Welcome
Editor’s LETTER
W
ell, December’s finally here – and we’re definitely in the party mood at SO magazine. Present ideas, delicious food, great cocktails and tips on how you can make your home look as fabulously festive as possible are all to be found in the pages of your Christmas edition. As usual we also have plenty of interesting stories to bring you including that of our cover star Mandy Miller Simmonds. The mother of two has always loved cooking and creating healthy and delicious dishes for her family to enjoy. But when she discovered that a lot of her friends were struggling for inspiration, she decided to do something about it. In July 2018 Mandy chose to put her foodie passion into the little squares of Instagram under the moniker Simply Food By Mandy and now she boasts thousands of followers – including a certain Gordon Ramsay – and often finds herself in the company of esteemed chefs such as Raymond Blanc. Read all about her success story on p14. We also meet the husband and wife team behind luxury ethical PJ brand Sleepy Wilson. Tom and Paula Wilson may have only moved to Tunbridge Wells a few months ago and just launched their first collection in November but it’s already garnering plenty of attention. Flick to p11 to find out why and how they decided to dream up the idea for sustainable silk sleepwear. Another great read is the story
4 6 8 14 19 24 32
contents December 2019
34
Culture vulture: our round-up of where to go and what to see this month
Hairstylist Rosie Saunders reveals how she won a prestigious award from L’Oréal
The luxuries in life you can’t live without this Christmas
40
We’ll drink to that: Grub & Liquor’s George Kainth talks cocktails
Social scene: a taste of Spain comes to The Kentish Hare
of Annabel Davies, who decided to start her own jewellery line Bella Jane after a crafting afternoon with one of her sons. She may have upgraded Hobbycraft beads for sterling silver and gold ones and created an enviable collection of stacking bracelets, charms, necklaces and rings but the fact she’s translated such a simple idea into a thriving business is an inspiration. You can see her gorgeous designs and read all about her on p20. With fashion tips from local stylist and blogger Lynne Meek (p24), a trip to Thackeray’s (p38), an alternative Christmas gift guide (p47) and a visit to The Ned (p59), which is the perfect place for some festive fun, we’ve pretty much got Christmas wrapped up for you...
Mandy Miller Simmonds tells us how she became a famous foodie
44
Why The White Bear is now a roaring success in Tunbridge Wells
Paul Dunton shares his top must-see gigs this December
Crystal clear skin: We try out Mirror Beauty’s amazing
new facial
A glittering success We meet the founder of Bella Jane Jewellery p20 Game on: why traditional charades and children’s plays are perfect pastimes p46
Season’s greetings to you all
47 59
Give a gift that will last – and be kind to the earth
Style queen: local stylist Lynne Meek reveals how she set up her business
A hotel you can bank on: We pay a visit to The Ned Natural selection: forage festive finds from your garden p48
Editor Eileen Leahy
Issue 141 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG
EDITOR Eileen Leahy info@somagazines.co.uk
HEAD OF DESIGN Lee Smith lsmith8@markerstudy.com
SALES DIRECTOR Gemma Hak ghak@markerstudy.com
EDITORIAL Victoria Truman Andy Tong Charlie Bond
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Hammond Emily Wood Craig Matthews
PRINTED BY: Mortons Print PUBLISHED BY
All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.
Cover Art Direction: Lee Smith Photography: Craig Matthews
Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk
Taste sensation: why Thackeray’s is still a cut about the rest 18 years on p38
Dreams do come true: we meet the founders of luxury PJ brand Sleepy Wilson p11 SO Magazine | DECEMBER 2019 | 3