SO Magazine October 2023

What’s

elcome to your October edition of SO.

This month we embrace the shift in seasonal mood, celebrating all that October has to offer – hello Halloween, half term, walks and comfort food – as well as looking forward to, sssshhh, Christmas. We’re doing that courtesy of our festive food guide which features a sneak preview of a few seasonal menus from some of our favourite pubs and restaurants. We’ve also compiled a handy gift guide in case you’re super organised and want to start your Christmas shopping early. Bravo if you are!

Our cover stars this month are the talented team at Charlotte’s in the Pantiles. If you haven’t already visited this fantastic new cocktail bar and restaurant, then what are you waiting for as you have such a treat in store!

We hear from both its founder Emma Wright about why she believed that the time was right to open a venue of this calibre

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here in Tunbridge Wells, and also talk to its Operations Director Adam Peters-Ennis about what makes Charlotte’s stand out from the crowd. Now given that he was at the epicentre of what he describes as the ‘second golden age of cocktails’ in London during the late 90s and early 2000s, when mixologists were treated like movie stars, he certainly knows a thing or two about mixing a perfect drink. His impressive CV reads like a Who’s Who of the capital’s hippest bars as he’s helped launch the likes of Match Bars, Hakkasan, Nobu Berkeley, Connaught Hotel, Kabarets Prophecy and Isola – but to name a few. But Charlotte’s isn’t just about experiencing the best cocktails in town – the food, service and general ambience is also stellar – turn to page 8 to find out more…

In addition to an interview with the founders of Hidden Hair salon on Little Mount Sion as they celebrate their first anniversary, we also have all your regular local expert contributors. Enjoy!

Culture vulture: What’s on where this month

Local hero: Paul Dunton talks to rising star Isabella Coulstock

October 2023

ISSUE 180

THE TEAM

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy

eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk

DESIGN

Jo Turfitt

Rhys Vousden

EDITORIAL

Karen Martin

Naomi Murray

Tim Sykes

Molly Miller PHOTOGRAPHY

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In the mix: We meet the talented team at Charlotte’s in the Pantiles to discover the secret of the success of this incredible new cocktail bar and restaurant

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Comic relief: Comedian John Bishop hosts a special lunch for Taylor Made Dreams

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Passion for fashion: The TN Card throws a stylish evening at the Hotel du Vin

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Say cheers: SO publisher One Media thanks clients with a drinks reception

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Family ties: Local charity Baby 2 Baby raises thousands at gala fundraiser

21 Festival fever: Friends of Skippers Hill prep school party for charity

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Artistic approach: Kata Jewellery hosts a meet the artists open day

38 Power of panto: We discover why Trinity Theatre is putting on its first pantomime

51Weald wonders: Take a trip with us to find out all this area has to offer

59Feeling festive: Don’t miss our special guide to the best Christmas menus and gift ideas to be found locally

73 Seasonal change: Kitch’s Charlotte Newman on the appeal of the new Miss June collection

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Chill out: Naomi Murray from Botanica Health on why rest is essential in life

79 Stoptober: Hypnotherapist Karen Martin shares her tips on quitting vices

81 Power up: Fitness expert Sarah Gorman suggests how to empower yourself

83New enterprise: We meet Merle Miegel from Pilates and Me fitness

85Breathe easy: Yoga expert Lucy Parker on how to breathe more mindfully

87Royal appointment: Garden Proud’s Tim Sykes pays a visit to Walmer Castle

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Book it: Bloom Stays, Kent’s luxury rental agency, reveal some of their property hot spots with literary connections

NATURE’S PALETTE

THROUGHOUT OCTOBER

As the air turns crisp and we say our final goodbyes to summer, pack your walking boots and head over to Hever Castle where you’ll be met by glorious displays of autumn colour. Rich yellow, red, and orange leaves will form the backdrop to the garden’s magnificent line-up of events including weekly tours and workshops with head gardener Neil Miller, along with an immersive self-guided trail that will unveil the unique and unusual trees of the grounds as they turn from green to gold, orange, and red. More information can be found on: www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/

LIVE AND LET DINE

OCTOBER 6

Calling all thrill-seekers and comedy enthusiasts. The Royal Wells Hotel invites you for an evening of dynamic entertainment courtesy of its Live and Let Dine event – a Bond spoof comedy dinner. Guests will enjoy an intriguing evening full of espionage, packed with impressive stunts, heartpounding suspense, and side-splitting humour – all accompanied by a tasty three-course dinner. With talented actors portraying a multitude of characters, every moment will be filled with lots of laughs and quirky surprises as you sip your shaken-not-stirred Martini. The event kicks off at 7pm and tickets cost £55 each. Book at www.royalwells.co.uk

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

OCTOBER 7

Tunbridge Wells International Music Festival kicks off with an opera gala which will be performed in the King Charles the Martyr Church at 7pm. Entitled Deception and Delirium, it will feature popular arias and ensembles that delve into dramatic intrigues and heightened emotions of operatic plots. Charlotte Bowden is the soprano, with Rebecca Leggett as mezzo soprano, and Edward Jowle singing baritone. These talented

young opera stars, who will be joined by pianist extraordinaire Julian Black, are set to entertain with their virtuosity and sense of fun. Expect tears, laughter, bizarre plot twists, intense passion, and comic relief. The ticket price of £35 of this fundraising concert in support of A Hall for Hall includes interval refreshments www.ticketsource.co.uk/twimf

HERE COMES TROUBLE

OCTOBER 7

Trinity Theatre welcomes comedian Jo Caulfield on the evening of September 7.Touring her Here Comes Trouble show, this standup is quite simply one of the most consistently funny and creative comics in the country.Voted Comedians’

DID YOU KNOW?

The name pumpkin comes from the Greek word ‘pepon’, meaning large melon. They vary in weight but an average sized pumpkin might weigh around 13 pounds (6 kilograms). They’re believed to have originated in Mexico over seven and a half thousand years ago.

Comedian of The Year 2021/2022, Jo enjoyed a sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run, and now brings Here Comes

Trouble to Tunbridge Wells. It’s packed with brilliant routines and fantastically embarrassing stories and, as you’d expect, there are Jo’s trademark razorsharp observations and scandalous one-liners littered throughout. From yelling at strangers on trains (and many other places), to discussing ridiculous sexual fantasies and annoying her neighbours, Jo doesn’t mean to cause trouble; she just has the nerve to say out loud what everyone else is thinking! Tickets cost £19 and are available from www.trinitytheatre.co.uk

BEATLES MANIA

OCTOBER 8

From Love Me Do to Let It Be, from the Cavern to the Apple rooftop, from black and white to psychedelic technicolour, the world’s premier covers band, the Bootleg Beatles, returns to take you on a whistle-stop journey through the most vibrant revolutionary and divisive decade of all – the Swinging Sixties. It’s all here…the iconic mop tops and the Chelsea boots, the Sgt Pepper tunics and the Chesterfield suits. Each tiny vocal inflection and each witty Beatle quip, all meticulously studied on this Magical Mystery trip. The action happens at 7.30pm and tickets, which can be booked from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk start from £29.25

SO brings you the most entertaining events happening this October

DID YOU KNOW?

The Beatles were originally called The Quarrymen but changed their name as a tribute to Buddy Holly and the Crickets. The band had its first British performance under the name “Beatles” on December 17, 1960, at Liverpool’s Casbah Coffee Club.

KEEP DANCING

OCTOBER 10

At 7.30pm Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge, Anton Du Beke, will sashay onto the stage with his hit show An Evening with Anton Du Beke and Friends. With his live band, a guest singer and his dancers, you can expect a fab-u-lous evening of song, dance and laughter. Anton will be performing some of his favourite songs and dances that have inspired his career. Expect behind the scenes stories from his time on Strictly that will have you laughing out loud. Don’t miss this special opportunity to get up close to the King of the ballroom. Tickets cost £47 (or £42.30 if you’re a Circle member) www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

BARD REPUTATION

OCTOBER 18-21

Trinity Theatre Club (TTC) presents Macbeth. Shakespeare’s classic tale of murder, madness, ambition and wrathful cunning. With thrilling action and chilling supernatural moments, audiences will have the opportunity to follow Macbeth’s bloody journey from hero to tyrant. All performed by a stellar cast, and directed by TTC’s Helen Thorpe the theatre troupe promises their production will simply electrify you! Tickets cost £17 pp but there is a

special opening night offer of two tickets for £28 when you quote TTC2023. Visit www.trinitytheatreclub.co.uk for more info.

HOUSE OF HORROR

FRI 20TH OCT AND SIX MORE

DATES...

The Assembly Hall theatre invites you to experience this immersive horror show which runs on October 20 & 21, 27 & 28 and 29 & 31. According to a spokesperson for the venue this is ideally enjoyed by a group of up to six people. So what happens? Well, on arrival you and your team are told you’ve been hired to clean up an old, abandoned laboratory in the centre of Tunbridge Wells. That all changes the moment the door locks behind you... Blood soaks the floor, wires spark, lights flicker, and the strange, guttural sounds coming from the walls suggest you’re not alone. Something monstrous lurks just

out of sight, waiting patiently to pick your team off one by one.You have just one hour to navigate the lab, uncover its terrible secrets, solve its perilous puzzles and evade the evil that stalks you at every turn… Tickets start at £100 for a group of four and £120 for six people.

GHOSTLY GOINGS ON OCTOBER 21-29

From Saturday October 21 to Sunday October 29, Penshurst Place and Gardens will be transformed into a spellbinding haunt for families and visitors of all ages. With all activities included in the cost of admission, it offers the perfect way to celebrate the season and keep children entertained during the half-term break. There will be panto-style storytelling in the Garden Room with hot chocolate for children, which will bring to life the timeless tale of The Prince and The Maid. There will also be a fairytale themed garden trail. Entitled The Great Potion Commotion, it’s based on the traditional Hansel and Gretel story and leads guests through the formal walled gardens where clues can be found. The estate’s Old Coach House will be open for children to unleash their creativity and make spooky crafts to take home. Crafting activities include creating hanging ghosts, hand-print spiders, bendy snakes, upside-down bats, and monster masks. For more event information visit www. penshurstplace.com/whats-on/ events-and-activities

IT’S SHOWTIME

OCTOBER 22

DID YOU KNOW?

Mostly we think of the term ‘fall’ as an American reference to the autumn season but rather surprisingly it actually originated in England in the 17th century from the phrase ‘fall of the leaf’.

CIRQUE: The Greatest Show is where musical theatre meets the circus and it’s coming to the Assembly Hall at 1pm and 5pm on October 22.Prepare to witness some musical theatre showstoppers and jaw-dropping circus feats performed by incredible contortionists, and thrilling agility and flair.

The music will lift you on a truly wondrous journey bursting with kaleidoscopic colour in this smashhit variety spectacular that’s fun for all the family. Prices start from £31 (members pay £27.90)

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

PUMPKIN POWER

Halloween wouldn’t be the same without a trip to source a pumpkin or two would it? Nowadays there are plenty of places you can go to for gourds, squashes and the like. Locally you can head to Birchden Farm in Groombridge and Four Winds Farm in Bidborough or you can head over to Pumpkin Moon in Maidstone if you fancy a trip further afield. Refreshments will be served throughout the pumpkin-picking sessions. More details at www.pumpkinmoon.uk

NATIONAL TREASURES

We have so many beautiful National Trust properties on our doorstep and many of them are hosting special Halloween and half-term events. It’s a good idea to check each one’s website first to see what’s on when and of course to book tickets. Locally you can choose to visit magical properties such as Bodiam Castle, Igtham Mote and Emmetts Garden. Scotney Castle and Sissinghurst are another couple of National Trust gems with rich histories and are the perfect places to escape to on a bright and crisp autumnal day. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Rising star star

SO magazine’s resident music guru Paul Dunton reveals the amazing success story of local singersongwriter Isabella Coulstock, whose star is now in the ascendence thanks to her fantastic talent – and recent gigs opening for The Who at the O2

Around seven years ago I received an email enquiry from a Mark Coulstock asking whether I might consider his daughter Isabella for a booking at The Grey Lady.

I have been running ‘The Grey Lady Sessions’ since 2005 which are essentially all-seated candlelit concerts for local singersongwriters and original groups. When a new local act enquiry comes forward, it’s always of interest, particularly as one of my goals is to ensure variety and encourage new acts to break into the Tunbridge Wells music scene. So an informal audition date was agreed where I invited Isabella and Mark over to The Grey Lady for a chat and the opportunity to play a few original songs ‘unplugged’ so I could get an idea of her style and sound, and overall level of her musicianship and vocal prowess. After listening to her perform a few songs, I was absolutely blown away! Isabella’s voice was astonishing. She delivered a set that exuded an effortlessly pure yet soulful tone laced with a natural country texture and vibe. Her expansive vocal range and dynamics immediately demonstrated her dexterity as a vocalist and her consummate guitar playing was very neat and tidy, expansive and warm in sound. I could instantly tell she had many hours of practice under her belt.

Isabella’s songwriting was also exceptional, lyrically mature and all of her songs were intelligently crafted, and rich in both pop and country sensibilities – they

Paul Dunton Music Editor Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

were also very catchy. One of her originals she performed at the audition entitled ‘Crazy Cowboy’ was an absolute cracker and she still plays it to this very day and with good reason. It’s the kind of song that you could imagine singing along to at a show as its infectious upbeat melody and playful lyrics simply draw you in, it just sticks in your head…

Following the audition all those years ago, Isabella went on to make her debut at The Grey Lady a few months later and gave a stellar performance to a packed room. It wasn’t long before she established herself as one of the leading lights on the local scene and I invited her to perform at other venues I was working with, including the likes of Trinity Theatre and the Music Room at PizzaExpress Maidstone (which is sadly no longer around).

In 2018 she made her debut at the Local & Live Festival, where she performed on the main stage at Calverley Grounds and went down a storm! The past few years

have seen Isabella’s meteoric rise reach extraordinary new heights, as she was invited personally by Jools Holland to open for him at various theatres across the UK including Warwick, Buxton Opera House, The Great Hall at Exeter, Scarborough, The Victoria Theatre at Stoke, The Orchard Theatre at Dartford, Malvern Winter Gardens and of course Tunbridge Wells’ very own Assembly Hall.

Isabella has also attained prominent slots at numerous highprofile festivals including Pub In The Park, Cornbury Festival, Black Deer Festival and The British Country Music Festival just to name a few. The Jools Holland shows have been an incredible experience for her, and in addition to exposing her to sizable new audiences, which has led to her winning many new fans, it has, along with all her other gigs, really helped to fine-tune her live shows. Mr Holland has invited Isabella to join him once again this winter at theatres in Plymouth, Brighton and Southend. The summer of 2023 has been a very busy period and saw Isabella as main support for Nell Bryden on her recent UK tour. She also released her debut single ‘Trouble’

to great acclaim in June.

But perhaps the biggest moment of her fledgling career so far came in July of this year when she was handpicked by The Who to open for them at The 02 Arena as the main support act. I was there in the 20,000 strong audience and to be honest, I could not be prouder as she gave a world-class performance. What an amazing achievement, going from performing at The Grey Lady to just 50 people to opening for The Who at the 02! It didn’t stop there though, The Who also invited her to open for them at their Cricket Grounds shows which included Brighton, Durham and Derby.

At only 21, Isabella is a consummate professional who is 110 per cent dedicated to her craft and extremely humble and personable at the same time. Knowing Isabella like I do, she will never rest on her laurels and will continue to strive to improve further and work as hard as she can to keep developing her career.

The music industry is a very tough and sometimes ruthless business, but Isabella definitely has the drive and the natural ability to go all the way to the top. It will be fascinating to follow the next chapter in her career, but whatever direction it goes, it’s clear she truly loves writing and performing and I am convinced that above all is what really matters to her.

Isabella will be back at The Grey Lady soon (date still yet to be confirmed) and I am sure will grace Calverley Grounds at Local & Live once again but for now, it’s incredibly exciting to see a local artist go on to achieve such incredible success and I am sure there is more to follow in the near future…watch this space!

Isabella’s forthcoming new single ‘Broken’ is available to stream or buy on all major online platforms and you can follow Isabella at @isabellacoulstock on Instagram and Facebook

“Isabella’s songwriting is exceptional, lyrically mature and all of her songs are intelligently crafted, rich in both pop and country sensibilities – and very catchy”

DAVID WARREN PHOTOGRAPHY

At your service

Since opening at the end of April this year, Charlotte’s In The Pantiles has been a runaway success. Eileen Leahy spoke to its talented team about why it’s proving so popular with the discerning drinkers and diners in Tunbridge Wells – and beyond…

For a project that has been a very long time in the planning – over two years to be exact – the impressive success of Charlotte’s cocktail bar and restaurant in The Pantiles has been achieved at lightning speed.

Having only opened its polished monogrammed glass doors at the end of April it is, in the words of its Operations Director Adam Peters-Ennis, ‘totally smashing’ its targets on a weekly basis and as a result swiftly established itself as one of the places to see and be seen in Tunbridge Wells...

“On opening we really did hit the ground running, so it will be nice to eventually take a breath and regroup,” smiles Adam as we sit down to chat at one of Charlotte’s smart al fresco tables. Given it’s a post-summer Monday morning in September the place

is buzzing with guests sipping their lattes and flat whites – sourced from the nearby Tunbridge Wells Coffee Roastery – and enjoying the establishment’s all-round excellent service.

Later in the day Charlotte’s switches up its morning offering to serve guests an impressive range of drinks, with a focus on quality cocktails – more of which later. The establishment’s food menu boasts a selection of on-trend tapas-style seasonal sharing plates which are regularly changed to reflect the season.

“I think in essence we have created a high-end hospitality offering,” says Adam, who has worked in the drinks industry for over 20 years. His career CV is hugely impressive as he’s helped launch some of the capital’s bestknown bars including Hakkasan, Isola, Nobu Berkeley St and

The Connaught.

Adam trained under the legendary late Dick Bradsell, who was responsible for creating some of the most famous modern-day cocktail classics including the Espresso Martini, the Russian Spring Punch and the Bramble.

Musing on the successs of Charlotte’s so far he adds: “I guess we’ve had a perfect storm of opening just before the summer, which this year had lots of sunny Bank Holidays, enjoying a miniheatwave in September and the fact we’re offering something just that little bit different to everyone else.”

It’s no wonder that Charlotte’s founder and Creative Director Emma Wright, was able to turn the vision she had of creating an upmarket cocktail bar here in Tunbridge Wells into a reality courtesy of Adam’s expert

knowledge. But she also credits the overall team and also a slew of excellent local suppliers and a little sprinkling of serendipity for turning an idea into a bricks-andmortar business.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Charlotte is owner Emma Wright’s middle name. The double-C logo pays homage to the original establishment that occupied the beloved Pantiles building. It was previously called Cadena Café, which was part of a chain of coffee houses that began life in southwest England during the early 1900s. The original entwined Cs logo from that period can be found on The Pantiles clock as well as in an original mosaic on the London Road entrance to Charlotte’s.

“We are so thrilled to have created a highend hospitality offering here in Tunbridge Wells”

PHOTOS BY DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

“We had the idea for Charlotte’s during lockdown, which might seem crazy to most!” she tells me.

“We (the founders) collectively had this vision to create a unique city-style cocktail bar and eatery which we just couldn’t let rest.”

“So when the perfect location became available, offering us the chance to own a historic building which includes the famous Pantiles Clock, we couldn’t resist making it a reality.”

Adam confirms that lockdown was indeed the perfect time to think about doing something like this given people were commuting less and wanting to support local businesses.

“Before the pandemic struck, Tunbridge Wells was very much a commuter town with many people going out in the capital instead of here. So when residents couldn’t do that as often it made sense to create something on the doorstep that would fill that void.”

“Creating has always been something I’ve been passionate about,” continues Emma. “I think this particular industry encapsulates everything that creation is about: the spaces, the experiences, the memories made there. It gives an incredible sense of achievement to create a destination where people go to have fun, socialise and experience first-class service in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. This

How would you describe the essence of Charlotte’s in three words?

“Fun, luxury and community”

is something which in lockdown we were passionate about reviving.”

Emma adds that finding the location for Charlotte’s, which is located right in the heart of The Pantiles was ‘a moment of fate’.

“We’d been keeping an eye on what was available and when this period building turned up we all knew it was the one. We were set on The Pantiles as a location as it provides everything we were looking for in terms of combining a wonderful community spirit with a rich history.

“In fact, our logo pays homage to the branding of a business called ‘Cadena Café’, which was located in our building in 1902 and formed part of a larger chain of coffee houses in the south of England. The original entwined C’s logo of Cadena Café from the 1900s can be found on The Pantiles Clock, on the exterior of the building and in an original mosaic on the London Road entry to Charlotte’s,” adds Emma. And in terms of how they came up with the name Charlotte’s, Emma explains that it’s her middle name. It’s an inspired choice, paying homage to the history of The Pantiles by featuring the original double-Cs logo from the Cadena Café and using it in the branding for Charlotte’s.

Once Emma had found her dream building she instructed local builders Charles Mills Construction to do the renovation work with the plan to launch Charlotte’s at the end of 2022.

But due to various supply issues courtesy of Covid hangovers, as well as some tricky regulations due to the age of the building, Charlotte’s ended up opening a lot later than first expected.

But, as Adam points out, that simply gave him the time to recruit the right people for the job. These include Eddie Lewis, General Manager, Connie Towers, Supervisor and Dan Armitage who is the Head Bartender.

“We’ve been so very lucky with the people we’ve got on board at Charlotte’s. Everyone is so passionate about what they do,” says Adam.

Another key member of the team is Adam’s wife Vanessa, who is now the establishment’s Front and Back of House Manager and is also a qualified interior designer.

“At the time of Emma approaching my then boss Sophie Stevens at SGS Design for the interiors at Charlotte’s, she was introduced to Adam. Sophie knew him through me and would

“It gives an incredible sense of achievement to create a destination where people go to have fun, socialise and experience firstclass service in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere”

always commission him to create a unique cocktail for SGS clients on completion of a project,” Vanessa explains.

On meeting, Emma told Adam that she wanted to create a citystyle bar. She took his counsel very seriously, given the prolific career he’d enjoyed working in the capital’s hippest bars throughout the 1990s and 2000s – and more recently – for some of the world’s biggest drinks brands.

Having worked solely as a freelance consultant on the project until January this year, Adam was then brought on board full-time and appointed Operations Director at Charlotte’s.

“I was so lucky as Emma gave

me carte blanche to do whatever I thought would work best – which included appointing the right members of staff. Getting Eddie on board as our General Manager was a deal-breaker as he’s so passionate about what he does and we work really well together.

“When I first saw the plans for Charlotte’s, I noted the kitchen was going to be at the front of the building with the bar area at the back. So I suggested putting the bar at the front in order to make a feature of it. When we designed it, we ensured it had all the right kit and shelf space we needed to have a great selection of spirits and was a great space to socialise. I always say sitting at the bar is like being at the chef’s table. It’s a very intimate experience.”

The beautiful, curved, marbletopped counter which greets guests as they walk in is definitely Charlotte’s chief aesthetic focal point and is everything you’d want from a bar, with its mirrored shelves that boast row-upon-row of amazing bottles of unique spirits, gilded glass holders, and ambient lighting – sourced from local supplier lumière. It’s no wonder the chic velvet bar stools are constantly occupied by discerning drinkers keen to try out the smorgasbord of drinks that make up the cocktail list.

“We have complete say over what brands we stock, which is great,” continues Adam. “Having that chance to fill a gap in the market, to create a unique offering that was really needed here in Tunbridge Wells has been really wonderful.”

Adam adds that there are around 35 cocktails on Charlotte’s menu and that they make up around 40 per cent of the venue’s takings. Prices average around £12 per cocktail and there are also

CONTACT DETAILS

www.charlottesinthepantiles.co.uk

@charlottesinthepantiles

some non-alcoholic choices for £8.

“We’ll always have a mix of classics, some twists on classics and our own creations on our menu. Obviously, classics are there for a reason, but with twists and house creations, we can offer something else – like a Run The Jewelz which is a riff on the classic Last Word and uses Cascahuin Blanco Tequila as its base. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better house tequila!

“We also serve a Pink Mojito instead of the traditional variety and create limited edition cocktails such as this summer’s Fight Milk which was inspired by the TV series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It wasn’t for everyone but it was certainly a talking point!”

“We spend hours tweaking and refining our cocktails,” adds Eddie.

“And although we’ll have some well-known brands on offer, most will be spirits that you won’t find in supermarkets, offering our guests something different. All prep is done on the day, ensuring all juices and garnishes are fresh to create the best-quality cocktails.”

Emma tells me that it’s thanks to Adam and his team’s expertise and guidance, they now have a ‘wonderful’ front-of-house team in place.

“That has been so rewarding and I feel really confident in their ability to achieve our vision. It also makes me feel incredibly proud to see ideas which were once concepts, turn into reality, whether

that be through the drinks, the food menu, seeing Charlotte’s in action on a bustling Saturday night, or the incredible décor.”

Oh yes, the décor! Now that really is a talking point as SGS Design have done a really stellar job on the interiors.

Think 1930s-style plush banquettes, monochrome tiling, glimmering brass accents and sleek marbling. Has it turned out the way Emma had envisaged it?

“Interiors have always been a passion of mine and I knew I wanted to create something truly unique and special for Charlotte’s. Working with Sophie and her team at SGS Design was an amazing experience. We’ve known Sophie for over 20 years now and there was no one else we would have turned to; she was an invaluable support in making our vision of the space come to life.”

Emma adds that her ideas about what she wanted in terms of a really decent food offering have also come to fruition courtesy of expert advice from Lumiere Consultancy, and also thanks to Head Chef Cadius, who was brought on board due to another moment of serendipity courtesy of one of Adam’s contacts.

“I bumped into a friend of mine who said ‘If you’re looking for a Head Chef then you should definitely meet Cadius. We arranged a chat and immediately clicked.”

Cadius, whose culinary CV includes the Hotel Du Vin and The Beacon as well as at Malmaison in Brighton, is equally as enthused about his role at Charlotte’s and says he has loved enhancing the menu.

“I’d describe it as a tapas-style mix of both Mediterranean and

“We knew we wanted to create something truly unique and special for Charlotte’s. Working with Sophie and her team at SGS Design was an amazing experience”

CARLA BARBER PHOTOGRAPHY

British foods, and we try to source as many ingredients as locally as possible. We use Fuller’s and TH Brown & Son as our main suppliers, and will also create some seasonal specials. During the summer, for example, we did an enormous amount of fish tacos.

“We also offer plenty of glutenfree and vegetarian options, and our kitchen is completely nut-free, too. Adam has been given freedom of the bar and so have I in the kitchen, so we can switch up and adapt the menu very regularly.”

Cadius reveals that he’s currently looking at creating unique plates to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

“It’s about tapping into all those opportunities,” continues Adam. “It’s funny because a lot of bars and kitchens don’t connect but here we do – we’ll go in and pot wash if we have to. It’s totally a joint effort and you don’t always get that.”

Vanessa believes that being a relatively small and very close team allows Charlotte’s to be very nimble.

“We can quickly adapt and make changes if we need to, and one thing that Adam has ensured with all his staff training is that everyone can take on another role. I think having that flexibility while ensuring our quality levels are met – no matter how busy we get – has led us to having so many regular and loyal guests in just a matter of months. The feedback so far has

been phenomenal.”

“We’ve always said from day one you can serve the best food and the finest drink, but if the service isn’t there it counts for nothing.

“You can teach people how to carry a tray properly and to serve drinks but you can’t teach nice,” states Adam.

“Luckily we have really been so fortunate with all our team. They have all taken on our core values and they just get it. They want to be here doing a good job.

“But it is hard work and so I’ve always said if you want an easier life there are easier jobs out there – the level of service here is really high. But our team actually want to be here. They are really on the ball.”

Vanessa adds: “And it’s not just our members of staff who want to be here. Most of our guests do, too! We have so many who come here for a coffee and then end up staying for lunch,” laughs Vanessa.

She goes on to explain that Charlotte’s is a walk-in venue with

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED – ADAM PETERS-ENNIS’ COCKTAIL CV

Adam has worked for some of the greatest bars and restaurants in London. He trained under the legendary Dick Bradsell, who turned cocktail-making into pure theatre and was responsible for inventing a slew of modern-day cocktails including the Espresso Martini, the Russian Spring Punch and the Bramble. “Working with Dick was an education,” he says.

After working with Dick he launched bars including Match Bars, Hakkasan, Nobu Berkeley Street, The Connaught Hotel, Kaberet’s Prophecy and Isola. “It was at Isola around 2002 that we worked with chef Bruno Loubet, who allowed us access to the kitchen and their techniques. This included clarification for our cocktails and the poaching of fruit to extract more flavour. This was a game-changing time and opened the doors to lots of experimentation within our cocktails.”

After 17 or so years of working with some of the best of the best in drinks hospitality, Adam moved brand-side where he continued to develop his passion for spirits, working for labels such as Zubrowka, Bushmills and Jose Cuervo. “I helped launch the Kraken Black Spiced Rum into the UK, which was a career highlight. Before Charlotte’s I worked with the amazing team at Spirit Cartel, where I believe we managed the most impressive portfolio of brands, many of which you’ll find here!”

bookings available for parties of six and above, and that they can also accommodate larger groups.

“We’ll always want to find you a table – especially for our regulars. But there is the possibility to reserve for groups of 6-12 in their larger, more private seating areas which include the intimate Eden table and Indigo room, which is on our second floor and great for small gatherings.

“We recently hosted a wedding party here and that was really special.”

Having experienced Charlotte’s first-hand as a regular customer, most recently dining at the chic Eden table with a group of friends, I can well imagine how perfect the Indigo space with its sumptuous seating, sultry lighting and intimate character would lend itself to special nocturnal celebrations.

But then, enjoying one of their signature Pink Mojitos on one of the tables outside with a plate of padron peppers is equally as good

chez Charlotte’s in my opinion!

“Well that’s what we want actually. We want people to sit here and enjoy it for as long as they desire and not to be rushed off a table,” adds Vanessa.

So it would appear that a cocktail bar of this calibre is exactly what the discerning drinkers of Tunbridge Wells have been crying out for.

“Well, yes I think that’s right,” says Adam who reveals that it’s always been a long-held dream for him and Vanessa to run a quality cocktail establishment, serving up show-stopping drinks featuring some of the world’s finest spirits.

“Having worked in the drinks industry for decades it’s now such an honour to have this opportunity,” smiles Adam.

Emma adds: “At the end of the day, we want to run Charlotte’s with style, dedication and passion.”

And not even six months in, they have certainly achieved that goal…

“Charlotte’s offers its guests an impressive range of drinks, with a focus on quality cocktails, while its food menu is a delicious selection of ontrend tapas-style seasonal sharing plates”

Stars align

Celebrity comedian, presenter and actor, John Bishop hosted a Patrons Lunch at One Warwick Park Hotel last month for Taylor-Made Dreams, a local charity that makes dreams happen for children with life-limiting illness and provides the family with financial, emotional, and practical support.

Over 50 local corporate and long-standing individual supporters attended the special Patrons Lunch where John Bishop and the team from Taylor Made Dreams were able to thank them for their support, by giving financial donations, volunteering time and offering pro-bono support services.

Suzi Mitchell, CEO of Taylor Made Dreams told SO magazine: “It was an absolute pleasure to have our Patron, John Bishop, come and host the Patrons Lunch at the stunning One Warwick Park Hotel. Taylor-Made Dreams was set up in 2014 in memory of and inspired by my son, Taylor, who sadly lost his battle of five years against a terminal condition in September 2011 at the age of just 15. John was Taylor’s comedy hero and we wrote to him to see if he would agree to meet Taylor. John went a stage further and kindly invited us to attend his show. When we set up the charity, John agreed to be our Patron once the charity was registered and has continued to offer us his unconditional support since we became a registered charity in 2014.”

Taylor-Made Dreams operates throughout the counties of East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, Surrey and soon to be, Essex. To date the charity has provided over 2,000 bucket-list items for children with life-limiting illnesses and terminal conditions, as well as providing access to eight other essential services, which include counselling, a sibling support service and medical travel grants.

To find out more visit www.taylormadedreams.org.uk

ANTHONY ELBY PHOTOGRAPHY

Angela Hewitt

The Jazz Sapiens

Christmas with the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra 15th December

Swinging at the Cotton Club 25th November

Style saviours

On Wednesday September 20, Jess Gibson of the TN card hosted The TN Style Edit at Hotel du Vin; a luxury evening of styling inspiration that brought together local businesses and raised £1,019 for charity partner West Kent Mind. Guests were treated to a glass of White from White 2020 from Mereworth Wines and nonalcoholic, natural cocktails from HAELU, beauty makeovers from Charlotte Tilbury at Fenwick Tunbridge Wells, massages from Pure Therapies in St John’s, plus the opportunity to browse and purchase items from bod & ted’s autumn collection. Goody bags contained skincare gifts from Charlotte Tilbury and L’Occitane. Three TN card partners provided talks on styling for the new season.

Stefania Bartolomei of One of a Style offered advice on creating a capsule wardrobe before taking questions on autumnal staples.

Sarah Coleman of Beyond the Table gave a thoughtful introduction to tablescaping with ingenious and easy tips for creating beautiful, memorable tables for every occasion. Helen Janousek of The Perfume Studio shared three of her fragrance blends to demonstrate the power of fragrance in evoking emotions and memories – the perfect introduction to her workshops.

A highlight of the evening was a luxury raffle, with a grand hamper from Fenwick Tunbridge Wells its star prize. Further prize donations from TN partners The Claremont, L’Occitane, The Perfume Studio and Mereworth encouraged attendees to give generously, contributing to the incredible amount raised. West Kent Mind will use the money to fund its services helping those living in West Kent to ‘Get Well, Stay Well and Thrive’. For information on support available visit westkentmind.org.uk.

Smart ways to save money on your winter fuel bills

at a lower temperature can be more cost effective. This can especially be true with underfloor heating, and manufacturers will generally advise on the most costeffective solution for their system.

“But if your house loses heat through windows, doors or a poorly insulated roof, it is likely to be costly to keep the heating on. However, it’s frustrating to return to a cold house after battling the English elements.

“This is where smart technology can come into its own. We can zone your home so key rooms are kept at your desired temperature – or heated to the right temperature before you come home – but keep less frequently used rooms at a lower temperature, or heat them for less time. This gives you the best of both worlds: cosy rooms where you need them, without paying a premium to heat space you don’t use so much.

As summer draws to a close, we look forward to autumnal evenings and festive get togethers, but many of us will also be considering how we can reduce those dreaded winter fuel bills. Huge rises in energy costs have stretched household budgets – fortunately, innovative technology can help keep the cold out more efficiently to reduce your energy needs. Charlie Hibbins, Managing Director of Symbiotic Smart Homes, explains how some small, smart modifications could help you weather the winter fuel bills and create a home that lets you live in your optimum environment, all year round.

CLOSE THE COLD OUT

Smart curtains and blinds are becoming increasingly popular. Both stylish and functional, they can be a great way to retain heat within your home. Thick, luxurious and even light blocking (particularly for bedrooms), they reduce the amount of warm air escaping through windows. By using smart programming to close curtains or blinds at specific times of the day, you don’t have to be at home to make sure that, as your heating comes on, more of it stays in your home. Good for the environment, and good for your wallet!

What’s more, smart

windows and blinds can help keep your home cool in the hot summer months by blocking out sunlight. It’s a year-round win-win!

A LIGHT BULB MOMENT

As the nights draw in, we spend more money on lighting our homes.

Installing dimmer switches for ceiling and wall lamps

can not only reduce your energy bills but also help create a cosy, warm ambience – the perfect retreat as the temperature drops outside. For additional comfort, you can preprogramme your lights to come on at a specific time, so you never have to come home to a dark house, or you can control your lighting through an app or the flick of a switch.

For all your lights and lamps, be sure to select energy-efficient bulbs to keep your costs down.

A HEATED DISCUSSION

There is a long-running argument as to whether it is cheaper to heat your

home at a continuous, lower temperature whilst you are out, or by turning the heating to a relatively higher temperature only when you return home. Charlie explains:

“This all really comes down to how well your home retains heat and the type of heating system that you have. If you have a modern, well-insulated house, heating that is on for longer

“What’s more, smart home heating systems can be controlled remotely, so whether you want to keep your dog warm if the temperature suddenly plummets while you’re out, or make sure you arrive back home to a warm welcome, smart technology can provide flexible solutions that also help you use your energy more efficiently.”

A SMARTER WAY TO SAVE ENERGY

There are so many ways to keep your home warm during winter, with less worry, less cost and less hassle. An investment now could save you money for years to come – which is good news for your wallet and the environment.

An investment now could save you money for years to come

One Media, the publisher of SO magazine and the Times of Tunbridge Wells, held an end-of-summer social at One Warwick Park Hotel last month to thank its advertisers for their ongoing support. Those in attendance included Gillian Palmer of the Finance Hub, Jess Gibson of the TN card, Deeps Motley representing Brittens Music, Lucy Rowlands from Elysian, Darren Austin from Synergee, Nicole Alison of Hemsted Park, Katrina Walker from Thackray Williams and Stephen Donnelly of SJD.

The guests were treated to a variety of delicious seasonal canapés and refreshing drinks courtesy of the four-star hotel, which is located on Chapel Place.

“The evening was our best one yet with lots of people networking and enjoying the ambience of the hotel. Given the weather was so warm, many of our guests spilled out onto the terrace to chat and savour their drinks while taking in the last of the summer sunshine. It really was a wonderful and extremely popular event and great to see everyone,” a One Media spokesperson said.

Celebrating success

THE BIG QUESTION

How are consumers and businesses adapting to a cashless economy?

This month in The Big Question, we speak to Gillian Palmer, Founder of The Finance Hub and Donna Marshall, Owner of Stampede Shoes

Q. How did customers respond to reduced cash use during Covid?

A: Donna - We found that most of our customers were fine but we had a small handful of of customers who preferred to pay in cash.

A: Gillian - Local businesses shifted to contactless payments with resistance. Cash avoids banking fees and maintains face value. However, contactless methods reduced physical contact and virus transmission risk.

Q. What proportion of customers returned to cash after Covid?

A: Gillian - It’s difficult to measure and data is unclear but despite Covid's lasting impact, cash remains resilient. The Bank of England's January 2022 survey found one in five prefer cash as a payment method.

A: Donna - We feel this is only a small proportion - 95% remain using their phones on apple pay etc.

Q. What are the benefits to you of remaining digital?

A: Donna - Its significantly cheaper than putting cash into the bank. This also reduces risk of theft paying into the bank. We also find that customers spend more when paying by card. Physical cash makes the customer question the amount.

A: Gillian - There are many benefits - it enhances efficiency and convenience, cuts costs in banking, improves security and reduces theft and its beneficial to the environment by reducing currency demand.

Q. What are the benefits to consumers of remaining digital?

A: Gillian - Consumers gain from digital transactions through record-keeping, easier bill splitting, accessibility for people with disabilities, and global convenience when travelling, enhancing financial flexibility and efficiency.

A: Donna - Easier to shop. 95% of our customers are young families and therefore do not carry cash. The problems that we find is that customers cannot obtain cash if, for example, our internet is down.

Q. Will there be new opportunities from a pure digital cash economy?

A: Gillian -Digital cash economies offer innovation opportunities plus challenges. Cryptocurrencies enable borderless payments, while microtransactions introduce new content monetization models. However, in my opinion, caution and risk management are crucial in this evolving landscape.

A: Donna - There are opportunities but we will review cautiously, and I don't believe this would benefit our older customers as technology is new to them.

With our grateful thanks to:

Alex Green CEO Royal Tunbridge Wells Together

Family affair

Crowboroughbased charity, Baby2Baby&Beyond held its fundraising gala at Buxted Hotel on September 16. Sponsors, supporters and friends of the charity came together to mark the vital work of the organisation and raised an impressive sum of just over £16,000.

Founder of the charity, Hannah Powell, said: “We are beyond delighted with the success of this event, not just because of the huge impact these funds will make, but because the evening itself was a real collaborative effort.

“The funding comes at a vital time as we look to secure sustainability for the service when securing grants remains competitive and uncertain. The success of this event gives us a great platform to take the charity to the next level,” added Hannah.

After guests had enjoyed a delicious three course meal, a lively auction took place, selling off 31 lots which included football boots signed by Lioness Alessia Russo, a diamond and gold necklace and a cricket bat signed by England cricket captain Ben Stokes.

Established in 2018, Baby2Baby&Beyond operates across East Sussex gifting good quality baby and children’s clothing and essential items to those in need of support. Sponsors of the event included Childrensalon, Lewis Business Media, Bubba&Me and KMJ Property.

www.baby2baby.com

Atelier de Linde: Architects

the development of Tunbridge Wells. Local authorities often organise public meetings, workshops and surveys to involve the community in the decisionmaking process. Engaging with these opportunities not only empowers residents but also fosters a sense of ownership over the town’s growth.

BALANCING EVOLUTION AND HERITAGE

One of the challenges in planning for a town like Tunbridge Wells is finding the balance between embracing progress and preserving its historical and cultural heritage. Striking this balance requires careful consideration of modern needs while cherishing the town’s unique character.

A TRANSPARENT FUTURE

Demystifying planning transforms it from a labyrinthine process into an understandable and approachable endeavor. By engaging in the planning process, Tunbridge Wells residents can actively contribute to the town’s future, ensuring that its growth is in line with their aspirations and values. As the town continues to evolve, demystified planning empowers the community to shape a future that honors its past while embracing new opportunities.

DEMYSTIFYING THE PLANNING PROCESS

In a picturesque town like Tunbridge Wells, the planning required to shape its future successfully becomes more intricate as it grows, with the need to balance the historical charm and the serene, green surroundings with evolving needs. The world of urban planning can often appear complex and puzzling, but with a bit of insight, it becomes a comprehensible and crucial aspect of Tunbridge Wells’ development. So, whether you’re looking to extend your own home or you simply care about the future of our home town, the expert, RIBA-Chartered architects at Atelier de Linde discuss and simplify the intricacies.

WHAT IS PLANNING?

At its core, urban planning is the process of organising land use and the built environment in a way that ensures the optimal use of resources while meeting the needs of the community. It involves making decisions about how land should be used for housing, transportation, recreation, and other essential functions, all while considering factors like environmental sustainability, aesthetics and socio-economic considerations.

THE PLANNING AUTHORITIES

Tunbridge Wells’ planning decisions are guided by local planning authorities, including Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.These authorities are responsible for creating development plans, considering planning applications

and balancing the interests of residents, businesses and the environment.The planning process is governed by national policies and regulations, which provide a framework for local decision-making.

THE PLANNING PROCESS DEMYSTIFIED

Pre-application stage: Before submitting a planning application, individuals or developers can engage in pre-application consultations with the local planning authority to get feedback and guidance on their proposal before formal submission. This stage is not essential, but when conducted properly, it can increase the chances of planning success. One of the reasons for Atelier de Linde’s exceptional success with planning applications is that we work collaboratively with

We work collaboratively with planners to increase the chances of success for our clients’ projects.

Public consultation: Residents and other stakeholders have the opportunity to provide their input on the proposed development to ensure the community’s concerns and opinions are considered.

Assessment and decision: The local authority evaluates the application, considering factors such as its alignment with local policies, impact on the environment and the feedback received during public consultation. A decision is then made to either approve or reject the application. Director, Tara de Linde explains: “An experienced architect will ensure your application has the greatest chance of success. Our success rate of first-time approval is over 90%, which is achieved with great attention to detail, building relationships and taking time to understand the specific challenges of each project.”

BEAUTIFUL, SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Award-winning, RIBAchartered architects

We realise your dreams with tailored service, combining high-quality design with sustainable principles.

Experts in:

• New builds

• Passive House retrofits

• Carbon neutral buildings

• Schools, hotels, public spaces

the planners during pre-application to understand how to address any potential concerns they may have while delivering on our client’s goals and vision.

Submission of application: The planning application is submitted to the local authority, containing detailed information about the proposed development, including architectural plans, environmental impact assessments and more.

Appeals: If an application is rejected, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision to a higher authority, such as the Planning Inspectorate. Similarly, concerned parties can also appeal if an application is approved against their wishes.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The opinions and insights of residents are invaluable in shaping

www.atelierdelinde.co.uk

hello@atelierdelinde.com 01892

An experienced architect will ensure your application has the greatest chance of success.

Noble effort

Award-winning Americana band Noble Jacks got the party started at Skippers Fest last month. They were part of a special fundraising evening that took place at Skippers Hill Manor Prep School near Mayfield which raised over £2,000 for the WOLO Foundation and Friends of Skippers Hill Association.

The boutique-style festival welcomed 130 people and took place in a fairylight-festooned marquee in the school grounds with fire pits and shepherd shelters and a licensed bar for guests to enjoy. Also performing on the night was Rob Stephenson aka DJ MoodSwing who had a residency at Sankey’s in Tunbridge Wells over the summer. Delicious food was served by Horshambased catering pop-up Wild Cow.

The event was organised by Wilderness PR founder Sarah Jones. She told SO magazine: “Will Page, the frontman of Noble Jacks, used to be a pupil at Skippers, so we were thrilled he and his band agreed to perform at the school for this special fundraiser. It was a wonderful night enjoyed by all with lots of money raised for worthy causes.

“WOLO Foundation is a small, but mighty charity that supports and helps families living in Sussex affected by cancer,” added Sarah.

“A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped with the night including Black Deer Festival’s Gill Tee, Gal Evans and Claire and Matt Cowley as well as Local & Live sound technician and organiser Nigel Bent.”

www.wolofoundation.org

www.skippershill.com

Creativethinking

On the afternoon of Saturday September 23, KATA Jewellery threw open its doors for a ‘Meet The Artist’ event.

Jennifer and Anton, owners of this bespoke jewellers, which is located on St John’s Road, told SO magazine that the idea behind this quarterly event is to illustrate the wealth of talent in the artistic community.

“We both trained in fine art so when we opened the store in October 2022 we wanted to also use our space to showcase other artists’ work. We feel the blend between artwork and jewellery synergise really well together.”

Jennifer explained that she carefully selects artists who will complement each other’s respective work and then displays some of their pieces in the shop. For this quarter she’s featuring printmaker Jade Taylor and painter Claire Chandler. At the launch both artists did mini demos and answered questions about their work. Visitors to KATA can see both artists’ work in situ until the end of the year.

Visitor Nick Edwards, who travelled from Sevenoaks to join the event told SO magazine: “It was really impressive to see how the artists’ work collaborates so well with the beautiful Kata jewellery. The demonstration of artist Jade’s work, for example, being crafted gave a much deeper understanding of how these sorts of pieces are created and the skill that is required.

I am very tempted to book into a screen-printing workshop now!”

During the afternoon Jennifer and Anton also showcased their limitededition Coronation hallmark which can only be used for jewellery made this year.

Kata Jewellery’s next door neighbour The Cheese Shop provided a platter of delicious canapés and visitors were given a welcome drink.

The next artist will be featured from January – April 2024. If you would be interested in having your creative work on display at KATA Jewellery contact: studio@ katajewellery.com

This month SO magazine chats to Mandy Miller Simmonds, about the places she likes to support locally. The founder of the enormously successful Simply Food By Mandy Instagram account, which boasts over 120K followers, has just moved back to her home town of Tunbridge Wells. Here, Mandy reveals where she likes to stroll, shop and socialise…

Whereabouts do you live in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells?

I live in the centre of Tunbridge Wells in a lovely Georgian townhouse. It’s my favourite period and I’m so happy to finally own a Georgian home.

How long have you lived there and what made you decide to move to the area?

I moved back to Tunbridge Wells at the beginning of June. I actually grew up here. During the second half of the 90s I was based out of Miami, then lived in Tunbridge Wells before moving to London. Having recently gone through a divorce, I wanted a fresh start and with two boys aged 20 and 15, it seemed like the perfect place.

Do you find it a useful base in which to run your Simply Food By Mandy business?

It’s a great place for me to work from home and so brilliantly located if I need to grab last-minute ingredients.

I’m normally in London a couple of times a week so with a five-minute walk to the station it could not be a more simple commute.

How are things going for you professionally and are you working on anything exciting you can tell us about?

Work is going really well thanks. I’ve got a few very exciting partnerships coming up, one of which includes local business Tom Howley Kitchens. My kitchen seriously needs renovating and I could not think of a more beautiful company to do the job. I’m actually hosting a few cooking demos there too which I’m super excited about. I’m really hoping to get my first book published too. I am in conversations with some amazing publishers at the moment, so fingers crossed. Watch this space...

Tell us about the new Instagram account you recently set up called @divorcestory_ Having spent the last few years going through a divorce I am now armed with knowledge and so wanted to help people navigate such a tricky time. The idea is to create a one-stop shop on how to do divorce well. I’m slowly gathering a team of experts to help give the best advice. We already have some amazing people and the feedback we have received has been incredible. When I began the dreadful process I didn’t have a clue. That’s why I’m pulling together a ‘Divorce Survival Guide’ which will be so useful. I’m hoping the website will be live soon!

Are there any nice views or walks near to your home?

Because I’m so centrally located I have many walks to choose

from. Calverley Park, Dunorlan Park and the Common are all wonderfully close, so that’s where I walk with my dog Hamish.

When you are in town where’s your favourite place to go shopping –and do you have any specific retailers you like to support?

I love bod & ted in the High Street. Sophie has such beautiful taste and sells the most incredible clothes. I buy fish from Sankey’s and I’m a regular at Fuller’s Farm Shop on Bunny Lane. I’m rather fond of their wild boar and apple sausages –you have to try!

Where do you like to grab a tea, coffee or a slice of cake? Hattons and Juliets are my favourites. Hattons coffee and lunch selection is superb and Juliets’ cloud cake is unbelievable. I’m hoping they will give me the recipe!

Do you have a preferred restaurant you like to dine in regularly?

My favourite local restaurant is The Kentish Hare in Bidborough, a short drive, but so worth it. Those Tanner Brothers know what they are doing and are super nice chaps. In fact, everyone that works there is fantastic.

Which places do you take people when they come to visit? Well no Tunbridge Wells visit is complete without visiting the Pantiles. There’s no place like it - especially during the summer months. The Thursday evening jazz sessions held over the summer months are always so much fun.

Where’s the best spot to go for a Sunday stroll in the area?

Most Sundays start with a run around the village area of TW with my dog Hamish. I often pick up a coffee and maybe a few pastries from Gail’s on our way home. The smell of those sausage rolls sends him into a frenzy! In the afternoon it’s great to have a little drink with friends at The Compasses pub.

If you’re looking to relax and unwind, where’s your favourite place to go?

Living in the centre of town sometimes it’s nice to get out of the hustle and bustle. A short drive to The Beacon is always a good idea. There you get spectacular views and amazing food.

Where do you like to meet friends and socialise?

I like to head to The Wine Rooms as they have the best selection of wines and the sharing plates are divine. I also love exercise and since I’ve moved back to Tunbridge Wells I have joined the Uberfit girls in their bootcamp, pilates and weights classes. It’s a lovely way to exercise and catch up with people at the same time.

Why do you love where you live?

Although it’s been 20 years since I lived in Tunbridge Wells, it feels like home and it’s good to be back. Surrounded by countryside, some of the best British architecture and easily commutable…what’s not to love?

“Because I’m so centrally located I have many walks to choose from. Calverley Park, Dunorlan Park and the Common are all wonderfully close”

Picture: Mollie Manning

bod & ted

Calverley Park

Hattons

The Kentish Hare

The Wine Rooms

“We love creating”

The TN card is the local loyalty scheme that rewards shoppers for supporting our independents. This month, its founder Jess Gibson chats to Amy Lethbridge and Phil Reid of The Cove at 94 High Street about how they’re combining beautiful floristry, artisan products and experiential workshops to create an award-winning brand…

a small, secluded space where anyone can discover something new. We wanted to build an experience that wasn’t simply a retail shop, but where truly bespoke flower creations could be made in front of you, artisan products tasted and enjoyed from local makers and creators, plus all that learning pulled together to create workshops, evenings and fun experiences that groups can enjoy.

Amy, how would you describe your style of floristry and what services do you offer?

Amy and Phil, firstly congratulations on winning Kent’s Best Florist in the 2023 Muddy Stilettos Awards!

Thank you Jess! Winning Muddy Stilettos Best Florist in Kent 2023 in June this year really celebrated what we have achieved since opening in 2020. To know that we were voted for by customers and clients that have been inspired by what we’re trying to do means so much. The certificate has pride of place in one of our displays!

How did you meet and what led to you partnering to create The Cove? What is the story behind your name?

We’re both neighbours and friends, sharing a love for creating things. Phil runs a brand agency and just before Covid had begun investing in his own ideas. Meanwhile, I was helping grow a florist and garden centre in Sussex after qualifying from Plumpton College. I’d always wanted to start my own business, and in lockdown we both had an idea… that there was an opportunity to provide a different high street experience that combined flowers, with independently made products and learning experiences. Through a combination of both our skills, we set about finding a bricks-andmortar space that could adapt to what we wanted to do and managed to find that in Tunbridge Wells.

Why did you decide to call it

The Cove?

The whole concept of The Cove, and the story behind the name, was creating

WHO: The Cove

WHERE: 94 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1YF

VISIT FOR: To discover something new REWARD: 10% discount on all bottles of spirits in store.

FOR MORE INFO: thecove.shop

Personally, I love to create a more natural, loose country garden-style arrangement. At The Cove, crafting incredible flowers really is at the heart of what we do. We pride ourselves on being able to take on board any request or brief, working to different tastes and styles in a thoughtful manner. Our style is not possible within mass-market sales such as supermarkets or more regimented flower marketplaces, so it helps us stand out. Our floristry service scales from individual bouquets made while you wait, to weekly subscriptions for homes and businesses, right the way through to commercial and residential installations, private commissions, wedding celebrations and sympathy ceremonies. We’re proud to supply thriving local businesses and when it comes to our workshops, these have grown and grown. You can attend them at The Cove, but we are increasingly partnering with brands such as Fenwicks and Anthropologie to provide flowermaking (and product-tasting) experiences. We aim to source as local as possible and we use bio/eco wrapping, ensuring that no plastic is used.

Which Kent and Sussex businesses do you partner with?

As a growing business we are keen to partner and support a wide range of companies, from aspiring independents to larger global brands. We’re proud to have partnered with the likes of Anthropologie, Sweaty Betty, The Body Shop and Fenwick, collaborating together for learning workshops. When it comes to events and weddings, we work with many of this area’s leading venues including Hotel Du Vin, Trading Boundaries, Kingdom and Salomons Estate. Recently, we have started growing our ‘Cove Club’ subscriptions as well, supplying local businesses such as Sankey’s with regular weekly flowers. Being able to collaborate with other brands really is part of what

we are trying to achieve.

You are becoming well known for your wonderful workshops, tell us more… For us, it’s all about creating. We are lucky to have a beautiful space at The Cove that works perfectly for entertaining and educating around 20 people. Everyone in our team enjoys this and are experienced enough to both share our knowledge and insight. We offer a mixture of floral and tasting workshops – these aim to share our unique insight into flower and plant arranging alongside information from across our curated product range of gins, rums, vodkas, whiskeys, and wine. We would ideally like to balance these workshops with using our space for free as a community learning experience – so anyone can host at The Cove to teach something craft-related.

And finally, thank you for joining the TN card! How do you thank our members for supporting local?

The whole concept of the TN card is amazing. Providing an incentive to shop local, supporting the High Street and in turn supporting businesses in Tunbridge Wells (and beyond)… it’s such a great idea. We provide all TN members with a 10% discount on our spirits and plan to host free events for TN members, such as workshops and product tastings. These will be partnered with local brands, so hopefully provide a platform for all to connect.

Jess Gibson

Founder,

The TN

card

“At The Cove, crafting incredible flowers really is at the heart of what we do, but we also run workshops and try to support as many local and independent brands as possible”

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With a traditional funeral with a wake costing around £8,500, it’s sensible to plan for this

New regulation provides consumer protection

Pre-payment funeral plans have attracted controversy, but new regulation has been introduced to protect consumers. Simon and Rebecca Welham – the father-and-daughter team behind Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials – explain how pre-payment plans work and how the new regulation is working to give you and your loved ones peace of mind.

What are the benefits of pre-paid funeral plans?

Pre-paid plans are designed to cover the cost of your funeral when the time comes. It’s not essential to have one, but you may not realise that the deceased should pay for their own funeral. With recent data suggesting that a traditional funeral service with burial and a funeral reception with refreshments now costs around £8,500, it’s sensible to plan for this.

Nearly two-thirds of people do set money aside. You can opt to make provision in your will, put away savings, make investments, or take out a life insurance policy.

Alternatively, you could take out pre-payment plan. Not only do these cover all or many of the costs of your funeral, they often give you the option to pay by instalments, which can be helpful if you can’t or don’t want to pay in one go.

Additionally, a pre-paid plan can include directions for your funeral, giving family members guidance on your choices, which can help relieve pressure on them as they don’t have to second guess what you would have wanted.

Are pre-paid plans safe?

Unfortunately, historically we witnessed a number of different

issues with pre-paid funeral plans in the wider market, including cases of fraud, poor sales and marketing practices and inadequate product design, all of which created negative outcomes and concerns for customers and their families.

We are delighted that the pre-paid funeral plan market is now regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). All firms selling funeral plans must now be FCA-regulated or an Introducer or Appointed Representative of an authorised provider.

What does FCA regulation mean for me and my family?

FCA regulation brings higher standards and increased protection for customers. The FCA requires firms to operate fairly and with customer interests at their core.

Firms must deliver the expected product benefits and provide value for money. Information must be fair, clear and not misleading. Customers will also now have access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, so their money is protected if their provider fails. Consumers can also make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, even if the issue they are complaining about

happened before the regulation came into effect in July 2022, as long as the firm was registered with the Funeral Planning Authority at the time the issue occurred.

How can a funeral director help your family?

A funeral director’s expertise can help you choose the plan that is right for you and your loved ones. To help families, at Welham Jones we have created packages of commonly combined service elements with clear prices, with options to suit all tastes and budgets. Alternatively, we offer a bespoke service for which we can provide a no-obligation quote. Whichever you choose, our plans enable you to pay in one go or by instalments.

How can I be sure my pre-paid funeral plan is secure?

The best way is to research the credibility of the authorised, regulated provider. At Welham Jones, we have chosen to be an authorised representative of Ecclesiastical Funeral Planning because of their established provenance and the reputation of its parent company, the Benefact Group, a specialist, UK-based financial services group, which has been protecting people, property and funds since 1887.

Administering funeral plans since 2006, Ecclesiastical work with over 800 funeral directing firms across the country, providing a safe home for funeral pre-payment funds, which are held in individual life insurance policies provided by UK life companies already regulated by the FCA. In other words, every funeral plan has a supporting life insurance policy in place. You can find out more at www.funeralplans.co.uk.

How can I make sure my plan is put into effect?

If you think a pre-payment plan might be a solution for you, we advise that you have a family discussion. It can be an emotional topic to raise but will help your loved ones prepare, as well as enabling them to understand who to turn to and your wishes for your end-of-life farewell.

Support at an emotional time 01892 300330 | tunbridgewells@welhamjones.co.uk www.welhamjones.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells ¦ Tonbridge ¦ Sevenoaks ¦ Chislehurst ¦ Borough Green ¦ Swanley ¦ Chelsfield

“A funeral director can help you choose the plan that is right for you and your loved ones”

“We want our pupils to be ready for life after Holmewood”

This month, SO magazine meets Ruth O’Sullivan, Head of Holmewood House School, one of the country’s leading co-ed independent prep schools for pupils aged 3-13 in Tunbridge Wells. Here she describes the exciting new initiatives taking place at the school in the coming year…

It’s a very exciting time to be Head of Holmewood House. Key developments include the extension of our weekly and flexi-boarding provision with a relaunched London Chaperone service, development of Forest School and outdoor classroom, multiple STEAM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths), extended provision of extra-curricular clubs (everything from musical theatre to fencing!), a new innovation lab and brand new medical and well-being centre which will be home to a school therapist, a mindfulness room and a relaxation room.

Pupil voice is important in everything that we do. We want our pupils to be ready for life after Holmewood and the wider world,

to understand their role within it and to have the plasticity of mind to react to new technology and innovations. Here at Holmewood House, through the bespoke programme My Heart, My Mind, My World, through the weekly enrichment programme and the leadership opportunities our children are given, pupils will learn to be idea generators and creative, resilient human beings. The World Economic Forum tells us the most important future skills for our children will be collaboration, flexible thinking, problem-solving, technical and digital skills and a Holmewood House education equips children with those skills, as well as outstanding academics. Here at Holmewood we have a ‘growth mindset’ culture which

encourages intellectual curiosity and builds resilience in an environment where it is safe to get things wrong.

So how are we doing this? I am extremely proud of the enrichment programme, which forms part of the weekly timetable for pupils from Years 3-8. In Years 3 and 4 the emphasis is on STEAM-based activities, where children work collaboratively on projects over several weeks. In Years 5 & 6 the focus is My World – developing our pupils’ global awareness of cultures and community. Activities include sign language, an introduction to meditation, celebrating other cultures, careers advice and money management. By Year 7 the emphasis is on selfpresentation and how to articulate. We want pupils to become active citizens, so they cover debating, philosophy and politics (we held an internal Mini Model United Nations group last year).

This year, Year 8s are trialling our new bespoke leadership programme which focuses on leadership in Sports, Modern Languages and STEAM. Pupils will go on to complete a personal enrichment project which is a piece of research into something that they are passionate about. They can present it as creatively as they desire but it’s completely self-led. Giving our children opportunities to step into leadership roles is

essential. These opportunities present themselves throughout the school and are not just for the more outwardly confident. We encourage everyone to find their voice, to be their best selves and independent. Opportunities range from being a House Monitor in pre-prep to touring prospective parents around the school in Year 7, to leading a club in Year 8. Another initiative which supports this child-led approach is a change in our traditional House system. We have six Houses which every pupil, member of staff and support staff are now a part of, making us all members of a whole community. Houses will be very much led by our Year 8 pupils as part of their leadership skills and staff are the participants. Our Green Committee is already very active in generating pupil initiatives to make our school more environmentally friendly. To extend this, we are starting Forest School – from Nursery to Year 8. Our wonderful outdoor learning classroom, centred around the refurbished pond opened last year and is used regularly by staff in science and humanities, but Forest School will put more emphasis on wellbeing, biodiversity and ecoinitiatives and provide wonderful opportunities for our children to take the lead.

We are lucky here at Holmewood House with the

“Giving our children opportunities to step into leadership roles is essential. These opportunities present themselves throughout the school and are not just for the more outwardly confident. We encourage everyone to find their voice, to be their best selves and be independent”

beautiful grounds and facilities that we have on our 32-acre site including a stunning 25m pool, athletics track and artificial grass pitch, tennis and squash courts, indoor rifle range and acres of playing fields. There is an incredible range and variety of clubs here that the pupils can sign up to such as hockey, swimming, netball, gymnastics and judo, plus we now have two chess clubs, debating clubs, sign language club, fencing, shooting, dancing, diamond painting, drama, arts and crafts, textiles, chorister choir, show choir just to name a few, as well as the termly theatre production. But the club system has also changed this year to alleviate time pressures so that children can explore new and wider interests and enjoy the co-curricular elements of the school more freely.

We have enjoyed a superbly well-resourced Design Technology department for many years, which includes its own 3D printer. Children undertake a range of exciting projects using a vast array of cutting-edge equipment. This year, we will develop our DT provision even further to incorporate Engineering. Our new Head of department is just fantastic and is excited to support the children in investigating how DT can solve real-life problems. One initiative is to support the children to develop inventions that can ease the struggles of those with disabilities.

This year we will begin the development of a brand-new innovation lab, a food tech lab and a medical and well-being

centre. The innovation lab will see pupils learning robotics, coding, 3D printing and computing, working alongside teachers and our IT department to make it a truly innovative facility which the children will find invaluable in developing the life skills they will need in the wider world.

The new medical and wellbeing centre will be a real pastoral hub holding the school medical provision, but also the school therapist, a mindfulness room and a relaxation room, all designed to look after the wellbeing of the community. It will be a calming space for both pupils and staff to use and to promote positive well-being which is of course at the centre of everything that we do. Our bespoke programme, My Heart My Mind My World, is a whole school programme which aims to strengthen our pupils’ emotional and mental health by equipping them with techniques and tools to understand and manage themselves and their relationships with others; it strengthens the children as learners by developing their understanding of how best to learn and to apply this understanding;

pupil is assigned to a tutor in years 5-8 whose role is to advocate on behalf of the child. They meet weekly to build relationships quickly. Every child has an avenue to discuss or raise anything they need with a member of staff they know well and trust. Everything is about relationships, relationship, relationships and Holmewood House does that well. Heads of Year are also able to advocate for the children in their year and to provide another secure contact between parents and children.

I am very proud of the strong relationships that the school has with the parents of our children with everybody working together

and it strengthens our pupils as global citizens; to understand and actively influence their increasingly complex world.

At Holmewood House we are hugely proud of our international focus and the diversity of our community. In the Reception year group alone last year, there were fifteen nationalities represented - and nine this year in boarding including Chinese, Italian, Spanish and Ugandan. It is very important and wonderful to see that the pupils in this school foster an authentic appreciation of

different cultures and this culture of inclusivity and diversity is something we are always building on.

We are so excited to be strengthening and enriching our boarding provision at Holmewood House. We have a wonderful new house parent who has joined our boarding family so that the team can expand the activities on offer and make it even more fun for the children in our care. The boarding house has a real buzz about it, a real home away from home and is such a nice place to be. We offer a mixture of full, weekly and flexi-boarding, with opportunities coming up this term for day pupils to try flexi-boarding in readiness for senior schools. We also operate a London chaperone service. Being only 55 minutes from London, we can collect children from their families at a London station on a Sunday evening and take them back again on a Friday evening. This is proving to be ever popular with those London families who would like their children to enjoy all the benefits of a highperforming country boarding prep school with an excellent reputation for securing places in senior schools, whilst still having them for a full weekend at home with the family.

As another layer to our excellent pastoral care, we now have Heads of Year in addition to the Tutor system introduced last year. Every

for the best interests of the child. We also have a new and dynamic Head of Nursery who has a wealth of experience in Early Years and with running a Nursery and I am super excited for the positive changes she is already bringing. Watch this space!

So, as you can see, it is an exciting time to be Head of this wonderful school with many new initiatives coming to fruition. My door is always open to current or prospective parents who would like to know more or to look around our fabulous school to see for themselves what a great place this is for their children to grow up in.

Holmewood House continues to secure places for pupils to top senior schools both locally and further afield such as Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Brighton College, Hurstpierpoint, Worth, Eastbourne College, Benenden, Harrow, Eton and Millfield. The school has a strong record of scholarship success to destination schools at 13+ in Academics, Sport, Drama, Art and Music and even one for Chess this year!

Please do come and visit us to see our wonderful school for yourself. To book a place on our Open Morning on 13th October 2023, contact Admissions on 01892 860 006 or e-mail admissions@ holmewoodhouse.co.uk

“Here at Holmewood House, through the bespoke programme My Heart, My World, My Mind, through the weekly enrichment programme and the leadership opportunities our children are given, pupils will learn to be idea generators and creative, resilient human beings”

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Our seminar to assist family conversations about Inheritance Tax

Panoramic Wealth are hosting an event to help you protect your family’s legacy, reduce any Inheritance Tax liability and approach one of life’s trickiest conversations.

Sometimes the hardest questions to ask are the most important. For many families, the topic of how the next generations will inherit wealth is often a taboo subject. The conversation is usually deferred to a time where it may be too late to act or potentially never addressed at all. The conversation to be had is typically between parents and children but has equal importance for couples who are unmarried or those not in a Civil Partnership.

Where are you with your conversations?

A typical reaction is that Inheritance Tax (IHT) won’t affect me or my family. In reality, the largest single beneficiary of an Estate is often not your family, or your favoured charity but HMRC.

Traditionally speaking, people find it quite difficult to speak about money. However, by engaging in conversation and forward planning this could avoid beneficiaries losing out on hundreds of thousands of pounds.

At our seminar (see details below), we will be looking to help you start that all important conversation. As such, our day would be suitable for all family members, be they grandparents, parents or adult children. We will be aiming to give you an idea on what is practically possible in IHT mitigation.

Make sure you are not sleepwalking into leaving an Inheritance Tax Liability that could have been avoided.

What is the extent of the problem?

Currently, married couples or civil partners can, in the right circumstances, pass on assets of up to £1 million to the next generation. However, with property values the

Venue:

Date: 9th November.

Who should attend: Individuals, couples and families.

way they are, the value of a house alone can absorb this £1 million “threshold”. So, the family of a couple with an estate of £2 million could be faced with an IHT bill of £400,000.

Remember that passing on assets is not just about money. Much of these will be treasured assets or heirlooms that make up part of your family history. Most of these items will not be exempt from IHT and their values will therefore increase the overall IHT liability on your death, potentially needing to be sold to fund the liability.

So, what questions should you be addressing?

● How much IHT is your Estate likely to suffer?

● Have I left it too late to do any IHT Planning? (It is never too late to consider IHT planning.)

● What action can be taken now to increase the amount my heirs inherit?

● How long do I have to live for funds to be out of my estate?

● What issues should I consider before making lifetime gifts to the family?

● Can I give money away but still retain control and decide who benefits?

● Can I give away assets yet still enjoy access or income from them?

● Why is there likely to be a dramatic increase in IHT if you sell a private business?

● How are pensions treated for IHT purposes and how can they effectively be passed on to the next generation?

● Can I leave funds to charities and also benefit my other beneficiaries?

● Should I even think about giving money away if I might require later life care?

The seminar will be provided on a no charge basis. Its main objective is to provide you with relevant information on which you can make decisions. It will be hosted by Gary Jefferies, Chartered Financial Planner, and MD of his family-owned financial planning firm; Panoramic Wealth based in Tunbridge Wells. He will be alongside John Woolley, a consultant who has a number of legal and tax qualifications including being a qualified TEP, a barrister, a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Together, they will not only explain how it all works but highlight planning opportunities through a real-life case study. In addition to this, they will be able answer any questions you may have.

This will leave you in a position to understand how IHT works and, where appropriate, protect your Estate and greatly reduce the IHT your family will need to pay on your death.

To register, please email us on journey@panoramicwealth.co.uk, phone us on 01892 559555, or alternatively scan the QR code.

GaryJefferiesJohnWoolley

Celebrate Christmas

Christmas Day Lunch

A delicious festive spread served at the Brasserie, including a glass of complimentary bubbles.

12:00pm & 2.45pm 25th December 2023

£99 per person and £49.50 for children

Christmas Getaway Package

A 2-night stay, commencing on 24th December including breakfast, festive dining and Christmas lunch.

Prices start from £595 with upgrades available

Festive Jazz Night at The Brasserie

Taste our festive 3 course set menu, before enjoying the sounds of timeless hits.

Thursday 14th December 7pm-11pm

£44 per person

(£10 deposit per person required)

Private Celebrations

Whether you’re indulging in The Brasserie or dancing the night away in our beautiful Function Room, our event team promises a tailor made celebration.

Bespoke packages available

Christmas Party Nights

Christmas Party Nights at One Warwick Park include festive dining, a Christmas cocktail and a live DJ.

£54 per person

Breakfast with Santa

Join us for a delicious breakfast with Santa Claus at One Warwick Park Hotel.

9:30am – 11:30am on 16th, & 24th December 2023

Tickets £18.50 per adult and £9.25 for children

Bookings can be made via our website onewarwickpark.co.uk

Empowered together

Empowered together

The Reclaim The Night walk will take place on the evening of Saturday November 25. To make it as accessible as possible attendees can join from Rusthall High Street, High Brooms or St John’s Church in Tunbridge Wells

Kent’s first-ever Reclaim the Night walk took place here in Tunbridge Wells last year. Ahead of it happening again next month, one its co-founders, local writer Lauren Brook, tells SO magazine about the importance of campaigning for safer streets in Tunbridge Wells and beyond…

a man blatantly harassing young women on their way to school or work at 7.30 in the morning. Feeling the hairs on my arm stand up, heart hammering in my chest, I stepped in and pretended to know one of the girls involved so that I could try and protect her from this man’s unwanted attention, just like my friend had done for me.

All of these experiences were frightening and disconcerting, forcing me to question how safe I actually felt walking alone during the day, let alone at night. What if I hadn’t been able to call my

boyfriend so that a man who had made it his mission to pursue me would leave me alone? What if I hadn’t had a friend with me in that dark club? What if I hadn’t thought anything of a seemingly innocent interaction between a predatory man and a young woman who was just trying to walk to school?

What I have witnessed is far from unique – these are experiences that I have heard a thousand times over from other women, seen depicted on television or in news reports, found buried on the back

pages of newspapers. Experiences of intimidation, harassment and sexual assault are so commonplace that we have learned to tune them out, desensitise ourselves, second guess the credibility of those who speak up.

When I met Jayne Sharratt, Editor of Rusthall and Langton Life magazines and Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillor for Rusthall, our shared frustration over not being able to walk freely in our Borough without fear of harassment or attack was the catalyst for local action. We organised Kent’s first-ever Reclaim The Night walk in November 2022 to campaign for safer streets, and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I felt incredibly angry about the fact that as a woman without access to a car, I didn’t feel safe enough to walk on my own from our village to the town centre in Tunbridge Wells after dark,” Jayne tells me. “I had this idea for a walk to campaign for our safety in public spaces and wanted it to be after the clocks went back in the winter months, so I chose November 25 to coincide with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence

How you can get involved with this year’s Reclaim The Night walk:

This year’s walk will take place on the evening of Saturday November 25. To make the event as accessible as possible for people across the Borough, attendees can join from Rusthall High Street, High Brooms and St John’s Church in Tunbridge Wells. All walks will converge on The Pantiles, where there will be some short speeches afterwards. At the time of SO going to press exact details timings and meeting places were yet to be confirmed, so keep an eye out on Reclaim The Night TW’s socials for updates.

Against Women and Girls. I knew I couldn’t do it alone and having seen Lauren speaking out on this issue had a hunch she could be the perfect collaborator – and I was right.”

When I experienced stalking and harassment as I walked through a busy Tunbridge Wells town centre in broad daylight four years ago, I had no idea that it would lead me to campaign for the safety of women, girls and marginalised people to be prioritised by those who make decisions for our Borough.

I was 25 and on my lunch break when I was intimidated, harassed and followed by a man I didn’t know. Five years before that, at 19, a man in a club thought that it was acceptable to touch me inappropriately and without my consent; luckily, my friend noticed and grabbed my arm so I could get away. Just one year ago, I witnessed

At around the same time as the 2022 Reclaim The Night walk, Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark’s Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Bill was making its way through Parliament (it has since passed as law). The Bill was tirelessly campaigned for by Plan International UK, the Our Streets Now campaign and an inspiring youth activist and Tunbridge Wells sixth former who lobbied Greg Clark to push forward this vital legislation. Keen to involve local campaigners, Greg invited Jayne and Lauren to attend the second reading in the House of Commons, an experience that shaped the work they do as Reclaim The Night Tunbridge Wells.

Now we are a fully-fledged community organisation with a mission to facilitate open, honest and non-judgemental conversations about the issues that affect women, girls and marginalised people, from the closure of children’s centres to local bus cuts and everything in between. We don’t exclude anyone – people of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities and genders are welcome to contribute to our work, whatever that looks like for them.

Jayne and I believe strongly that discussions around the safety of women, girls and marginalised people should always include men – we can only move forward and make change when the conversation is inclusive, non-judgemental and welcoming. We’ve come up with the slogan Empowered Together, Stronger Alone to promote these ideas.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @reclaimthenighttw for all the latest, or email us at reclaimthenightrusthall@gmail.com

Lauren Brook (right) with Jayne Sharratt

“Animals teach us about life and the power of forgiveness and love”

Vet and TV presenter Noel Fitzpatrick brings his new live show, Beyond Supervet to the Assembly Hall on October 27. Here, he tells James Rampton all about it and why we can learn so much about ourselves thanks to our pets

within us. Even though Freddy has just chewed up your new £100 trainers, you don’t care. But if a human did that, oh, my goodness, you’d be livid, maybe forever.

“So, it is interesting. Animals uncork an ability within us to be ourselves and an ability to look beyond the facade that we put up for society every single day. They allow us to be ourselves and therefore, to be the best we can be.”

This is exactly the sort of poignant and thought-provoking story that Noel will be sharing in his brilliant live stage show, ‘Beyond Supervet.’ The 25date tour started at the end of last month at Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone and finishes at Guildford’s G Live on 2 December, taking in Tunbridge Wells on October 27 at the Assembly Hall. It is already proving hugely popular. So, to avoid disappointment, you’re advised to rush to the box office now, as tickets are selling like discounted dog biscuits at the pet store.

The first vet ever to tour the UK, Noel will be delivering a show full of passion, poignancy and peerless humour. This compelling evening will offer loads of fun, as well as profound insights into what one of the world’s most acclaimed and beloved orthopaedic-neuro veterinary surgeons has gleaned from the thousands of animals he has treated throughout his career.

benefit us all and how modern medicine can have a massive effect on our lives. Drawing on the vivid narrative of his many books, Noel will be engrossing audiences with stories, anecdotes, and a visionary look at the future, all recounted to a potent soundtrack which underscores the immense role music plays in his life. This characteristically dazzling show promises to be a truly exhilarating experience.

In typical fashion, Noel, who is relentlessly dedicated to his patients, is talking to me in full surgical scrubs between operations.

The vet, who exudes charisma on stage thanks to years as a professional actor in shows such as London’s Burning, Casualty, The Bill and Heartbeat (where he played – guess what? – a vet), reveals just how excited he is to hit the road again. “I’m passionate about touring because there are so many things, hilariously funny and very sad and very real and very truthful, that I would like to share with everybody.”

In addition, Noel can’t wait to engage with his wonderfully devoted fan base. “The main reason to do this is the connection with the audience. You cannot get that connection sitting in your own writing a book, but you can really bring the book to life on stage.”

In a tone that brooks no contradiction, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick – known to millions of TV viewers as The Supervet – asserts: “Animals make us better people in every conceivable way. I don’t think that we can always be our true selves with humans.”

He goes on to give us a telling example of this: “Imagine you’ve had a hard day at work where your boss has been awful to you all day. Then you come home from work, and the neighbour who keeps dumping his grass cuttings on your side of the fence has parked his car right in front of your door. You’re pretty narked off.”

Noel, who is the Director and Managing Clinician at Fitzpatrick Referrals in Surrey, carries on,

“You don’t like your neighbour, whose name is Bob, anyway, and now he’s parked his car right in front of your door for the 14th time – you’ve been counting. The chances of you forgiving Bob at this moment are exactly zero.”

Then, he continues, “You open the door of your house and you see your new £100 Nike trainers, torn to pieces, that your new puppy has chewed up, and you forgive him in exactly one nanosecond when he bounds towards you and greets you. And that is what animals teach us about life. They teach us the power of forgiveness and love.”

Noel adds, “It’s a good example because we all know people we bear a grudge against, for whatever reason, because we’re human. But animals unlock unconditional love

Reaching beyond the marvellous world of The Supervet, which has been running for 18 seasons on Channel 4, Noel examines how caring for animals really can

What will Noel be focusing on in Beyond Supervet, then? He says he will be majoring on the subject of his beloved late dog Keira.

Noel goes on to outline Keira’s importance to him over the 14 years they had together before she sadly passed away in 2021. “She has basically taught me everything I know. I would be an empty vessel if she hadn’t been there.

“She’s very much responsible for the building of my practice because she was by my side through all 14 years of that dream. She saw me in my truest raw sense. The show is centred around a dozen or so lessons that I’ve learned along the way from Keira and other animals.”

The vet proceeds to explain what exactly he has learned from Keira.

“She has taught me humility, gratitude, and how to dream big.

She very much inspired ‘How Animals Make Us the Best We Can Be’, which was about passion and thankfulness and openness and

“Animals uncork an ability within us to be ourselves and an ability to look beyond the facade that we put up for society every single day. They allow us to be ourselves and therefore, to be the best we can be”

kindness and commitment and authenticity and creativity and, of course, love and hope.

In his live show Noel will be extolling the redemptive joy of his work, too. “I see love, hope and redemption every single day in my consulting room. For example, you’ve caught me now just after a very difficult conversation. This morning, I had to euthanise a dog that I couldn’t save because it just wasn’t ethically right to do so. His owners were weeping tears onto my shoulder.

“One of them was a big burly bloke, who really only let their guard down with me, when they’ve turned into a blithering wreck in my arms, their partner will often say to me, ‘Oh, my God, Frank has never shown that kind of emotion in his entire life’.”

Noel smiles ruefully. “I don’t think it’s my cuddle that makes every grown man cry. It’s just that I’m supporting them while their best friend is in need – and that unlocks the raw childhood need to love and be loved that is in all of us. That’s a miraculous thing which hopefully I’ll bring to the stage.”

Above all, in “Beyond Supervet,” Noel is keen to accentuate the positive. “I also do talk about the tough times because I think it’s

STAR TURNS

October sees a slew of stars appearing at the Assembly Hall Theatre. They include comedians Dawn French, Richard Herring and Phil Wang alongside Strictly’s Anton du Beke and TV stars Gareth Gates, Steve Backshall and Gyles Brandreth. Here’s a brief bit of information on each one…

RICHARD HERRING’S LEICESTER SQUARE THEATRE PODCAST OCTOBER 6

Richard Herring’s interview podcast is usually recorded in London’s glittering West End at the Leicester Square Theatre, but now it’s going on the road.

Phil Wang is bringing a brand-new stand-up show to venues nationwide including our very own Assembly Hall. He’s chatting race, family and everything else that’s been going on in his Philly little life. Described by The Guardian as ‘stand-up dreamland’ and by The Times as ‘unique and properly funny’ this is one not to miss for comedy fans! (£28.75)

THE BEST OF FRANKIE VALLI

STARRING GARETH GATES

OCTOBER 12

important that we reflect on the fact that everybody has challenges. We’re going through a world of war at the moment, but it’s vital to look at the joy and the goodness and the love in the world. Yes, I talk about the darkness a bit in the show, but as an example of how you can find light.”

What does Noel hope that audiences will take away from this splendid show, then? “I want people to go out feeling that they’ve gained an insight into something that they didn’t expect– a truly uplifting experience where they’ll feel enriched and entertained.”

Noel concludes by saying that Beyond Supervet is ‘a smorgasbord of visual, auditory and stimulatory delights’.

“By coming along and feeling that unconditional love wash over you, I guarantee you will walk out feeling a million per cent better than when you walked in.”

If that doesn’t make you want to buy a ticket for Beyond Supervet, then nothing will.

Tickets for Beyond Supervet are on sale at Noelfitzpatricklive.com or via the Assembly Hall website www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk.

The show takes place at 7.30pm on Friday October 27 and tickets cost £39.25 (members price is £35.33).

The writer and performer and podcast innovator has had chats with everyone from Stephen Fry, Michael Palin and Katherine Ryan to Dawn French, Stephen Merchant, Kathy Burke, Grayson Perry, Nish Kumar and James Acaster. Having won three Chortle Internet Comedy Awards and the only non-BBC show to ever win a Sony Best Comedy Award this is one not to be missed! Richard’s guest for this show is Cold Feet star Robert Bathurst. (£24.25)

AN EVENING WITH ANTON DU BEKE AND FRIENDS OCTOBER 10

Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge, Anton Du Beke, returns to TW with a brand new show. Featuring a live band, guest singer and dancers, audiences can expect a fab-u-lous evening of song, dance and laughter. Anton will be performing some of his favourite songs and dances that have inspired his career throughout his life. Expect behind the scenes stories from his time on Strictly that will have you laughing out loud. (from £42.30)

PHIL WANG – WANG IN THERE BABY! OCTOBER 12

Former Popstars winner Gareth Gates joins cast members from the smash-hit Tony award-winning musical Jersey Boys to bring you The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons! This must-see show for musical lovers features all-time favourite songs including Sherry, My Eyes Adored You, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Walk Like A Man, and many more. (£32.50)

DAWN FRENCH IS A HUGE

TW*T OCTOBER 14 & 15

what we need to do to save our seas. Stunts, experiments, props, cutting-edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV, will all help Steve to bring the icons of the Big Blue to life. From Great whites to Great whales, seals to sardine shoals, Orca to the oddities of the deep: this is a fantastic opportunity for fans of all ages to dive deep into the wonderful world beneath the waves. A must-see for all the family! (£30.25)

GYLES BRANDRETH CAN’T STOP TALKING!

OCTOBER 20

“This show is so-named because unfortunately, it’s horribly accurate,” teases comedian Dawn French. “There have been far too many times I have made stupid mistakes or misunderstood something vital or jumped the gun in a spectacular display of twattery. I thought I might tell some of these buttock-clenching embarrassing stories to give the audience a peek behind the scenes of my work life. So roll up! Book early to see the telly vicar lady be a total twat on-stage, live-in front of your very eyes. And ears.” (£44.25)

STEVE BACKSHALL’S OCEAN OCTOBER 18

He’s back – and he’s unstoppable. Gyles Brandreth just can’t stop talking. The jumper-loving This Morning star, who keeps popping up on Pointless, QI, Would I Lie To You?, Sunday Brunch, and The One Show, has been burbling and babbling since he was a baby, and in his hilarious new one-man show the award-winning raconteur (and holder of the world record for the longest-ever afterdinner speech – 12 and a half hours!) is trying to work out why. (£29.25)

PAUL YOUNG – BEHIND THE LENS OCTOBER 21

Hot off the heels of his critically acclaimed Netflix special, David Letterman appearance, and role on Life & Beth with Amy Schumer,

Steve Backshall’s Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet – and a great way to learn more about

He’s been a major star for four decades and now singer Paul Young is celebrating that with a new live show. He broke into the big time 40 years ago when his debut album No Parlez went to number one and spawned iconic hits like Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home). More success followed with the number one album The Secret Of Association and the worldwide hit Everytime You Go Away, not forgetting an appearance at Live Aid and more. His fans have a treat in store…

Meet and Greet Tickets: £83, VIP Tickets: £48 and Full Price: £33.

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Having a ball Having a ball

For the first time in its history Trinity Theatre is putting on a Christmas pantomime. Oh yes it is! Cinderella will run from December 9 until New Year’s Eve and according to its director, West End star Hywel Dowsell, (pictured) it promises to be a fun and fast-paced show that everyone will enjoy

“Nick came to me with the idea as he and I have done panto together for years. He’s always produced and written and I’ve usually played the Dame or been the assistant director, but this year I have been given sole responsibility to direct and I am very excited to take over the reigns!”

Glittered with stars from London’s West End, Hywel adds that Trinity’s take on Cinderella will be packed with lots of musical theatre numbers and pop songs and plenty of jokes to entertain the whole family as well as boasting a spectacular set and lots and lots of surprises…

It wouldn’t be Christmas for most of us if there wasn’t a trip to see the local pantomime and luckily we’ve always been spoilt for choice with some very good productions on offer. And this year, for the first time in its history, this will include a Trinity Theatre panto!

The venue will be putting on Cinderella, an all-time classic, that will run from December 9-31 at the popular arts venue on Church Road. So why have they waited all this time to put one on I hear you cry? Well according to the show’s director, West End star Hywel Dowsell, it’s because Trinity’s new Chief Executive Nick Mowatt listened to feedback when he took up the position there earlier this year and decided that this would be the year for things to change.

“Trinity has such a loyal audience and it was clear that this would be such a fun thing to do. Why put on something that’s not for everyone when you can put on a panto that will appeal to all? Everyone is buzzing and so excited to be a part of this new tradition at Trinity,” says Hywel who is currently starring in Phantom of The Opera in London’s West End.

The principle cast includes Natasha Hoeberigs as Cinderella, Jenna Boyd as her fairy godmother, Tom Blackmore as Prince Charming and Ben Sell and Thomas Hewitt as the Wicked Sisters.

“We really do have some brilliant West Enders coming to Tunbridge Wells,” says Hywel who has also starred in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The

JENNA BOYD: Jenna will play the Fairy Godmother and has appeared in many of London’s top musicals including Les Misérables, The Wind in the Willows, and most recently the smash-hit, Come From Away. As well as her appearances on stage, Jenna also appears alongside Anne Hathaway in the movie musical adaptation of Les Misérables, directed by Tom Hooper.

NATASHA HOEBERIGS: leads the company of theatre stars as Cinderella in this sparkling production. Natasha trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and her power-house vocals have been heard on stages globally, including as a semi-finalist on Australia’s Got Talent.

JAMES FLETCHER: will play Buttons. James trained at LAMDA before landing the role of series regular, Dylan Jenkins in Hollyoaks. Since then, he has appeared in Downton Abbey (ITV) and Giri/ Haji for the BBC and Netflix. James has starred in many pantomimes throughout his career so far including the titles Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, and Peter Pan.

TICKET INFO:

Don’t miss your chance to see Cinderella, the magical pantomime at Trinity this Christmas. The clock is ticking, get your tickets to the ball now! Call the Box Office on 01892 678678 or book online at www.trinitytheatre.net

TOM BLACKMORE: will be Prince Charming. Tom has been gracing the stage up and down the country in many productions ranging from musicals to plays. He has recently been touring with the famous vocal groups, The Barricade Boys & The Knights of Music and he is no stranger to pantomime, having appeared in productions throughout the UK.

RONNIE LEE: is playing Dandini, the Prince’s loveable sidekick. Ronnie graduated from Laine Theatre Arts in 2018 and since then has performed in the West End and around the United Kingdom. Following his performance in the pantomime, Sleeping Beauty at the Capitol Horsham, Ronnie joined the West End cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child where he graced The Palace stage for several years. He has since been touring the UK in the National Theatre’s production of Ocean At The End Of The Lane.

“Our production of Cinderella is going to be very fast paced and lots of fun for all the family!”

Hound of the Baskervilles.

And he says that unlike most panto casts there isn’t a big celebrity name headling: “We already have an amazing cast who are all West Enders and know exactly what they are doing so why would we go with someone who only gets on stage once a year when we can work with West End professionals?”

Hywel reveals that they start rehearsals on November 27 so there’s not a lot of time between then and curtain up but that’s fairly typical of panto rehearsals he says.

“We have seven people in our principal cast and six in the ensemble and it’s going to be very fast paced and lots of fun!”

Hywel has extensive panto experience to draw on having been part of one ever since he graduated from the Guildford School of Acting some years ago. He was the Assistant Director and resident Panto Dame at the Capitol Horsham for a number of seasons, which is where he met Nick, and has also worked with Parkwood Productions as their Dame and Assistant Director at The Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare as well as The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone.

Hywel’s Pantomime credits to date include Aladdin, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Jack & The Beanstalk and Beauty & The Beast.

“My experience will hopefully make Trinity’s production of

Cinderella very strong,” he smiles.

And what’s the secret of keeping such a time old tale like Cinderella fresh and relevant for today’s panto audience?

“A lot of it is in the script. So there’ll be lots of contemporary references and current affairs – not too much politics though - as well as references to celebrity culture and Tunbridge Wells. We don’t just buy the script off the shelf. Nick and his co-writer work very hard and we will often do re-writes on the job to ensure it stays fun and fresh.”

Hywel tells me that the choreography will be pretty special too. “We have an amazing choreographer called Yamit Salazar who is a genius and will therefore add a lot of flavour to proceedings. There will be lots of routines for the audiences to enjoy. And as we all know Cinderella does go to the ball so there will be plenty of theatrical magic sprinkled in there too,” he teases.

In terms of what makes Hywel’s job as director so rewarding he says it will be working with his fellow actors.

“When you come into rehearsal there’s nothing there apart from the actors. So it is incredible when you have a vision in your head and they take that on and embellish it even further!”

The pantomime will finish on New Year’s Eve which Hywel believes will mean everyone will end

(Flashdance, Kinky Boots, Queenz) and Thomas (Willy Wonka, The Wizard of Oz, Pigs Might Fly): will be giving us plenty to boo at.

on a high. And he says that they will be as inclusive as possible so everyone can enjoy the show.

“There will be both matinee and evening performances, as well as school ones and also a number of audio described, signed and captioned performances too. We will also have a relaxed performance which caters for people who may find people coming to the theatre a stressful experience due to the dark lights and big bangs, so we’ll keep the house lights on and not do as many bangs!”

Given that he is on the stage at His Majesty’s theatre most nights for

Phantom, how is Hywel planning to juggle his day job with directing at Trinity?

“Well the theatre has kindly let me have some time off. They have been very supportive of me and have shown a great interest in the show so I am hoping some of them will come along and see it.”

And as he looks forward to starting rehearsals next month what else is Hywel excited about?

“Being a part of Trinity’s community and the fantastic work it does, but also to be a part of people’s Christmas – that’s an honour actually.”

“We have some brilliant West End stars coming to Tunbridge Wells and can’t wait to be part of your Christmas”

BEN SELL & THOMAS HEWITT: are the Wicked Stepsisters Sinthia Hardup and Barbara Hardup. Ben

“Customer satisfaction is our TOP priority”

A year ago Jodie Claridge opened the specialist oral health clinic dentalbox in Southborough. Here she tells SO magazine how the first twelve months in business have gone and why she and her team are the experts when it comes to orthodontics and dental implants and offering first-class dental care…

General oral health services offered at dentalbox

At dentalbox we do almost everything! We are a multidisciplinary dental practice which means we have in-house team to offer routine care such as fissure sealants, fluoride varnishes, fillings, crowns, emergencies and family dentistry to the more cosmetic and advanced dentistry like tooth whitening, cosmetic smile makeovers with bonding and minimal preparation veneers.

Jenna Buttle our dental therapist is a crucial member of the team, it’s very likely that all of our patients will take a seat in Jenna’s surgery. She supports and facilitates preventative dental hygiene therapy for patients of all ages and dentitions.

Specialist treatmentsorthodontic at dentalbox

At dentalbox, specialist orthodontics represents a significant portion of our services, catering to children, teens and adults with both fixed and removable orthodontic options. Dr Nivethiny Nathan, our esteemed orthodontist, has over a decade of experience, working alongside our Clinical Director, Dr Anthony Lam. With Dr Nathan’s expertise, patients can anticipate a comprehensive specialist orthodontic evaluation.

• Her passion for orthodontics extends to a diverse range of cases, from simple malocclusions to complex scenarios, and she holds a special affinity for advanced techniques in managing severe crowding, missing teeth, and jaw abnormalities.

• We prioritise patient involvement by engaging in thorough discussions about all available treatment options, empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their expected outcomes.

• Dr Nathan’s delightful sense of humour and her compassionate nature shine in every interaction, cultivating a warm and inviting atmosphere where patients feel secure and at ease.

• We take pride in our status as a Diamond Apex Invisalign Provider, the highest that can be awarded, reaffirming our commitment to delivering top-tier orthodontic care.

“We’ve established a practice focused on assisting anxious patients, families, and individuals with both routine and intricate dental requirements”

Congratulations on your first year in business Jodie. How have things been since you launched? Thank you, we made it! I’d have to say that launching and running dentalbox has been a total whirlwind and I feel like I have barely sat down! First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for all of the support and encouragement we received from friends, family and our valued patients. Without your unwavering support, we could not have achieved this milestone.

Have there been any challenges

along the way?

Our first year has been a period of learning, growth and adaption. We faced some initial challenges as expected in any new venture. However, with the determination of the hard work of the team, we’ve managed to overcome these obstacles and build a solid foundation.

“Recently used the hygienist here and have to say as someone who doesn’t like going to the dentist (yes it scares me) the staff were absolutely fantastic. They put my mind at rest and if you’re nervous like me I cannot recommend them enough. Quality service.”

Google Review, August 2023

Dental therapists are trained to treat a high level of need and Jenna has a particular interest in the treatment and stabilisation of gum disease, or periodontitis and takes enormous pride in engaging with her patients and helping them achieve optimal dental and gum health.

What significant milestones have you made in terms of business progress?

One of our key achievements has been building a strong customer base. We have had the pleasure of serving many wonderful patients, that have supported us, but also provided valuable feedback that helps improve our dental service. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we are continuously striving to enhance our patients’ experience.

When

we last met you were keen to offer something very different as a dental practice. Do you think you have been able to achieve this?

Absolutely! Our dedication to involving our patients in their treatment planning and discussions remains steadfast. We’ve established a practice focused on assisting anxious patients, families, and individuals with both routine and intricate dental requirements, emphasising kindness, patience, and expertise. We’ve remained true to our commitment of providing necessary treatments and have consistently offered honest guidance on the least invasive options. While our space provides a tranquil environment, it’s truly the team’s expertise, knowledge, and compassionate approach that sets us apart.

Expert dental implant treatments at dentalbox

At dentalbox we make use of our in-house CBCT machine and digital scanner. Using guided implant placement and digital treatment planning makes our implant placements and restorations precise and effective, increasing both success and aesthetics.

Our implants are placed by a specialist restorative consultant with 15 years’ of experience. Mr Farooq has held a consultant position at London’s prestigious Dental Hospital Guy’s & St Thomas’ and embodies holistic dental treatment.

His treatment plans are designed to offer patients the very best outcomes to restore their dental function and smile confidence. It is not possible to have a specialty in Dental Implants but as a Restorative Specialist he is the very best placed to provide implant surgery.

In addition to general dental care and specialist treatment such as orthodontics and dental implants, what other services do you offer clients?

Dr Nikki Rostami is currently part-way through her Prosthodontic Specialty. A prosthodontist is a dentist who specialises in the aesthetic restoration and replacement of lost teeth. The speciality of prosthodontist work restores optimum appearance and function to your smile. So, while not technically a specialist service just yet, Dr Rostami has honed her treatment offering to exceptional denture treatment.

How many in-house clinicians are working at dentalbox?

Our in-house team is currently five, which includes two registered specialists, Dr Ahmed Farooq, a Restorative expert and Dr Nivethiny Nathan, an Orthodontic Specialist. Then we have Dr Nikki Rostami, who as previously mentioned, is currently half-way through studying for her Prosthodontic Specialty, and then there’s Dr Amelia Bhoorasingh who has completed postgraduate training in Advanced Restorative Dentistry, and is part-way through her Advanced Endodontic Program. The fifth member is our dental therapist Jenna Buttle, with a soon-to-be sixth member as I am currently undertaking a University Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy.

How did you select your team of experts?

They have all been picked for their commitment to providing exceptional dentistry and patient care. The idea behind a multidisciplinary approach is that, at times, the clinicians refer to one another, meaning patients see different members of the dentalbox team. But this simply means patients have the opportunity to receive the most comprehensive dental care in one place. We are also looking to expand our dental team further and we are looking to find another dental associate that can offer the same experience and expertise to our patients.

Is your client base growing steadily?

I’ve got to be honest, I was extremely daunted by the idea of opening a ‘squat practice’ - an industry term for opening something from scratch. Quite often, dental practices are bought and sold with an established reputation and patient list. But these purchases can offer different challenges so it has been a case of staying steadfast in our vision and keeping the belief in our promise to do dentistry differently. And I am delighted to say that our patient base has grown significantly and steadily, each month has seen an increase on the month before. Which I believe to be attributed to our increased visibility and building our trust and our reputation in Tunbridge Wells.

You are a member of the TN card. Why did you think it was important to sign up to this scheme?

Having lived in and around Tunbridge Wells for over ten years I am a huge supporter of small local businesses. The TN card champions everything I love about that and I knew before we had the keys a year ago that having an offer for TN Card members would mean we would be able to actively support others.

In the coming year, our dental practice is on a mission to enhance orthodontic services and grow our patient base. Here’s a snapshot of our plans:

• Orthodontic excellence: Our team will expand to continue to offer a wider range of orthodontic treatments to Tunbridge Wells and beyond

• Marketing blitz: Expect to see us online and offline as we promote our dental and orthodontic services

• Referral focus: We’ll engage with our existing patients, encouraging referrals to expand our dental family

• Community engagement: Catch us at local events, sharing our expertise and building trust

• Digital presence: Our website and social media will showcase success stories and patient testimonials

• Partnerships: Look out for promotions with local schools and businesses, benefiting both our patients and community ties

• Patient-centric approach: We’ll maintain our commitment to exceptional patient care, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere

• Adaptability: We’ll stay agile, monitoring progress and gathering feedback to ensure growth and satisfaction

Has the communitySouthborough welcomed you well? And do you get involved in local events?

Absolutely! We’ve been embraced with open arms, and I’m incredibly grateful for the warm welcome. I’m part of a Southborough WhatsApp group dedicated to looking out for and supporting local independent businesses in our community, which has been incredibly comforting. We’ve actively contributed to our community by supporting local school raffles, organising nursery day visits, conducting oral health education classes, offering free initial dental check-ups, and recently, making donations to the local Baby2Baby charity auction.

Why do you believe it’s so important to instil good oral health from a young age?

As a team, we are deeply committed to promoting oral health education in young children and building their dental confidence to alleviate any fears as they grow. In fact, this October half term, we’re hosting a ‘Children’s Dental Trauma’ parents’ evening, Thursday 26th October from 6pm. One of the most heartwrenching emergency calls we receive is when a child has had an accident and it results in a broken, bashed, or bruised tooth. Dr Amelia Bhoorasingh will be leading a Q&A session with informative takeaway packs on what parents should do in the event of such an injury.

What are your plans for the next year of trading?

I’d be thrilled to continue providing our services to the people of Southborough and Tunbridge Wells. We’ve received feedback that some individuals might not be aware that we offer routine and family dental care, as some perceive us as a ‘Specialist Only’ practice. I’d like to emphasise that dentalbox is open to everyone. Becoming a patient is easy – simply book online or give our friendly team a call; there’s no registration process, waiting list, or need for a dentist’s referral. You can even book directly for a dental hygiene session! We also offer 0% finance for patients.

Exclusive SO reader offer:

To celebrate their birthday the dentalbox clinic in Southborough is offering 50% off fixed metal braces until the end of the year! Consultation and records fees apply. Valid for children, teens and adults & new treatment starts only. SO MAGAZINE READER OFFER must be quoted when booking a consultation.

dentalbox, 145 London Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 0NA

www.thedentalbox.co.uk 01892 254879 @thedentalbox

“Our inhouse team is currently five, which includes two registered specialists, Dr Ahmed Farooq, a Restorative expert and Dr Nivethiny Nathan, an Orthodontic Specialist”

Digital revolution

Are you looking for support with your Social Media? ... Claire, founder of Small Local Socials could help…

With social media now being one of the most important and impactful ways to promote your business, it is essential to have a strong social media presence and captive audience in order to grow and gain credibility. Having experienced the power of what Instagram and other social media channels can achieve first hand whilst running her own business, Claire now helps other small businesses with this key area of their marketing.

"I work with small and local businesses in and around the Tunbridge Wells area. I offer a personal and dedicated service to clients and provide a variety of supportive packages at competitive prices for those who want a helping hand kickstarting, growing, or overhauling their

Instagram page and other social media channels. I also offer full social media management services to small businesses who would like ongoing support. Whether you don't have time to focus on socials, or don't have the experience or tools to manage it yourself, I will take the time to understand your business and work with you to make it the best that it can be."

To get in touch and see how Claire can help you with your socials, contact her at smalllocalsocials@gmail.com & find her website at www.smalllocalsocials.co.uk

Fall

flavours

Molly Miller celebrates the culinary classic that is afternoon tea and explains why the autumn is the perfect season to savour it…

There's a certain indulgence to working your way through what's essentially dessert tapas, especially when you find yourself at one of Royal Tunbridge Wells' finest hotels or restaurants. Our nation is celebrated for its delicious afternoon tea offerings, and as we leave summer behind and the evenings become cooler, there's no better moment to try something new. Salomons Estate, a 36-acre Victorian manor house, is a perfect place to do just that. Their pastry team has taken the traditional British afternoon tea and given it an autumnal twist, making it a great way to welcome the new season.

Nestled amidst the winding country lanes in Southborough, Salomons stands as a grand, Grade II listed estate boasting period features and 36 acres of rolling gardens. Afternoon tea is served every Wednesday and on selected Sundays in the conservatory, which overlooks

the iconic grounds, providing the perfect backdrop for such a quintessential tradition. This beautiful spot excels in both sweet and savoury treats which change with the seasons, and this autumn the pastry team has spared no expense.

The spread kicks off with delicate finger cut sandwiches, filled to the brim with smoked salmon and chive cream cheese. Cucumber ribbon and mint cream cheese double decker sandwiches are also on the menu, as well as savouries like coronation chicken and baby gem bridge rolls and brie and caramelized onion tart.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, showstoppers at Salomons include a delectable, spiced pumpkin cheesecake, a creamy and tangy lime posset, and a mouthwatering chocolate and blackberry mousse cake. There are the requisite scones, home baked and still warm, topped with fresh clotted cream and strawberry jam which can be washed down with an enticing selection of hot brews.

Pre-bookings can be made on salomonsestate.com for £25.00 per person, or guests can upgrade to a glass of prosecco for £5 more.

SALOMONS’ SPOOKTACULAR AFTERNOON TEA PARTY

Second only to Christmas as one of the best celebrations of the year, Halloween has so much more going for it than trick-or-treating, and this half-term, you and your little ones can enjoy a ghoulishly delightful afternoon at Salomons Estate, as tickets for their Spooktacular

Afternoon Tea and Party are now on sale. Before tucking into a spooky-themed afternoon tea, the little ones will have a blast playing games like musical zombies, pin the spider on the web, mummy relay, and colouring activities. They'll even get to decorate their own witch or wizard hat and a pumpkin cookie to take home!

After the games, it's time to enjoy a tasty spread of sweet and savoury spooky treats. Think vampire black velvet cupcakes, boo brownies and potion punch! Adults will have their own feast to tuck into, served with a selection of Halloween themed cocktails and seasonal hot drinks like pumpkin spiced lattes.

After refuelling, the adventure continues in the estate's grounds with a quest to find hidden clues to unlock the missing letters of a magical spell, Meanwhile, be sure to count how many eyeballs have been hidden by the ghastly goblin that hides under Salomons’ bridge. Don't forget to dress up in your scariest costume, because there will also be a chance to win best dressed!

“Showstoppers at Salomons include a delectable, spiced pumpkin cheesecake, a creamy and tangy lime posset, and a mouthwatering chocolate and blackberry mousse cake”

Cutting it

A coveted competition win, a growing clientele, unique products, a super chic salon and a wealth of experience and talent in its team, it is no wonder Hidden Hair on Little Mount Sion is proving to be a cut above…

Hidden Hair salon opened exactly one year and wow, what a twelve months it has been for owners Jess Lindsay and Mario Failla.

Not only did the salon win this year’s prestigious L’Oreal Colour Trophy for the Southern Region, an amazing achievement after only being open for nine months and topping a shortlist of 20 other competing salons, Jess and Mario have been able to expand their team to five and have seen their client base grow rapidly.

They are also finalists in the New Salon of the Year category

of this year’s Kent Health and Beauty awards. The award ceremony takes place at Ashford International Hotel on Friday October 13 and the team are keeping everything crossed!

The charming Hidden Hair salon opened in October 2022 and is located half way up Little Mount Sion. It’s a beautiful space that feels light and airy and immediately welcoming as you step over its threshold.

When I paid them a visit recently, Jess told me that such a whirlwind year – which has also included the couple welcoming a

@hiddenhair.tw

new baby – has got them thinking about converting the second floor of their salon in order to expand further.

Priding itself on offering its clients the best cuts, colours and treatments Hidden Hair also stocks some really high-end products such as Shu Uemera in order to provide clients with the ultimate in luxury haircare.

I’ve come to the chic salon early one Saturday morning not only to talk about their successful first year in business, but to also experience first-hand one of Hidden Hair’s signature cuts. I am lucky to be in the capable hands of Jess who takes one look at my sorry looking locks and tells me that a good chop is what’s needed after months of letting my thinning hair grow and allowing the split ends to multiply.

“If you like the length then I am happy to cut it just a little, but I think the best thing in terms of getting your hair back into good condition – and also looking more flattering on you – is to chop it into a bob,” advises Jess.

“We are passionate about our clients achieving a better quality of hair,” she adds before ushering me over to the smart backwash –which boasts lovely views of this quaint part of Tunbridge Wells. Then Jess asks if I’d like the chair’s massage button switched on while she tips it back and cleanses my tresses.

“Oh yes please,” I swiftly respond settling back and immediately feeling relaxed. Tempting as it is to drift off to sleep thanks to the unexpected

“The Hidden Hair salon won this year’s prestigious L’Oreal Colour Trophy for the Southern Region, - an amazing achievement after only being open for nine months!”

Email: hiddenhair.tw@ outlook.com

PHOTOS BY EMILY HARDING

added bonus of having a mini massage while at the salon, instead I keep awake and enjoy chatting to Jess about how well the business is going.

“There are now plans to renovate the upstairs so we can expand and offer more services,” says Jess.

Once I’m back at the cutting station I’m offered a coffee and then Jess starts examining the condition of my hair and giving me some very useful tips.

“With hair as fine as yours I’d suggest you don’t use a cream mask but spritz in a lightweight leave-in conditioner. That way it won’t weigh down your hair and leave it looking flat.”

The Hidden Hair salon is

CONTACT DETAILS

HIDDEN HAIR

39 Little Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1YS Phone: 01892 487792

Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 8pm Saturday 8am - 4pm

beautifully appointed with sleek minimal furniture, cool LED lit oversized round mirrors, wooden flooring and white shuttered windows ensuring privacy for its clients. Dyson hairdryers come as standard.

In addition to Jess and Mario, the Hidden Hair team also includes Grace, Bella and Catie who are all ‘passionate’ about what they do and very much enjoying being part of Hidden Hair’s journey.

“Grace is very passionate about all types of hairdressing, she loves a restyle and a colour change,” Jess tells me.

“Bella loves all the elements involved with styling and is involved in running our Instagram account, while Catie is so talented at putting hair up and creating the most incredible styles.”

In terms of her and Mario’s professional experience, Jess reveals they are both L’Oreal colour specialists: “Mario also used to teach cutting at the L’Oreal Academy and colour is definitely my thing.”

But after seeing how Jess has taken her time to cut my hair into a stylish, jaw length bob with longer layers to add movement and the illusion of volume, it’s clear she’s pretty gifted at cutting too.

Jess then sets to work blow drying and styling it – something I wish I had her skills to do myself! Once done, I have to say the transformation from frazzled to fabulous is impressive.

Hidden Hair has given me some lovely time out of a busy life in stylish and relaxing surroundings – and also provided some muchneeded TLC for my tresses with some incredible products. With service and results as good as this you can see why it’s already hit the ground running in its first year. Here’s to its continued success for many more years to come…

“I’m here not only to talk about their successful first year in business but to also experience first hand one of Hidden Hair’s signature cuts”

Experience a taste of Squerryes at the heart of a 300 year old working estate

Harvest Tours and Tastings

Until mid-October

Our harvest tours and tastings are the best time to come and see the vines, with grapes ripening and the anticipation of harvest around the corner. Harvest tours run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and last approximately 90 minutes.

Start your experience with a guided tour of our vineyard and learn about the 300 year old Squerryes estate, the fascinating history of the spirit of our house, and the story of how a disagreement with a French Champagne House led to the Warde family planting vines on the North Downs at the Gateway to the Garden of England. Find out how the 2023 harvest is progressing, and see the grapes ripen ahead of all important hand harvesting late October.

‍Having learnt about the spirit of our terroir, you’ll then discover more about what makes us so well placed to make exceptional, award winning sparkling wine in a tutored tasting of 3 of our vintage sparkling wines. Your tasting will include our signature vintage Brut release, vintage Blanc de Blancs and latest vintage Rosé.

If you wish to visit after mid-October, please book onto our Autumn and Winter tasting and charcuterie experience.

Pre-booking essential £32pp. squerryes.co.uk/vineyards-tour-and-tasting

Autumn and Winter Tutored Tastings

Mid-October - April

While the vines are dormant, visit us in The Estate Deli and Cellar Door to learn about our wine with a tutored tasting accompanied by a cheese and charcuterie board. Your tasting will be tutored by one of our excellent ambassadors from the comfort of the Cellar Door, with the option of strolling the vines afterwards in your own time. During your tasting you will learn about the 300 year old Squerryes estate, the fascinating history of the spirit of our house, and the story of how a disagreement with a French Champagne House led to the Warde family planting vines on the North Downs at the Gateway to the Garden of England.

Having learnt about the spirit of our terroir, you’ll discover more about what makes us so well placed to make exceptional, award winning sparkling wine in a tutored tasting of 3 of our vintage sparkling wines.

Your tasting will include our signature vintage Brut release, vintage Blanc de Blancs and our exclusive late disgorged 2013 vintage Brut, having had 10 years ageing in our cellars. During your tasting you will enjoy a cheese and charcuterie board. Our tutored tastings run on a Friday and Saturday and last approximately 60 minutes.

Pre-booking essential £32pp. squerryes.co.uk/vineyards-tour-and-tasting

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS AT SQUERRYES

From wonderful wine in The Cellar Door to dining in the AA rosette restaurant and shopping in The Estate Deli, Squerryes is the perfect destination this Christmas.

Christmas at Squerryes Plan ahead for this Christmas

The festive season may still seem a long way off, but if you’re looking to celebrate at Squerryes this year, we recommend you book early. Nestled among rolling vineyards and surrounded by the enchanting English countryside, we look forward to welcoming you to eat, drink and be merry.

Group bookings this Christmas

Plan ahead to bring a group to The Winery Restaurant to enjoy our three-course festive menu this Christmas

Gather colleagues, friends or family to celebrate the season together. Groups are welcome (we can accommodate between 10-80 guests), with exclusive hire and private dining available, plus a Squerryes drinks reception and canapés to make your occasion even more special.

Our 3 course festive set menu is available at £50pp. Enquire today to make your booking. squerryes.co.uk/christmas-at-squerryes

The Winery Restaurant

Dine with us this Christmas

An estate-led seasonal menu awaits diners this Christmas, with traditional turkey, game and lamb as well as estate pears, English cheeses, vegetarian and vegan dishes. Choose from the à la carte menu, a Sunday roast or Friday night jazz in the AA rosette award-winning restaurant, perfectly complimented by an extensive wine list.

Browse the menus and make a booking today. squerryes.co.uk/restaurant

Making headlines

Claremont students ensure they are heard and not just seen. At this independent co-educational school ‘student voice’ encourages meaningful dialogue, in a learning space primed for collaboration and positive action. SO magazine discovers more…

The collaborative efforts of the Prep School Eco Committee and young reporters on the school newspaper, The Arrow, are great examples of the ‘student voice’ ethos at work. In

Hart MP is currently working with Southern Water to bring an earlier solution to the problem.

Eco Schools, having awarded Claremont it's much coveted Green

Murder Mystery Dinner

Chaos in the Countryside

Friday 13th October at 7pm £75 per person

The Bell's take on Halloween ~ E njoy a lavish 3-course dinner set in our opulent Big Room and immerse yourself in theatre and comedy, solving the most curious crime. Tweed attire encouraged!

Chapel Down Dinner

Four-Course Paired Menu

Friday 17th November at 7pm £95 per person

Chapel Down Vineyard will be our special guest ~ Showcasing some of their favourites. Our Head Chef, Mark Charker has created a 4-course menu to compliment each glass.

Gingzilla

Ginger Bearded Goddess

Wednesday 13th December at 8pm £30 per person (Party Menu Available)

The greatest drag act out there ~ The Ginger Bearded Goddess! An evening of high drag and even higher notes! Why not make a night of it and book your Christmas Party with us!

Country House Homes are experts in achieving planning permission to maximise the potential of your property. Our in-house team of planners, designers and architects will work with you to achieve your dream home.

Our fully managed services include:

• Free advice based on what can be achieved through the planning process

• Design ideas for extensions, conversion or new build to meet your brief

• A complete planning package produced in-house

• Monitoring and management of the application throughout the planning process

• Building regulations drawings

• We also provide tendering packages to help you find the ideal builder

DON’T MOVE,

The experts at Country House Homes guide you on how to create your dream property — without moving

With interest rates at a 15-year high, the cost to move house has become a huge barrier to upgrading your home.

The more cost-effective alternative is to transform your current property into the home you’ve always dreamed about. You will be saving the costs of

IMPROVE…

mortgage rate hikes, stamp duty, estate agency fees and removals to name a few. The social benefits of remaining in your community shouldn’t be underestimated: schools, clubs, friends, and neighbours, all contribute to your current lifestyle and wellbeing.

Using householder planning policies there are many options to transform your home, whether that be simple changes internally, small extensions or complete makeovers – all are possible with the help of the right professionals.

Country House Homes understand that the prospect of making an application or embarking on building work can be daunting. Our role is to work alongside you, listening to your needs and aspirations, providing you with achievable designs ideas tailored to your budget. We will make the process of planning easy for you,

taking on the tasks of dealing with the council, all the required consultants and even providing reassurance to concerned neighbours. Once you have your approval, Country House Homes can handle all the precommencement tasks such as planning conditions, building

Royal treatment

The Royal Oak Hotel in Hawkhurst is the newest addition to the Bowes Hospitality group of pubs which includes The Rock at Chiddingstone and The Leicester Arms in Penshurst. SO magazine discovers why this latest historic hostelry is such a jewel in the crown…

With 12 recently refurbished bedrooms, two function rooms, dining area, bar and outside seating Bowes Hospitality’s newest pub The Royal Oak is focused on community, families and celebrating the traditional of a local pub as the hub of its village.

In the past six months the pub has held a number of family focused events with live music, charity fund raising, barbecues and even a live firing show by the local

smugglers re-enactment gang.

On the bar, local beers like Cellarhead Amitola feature alongside national favourites like Madris and Guinness. Our selection of local gins, nonalcoholic alternatives and a wine list focused on quality, accessible wines, will all appeal to wide audience. Whether you’re popping in for a glass of bubbly with your girlfriends or a having post-match pint with some mates you’re certain to find something for everyone.

Food at the Royal Oak is as important to us as anything else. Our Sunday roasts, priced from £16, are quickly becoming the go-to roasts

in the area and we’re particularly proud to be buying all our meats from Park Farm butchers ensuring buying local is high on our list of priorities.

SUNDAY LUNCH - SERVED

12PM-4PM

Local meat, vegetarian options, lashings of gravy and possibly the best roast potatoes on the planet. With fresh fish from Chapmans of Sevenoaks and much of our fruit and veg from Kent producers we are confident our offer matches in terms of taste, price and quality with anyone in the area. As we head into the winter our menu will start to become focused on slow cooking, braising and of course no pub would be worth its salt without a

decent pie on the menu. We can’t wait to get the fires lit and start to enjoy the cosy winter nights in Hawkhurst.

With our weekly sell out Friday Night Smokehouse event this is testament to our dedication to quality food with slow cooked ribs, brisket and wings all featuring on our one night only menu if you haven’t been yet you really should. The food is outstanding.

EVERY FRIDAY - SMOKE AND GRILL NIGHT

6PM-9PM

With Christmas round the corner we also need to focus on ensuring those all-important

regulation drawings, tender packs and appointing a builder. Whichever services are agreed on, they will accord with your needs and budget to achieve your vision.

Let us help you make your dream home a reality. Call 01622 739006 or email sales@ countryhousehomes.co.uk

office parties are catered for and we believe with a sensibly priced festive menu we can make sure all budgets and tastes are catered for enquires and more information please email events@royaloakhawkhurst.com

For Christmas Day we will feature a traditional Turkey Roast for £65 per adult and £35 for children under the age of 12. We will be decorating the pub with traditional Christmas Fayre and will have a number of events planned throughout the holiday season to keep you all in the festive spirit. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or online to keep up to date with activities and events.

01580 755782

@royaloakhaunted events@royaloakhawkhurst.com www.theroyaloakhawkhurst.com Rye Road, Hawkhurst, TN18 4EP

Festive Menu

Festive party tables will be dressed and decorated accordingly with crackers.

TWO COURSES

£22.95

Starters

CURRIED PARSNIP SOUP (V) with rapeseed oil

VODKA CURED GRAVADLAX with dill mustard sauce, capers and shallots

WILD LOCAL GAME TERRINE gentlemans relish, micro herbs

All served with chefs focaccia, oil and vinegar

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS PUDDING Brandy Chantilly

THREE COURSES

£28.95

Main Course

BRONZE TURKEY CROWN with chipolatas and stuffing, vegetables, roast potatoes and lashings of gravy

PAN FRIED HAKE FILLET with saffron ragout

AUBERGINE AND HARISSA CASSOULET

BRAISED DAUBE OF BOUEF creamed potatoes and petit pois a la Francois

Dessert

CINNAMON CREPES with pistachio ice cream

Christmas Day Menu

CHOCOLATE TORTE Honeycomb and creme fraiche ice cream

The pub in its entirety will be decorated accordingly, tables will have crackers provided.

FOUR COURSES

£65.00

Starters

SMOKED SALMON PLATE wealden smokery

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE SOUP chef focaccia, artichoke crisps

CHARCUTERIE BOARD toasted sourdough accoutrements

CLOVE AND ORANGE BAKED CAMEMBERT toasted sourdough, fig chutney

CHILDREN (UNDER 12)

£35.00

Main Course

BRONZE TURKEY CROWN bottomless vegetables, roast potatoes, lashings of gravy. chipolatas and stuffing

VEGETARIAN WELLINGTON seasonal vegetables and roasties with gravy

BUTTER POACHED SALMON beurre noisette, samphire

RIOJA BRAISED OX CHEEKS sweet potato fondant, chargrilled tenderstem broccoli

To Finish

INDULGENT CHOCOLATE FONDANT crème fraise ice cream

BAILEYS MOUSSE orange shortbread

RUM AND RAISIN CHRISTMAS PUDDING with brandy crème anglaise LOCAL CHEESEBOARD

Uncorking another sparkling success

At Squerryes Vineyard in Westerham, Kent, the warm burst of September sunshine arrived at just the right time to allow the fruit to ripen perfectly on the vines.

The process that follows is known as veraison, where the organic acidity levels begin to decrease and the natural sugar in the berries rises. We have been watching the grapes increase in size and flavours intensify ever since.

Towards the middle of October, the grapes will be fully ripe and the harvest will begin, just at the time when the vineyard takes on the glow of autumn with warm, rich vibrant colours we look forward to seeing at this time of year.

Higher than most vineyards at an altitude of 150 metres above sea level, Squerryes has a slower ripening process than some other vineyards. This means we enjoy an evenness in the crop and our grapes have a vibrant acidity which helps wine to age.

A recent survey by Knight Frank highlighted that Kent is the sunniest county in the UK, which is certainly beneficial to the vines at Squerryes.

Squerryes owner, Henry Warde, said: “The last time we had identical weather to this year was in 2014, when we had a warm

June which was ideal for ensuring a great fruit set with good bunch numbers, followed by a wet July and August with warm nights, followed by a lovely sunny start to September. With these ideal conditions, we are hoping for another award-winning vintage from this year’s harvest.”

The magnificent award-winning vintage of 2014 is now only available to enjoy from Squerryes Winery as a magnum although, during our harvest celebration (11-27 October), we are offering

visitors the opportunity to enjoy it by the glass in The Estate Deli and Winery Restaurant to anticipate how the 2023 vintage will taste. Squerryes is also preparing a new Harvest Menu which will be available to enjoy during the harvest celebration in the award-winning restaurant, alongside other choices such as the popular Sunday Roast, which has returned in time for autumn. The Harvest menu will be available from Wednesday to Friday at lunchtime. The Squerryes Winery team will be available to

talk about what to expect from this year’s harvest and how it compares to the summer of 2014.

Harvest tours and tastings (until 22 October 2023)

Harvest tours and tastings are the best time to come and see the vines, with grapes ripening and the anticipation of harvest around the corner.

As we approach the end of the growing season, you can enjoy learning about Squerryes wines with a tasting led by expert staff and a front-row view of the ripening grapes. Our ambassadors take you on a journey to learn about the 300-year-old Squerryes Estate with a tasting of three of the vineyard’s signature wines. Tastings will continue after 22 October as tutored tastings, taking place in The Cellar Door and will include a sharing charcuterie or cheese platter. To find out more or to book a tour and tasting, please visit squerryes.co.uk/vineyardstour-and-tasting. The Estate Deli also offers visitors the opportunity to try a Squerryes wine flight of our three signature sparkling wines without the need to pre-book.

Become a member of Squerryes

Squerryes offers a limited number of membership

places each year. Members are required to purchase a minimum of just two cases of wine each year and are invited to attend the special member-only events including ‘The Harvest Picking Party’ on 22 October 2023 which sees members don their wellies, pick up their secateurs, help pick the grapes, and toast the next vintage!

Shop at The Estate Deli Visitors to Squerryes can also browse The Estate Deli to take home some local artisan products, Neal’s Yard cheese, Squerryes vintage sparkling wines and a selection of the best English and International wines chosen by our resident Master of Wine.

To find out more about visiting Squerryes or becoming a member, visit: www.squerryes.co.uk

Squerryes, Beggars Lane, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1QP 01959 562345

e: celebrations@squerryes.co.uk

New Autumn Menu and Sunday Lunches now available to book at Squerryes

www.squerryes.co.uk

Squerryes Vineyard on why this summer’s unpredictable weather is set to result in another fine vintage and how you can be part of their special Harvest tours and tastings…

Autumnal pleasures…

Get ready to enjoy sweater weather with a glass of rich and flavourful red wine says James Viner. As the autumnal days darken and the air begins to sharpen, it’s time to switch from lighter wines like unoaked whites, lighter reds and rosés to bolder reds from sunnier climes, especially when there’s good solid fare involved for Bonfire Night and Halloween merriments

Supermarket Star Buy

Haysmith’s Blood Orange Gin (£16.99, Aldi, 40%)

No tricks, just keenly-priced treats at Aldi this Halloween –the dawning of the dark days. Get into the spooky spirit with a devilishly delectable, gustable, ideal-for-mixing gin. Whether holding a party or planning a quiet night in with a scary movie, it’s an ideal accompaniment for a spooktacular evening.

“Unswervingly flavoursome, earthy, unoaked, this Languedoc red, is mostly Syrah and Grenache, from a stunning wine estate”

DID YOU KNOW?

The parent grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon are the white Bordeaux wine variety Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc

SO’s new wine critic James Viner suggests six warming reds perfect for cosy nights in. Try these...

1. 2021 Château Capitoul, Languedoc, France (£8, Co-op, 13%)

Unswervingly flavoursome, earthy, unoaked, Languedoc red, mostly Syrah and Grenache, from a stunning wine estate and luxury sanctuary on the Massif de la Clape, just 3km from the Mediterranean coast, halfway between Narbonne and the chocolate-box fishing port of Gruissan. A steal at the price.

2. 2020 Raats Silver Hope Cabernet Franc Limited Release, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£16.99, ‘Angel’ price, Naked Wines, 14%)

Fragrant, tangy Cabernet Franc is the perfect autumnal red. This terrific rendition (benchmark for the variety in South Africa for good reason) is mouthwatering, full-bodied, floral and sweet of bramble fruit, with plum,

boysenberry, mulberry, blueberry, white pepper, warm earth, allspice and some minerally characters carried along by a raft of vibrant blood orange acidity. It sings a song of flourishing vines, terroir and winemaking nous. A beautiful wine with gentle tannins that’s pure, refined and long, despite an element (14 months) of oak ageing. Top stuff.

This biodynamic, age-worthy autumn warmer is the veritable iron fist in a velvet glove. It’s a characterful, brisk, herbal, organic, full-bodied Midi blend of Syrah and Grenache from the high limestone terrace of gentle slopes at up to 400 metres of altitude, of northern Minervois. Think black olives, garrigue herbs, peppery spice and blackberries. Decant and pour with roasted leg of lamb with tapenade and garlicky stews.

This is a tip-top, gently spicy beauty made by Spain’s first female Master of Wine (MW) from old-vine Tempranillo fruit grown in high-altitude vineyards in Quintanilla de Onésimo (the harvests here sometimes creep into November) on the northern part of Spain’s central plateau. Deftly elegant, but there’s a power billowing below. Probably best with food. Cottage pie, slow-roast lamb, rib-eye steak or a tomahawk anyone? An energetic, gastronomic ripper of a contemporary Ribera del Duero red framed by sapid acidity and sandy tannins. Carries the alcohol and oak well (it was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels). Buen provecho!

Reserva Organic Red, Alentejo, Portugal (£19.95, Cambridge Wine Merchants, 14%) Spot-on, powerful, barrel-

fermented, spicy, savoury organic red blend from Portugal’s biggest (covering virtually all of the southeastern portion of the country), hot, dry and sparsely populated wine region, Alentejo, where red wine rules. Based in Reguengos de Monsaraz – a stone’s throw from the Spanish border and not far from Lisbon – the old historic farm and winery has a one Michelin-star restaurant. Cocklewarming stuff for roast lamb/beef and grilled meats.

6. 2019 Domaine Peter Sichel, Vallée de Cucugnan Rouge, Languedoc, France (£26.50, Berry Bros & Rudd, 14%)

I received glowing reviews about this wine from Andy Howard MW before last month’s stellar Berry Bros & Rudd (BBR) press tasting. His Syrah-Grenache recommendation from Cucugnan didn’t disappoint: so appetising, succulent, persistent, rewarding and sure-footed with beautifully managed tannins and red cherry/ blackberry riffs of mineral pungency. A gem here. Glorious.

3. 2020 Château Maris Les Planels Cru La Livinière, Organic Syrah-Grenache, Languedoc, France (£18.99, Waitrose, 15%)

4. 2019 Viña Mayor, Secreto, Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain (£19, The Wine Society, 14%)

5. 2020 Herdade do Esporão

Christmas WITH SO MAGAZINE

Mouthwatering festive menus Original Christmas gift ideas Seasonal events to enjoy

Talking turkey

For most of us a turkey is the culinary centrepiece for Christmas Day. Here Tony Fleck of Kent Turkeys, which is based in Biddenden, tells SO magazine why his KellyBronze ones are a taste sensation…

Tony Fleck, owner of Kent Turkeys, has been a KellyBronze farmer for over 20 years and is one of the only, and certainly the largest, KellyBronze farmer in Kent, rearing up to 1,200 birds each year. This means his birds are reared to strict standards, ensuring not only the highest welfare but also meat which has unrivalled taste.

By hatching the turkeys in their natural season and allowing them to grow slowly and to full maturity, in hand with being free range across 16 acres of pasture, the turkeys lay down a natural layer of fat. When cooked, this runs through the meat, creating a moist and easy to carve turkey with beautifully textured meat,

which is packed full of flavour and with a delicious natural gravy too.

Every KellyBronze turkey from Kent Turkeys comes with full cooking instructions and a complimentary thermometer, making cooking a showstopping turkey simple. And, even better, the cooking time is a fraction of a traditional turkey, meaning not only is it easy to cook a Kent Turkeys KellyBronze turkey, you’ll be able to join in with the festivities and enjoy a stress-free Christmas too!

With plenty of options including whole turkeys, crowns and breast roasts as well as legs, thighs, wings, sausages, mince

and pies, there’s something to suit all sizes of celebrations. Orders are now open, with collection points across Kent including from Woolpack Corner Farm in Biddenden itself.

Visit www.kentturkeys. co.uk to find out more and place your order.

Celebrate in style at the Bottle House Inn in Penshurst where head chef Gary Jarvis has prepared this cracker of a menu full of the finest local and seasonal ingredients. Backed up by a wonderful wine list, great ales, log fires, a private room and stylish restaurant oozing Christmas charm, there’s no better place to be jolly this season.

Call now to book on 01892 870 306 or visit us on thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk

Road, Penshurst, Kent, TN11 8ET

The Bottle House Inn, Coldharbour

THE WARREN FESTIVE CHRISTMAS MENU 2023

£55.00 per person (special offer £49.00 Wednesdays & Thursdays)

There is a special offer for early bookings.

Bread & butter

Christmas cracker Amuse bouche

Starters

Fayre Game’s Warren venison sausage, Madeira sauce, toasted bread



Ham hock terrine, salsa verde, homemade croutons



Baked Dorset snails, homemade garlic butter or cream of blue cheese, toasted baguette



Seared Rye Bay scallops , gremolata, Beal’s farm Spaniard & pistachios



Feta salad, beetroot, pear, apple, hazelnuts & almonds (Vegan option available; plant-based feta)

Mains

Sussex beef sirloin Tagliatelle , wild mushrooms, English mustard cream 

Norfolk Bronze turkey , potato rösti, green beans, sautéed red cabbage & cranberry jus



Slow cooked lamb shank , garden pea cream, heritage rainbow carrots & red wine jus

Pan seared sea bass, crushed new potatoes, tomatoes, olives, capers & butter lemon sauce

Popped wild rice succotash, teriyaki mushrooms, sweetcorn & seasonal vegetables (Vegan)

Desserts

Half dozen egg box of homemade Warren macarons

French crepe , vanilla ice cream & pear compote

Orange & passionfruit cheesecake, mango sorbet & passionfruit Chantilly cream (Vegan)

Flourless French molten chocolate cake, meringue & rhubarb sorbet

Three notable English cheeses, crackers, Warren preserves, fruit & pickled celery

Warren festive petit fours

We are open and taking bookings for Christmas Day as well as New Year’s Eve (menus will be published online)

THE WARREN

5A High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UL 01892 328 191 www.thewarren.restaurant contact@thewarren.restaurant

at Woolpack Corner Farm

Free range KellyBronze turkeys from our family farm in Biddenden. Slow growing, reared to full maturity in their natural season, on 16 acres of Kentish pasture.

Easy to cook, every turkey comes with a complimentary thermometer and full cooking instructions. Wide variety of weights & options to choose from to suit all sizes of celebrations.

Online ordering and collection points throughout Kent including Biddenden, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Knockholt, Wye, Chatham, Aylesford, Bearsted, Penshurst, Chislehurst and Dulwich (SE London).

Perfect presents

Get your festive shopping off to a stylish start with these gorgeous gift ideas…

Fancy holding a

Wreath Making Party in your own home?

for making stunning Christmas wreaths and door swags that look amazing, no matter what the weather throws at them.

Where are the party’s held?

If you live within a 15-mile radius of Tunbridge Wells, I’ll come to your home and give you, and each of your guests, a personalised lesson on how to make a festive wreath, or door

swag, that perfectly suits your style and theme.

What’s included?

I bring everything you need with me. From protective floor and table coverings to floristry equipment and luxury faux flowers, foliage and accessories. I also tidy up afterwards, so the only thing you need to worry about are your guests.

How many people can come?

Excluding myself, the best wreath parties work with four to eight people.

How much does it cost?

How do I book?

Have you ever wanted to host an exclusive Christmas wreath making party, run by a qualified florist in your own home? Well now you can! Read on to find out how…

My name’s Stephanie and I’ve been creating bespoke arrangements for homeowners, businesses, and churches for over 9 years. I specialise in using faux florals which are perfect

Say cheers

The Secret Cellar has four shops across Kent and East Sussex, including its flagship Tunbridge Wells branch on Church Road. Specialists in all things vino, a visit to this wine emporium extraordinaire is a must for any oenophile. Boasting an array of delicious delights from both the established, new and emerging wine territories visitors are bound to find something to please such as this Segla Margaux 2016, £50, a bottle. Tasting notes say it is ‘a seductive, elegant Margaux from a stunning vintage. Perfect for those autumn evenings in.’ The Secret Cellar, 43-45 Church Road, Tunbridge Wells www.thesecretcellar.co.uk

Skin deep

Mila’s Magic is a professional local beauty company offering a range of treatments that are tailored to suit your personal needs. From classic facials, (£60 for 60 minutes), full body massages (£60 for 60 minutes) and ultimate anti-ageing treatments (£70 for 60 minutes) to groundbreaking LED colour therapy (£20 for 30 minutes) there is a wealth of pampering treats to choose from. Therapist Mila also carries out eye treatments, waxing and hot stone therapies. For more information call 07853 172 211.

Milasmagicworld@gmail.com www.milasmagicworld.com

As the host, you pay a special discounted rate of just £30. The rate for each guest maker is £60 and each party lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Just give me a call on 01732 834606 or email me at awaywiththefairiesfd@gmail.com, and get ready for some festive fun.

Instagram: @awaywiththefairiesfloraldesign

Seasonal scents

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a scented candle or two flickering away. And if you’re looking for one – or two - may we suggest you look local at the gorgeous limited-edition winter fragrances from The Wells Candle Company? There are two seasonal scents to choose from: Winter Spice and White Christmas and they both come in a large candle and also a diffuser. Founder Leila is kindly offering SO readers 10% off when ordering by using the code SO10.

www.thewellscandleco.uk

Crowning glory

Why not treat your tresses to some gorgeous goodies from this zero waste salon located on Camden Road? Denton’s Art of Hair uses and also sells the best vegan eco-friendly hair products on the market so why not invest in the best for you or a loved one to ensure your hair looks fabulous all year round? One of the brands owner Charly stocks premium Italian haircare brand certified B Corp and certified Plastic Neutral, Davines, prices start from £20.50. www.dentonsartofhair.com

Dentons, Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells

Artistic approach

Give the gift of cherished memories this Christmas with a portrait beautifully rendered in stunning detail by Sophie W Bart, an artist who brings faces to life on paper. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for capturing the essence of your loved ones and pets, she transforms moments into timeless works of art that will be treasured for generations.

www.sophiewbart.com

@sophiewbart

Creative spirit

Green Finch is a charming gift shop selling beautiful art and unique items from both Kent and Sussex. Boasting a wide range of artistic pieces across a broad price range, there’s something for everyone. One of our favourite pieces is this ceramic Frieda Kahlo vintage tee shirt, handmade locally by Carole A Sheldrake (16 x 12 cm £75). An ideal gift for any art, fashion or home lover. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm.

www.greenfinchshop.co.uk

Greenfinch, Church Street, Ticehurst TN5 7AE

Soft touch

All that glitters

As the saying goes, good things come in small packages and these two beautiful pieces from G Collins & Sons would make the most welcome of gifts on Christmas morning. In an era where automation and mass production have become the norm, G. Collins & Sons is a shining example of a family business that remains committed to preserving tradition and craftsmanship in the world of jewellery. Sienna Collection Star 0.39cts Diamond Hoop Earrings £3,850; Prima Flex’It 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet Size M £2,700. www.gcollins.com

G Collins, 76/78 High Street, Tunbridge Wells

Music to your ears

Love & Luxe is a beautifully curated collection of luxurious clothing and jewellery. The brand, based in Tunbridge Wells, brings a unique blend of understated luxury and cosy relaxation, designed for women to look effortlessly stylish and to feel amazing. This gorgeous limitededition LOVE scarf will be an ideal Christmas gift for a loved one – or yourself to cosy up in. £30 from Love & Luxe.

www.loveandluxe.uk

The Running Hub is one of the South East’s leading running retailer. Since it launched over 10 years ago it has developed a reputation for providing excellent customer service thanks to their knowledge of running and footwear. The shop, which is based on London Road, understand every customer is different but based on their experience and expertise ensures everyone goes through the same journey. But they don’t just stock trainers – there’s a huge array of accessories too including these Shokz OpenRun Mini headphones, £119.99 (usual RRP £129.99) which are the perfect present for the music or podcast loving runner in your life.

www.runninghub.co.uk

The Running Hub, 148 London Road, Tunbridge Wells

Winterwonderland...

ust a short 20-minute drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Bewl Water released tickets to its immersive, twohour Christmas experience last month. Families can secure their place online at christmas.bewlwater.co.uk for sessions that run from November 18 to December 24. They cost from £40 per child and £15 per adult, which includes free parking for the duration of the event.

This wonderful experience features a range of fabulous festive activities, delightful storytelling by Santa’s elves, themed magical lands and play zones, topped off with an exclusive meet-and-greet with the jolly Father Christmas himself.

Capture the magic with plenty of photo opportunities as you journey through the wonderland and warm up with seasonal hot drinks, indulge in sweet treats, and shop for souvenirs to cherish the occasion.

Sunisa Avery, Events Marketing Manager, told SO magazine: “Meeting Santa Claus is the highlight of many families’ Christmas celebrations, so we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new meet and greet to our local community, along with interactive activities and many more festive surprises for a spectacular Christmas experience.”

She added: “Our team has worked tirelessly over the past six months to bring this vision to life, and it will be a magical experience for the entire family.”

When planning your visit to Santa’s Grotto, be sure to arrive two hours

early to fully immerse yourself in all the festive fun on offer. Upon arrival, Santa’s Head Elves will extend a warm welcome to your little ones, presenting each with goodies and their very own stamp card to track their progress through each delightful activity. Venture through the enchanted wonderland and festive play zones to start the magic before reaching your first destination...

SANTA’S

POST

OFFICE

Step into Santa’s Post Office, lined with twinkling lights and charming decorations. Here, Santa’s elves will help your child compose a special letter to Father Christmas. Don’t forget to share all your wishes before dropping your letter into the post box, ensuring express delivery straight to the North Pole!

RUDOLPH’S TREATS

On Christmas Eve, Santa’s reindeer need a hearty meal for their busiest night. At this stop, children can mix up a special recipe crafted just for Rudolph and his crew, ensuring they are wellfuelled to pull Santa’s sleigh and deliver presents to all the good boys and girls.

MRS CLAUS’ BAKERY

Nothing says Christmas quite like the waft of gingerbread in the air. At Mrs Claus’ Bakery, children can join the fun by decorating delicious gingerbread with Santa’s elves. Add a touch of magic with colourful icing and decorations before enjoying your tasty creation afterwards.

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

Join Santa’s elves in a magical Christmas workshop, where you can personalise your very own wooden ornaments. Explore Santa’s craft boxes to spark your creativity before taking your creations home to light up the Christmas tree!

FESTIVE FLAVOURS

After completing your Christmas activities, if you fancy a break from the festive fun, warm up with a

SANTA’S GROTTO

The grand finale of Christmas at Bewl Water is a visit to see Santa Claus himself. Before entering his enchanted grotto for your family’s private meet-andgreet, be sure to check in with his Head Elf, who will entertain with live storytelling throughout the experience. Inside, children can share their Christmas wishes and, if they’ve been good, they might even receive an early Christmas present.

Sunisa adds, “The Grotto has been beautifully decorated, providing the perfect backdrop for capturing those special moments with your loved ones.”

She continues, “When booking your tickets online, you’ll be asked for the name of each child and what their interests are. This allows us to tailor your Santa visit to your family.”

Visits to Santa’s Grotto are limited to six people, but Bewl Water will host several sessions throughout the festive season.

Ticket info: Thursday to Sunday bookings are available from November 18 to December 5, followed by sessions on Wednesdays until December 17. As the school holidays approach, tickets will be available every day leading up to Christmas Eve. Please bear in mind that Christmas at Bewl Water takes place outdoors under marquees, and since not all areas are heated, we recommend wearing warm clothing and comfortable footwear for your visit.

Located in the heart of Lamberhurst, Bewl Water is gearing up for an enchanting Christmas celebration that promises to make this year’s festivities more memorable and magical than ever before. Molly Miller reveals all the festive fun in store…

This wonderful experience features a range of fabulous festive activities

NORTH KENT COLLEGE

OPEN EVENTS

Dartford: Tuesday 17th October

Gravesend: Thursday 19th October

Tonbridge: Tuesday 7th November 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Hadlow: Saturday 4th November 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

northkent.ac.uk/events hadlow.ac.uk/events

Come and join the Halloween Trail of Tunbridge Wells

Get out and about this October half term from 21st - 31st October & spot 20 spooky bats hiding in the windows of some of our RTW Together BID shops, offices and restaurants across town!

You can enter a prize draw to win one of 7 prizes including a family ice skating pass (from Skate Tunbridge Wells), Jelly Cat bats (from Jeremy's Home Store) and Shortbread Light Up Pumpkin Tins (from M&S)

Simply Either:

Cut out this page

Pick up a trail map from the Amelia or the RTW Together office (52 High Street)

Download a trail map from www.visittunbridgewells.com/Seasonal/Halloween-half-term

Look out in your Parent Mail from school

Roman holiday

This month Charlotte Newman from Kitch reveals why she loves the new ‘Ciao Bella’ Collection by Miss June –perfect for your transitional autumn wardrobe

Close your eyes and let your imagination wander through the ancient streets of Rome. The Eternal City, steeped in history and timeless beauty, has inspired poets, artists and dreamers for centuries. Now you can embark on your own Italian journey with the enchanting new ‘Ciao Bella’ collection from Miss June. The collection seamlessly blends the allure of Rome’s past with contemporary elegance, inviting you to embrace the essence of the eternal city in your everyday autumnal wardrobe.

Imagine strolling down the cobblestone streets of Rome, where history, art and culture meet at every turn. The city has long been a symbol of timeless beauty and sophistication. With its iconic architecture and rich cultural heritage, Rome serves as the perfect muse for Miss June’s latest

collection. A tribute to the city’s timeless beauty, the collection boasts a harmonious blend of classic designs and modern silhouettes which capture the very essence of Rome.

Renowned for its lush gardens and picturesque landscapes, the ‘Ciao Bella’ collection brings the natural wonders of Rome to life through timeless floral prints. The dresses are adorned with intricate floral embroidery and the blouses feature delicate paisley motifs, offering a touch of enchantment to your everyday look. The thoughtful details elevate each piece, evoking the craftsmanship and artistry that Rome is known for, allowing you to feel like you’re wearing a work of art. While the ‘Ciao Bella’ collection draws inspiration from Rome’s timeless aesthetics, it also embraces modern silhouettes and cuts. Tailored maxi dresses, ruffled mini dresses and sleek blouses

provide a contemporary look to your wardrobe. These pieces are perfect for embracing Rome’s cosmopolitan side, ideal for dining in the city’s cafes or attending a modern art gallery opening one evening. Incorporating pieces from the collection into your transitional autumn wardrobe is an opportunity to embrace the changing season with style. The blend of luxurious textures, romantic silhouettes and autumnal colours ensures that you will be well-prepared for the cooler days ahead. The ‘Ciao Bella’ collection invites you on a journey to the heart of Rome, where history, culture and beauty converge. With its modern silhouettes and romantic details, the collection encapsulates the allure of the eternal city, allowing you to experience the magic of the city with every step you take.

“With its iconic architecture and rich cultural heritage, Rome serves as the perfect muse for Miss June’s latest collection“

www.kitchclothing.co.uk @kitch_clothing

Show your support support

Treat yourself and donate to charity with these pampering products.

By Katie Wright

Awave of pink products washing over the beauty world can only mean one thing: Breast Cancer Awareness Month is back.

This October, with the Barbie pink trend still going strong, there’s even more reason to snap up a rose-tinted treat for yourself or a loved one.

From nail polish and make-up to skincare and hair tools, here’s our pick of this year’s best charitable beauty buys…

1. Mavala Limited edition Power of Pink Mini Colour Pink Pastel, £6.40, LookFantastic

For the third year running, Mavala unveils its Power of Pink range of skincare and nail varnishes, with £1 from the sale of each product going to the Pink Ribbon Foundation.

We love the Power of Pink Pastel polish, a cute ballerina-pink shade that suits everyone.

2. Trinny London Sherin Lip2Cheek, £26

Fans of TV presenter turned beauty entrepreneur Trinny

Woodall’s eponymous brand love the versatility of the creamy Lip2Cheek pots, which can be used as blusher, lipstick or eyeshadow.

Named after Trinny London customer Sherin, who is living with secondary breast cancer, this shade is a warm brown. For every pot sold, 10% of sales will be donated to Breast Cancer Now.

3. Bobbi Brown Powerful Pinks Crushed Oil Infused Gloss Duo, £38

Bobbi Brown’s luscious lip gloss duo, worth £50, brings together two botanical oil-infused pink hues, with proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

Soft peachy-pink In The Buff is perfect for everyday wear while plummy Slow Jam is an ideal evening option.

4. Clinique Limited Edition Moisture Surge 100H AutoReplenishing Hydrator, £40

If you’re yet to try Clinique’s incredible Moisture Surge, now’s the perfect time to experience the lightweight but ultra-hydrating day

cream loved by beauty buffs. For every pot of the limited edition sold, £10 will be donated to the BCRF.

5. Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Duo Shampoo and Conditioner, £42.24 (was £48)

Inspired by trichologist Philip Kingsley’s wife’s battle with breast cancer, these fragrance-free essentials were formulated for use during chemotherapy.

Ideal if you’ve got sensitive skin or dandruff, they contain salicylic acid and green tea extract to promote scalp health. For every bottle sold, 50p will go to cancer charity Look Good Feel Better

6. Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Advanced Night Repair Serum Limited Edition, £89 Devotees of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – one of the first skincare serums, launched back in 1982, and still a bestseller – love its rejuvenating, collagenboosting powers.

For October, the usually brown bottle gets a hot pink transformation, with a 20% donation from sales going to BCRF.

7. Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Micro-Serum, £90

Packed with rose-infused microdroplets, this dual-phase serum works to strengthen the skin barrier, hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

For every serum sold, Elemis is donating £10 to Look Good Feel Better in support of their workshops and services.

8. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne, £118 for 100ml

A long-time supporter of BCA month, Jo Malone this year introduces a special edition of the classic Peony And Blush Suede Cologne, with £20 from every bottle sold going to the BCRF. Decorated with a floral print and a pink ribbon, the fragrance features notes of red apple, pink peony, jasmine and rose.

9. GHD Platinum+ Styler Pink Limited Edition, £239

For creating poker-straight strands or glossy waves, the GHD Platinum+ with hair-protecting technology is second to none. This marbled pink limited edition comes with a free zip-up pouch, with £10 for each sale going to Breast Cancer Now or €10 to the Irish Cancer Society.

Mavala Limited edition Power of Pink Mini Colour Pink Pastel, £6.40

Trinny London Sherin Lip2Cheek, £26

Bobbi Brown Powerful Pinks Crushed Oil Infused Gloss Duo, £38

Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Duo Shampoo and Conditioner, £42.24 (was £48)

Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Advanced Night Repair Serum Limited Edition, £89

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Micro-Serum, £90

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne, £118 for 100ml

Clinique Limited Edition Moisture Surge 100H AutoReplenishing Hydrator, £40

from £40 perchild £15 peradult

Step into our enchanted Christmas, where a tale of magic unfolds…

Santa’s Grotto Special gift from Santa Gingerbread decorating in Mrs Claus’ Bakery

Make your own Christmas decoration Festive storytelling performances

Letters to Santa Reindeer food making Magical photo opportunities …and so much more in our enchanted wonderland!

*Tickets start from £40 per child

EMBRACING TIME OUT TO RELAX:

Convalescence may appear to be an interval of inactivity, but it is far from unproductive. Here are ways to make use of this time:

1. Prioritise personal care: When ready engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, gentle yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote healing.

2. Stay connected: Spend time with friends and family who are encouraging and lift your spirits.

3. Take one day at a time: Be patient during your recovery. There is often a sense to hurry wellness and it can actually hold you back. Be okay with the recovery process.

4. Consider a creative activity: Engaging in something that provides mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment; painting, drawing, pottery, writing etc.

Why rest is best

In her monthly column for October – a time when most of us start to wind down and hibernate a little more – Naomi Murray from Botanica focuses on the healing power of rest and recovery and why we should all reconnect with the lost art of convalescence…

Rest is often viewed as a dirty word, especially in our fastpaced world, where productivity and efficiency are often valued above all else. In some ways exhaustion is seen as a badge of honour: who is the busiest, most tired, most flat out etc… But even when someone is unwell there is little patience for properly recovering from an illness. We live in a society where we are expected to ‘pop a pill’ and get back to work. However, rest is a vital part of recovery and if we don’t listen to the wisdom of the body then secondary complications may also arise. For example getting pneumonia

Naomi Murray Co-founder of Botanica Health botanicahealth.co.uk

after influenza if it is not handled correctly in the first place.

As essayist and writer Alain de Botton once said: “People can accept you sick or well. What’s lacking is patience for the convalescent.”

The use of bed rest in medicine dates back to the 4th century when Hippocrates first

recommended it as a restorative measure for pain. He knew that convalescence was the bridge that connects the state of illness to restored health once again.

In days gone by there were convalescent homes which were commonly built away from cities in the countryside or by the sea

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONVALESCENCE:

Convalescence is not a period of idleness but a time of vital healing and recovery. It’s a reminder that our body and mind need rest to regain strength and vitality once again. In the long run, it leads to renewed health and it is useful to remember this if illness strikes. Take the time necessary to heal…

where the patient could receive plenty of fresh, clean air. It was a place to rest and heal after the acute phase had passed. But they weren’t just about rest and fresh air, the provision of wholesome, nutritious food was a necessary part of recovery. It really was holistic healthcare; body, mind and soul.

Convalescence plays a vital role in the healing journey of individuals recovering from various health setbacks. Whether you’ve recently undergone surgery, experienced an illness, or a significant injury, convalescence is the bridge that connects the state of illness to restored health. Here’s why it matters:

1. Physical healing: during rest and sleep, the body repairs itself. This process involves tissue regeneration, immune system strengthening, and the restoration of energy levels. Neglecting this phase can lead to complications, prolonged recovery times, and potential relapses.

2. Mental and emotional well-being: a period of rest and recuperation offers a valuable opportunity for mental and emotional healing. A time to be still and mindful.

3. Preventing burnout and adrenal fatigue: Modern society often encourages people to push themselves to the limit in the pursuit of success. Ignoring the need for rest and recuperation can lead to burnout, which can lead to severe long-term consequences for both physical and mental health.

“Doing so is the bridge that connects the state of illness to restored health once again”

Are you ready to swap worrying for peace of mind when it comes to ageing loved ones?

Regain independence and peace of mind with our premium home care.

Our experienced local carers are dedicated to providing outstanding care to families in Tunbridge Wells, surrounding villages and rural areas, giving families much-deserved peace of mind.

If you or someone you love is having difficulty coping with everyday tasks, we can help in the following ways:

Home care Companionship

Dementia care

Live-in and night care

Domestic visits

Post-discharge care

Respite care

How to introduce the idea of care to someone who doesn't think they need it?

Learn from Jane's experience using Amora Care's domestic visits, and discover how she found a solution to help her father and gain peace of mind.

Q: For context, what led you to seek support for your father?

A: My father lives alone, and I was concerned about his well-being after we started seeing early signs of dementia.

Q: How did your father initially react to the idea of receiving extra support?

A: He was resistant at first, but I explained that the visits wouldn't interfere with his independence. They were primarily for cleaning and home help, with the added goal of making sure he was okay.

Q: What was your experience with the carer who visited your father?

A: The carer was extremely helpful. She helped with light housekeeping, cooking, and spent time talking to my father and keeping him company.

Q: How did your father's attitude towards receiving care change over time?

A: As he became more familiar with the carers who visited him, he became more comfortable with the idea of receiving care. He even began asking for help with other tasks, such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions. The peace of mind we gained, to continue our lives without worrying about his day-to-day needs, cannot be overstated!

Book a free assessment:

01892 336842

www.amoracare.co.uk

Excellence. Respect. Love.

Be in control

With ‘Stoptober’ taking place this month – an annual campaign which encourages people to try giving up vices like smoking, drinking and drugs –local hypnotherapist Karen Martin suggests ways you can effectively curb your cravings and also give up bad habits for good…

What’s your poison?

These days, there are more drinkers than smokers seeking hypnotherapy to help them change their habits. I’m seeing more recreational drug users in my clinic than ever before. And many of those who struggle with weight management have a very obvious addiction to sugar.

These issues are all symptomatic of the normal human desire for pleasure. The rapid biochemical hit created by relieving the craving for addictive habits or behaviour trumps delayed gratification every time. Impulse control goes out of the window when the need for whatever your poison may be overrules conscious, rational, logical reason.

Most of those who visit me for help with changing their dependent habits don’t consider themselves ‘addicts’. They want to cut back or control rather than stop completely.

We are all prone to craving things that make us feel good and most of us aren’t rolling around in the gutter while indulging our weaknesses.

Karen Martin Hypnotherapist hypnotherapykent.co.uk

Mixed messages

Since the formation of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) movement in the 1930s, addiction has been regarded as a chronic and relapsing disease that requires medical treatment and ongoing management. The 12 Steps Programme and medical treatment can be effective for managing extreme dependency but they aren’t always the best solutions.

The World Health Organisation defines a disease as “an abnormal condition of the body or mind that causes discomfort, dysfunction, or distress to the person affected or those around him or her”. By this definition, addiction is a disease.

But it doesn’t fit neatly into this box as you can’t ‘catch’ an addiction and you can’t buy cancer in the pub. As a former smoker, I remember having to persevere through the nausea to get hooked.

It’s not the first pint that makes an alcoholic but repeated guzzling.

The occasional line of cocaine isn’t the same as a thousand-pounda-month habit. An annual flutter on the Grand National doesn’t cause the debt and devastation of compulsive online gambling. On some level, at some point, the addict is the master of their own destiny.

Brain power

The human brain is a complex organ capable of remarkable feats. One of its most impressive abilities is its plasticity, which enables the brain to change and adapt in response to experience. This plasticity allows us to learn new skills, form memories, and recover from injury. It also makes addiction a difficult condition to treat.

The fuel in the engine of addiction is the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is released in response to pleasurable experiences, such as eating, sex, or using drugs. When dopamine is released, it creates a sense of pleasure and reinforces the behaviour that led to its release. Over time, repeated drug use can lead to changes in the brain’s reward system, making it less sensitive to natural rewards and more responsive to drugs. This key trigger for addiction is known as neuroadaptation.

In other words, addiction is a learning disorder, a maladaptive pattern of behaviour that is reinforced over time. Brain plasticity enables change through new experiences and learning opportunities. Recovery can be achieved by focusing on changing the underlying patterns of behaviour that lead to addiction,

rather than simply treating the symptoms as if it were a disease.

The cure

So, addiction isn’t always a life sentence. It can be overcome without medical intervention or becoming a ‘recovering’ addict.

The label of addiction can be stigmatising and disempowering, leading to feelings of shame and hopelessness which make recovery harder. An addict motivated to change their behaviour can recode their neurology using tools and strategies that give them back impulse control. Then they can find healthier ways to get their dopamine fix.

Once an addict, not always an addict

Brain imaging studies have shown that addiction can cause changes in brain structure and function similar to those seen in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a form of dementia caused by chronic alcohol abuse. Once that damage is done, there’s no going back.

The neurological changes created by addictive behaviours make it difficult to resist cravings and avoid relapse. However, research has shown that the brain’s plasticity also offers hope for recovery. Activities that promote brain health like exercise, meditation and hypnotherapy can heal much of the neurological dysfunction and physical damage caused by drugs.

Whether addiction is a disease, a disorder, or something else entirely, what matters most is providing compassionate and evidence-based care to those who suffer from it. More people will achieve lasting recovery and regain control over their lives with treatment focused on their individual needs and experiences.

USEFUL TRICKS AND TOOLS FOR CHANGE

If you find yourself embarking on Stoptober and wondering how to benefit permanently from this period of abstinence, here are a few tips to take back control over your habits:

• Notice the improvements in wellbeing and confidence when not overindulging and celebrate them.

• Don’t doubt your decision to moderate or stop. You’re only giving up the misery of dependency and are gaining a much better quality of life.

• Change the narrative so you’re not thinking about not drinking (or whatever habit you’re changing). You won’t miss it if your attention is directed elsewhere.

• It’s okay to forget to remember you used to be an addict.

• Don’t put off making changes. Just do it. Now. Today.

• Accept there will be good and bad days.

• Remind yourself, you’re the boss of you and the cravings will pass.

• Don’t mourn the death of an enemy.

• Don’t use substitutes.

• Never envy those who are still addicted.

• Take charge of your life and get your fix from emotional wellbeing and good health.

“The human brain is a complex organ capable of remarkable feats. One of its most impressive abilities is its plasticity, which enables the brain to change and adapt in response to experience”

Seasonal change

Here at Helios we are currently advising our customers about the best ways to boost their immune systems as well as which remedies to have to hand for those horrid winter bugs.

Helios prides itself on its excellent customer care and advice we offer via the phone advice lines, by email and over the counter in our Tunbridge Wells and Covent Garden pharmacies. We frequently hear from our customers how grateful they are to have access to the expertise of our team of qualified Homeopaths. We offer an excellent range of vitamins and supplements to help keep you and your family healthy during winter. In the same way Helios

takes pride in supplying remedies of the highest quality and integrity, we also only stock vitamins and supplements from companies that share our values in producing products that are natural, safe and effective.

Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc are three of the main vitamins and minerals to help support the immune system. We have a wide range in store and online with options suitable for both adults and children.

Echinacea has always been a widely popular herbal tonic to

strengthen the immune system, keep colds and flu at bay and ease viral symptoms. We recommend the A. Vogel range of Echinacea drops or tablets.

Probiotics are also useful to protect immunity as they support the gut where many viruses start. We stock a vast range of probiotics for all needs and would especially recommend Optibac for Everyday or Daily Immunity at this time of year.

Alongside supplements, one of the best ways of staying healthy is to see a homeopath for a full consultation to treat you as a whole and to restore your health and wellbeing naturally. Please do contact us for further information on our Homeopathic Clinic

ENJOY A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH THIS WINTER

If you do become unwell we have some great homeopathic remedies available for you to use safely and effectively at home for all the family. Here are our top winter remedies: Aconite 30c: For early stages of coughs, colds, sore throats and feverish conditions.

Bryozoa 30c: For dry, irritating and often painful coughs.

Ferrum Phos Tissue Salt: Tired and weary, not feeling quite right. Best taken at first signs of a cold or flu.

Gelsemium 30c: Remedy for typical flu symptoms, with great weariness and heaviness of the body, especially the head and eyes.

Eupatorium perfoliatum 30c: Flu remedy with great aching felt deep in the bones.

Kali Bich/Hydrastis/Pulsatilla 30c: Excellent combination of remedies for shifting stubborn and thick catarrh.

Belladonna 30c: Remedy for sore, inflamed throats with sudden onset and accompanying fever.

Merc viv 30c: For a very sore, ulcerated throat and swollen glands.

Helios Homeopathy Ltd

Tel: 01892 537254

www.helios.co.uk

97 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2WR

These are just a few highlights of all the remedies and supplements we can offer. We would be delighted to help you further by giving you brief advice for your acute ailments on the phone, by email or over the counter in our pharmacy shop, where our experts are ready to support you through the coming months to help you stay well and healthy.

“Alongside taking supplements, one of the best ways of staying healthy is to see a homeopath for a full consultation to treat you as a whole”

In its monthly column for October, the expert homeopathic team at Helios advise SO readers on how to stay healthy during the winter months…

Pack a positive punch

SO’s resident fitness guru Sarah Gorman reveals why anyone’s body confidence journey starts with loving yourself and the skin you’re in…

Ihave spoken about body confidence in the past but I have decided to write about it again.

I believe that it’s a topic that needs to be brought to our attention time and time again because we all need to be reminded about how to gain or regain our confidence in whatever form that is for any one individual.

The culture of social media has meant that comparison is rife.

Constantly seeing other people’s lives, bodies, achievements, careers has meant that many of us have an overwhelming feeling of failure. We think that we are not good enough, not doing enough – in short that we are simply not enough!

But do you know what? This really comes down to not having enough confidence in ourselves... What is it about us that which allows us to knock our own confidence? To self-criticise and belittle things about ourselves? We listen to the voices in our heads so much that we give them a platform to perform from. But what if it is possible to flip that?

To give the voices a name and shut them down?

There are a lucky few in society who seem to have a natural built-in confidence. Now, whether or not it’s genuine we may never know,

Sarah Gorman Fitness professional and entrepreneur @sarahgormanblendfit sarahgorman.fit

but I would suggest that most people are not confident about some aspect of themselves or their body.

I run online classes via my BlendFit App which is all about creating classes that ‘Blend’ disciplines in order to have a bit of everything for everyone. But what I’m really trying to create is the idea that fitness is about more than the visual aspect of the body. It’s about gaining a level of health and strength within the body that gives us a sense and feeling of achievement and joy and most importantly confidence. I am not trying to change the shape of anyone’s body, rather I’m creating a foundation of health and strength for longevity and life.

My drive is to get my clients to have body autonomy and ownership of their body. To like the one they have. In fact, I’d go as far as to say to love the body they have. And when this happens then of course comes confidence…

It’s quite simple; eat well, drink sensibly, live your life and be happy – but in order to do this we need to stop comparing ourselves to others. Our bodies are all different, thank goodness, they are all different shapes and sizes and the work we do on them needs to happen in recognising that these differences make us who we are.

So yes, move your body, get fit and healthy, train to become strong and mobile in order to give yourself the gift of confidence.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

On October 12 I will be speaking at an event all about women inspiring women to gain confidence in themselves. My talk will be about the body, and how fitness, exercise and movement can create confidence courtesy of us using the tools and means that I have briefly touched on in this column.

Stylist Victoria Genevieve from @victoriagenevievestyling and @genevieves _wardrobe will be speaking about how to gain confidence in what we wear and how we wear it.

Celebrity Makeup Artist @bryony_blake will be doing a live make up demo and talking about the face and beauty and building confidence in this way.

Kerrie Kent of @goldheartedclub will be speaking to raise awareness of heart disease in women and the essential role that the British Heart Foundation play in battling this disease.

We also have Rebecca Honey, British Heart Foundation Manager

joining the event and Nicky Tebay of TWSeven hosting.

The event will be held at One Warwick Park Hotel from 7-11pm. Tickets are £25

The money raised on the night will be added to the ‘Hearts of Gold’ Just Giving page, and all Monies are donated the British Heart Foundation.

www.justgiving.com/team/hearts-ofgold

“My drive is to get my clients to have body autonomy and ownership of their body”

growing through Instagram

I work with small & local businesses in and around the Tunbridge Wells area. I offer a personal & dedicated service to clients and provide a variety of supportive packages for those who want a helping hand kickstarting, growing, or overhauling their Instagram page and other social media channels. Whether you don't have time to focus on socials, or don't have the experience or tools to manage it yourself, I will take the time to understand your business and work with you to make it the best that it can be.

www.smalllocalsocials.co.uk

smalllocalsocials@gmail.com

Shape of things to come

SO magazine meets Merle Miegel of Pilates and Me to discover how she is aiming to help those who are seeking to improve their body strength and general wellbeing…

Merle Miegel is on a mission. That mission is to get as many people as possible enjoying their journey to optimum fitness.

The founder of Pilates and Me tells me when we meet that she loves teaching her freelance classes and is keen to eventually build up a community of like-minded people here in Tunbridge Wells – one step at a time.

“I love everything fitness-related and I get real joy from helping people become the best version of themselves. At the moment I am working pretty much full-time but I am hoping to do more classes.”

As well as running her Pilates and Me business, Merle has also started teaching classes at Oakley Fitness on Vale Road and also workshops at the 21… Lifestyle Studio (above the Aveda hair studio) on London Road,

Tunbridge Wells.

“It’s very casual but I am slowly building up a nice community. In fact, that is what I am all about – creating a community of people who want to improve their fitness levels and also their selfconfidence.”

Merle explains that her own personal journey into fitness started with what she refers to as an ‘addiction’ to BodyCombat.

“When I started that class I did not like myself, my body, my life. I only showed up, because I liked punching and kicking and ‘fighting’ all the things about me I didn’t like. But soon enough, the dopamine highs had me coming back for more. My body started changing, my confidence grew... and soon I could make the changes in my life I needed to grow and

That’s the reason she says she is now focused on helping others.

Merle plans to eventually teach elements of mat and reformer Pilates, as well as barre, fulltime further down the line, but she is still able to take on new students for the classes that she is currently running.

Five years after having set foot in that life-changing BodyCombat class, Merle tells me that she retrained as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, and then added Pilates and barre to the mix

for variation and balance. So in short, she has a very varied and experienced knowledge of lots of fitness disciplines.

She is now able to share this experience via her classes and says that the high point for her is to see happy faces stopping by. “I love that people leave feeling more accomplished, stronger and happier than when they arrived,” she smiles.

But if you can’t make it to one of her classes then you can follow her online at her Pilates and Me Instagram account where you will find tips on movement, nutrition, healthy recipes and all the latest news on her courses, workshops and retreats.

www.pilatesandme.fit @pilates.and.me.fit

“I am all about creating a community of people who want to improve their fitness levels and also their selfconfidence”

Celebrate at Salomons Estate this Christmas!

Christmas Wreath Workshops

Thursday 30th November from 6.30pm – 8:30pm

£68 per person

Tickets include a mince pie and mulled wine

Friday 1st and Sunday 3rd December

Experience

Thursday 14th December

7.00pm – midnight

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas…!

Christmas Day Lunch

Monday 25th December

Indulge in the ultimate Christmas Day feast in the stunning surroundings of our picturesque estate.

£97.50 per adult

£45.00 per child (12 and under)

Breakfast with Santa

Sunday 24th December

Enjoy a delicious full English breakfast on Christmas Eve! Experience a magical morning as he makes his way around to each table.

£20.00 per person (adult or child)

Christmas Parties

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what could be merrier than a tailor-made Christmas party for the ultimate festive do? Whether you’re in charge of making sure the office party is the best one yet or rounding up your nearest and dearest, our beautiful event spaces, delicious feasts and dedicated team promise an unforgettable Christmas celebration!

Morning session 10:00am– 12:00pm

£90 per person

Tickets include a glass of Buck’s fizz followed by Festive Afternoon Tea

Join the fabulous Rare Nature Design at their festive workshops at Salomons Estate. Design your very own wreath and tablescapes using provided equipment, foliage, and beautiful decorations.

Dine with Santa

Sunday 10th December

Join us for a delicious 3-course Sunday roast. Enjoy tales from Santa and his elves and a special surprise…

£35.00 per adult

£17.50 per child

Tables available from 12.00pm – 3.00pm (includes an early Christmas gift)

Festive Afternoon Teas

27th November – 16th December

Indulge in the spirit of Christmas with a delicious afternoon tea and savour a selection of seasonal delights.

£25.00 Traditional Tea

£30.00 Prosecco Tea

£17.50 per child

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas and join us for an evening of festive hits made famous by the one and only Michael Bublé! Enjoy an indulgent two course spread and live performance from our tribute singer!

£48 per person, includes drink on arrival and a 2-course menu

Salomons’ Jingle Ball

1st, 15th and 16th December

7.00pm – 1.00am

Our spectacular shared party nights will return this Christmas and we invite you to join us! Dress to impress and get ready to celebrate in style. For £56 per person, Salomons’ Jingle Ball includes:

A welcome drink

3-course festive menu

DJ and dancing

Photobooth and casino table

Wednesday 25th October

Thursday 26th October 11.00am

Children: £21.50

Adults: £27.50 – includes complimentary tea and coffee during the activities For more information, please visit our website salomons-estate.com

And breathe…

This month, Lucy Parker from FLOW explains how to establish simple habits that make you more mindful about your breathing , so you can regulate your nervous system and keep your mind clear

Do you often catch yourself taking a big sigh out?

Perhaps after sending a difficult email, after finding the lost car keys, or typically when taking a pair of uncomfortable shoes off at the end of the day. We sigh, aaahhh…. That’s better we think.

But the thing is that this sigh is a sign that you’ve been holding your breath, which in turn may suggest that, at best you’re distracted and, at worse anxious. That sigh proves to you that you need to be more mindful of how you breathe to help keep your nervous system well-regulated and your mind calm. So, what can we do about it?

It’s funny how many times people say to me “I don’t know how to breathe”. My instant answer is always, “Of course you do, you’re here now breathing perfectly well.” The skill lies in learning why conscious breathing is so very important for our

Lucy Parker Flow Tunbridge Wells lucy@flowtunbridgewells.com

mental health and adopting better habits because of this newfound understanding.

Our bodies are designed to last a long while without food, a day or so without water but only for a few seconds without air. It’s no wonder that our autonomic nervous system (ANS) is hardwired to react badly to poor breathing habits. If we are continuously holding our breath, breathing too quickly, or holding our tummies in as we breathe, we’re sending alarm signals to our ANS that things are not as they should be. This can set off a host of automatic chain reactions that may result in physical, mental, or emotional disorders such as disease, anxiety, panic or pain.

On average a person breathes

between 12 –20 breaths per minute (BPM). The slower and more consciously a person breathes can have a profound impact on their ANS and allow for homeostasis to return. We also find that many people have forgotten the unique and important role of the nose in breathing, allowing for optimum gas exchange to occur. If you feel that your breath has become laboured, fast, shaky, restricted, or shallow, give these top tips a go.

BALLOON BREATHING….

Find yourself in a calm, quiet and comfortable place, lying down or sitting up. Set a timer and make sure you’ll not be interrupted. Rest your hands on your belly and let your arms and shoulders relax. Now bring your awareness to your breath. Once you’ve noticed it, take a few natural breaths. Enjoy the feeling of the inhale and exhale. What do you notice? Which do you prefer, in or out?

Do you use your nose at all, and if so, when?

Now, imagine you have a balloon under your hands, inside your belly. As you breathe in the balloon fills up and as you breathe out it empties. Settle a while, filling and emptying your balloon until the time is up.

GO DEEPER –COHERENT BREATHING

After a few rounds of balloon breathing, begin to count the length of time it takes you to breathe in and then the length of time it takes to breathe out. Use a steady metronome counting pace. It might be something around three, four, or five on the inhale and the same, or slightly different on the exhale.

Once you’ve noticed the count for a few breaths, decide on the number that is most comfortable for you right now. Once you have your number, begin to breathe to this number on every breath you take. Importantly, guide the number to be the same as you breathe in and out.

Once you’ve repeated this for a minute or two, add one number to both the inhale and the exhale. Let’s say you start breathing in and out to four, next, slow the breath down to five in and five out. Now, you’re breathing at a rate of six BPM: you’ve halved your breath rate down and you’ve kicked your ANS back into harmony. Great job!

This super-simple breathing technique is called coherent breathing and has some pretty amazing stats to support its mighty power in regulating our nervous system and bringing us to a place of balance, coherence, and calm.

LEARN MORE?

If you’re interested in learning more, Lucy is running a LIVE WELL workshop on October 7 and we have a special Breathing Workshop at Flow on October 22. For more info take a look at this link – flowtunbridgewells.com/ yoga-courses/

“The skill lies in learning why conscious breathing is so very important for our mental health and adopting better habits because of this newfound understanding”

Here huge striking red Dahlias sit among Rudbeckia with Penstemons and Zebra Grass nearby. It all seems to work perfectly. At one end of the Broadwalk the eye is taken to a stunning ornate bench that contrasts perfectly with a yew hedge backdrop. Look in the other direction and the Broadwalk takes you on a journey through the Pleasure Gardens and beyond into the borrowed landscape and The Glen.

The Glen was once a chalk quarry now approached by a long set of stairs. Its thin alkaline soil has been transformed using shade-tolerant plants including Portuguese laurels, hollies, ferns, honeysuckle, and amelanchiers.

A royal welcome welcome

Ashort journey from Tunbridge Wells to Walmer near Deal in Kent reveals the wonders of Walmer Castle and the delightful gardens that surround it.

Walmer, is one of the three coastal forts in East Kent, created in 1539-40 by Henry VIII in expectation of an invasion.

An unusual design it was conceived to handle all round gunfire. Only once did Walmer have to cope with any serious attacks, in 1648, during the civil war.

From around 1720 the Lord Wardens who were responsible for defending the coast of Kent and Sussex used the castle as an official residence and built rooms with a sea view. Then later in the 18th Century the Prime Minister – William Pitt undertook further works to improve the castle’s residential capabilities. It was at this point that attention was directed to the gardens and Pitt oversaw the planting of the pleasure grounds.

Thereafter Lord Wardens were appointed from the elite of public life. In 1829 Walmer became the much-loved home of the Duke of Wellington, when he became a Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Other notable Lord Wardens include Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who was Lord Warden from 1978 to 2002.

The gardens were improved

by Pitt, but aspects predate this, in particular the Kitchen Garden whose origin stretches back to the early 1700s.

They are now carefully improved and maintained under the watchful eye of Philip Oostenbrink, the Head Gardener and his team.

The gardens are arranged into a number of distinct but joined areas.

You enter via an ornate gate into the Kitchen Gardens which are extensive, from these you can reach the Moat Garden via a gradual slope pathway. This is well worth a visit with its sheltered climate encouraging many interesting plants along the borders that camouflage the harsh walls of the castle. The Moat Garden is of particular interest to Philip Oostenbrink who is renovating the borders here. The trees and shrubs in these beds include some excellent specimens. I particularly enjoyed the fragrant white

blooms from the giant Magnolia grandiflora, the wonderful fig trees that clung to the outer Moat walls, and the giant Canna lilies with their dramatic orange flower heads that sat mid border among giant tree ferns, bamboo and tropical palms. Elsewhere the deep pink blooms from Persicaria orientalis and the luminescent leaves of the Catalpa trees contrasted with the blue skies we were so lucky to enjoy on our visit.

Back in the Kitchen Garden there was a profusion of colour, with Asters, Dahlias and Zinnias dominating the cuttings garden area. The glass houses are 20th Century replacements for the original buildings and feature a number of palms, rare orchids and cacti that are a must-see. The Kitchen Garden is still a working garden providing fresh produce for the Castle tearooms and restaurant, which on our sampling was excellent.

Adjoining the Kitchen Garden is the very dramatic Broadwalk. This striking feature was created by the 2nd Earl Granville in the late 1860s. Originally conceived in a much more formal fashion, the Broadwalk is lined by two massive outer Yew hedge borders which now have billowing cloudshaped form. In front of these are two wide herbaceous borders, planted in a more relaxed fashion, reminiscent of the colourful style of Gertrude Jekyll.

I was itching to see the gardens created for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. This was designed by Penelope Hobhouse in a modern formal style, with a large rectangular pool centrally situated and a classic stone summer house at its head. This sits opposite a yew arbor with arch openings that cleverly mimic the summer house proportions. Surrounding the pool are formal lawns with Yew monoliths carefully positioned. Providing the outer borders are herbaceous borders with softer planting siting among clipped hedges. These are punctuated by very distinctive Walmer benches inset at key points providing welcome viewing points for visitors. It was a great day at Walmer, which I can thoroughly recommend. See more about the gardens at www.englishheritage.org.uk

For further advice and information to help you with your garden and its design contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820.

Jobs during October:

- Tidy the garden as plants die back

- Prune back and shorten taller plants and shrubs

- Bring tender plants inside and wrap less hardy plants such as tree ferns, cannas, musa, and some palms

- Plant up your spring bulbs, including alliuyms, camass, narcissus and muscari

- Divide larger clumps of herbaceous plants, including crocosmia, geranium and acanthus

- Prepare the ground and plant up new bare-root hedging

- Apply a good winter mulch of bark, or well-rotted compost

In his column for October, Tim Sykes of Gardenproud takes a trip down to the coast to enjoy the gardens of Walmer Castle…

“Back in the Kitchen Garden there was a profusion of colour, with Asters, Dahlias and Zinnias dominating the cuttings garden area”

Tim Sykes Gardenproud

Brought to books...

churches, streets, pubs, meeting halls and houses that dot their way through countryside. Those stories, tales, words and wisdom add humour and character, intrigue and insight; they are irrelevant to modern lives but still told with a glint of irresistible mischief that ensures the words are passed on.

Pond Cottage, standing at the centre of the village of Adisham is witness, author of and keeper of many of the village’s best-kept stories.

We’re not short on tall tales in Kent. Myths and legends haunt the ancient alleyways of Canterbury; the iconic white cliffs at Dover tell of attempted invasions and the bravery of those who saw them off, and our castles and churches hid smugglers and royalty in equal measure. If you love a good yarn, it’s what makes this corner of the world such a special place.

Bloom Stays’ houses are handpicked by co-founders Nicky and Rowena not only for their location, style and space, but also for their stories. Our houses, all in Kent, are our cast of characters;

Hop pickers’ Oast houses, former fisherman’s huts, a ‘Custom house’ on Faversham’s quayside, Dungeness’ former coast guards’ houses adjacent to the original lighthouse. These are houses where the walls ring with industry that shaped centuries past and now make perfect places to explore.

Here's our suggestions for some houses that could deliver your next chapter on special holidays and brilliant memories…

ABBOTS CLIFF – BREAKING ENEMY CODES

While some places shout history from their rooftops, Abbots Cliff,

an impressively-sized Victorian villa perched high above Folkestone with stunning views, wears its story quietly. Which is just as well as during WWII it was a secret listening post dedicated to intercepting enemy codes being transmitted across the channel from occupied France. Abbots Cliff, or HMS Lynx, to give it its military code name, became a leading communications hub for the vulnerable south coast of England and was even visited by Churchill in the run-up to D-Day and again afterwards. WRENs were stationed here doing the mainstay of the message decoding work and Abbots Cliff has appeared in a recent book written by a WREN about her time there. Now 100 years old, Pat Owtram’s ‘Codebreaking Sisters’ details her work in the ‘White House on the Cliff’ in 1943 and her time off exploring Folkestone and Dover including her favourite cafes for ‘buns with honey’.

Now Abbots Cliff is available to stay in. Sleeping 10 with stylish bedrooms all giving exceptional sea views, a hot tub and its own lookout tower, it’s a fantastic escape for a holiday. Abbots Cliff also has its own ‘little sister’ property in La Vue, a vintage 1950s airstream nestled in its garden with the same terrific cliff views, an outdoor kitchen, stylish bathroom and woodburner. The perfect pad for any teenagers in tow or as a romantic getaway for two.

POND COTTAGE, ADISHAM – PAGES OF HALLOWEEN CHARM

One of the charms of English rural village life is the likely presence of a books’ worth of stories written through the

One of the villains of the village is Esther the witch who, in 1675 was charged with scamming the people of Nonnington. In a collective effort to rid themselves of her, Esther was marched from Nonnington to Adisham and drowned in the famously large pond, which (unsurprisingly) Pond Cottage overlooks. Like her, many 18th-century coach drivers also met a soggy end in the pond as coach driving became fashionable, their judgement on the steep hill into the village was tested, often with an unfortunate outcome. Its literary connections run deep. Most famously Pond Cottage is associated with Jane Austen via a relative, Bennet Austen who bequeathed the original cottage to a certain William Bennett in the mid-17th century.

The Austens, long associated with the parishes’ of East Kent surrounding Canterbury, were no doubt resident at Pond Cottage and appreciated it as a beautiful spot ‘surrounded by orchards’. Later residents were writers, artists, craftsmen and clergymen. It seems to be the sort of house dominated by those pursuing the creative and the curious.

Let Pond Cottage be your inspiration for some tall tales around Halloween this year. Sleeping nine people, there’s plenty of room to tell stories of Esther the witch long into the night.

www.bloomstays.com

SO’s travel section sponsors Bloom Stays – the specialist Kent holiday home agency – reveal how some of their properties and the locations they’re set in boast fascinating literary connections…

“Bloom Stays’ houses are handpicked by co-founders

Nicky and Rowena not only for their location, style and space, but also for their stories”

Your essential guide to hidden Spain

From sol to sombrero: these lesser-known Spanish destinations make for the perfect autumn getaway says Sarah Marshall

Monastery of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1325, a farmer found a statue of the Virgin Mary buried in his field, rumoured to have been carved by St Luke, and now thousands of visitors come each year to see it. Take a tour of the monastery to see numerous illuminated manuscripts and works of art. Extremaduran cuisine, including the iconic Iberian pork, seasoned with paprika, is also an attraction.

Where to stay: Built in the 16th century, Hospederia del Real Monasterio is still a working monastery with part of the property now functioning as a hotel. From £75 per night B&B. Visit hospederiaguadalupe.es.

How to get there: easyJet flies from London Gatwick to MadridBarajas from £29.99 one way. Visit easyjet.com.

COSTA DA MORTE, GALICIA

For many parts of Europe, it’s been a long, hot summer – perhaps a bit too hot for some. But, as temperatures begin to cool, the next few weeks are a great time to discover new areas.

Spain has always been a favourite destination for British travellers, who flock to its beaches, yet there’s so much more to the country of rolling vineyards, dramatic mountains and historic hilltop towns.

According to data from the Spanish Tourist Office, more and more of us are beginning to realise what’s on offer.

“We are pleased to see that our latest tourism statistics show an upwards trend towards exploring more areas of Spain, and particularly some of those areas that are lesser-known,” says Manuel Butler, the office’s UK director. “Our data – which illustrates UK arrivals between April and the end of June 2023 – shows 144 per cent growth to La Rioja, 60 per cent growth to Extremadura, 52 per cent growth to Aragon and 19 per cent growth to Cantabria – all compared to the

same period in 2022.”

Although remote and off the beaten track, many or these locations are accessible from the UK with budget airlines. Several also have Parador accommodation – historic buildings restored by a government body and made available to the public as hotels.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some of Spain’s secret locations to be explored.

CALAHORRA, LA RIOJA

The capital city of the Rioja Baja region in northern Spain has a rich history dating back to the Roman times, notable in its Romanesque and Gothic architecture – including a grand 15th century cathedral. Located along the fertile plains of the Ebro River, it’s the gateway to 500 wineries. If you’re planning ahead for next year, the area is especially known for its Calagurritana Easter week celebrations and Roman Mercaforum – an event featuring birds of prey, Roman minting workshops, and recreations of Roman military camps flood the streets.

Where to stay: Parador de Calahorra, with its Roman pantiles and décor, is built upon the original birthplace of famous writer and speaker Marco Fabio Quintiliano, whose statue is at the entrance to the hotel. From £75 per night B&B. Visit paradores.es/es/ parador-de-calahorra. How to get there: Vueling flies from London Gatwick to Bilbao from £39 one way. Visit vueling.com.

GUADALUPE, EXTREMADURA

This cobblestone village in the region of Las Villuercas in Cáceres province is famous for its Royal

Formed by 17 towns and villages in northwest Spain, Costa da Morte (coast of death) was long thought to be the end of the known world. As well as being the final destination for many pilgrims walking on the Camino de Santiago, this coastline in A Coruña has superb clifftop views and charming fishing villages with traditional stone houses.

Where to stay: Built into the green hillside above Praia de Lourido, Parador Costa da Morte is the newest Parador in the historic hotel’s network, with a nature-blending, sustainabilityfocused design. From £95 per night B&B. Visit paradores.es/en/ parador-costa-da-morte.

How to get there: Vueling flies from London Gatwick to A Coruña from £30.32 one way. Visit vueling.com.

BIELSA, ARAGON

In the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, close to Ordesa Natural Park and Spain’s third-highest peak, Monte Perdido, this is a spot for nature lovers and photography fans. The golden eagle and bearded vulture are regularly spotted in a landscape of deep valleys and steep cliffs.

Where to stay: At the foot of Monte Perdido, the Parador

“We are pleased to see that our latest tourism statistics show an upwards trend towards exploring more areas of Spain, and particularly some of those areas that are lesser-known,”

Parador Costa da Morte

Aragon

La Rioja

de Vielsa is a modern building, resembling a large mountain shelter with stone and wood making up its exterior. Guests can opt for a 4×4 excursion to the lookout points of Ordesa, which includes a picnic with artisanal products and free entrance to a local nature museum.

From £75 per night B&B. Visit paradores.es/en/parador-de-bielsa.

How to get there: Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Zaragoza from £43 one way. Visit ryanair. com.

OVIEDO, ASTURIAS

Oviedo is a stately city in the northern region of Asturias, dominated by several UNESCO

World Heritage sites that hail back to the eighth century. One of the few Spanish towns never conquered by the Moors during the Middle Ages, it has a distinct medieval feel.

Where to stay: Located in the heart of Oviedo, next to the Parque San Francisco and just a few minutes from the Campoamor Theatre, Eurostars Hotel de la Reconquista is an 18th-century baroque palace, national monument and venue for the annual Princess of Asturias awards, celebrating cultural, scientific, technical and social achievement.

From £103 per night B&B. Visit eurostarshotels.co.uk.

How to get there: Vueling flies from London Gatwick to Asturias from £29.95 one way. Visit vueling. com.

SIERRA ESPUÑA

REGIONAL PARK, MURCIA

Perfect for cycling and hiking, Murcia’s prime ecotourist destination has a varied landscape, from the Paredes de Leyva cliff

faces and ravines of Gebas or la Hoz to the Muela plateau waterfall and surrounding reservoirs. Nicknamed the ‘tree apostle’, philanthropist Ricardo Codorníu campaigned for several reforestation projects in the late 19th century to create the protected space.

Where to stay: The Bajo el Cejo hotel is a renovated farmhouse located in the heart of the Sierra

Espuña Regional Park. Fig and pomegranate trees are scattered throughout the gardens, while an infinity pool overlooks vineyards. Almost everything on the menu is homegrown or uses local produce. Rooms from £98 B&B. Visit bajoelcejo.com.

How to get there: easyJet flies from London Luton and Gatwick to Murcia from £50 one way. Visit easyjet.com.

Asturias

Sierra Espuña Regional Park, Murcia

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park Aragon

Guadalupe, Extremadura

We know

your area,

because it's our area too.

After more than 160 years working in property, we have the heritage, experience and support of our leading market knowledge to help our clients navigate the current landscape, no matter how uncertain it may feel.

The combination of our global network of buyers and our in-depth local knowledge of Tunbridge Wells means that we’re well placed to find the perfect match for your property.

Robert Jacobs Head of Residential Sales +44 (0) 1892 507 000

FIRST DRIVE:

translate into body roll during fast cornering, and coupled with light steering the 600e isn’t what you’d call a sporting electric hatchback to drive. It isn’t quick, either, with 0-60mph taking nine seconds and even with the throttle is pinned to the floor the 600e is sprightly rather than fast. But there’s more than enough performance for pottering around town and normal everyday driving.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Fiat has long struggled with enlarging the 500’s cheeky look into a larger package, with the 500X and 500L being proof of this. The 600e is arguably the best attempt yet at a larger 500, but we’d stop short of saying it’s pretty in perhaps the way you might expect it to be. Like with the 500e and Mini with its new Cooper hatchback, chrome is out and in are cleaner surfaces, with just a sprinkling of bright work added to around the 600’s windows and along the bottom of the doors. It’s an attractive shape, particularly

FACTS AT A GLANCE

MODEL: Fiat 500e

La Prima

BASE PRICE: £36,995

ENGINE: Single electric motor

POWER: 154bhp

TORQUE: 260Nm

MAX SPEED: 93mph

0-60MPH: 9.0 seconds

RANGE: 252 miles

EMISSIONS: 0g/km

Fiat 600e La Prima

Fiat is taking on the electric family hatchback market with the new 600e – but has it set a new standard?

James Batchelor finds

WHAT IS IT?

Fiat is famous for being masters of the small family car, and yet it last offered a ‘B-segment’ supermini way back in 2018 with the Punto. But now the Italian firm is back with a two-pronged attack. A new electric Panda will be revealed in 2024, but first there’s this – the 600e.

Designed to be a bigger brother to the all-electric 500e, the 600e is a family hatchback but with a slightly rugged, crossover look just like its sibling, the Citroen e-C4.

WHAT’S NEW?

Well, everything on the outside to be frank. The 600e doesn’t replace an existing model – the slightly larger but visually similar 500X will remain on sale for the time being – but it does revive a model name last used in 2010 on an Italy-only model (formerly the Seicento).

While the outside is new, underneath it’s all pretty familiar thanks to Fiat being part of the massive Stellantis automotive powerhouse. As such the 600e uses similar mechanicals to other EVs such as the recentlylaunched Jeep Avenger.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Similar mechanicals is probably putting it mildly as the 600e pretty much pinches the Avenger’s electric powertrain entirely. So, there’s the same 154bhp electric motor powering the front wheels only, and Stellantis’ latest 54kWh battery pack.

out

For the 600e, Fiat claims a WLTPtested electric range of 252 miles combined and a max charging speed of 100kW, which means a 20 to 80 per cent top-up at a suitable roadside charging point will take less than 30 minutes. The on-board 11kW charger means an overnight charge at home will be completed in less than six hours, but Fiat will charge you a hefty £400 for a Mode 2 charging cable. Just like Jeep announced with its Avenger earlier this year, Fiat will also bring a petrol version of the 600 to the UK due to current sluggish sales of EVs amongst private buyers. The 128bhp 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol will be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, and is expected to land in Britain next year.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Fiat worked hard on giving the 500e a more grown up and comfortable feel, and it’s clear that’s been carried over to the larger 600e, too. The most impressive aspect is ride comfort as the 600e shrugs off potholes and imperfections in the road with impressive ease. We tested the car on crumbling roads in Turin, Italy, and lumpier, more undulating stretches of asphalt high in the hills above the city and the 600e felt very polished. Hitting a pothole is transmitted to the cabin more by the sound of the wheel hitting the hole rather than the car’s body shaking. This soft suspension tune does

at the rear, but the heavy-lidded headlamps, the slitty upper vent beneath the ‘600’ badge and fussy grilles at the bottom of the bumper are just a bit too ungainly, we feel.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

You might be surprised to hear the interior is very Jeep too, as the 600e poaches a lot of the Avenger’s dashboard. The centre console with its quirky i-Pad-like cover, 10.25inch touchscreen, and upper and lower elements are all carried over.

The La Prima models add a ivorypainted panel across the centre of the dashboard and ‘Fiat’ embossed seats to add some retro flair, but the interior is more pleasant rather than feeling special. One reason for this is the interior quality – the dashboard and doors are covered in hard plastics. It all feels well put together but it lacks a plush feeling you might be expecting.

The infotainment system – which looks remarkably like sister firm Citroen’s – works well enough,

there’s tonnes of storage in the centre console and it feels roomy upfront. Taller back seat passengers might prefer a Hyundai Kona for outright legroom, but the 600e is spacious enough. Boot space, meanwhile, stands at 360 litres and the boot opening is wide. It’s a shame a moveable boot floor is a feature reserved for the top-spec model.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The entry-level 600e (RED) comes in at £32,995 and features 16inch steel wheels with ‘bi-colour’ covers, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The (RED) also comes with Fiatmonogrammed seats made from recycled fabric, and plenty of red detailing in keeping with Fiat’s partnership with (RED) – an organisation that fights global health emergencies like AIDS. The range-topping La Prima is priced at £36,995 and only comes in four bright colours. Earlier this year, Fiat made a big thing of ditching grey colours for its cars because it wasn’t in keeping with its ‘Dolce Vita’ character. The 600e is the first car to be launched under this anti-grey vibe so comes painted in ‘Sun of Italy’ (orange), ‘Sea of Italy’ (green), and ‘Sky of Italy’ (blue). There’s one more called ‘Earth of Italy’ – Fiat refers to this colour as ‘sand’ but ironically it looks grey to us.

Along with the bold colour palette, La Prima cars get 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, synthetic leather seats, a reversing camera and a six-way electric driver’s seat with a massaging function.

The MG4 is cheaper than the 600e, but frankly it undercuts pretty much all of its rivals. The Fiat is cheaper than its sisters Avenger and E-2008 and is reasonable value for money and is well-equipped for this segment

VERDICT

The dinky 500e bowls you over with charisma and has the ‘buy me’ factor in spades, but as the 500X and 500L models have shown in the past, it’s harder to translate this into a larger model. Admittedly the 600e is competing in a tougher environment than its junior where more rational considerations are the order of the day, but you get the sense the 600e’s character is just a little skin deep. That said, the 600e is a very likeable all-rounder that’s practical, comfortable, well priced and potentially very easy to live with. We can imagine many Brits liking the styling and the car’s easy going nature.w

Great Think Pink Show

Bohemo

Delaney in Punderland

Hewitt

The Jazz Sapiens

with the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra

Swinging at the Cotton Club