Visit our website for more information:

www.otternurseries.co.uk/santa-tickets

Otter Nurseries Garden Centre, Gosford Road, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1LZ. Tel: Ottery St Mary 01404 815 815. www.otternurseries.co.uk

OPINION

LUCY HOUNSOM

LATTE SHIFT

A

COFFEE HOUSES ARE TRADITIONALLY THE HAUNT OF THE LITERATI

What draws writers like Lucy to cafes?

s a writer, cafés are some of my favourite places. Where else are you allowed to sit for hours, drinking endless caffeinated beverages, eyeing up the cakes and wondering whether it’d be OK to have another one? Well, probably first class airport lounges, or gentlemen’s clubs, but they don’t count.

Café is a French word deriving from the Italian caffè, which came in turn from the Arabic kaweh, all words used to describe the delicious stimulant that is coffee. From their birth in 16th century Mecca, cafés have dominated the cities of the world.

I love pondering this rich history, especially when I find myself in a café famous for its old patrons, or simply in an unusual building

Will the muse visit you in Artigiano?

turned to the purpose of serving coffee. I especially like to imagine the conversations had there – or the words penned, for coffee houses are traditionally the haunt of the literati. And on Thursday mornings, I too venture out to a local café. I may use keys instead of quills, but the coffee is the same, and I spend the next two hours typing, latte at elbow.

At home, I can only write undisturbed. Empty room, no music; even the cat is a distraction. Being able to write in a café therefore seems a stark contradiction. Popular music plays in the background, the space is full of ceramic chinks, idle chatter and the constant growl of the coffee machine. Considering the fact that I write fantasy, a Devon café is the very opposite setting. I’m slaying soldiers and raising the dead while I wait for a flapjack to arrive.

This dichotomy of setting is almost absurd, considering I rarely people-watch. By all accounts, a café should be the last place I’d find inspiration; instead I’m unusually productive. The lack of internet helps, but is there something more to it? Does coffee stimulate the air as well as the nervous system, making a muse of the very building? Authors like JK Rowling and Ian Rankin clearly benefited from frequenting the Elephant House in Edinburgh, but why? What nebulous quality draws writers to cafés?

In an article on her blog, author Robin Storey posits the idea that writers are attracted to public spaces like cafés for psychological reasons. We are creatures of self-doubt who may struggle to internalise our role, so we seek to ‘be seen’ writing. Public endorsement, however fleeting, is an antidote to the fear we’re procrastinating. The image of a writer scribbling away in a bohemian coffee house has long been romanticised, meaning there may be an element of pretension too.

While the above reasons are certainly interesting, neither feels especially true for me. I think it’s just nice to escape the solitary confinement of my room, to be able to reconnect with the world around me. I may be walking through a fantasy landscape, but my characters are still people and I’m constantly drawing on real-world experiences. Perhaps, then, it makes sense to be surrounded by fellow humans, sharing in an act as ordinary as sitting and drinking coffee.

True, cafés come with their own unique challenges. How do you make a latte last an hour? Take small sips and try not to care too much about temperature. How do you filter out the crying baby?

Difficult, but concentrate on describing the skeleton warriors. How do you stop the management getting impatient? Buy another cake.

Somehow, I think cafés will be part of my life for a long time to come.

Lucy Hounsom is a fantasy fiction author and bookseller from Sidmouth.

Her debut novel Starborn is out now on Pan/Macmillan.

Follow her on Twitter: @silvanhistorian

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PEOPLE

MY DESK PAUL JEPSON

We always imagined the Northcott Theatre’s artistic director would have a big corner office overlooking the city. But no – he’s right in the thick of the action with the rest of his team, tucked away backstage, busy as hell, and entirely focused on making the Northcott the pride of the South West theatre scene. Just now he’s splitting his time between Exeter and Neverland, thanks to this year’s rather lovely-sounding Christmas show, Peter Pan. . . exeternorthcott.co.uk

This letter from a young workshop participant sums up why drama in school is important

Me watching an audition.

LOL – as my 15-year-old daughter would put it

Signed Roger Moore poster – he sold out the auditorium then sold out the additional night. It brings me luck Fruit is an essential coffee alternative

My rehearsal copy of the script for our Christmas show, Peter Pan – can’t wait to start!

PHOTO BY MATT ROUND

The Stage – it’s good for the goss

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The Terrace’s Jack Alden

We got GAME Venison and pheasant, partridge and pigeon dominate the autumn menus of some of our best-loved local restaurants.

We forced them to pick their one must-eat dish‌

By ROX A N N E DU R I S

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AUTUMN DINING MATTHEW MASON, THE JACK IN THE GREEN

“The BBQ has had its last hurrah, the picnic is a distant memory and the nights are quickly drawing in. As well as being a great time for mushrooms, autumn is of course game season.

Pigeons, pheasants, partridge and wood pigeon are aplenty, all of which feature heavily on our menus with demand often outweighing supply.

Thankfully another shoot is never far away.

Partridge is a plump and tasty bird, a little bit brighter than a pheasant. It is a delicious and popular choice among our diners and we like to serve it on a potato rosti with creamy bread sauce made with plenty of nutmeg, onion and smoky pancetta. Pheasants all seemingly have death wishes on the country lanes that I drive. I’ll forgive them that as they make damn fine eating and provide a good margin. I actually prefer the female hen pheasants as, especially late in the season, the male pheasants can often disappoint.

A new dish this year is our breast of pan-roasted pheasant that we serve with buttery kale and a whisky cream sauce.

Wood pigeon, having gorged themselves on the autumn harvest, are a relatively easy shot.

They are a clean-living country bird not to be confused with their city namesake. When cooked, the breasts, served pink alongside some dressed leaves and a runny quail’s egg, are a beauty to behold. Our loin of Exmoor venison with chocolate sauce is also a dish worth travelling for. It’s every bit as good, if not better, than any rib eye, sirloin or fillet. The chocolate sauce may sound an odd inclusion, however it really gives the finished sauce a richness, much akin to adding butter to the final stages of any meat reduction.” jackinthegreen.uk.com

w

A NEW DISH THIS YEAR IS OUR BREAST OF PAN-ROASTED PHEASANT THAT WE SERVE WITH BUTTERY KALE AND A WHISKY CREAM SAUCE

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AUTUMN DINING JACK ALDEN, THE TERRACE

“Warm up this autumn with a delicious seasonal dish here at The Terrace, one of Exeter’s newest venues. The succulent Pipers Farm venison haunch steak with black quinoa, cumin, sumac, beetroot and natural yoghurt teamed with a side of braised greens and pine nuts is the perfect combination on a crisp autumn day.

“Our menu features a selection of fine dishes, which have been carefully crafted to use local produce and reflect seasonal flavours. Combined with great music and beautiful rooftop views, we offer a unique city centre dining experience.” theterraceexeter.com

DAN GAVRIILIDIS, THE PIG AT COMBE

“I recommend two dishes. First, our very, very local Texel lamb pie, garden greens and roast shallot. The lamb has been reared by us for six months and sent to a family-run abattoir based in nearby Ottery St Mary. It has been hung for three weeks and broken down by the chefs. The pie casing is shortcrust, sprinkled with smoked salt and garnished with green kale from the garden and roasted shallots. We also put rosemary flowers on top.

“The second dish is homemade crispy black pudding, Lyme Bay squid, nasturtiums and apple cider dressing. The black pudding is made

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in-house from our Saddleback pigs that have been hung for two weeks and blood provided by the local farm Pipers Farm. The squid is caught locally in Lyme Bay by Samways fish merchants based in Brixham. Nasturtiums come from the kitchen garden and the apple cider dressing is made using raw cider vinegar from Darts Farm based in Topsham.” thepighotel.com/at-combe

SUZANNE ABREY-CAMERON, THE PROSPECT

“We have made seasonal changes to our menu, adding hearty warming dishes – slow-cooked, rustic beef chilli has been a particular favourite, as has the butternut squash, sage and feta risotto alongside old favourites like lasagne, steak pie, potted crab and, of course, sticky toffee pudding and clotted cream. Our menu is based on home-made proper pub food sourced locally, complemented by a range of Devon produced drinks. And we are lucky to boast stunning views of the Exe and Quayside.”

THE BLACK PUDDING IS MADE

IN-HOUSE

FROM OUR SADDLEBACK

PIGS

Twitter: @TheProspect1

HANNAH DURDIN, PASSAGE HOUSE INN

“Forget your boring burgers and stodgy stews – here at The Passage House Inn, we’ve created a range of autumnal dishes guaranteed to wow your tastebuds. Keeping in touch with our waterside w

Head to the Passage House Inn for locallysourced pheasant like this

Home-smoked duck at the oh-so-cosy Three Crowns in Chagford

Black pudding like no other at The Pig at Combe

AUTUMN DINING location, why not try our magnificent monkfish, delicately cooked with delicious serrano ham.

Or, if you fancy a slightly heartier dish, then our locally-sourced, pan-fried pheasant breast (served with a spring onion and roasted pepper salad with balsamic glaze) will more than satisfy. Autumn has never tasted so good!” passagehouseinntopsham.co.uk

STEVE BELLMAN AND JOHN MILAN, THREE CROWNS IN CHAGFORD

“We took over the Three Crowns in Chagford earlier this year. We have a policy of ‘keeping it local’ in all our establishments and the Three Crowns is no exception.

“We feature local produce wherever we can and, as Devon is a county rich in fantastic local produce, we have plenty of choice. The sausages in our bangers and mash are Taste of the West Gold award winners, our fish is from Plymouth and our eggs come from a farm just down the road here in Chagford.

“As well as our core menu, we have daily changing special dishes that reflect seasonal availability. In autumn, local game features prominently on the menu and currently includes venison loin as a main course and a home-smoked duck breast served moist and pink as a delicious starter. Keeping it local applies to drink as well as food – we also sell local wines, fruit juices, ciders and even tea and coffee.” threecrowns-chagford.co.uk

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TINA KENAN, PASHA

“We have a new seasonal menu which is available as a two or three-course option. Firinda Hindi Sarma is a turkey thigh rolled and filled with onions, garlic, red and yellow peppers, spinach and red pepper flakes for a different take on turkey! Biber Dolmasi is stuffed roasted red peppers filled with bulgur wheat and chopped Mediterranean vegetables, with a hint of chilli.

Cigara Boregi are filo pastry rolls filled with feta cheese and mint.” pashaexeter.co.uk

ROBIN REA, RUSTY PIG

“Rusty Pig is all about seasonal ingredients – we don’t work to a set menu but change our dishes depending on what’s available locally. So we’re moving into game now, with plenty of celeriac and pumpkin featuring in the recipes, and our warm sourdough bread goes down a treat.

“Perfect for the change in the season too are our salt beef and kidney suet puddings, real comfort food on colder evenings. And never underestimate the power of a crumble – with a twist, of course!” rustypig.co.uk

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Cut my thumb on a crab shell; didn’t stop me trying to recreate Observer Sport Monthly’s Roy Keane cover from 2002

Bisque-in-waiting

SPIRIT of the CLAW ANNA BRITTEN gets intimate with a crab – and then eats it – at EXETER COOKERY SCHOOL. Photos by EMMA SOLLEY

W

ere you designing a terrifying creature from scratch, maybe for a horror film, you could do a lot worse than base it on a crab.

“They are my living nightmare,” confesses Jim Fisher of Exeter Cookery School. “Their mouthparts…” He tails off with a shudder.

Jim is showing me and three other pupils how to prepare whole crabs for eating –it’s part of a one-day seafood course at the School’s fabulous converted 1830s warehouse on Exeter Quay. Our friends from Brixham were killed after being sent to sleep in the fridge and then skewered in the mouth. “Better than an octopus’s method,” Jim explains, which is true (Google it).

Ripping out the reproductive parts, pushing out the ‘purse’, tearing out the feathery gills (aka dead man’s fingers) and twisting off the claws has now made my legs turn to jelly. I think Jim’s dreams are Freudian. He is scared the crabs will get their revenge one day.

When he’s not talking crustaceans, Jim is one of the most insouciant professionals you’ll meet. He is the physical embodiment of the French “Bof!” – the consequence, no doubt, of 15 26 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

years living and working in France, and having overcome the considerable hurdle of being a Brit wanting to teach the natives how to cook.

He and wife Lucy have created this Bulthaup and Gaggenau-packed paradise for people who know the difference between julienne and chiffonade and could argue for a straight hour on the pros and cons of different types of knives.

And they are many, right across the South West.

As two huge stock pots bubble away for the bisque we’re making later, and the white and brown crab meat chills in the fridge, Lucy brings out the coffee and croissants and I get to know my fellow student chefs: an aspiring Korean restaurateur, a retiree from Exmouth, and a woman who’s been bought the course as a gift for her 40th. All are utterly charming. I am by far the least skilled and experienced of the bunch but it’s a testament to them, and to Jim’s relaxed, unpatronising teaching style, that I never feel like a complete tool.

Our next task is to make lunch – mouclade, a spicy twist on moules marinière, involving Exmouth mussels, curry powder, saffron, double cream and, in my case, a huge dollop of smugness. I’ve never made anything so beautiful and delicious. With Jim’s homemade focaccia on the side, it’s definitely Michelin star-worthy.

COURSES

FOOD

It’s essential to look the part

Jim oversees the “cheffy chopping”

“Bof!”

Around the kitchen table, there’s wine, the exchanging of life stories and, of course, much taking of photographs on phones.

Afterwards, our attention turns to the stock.

When Jim worked for Rick Stein, this was his first job: transforming a cauldron of discarded fish bones and heads, shellfish exoskeletons, chopped vegetables, citrus zest and more into that week’s fish and shellfish soup. He takes us through the exact process he carried out back then, at one point bringing out a mouli – an oldschool steel blender commonly seen in French domestic kitchens. Somehow, before our eyes, what emerges is a glossy, thick, mahogany-hued, intensely flavoursome bisque. Jim pours a little into a bowl and constructs a tian of crabmeat in the centre, decorated with micro leaves.

As well as things like “cheffy chopping” – and how you should always add a bit more salt than you think you need; and that the correct way to sample a sauce is to daintily dip the end of your spoon in, not scoop up a whole mouthful (cringe) – I have learned so much else today.

That time flies when you’re cooking with fun people, for starters – and that Exeter Cookery School are onto a very tasty thing indeed.

Great knives

The shellfish and seafood course at Exeter Cookery School costs £155 (including mid-morning coffee and pastries, and lunch). Other courses on offer (half-day and full-day) include vegetarian/vegetable cooking, French boulangerie favourites, hands-on butchery and advanced dessert cookery. exetercookeryschool.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 27

THE PASSAGE HOUSE INN TOPSHAM

Ferry Road, Topsham, Nr Exeter, Devon EX3 0JN

Christmas Party Menu 3 Courses £24.95 per person Sumptuous starters, mouthwatering mains, decadent desserts... We’ve got it all! For an eating experience that rises above run of the mill festive dinners, head to The Passage House Inn in Topsham this Christmas…

Download our menu from our website now and book early to avoid disappointment.

(Sorry but we are already fully booked for Christmas Day)

www.passagehouseinntopsham.co.uk | Tel: 01392 873653

till We are s taking for bookings ! s Christma

#EatDrin

kRelax

this Chris

tmas...

THE PROSPECT THE QUAY, EXETER, EX2 4AN

Right in the heart of Exeter’s historic quayside, the Prospect offers a fantastic menu 7 days a week - from midday, right through to 9pm for dinner. Come and soak up the atmosphere with inside and outside seating.

- An independent proper pub - Dog friendly - Supporting local Devon food and drink producers

WE ARE STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL DURING ENVIRONMENT AGENCY WORKS! Book a table now: 01392 273152

The freshest seafood in foodie Topsham In the little town with a big foodie reputation, The Galley is a fantastic find for the freshest fish and shellfish, crafted into beautiful dishes, and served with estuary views

www.galleyrestaurant.co.uk 01392 876078

Christmas at L’estuaire

festive and christmas menus now available.

Booking essential.

L’estuaire Bistro and Bar is the perfect place for casual and relaxed dining in Topsham. We have a lovely outside seating area for fabulous food and drinks!

Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30 till late. Sunday, 10-4pm.

6 The Quay,The Strand Topsham,Exeter EX3 0JB Phone: 01392 876 801 | Email: info@lestuaire.couk

www.lestuaire.co.uk

30 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

The Salutation Inn ANNA BRITTEN can taste the passion and patience at Topsham’s fine dining destination

T

asting menus. Where do you stand?

Food critic Jay Rayner wrote a couple of years ago: “If I’m given a menu, I really don’t want to taste it. I want to eat it. I want to get armpit-deep in the sauce. . . If something you actually like turns up, there’s never enough of it.” And yet, in our view: if you want dinner out to feel like an event that’s worth a blow-dry – and not like a stomach-filling exercise – they can be great, quasi-theatrical fun. Plus, of course, they allow you to sample all of Chef’s fanciest skills – an edible greatest hits compilation, if you will.

Anyway, it helps to be a fan of tasting menus at award-winning Topsham restaurant The Salutation Inn because it’s so on board with the concept that it offers four-, six- and eight-course versions. Sitting in the cosy lounge with drinks and amuse-bouches (the alpha of which is a groanworthy tomato-andbasil arancini with aubergine caviar), myself and tonight’s companion, The Swiftie, decide the first of these ought to do the trick.

It’s half-empty on the Thursday night we visit. And this tranquility, along with crisp white linen and candlelight, makes for a sober, sophisticated ambience. The staff are, mercifully, the right side of formal: well-informed, discreet, utterly confident in what they’re laying before you.

Chef’s appetiser turns out to be a sensuously wobbly chicken boudin, revved up with wild mushrooms, baby spinach and a rich chicken jus. Clearly, we are in the land of unapologetically fine dining.

Starters proper are even prettier, embellished with dots and squiggles of superfluous but entirely welcome greenery. There’s an excellent warm, sweet Brixham crab

DEEP LAYERS OF FLAVOUR YOU ONLY GET AFTER LONG, CONSCIENTIOUS HOURS TENDING A STOCKPOT

mousse, with a nice blend of rough and smooth/thick and thin textures, and served with chunks of pickled apple and laid in a pool of lobster bisque reduction packed with the deep layers of flavour you only get after long, conscientious hours tending a stockpot. And for The Swiftie appear slivers of local partridge consummately cooked to almost paté-like tenderness, topped with walnuts and baby spinach. The recommended Tuscan pinot grigio is as good a match – cleansing and citrusy – as our sommelier said it would be.

Next up, the main event: The Swiftie’s slices of top rump of Greendale Farm beef. It’s write-home-about memorable, as is the fat log of succulent, thinly-shredded oxtail in breadcrumbs, the smoothest celeriac puree, braised baby onions and more red wine jus (this place does love jus).

I got stuck into hunks of local monkfish fillet, cooked to flaky perfection, with pureed and whole fennel, potato galette and crunchy samphire – the latter a delightful surprise appearance, not having been trumpeted on the menu like it would be in most other places.

Just like the next offering would’ve been: a dreamy, predessert shot of Malibu and blackberry milkshake with a straw.

‘Coconut pannacotta’ is a slight misnomer for my predominantly fruit-based finale – a brandy bowl of cubed pineapple, papaya and mango, a scoop of passion fruit sorbet, two teaspoonfuls of said panacotta, and coconut foam. It’s as comely and slaved-over as everything that came before it. The Swiftie goes for the excellent ice cream (salted caramel and vanilla) and sorbets (peach and strawberry) lined up on a wide, oval tuille base – truly, everything here feels like it’s been done with love. (At which juncture, a quick shout-out for the lovely, chunky earthenware plates).

None of the four courses outstays its welcome, shall we say. But it’s a tasting menu, not a Tudor blowout. As such, it’s a flawless showreel of chef Tom Williams-Hawkes’ intelligent, imaginative and modern cooking. We think even Jay Rayner could be won over.

DINING DETAILS The Salutation Inn, 68 Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0HL; 01392 873060; salutationtopsham.co.uk Opening hours Mon –Sat, 6-30pm-9pm.

Party bookings can be arranged with prior notice at lunchtime. Glass House café (breakfast, light lunches, afternoon teas) open daily 8.30am-5pm Prices Three weekly-changing tasting menus, from £39.50 for four courses Vegetarian choice Vegetarian menus available on request Disabled access Very good Drinks Hefty wine list, with 77 varieties plus dessert wines; beers, spirits, soft drinks too Service/atmosphere Polite and unpushy with a ‘special occasion’ vibe

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 31

The Rusty Gin fest - 50 different Gins - saturday 19th November drink our beer - drink our gin - eat our food

Get in touch to book for NyE

67 howell road exeter ex4 4lz 01392 214440 www.rustybike-exeter.co.uk /rustybikeexeter

PASHA

TURKISH & MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

The Lamb Inn Sandford Crediton

Superb food and luxury rooms in a real pub

CHRISTMAS MENU NOW AVAILABLE

Pasha is Exeter’s best and popular independent Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant serving both traditional and contemporary Turkish food daily, along with an excellent wine list featuring some very good Turkish wines.

From only £17.50 for two courses.

Come and join us for a leisurely lunch or dinner – you will always receive a friendly and warm welcome from the Pasha team.

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH US! 2 courses for £19.95pp or 3 courses for £24.95pp

01363 773676 thelambinn@gmail.com

The Christmas Menu is available on our website or call the Pasha Team for further details.

www.thelambinnsandford.co.uk

Open every day from 12 noon to late

80 South Street, Exeter EX1 1EQ Call: 01392 279464 • Email pashaexeter@btconnect.com www.pashaexeter.co.uk

the perfect gift for foodies this Christmas Exeter Cookery School gift Vouchers can be redeemed for half day, one day and evening cookery courses at our beautiful converted warehouse venue on Exeter quayside.

Gift vouchers

Your loved one can choose from: • A divine chocolate workshop • Vegetarian cookery • Essential sauces • Pasta making • Bread baking • Advanced desserts • French bistro main course cookery • Butchery & meat mastery • And many more..  I.O.Shen knives, Exeter Cookery School apron and bottle of bubbly available to purchase as extras. Vouchers valid for up to a year after purchase

Call us today on 07843 282371 or visit www.exetercookeryschool.co.uk/gift-vouchers/ for more information or to purchase.

www.exetercookeryschool.co.uk

RECIPE

FOOD

SCALING the HEIGHTS Chef MARK KERSEY from The Oddfellows, Exeter, shares this showstopping, new season fish dish

Fillet of red mullet, mussel and saffron broth, braised fennel and basil (Serves 4) “This recipe is currently on our menu in Exeter,” says Mark. “It is really tasty and, although it has a few components to prepare, it is actually very simple and a real crowd pleaser if you’re entertaining. Pulling this together is all about the preparation.”

Ingredients: 4 large fillets of red mullet, scaled and pin boned (you can ask your fishmonger to do this) Fish stock: 1kg of fish trim/bones (ask your fishmonger) 1 white onion 2 leeks (white only) Braised fennel: 4 baby fennel 1 litre of fish stock Saffron foam: 2 shallots 1 celery stick 1 leek (whites only) Half a tsp coriander seeds 250 ml white wine Pinch of saffron 500ml full fat milk 250ml double cream 1 table spoon of lecithin (find it at Holland and Barrett or online) Mussel broth: 1 celeriac (peeled) 1 butternut squash (peeled, halved and seeds removed) 4 sweet potatoes (peeled) 3 leeks (whites only) 1 large white onion 3 large carrots (peeled) 3 celery sticks 3 litres fish stock (see separate method for this) 28 River Exe mussels (about 1.5 kilos, cleaned) 700ml double cream 2 tbsp finely-sliced chives

To serve: handful of basil leaves Method: fish stock Roughly slice onions and leek, put into deep pan, add a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Sweat vegetables until soft but not coloured, add fish trim and bones, cover with approx 3 litres of cold water and simmer for 20 mins. Leave to cool, then pour through fine sieve. Store in fridge until needed.

Method: braised fennel Place the fennel in an oven dish, add some fish stock and season, cover and cook at 160°C/Gas 3 for 40 mins until tender. Allow to cool in liquid.

Method: saffron foam Roughly dice shallots, celery and leek, put in saucepan with coriander seeds and pinch of salt. Sweat down for 5 minutes until soft then add white wine and saffron and reduce by half. Add milk and cream, bring to the boil and leave to simmer for 5 minutes. Take off heat, leave to cool for half an hour, then pass through a fine sieve. Place back on the heat, add the lecithin and stir until dissolved.

Season to taste. Keep warm until ready to plate.

Method: broth Cut vegetables into 1cm by 1cm cubes, pour fish stock into a large pan and bring to a simmer, add vegetables to stock, cook slowly on a medium heat. After 20 minutes the veg should be cooked but still have bite. Add the mussels, turn the heat to full and place a lid on the pan. After 4 minutes, all the mussels should be open and cooked (discard any unopened ones), add the cream and chives and simmer on a very low heat to keep warm.

Method: mullet Place a large frying pan on a medium heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil, season fillets with salt and place skin-side-down in pan. Turn up the heat and leave to fry. When the fillets are 90% cooked, turn the fillets over and add a couple of knobs of butter and remove from heat –

you should have lovely, brown, crispy skin.

Remove from pan, and place on warm dish until ready to plate.

Method: foam Place a stick blender into the saffron liquid and move it in and out to create foam. Go easy – this can get messy!

To serve: Place 7 mussels around the edge in each of the bowls, add a couple of spoonfuls of vegetables and sauce into the middle, then place the fennel on top, followed by the mullet skin-side-up. Take some foam and place around the fish. Garnish with a little basil or other small leaves. theoddfellowsbar.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 35

Art/craft/music/theatre/more

SNAPSHOTS OF EXETER’S CULTURAL LIFE

IT’S ME, CATHY

When broadcast on the BBC in 1966, Ken Loach’s film Cathy Come Home shocked the nation with its portrayal of a young woman’s spiral into homelessness and desolation.

50 years later, Cardboard Citizens – who make theatre with and for homeless people – stunned critics with a one-off stage adaptation of the film at London’s Barbican in July. Now they revisit Loach’s themes with a new play by Ali Taylor, Cathy, which addresses the housing crisis in 2016.

Post-performance, we – the audience – are invited to step in and change the ending. But will we? And how?

Cathy is at the Bike Shed Theatre from 22-26 November; bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 39

4 November – 4 December

Sara Pascoe appears at Exeter Corn Exchange on 18 & 19 November; hear new songs by Pete Falloon at the Barnfield Theatre on 25 November; Adam ‘Countryfile’ Henson stops by the Northcott Theatre on 11 November

Art UNTIL 4 DECEMBER

KURT JACKSON: REVISITING TURNER’S TOURISM Works by the contemporary British landscape artist (and Glastonbury Festival artistin-residence), inspired by Romantic painter JMW Turner.

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/ramm 12 NOVEMBER-24 DECEMBER

PRESENT MAKERS 2016 See and shop for crafts from makers across the South West.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell Street, Honiton; thelmahulbert.com

marine life.

Woodhayes Gallery, Luppitt, Honiton; woodhayes.co.uk

Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; exeternorthcott.co.uk

29 NOVEMBER-16 APRIL

14-15 NOVEMBER

HIROSHIGE’S JAPAN: STATIONS OF THE TOKAIDO ROAD Woodblock prints by Utagawa Hiroshige, whose landscapes are among the best-known works of Japanese art. Organised by Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum.

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/ramm

Theatre, Comedy & Dance 11 NOVEMBER

26 NOVEMBER-3 DECEMBER

VALERIE WALL: THE REALITY OF NATURE Acrylics and watercolours inspired by botanical and

AN EVENING WITH ADAM HENSON The Countryfile presenter and farmer shares tales from his new autobiography.

40 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Elizabethan era.

Cellar Bar, City Gate Hotel, Iron Bridge, Lower North Street Exeter; circleofspears.com

THE WOMAN IN BLACK Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s spooksome novel has made audiences literally scream everywhere from the US to Singapore.

Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; exeternorthcott.co.uk

18 NOVEMBER

16-19 NOVEMBER

22 NOVEMBER

17-18 NOVEMBER

22-26 NOVEMBER

THE PRESTON BILL Award-winning theatre-maker Andy Smith presents this new piece of theatre, telling a tale of a man from, yep, Preston.

Bike Shed Theatre, Fore Street, Exeter; bikeshedtheatre.co.uk WITCH Play about witch trials, set in the

SARA PASCOE Intelligent stand-up. Support from Jen Brister. All profits to Animal Aid. Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange MAY-WE-GO-ROUND? Dance and comedy exploring romance; winner of the Edinburgh Fringe Review Award for Outstanding Theatre.

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk CATHY See page 39.

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

Visit RAMM from 29 November for Yui - The Treacherous Coast at Satta Peak, 1855, by Utagawa Hiroshige I (1797-1858), colour woodblock print © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford; Sound of Sirens, Exeter Cathedral, 1 December

Bike Shed Theatre, Fore Street, Exeter; bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

Exeter; gigsandtours.com 18 NOVEMBER

28 NOVEMBER

LEO HOULDING: REFLECTIONS: THE MIRROR WALL The world-renowned climber tells of his epic ascents, including Everest and the northwest face of the Mirror Wall in Greenland, which he recently became the first to scale.

Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange 29 NOVEMBER- 3 DECEMBER

LIVING WITH THE LIGHTS ON What happens when actor Mark Lockyer meets the devil? This Actors Touring Company is in Exeter prior to a run at no less than The Young Vic in London.

Bike Shed Theatre, Fore Street, Exeter; bikeshedtheatre.co.uk

Music & Opera 11 NOVEMBER

SLAVES Ace English punk duo tour new album Take Control.

The Great Hall, University of Exeter, Streatham Drive,

NICK WYKE & BECKI DRISCOLL English traditional music meets contemporary strings.

Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter; cygnettheatre.co.uk 19 NOVEMBER

EXETER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Grieg’s piano concerto (dedicated to ESO chair Bob Jevon, who died earlier this year), alongside works by Copland, Nielsen and local composer Paul Painter.

Southernhay United Reformed Church, Exeter; exetersymphonyorchestra.co.uk 23 NOVEMBER

CARA DILLON Christmas songs from the angelvoiced folk star.

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk 25 NOVEMBER

PETE FALLOON Local indie/folk/country singer airs new album Reed In The River.

Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Rd, Exeter; barnfieldtheatre.org.uk

25 NOVEMBER

THE BEAT The 2-Tone legends dish up hits like Mirror In The Bathroom.

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk

Exeter Cathedral, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter; exeter-cathedral.org.uk 2 DECEMBER

EXETER BACH CHOIR & ORCHESTRA A chance to hear Bach’s Magnificat in D Major and Handel’s Dixit Dominus.

Southernhay United Reformed Church, Exeter; exeterbachsociety.wordpress.com

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT IN THE WORLD Michael Morpurgo and Virginia McKenna narrate the former’s story about Christmas 1914 in the trenches, in this candlelit carol concert in aid of Farms For City Children.

Exeter Cathedral, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter; exeter-cathedral.org.uk

26 NOVEMBER

4 DECEMBER

26 NOVEMBER

SUPER HANS DJ SET The star of TV’s Peep Show (aka actor Matt King) drops by on a hotly-anticipated UK tour.

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk 1 DECEMBER

BSO: ROMAN HOLIDAY Italian-themed works by Elgar, Mendelssohn and R Strauss.

The Great Hall, University of Exeter, Streatham Drive, Exeter; bsolive.com 1 DECEMBER

SOUND OF SIRENS The Exeter two-piece deliver their foot-stomping folk/rock.

THE DAMNED Return of the original goth punks.

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk

Other Events 7 NOVEMBER

AN EVENING WITH SIMON WESTON AND DAVID FITZGERALD In his first appearance of this kind in Exeter, the Falklands hero in conversation with his friend and BBC Radio Devon presenter, David Fitzgerald.

Exeter Golf & Country Club, Topsham Road, Exeter; exetergcc.co.uk w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 41

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

17 NOVEMBER

PRINCESSHAY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON Be there as Exeter BID officially kicks off Christmas, with festive lights, family entertainment, live music and the big switch on.

Princesshay, Exeter; exeterbid.co.uk 19 NOVEMBER

SOUTH WEST CHRISTMAS WITHOUT CRUELTY FESTIVAL Shop for arts and crafts, crueltyfree cosmetics and more. Free gifts for the first 250 visitors, vegan food and a chance to meet Sara Pascoe at 12 noon.

Exeter Corn Exchange, Market Street, Exeter; exeter.gov.uk/cornexchange 26 NOVEMBER

THE MIDWINTER BOHO BALL Release your ‘inner boho’ at this one-off festive party.

Exeter Castle, Castle St, Exeter; bluefizzevents.co.uk

1-2 DECEMBER

TWO SHORT NIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL Fantastic celebration of short film, now in its 15th year.

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk 2 DECEMBER

SIDMOUTH LATE NIGHT SHOPPING EVENT Enjoy carols, street performances and a DJ, mulled wine, mince pies and more, while ticking off items on your Christmas shopping list.

Sidmouth town centre; sidmouthchamber.co.uk 3 DECEMBER

MAGDALEN ROAD CHRISTMAS FAIR Unmissable festive event in which local shops and restaurants take over the road with stalls from all over the region. 2-6pm.

Magdalen Road, Exeter; stleonards.talktalk.net 3 DECEMBER

26 NOVEMBER

WANT MORE?

UNIQUE BOUTIQUE Final outing of this sevenyear-old Christmas fair selling quirky gifts from makers and designers from across Devon.

Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; exeterphoenix.org.uk

WILLOW CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Make stars, garlands and Christmas trees out of willow.

Suitable for beginners.

Booking essential.

Reed Base, Seaton Wetlands; wildeastdevon.co.uk

Sign up now for the Exeter Living newsletter Thanks to everyone who’s already signed up for our new, Friday email newsletter.

If you haven’t yet – come and join us! It’s basically me sharing my completely subjective pick of the weekend’s most unmissable events, along with special offers and a few other diverting bits and bobs for your afternoon delectation.

Rest assured we will not share your data with any third parties. That’s not our style!

So if you’d like a friendly hello from us as the weekend beckons,

simply sign up here: mediaclash.co.uk/eln

Folk star Cara Dillon performs at Exeter Phoenix on 23 November

42 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Jangling the nerves: The Dartington Morris Men perform in the village fête scene

Daddy, those men scare me They’re here, they’ve got wooden sticks and they want you to join in. ANNA BRITTEN hides behind her dad’s legs ahead of the premiere of local short film Hell’s Bells

48 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

FILM

I WANT TO

CLARIFY THAT THE STORY IS ENTIRELY FICTIONAL

ARTS

W

hen Exeterbased film and theatre company Wandering Tiger launched a crowdfunder in order to produce Hell’s Bells, a short thriller about the dark side of Morris dancing, they didn’t expect to win excited backers from around the world. “Apparently Morris dancing is big in Canada,” says writer/ director Luke Jeffery. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 49

ARTS

FILM

T H E AT R E

From top: Cast members (l-r) Philip Kingslan John, Midge Mullin, Simon Tytherleigh and (front) Charlie Coldfield (Photo by Matt Austin); Luke Jeffery and Ross Gill (Photo by Mike Alsford)

Smashing their target – and with the added support of Creative England via the British Film Institute – they went on to shoot the film entirely on location in Devon over the summer with local cast and crew, including Rosie Dean as Magda Cassidy, the young woman who falls under the spell of a secret society of Morris dancers, and Philip Kingslan John of Four of Swords as a typically menacing Green Man. The Dartington Morris Men were also roped in, providing costumes, props and traditional music for the soundtrack. You’ll also see a Morris dance routine by Josh Fedrick, a former West End Billy Elliot.

Film locations include Poltimore House, The Boat Shed on Exeter Quay, The Tally Ho community pub and Hearn Field in Combeinteignhead, where the crew shot a village fête scene.

The shoot even had its very own Hell’s Bells beer, custom-brewed by the local Red Rock Brewery, who also sponsored the film.

After a preview screening on 19 November at Exeter Phoenix’s Studio 74 cinema, Hell’s Bells will receive its official premiere at the same venue on 2 December as part of the Two Short Nights Festival.

But why did Luke decide to tap into one of every English person’s latent phobias? “Growing up, I used to go to an annual fête and the Morris men would often be there, and I didn’t understand them,” says Luke, whose 2014 short film Seeing Red won the audience choice award at that year’s Two Short Nights film festival and was screened at Glastonbury earlier this year.

“It’s one of our country’s traditions but people are a bit embarrassed by it. Yet there’s something quite cool about it.

“I want to clarify that the story is entirely fictional. I’ve spent a lot of time with the Dartington Morris Men, and they’re all very nice, ordinary, respectable people. Nothing suspicious to report!”

So what next for Hell’s Bells? “It’s being submitted to the London Film Festival, Raindance, Encounters. . . I’m going to try and get into as many festivals as we can and get the word out there.

“We also have an idea for a longer version of the film. It’s got legs.” (Legs with bells attached, we trust.)

Tickets for the screening of Hell’s Bells on 2 December at the Two Short Nights Festival are available from exeterphoenix.org.uk. The film starts at 4pm, and is followed by a Q&A with writer/director Luke Jeffery.

To watch the preview or for more information, visit wanderingtiger.com 50 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

MORRIS DANCING IS ONE OF OUR TRADITIONS BUT PEOPLE ARE A BIT EMBARRASSED

BY IT

ARTS

Simply quality Solid and Engineered Oak Flooring Estd. 2005 we have now laid over 1000 floors in the Westcountry and beyond

Call Tim to discuss the supply fit or finish of your timeless oak floor

01392 834999 / 07901 563745 tim@homeoak.co.uk

www.homeoak.co.uk

L AW a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

Cartridges Law

We pride ourselves on our professional, approachable and friendly staff

W

e’d like to take this opportunity to introduce our private client team, who deal with wills, probate and estate administration.

The team is led by associate legal executive Karyna Squibb, who joined us from a firm in Torquay where she gained 15 years of experience in all areas of private client work. Karyna has a keen interest in charity and charity law and is a trustee of a local charity providing emotional and practical support for bereaved children and their families.

Ros Davies is the longest serving member of our private client team with almost 20 years of experience. She is well-known in the St Thomas community for her practical and friendly advice, and

out of work enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs. You might even have seen Ros and her dog Betsey taking part in dog show agility events.

Jenna Street is a legal assistant within our private client team, assisting with the administration of all aspects of private client work. Jenna is often the first point of call for new and existing clients and, in her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the local area.

The newest member of the team is Daniel Smith who joined Cartridges Law this year. Dan is following the apprentice route with us, with a view to taking his legal exams and qualifying as a lawyer. We have received lots of very positive and warm feedback about Dan from our clients.

Our private client team deals with all aspects of: • Wills, probate and estate administration • Intestacies and estates involving Deeds of Variation and foreign assets • Estate planning for wealth management and asset protection • Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship applications and the registration of Enduring

Powers of Attorney, working with the Office of the Public Guardian and the Court of Protection.

• Creating and administration of charities From the first call to our office going through to complicated matters, you can be assured of a professional service delivered in plain English – with no ‘legal speak’.

Tel: 01392 256854 Email: enquiries@cartridgeslaw.co.uk Online: www.cartridgeslaw.co.uk

Would you like to gain a career in Teaching?

We are now recruiting for 2017-18!

Our Teacher Training centre is based in the heart of the South West in the historical city of Exeter. We can offer you a learning experience that is completely different to anything else, with a majority of time spent on a placement within a school.

South West Teacher Training (SWTT) a School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) scheme is now recruiting for 2017-18.

We work alongside our partner schools, course tutors and mentors to provide our trainees with all the skills, understanding and experience they need to become brilliant teachers ready to make their impact on the education of the next generation.

Ofsted graded: Good (December 2013).

The following courses are available: • Computer Science • Design and Technology • English • Geography • Mathematics • Modern Foreign Languages • Physical Education • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) For further details please contact us: Email: SWTT@westexe.devon.sch.uk Tel: 01392 686165 Or visit us at: Train to Teach Event, Mercure Hotel. Exeter.

Tuesday, 15 November 2016, 4.30-8pm.

Taster Day, West Exe School. Exeter.

Tuesday, 23 November 2016 10am-12pm.

ARTS

BOOKS

THIS BOYS’ LIFE Life at Blundell’s boarding school in the mid-1980s is the subject of a fascinating new book by local photographer ANDREW NADOLSKI

I

was just about to turn 22 when I arrived at Blundell’s School in 1986 armed with my camera. I was in my final year of a degree course at Exeter College of Art (now part of Plymouth University).

I wanted to produce a major project of life in an institution and, after some discussion with my lecturers, the idea of photographing in a public school came up.

This would be an alien world to me, as until my arrival at relatively ‘posh’ Exeter I hadn’t mixed with anyone who had been privately educated − I was the product of the secondary modern comprehensive system. An earlier graduate from Exeter, Steve Goodwin, had recently got a job as an art teacher at Blundell’s in Tiverton and through Steve an enquiry was made – would the headmaster John Rees allow a student to come and photograph in his school? John agreed to see me and I arrived at the school with my portfolio.

I assured him that I had no agenda and, amazingly, he said I could have full access to the school, I could photograph anything and anybody I came across as long as they didn’t object. He said there was nothing in Blundell’s that he was embarrassed about.

I wasn’t sure what I would find at the school and was surprised at how quickly my presence was accepted and I just became part of the dayto-day life. Teachers and pupils would come up to me and make suggestions of what might be worth photographing: the boys queuing up for their BCG injections; or, “You must photograph this boy’s room” – a gothic punk extravaganza complete with stuffed leopard’s head.

Given my background, what I was most gratified to see was the respect the pupils had for the support staff, especially the ladies serving lunch − there seemed no class divide. I soon came to realise that both the school’s and the town’s prosperity were interwoven and Blundell’s was a major employer in the area.

I would work my way around the school, one minute photographing the carpenter, the next braving the clouds of cigarette smoke that seemed 54 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

to fill the Masters’ Common Room.

The freedom the boys were given seemed a kind of semi-organised chaos, and they decorated their rooms with a glorious selection of magazine cuttings and posters – many of which seemed to feature Page 3 girl Samantha Fox, or the ‘infamous’ Athena tennis girl – as well as a selection of beer mats, traffic cones and the aforementioned leopard’s head.

Because I didn’t know what to expect, everything fascinated me, from the ‘boot room’ where countless pairs of rugby boots were piled on top of each other, to an umbrella left to dry in a row of baths, one of which had a half-used bar of Imperial Leather soap near the taps.

John Rees liked what I had produced and commissioned me to return in the autumn after I’d graduated, to take a few additional photographs so the school could produce a new prospectus. Thus began my 30 year-long association, with Blundell’s becoming my first client.

Over these 30 years of photographing at Blundell’s, I have seen fundamental changes to how it runs; the biggest being the decision to go fully co-educational in 1992, which altered the dynamics of every aspect of school life. The teaching staff are now younger and the gender mix is balanced, the Common Room no longer dominated by elderly male Oxbridge graduates, and in 2013 the School appointed its first female head, Nicola Huggett. The biggest material change and the biggest contrast between the pictures from 30 years ago and the present is probably the boarding houses, where the relative comforts expected by parents today make the older facilities seem positively Dickensian.

Over the years, Blundell’s has adapted and modernised and the contrasts between ‘then’ and ‘now’ are quite marked in many ways, reflecting the broader societal changes in the wider world.

Boarding School: Blundell’s 1986 by Andrew Nadolski (Headon House) is out now; nadolski.com; blundells.org

Opposite, clockwise from top left: Boy outside the Tuck Shop; Boy with posters; Masters’ Common Room; Smoking in the toilets; Boy laughing in study room; Boy rehearsing his lines for the school play while having a bath

THE CONTRASTS

BETWEEN ‘THEN’ AND ‘NOW’ ARE MARKED IN MANY WAYS

BOOKS

ARTS

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Elizabeth Ann of Exeter

FABULOUS WINTER STOCK

Large selection of HB loafers and court shoes. Lisa Kay occasion shoes and boots. La Ross and Franco Russo handmade Italian evening and day boots. Van Dal. Cefalu colourful Spanish shoes and much much more.

Come and Browse our new Showroom!

Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-4.30pm

Sizes 2 (35) to 8 (41) available and various fittings

3 Cathedral Close, Exeter EX1 1EZ Telephone: 01392 252876

Find us opposite

DARTS FARM

Come visit us at: 5 Topsham Units, Dart Business Park, EX3 0QH T: 01392 873085 E: sales@dusklighting.com

www.dusklights.co.uk

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

REST FRIEND

Were there a pie chart for what makes modern French homes so sexy, a sizeable sliver would be labelled “Ligne Roset”. Founded in 1860, it’s that rare thing: a heritage brand with a fierce progressive ethos, its eyes trained only on the contemporary, the cosmopolitan, the downright striking.

Take this here settee: designer Michel Ducaroy’s ‘Togo’, created in 1973 and still one of the brand’s bestsellers. All ergonomic foam and wrinkled quilting, it’s so comfy you’ll never want to budge from it, yet also an international statement of cool from Milan to – hooray! – Matford Business Park.

Ligne Roset ‘Togo’ large settee, £1,718 (including VAT) from Hearth & Cook, 14 Oaktree Place, Manaton Close, Matford, Exeter; hearthandcook.com

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WE’RE MAKING A LIST… … we’re checking it twice – because the unmissable Exeter Christmas Market is back on 19 November.

ROXANNE DURIS orders a large glühwein. . .

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

SHOP LOCAL

Other chances to do all your Christmas shopping in one go. . .

GANDY STREET’S COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Thursday 24 November, 5.30-8pm ‘Snow’ is promised at this annual late night shopping event on the beautiful, cobbled, indie-packed street.

Live bands, charity raffle, and offers and discounts all the way up and down the street, as well as mince pies, mulled wine, prosecco, macarons and more. . .

MAGDALEN ROAD CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday 3 December, 2-6pm Some 50 stalls from local shops, restaurants and traders from further afield, plus fairground rides and other family-friendly entertainments. Not just a brilliant community get-together but one of Exeter’s loveliest preYuletide outings. Be there!

T

hings we can’t bear about conventional Christmas shopping: 1) Schlepping around overheated department stores in cold weather clothes; 2) The Russian roulette of online shopping – oh, that sickening feeling when something still hasn’t arrived by the 23rd. . .; 3) Discovering we’ve bought the exact same ‘original’ gift for a loved one as hundreds of thousands of other people.

Hurrah, then, for the award-winning Exeter Christmas Market on Cathedral Green, which returns this month offering a shopping experience to rival that anywhere on the continent – not to mention a much-needed burst of cheer to an area so recently ravaged by fire.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Exeter Cathedral, the annual, month-long event is a kaleidoscope of global yuletide sights, sounds and smells, and offers a variety of local and international products to satisfy all taste buds.

Enjoy what local crafters have to offer, pick up global specialities, or climb into the back of Exeter’s Alfie the Black Cab photo booth for a festive snap to share on social media or stick on this year’s Christmas cards.

There are a number of new stalls at the Market this year, including some new local offerings – for those who fancy a bit of luxury, look out for the lobster and champagne chalet from regional mobile catering people Snob Lobster, or snack

on some Christmas decorations made from food

by Devon-based Pollyfields. Look out, too, for Honiton-based Amy Smallwood and her craft stall Light and Beloved – Amy’s the winner of this year’s Pitch Perfect competition for young businesses and entrepreneurs and gets business support and a free chalet from which to trade for the duration of the market.

And when all that shopping inevitably takes its toll on your feet, take a pit stop, do a bit of people watching and enjoy the views of the historic Cathedral from the al fresco coffee area. You can also refuel with a bratwurst sausage, some luxury Italian chocolate or a hot cup of traditional German glühwein in one of the continentalthemed bars.

The market is a place for everyone, say operators Market Place, whose Buddy Scheme initiative aims to extend a warm festive welcome to those who may need extra assistance to help them fully enjoy the market, or prefer to visit when it’s less noisy and busy. The scheme runs from 10am-12pm Monday-Wednesday for the duration of the market.

And don’t forget to pop your letter to Father Christmas in the special post box. We’re going to ask for bigger biceps to carry all those shopping bags. . .

Exeter Christmas Market is on Cathedral Green from 19 November – 18 December. Opening times: Mon-Wed, 10am-7pm; Thur-Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun 11am-6pm; marketplaceeurope.co.uk

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1

2

3

ABSOLUTE GEMS FROM COSTUME JEWELLERY TO FUTURE HEIRLOOMS, HERE’S OUR PICK OF EXETER’S MOST SHOWSTOPPING BLING

5

4

1. DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

2. HANGING AROUND

3. CHOC VALUE

4. CLEAR AS DAY

5. RUBY TUESDAY

18 ct white gold diamond and yellow sapphire dress ring, £15,250 Antique and timeless, here’s something for your granddaughters to covet From Mortimers, 87 Queen St, Exeter; mortimersjewellers.co.uk

Ayala Bar ‘Cherry Blossom’ earrings, £164 Pretty much a party in earring form – glass beads jostling with ceramic stones and crystal rhinestones From Polka Dot Gallery, 12 Martins Lane, Exeter; polkadotgallery.com

Chocolate diamond gold wreath pendant, £1,463 Holy moly! 18ct white and yellow gold droplets around a 0.55ct chocolate diamond, hung from an 18ct white gold trace chain. You shouldn’t have!

From Erin Cox Jewellery, 14 Castle St, Exeter; erincox.co.uk

18ct white gold marquise cut diamond ring, £6,500 Something worth gettting down on one knee for.

Keep an eye out for passing magpies. . .

From Andrew Humphries Jewellery, 5 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton; and 21 The Strand, Exmouth; ahjewellery.com

Ruby earrings, £795 Classic, unflashy glamour at its absolute best.

Emerald and sapphire varieties also available From Michael Spiers, 22 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; michaelspiers.co.uk

60 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

6

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

7

8

9

10

6. GOLD DIGGER

7. NECK IT

8.JUST THE TICKER

9. WRIST FULL OF DOLLARS

10. DIAMOND JUBILEE

18ct yellow gold link bracelet, £1,517 Handmade hammered link bracelet with a diamond T-bar clasp From Erin Cox Jewellery, 14 Castle St, Exeter; erincox.co.uk

Pendant necklaces, £12 each Vintage, geometric patterns and antique bronze: perfect with a black shift dress From Bassy Loves Betsy @ The Real McCoy, 21 McCoys Arcade, Fore St, Exeter; therealmccoy.co.uk

‘Annie’ black heart earrings, £13.99 Sweet and simple, and suitable for any occasion From Dotty Home, Market Place, Sidmouth; dottyhome.com

Diamond bangle, £1,995 Give ’em the old razzle dazzle; just be careful not to sprain your wrist From Michael Spiers, 22 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; michaelspiers.co.uk

Art Deco platinum diamond dress ring, £7,950 Careful, you’ll have someone’s eye out with this bobby dazzler From Mortimers, 87 Queen St, Exeter; mortimersjewellers.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk LIVING www.mediaclash.co.ukI IEXETER CLIFTON LIFE II 61 69

GET A GROOM! Don’t be left unkempt for party season. Make an appointment now to nail AW16’s key party looks

64 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

H E A LT H & BEAUTY

WHEN IT COMES TO PARTY HAIR, HOWEVER, SUBTLETY CAN TAKE A HIKE Opposite: Space Hair revels in colour This page: Invest in some professional nail art to see you through to New Year’s Eve

PARTY BEAUTY SOS Primed to primp you good and proper this party season. . .

AMANDA MARSDEN 75 Queen Street, Exeter; 01392 343102; amandamarsden.co.uk BELULINO 4 Roberts Road, Exeter; 01392 410055; belulino.co.uk LEFROY BEAUTY THERAPY Gandy Street, Exeter; 01392 438516; lefroybeautytherapy.co.uk PURITY SPA 3 Cathedral Close, Exeter; 01392 420027; purityboutiquespa.co.uk RICHARD BEAUMONT LONGBROOK HAIR & BEAUTY SALON Longbrook Street, Exeter; 01392 272252; longbrooksalon.co.uk SPACE HAIR & BEAUTY 4 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; 01392 494422; spacehairandbeauty.co.uk THE COVE 34 Bedford Street, Exeter; 01392 420598; thecove.co.uk TOPSHAM HAIR DESIGN 20a High Street, Topsham; 01392 877816; thdhairandbeauty.co.uk WEAR PARK SPA Exeter Golf & Country Club, Topsham Road, Exeter; 01392 874139; exetergcc.co.uk

HAIR

Thought up-dos were just for weddings? Think again. Slightly mussed-up chignons have been big news on the AW catwalks, along with oh-socasual ponytails tied at the nape of the neck.

Natural hair in general is back, from ‘hippy’ to ‘just woke up’ to ‘fresh out the shower’ and all gradations between.

“We are very much seeing the natural look continue as an AW2016 trend with lots of tousled textured blow-dries,” says Chloe Gale of Space Hair in Exeter. “Regarding colour, there are a lot of warm shades coming through, with customers edging away from the platinum blonde and going for more of a soft beige/honey tone.”

When it comes to party hair, however, subtlety can take a hike. . .

“In a recent show in London we saw metallic petrol tones which looked great, and very exciting!” says Chloe.

MAKE UP

OK, according to Vogue, it’s all about a blackcurrant lip, graphic eyeliner, and glitter on your cheekbones. Let’s take those one by one.

Lippie: go no lighter than red wine, and as dark as gothic black. Eyes: forget those chic little Audrey Hepburn flicks you’ve been doing for years,

and frame your peepers with almost-ridiculous graphic sweeps, like you’ve been doodled on by your teenage niece.

NAILS

Elaborate nail art remains huge. But this winter those-in-the-know are also rocking “The new French.” Think the traditional French manicure, but instead of white tips, they’re primary coloured. Or glittery. Or on a slant. Or you’ve added some horizontal lines across the nails, or around the outer edges. Instant minimalist chic. Colourwise, the hottest choices are moody metallics or pretty pastels. Whatever you select for your nails, be sure to hold your fizz at shoulder level so everybody can admire them.

BROWS

Big, bushy brows have been mainstream for yonks now and, inevitably, the pendulum is starting to swing. We’re talking about the ‘anti-brow’ or ‘no brow’. In other words: bleached, or at least not drawing attention to themselves in any way. Just not massive and fake-black. Got that?

It’s also pretty cool to add bright liner or glitter under or above the natural contour line of the browline: see Georgia May Jagger and Gigi Hadid on the AW16 catwalks. www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 65

‘Has all the elements to become a modern classic of the genre . . .’

Independent on Sunday

Game of Thrones withdrawal?

£10

OFF Beauty Treatments*

*t&cs apply

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF GORGEOUS HAIR, BEAUTIFUL SKIN AND PERFECTLY MANICURED NAILS. Book today to enjoy your personal THD experience.

20A High Street, Topsham, Exeter, EX3 0EA. 01392 877 816.

www.thdhairandbeauty.co.uk

Shortliste d for the Gemmell Morningst ar award!

THE DEBUT NOVEL FROM LUCY HOUNSOM, AND FIRST INSTALMENT IN THE WORLDMAKER TRILOGY. A tale of heroism and lost powers, for fans of George R R Martin and Trudi Canavan

www.lucyhounsom.com

a d verti s ing f eat u re H A i r & B E A U T Y

This Is Your Time and Space...

At SPACE HAIR AND BEAUTY, situated with a beautiful back drop of the Exeter Cathedral, we pride ourselves in offering each and every guest a unique experience, unlike many other conveyor belt salons.

Our Passion...

Our highly trained passionate stylists are on hand to guide your hair to it’s greatest potential but most importantly to suit every guests lifestyle. As a team we love to get creative, hosting our very own photoshoots. We hope you love our new collection above, as much as we do!

The Beauty Loft...

In the eaves of our 17th century building we have ‘The Beauty Loft’, Which we believe is a hidden gem of the cathedral yard. A place to truly indulge and relax for a couple of hours, whether it be for a luxury tailor made Yonka facial or a simple file and polish.

We are extremely proud to have Emma Johnson our very talented, passionate therapist and make-up artist to welcome you to our Beauty Loft.

“WE OFFER SOME OF THE BEST NATURAL, ETHICAL AND, SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET”

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VOW

NOW bi-m ont hly

The South West’s wedding bible PICK Up your free copy now T Follow us @VowMag & @VowMagAds

From the makers of Crumbs, Bath Life, Bristol Life, Cardiff Life, Exeter Living and Salisbury Life Ad enquiries: Helen.Kembery@mediaclash.co.uk; Editorial: Matt.Bielby@mediaclash.co.uk; 01225 475800

M AG A ZINE

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

MAGIC TOUCH

Above: The indoor and outdoor pools

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel’s revamped spa brings some seriously upscale relaxation to the seaside town – and to ROXANNE DURIS’s upper back

W

hen Sidmouth Harbour Hotel had a multi-million pound refurb recently, it wasn’t only the restaurant and rooms that got some TLC. The hotel’s health and beauty area has been turned into Sidmouth’s first ‘state of the art’ spa – with no less than five treatment rooms, a fitness suite, heated outdoor pool, indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room.

As soon as you enter the spa, through a door tucked away down a corridor off the bustling hotel lobby, the space feels (to quote the old Stella Artois advert), reassuringly expensive: hushed, dimly lit, decked out in muted greys and creams, blues and whites. It feels at once both part of the hotel, but also some secret magical dimension you’ve accidentally crossed into.

THIS PLACE IS GREAT NEWS FOR SIDMOUTH

I’m booked in for the 70-minute Harbour Reviver massage, which is billed as a deep tissue treatment aimed at your areas of tension. Over the years, I’ve discovered there’s little point in my having any other type of massage. You could bounce a tennis ball off my upper back – it’s like granite, and has been for as long as I can recall. The flipside of being able to carry really heavy rucksacks is, of course, that I risk going the full Quasimodo as I reach my dotage.

My therapist Anna, slathering heavenscented ESPA Fitness Body Oil across my back – it contains Indian Bay and clove bud oils that warm and stimulate my skin – is that blend of brisk efficiency and woman-ofthe-world compassion that you want from someone who’s about to show your muscles who’s boss.

I marvel at her own muscles as she uses her fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows and forearms in a mixture of slow deep strokes, tackling each knot in turn, penetrating deep into the sub-layer of muscles and their connective tissue and breaking up rigid areas. Yes, it makes me howl a little, just as it should, but Anna is also pretty good at

psychology – at one point, as she holds my arm behind my back and presses down on a particularly diehard knot, she asks me to tell her on a scale of one to ten how much it hurts. I’m surprised to hear myself saying: “Seven, five…. ahhhhhhh….” Which is exactly what Anna knew would happen, of course.

From that point on, I yield utterly to the treatment.

Afterwards, I can actually pinch the flesh on my shoulders and I feel about a stone lighter, like I might take off into the cloudless Sidmouth sky.

Before I depart, I check out the pool, sauna and steam rooms, all enchanting and utterly tranquil, and a chance to extend the bliss for a while longer.

This place is great news for Sidmouth.

Whether you pop in to get your nails done or for a whole day’s wallowing (there’s a new gym about to be built behind reception), you can expect to emerge feeling as though you’re under a spell.

Sidmouth Harbour Hotel and Spa, The Westcliff, Manor Rd, Sidmouth EX10 8RU; 01395 513252; harbourhotels.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 69

Were you there?

Stuart Crewes

SEEN!

Carolyn Purslow and Arran O’Rourke

AC ROS S E X E T ER , O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

COULD IT BE MAGIC?

Paul Dieppe, Ali Haggett and Daisy Binnie

Over 60 VIPs from the local health and arts sectors joined Magic Carpet to celebrate 35th years of the unique Exeter charity, which provides creative opportunities to “anyone challenged by health and social circumstances”. Impressive artworks by service users adorned the walls of Exeter Cathedral’s stunning Chapter House.

Photos by Paula Miller

Get Changed Theatre Company Jason Wears, Lesley Wears and Judith Headley-Dent

Lorna Cordrey and Frances Reid

John Harvey and Emma-Louise Browse

Paul De Garis, Rob Wynne (CEO, Magic Carpet) and Stuart Thomson

Joe Chudley and Giles Ward

70 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SOCIETY

FOR THEY ARE JOLLY GOOD (ODD) FELLOWS Proud owners Faye and Yvan Williams welcomed partygoers to mark the 10th birthday of their popular, eternally-hip New North Road gastropub The Oddfellows.

Time flies – we can remember when they were this tall!

Photos by Matt Round

Josie Bennett, Wesley Gipps, Margriet Byam, Steven Byam Becky Davies, Kristen Birt and Tom Pow

Chrissie Walker and Lisa Vanstone DJ Peachy and Jodie Camm

Sarah Smith and Becky Hayes

Faye and Yvan Williams Claire Hein and Tess Read

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 71

SOCIETY Jamilah Pringle, Cheryl Bolt and Sarah Precious

WORK, WORK, WORK. . .

Gilbert Stephens Young Profession Network (YPN) were among the first to sample Urban Underground’s new High Tea during the YPN’s autumn social last month. The repast was much as you’d expect, except the teapots were filled with a rather moreish iced tea cocktail…

Now that’s what we call networking.

Zach Maiden and Rob Hilton

Adele Moore, Kye Daniel and Sam Hall

Mat Bennett and Sam Hall

Katie Greet, Sarah Heath and Bethan Spencer

72 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Paul Russell and Carl Willis

SOCIETY

LEGAL-EYED

Jane Chanot, Rachel Buckley, Donna Hart, David Cobern and Sally Cook

The Family Law Company held a drinks reception at Balliol House to celebrate 25 years as a specialist family law firm. Directors, partners and staff welcomed guests from the legal and wider community, as well as The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Councillor Cynthia Thompson. Director Jane Chanot gave an impassioned speech about the importance of the company’s holistic approach to family law.

Sandra Sampson, John Allen, The Lord Mayor of Exeter Cllr Cynthia Thompson, Sally Cook and Sarah Ashworth Pile

Heather Priddle

Imran Khodabocus and Jonathan Trembath Martin Woodhead

Rachel Parkhouse and Becky Palmer Judge Miranda Robertshaw

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 73

SOCIETY

NOW WE ARE THREE Guests at Thermalogica’s recent third birthday enjoyed an exclusive preview of the citybased health screening company’s ‘Hot Tits Gallery’, which showed thermal images of some of their patients, and a cookery demonstration from Exeter Cookery School’s Jim Fisher.

Semina Ferris and Donna Hussein

Debbie Watts and Paola Royal

TEAM SPIRIT Pizza-making, archery and off-roading were on the agenda for Exeter City FC’s recent corporate social, hosted at Deer Park Hotel, to thank sponsors and friends of the city’s football club.

Rosie Evans, Alice Gray, Emma Champion, Graham Cridland and Charlie Tregedeon

Lisa Portman and Terri Bainbridge (Thermalogica founders)

Pradnya Apté and Rachel Mapledoram

Roger Wilkinson

Photos by Matt Round

Julian Tagg

Richard Missen

74 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Advertising feature family law

25 years - so much has changed!

25 years is a long time in anyone’s book. It’s around a third of the average lifespan – a sobering thought. So much has changed over the last 25 years, with technological advances getting faster and faster. And there have been a lot of changes to The Family Company, currently celebrating 25 years as a specialist family law firm. Here are just some of the highlights: The Family Law Company started life in 1991 as Hartnell & Co after being founded by Norman Hartnell who saw the need for dedicated help for family law issues. Always a trailblazer, Norman was the first arbitrator in the South West region for finance, and more recently children.

In other news; Stella Rimington become the first female director general of MI5 and Bryan Adams ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You was a constant soundtrack spending 6 months in Top 40.

Jump forward to 1997 when Jane Chanot joined the company. Jane has since proved an amazing force in family law, particularly representing clients involved in international child abduction – she is a member of the ICACU, only one of eight in the country. This was also the year when another talented woman JK Rowling published the first Harry Potter novel.

In 1998 the Family Mediators Association founded, helping the public to find information on their local mediators. It now represents over 400 family mediators.

2001 was a game changer when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPod. We have always embraced technology, and were the first law firm in the country to have computers on every lawyer’s desk.

Communication became more immediate with the introduction of first Facebook in 2004 and Twitter in 2006.

We are active on both Twitter and Facebook.

In 2008, Barack Obama, the USA’s first African-American President was elected, and in 2009 The Equality Act came into effect, consolidating legislation requiring equal treatment in access to employment and services regardless of gender, race, health, disability, sexual orientation, belief and age. We work to make family law available to all, with French, German and Spanish speakers in house, and two lawyers trained in British Sign Language.

In a complex case in 2011, the Supreme Court ruled on an unmarried couples property dispute, giving Patricia Jones a 90% interest in a family home owned jointly with her former cohabitee. One of our Partners, David Cobern has just written a book “Living together and the Law” to advise unmarried couples on their legal rights in just this type of situation.

In 2013, we rebranded as The Family Law Company to better explain what the company specialised in. This was, sadly, also the year that private family law lost eligibility for legal aid funding.

Our 25th year as a specialist family law company has been a year to remember. Jane Chanot’s team won ‘Team of the Year’ in the inaugural Devon & Somerset Law Society Awards. We are finalists in this year’s Family Law Awards and Modern Law Awards.

Balliol House, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter EX1 1NP. Telephone us on: 01392 247135 Email us at: enquiries@thefamilylawco.com

Or visit: www.thefamilylawco.co.uk

hometrust

estate agents ★★★★★

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

Stand Out Service Sales, Letting & Property Management 01392 493113. info@hometrust.co.uk

www.hometrust.co.uk

Jason Coward 01225 475800

Shake-ups/launches/initiatives/awards

E X E T ER A N D E AS T D E VO N G E T TO WO R K

Simon Williams, new chairman, and Darren Westlake, CEO of Crowdcube

TOP OF THE AGENDA...

BOARD MASTERS Crowdcube’s new chairman, Simon Williams, has a serious track record in big finance and a longstanding passion for fintech

E

xeter-based Crowdcube, one of the UK’s leading investment crowdfunding platforms, has bolstered its board by appointing Simon Williams as the company’s new chairman.

Williams has over 30 years of banking and investment experience, having held senior roles across the world including head of HSBC’s wealth management group from 2011-2014, and nine years at Citigroup Inc, where he held senior executive roles including head of Citibank International Retail Bank, head of the Asia Pacific Consumer Group, head of the Latin America Consumer Group and chief risk officer for Citigroup Global Consumer Group. Through his own company, Camelot Financial Management LLC, he is a long-term supporter of fintech, having successfully invested in, and taken selective board positions with, a number of fintech businesses.

He has also made a significant investment into Crowdcube as part of the company’s recent funding round, which saw it raise just shy of £8 million.

On his appointment, Simon Williams says: “Crowdfunding has revolutionised the financial services sector, allowing entrepreneurial businesses to flourish at a time when securing finance is at an all-time low. Crowdcube has been the leading

pioneer in this new wave of financial innovation in the UK and has a great deal more to offer business and investors alike.

“Having worked in the banking world for many years, I am hugely excited by what disruptive fintech businesses can do to gain market share; bringing in a fresh technology-led approach to improve customer service and make financial products and choices accessible to everyone.”

Adds Crowdcube CEO Darren Westlake: “Simon’s deep industry knowledge and experience of both the retail banking sector and his early adoption of new financial technology makes him uniquely suited to the role of chairman of Crowdcube.

“As our industry matures, it is imperative that we continue to be innovative and retain our customer-first focus. Simon’s impressive track record in consumer banking and wealth management, combined with the regulatory landscape, makes him a perfect fit as our business and the crowdfunding industry evolves. We are delighted that he has decided to become part of our journey both as Crowdcube’s chairman and as an investor in the company.”

For more: crowdcube.com

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“I HAD BEEN MADE REDUNDANT THREE TIMES” Who’s now enjoying a great new job?

Find out on page 80. . .

30

THE BIG NUMBER

Years that Ashley House Printing have been in business Find out more on page 79

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BUSINESS INSIDER

FANTASTIC FOUR Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing or important local business stories right now

SMALL DIFFERENCES “Lay, lady, lay/Lay across my big organic ‘Topsham’”

COTTONING ON

Philippa Rutherford

Exeter BID is calling on city residents to support Small Business Saturday on 3 December.

The annual, grassroots, not-for-profit campaign shines a spotlight on small, independent businesses in communities across the country and encourages people up and down the country to go out and show their support for them.

Last year’s Small Business Saturday saw an estimated £623 million spent with small businesses across the UK on the day, up £119 million on the previous year, and an increase in spending of 24%.

Says Philippa Rutherford, Exeter BID board director and owner of Mantis

in Gandy Street: “Small businesses are important because they provide excellent knowledge, products and services with a friendly smile!

“Small Business Saturday is a great initiative because it highlights small shops and businesses which can often be forgotten next to the big corporate names, and considering that the combined turnover of SME’s in the UK amounted to £1.8 trillion in 2016, they are also vital for a healthy UK economy”.

For more: smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com, exeterbid.co.uk

Pioneering local husband-and-wife team Mark and Liz Dowen have developed the only truly chemical free mattress in the UK using an innovative natural material called Cottonsafe.

A blend of organic cotton and pure Dartmoor sheep’s wool, Cottonsafe is 100% natural, biodegradable, sustainable and completely chemical-free and combines the natural and warm properties of wool, with the perfect absorbency of cotton to keep you cool, to aid a restful night’s sleep.

The pair, who have a showroom and factory at Woodbury, near Exeter, have now developed a wide range of Cottonsafe mattresses, handsewn using flax and with fire safety woven in and surpassing all the UK’s stringent furniture fire regulations. In keeping with the local theme, they have named their mattresses after well-known local towns, such as ‘The Topsham’ and ‘The Budleigh’.

“We are developing the fabric further,” says Liz, “and are looking to launch a new range of sofas in 2017.”

For more: cottonsafenaturalmattress.co.uk

MOVERS, SHAKERS, ETC Gilbert Stephens have appointed Jamilah Pringle to associate solicitor within their busy private client legal team to advise on all aspects of private client work including wills, inheritance tax planning, Powers of Attorney, Deputyships and estate administrations. Jamilah qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and joined Gilbert Stephens at the beginning of June 2014. . . Clive Hetherington joins Foot Anstey as an advisor to the firm, particularly focused on the banking and financial services sector. Clive joins from Lloyds Banking Group where he was Regional Director Mid Markets for the South West. . . Trowers & Hamlins has expanded its litigation team with the hire of senior associate Kathryn Insall (pictured) in its Exeter office. Kathryn joins from Clyde & Co and brings nine years of experience in trial, arbitration and mediation, particularly across the aviation and aerospace sectors.

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BUSINESS INSIDER

LICENCE TO PRINT

No wonder MD Rob Otton looks happy

Exeter-based commercial printer Ashley House Printing Company is celebrating its 30th birthday this year.

Led by managing director Rob Otton, with a team of 22 staff, Ashley House specialises in litho print, HP indigo digital print, and large format print, and serves customers in a range of sectors, including design and advertising agencies, manufacturers, schools, hotels, and visitor attractions.

Despite design and print technology evolving drastically in the business’s lifetime, Rob believes that the craft of printing is as important as ever: “In an age where the life expectancy of a piece of digital content is often counted in a few seconds, we know that great quality print can make an impression that lasts, and, more importantly, moves people to action.” Hear, hear!

For more: ashleyhouse.co.uk

EXETER CHIEFS NEWS Chris Bentley brings you the latest from inside Sandy Park Lachie Turner makes a break

PHOTO BY @PPAUK

‘Nothing if not entertaining’ is without doubt the best way of describing the season to date for Rob Baxter’s men. Indeed, the rollercoaster ride continued this month with some last minute drama making what could have been important wins into narrow defeats and a draw!

Facing old foes Gloucester at a packed Sandy Park, the Chiefs found themselves trailing by 12 points with as many minutes remaining. Showing all of the qualities that got the record second place finish last term, they battled back and a last minute try by Damien Welch left ‘dead eye’ Gareth Steenson with a tough-as-you-like touchline conversion for the win. Sadly, the kick drifted wide and the 27-all draw left the team feeling somewhat deflated following the spirited comeback.

The Premiership then took a break as focus turned to Europe and the visit of Clermont. On the back of a bonus point win last season, ‘Les Jaunards’ had a strict game plan, living on meagre possession but striking at every opportunity, and gave a harsh lesson in the realities of Europe’s top rugby competition, running away with a 35-8 win.

On the back of such a big loss, a response was needed – and it came at an emotionallycharged Kingspan Stadium against Ulster.

With Ireland grieving the loss of favourite son Anthony Foley, the Ulstermen came out all guns blazing but were met by an equally inspired Exeter. Chiefs’ own sons of the Emerald Isle, Gareth Steenson and Ian Whitten, came to the fore and the Chiefs worked position for a drop goal to lead by two, with just over a minute left. Sadly, the lead was short-lived as Ireland international

Paddy Jackson landed a heartbreaking drop goal of his own and took a 19-18 win.

But for the width of a post the Chiefs could have been celebrating two wins in the last block of fixtures, but this is the margin at the highest level of rugby and the onus is on the team to get back on top. With local rivals Bath next up at Sandy Park, the incentive couldn’t be any greater as this is a derby we all relish!

In spite of the results, it’s great to acknowledge three more internationalists from within the squad as Tomas Francis (Wales), Michele Campagnaro (Italy) and Moray Low (Scotland) have all been given the nod for their respective autumn international squads.

Of further good news is the state of sister

business Sandy Park with the conferencing business hosting over 500 delegates from Decco, Venturefest, Parts Alliance, Eurosat and the NHBC over the last few weeks.

Add in the 5,000 Christmas party bookings already on the register and its fantastic to see ‘the business behind the business’ doing so well.

And finally, Tom Johnson’s testimonial season has taken a rather saucy turn with the release of his charity calendar – check out this and his events at www.tjtestimonial.co.uk Next up for the Chiefs at Sandy Park: Sun 13 Nov – Cardiff (Anglo Welch Cup) Sat 26 Nov – Worcester Warriors For more: exeterchiefs.co.uk

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BUSINESS INSIDER

ONE TO WATCH

ASHTON HARGREAVES Showroom manager, Amos Lighting in Topsham What was your first ever paid job?

I was 14 and got a job as an assistant to a wedding photographer. I carried bags, took photos, created preview and final wedding albums – it was all print, not digital. My boss was brilliant; he gave me the chance to actually take photos and gain experience, and he picked me up from the train station in his TVR – very cool!

How did you find your way to Amos Lighting, and what is your role there?

I worked for another lighting company and knew about Amos Lighting – I simply visited their website and there was a job opening, so I applied. My role was as a sales consultant, helping customers both with project design and retail purchases – but just a year later I was offered the chance to be showroom manager for the new Topsham branch and, of course, I jumped at it.

Tell us a bit about the new showroom in Topsham...

It’s in a great location, just opposite Darts Farm and near Sapphire Spaces. Visually it has an ‘urban’ contemporary look, with lots of texture and interest – and the product range will reflect this. We’re stocking an eclectic range of design-led lighting within a broad price range. I believe good design should not automatically mean expensive!

We are also showcasing an exciting range of soft furnishings from Cattelan Italia and Content by Conran – very bold colours and design with some great price points.

Who have been your biggest influences and role models throughout your career?

To be honest, David Amos is my main inspiration. He started in the lighting business when he was very young, and I’m very young to be taking on such an important role in the company. My parents have also been great role models – they started their own specialist recruitment agency 17 years ago and made a success of it.

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

Don’t stay in a job because you’re comfortable; push forward out of your comfort zone and see what happens.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I really love interacting with customers, giving them ideas for lighting and seeing them leave the showroom with a smile on their faces. I enjoy designing lighting for homes, too. One big motivation for me is the fabulous team I work with at Amos.

80 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Ash Hargreaves: jive talkin’

What has been your greatest professional achievement to date?

Before I moved to Amos Lighting I had been made redundant three times. So, this is my greatest professional achievement to date – I feel like I finally have a career!

What are Exeter’s strengths as a place to work?

It’s rapidly becoming ‘the place to be’, a mini-London if you like – there’s a real buzz in the business community.

It’s a sought-after place to live and work and what’s perfect is the ease of access to the countryside and sea.

Topsham is so easy to get to and a great location to work.

PUSH FORWARD OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS

And its weaknesses, or things that could be better?

Traffic in Exeter can be a problem – although this is not such an issue in Topsham.

What are your favourite stress-busting strategies?

My husband and I dance! We love modern jive and West Coast swing, and we compete at international level. In July, we were placed second in the Indie Jive Championships, advanced category.

What’s the one item in your workplace you can’t live without (not including computer or phone)?

My notebook. It contains all sorts of information from design meetings, customer contact, daily tasks – and I also use it to sketch ideas in.

What’s the best bit of advice you could give a young person wondering what to do with their life?

Don’t be pushed into something you don’t want to do.

You’ll make mistakes but they are learning curves. If you jump back up and strive to do well it will all work out.

What’s your motto for life?

There’s always a reason to be positive.

For more: amoslighting.co.uk

• Divorce or Separation

• Personal Disputes

• Conveyancing

• Debt Recovery

•P ersonal Injury & Inquests ental & Clinical •D Negligence

• Children Issues • Wills & Probate • Court of Protection

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

INGLENOOK

84 LIVING www.mediaclash.co.uk 112I I EXETER CLIFTON LIFE II www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

COTTAGE

PROPERTY

A 200-year-old home on the rural fringes of the city lights KITTY KANE’s fire

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SHOWCASE

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ove the cosy charm and primal thrill of a real fire? Got an axe and know how to use it?

Then this cottage on Exeter’s western fringe could have been built just for you. Way back when, somebody considered its large, brick fireplace and bread oven such a key feature, they decided to name the property in its honour. You can stick something easier in the hearth if you must – as it’s adaptable – but we have an inkling you’ll be in your plaid shirt seasoning, splitting and chopping firewood before the ink’s dried on your contract. You’ll certainly find space outside to gather the stuff, and build the perfect, Nordicstyle log store to keep it in – the wonderfully away-fromit-all gardens to the rear, front and sides, contain a lawn, woodland area, al fresco dining area, and are bordered on three sides by gently undulating fields.

Back to that come-hither inglenook fireplace, in the charming living/dining room: it’s one of countless, characterful period touches here. There’s also the Gothicstyle arched windows; impressive, beamed ceiling; exposed brickwork; traditional studded back door; and ledge-and-brace interior doors.

And yet, as you’d expect, the past two centuries have seen a number of improvements and extensions to the original cob building, meaning that most of your 21st century must-haves are present and correct. One of these is the large kitchen/breakfast room you’ll find off the entrance hall, with its white, shaker-style kitchen and smart wooden floor. There’s also a handy, downstairs shower room and loo with under-floor heating and, within the grounds of the property, a big double garage with a variety of uses – previous owners had a fully equipped gym in there, but it would serve equally well as an office or workshop. Or really big log store. . .

The most impressive of all these later add-ons, 86 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Clockwise from top left: the self-contained apartment; plenty of mature trees and shrubbery shield you from the world; period enough for you?; your contemporary kitchen awaits

HOUSE NUMBERS

2,774 square feet

3

bedrooms

£435K price

3

bathrooms

1

separate apartment

1

double garage

however, is the self-contained, two-storey apartment situated above the garage, which has its own heating, electric supply, plumbing and drainage and would suit grown-up offspring, agile grandparents, weekend guests or Airbnb-ers to a tee. Designed to be both efficient and eye-catching, it has a fitted kitchen, large living room, bedroom, bathroom, nifty mezzanine area, and fabulous wooden balcony.

Upstairs you’ll find three bedrooms: the lovely, lightfilled master has another balcony, as well as an ensuite bathroom and countryside views to drink in with your morning cuppa. The remaining two, slightly smaller, bedrooms share a tidy, contemporary family bathroom.

Tucked away behind a gated driveway in a rural setting (Whitestone is where Chris ‘Coldplay’ Martin grew up, trivia fans), Inglenook Cottage fools you into thinking it’s in the middle of nowhere but it’s a mere three miles or so away from Exeter, so convenient for anyone who has business or pleasure calling them into the city every day.

Parents of tinies will also be interested to hear that their nearest primary is the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’-rated Exwick Heights Primary School. You’re also just down the road from the Pathfinder retirement village which has useful day-to-day amenities including grocery shop, post office and GP surgery.

Regular readers will know these pages usually gush over properties worth over half a million or more.

Inglenook Cottage comes in at considerably less than that, and yet is one of the nicest properties of its kind we’ve seen in ages. We suspect this reasonably-priced period beauty will ignite (get it?) plenty of interest.

Winkworth, 25 Southernhay East, Exeter EX1 1QP 01392 271177; winkworth.co.uk/Exeter

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Pennsylvania, Exeter

Our understanding of the everchanging market enables us to price your property accurately.

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Call us now for a free market appraisal 19 Southernhay East Exeter, Devon EX1 1QD Exeter@knightfrank.com 01392 976178 @KFExeter KnightFrank.co.uk

St Leonards, Exeter

St Leonards, Exeter

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St Leonards, Exeter

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Streatham Rise, Exeter

Streatham Rise, Exeter

Streatham Rise, Exeter

Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management

Clyst St Mary - ÂŁ465,000 4 Bed - 2 Bath A fantastic opportunity to acquire this spacious and well presented four bedroom detached family residence, occupying a highly sought after residential location & situated within the thriving village of Clyst St Mary. Located approximately 3 miles East of Exeter, Clyst St Mary offers a wide range of amenities such as village hall, primary school, public house and convenience store as well as offering easy access to major road links such as the M5 & A30. Perfectly suited to modern family living the accommodation comprises in brief entrance porch, hallway, living room, modern fitted kitchen/diner, conservatory, utility room, cloakroom and a sitting room to the ground floor. Four good sized bedrooms with master ensuite shower room and a family bathroom are situated to the first floor. Features include gas central heating and double glazing. Outside the property boasts large gardens to the front and rear aspects and driveway offering off road parking for several vehicles. Naomi J Ryan Estate Agents are delighted to offer this property to the market for sale and highly recommend internal viewing to fully appreciate all this wonderful family home has to offer.

For more information please call: 01392 215283 or visit www.naomijryan.co.uk

Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management

Exeter - £925,000 5 Bed – 4 Bath A truly exceptional period five bedroom detached family residence situated in the heart of “old” Pennsylvania. Nestled in a quiet location, tucked away along a private road, Cobham is a spacious family home commanding spectacular panoramic views across the city, to the estuary and beyond. Offering superbly presented and versatile accommodation this property is perfectly suited to modern family living and could be easily adapted to purchasers requiring an annexe or facilities to work from home. Cobham is an exceptional detached family home with superb panoramic views across Exeter with the Exe estuary in the distance. Beautifully presented and having undergone considerable improvement by the current owners, the property offers spacious and versatile living space throughout and comprises entrance hall, superb modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room with bi-fold doors out to the rear garden, living room with panoramic bay window, family room, music room, gym, office, utility room, two ground floor cloakrooms, five first floor bedrooms (two ensuite), family bathroom, shower room, gas central heating and double glazing where stated. Outside the property has a delightful enclosed rear garden with a raised patio providing a generous seating area. In addition to the extensive driveway parking there is a versatile garage/store with studio above providing flexible home office/games room potential. The property is situated in an enviable position offering excellent access to the City Centre and Exeter University.

Visit: 23 Southernhay West, Exeter EX1 1PR or email: enquiries@naomijryan.co.uk

CITY CENTRE OIRO £390,000

SILVERTON OIRO £465,000

A fabulous Penthouse apartment, beautifully appointed and enjoying a westerly aspect and far reaching views, within walking distance of the city centre. Sitting room, undercover balcony, well appointed kitchen, 3 bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom, another with en-suite shower, family bathroom. Allocated parking. EPC=D REF:DWE05514

A splendid and totally remodelled detached 5 bedroom family village house within an easy walk of the village centre. Sitting room, dining room, study, refitted kitchen/ breakfast room with Rayburn, utility. Two refitted en-suites, family bathroom, garden, double garage and parking. EPC=D REF:DWE05491

SILVERTON OIRO £279,950

NR SILVERTON OIRO £315,000

A very well positioned 3 bedroom semi-detached cottage with lovely level garden, garage and large workshop, lobby, entrance hall, kitchen, 2 receps and bathroom. Located in the much favoured older part of the village. Fantastic potential for improvement and modernisation. EPC=D REF:DWE05503

A well appointed and beautifully presented former barn conversion full of character with 4 bedrooms, a wonderful sitting room and fabulous dining/sun room. There is a generous private level garden, parking and storage plus lovely rural views. EPC=D REF:DWE05511

01392 259395

www.whittonandlaing.com Sales / Lettings / Block Management / Chartered Surveying / Auctions

20 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3SN

01392 259395

EXETER LIVES

Q&A

A

Where do you call home and what makes it special?

We live in Exeter in a house in Palace Gate just next to the Cathedral – we have a cobbled street outside our house and the Roman wall is at the end of the garden. It’s magical.

You had quite an unorthodox year before your move there, didn’t you?

Yes, my husband and I took our three children out of school and we home-schooled them as we travelled around the world for a year. It was an amazing experience – sometimes fabulous, sometimes horrendous!

Tell us about The Contented Little Husband.

So, it’s a funny book – well, hopefully it is!

It’s about how some men (just a very few, of course...) seem to regress from being fully functioning adults once they have a partner or a wife, and they become, well, let’s say a bit less mature. Why is it that so many wives I know end up choosing and buying the Christmas presents for their husband’s family as well as their own?

And can men ever be persuaded to put the loo seat down? Sound familiar? Then the book should amuse you.

What piece of music would you put on at the end of a trying day?

The theme tune to The Archers, preferably followed by an episode.

What’s your karaoke song of choice?

I sang Let It Go in a karaoke bar in Chile last year and mightily enjoyed myself. My daughters didn’t seem so keen, though!

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

When I had to admit to my husband that the jokes in the book are basically all about him.

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Answer to Where Am I? (page 11): Millstone seat, east side of Exeter quay heading towards Trews Weir

rriving in Exeter a year ago – from Camden Town via a trip around the world – Tess Read is the author of 10 books, ranging from comic novel The Secret Diary Of Eric Cowell (John Blake) to non-fiction titles like The Secret Life Of Money: Everyday Economics Explained (Metro Books).

She is currently celebrating the publication of The Contented Little Husband (Michael O’Mara Books), which examines such vital life hacks as how to deal with man flu. She’s also got three children and three turtles. We simply had to find out more. . .

TESS READ

The author* does a mean Let It Go and is completely up to speed with the PTA cake sale… (*and EL columnist as of next issue!)

What’s your earliest childhood memory?

Opening a present for my birthday – it was a colourful T-shirt, I remember being super-excited.

Simpler times...

If your nearest and dearest had to describe you, what would they say?

My husband once described me as “a barely contained explosion”.

When did you last cry?

Last week, when I told a friend I hadn’t seen for years about how my daughter nearly died when she was a baby. But it’s pretty easy to make me cry – the time before that was at Singalong Frozen.

What issue, more than any other, makes you want to get up on a soapbox?

I campaigned quite a lot in Exeter for the Remain campaign – I am pleased to say that Exeter did vote Remain, though I am not suggesting it was because of me!

Who would play you in a film about your life?

A friend once told me I reminded her of Juliette Binoche. It was the happiest day of my life.

Favourite places to eat in Exeter?

I love The Oddfellows pub, it has a great atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and the food is absolutely terrific. Also, for lunch, I love the exquisite Cafe Espresso – lovely fresh food and the servers know what is in all the dishes, which is very useful for me as I am allergy queen.

Where in the nearby countryside do you like to go to escape the hustle and bustle of town life?

Outside Exeter we have lots of favourite spots – some are well known, like Sidmouth and Beer, and some stretches of coastline and parts of moorland are so little frequented that I could tell you about them, but I would have to kill you afterwards.

If you had a time machine, which era would you return to and why?

I think the past is over-rated – there were very poor standards of personal hygiene and for half the year you could never get warm.

Who was your last text from and what was it about?

A fellow PTA member from school about the latest cake sale. It’s all about the cake sales!

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Superspeed – there are never enough hours in the day!

We’d better let you get on… What are you doing right after this?

Picking up my daughter from school and finding out what she is excited about today.

Twitter: @TessRead