OM Plymouth Magazine 165 February 2023

February, the time for love, pancakes and a new edition of OM, what more could you ask for. In this edition, we have two business profiles, an educational editorial about the property market and lots of inspiring ideas.

KF Kitchens made Plymouth couple’s kitchen dreams come to reality. Read their article to follow the couple’s journey from the initial ideas to the finished results and their thoughts on KF Kitchens.

Rodgers Of Plymouth introduces us to the all-electric MG5 estate. Find out more about its features and how much it will cost you to charge it compared with a petrol tank.

Are you thinking of selling your home? Find out what our local property specialists think will happen to the property market in 2023 and ways to increase the value of your property ahead of selling.

There are so many brilliant local businesses and restaurants to utilise for a very special Valentine’s Day in the Royal William Yard and beyond. We have gathered together some great ideas to treat your loved one.

We hope you enjoy this issue

OM Plymouth is a proud sponsor of Gables Farm Dogs & Cats Home

The PROPeRTY maRkeT

We hear from local mortgage advisors, solicitors and more to find out what’s happening with the current housing market and what you can do to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

On the 2nd of February 2023 (after this was written), the Bank of England are changing mortgage rates again which could see them go up or down.

it’s no secret that the housing market in 2022 was rocky to say the least, but what’s instore for 2023? let’s see what our brilliant local businesses in the property industry have to say…

Kitsons Solicitors

1. What is currently happening in the housing market, are people still buying and selling? the housing market has not yet experienced a large drop in momentum, with estate agents reporting that new instructions are high, and buyers still need to be quick off the mark to secure a property. Whilst there has been a small decrease in house prices, due to the higher level of interest rates on mortgages, there is still high demand.

2. In your opinion is this still a good time to buy a home? in my opinion, it is still a good time to buy a home. it is important, however, to weigh up your own personal circumstances at length before deciding if now is a good time to make the move. if you are a First time

Buyer, you may wish to hold fire in the hope of securing a more attractive mortgage rate. however, if you are looking to move and sell your current property, you may wish to make the most of the recent boom in house prices.

3. How long on average will the Conveyancing process take when buying a property?

Buying a house is likely to be your most expensive purchase. therefore, it is not out of the ordinarily for this to take a little time. on average, the current conveyancing transaction in the plymouth area is taking in the region of 10-12 weeks from instruction to completion. it is important to note that there are a number of outside factors that may impact this timescale.

Matthew Bryant from Kitsons

1. What is currently happening in the housing market, are people still buying and selling?

at kitsons we continue to experience strong demands for our residential conveyancing services. Volumes of property sales and purchases have been unusually high for the past two or three years, starting before the pandemic in 2020 and continuing through the lockdowns, largely as a result of the Stamp Duty land tax

holiday, and since then as people have tried to make up for lost time. We did see a slight drop in new instructions in December 2022 but, given that house buying is not at the top of everyone’s priority list in the run up to christmas, this is quite normal. however since then we are seeing a consistent level of new instructions in January but it is a bit too early to tell at this stage whether the general demand for housing is cooling off.

it is accepted that when demand for housing outstrips supply prices are driven up as buyers compete for fewer properties and this is the trend that we have seen in recent years. this is the result of many factors including labour shortages in the housebuilding industry, increased material and energy costs due to supply shortages and inflation, general economic uncertainty, the covid pandemic and more recently the breakout of war in europe.

according to government statistics the average house price in the uk, as at november 2022, was £294,910 which marks a 3% drop in house prices compared the previous month but a 10.3% increase compared to the previous year. compare this to the rate of inflation and the consumer price index rose by 9.3% in the 12 months to november. a

report in the guardian in December 2022 says that according to nationwide uk house prices fell for the fourth month in a row which is the longest run since 2008 and house price growth slowed in all uk regions particularly the south west england where the annual rate fell from 12.5% to 4.3% in the last quarter. this is perhaps to be expected given the current high rates of inflation fuelled by energy price inflation and supply issues. as long as demand exceeds supply house price inflation will continue but possibly not at the same level as in recent years.

2. In your opinion Is this still a good time buy a home?

Due to historical housing supply shortages there is still a residual demand for housing as housebuilders struggle to reach the levels of new homes completed prior to the 2008 crash. there has been a steady increase in house completions since then but not surprisingly the 2020 pandemic created a considerable downturn before the industry bounced back in 2021. according to Government figures in the year to 30 September 2022 there were 181,000 new build dwelling starts in england which was 1% higher than the previous 12 months. however this is well short of the ambitious target set by the government in 2017 of increasing the housing stock by 300,000 units a year in england.

We all need somewhere to live and owning your own home can often provide certainty, stability and freedom for the future. affordability is the key. mortgage rates have increased dramatically in the past 12-18 months but before that they were at historic lows for several years. prior to 2008 mortgage rates in excess of 5% were commonplace and it could be said that the mortgage lending rates are now back to normal. Whilst there are rumours of a possible drop in mortgage lending rates there are many other expenses to consider when buying a home.

Anyone thinking of buying for the first time should do their sums carefully and make sure that they are not overstretching themselves financially. provided that a prospective buyer sees that a house purchase is a longterm investment there is never really a bad time to buy a home.

3. How long on average will the Conveyancing process take when buying a property?

at kitsons we generally estimate between 6 and 8 weeks to sell or purchase a residential property. however there are many variables to take in to consideration including mortgage finance; whether the property is freehold or leasehold (a leasehold purchase generally takes a little longer); the speed and expertise of the conveyancers acting for both buyer and seller; and the size of the chain involved (how many other sales and purchases are linked to yours). a cash purchase (i.e. no mortgage) of a freehold property where the seller is not relying on the proceeds of sale to buy another property will probably take considerably less time than a leasehold purchase with mortgage funding which is relying on a series of other leasehold sales. the best way to ensure your sale or purchase goes as smoothly and quickly as possible is to instruct a reputable firm of solicitors to help you with your conveyance and hope that the person you are buying or selling from does the same!

Curwins Financial & Mortgage Advisors

- Paul Stokes -

1. Are there any cuts on stamp duty or government offers available?

there were some changes introduced last year: there is currently no Stamp Duty land tax (SDlt) payable on residential properties under £250,000. For first time buyers that increases to £425,000. that’s providing that if after buying a property, it will be the only property you own. however, you usually pay 3% on top of the residential property rates if you own another residential property and are buying another home or buy to let property. the goV.uk website has more detail and a calculator for anyone that wants to work this out themselves.

2. Have Mortgage rates dropped and what is the average lender mortgage rate?

We’ve seen most lenders’ fixed rates continue to drop over the last month or two after a rapid period of increases throughout 2022. currently 2-year fixed rates are available from around 4.65% and 5 year fixed rates from 4.35% but it’s worth noting that these are changing all the time as lenders adjust their products.

however variable rate mortgages and those that track the Bank of england base rate have increased because the Bank of england have increased their rate from 0.25% in 2022 to 3.5% at the time of writing. it is being widely predicted that this will be increased to over 4% this year as the bank continues to target reducing inflation.

3. In your opinion do you think mortgage rates will stable this year or increase?

Personally, I feel that fixed rates are likely to continue to drop, albeit slowly throughout 2023. in the short term we’ll also have to see what the Bank of england decide when they next review the base rate in February. Whilst fixed mortgage rates could continue to reduce i think variable rates are likely to increase in the short term as the Bank of england wrestles with reducing inflation. Once the bank feels that inflation is dropping or is coming under control then it may be able to stop increases and eventually consider reducing the base rate.

“the home-buying process can be complex for the first-time buyer (FTB). So much so that finding the right home can start to seem like the least of your concerns”

“here are some top tips to prepare financially before you kick off your search:

1. know what you need. Before you start searching, make sure you separate the essential stuff from the nice-to-have extras

2. check your credit score. this will be essential during the pre-approval stages

3. get a mortgage in principle. knowing roughly how much you’ll be able to borrow will help set a realistic budget and save time as you start searching for properties

4. know the full cost. Stamp Duty, solicitor fees, removal costs and

extra furnishings all add up… when calculating your costs, it’s important to factor in these costs too!”

Mortgages 4 Plymouth

- Tricia Kennedy -

1. What is currently happening in the mortgage market, are lenders still lending?

lenders are keen to lend and are reducing rates almost weekly.

2. Have Mortgage rates dropped and what is the average lender mortgage rate?

When liz truss and her chancellor made their announcements, rates rocketed to in some cases 7%

3. In your opinion do you think mortgage rates will stable this year?

Some rates are now 4.49% which would have been considerably higher. i believe rates will continue to fall despite the anticipated 0.50% increase by the Bank of england Due in February. Providing inflation is falling, i expect to see rates continuing to fall this year and next.

Woollcombe Yonge - Alicia Hopkins -

1. What is currently happening in the housing market, are people still buying and selling?

yes, whilst the market seems to have quietened down following the SlDt rush, we are still seeing a steady stream of instructions for sales and purchases.

2. How long on average will the Conveyancing process take when buying/selling a property and what is involved?

on average, a conveyancing transaction will take 4-12 weeks from the seller’s solicitor issuing draft

contracts through to completion. once the contract pack has been received by the buyer’s solicitor, the documentation will be reviewed, and any necessary enquiries raised. the buyer’s solicitor will order property searches if required (the return time for searches will vary depending on the local authority). the searches will also need to be reviewed and enquiries raised if further information is required. Once all enquiries have been satisfied, the buyer’s solicitor will report to their clients and both parties will arrange for their clients to sign documentation in readiness for exchange of contracts. When all parties are ready, a completion date will be agreed, mortgage funds requested (if applicable) and contracts will be exchanged.

Time frames will be impacted by various factors such as:

• Whether the buyer requires a mortgage

• if the property is leasehold

– as information packs will be required from the landlord and/or management company

• if the property is newbuild – as completion will take place on notice if the build is not complete

• Whether there is a chain

• Whether it is a probate sale, as delays may be caused whilst waiting for the grant of probate

KF Kitchens

- Nathan -

1. How much appeal does a new kitchen have on potential buyers? “a new kitchen will always add value to a property against an older one. however, the amount of value it adds will be dependent on how well the kitchen is designed, future proofed and economically laid out. a poorly designed kitchen may add a little added value to a new buyer who may feel that they would want to change it. alternatively, a welldesigned kitchen can add more than the cost of the purchase as its value and appeal are increased by intangibles, where new buyers can picture being and living in the room setting that adds value that cannot be described in figures but by appeal. it is why a good welldesigned kitchen adds significant value, a poor one minimal value and why the client’s decision

of where to purchase is so important. they should think of the end results being closer to buying an extension than buying a product that sits in their house”

Tech Surveys

- Mick Quick -

1. Is having a high EPC rating more appealing to potential buyers, if so why?

With a higher epc rating of a c or above landlords will be ready for the new meeS level which will be changing soon. it also means that a potential buyer could take advantage of any green mortgages being offered. having a higher rated epc is normally an indication that a property is more efficient and so should have lower energy costs.

2. What can you do to increase your EPC rating right now? a good way to increase an epc is Solar pV, the reason for this is because when generating it draws less electricity from the grid thus reducing your energy bills.

another way is insulation in the loft, the first 100mm has the biggest impact with more heat being trapped in the property the higher the insulation the better, also not using the loft as storage helps as once anything is placed on insulation it reduces the depth making it no longer useful. if you do decide to use the loft space for storage top up the insulation to 270mm and use risers then board this ensures the the insulation is doing its job. heating controls help, i do a lot of properties that only have a programmer or tRV’s having all 3 controls help for your heating which also improve’s an epc programmer, Room Stat & tRV (thermostatic Radiator Valve)

Contemporary style for Victorian villa apartment

A

kitchen that ticks all the boxes for couple who love to cook

Paul and Sue from Plymouth wanted something extra special when they decided it was time for a new kitchen.

The couple wanted a space that was in keeping with their beautiful ground floor apartment with high ceilings and, most importantly, it had to be a kitchen that gave them everything they needed as keen cooks: “We both love cooking; the kitchen is a creative room for us,” said Paul. “It’s where we spend a lot of our time, so we wanted space, and we wanted a lay-out that worked for us in practical terms.”

They also wanted it to look great - and we knew just the kitchen that would tick all their boxes.

Paul and Sue came to KF Kitchens after a personal recommendation from a friend: “We did look around and we did speak to another company,” said Paul, “but the response we had from Nathan at KF Kitchens was so good, they were the only choice for us, really.

“When Nathan talked to us, he was very good, he gave us all the ideas about the design and the product. That’s what we were very impressed with, the engagement, I really liked the way they went about it.

“The other deciding factor was simply the quality of the product.”

From our initial chat and listening to their requirements, we suggested a kitchen from Nolte’s Titan range. Paul said: “We had quite an old-fashioned kitchen before, and we wanted a contemporary kitchen. We really like the modern look and the clean lines of this kitchen. What swayed us was how they designed the kitchen in a way that gave us everything we wanted. The design is excellent.

“Nathan suggested a peninsula, which we hadn’t considered, and we love it - it’s like a control console for us. It has maximised the space and given us additional storage and worktop space. But it’s still spacious enough for us to both move around. Having the induction hob on the peninsula is also ideal as it’s close to the oven. The ergonomics really work well.”

The age of the building and the existing lay-out of the kitchen called for creativity in the design stage and exemplary workmanship by our skilled team during the project installation. The Grade II listed Victorian villa was built in the 1860s and has been converted into flats, which posed some challenges.

“The project required a complete rip out,” explained Paul. “The boiler had to be moved, as well as the associated plumbing and pipe work. And we also had to move the cellar access which was previously in the kitchen and is now in the hall flooring outside the kitchen.”

The couple chose the gorgeous ‘Mother of Pearl’ colour for their Nolte kitchen, with Neff integrated appliances and Quartz worktop. The Neff oven with the slide and hide door has a proving and baking setting, ensuring Sue’s cakes and bread come out perfectly every time!

The walls, painted in a shade of teal, and the Karndean flooring complement the Nolte kitchen beautifully. To add to the ambience, the kitchen has ceiling spotlights and pendant lamps over the peninsula.

In a big project, it’s often the small touches that provide that extra special look or feel. With the space above the oven and cupboards, we created three stylish open shelves in a different texture and tone finish, complete with lighting. And we added a wooden panelling and shelving feature on the wall at the

end of the peninsula. Using different texture and bold statement like the handles bring the kitchen together and a style unique to them.

“These are lovely touches,” said Paul. “They don’t just provide us with additional shelving, they add to the overall look of the kitchen.”

And he added: “We love everything about our kitchen, we haven’t found anything that hasn’t worked for us.

“KF Kitchens were recommended to us by friends, and now we’ll be doing the same. The whole experience worked brilliantly, from start to finish.”

FULLY ELECTRIC

Introducing the MG 5 EV at Rodgers of Plymouth Fully Loaded

Rodgers of Plymouth (part of the Murray Group) are a family run business who have been serving the motoring needs of the city for nearly a century. So, it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about cars. When we began our partnership with MG almost two years ago, we knew we were representing a very important brand. From its roots as a stalwart of iconic British motoring to its status as ‘one to watch’ in the world of EV innovation, MG is a brand that aligns with our values.

mg have fast become one of the most exciting brands in the uk, particularly when it comes to eV sales, with the brand boasting a whopping 31.7% of their 2021 sales against an industry average of 7.5%.

the new, updated mg5 eV long Range is one such example from the expanding mg family that proves

they’re doing some ground-breaking work in terms of electric vehicle manufacturing. the fully electric model is the first EV estate car on the market, making it a practical, affordable and efficient choice for families. the best news? it’s available to test drive now at Rodgers of plymouth mg at christian mill Business park!

The MG 5 EV combines all the practicalities that you need for everyday life with state-of-the-art technology. So, whether you’re driving the daily commute; suffering the school run or taking a trip to the beach or moors; your drive is sure to go smoothly.

the 5-seater estate has ample space for passengers, with plenty of head and leg room, even behind taller drivers. in the front, the driver seat has lumber support and six-way adjustable seating for the ultimate in comfortable cruising. Front passengers aren’t forgotten, with four-way adjustable seats too. the entry level Se model comes with beautiful fabric seats whereas the trophy model has leather style seats throughout and heated front seats to keep you cosy on those chilly winter mornings.

The Automatic transmission, controlled by a sleek rotary

a seamless journey and auto start and stop and the electronic parking brake make short hops across the city effortless.

the mg 5 eV long Range boasts a wealth of technology as standard. apple car play and android auto, allow you to connect your smartphone to make calls, send messages and – most importantly –take charge of the playlist whilst you hit the road! all safely and legally, of course, owing to voice control technology. Finding your way around comes easily thanks to the integrated Sat nav system and the handy reversing camera is a godsend for anyone who has to regularly navigate Devon’s narrow country lanes.

take your drive to the next level, with mg pilot – game changing driver assistance technology that ensures a worry-free journey, especially during the colder, darker months. Features such as adaptive cruise control; lane keep assist; traffic jam assist and active emergency braking will keep you safe whether taking to the motorway or roaming around the countryside. intelligent high beam assist allows you to safely navigate the roads after dark – an invaluable feature in the darker winter months.

gear selector makes for

The 360-degree vision camera available in the Trophy edition enables accurate manoeuvring even in the tightest of spots.

Range anxiety can be a concern for those considering switching to an electric vehicle but with between 250 and 326 miles claimed range on a single charge, the MG 5 EV could almost drive the entire perimeter of Devon before needing a boost. Although we wouldn’t recommend trying without being aware of a few charging point locations as factors such as weather and terrain can affect range by up to 20% in the most extreme cases. The good news is, there are plenty of apps out there that can help you plan your journey with charging stops. Zap Maps is our favourite but Plugshare, Pod Point, BP Pulse and Bonnet do the job just as well.

With the government having pledged to stop the manufacture of all ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles by 2030, the benefits of switching to an EV are widely documented. Switching to an MG EV might just be the best motoring move you ever make. Business or fleet drivers can take advantage of low Benefit in Kind (BiK) rates of 2% currently and if

you’re planning on taking a trip to the Big Smoke, the London Congestion Charge doesn’t apply to electric vehicles at all.

Even with fluctuating energy prices, an average family sized EV with a 64kWh battery costs around £36 to charge fully – which is still half the cost of filling an average petrol tank on an estate car. Add to that the abolition of VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) on all electric vehicles and the savings all add up.

As a brand, MG definitely go that extra mile to give their customers added peace of mind – with a seven year warranty in place for all vehicles (or up to 80,000 miles) and an eight year electric battery warranty, you’ll be more than covered. Complete the package by opting for an MG Service Plan and you can drive away safe in the knowledge that should you need help; your vehicle will be in the hands of fully qualified MG technicians.

Rodgers of Plymouth MG are a one stop shop for all your MG needs. We are located on Christian Mill Business Park in Crownhill. Alongside the latest MG models, we offer a comprehensive range of Approved Used Vehicles from across the Murray Group brands. In addition to

this, Rodgers of Plymouth MG are authorised repairers for MG, Ssang Yong and Mitsubishi plus we offer amazing deals on MOTs for all makes and models.

So, whether your current car needs a bit of TLC, you’re in the market for an Approved Used car or you want to explore the world of electrification, Rodgers of Plymouth MG have something to suit your needs. Get in touch today and find out how we can get you on the road.

Ieuan.

The differences between selling your house to us and using an estate agent:

• There are no “viewings” - with lots of people visiting your home, bringing with them the possibility of infection

• We specialise in buying properties very quickly, between 7 and 28 days is our normal purchase period

• We can buy with cash so that you don’t get messed around by mortgage lenders slowing things down

• We pay all your estate agent and solicitor fees - the price we pay is actually what you get

• There is no board outside or advert in the paper, just a fast, smooth, relaxed con dential sale

• To hear how real local people have found our service visit www.ethicalpropertypartners.com

Call us for a guaranteed offer on your property. If you accept our o er before the end of the month then we will either give you £250 cash in advance or pay your mortgage for you until we complete the purchase of your property. This could get the mortgage company o your back immediately!

If you are keen to sell within a month with no hassle from agents charging you fees, viewings that waste your time and buyers o ering and then backing out, then we are here to help.

We offer a guaranteed purchase of any property which means that all you have to do is give us a call and we’ll give you a price that we guarantee to buy your property at. If you decide to sell to us you could have the money in your account within a month.

● There are no “viewings” - with lots of people visiting your home, bringing with them the possibility of infection

● We specialise in buying properties very quickly, between 7 and 28 days is our normal purchase period

What’s On

QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA

Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth Friday 7th February

celebrate 50 years of the iconic rock band, Queen at plymouth pavilions. Queen’s official tribute band will be bringing you all of their best tracks over the years.

lOW PRES; WilkiNSON

The DEPO, Plymouth Friday 3rd February

after numerous requests, the Depo can finally welcome Wilkinson. Wilkinson has been one of the most successful & consistent British electronic artists of the last 5 years.

mUSiCAl BiNGO

The Club House, Plymouth Wednesday 15th February

Join on for a couple of games of musical Bingo, performed by a local liVe artist. they’ve got the beers, the wine, the gin and the snacks.

SiX NATiONS 2023

Walkabout, Plymouth live from 4th February

enjoy the atmosphere and get your rugby fix at Walkabout, Plymouth.

FEBRUARY 2023

South Devon

SiP & PAiNT - VAlENTiNE’S DAY

HonkyTonk Wine library, Plymouth Tuesday 14th February

have fun doing something different and co-creating a semi-masterpiece to take home with you. You can paint anything from portraits to creating a couple logo that best represents you both.

iNTERACTiVE QUiZ NiGHT

The Club House, Plymouth Every Thursday

come and join us every thursday from 7pm for our weekly interactive Quiz Night. Some great prizes to be won, including bar snacks, rounds of drinks, meals for two and even bar tabs!

JAZZ & ROAST SUNDAYS

HonkyTonk Wine library, Plymouth Sunday 19th February

Local Jazz legend Martin Dale will be lighting up the room with his Jazz Saxophone. accompanying this live music with a fabulous Sunday Roast Board.

BEGiNNERS YOGA

Wellness Warriors Yoga Studio

Every Thursday - 6;30pm

this class is designed for complete beginners to understand basic yoga.

PlYmOUTH’S CRAFT & FlEA mARkET

The Guildhall, Plymouth 30th Jan - 4th Feb

craft & Flea is a collection of independent makers, collectors, designers and creatives all under one roof. From vintage bric-a-brac to food, ceramics, candles and more!

BODY BAlANCE AT THE AQUARiUm

National marine Aquarium, Plymouth Tuesday 21th February

Due to popular demand, they have brought back monthly Body Balance sessions with Nuffield Health! Workout and center yourself with a tai-chi and pilates inspired fitness class that will strengthen your mind, body and soul!

image courtesy of national marine aquarium

LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT ROYAL WILLIAM YARD

Whether you’re walking hand in hand by the marina, sharing a bottle of wine over a candlelit table, or feasting on an exquisite three course meal amidst the stunning backdrop of grand listed buildings, settings don’t get much more romantic than Royal William Yard.

This popular Plymouth destination has an array of treats on offer for Valentine’s Day, from exclusive menus at its many restaurants, to luxury pampering experiences and gifts galore. Everything you need to make this special day even more memorable is in one place.

WIne AnD DIne

Looking out onto the Yard’s lawn, classic French restaurant Bistrot Pierre is offering an indulgent Valentine’s menu. It starts with a complementary glass of Veuve Devienne, followed by three delicious courses - including a sharing plate of three classic desserts. It’s available for £34.95 per person, so get booking.

Home to Plymouth’s freshest seafood – straight from its own fishing boats –and the city’s first speciality rum bar, is incredible independent restaurant The Hook & Line. Its Valentine’s menu kicks off with a Fizz Cocktail upon arrival, before launching into three mouthwatering courses for £90 per couple. If you want to push the boat out, extras include Champagne, oysters, and a Fruit De Mer platter.

With food from around the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice for a romantic rendezvous. Try Wagamama for

authentic Asian and Japanese cuisine; Pho for freshly cooked Vietnamese food; Prezzo for casual Italian dining; Seco Lounge for an awesome allday menu; Wildwood for pizza and pasta perfection; Hub Box for nextlevel burgers and barbeque; or The Club House for cocktails, hanging kebabs and more. Resident wine bar, Le Vignoble, delivers on charm and romance, with wine, fizz, and French light bites served by candlelight.

GIfTs

No Valentine’s Day is complete without a thoughtful gift – and you don’t get any sweeter than a box of chocolates. Domea Favour is the

YOKE the Salon – the award-winning ethical hair salon – has luxury haircare products and gift sets available. The shop space at creative hub, Ocean Studios, offers original handmade gifts, such as prints, wall-hangings, pottery and jewellery. And Identity Fashion is the home of unique, oneof-a-kind fashion, accessories and homewares. Or why not grab a gift voucher as a present that can be enjoyed at leisure.

sTAY

Yard’s resident chocolatier, where luxury chocolates are handcrafted daily with carefully paired flavour combinations and local ingredients. Limited edition ‘love’ themed chocolates and chocolate bars have been created especially for Valentine’s Day.

Enhance Aesthetics & Wellness is the place for pampering, offering treatments that ‘show your skin some love’. From sumptuous skincare sessions and relaxing massages, to locally-made 100% natural and vegan candles and toiletries, there is plenty to choose from to give the gift of TLC to a loved one.

Make a night of it with a mini-break staycation right in the heart of Royal William Yard – what could be better than waking to the sound of the sea? Grade II listed boutique B&B, Rooms by Bistrot Pierre is a stone’s throw from Firestone Bay and even has its own secret garden. As a guest of Rooms, you only need to stroll across the lawn for breakfast at Bistrot Pierre the next morning. Or treat yourself to an elegant serviced apartment in one of the stunningly restored buildings, courtesy of Royal William Yard Apartments

Visit Royalwilliamyard.com for even more inspiration; you can even build yourself an itinerary of the perfect Valentine’s Day. With much to discover and do, there’s a lot to love – and plenty of opportunities to celebrate love!

Shop LocaL Shop LocaL this VALENtiNEs DAY

E this VALENtiNEs DAY

SUPHA’S SUPHA’S SUPHA’S

njoy a romantic dinner with stunning views of the boats on the water at Sutton Harbour. Supha’s offer something totally new for Plymouth in a very untraditional format with a bright, colourful dining area, and an open kitchen.

At Supha’s the emphasis is very much on serving up seasonal produce and sharing fresh food with street-food style cooking and strong Asian influences including Thai cuisine as well as dishes from Malaysia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

There is also an extensive vegetarian and vegan selection and lots of their dishes are naturally gluten free too.

Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. South Brent flowers offers a variety of vibrant flowers and foliage, perfect for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day which is just around the corner.

Floral Design For Every Occasion - Delivery Service Available

6 Church Street, South Brent, TQ10 9AB Tel: 01364 72751 Email: brentflowers40@gmail.com www.southbrentflowers.co.uk

They offer a wide range of products on their website and stock a large variety of houseplants in store.

The shop is situated in the heart of South Brent and they offer delivery service throughout the South Hams and nationwide via Interflora.

Treat the environment as well as your loved one this Valentine’s Day by ordering your sweet treats from The Conscious Candy Company. Based in Lee Mill, The Conscious Candy Co. have a huge range of vegan, gluten-free, plastic free and palm oil free goodies. (Some of which are not so please read product description)

From sugar coated candy to indulgent bakery items, there are so many options to satisfy your loved ones sweet tooth. If this is too much choice, you can purchase a gift card so they can choose.

www.consciouscandy.co.uk

LOCAL CLUBS & CLASSES

When we think of clubs, we usually think of large competitive sports clubs which some people may find intimidating. We have found a variety of different adult clubs and classes for beginners to connect with like-minded people and potentially lead to finding a new hobby.

Sewcial Sewing

make at 140, royal william yard every other tuesday 6pm - 9pm

Bring your fabrics and projects that you’re working on and come to the Royal William yard to sew with likeminded people. use of all tools & refreshments. Sewing machine hire is at an added cost & no tuition is given.

pintS & pencilS

the Bread & roses, ebrington St last Sunday of every month 4pm - 6pm

Bring your sketch pad and pencils with you, enjoy a cold pint and start sketching with like-minded people. meet new friends or bring your friends along with you. everyone is welcome, beginner or expert.

BaDminton

plymouth life centre every tuesday 7-8pm

no Strings Badminton offers an easily accessible, low-cost, social, and enjoyable environment for those new to badminton or looking to start again. Improve your fitness or meet new people this club is for everyone!

wellness warriors yoga Studio, modbury every monday & thursday

these classes are designed for beginners and adapt a slow approach. you will learn the basics of yoga in a pressure-free environment. Wellness Warriors also have a huge range of other yoga classes to try.

BeginnerS yoga craft workShopS

mad hatters Studio, plympton Variety of dates

try a range of different crafts from making your own eco-friendly beeswax wraps to needle felted furry animals. For the beeswax wraps workshop, you’ll need to bring your own old patterned shirt and a pair of sharp scissors. Booking is required.

chilleD oUt cheSS

the Bread & roses, ebrington St once a month - check their website

if you’re a fan of chess and want to enjoy a chilled out game over a pint then this is the night for you. olly parker will host this chilled out evening. all skill levels welcome and bring your own Board if you can!

moUntaineering

South Devon mountaineering club

Dates vary depending on trips this club is for the hiking and climbing lovers who enjoy long camping trips as well as an indoor climbing wall. During the winter months they meet to climb at the plymouth life centre every tuesday and throughout the year they host trips to different parts of the world.

BeginnerS Ballet

the Dance Shed, plymouth every wednesday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

these classes are designed for people who have always wanted to do ballet or who did it when they were younger and want to get back into it again. they also have other dance classes for adults & children.

walk, meDitate, create

the clay factory, ivybridge fridays & Saturdays

take the steep walk up to Western Beacon, meditate, do some mark making on the moor and come back for 2-course lunch at the Redpod Food cafe. Finish this affordable experience off by making some art using oil mixed media.

Bars & Cocktail

the treasury annabel’s le Vignoble the Slug and lettuce the Refectory SeedSip Seco lounge the Blues Bar & grill Barbican Botanics gin the Bottling plant honky tonk the clubhouse Brewdog ocean View

catherine Street, plymouth Vauxhall Street, plymouth Royal William yard, plymouth Berkeley Square, plymouth 60 Southside St, plymouth 140 Vauxhall St, plymouth Royal William yard, plymouth 8 the parade, the Barbican 38 new St, plymouth 5 Southside Street, plymouth 2 n e Quay, Sutton harbour Brewhouse, RWy ground unit 10, the Barcode 135 W hoe Road, plymouth

RESTURANTS

Buffet city the Red lantern the Wet Wok Dragon city china chef takeaway Jasmin Restaurant Silver Dragon yungs carry out east eat

Shapla Balti cusine plympton Spice nibana the eastern eye mombay Brasserie ganges and gurkha himalayan Spice papa Raj the thai house Bengal Flavour Wagamama kuku Sushi & Robata kyowa B-Bar Suphas tea and Bun

1 St andrews cross, plymouth 57 north hill, plymouth 75 hoe Road, plymouth glen Rd, plymouth 3 Seymour Rd, plympton 3 Buckland terrace, yelverton 255 Dean cross Rd, plymouth 39 lopes Rd, plymouth 18 Barne Rd, plymouth 137 Ridgeway, plymouth 151 Ridgeway, plymouth 9 morshead Rd, crownhill 57 notte St, plymouth penrose house, plymouth 36 Bretonside, plymouth 31 new St, plymouth 41 Springfield Rd, Plymouth 63 notte St, plymouth 18 Buckwell St, plymouth Royal William yard, plymouth 19 princess St, plymouth 58 ebrington Street, plymouth the Barbican theatre, plymouth Sutton harbour, plymouth 135 cornwall St, plymouth

RESTAURANTS

la Bistrot pierre la Roux café meze grill grecian taverna the leandra lanterns kapadokya lorenzos maritimo positano Barbican pasta Bar il capriccio prezzo Frankie & Benny’s pizza express Wildwood the Stable knead pizza Bill’s nando’s Samphire (V) Bella italia Fletcher’s

Royal William yard, plymouth 33 notte St, plymouth 48 Southside St, plymouth 9 market avenue, plymouth 19-21 Frankfort gate, plymouth 88 cornwall St, plymouth 12 new Street, plymouth

26 Derrys cross, plymouth hoe Rd, plymouth 36-38 Mayflower St, Plymouth 40 Southside St, plymouth

4 Frankfort gate, plymouth

Royal William yard, plymouth Barbican leisure park,plymouth 16 Barbican approach, plymouth

3 Derrys cross, plymouth Vauxhall Street, plymouth 151-156 cornwall St, plymouth 1 charles St, plymouth 15-21 old town St, plymouth 111 Mayflower St, Plymouth 30 - 33 Derrys cross, plymouth 27 princess Street, plymouth

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Pub food

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Rose and crown the imperial the Boringdon arms the three crowns the chaddlewood the elburton inn the Fishermans arms the Jack Rabbit the miners arms the Royal oak the Ship inn the Ship the george inn the navy inn the odd Wheel the mussel inn the treby arms the Waterfront eddystone inn

market Street, yealmpton 28 Western Road, ivybridge Boringdon terrace, plymstock

11 the parade, plymouth 100 glen Road, plympton 221 elburton Road, plymstock 31 lambhay St, plymouth 8-9 howeston Road, plymouth hemerdon ln, plympton meavy, yelverton noss mayo, South Devon the Barbican, plymouth 191 Ridgeway, plymouth 34 Southside St, plymouth knighton Rd, Wembury Down thomas, plymouth 6 newton Row, Sparkwell 9 grand parade, plymouth heybrook Dr, heybrook Bay

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01752 262318 01752 220411 01752 674633 01752 266400 01752 266176 01752 665516 01752 669686 01752 201522 01752 222938 01752 661290 01752 671299 01752 941502 01752 261120 01752 676820 01752 269900 01752 220352 01752 228069 07592 505060 01752 261306 01752 227379 01752 263116 01752 662143 01752 201523

the harbour Rockfish Seafood & pasta Bar the Village Restaurant harbourside the Boathouse plym Fish Bar Kingfisher atlantic Fryers platters Fishbone Restaurant pier masters house the hook & line

FISH AND SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS TRADITIONAL RESTAURANTS

tilt the artillery tower the greedy goose Rock Salt Salumi the Fig tree @ 36 Quay 33 St elizabeth’s house Barbican Steakhouse Barbican kitchen Fusion Restaurant Jolly Jacks Steve’s Brasserie the Bridge miller & carter the Dock the Foxhound inn heaven cosmic kitchen hub Box

CAFES

minerva cafe prime cafe Bar the Flower cafe Boston tea party Rhubarb & mustard ground coffee house Koffiehuis hive cafe caffeine club the Woolwell centre lemon tree cafe cobblers and coffee

21 Sutton harbour, plymouth 3 Sutton harbour, plymouth 10 Quay Rd, plymouth

32 Southside St, plymouth 35 Southside St, plymouth

2-4 commercial Wharf, plymouth 11 St Stephen Rd, plymouth 6 glen Rd, plymouth

58 Faringdon Rd, plymouth

12 the Barbican, plymouth

1 William prance Rd, plymouth

12-13 madeira Rd, plymouth Royal William yard, plymouth

68 ebrington St, plymouth Durnford Street, plymouth Finewell Street, plymouth 31 Stonehouse Street, plymouth 18 millbay Road, plymouth 36 admiralty Street, plymouth 33 Southside Street, plymouth longbrook Street, plymouth 61 notte St, plymouth 60 Southside St, plymouth 50 exeter St, plymouth Richmond Walk, plymouth new continental, millbay Road 55 Shaw Way, plymouth Sutton Wharf, plymouth king point marina, plymouth kingsbridge Road, Brixton 162 exeter St, plymouth

Sir John hawkins Square, plymouth melville, Royal William yard

Bretonside, plymouth

ebrington St, plymouth

Southside St, plymouth

Vauxhall St, plymouth

millbay Rd, plymouth

point, plymouth

Vauxhall Quay, plymouth

Darklake View, plymouth

tavistock place, plymouth

lane, plymouth

haye Road South, elburton

Beaumont Rd, plymouth

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tBc 01752 657050 01752 253788 01752 267862 07954 785855 07813 958645 07834 639565 01752 977540 01752 263910 01752 695888 01752 481117 01752 659755

TOPPINGS

tuesday 21st February is Shrove tuesday, or more commonly known as pancake Day! We have a brilliant pancake recipe and some topping ideas.

American Pancakes

Serves - 4

IngredIents

• 200g self-raising flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp golden caster sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 25g melted butter, plus extra for cooking

• 200ml milk

• vegetable oil, for cooking

1Mix 200g self-raising flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp golden caster sugar and a pinch of salt together in a large bowl. Create a well in the centre with the back of your spoon then add 3 large eggs, 25g melted butter and 200ml milk. Whisk together either with a balloon whisk or electric hand beaters until smooth then pour into a jug.

2Heat a small knob of butter and 1 tsp of oil in a large, nonstick frying pan over a medium heat. When the butter looks frothy, pour in rounds of the batter, approximately 8cm wide. make sure you don’t put the pancakes too close together as they will spread during cooking. cook the pancakes on one side for about 1-2 mins or until lots of tiny bubbles start to appear and pop on the surface. Flip the pancakes over and cook for a further minute on the other side. Repeat until all the batter is used up.

guide

Editors guide to the latest and upcoming releases...

MUMMIES

The next season of You is being split into two halves, with the first batch of episodes scheduled to hit Netflix on February 9th, just in time for Valentine’s. Joe Goldberg has taken up residence in Blighty (the United Kingdom). Among the new faces you’ll see this season includes Lukas Gage, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy-Leigh Hickman, and Ed Speleers.

The film follows the fun adventures of three Egyptian mummies who live in an underground secret city, hidden in ancient Egypt. The trio includes a princess, a former charioteer, and his younger brother along with their pet baby crocodile. Through a series of unfortunate events, the mummies end up in present-day London and embark on a wacky and hilarious journey in search of an old ring.

Released: February 24th

While vacationing at a remote cabin in the woods, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four armed strangers who demand they make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse. Confused, scared and with limited access to the outside world, the family must decide what they believe before all is lost.

Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher star in Netflix’s new romantic comedy, released just in time for Valentine’s day. Debbie and Peter are best friends and total opposites. She craves routine with her son in LA, but he thrives on change in NY. When they swap houses and lives for a week they discover what they think they want might not be what they really need. Released: February 10th

Mike Lane takes to the stage once again when a business deal that went bust leaves him broke and bartending in Florida. Hoping for one last hurrah, Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite who lures him with an offer he can’t refuse -- and an agenda all her own. With everything on the line, he soon finds himself trying to whip a hot new roster of talented dancers into shape.

Released: February 10th

Channing

- Sean Bean, Hugh Bonneville, Celia Imrie Starring - Reese Witherspoon, Ashton Kutcher

Starring - Penn Badgley, Charlotte Ritchie, Stephan Hagan

Starring - Dave Bautista, Rupert Grint, Jonathan Groff

How

at Best accountancy we specialise in offering a structured and measurable approach to helping our business owners to focus on their business and lifestyles with the aim to bring them “Clarity”.

many people start up their business because they are highly skilled, have the motivation and drive to go it alone with the aim to make a difference in their career and lives. in many cases they are initially successful

and grow. unfortunately, where this growth can be exciting and financially rewarding early on, it can also be difficult to manage. With fast growth, there will inevitably be additional administration required, perhaps buildings or offices needed, more equipment and possibly more staff.

No single person can possibly know all there is to know or complete every task and still grow a successful business. You need expertise in all areas, but in what order should you do things and do you have a plan in place?

every business has a life cycle and within our practice we love to hear from business owners. We listen to their experience of their journey so far, and most importantly what their ambitions are for their future. Some are elaborate, some are actually very simple. What we do then is help provide a plan based on vision, and with regular meetings and guidance aim to achieve the steps to making the vision a reality.

If you have a business and would like to have a free of charge “Clarity“ review and meeting to see if this would be beneficial to you please get in touch.

We can do all the regular things you would expect from your accountants including filing your accounts and returns, but we are willing and able to bring far more proactive help to accelerate your plans and create new ones; ambitions and visions you may have originally thought were out of your reach.

We would love to hear from you.