Bristol Living Apr - May 2024

YOUR FREE COPY APRIL/MAY 2024 

Bristol 

LIVING 

plus 

KALE Delicious recipes with 

this nutritional big-hitter 

HOME A cosy living room 

transformation to inspire 

DESIGN We catch up with 

local interior and kitchen 

designers 

WIN 

FAIRFAX & FAVOR 

APPAREL, LUXURY 

SKINCARE, 

GRILLS FOR BBQ 

SEASON AND 

MORE 

cutting 

GARDEN 

Flowers to plant now for 

beautiful summer bouquets 

A LIFESTYLE JOURNAL FOR THE CITY OF BRISTOL

h a u s l i f e 

2 5 % 

O F F 

G A R D E N 

F U R N I T U R E & 

A C C E S S O R I E S 

O N L Y U N T I L 

2 0 / 0 4 / 2 4 

U S E C O D E 

L I V I N G 2 5 

b e a u t i f u l l y 

c r a f t e d . . . 

e f f o r t l e s s l y 

s t y l i s h 

S E E T H E F U L L C O L L E C T I O N O N L I N E A T 

W W W . H A U S L I F E . C O . U K

CONTENTS 

04 COMPETITIONS 

The competition page you don’t want to 

miss - with lots of goodies to win this edition 

08 EDUCATION 

How learning environments are changed in 

single sex classrooms 

15 ALL HAIL THE KALE 

We all need to be eating more folate - kale is an 

easy source, so we showcase some recipes 

17 STAWBERRY & ROSE 

THE colour combination you need to wear, live 

in and celebrate 

25 CALM & COSY 

A before and after transformation from a property 

in Bath to inspire you 

31 CUTTING GARDEN 

The bulbs and tubers you need to be planting now 

for gorgeous summer displays 

EDITOR Katie Thomson 

e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk 

PUBLISHER Sally Thomson 

ASSISTANT EDITOR Kate Norris 

KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER Anna Cashman 

e anna@minervapublications.co.uk | t 01225 984510 

CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Rose, Pete Lawrence 

WWW.MINERVAMAGAZINES.CO.UK 

Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by failure of an 

advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions and 

misprints. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from 

the publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers. 

Address: Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton BA14 6JB 

A NOTE FROM THE 

EDITOR 

Welcome to the April/May edition - a 

celebration of spring and early summer, where 

we’re shaking off the winter blues with a hearty 

dose of vitamin-packed kale recipes, a living 

room transformation that’ll make you want to 

grab a paintbrush, and enough spring garden 

content to make even the most reluctant green 

thumb reach for the trowel. 

Feeling a bit wilted after winter? Fear not! 

We’ve got recipes that’ll have you kale-ing it in 

the kitchen like a pro. From one-pan-heroes to 

comforting pasta, these dishes will have you 

feeling like a leafy green superhero in no time. 

Ever looked around your living room and 

thought, “Hmm, this could do with a bit 

of zhuzhing”? Well, hold onto your scatter 

cushions because we’ve got a living room 

transformation that’ll make you want to dust 

off the DIY gear and get cracking. We even 

caught up with DIY SOS designer Julia Kendell 

to talk all things kitchen! 

And for those of you who prefer to get your 

hands dirty outside, we’ve got plenty of spring 

garden content to keep you entertained. 

But hey, that’s just the beginning! Our Spring 

edition is bursting with more insights, and 

articles to keep you entertained until we 

reconvene in June. So grab a cuppa, put your 

feet up, and let’s spring into action! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

Time 

COMPETITION 

Find out more about entering our competitions online 

at minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions - join our 

Competition Club and enter over 60 comps a year for 

only £12.99! Or enter for free by post. 

All the below close on 15th May 2024 

WIN ONE OF 2 NK18 

CHARCOAL KETTLE 

GRILL FROM NAPOLEON 

GRILLS WORTH £174.99 

Create your favourite BBQ recipes 

and experience charcoal grilling 

with Napoleon’s compact and agile 

Charcoal Kettle Grill. Grilling, roasting, 

and smoking are a breeze, you can 

control heat through airflow with 

adjustable vents at the top and bottom 

of the grill. 

Find out more at napoleon.com/en/uk 

Keyword ‘NK18’ 

WIN A LUXURY FAIRFAX 

& FAVOR TRENCH & 

HANDBAG 

Ready for the races? British Luxury 

Fashion & Rural Vogue brand Fairfax 

& Favor are giving a lucky reader the 

chance to win a Victoria Wool Coat 

worth £495, and a runner up will win 

Tetbury Crescent Bag worth £285 - 

perfect attire for race season. 

Shop online at fairfaxandfavor.com 

Keyword ‘Fairfax & Favor’ 

WIN ONE OF 3 SETS OF 

LUCIA BRAS AND BRIEFS 

With comfort in mind, Lucia is designed 

to give you great fit and support even 

without an underwire. Special materials 

and tailoring techniques provide great 

shaping with interlock fabric panels for 

strength. The straps are comfy with 

soft foam, (adjustable of course) and 

there is a soft band under the bust. 

No digging in! Can be paired with the 

matching high-waist briefs. 

Shop online at belladinotte.com 

Keyword ‘Lucia Underwear’ 

WIN £100 SUPPLY 

OF NATURAL GLOW- 

WHERE BEAUTY AND 

HYDRATION COLLIDE 

Effective hydration is the essential 

elixir for combatting lacklustre skin, 

nails, and hair. Natural Glow’s ultrapure 

water is enriched with glycine, 

a key player in collagen production, 

and meticulously crafted with a 

perfect blend of electrolytes, including 

potassium, magnesium, chloride, and 

calcium. Three lucky readers will each 

win £100 worth of Natural Glow. 

Shop online at natgloweu.com 

Keyword ‘Natural Glow’ 

WIN JEWELLERY SET BY 

COEUR DE LION 

The Mysterious Cubes & Pearls jewellery 

set in gold-black offers timeless black 

crystals combined with elegant crystal 

pearls to create breathtaking earrings 

(£65), a versatile bracelet (£79) and 

necklace (£159) with a customisable 

length, ideal for layering. 

See more at coeur-de-lion.org 

Keyword ‘Coeur De Lion’ 

WIN ONE OF 11 ALTRUIST 

SKIN BUNDLES 

You’ve got the chance to win a set of 

Altruist suncare products. Altruist’s 

high-quality, affordable 5 star ultra 

UVA sun protection range has been 

developed by consultant dermatologist, 

Dr Andrew Birnie, to help reduce the 

incidence of skin cancer. We have 

11 prize packages, each including an 

Altruist SPF 50 Primer, Altruist SPF 50, 

Altruist SPF 30 and Altruist Face Fluid 

SPF 30 worth £29 each. 

Find out more at www.altruistsun.com 

Keyword ‘Altruist’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

FEARS WATCH COMPANY PROUDLY 

UNVEILS ITS NEW CLIFTON BOUTIQUE. 

Fears Watch Company proudly unveils its new Clifton 

boutique, a significant milestone for the historic British 

family-run brand first established on Redcliff Street in 

1846 by Edwin Fear. Following a brief hiatus in the late 

1970s, Fears was re-established in 2016, with Nicholas 

Bowman-Scargill, the (4th) Managing Director and 

great-great-great-grandson of Edwin Fear, leading the 

way. The new boutique, located at No. 4 Clifton Arcade 

opened its doors on the 2nd April and invites visitors 

to experience a calm sense of luxury Tuesday through 

Saturday. 

Nestled in the historic Clifton Arcade in the heart of 

Clifton Village, the boutique resonates with mid-late 

19th-century heritage, echoing Fears’ commitment 

to tradition. Positioned near one of the original Fears 

location at Richmond Terrace, the arcade complements 

the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship. The Clifton 

boutique marks a fusion of traditional values and 

contemporary design, a testament to Fears’ enduring 

legacy in British horology. 

archive, with each collection named after historical 

Bristol locations the company once resided in. The 

watches represents the envisioned evolution of Fears, 

as if the family had continued its legacy uninterrupted 

from the late 70s to the present day. 

To celebrate the boutique’s opening, Fears extends an 

exclusive invitation: present a copy of this publication 

at the boutique and enjoy a complimentary glass of 

English sparkling wine while exploring the collection 

and delving into its historical ties to the area. Nicholas 

Bowman-Scargill expresses pride in sharing the beauty 

of Fears with the community, emphasising the boutique’s 

role as a beacon to heritage and a profound connection 

to the brand’s origins. 

For further details, visit www.fearswatches.com or reach 

out to Fears through the provided channels: 

- Phone: 0117 427 1846 

- Email: enquiries@fearswatches.com 

Fears’ watches, each hand built in England, reflect their 

mantra of ‘Elegantly Understated.’ The sophisticated 

collection draws inspiration from the brand’s extensive 

Visit the Fears boutique at: 

No. 4 Clifton Arcade 

Bristol BS8 4AA 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

WEST SOMERSET 

RAILWAY 

Travel through countryside and coast on England’s longest Heritage Railway 

Retail and catering facilities available • Choice of destinations 

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www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk • 01643 704996 

Spring 

SALE 

LIMITED SPRING SALE | ENDS SOON 

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Britty Flynn 

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Checkerboard 

Table Lamp, £59, 

rockettstgeorge.co.uk 

FatFace Bea Gingham Scarf, £35, 

Keswick Wide Leg Crop Jean, 

£59, Frome Check Shirt, £46 

Hair Clip, £6.99, 

hauslife.co.uk 

CHECK-MATE 

Step into a world of timeless design with these 

beautiful checkerboard patterns. This classic motif, 

known for its versatility, takes centre stage in 2024, 

offering a bold yet structured aesthetic. From 

fashion to interiors, Checkerboard effortlessly blends 

nostalgia with a contemporary twist. 

Warm Blue Gingham Linen Bedtime 

Bundle £415, pigletinbed.com 

Checkity Check 

Check Wallpaper, 

lusthome.com 

Afina Check Bone Box, 

£195, oka.com 

Chennai Handwoven Cushion Cover, 

£27, hauslife.co.uk 

Rug, £254, 

pappelina.com/en 

Chequered Earth Art Print, 

£23, greenlili.com 


Walcot Marble Side Table, 

£299, hauslife.co.uk 

Dylan Armchair, 

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theroost.com 

Homewares from 

katiefischer.de 

‘Graceful Neutral’ Paint, 

yescolours.com 

Serenity Coffee Table, £299, 

wheresaintsgo.co.uk 

Ceramic Vase, £39.99, 

wayfair.co.uk 

Trendsetters 

OUR FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE FASHIONS & FINDS 

Antique White 

Table Lamp 

With Linen 

Shade, £99, 


Boxed Wall Art, £179, 

rowenhomes.com 

NEW NEUTRALS 

Grounded neutral hues have become a staple within the 

world of interior design thanks to their ability to create a 

calming, tranquil ambience throughout the home (and the 

fact that these versatile shades compliment virtually every 

colour combination you might have in mind). 

Whether you’re looking to go all out or simply need a few 

statement accessories to ground your space, our curated 

collection has a little something for everyone. 

Cushion, £45, 

frenchbedroom.co.uk 

Clifton Sofa, £2499, 


CorkWall - Lagos Beige, 

naturewall.com 


LEADING GIRLS 

AND GIRLS’ 

SCHOOLS 

MARINA GARDINER LEGGE PRESIDENT 

OF THE GIRLS’ SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION 

CELEBRATES THE POWER GIRLS- 

ONLY EDUCATION HAS TO BUILD A 

BRIGHTER WORLD 

AS PRESIDENT OF GSA, WHAT’S YOUR MISSION 

AND WHAT DOES THE GSA DO? 

My mission as President of the Girls’ Schools Association is 

to celebrate the power of girls’ schools to transform young 

women’s lives for the better. GSA has always been at the 

forefront of campaigning for the best interests of girls and in 

our schools girls embrace life to its fullest. We’re incredibly 

proud to offer dynamic educations built for girls and GSA 

champions a girls-first education. We’re a membership 

organisation made up of Heads from a diverse range of 

independent and state girls’ schools including many of the 

top performing schools in the UK. Together we educate 

over 80,000 students. I’m excited to lead GSA this year. 

WHY SHOULD PARENTS SEND THEIR DAUGHTERS 

TO GSA SCHOOLS? WHAT OPPORTUNITIES CAN A 

GSA GIRL EXPECT FROM LIFE? 

At GSA we place girls and the best interests of young women 

at the heart of everything we do. Robust research consistently 

proves an all-girls education is best for our young women 

today, our future trailblazers and society makers. We know 

our Heads have a deep understanding of what girls need 

to thrive and every one of our schools puts them first. The 

expertise in girls’ schools lies in their understanding of how 

to teach girls in the best way possible - to bring the best out 

in them. In a girls’ school, she will study whatever interests 

her free from any stereotypical limitations, she will have the 

freedom to be herself. In girls’ schools we know girls are three 

times more likely to take maths and science at A-Level, for 

example, and they frequently outperform boys academically. 

DESCRIBE WHAT MODERN GIRLS’ SCHOOLS ARE 

LIKE, AND WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT. 

In girls’ schools today girls can expect to be listened to, to be 

involved in decisions being made about them, and to grasp 

brilliant opportunities in life both inside the classroom and 

out. We put girls first to foster their courage, curiosity, and 

self-belief. Research demonstrates that women need female 

role models; this is a priority in our schools. 

8 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

HOW CAN PARENTS 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT 

SCHOOL FOR THEIR 

DAUGHTERS? 

I’m a passionate believer 

in taking the time to 

decide with your daughter 

what the best school is 

for her. There will be a whole host of unique considerations 

for you but a good place to start is to think about what 

environment suits your own family and child. Are they 

keenly academic but also want to be free to enjoy sport, do 

they like a rural setting or are they keen on a city? Does day 

or boarding suit you best? Does she thrive in a more formal 

or informal setting? How warm do you feel about the school 

community when you visit? Do take a keen interest in the 

caring support of pastoral team who will look after her 

personal development, you want a nourishing community 

for her to thrive in. It’s important too to consider your family 

needs. Is having wrap around care important? Check the 

logistics too as that is vital for family life. Finally, check with 

the Head of your current school; they know your daughter 

best and will have a wealth of experience to help you. With 

such a great choice and variety of schools at GSA there is one 

that fits your daughter. You can use our school search tool 

to see all the diverse range of GSA’s schools in the UK and 

abroad on our website: gsa.uk.com/schools/find-a-school 

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR 

GIRLS NOW? 

I think it’s more about what girls can offer the world, to be 

honest. We know firms with more Women in the C-Suite 

are more profitable: a 30% female share in corporate 

leadership is associated with an up to 15% increase in 

profitability for a typical firm. Locally to me, in Oxford, we 

watched a female-led team develop the Covid-19 vaccine, 

faster than anyone expected and it’s been estimated that if 

countries could catch up with the most advanced nation 

on gender equality in their region, it could be worth $12 

trillion worldwide. We have no time to lose! 

AS A FEMALE LEADER YOURSELF WHAT INSPIRES 

YOU, HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME ANY 

CHALLENGES YOURSELF? 

I’m inspired every day by my students in my own school 

Oxford High School GDST. I’m blown away by their 

extraordinary power. They have fascinating views, they feel 

passionately about the world, they relish school as a place 

to safely exercise their voices, learn to own their power, and 

joyfully experiment in their own leadership. 

I’ve had my own challenges; one of the biggest was needing 

to retrain to find a new path for my children and I in the 

world. I chose to undertake a PGCE, one of the best choices 

I’ve ever made and loved it. I’ve never looked back; teaching 

and working with young people is a joy.

Start the 

journey 

Discover Reception at Badminton – 

an education full of adventure awaits 

Book a private visit at a time that 

is best for you 

badmintonschool.co.uk

Sign up via 

our website 

ENTRY INTO OUR JUNIOR & SENIOR SCHOOL 

Thursday 2 

nd 

May 2024 between 4.30 - 8.00pm

Watch them 

grow 

Reception – Sixth Form Open Morning 

Monday 6th May 

badmintonschool.co.uk

The great STEM magnetic construction 

set Encourages creative play- suitable 

for ages 3+. With a double safety 

system, GeoSmart offers unsurpassed 

safety and durability, for endless 

playing pleasure! RoboRacer £44.99, 

smarttoysandgames.co.uk 

Educational 

G I F T S 

Perfect presents at every 

step of their development 

Take learning into the bath with 

the Splish and Splash Play Set. 

Includes 4 engaging activities 

including a play fishing set, 

stacking cups, bath squirters, 

and a water wand. Introduces 

numbers, stacking, hand eye 

coordination and gross motor skill 

development. uk.infantino.com 

This puzzle ball is ideal for developing baby’s 

fine motor skills. Hand Grip Ball for Bay, 

Kaloo, £17, kaloo.com 

Kids from 3-12+ use physical cards to explore the best 

audiobooks, music, activities and educational audio 

on the move. Unleash your creativity with this limited 

edition summer pack of blank Yoto Cards that can be 

linked to (almost) any audio! You can store up to 100 

tracks/500MB of audio content on each Make Your Own 

Card, and edit them as many times as you like. Limited 

Edition Make Your Own Summer 5 Pack £12.99, Yoto Mini, 

£59.99, uk.yotoplay.com 

We are Collegiate 

WE ARE WHAT SCHOOL SHOULD BE 

SEE FOR YOURSELF AT OUR 

WHOLE SCHOOL 

OPEN MORNING 

FRIDAY 19th APRIL 2024 

Book your place via the 

QR code or by emailing 

admissions@collegiate.org.uk 


Spring 

Open Day 

Friday 26th April 2024 

Preschool to Year 8 

Ages 3 - 13 

Come and discover life at Clifton College 

Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory School. 

You will have the chance to meet staff, 

tour the classrooms and explore the wider 

facilities. Children encouraged to come along! 

If you can’t attend our open 

day, book a personal tour at 

a time convenient to you at: 

cliftoncollege.com

GREAT 

Taste 

Working in Michelin Star establishments 

around the world from the highly 

acclaimed Le Gavroche under the tutelage 

of Michel Roux, to restaurant Schillinger 

in Colmar, and a spell in three star Marc 

Meneau in Veselay, Daniel Galmiche’s 

culinary journey has been extraordinary. 

Sally Thomson caught up with him 

to discuss his career, his love of the 

Highlands and his new direction 

Thank you for taking the time 

to talk to me. You have moved 

recently - where are you based 

now, please? 

I am on the top of the Chiltern Hills, 

which means I’m about 35 minutes 

on the top of the hill behind Bicester. 

I’ve met you before when you 

were in the Vineyard. Am I right in 

thinking that your grandparents 

were organic farmers? 

That’s right. They had a small 

holding, mainly for friends and 

family. And it was all hand-fed, all 

organic, it was fantastic. So that 

must be about 60 years ago, that 

was pre-dating what goes on now. 

And my great aunt was a really 

fantastic cook. 

You were also in at one time in 

Scotland, for about seven years? 

“I’m fan of the Scots for 

a lot of things. I love the 

tradition, I love the kilt, 

the tartan, the mystery, 

the magic, the produce, the 

people. There’s something 

quite exquisite about 

Scotland, isn’t there?” 

Yes, I wanted to stay there, because 

I love Scotland, it’s my second 

country really. 

That’s another question I had 

for you, because my husband’s 

a Scot, and he absolutely loves 

Scotland too. 

Of course, it is a beautiful country. I 

just love Scotland and the produce 

they have is amazing. For me, the 

best produce in the UK comes from 

Scotland. 

Raspberries in particular, it was 

raspberries that my husband 

remembers growing in his garden 

when he was a little boy. They 

had buckets and buckets of 

raspberries. 

Best in Europe. Yes, they are. It’s 

just the season itself, so sometimes 

it can last for two weeks, three 

weeks, and sometimes for six 

weeks, because of the weather. I’m 

fan of the Scots for a lot of things. 

I love the tradition, I love the kilt, 

the tartan, the mystery, the magic, 

the produce, the people. There’s 

something quite exquisite about 

Scotland, isn’t there? 

What made you decide to leave 

Scotland at that stage then? 

I had a chance to go to live in 

Singapore for nearly four years. 

When I came back, I was in Portugal 

for one year, running the Penina, 

which is in the Algarve, where they 

have the famous Henry Cotton golf 

course, which is world renowned. 

And after that, I went to Harvey’s in 

Bristol for nearly seven years as well. 

You’re naturally a French chef and 

you’ve been all over the world 

however is there another cuisine 

that you like? 

I love Japanese food as well. I 

mean, it’s fantastic. There’s a 

symbiotic relationship between 

French and Japanese cooking - we 

have the same discipline and way 

of thinking about food and produce 

and where to get it. 

What direction is your career 

taking now? 

I don’t want to go back to 100 

covers and working all hours. I 

want something more intimate - 

everybody to come together, sit 

down together and go together and 

do that Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 

that’s it. Maybe 12 to 18, maybe 

12, 10 and 12 covers, that’s all I 

want to do. But proper, really nicely 

done. And I don’t want a 30-course 

menu. I want a seven-course menu. 

Simplified, focusing on connection - 

that’s what good food is about! 

danielgalmiche.co.uk 


Kale-ing It 

A new survey has found that three quarters of 

Brits are unaware of where to get the vitamin 

folate. The survey by Discover Great Veg has 

found that despite folate’s importance to our 

wellbeing, 75% of Brits don’t know folate is 

found naturally in food, and 1 in 5 think it’s only 

pregnant women who need to consume it. 

But folate matters to us all - from anaemia to 

cardiovascular disease and even mental health, 

not eating enough folate (otherwise known 

as Vitamin B9) can lead to a range of health 

problems. Despite more than 8 in 10 people 

believing it is difficult to get folate in their diet, it is 

found naturally in a wide range of everyday foods 

including green leafy veg like kale and spinach, 

chickpeas and kidney beans, as well as liver. 

To help educate consumers to get more folate 

into their diet, Discover Great Veg has now 

partnered with nutritionist Jenny Tschiesche, to 

raise awareness about the importance of folate 

for every age group. 

KALE PASTA 

SAUCE 

Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes 

Cook time: 10 minutes 

INGREDIENTS 

500g pasta 

1 tbsp olive oil 

280g kale 

3 cloves of garlic, chopped 

3 tbsp. water 

90g grated parmesan 

240ml vegetable stock 

180g cream cheese 

METHOD 

Cook the pasta according to packet 

instructions. Meanwhile, in a medium 

saucepan heat the oil over a medium heat. 

Add the kale and garlic and fry for about 1-2 

minutes, until the leaves start to wilt a little 

then add the water and keep stirring for a 

further couple of minutes. 

Transfer the kale and garlic to a food processor 

and blend for a few minutes then add the 

grated parmesan, vegetable stock and cream 

cheese. Blend at full speed until you have a 

bright green and creamy texture. Stir this in to 

your cooked pasta then warm through gently 

before serving. 

30% OF 

R D A 

FOLATE 

P E R 

PORTION 


LEMONY 

CHICKEN 

TRAY BAKE 

Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes 


INGREDIENTS 

1 large leek, sliced 

300g miniature/baby potatoes, 

boiled then halved 

4 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly 

smashed 

2 tbsp olive oil, divided into 1⅓ 

tbsp and ⅔ tbsp (2tsp) 

8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs 

1 tsp sweet smoked paprika 

2 tsp lemon zest 

Juice of 1 lemon 

One small pack of fresh thyme 

350g kale 

METHOD 

Preheat the oven to 210°C (fan) 

230°C (standard). 

Toss the leek slices, potatoes, and 

garlic in 1+⅓ tbsp olive oil in a large 

bowl. Season to taste. 

Spread out on 1-2 baking trays. 

Add the chicken thighs to the same 

bowl and toss with the paprika, 

lemon zest and lemon juice. Season 

to taste. 

Place the coated chicken portion on 

top of the vegetables, each with a 

30% OF 

R D A 

FOLATE 

P E R 

PORTION 

sprig of thyme on top. 

Bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, 

toss the kale in the remaining 2/3 

tbsp i.e. 2 tsp olive oil. Stir to coat 

each piece well then add to the 

baking tray/s giving everything a 

good stir in the process. 

Bake for a further 15 minutes, 

stirring once. Check that the 

chicken juices run clear and if you 

have a meat thermometer that the 

internal temperature at the thickest 

part is at least 74°C. 

40% OF 

R D A 

FOLATE 

P E R 

PORTION 

SPINACH AND 

KALE MINI 

QUICHES 

Makes 8 Prep time: 10 minutes 


INGREDIENTS 

90g spinach 

90g kale 

3 tbsp water 

6 large eggs 

180g fresh pesto 

Ground black pepper 

A little olive oil for greasing 

METHOD 

Preheat your oven to 190°C. Heat 

a medium saucepan over medium 

heat and add the spinach, kale and 

water. Cook for a few minutes until 

the leaves have wilted and reduced. 

Leave to cool. Pop these leaves 

into your food processor and blend 

on medium speed. 

Meanwhile, beat the eggs with the 

pesto and pepper then add to the 

cooled leaves in the food processor 

before blending on top speed. 

Grease the 8 holes of your muffin tin 

with a little oil or use cases to avoid 

sticking. Fill each of the 8 greased 

muffin holes with equal amounts of 

the eggy mixture. Put the tray in the 

oven and cook for 20-25 minutes 

or until a cocktail stick inserted into 

the quiches comes out clean. Serve 

warm or cold. 


Poster, from 

£10.95, 

desenio.com 

Stripe Wallpaper, lusthome.com 

Wall Light, £95, pooky.com 

Frill Cushion, £122, 

mollymahon.com 

Annie Sloan 

S T R A W B E R R Y 

and Rose 

This is a pairing that packs a punch in the best way possible. Playful 

and bold, a mixture of juicy reds and blushed pinks is sure to have 

heads turning in spring and summer months around the corner. 

Explore the full curated edit for some inspiration! 

HKliving Pink Cushion, 

£49, roseandgrey.co.uk 

Jeego Cushion £95, 

libertylondon.com 

Red Algae No 1, from £18, 

beachhouseart.co.uk 

Four Spiral Candles, £20, 

talkingtables.co.uk 

Table Cloth, £95, 

mollymahon.com 

Cotton Pyjamas, £95, 

tartanblanketco.com 

Nudie Rudie Bathmat 

£59, antipodream.co.uk 

Cotton Pyjamas, from 

£44.99, hauslife.co.uk 


FIND YOUR 

NEXT HOME 

IN A ‘JITTY’ 

THE NEW HOME-DISCOVERY 

APP THAT HAS TAKEN BATH 

BY STORM, NOW EXPANDS 

TO BRISTOL 

Jitty, the brand new home-discovery app that clocked 

over 3,500 users across Bath in just two weeks, has 

now launched across Bristol and the surrounding 

areas. 

The AI-powered app plans to cover the whole UK 

property market - starting with the major cities. The 

launch across Bristol, now marks the start of the 

wider UK rollout. 

Jitty enables better search and discovery of homes 

through a delightful, fun, and easy-to-use app. It has 

been specifically designed for property addicts who 

love to browse the housing market for pleasure. 

Following the successful launch in Bath, Jitty has 

already been coined the ‘Instagram for homes’ 

by influencers and property browsers who have 

admitted they just can’t stop ‘roomscrolling’; using 

the app to look at homes just to see what’s out 

there. Now Bristol-based property lovers can start 

roomscrolling too. 

Graham Paterson, CEO and co-founder of Jitty said: 

“Bristol is a vibrant city full of beautiful homes. We 

love the West Country, and Jitty has been so well 

received in Bath, by both browsers and estate agents, 

“JITTY HAS HUGE APPEAL. I’VE 

SPENT MY CAREER BUILDING 

SOME OF THE BIGGEST 

CONSUMER MARKETPLACES 

LIKE ADZUNA, ZOOPLA, AND 

GUMTREE, AND JITTY HAS 

THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A 

SIMILAR MAJOR IMPACT. 


DOUG MONRO, 

EX-COO OF ZOOPLA 

that Bristol is an obvious next step for us. Aside from 

London, it’s been our most requested next city, so we’re 

happy to oblige. 

The city’s blend of historical and modern buildings 

makes for a fascinating cross-section of homes, and 

it’s been a pleasure to look through the homes our AI 

finds.” 

Existing property tools have been unable to keep 

up with the needs of modern home-buyers - leaving 

many frustrated and creating their own systems and 

spreadsheets. 

Now Jitty - which will not charge estate agents to 

list properties - provides a more transparent view of 

homes on the market, alongside fun and interactive 

features. 

Browsers can collaborate with friends, create 

shortlists, use emojis, and understand even more 

about a listed home and its value. More features will 

continue to be released throughout 2024. 

Jitty is available on iOS and Android. For more 

information visit www.jitty.com. 


FEARS WATCH COMPANY PROUDLY 

UNVEILS ITS NEW CLIFTON BOUTIQUE. 

Fears Watch Company proudly unveils its new Clifton 

boutique, a significant milestone for the historic British 

family-run brand first established on Redcliff Street in 

1846 by Edwin Fear. Following a brief hiatus in the late 

1970s, Fears was re-established in 2016, with Nicholas 

Bowman-Scargill, the (4th) Managing Director and 

great-great-great-grandson of Edwin Fear, leading the 

way. The new boutique, located at No. 4 Clifton Arcade 

opened its doors on the 2nd April and invites visitors 

to experience a calm sense of luxury Tuesday through 

Saturday. 

Nestled in the historic Clifton Arcade in the heart of 

Clifton Village, the boutique resonates with mid-late 

19th-century heritage, echoing Fears’ commitment 

to tradition. Positioned near one of the original Fears 

location at Richmond Terrace, the arcade complements 

the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship. The Clifton 

boutique marks a fusion of traditional values and 

contemporary design, a testament to Fears’ enduring 

legacy in British horology. 

archive, with each collection named after historical 

Bristol locations the company once resided in. The 

watches represents the envisioned evolution of Fears, 

as if the family had continued its legacy uninterrupted 

from the late 70s to the present day. 

To celebrate the boutique’s opening, Fears extends an 

exclusive invitation: present a copy of this publication 

at the boutique and enjoy a complimentary glass of 

English sparkling wine while exploring the collection 

and delving into its historical ties to the area. Nicholas 

Bowman-Scargill expresses pride in sharing the beauty 

of Fears with the community, emphasising the boutique’s 

role as a beacon to heritage and a profound connection 

to the brand’s origins. 

For further details, visit www.fearswatches.com or reach 

out to Fears through the provided channels: 

- Phone: 0117 427 1846 

- Email: enquiries@fearswatches.com 

Fears’ watches, each hand built in England, reflect their 

mantra of ‘Elegantly Understated.’ The sophisticated 

collection draws inspiration from the brand’s extensive 

Visit the Fears boutique at: 

No. 4 Clifton Arcade 

Bristol BS8 4AA 


AMERICAN 

ROAD TRIP 

9 March – 31 December 

SPONSORED BY 


TREES 

please! 

IN THIS EDITION, OUR REGULAR 

CONTRIBUTER MATT BIGGS TELLS US HOW 

PLANTING TREES CAN MAKE THE WORLD 

OF A DIFFERENCE... 

There are many schemes to plant trees, in their hundreds 

and thousands and in many different places here and 

around the world. But just as a journey of a thousand 

miles starts with a single step so it is with tree planting, 

if even a few of us plant just one tree, that multiplication 

will make a big difference. I once saw a series of cartoons 

about ants – one by one they looked at the river they had 

to cross and one by one they realised that they couldn’t 

make it – however when they all combined, they made a 

raft and floated safely across – I love that image! 

The choice of tree is very dependant on your space, your 

location and what you want it to do for you – you might 

want a productive tree so a fruit tree or even a walnut 

would be possible choices, you might want to look 

out on it and enjoy it as it changes through the year so 

Rowans, crab-apples or, of course, the elegant silver birch 

will give you that or you might want that burst of Spring 

blossom and think of one of the flowering cherries – and 

then there is always my own personal favourite – the 

handkerchief tree, that is a stunner! 

The magnificent 

Handkerchief Tree 

Do your homework and seek advice from a local nursery 

or garden centre to ensure your choice of tree is right for 

the space – not only now but in 10 or 20 years’ time – 

and your tree will give shelter to birds and insects, add to 

the local biodiversity and add too the stock of trees that 

will make the future better for all of us, and our children 

and grandchildren too. 

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Amesbury, SP4 7AW • Tel: 01980 874242 


The Interior Design Guide 

BEAUTIFUL SPACES, DESIGNED FOR LIFE 

K Interiors 

K Interiors is a boutique interior design 

studio whose signature style focuses on 

the discerning and clever use of colour in 

residential interiors. Whether it’s a complete 

home renovation or room refresh, we work 

closely with our clients to create luxe, 

inviting, multi-layered and personality-filled 

spaces for work and play. Attention to detail 

is key, in both the practical and aesthetic 

aspects of every project. 

Kay James 07906 167710 

kay@k-interiors.co.uk 

k-interiors.co.uk 

Ivywell Interiors 

Ivywell Interiors bridges the gap 

between architecture and interior 

design to provide a complete service 

for full or partial home transformations. 

With a flexible approach to support 

each client’s needs, from design-only 

to comprehensive product sourcing 

and supply, and end-to-end project 

management, the team takes the hassle 

out of renovations. 

0117 987 5314 – 07904 040276 

hello@ivywellinteriors.com 

www.ivywellinteriors.com 

Juby Interior Design 

Discover Juby Interior Design by 

Kirstie: Crafting charming, affordable 

homes with over 30 years of expertise. 

Personalising every detail to reflect 

your unique style and home’s 

character, from full renovations to 

single room designs. 

Let’s collaborate to create a space that 

truly feels like you. 

07918 179372 

kirstie@jubyinteriordesign.co.uk 

jubyinteriordesign.co.uk 

T I M E L E S S 

E L E G A N C E 

Lane Valley Designs 

At Lane Valley Designs we have one goal - 

to simplify making beautiful Interior Design 

accessible in any home. We want to support 

you in taking the stress and confusion out of 

your project, with creative solutions to suit 

every budget. Whether it’s a whole home 

renovation or a single room glow up, we’re 

obsessed with creating timeless, beautiful 

spaces, and we’ve got you. Follow us on 

Instagram @lanevalleydesigns. 

07970 316 313 

info@lanevalley.com 

www.lanevalley.com 

Marta Rossato Interiors 

As a boutique residential interior 

design firm, we bring a personalised 

approach that elevates your vision for 

optimal functionality and style. From 

cosy corners to spacious retreats, 

we specialise in transforming your 

home into an elegant, relaxed, and 

contemporary space drawing inspiration 

from cultural explorations across Europe 

and beyond. 

079 32521514 

design@martarossato.net 

www.martarossato.net 

Hannah Redden Interiors 

There’s nothing more rewarding than helping 

my clients to unlock their homes’ potential. 

Maybe you want to introduce colour but 

you’re not sure where to begin, or you’d 

love to translate your ideas for your dream 

living room into reality. Perhaps you want 

to sell, but your interiors desperately need 

updating? Let me take the stress out of your 

project with affordable, creative solutions 

tailored to meet your individual needs. 

07751 933 426 

info@hannahredden.co.uk 

www.hannahredden.co.uk 


CREATE YOUR 

DREAM HOME 

Ahead of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show 

Series, we caught up with expert designer 

Julia Kendell to discuss all things interiors. 

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SOME 

PROJECTS YOU’RE WORKING ON AT 

THE MOMENT? 

I’m currently working on several large 

property renovations and new builds 

for clients in the south east. One I am 

particularly enjoying is the contemporary 

renovation of a large 1920s property. 

The clients are configuring and adding 

to the space to create a huge 15m x 

8m open-plan kitchen and living area. 

These large spaces can be challenging 

to design but a lot of fun! This year I 

am also collaborating with one of the 

other Homebuilding & Renovating Show 

experts, Allan Corfield and a team of 

the best in the industry to provide a 

‘silver-service’ architectural design and 

build for clients who are looking for a 

premium experience where every detail 

is considered and delivered. Working 

alongside the best of the best is thrilling! 

I will be launching my ‘Interior Design 

Series’ in early Spring. This is a collection 

of video modules I have written and filmed 

to provide online content for anyone 

embarking on a decoration/ build and 

needing guidance to know where to start 

and how to create their perfect home. 

DO YOU THINK SOCIAL MEDIA IS 

MAKING DESIGN MORE ACCESSIBLE 

OR MAKING IT FEEL LIKE WE ALL 

NEED TO HAVE UNATTAINABLE, 

PERFECT SPACES? 

I have mixed feelings when it comes 

to design in social media. It certainly 

provides endless inspiration and ideas 

but so much of it is impractical for 

normal daily life or has been created by 

AI presenting ridiculously ‘fantastical’ 

settings. I ask clients to share Pinterest 

boards with me at the beginning of a 

project to ensure we are on the same 

page, but I occasionally have a battle to 

explain that most of the images online are 

lit and styled way beyond what can be 

expected in real life. 

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS TO REFRESH A 

SPACE WITH A LIMITED BUDGET? 

One of the most impactful ways to refresh 

a space is to think about maximising 

light into the room. Replace curtains with 

lighter blinds and if the budget allows, 

swap out carpet for hard flooring. A 

timber floor will always make a room 

feel substantially larger and brighter 

than carpet. A lick of paint on the walls 

always works wonders to make a space 

feel renewed and don’t forget about 

the ceiling. A fresh coat will aid light 

bouncing around the room and can be 

transformational. 

THE KITCHEN IS THE ENDURING 

POWERHOUSE OF THE HOME – 

AND OFTEN THE SPACE WE SAY 

SELLS HOUSES. HOW HAVE YOU 

SEEN KITCHEN DESIGN CHANGE IN 

THE PAST FEW YEARS AND WHAT 

CONSIDERATIONS AND TRENDS ARE 

YOU SEEING EMERGE NOW? 

Kitchen design has changed markedly 

in the past few years. With larger spaces 

to fill there has been an emergence of 

dedicated activity areas, such as breakfast 

cabinets, baking cabinets and walk-in 

larders. The island has also become the 

key must-have’ for most planning their 

new kitchen providing a sociable cooking 

area and somewhere to gather around. 

One of the newest trends has seen 

multiple islands becoming popular, each 

with specific uses, to fill cavernous openplan 

rooms. For those with a significant 

budget, there has also been a shift 

towards having a ‘show kitchen’ and a 

working kitchen behind it to mitigate some 

of the issues of open-plan entertaining. 

The most important consideration when 

planning your kitchen is to start the design 

process as early as possible. Often the 

kitchen design will lead positions of 

doorways/windows to maximise the layout 

so having this nailed before the builders 

make a start is always wise. 

WITH BUILD COSTS INCREASING 

RAPIDLY, WHERE WOULD YOU 

ADVISE HOMEOWNERS SPEND VS 

SAVE WHEN RENOVATING THEIR 

HOMES? 

The places to invest in are those that 

receive most use and are least likely to 

be replaced in the future. Flooring and 

lighting are key elements for any home 

and I would always prioritise buying good 

quality door and cabinet handles, light 

switches and any element that we interact 

with daily. Consider the ‘niggly’ areas that 

are a nuisance if not functioning well, such 

as leaky taps, dodgy boiler etc to inform 

decisions on investment. Renovating a 

home should provide a space of relaxation 

and enjoyment, not daily annoyances! 

Areas to save are the ‘novel’ built-in 

gadgets that might be easily tired of after 

a year or so and unnecessarily expensive 

paint (ask your decorator their thoughts 

on this!) 

HAVE YOU SEEN DESIGN BECOMING 

MORE SUSTAINABILITY-LED? 

The industry is certainly engaging in 

the sustainable conversation more 

and more. This, of course, is vital and 

not least because every time we make 

a good choice environmentally, it is 

inevitably a better choice for our health 

and well-being too. A low VOC product, 

for example, will ensure the air quality in 

the home remains clean and choosing 

natural material finishes are known to 

enhance our experience of our spaces, 

reduce stress and have a calming effect. 

Manufacturers are responding to this 

shift and it has become far easier to 

make sustainable choices in most areas 

of renovating/ new-build so there is less 

excuse not to pay attention! 

Design Series website - launching (Feb 

14th) - www.interiordesignseries.com 

The National Homebuilding & Renovating 

Show at the NEC, Birmingham, is 

celebrating its 30th anniversary. Readers 

can get free tickets to all the 2024 shows 

on this link: 

www.homebuildingshow.co.uk/ 

minerva 


The Kitchen Makeover Guide 

WE TALK TO LOCAL EXPERTS ABOUT THAT ALL-IMPORTANT SPACE - THE KITCHEN 

Elise Projects Ltd 

With over 25 years’ experience, Elise 

Projects is a family-run business who display 

our exacting standards and flawless 

attention to detail in every project. 

From design to installation, our expert 

team is there throughout bringing your 

envisioned space to life. Our in house 

manufacturing and spray-shop enable 

us to create truly bespoke and unique 

furniture. 

0117 986 6708 – info@eliseprojects.com 

www.eliseprojects.co.uk 

Creative Storage & Kitchens 

Truly Bespoke kitchen and furniture 

solutions in Bristol. 

This local, family run business, 

provides a friendly and personal 

service throughout, where every aspect 

is painstakingly looked after by a 

team of dedicated designer-makers, 

producing quality, long lasting furniture, 

using the finest ethically sourced 

materials and components. 

07968 300 694 

www.creative-storage.co.uk 

Plan-It Stone 

At Plan-It Stone, we aim to make 

the process of designing, sourcing, 

and installing new stone worktops as 

straightforward as possible. 

Our extensive range of products 

cater to our customers’ wide-ranging 

needs and our modern, high-tech 

manufacturing process ensures your 

projects are completed on time and on 

budget. 

0117 329 1718 

www.planitstone.co.uk 

10% 

off 

with this advert 


A living and dining room 

transformation to inspire... 

Photography by Lucy Hartley-Saunders 


With many of us opting to 

improve instead of move, it’s never 

been more important to make our 

spaces work better for us. After 

extending a kitchen to the side 

of their house, homeowners Kate 

and Tom needed to reconfigure 

the existing kitchen and separate 

dining room into a space that 

reflected the flow of their lives. 

Opting to open the rooms 

completely, we caught up with 

them to discuss the process. 

In terms of the build, can you tell us 

what you’ve done? 

The living area occupies what was once 

the dining room, and the dining room was 

the teeny tiny kitchen. We prioritised a 

larger living space over a big dining area - 

I think many of us have moved away from 

the formal dining space, instead opting 

to have something move convivial. We 

have a large breakfast bar in the kitchen, 

which is in the new extension, so there are 

options for dining, and it made sense to 

just keep the space flowing. 

A structural steel was added between the 

old kitchen and dining room, then the old 

door from the hallway was blocked up, so 

the sofa could tuck neatly into that corner 

of the room. 

We pulled up all the floorboards to insulate 

fully underneath, and pulled down the 

ceiling to make the new electrical elements 

easier to install, and again improve the 

insulation. The two spaces were fully replastered. 

It was a lot of work, but actually, 

the walls weren’t in great condition before 

and now they are beautifully smooth. 

“We prioritised a larger 

living space over a big 

dining area - we wanted 

to have something move 

convivial.” 

What flooring was here before 

and why have you chosen the 

finish you have? 

This space has been transformed 

by the flooring, which was an 

easy-to-lay, fully DIY process. 

The flooring runs from the 

kitchen all the way through 

to the living area. It had to be 

something that would work with 

the underfloor heating, be able 

to stand up to the demands of 

kitchen life, be easy to clean 

with two dogs in the house and 

still give the space a feeling 

of warmth. I wanted to find a 

clean-looking tone which didn’t 

read too grey or too yellow, so 

settled on Canadian Nude Oak 

from Karndean - it’s a rigid-core 

product, so doesn’t need gluing 

down and just clicks together 

using the tongue and groove 

system. It can be laid over an 

existing floor too. 

That stove is amazing - why 

did you choose it? 

The existing fireplace had a small 

opening in it, and it looked like it 

would lend itself well to an inset 

stove. I’m not over-stating it 

when I say this stove is one of my 

favourite things I’ve ever had in 


▶ 

The doors were a real success story - we widened 

what was once the single kitchen door into a set 

of slimline double doors on parliament hinges so 

they can open right back to the wall. The glazing 

helps to ensure light can shine on this darker 

pocket of the house. We used reeded glass film to 

create an obscured effect for the utility door - still 

allowing light to shine, but without needing to see 

the detail of the appliances in there. 

▶ 

The dogs are clearly giving 

this feather-filled sofa 

their seal of approval. The 

space is styled with subtle 

patterns and textures, 

including lovely throws and 

cushions from homewares 

brand hauslife.co.uk 

▶ 

We went for the Stovax Riva2, which had a sleek but 

robust design. The visuals are spectacular - the range 

provides convergent airflow to keep the glass clean. 

I’m eco-conscious, so that weighed in heavily on my 

choice - the Riva2 not only meets but exceeds Ecodesign 

efficiency standards, which aim to improve air quality by 

minimising the level of permitted emissions from wood 

burning products. For those in smoke control areas, as 

we are, all models are DEFRA exempt as standard for 

burning wood in urban areas without the need for an 

additional kit. 

▶ 

This is actually an extendable table - so it can be round 

to seat four people, then has leaves to take it all the way 

to a 12 seater. It’s only the two of us, so we didn’t want a 

massive table that spent most of the year getting in the 

way, only to be used at full capacity at Christmas. So, 

this arrangement really suits us. I wanted the chairs to be 

sleek and sit below the top line of the table, as the space 

is small and I didn’t want them to encroach. Then the 

black lines just make sure that strong shade is present in 

each little zone. 


The ‘during’ photos are interesting to look back 

on - it really is a big transformation 

▶ 

“I really love this 

space. It feels 

welcoming and cosy, 

and that was always 

the goal. It’s not a 

formal seating area, 

but a place to retreat 

from daily life” 

▶ 

There’s no getting away from the need for a TV 

in a living space, but I really didn’t want it to be 

the focal point of the room. I wanted a smaller 

television with a slimline frame, so it didn’t make 

such a visual statement - I really loved the slimline 

look of this Mitchell & Brown QLED 4K Ultra HD 

TV- and even better, they’re a British brand with 

a seven year warranty, which is so much longer 

than many other brands. It’s a smart TV, so ready 

to go with all the apps. We’ve got it mounted on 

a pull-out bracket, ready to move as and when 

it’s needed. 

my home. It offers instant cosiness, 

and such a beautiful focal point 

whether it’s roaring or gently glowing. 

That sofa looks incredibly 

comfortable… 

Oh, my, goodness! It is the most 

comfortable sofa I’ve ever sat on - 

it’s the Chaise Otto from 

sofa.com. My partner and I saw it 

in our local showroom and sat on 

it for nearly half an hour! We didn’t 

want to move, and it immediately 

transported us to lazy Sundays in 

front of the fire, stretched out on 

the chaise. It has feather-wrapped 

cushions which make it dreamily 

squishy, and the covers are 

removable for washing, which is 

essential with my penchant for beige 

alongside having two dogs…it also 

means we can update the look of it 

in a few years without replacing the 

whole sofa. 

Are there any other design 

elements you love? 

We’ve zoned this space with this 

huge rug from Ruggable - it’s actually 

machine washable so can stand 

up to daily life, spills, muddy dog 

paws and more! Then we have the 

amazing Lithe Audio ceiling speakers 

- one above the dining table and the 

other in the adjoining kitchen space, 

connected to one another. It’s lovely 

to be able to have music on whilst 

cooking, and then keep the ambient 

sounds on during dinner. I think they 

look really sleek too. 

How did you use black as an 

accent? 

The house already has blackframed 

windows, so it made sense 

to include this in the other design 

choices. By echoing the black in the 

stove surround, the internal doors 

and the dining chairs, it means your 


eye can move from vignette to vignette, without 

feeling like one element is really pulling focus. 

Is the cabinetry bespoke? 

Sort of! We had some quotes which really varied, so 

we found the most cost-effective solution was using 

IKEA Metod upper cabinets on a frame on the floor, 

and then using some sturdier timber to make tops 

and shelves. By running the skirting boards around 

the front of the frame, they look built in - it’s a really 

good tip for making things look bespoke. 

Is there anything you’d change? 

I really love this space. It feels welcoming and cosy, 

and that was always the goal. It’s not a formal 

seating area, but a place to retreat from daily life, 

where you can really just spill out and chill. It’s 

versatile enough to cater for our needs as they shift. 

The space is full of design touches which help make it feel lived in, 

but also high end. All the sockets and switches are from Corston 

Architectural, and they just exude quality. Family photos are 

styled alongside more conventional decor items, plants and pieces 

collected from holidays - this isn’t a show home, but reflective 

of who lives here. Lighting is key too - wall lights help make the 

room feel cosy, with lamps and picture lights offering additional 

multi-level lighting. 

▶ 

STOCKIST INFORMATION: 

Sofa, Otto Chaise in Taupe Brushed Linen Cotton 

sofa.com; Sarrah Blue Quartz Rug, ruggable.co.uk; 

Alvah Extendable Round Dining Table and Chantilly 

Polyester Blend Upholstered Slat Back Parsons Chair both 

wayfair.co.uk; Karndean Canadian Nude Oak Flooring, 

palioexpress.com; Neutral Abstract Sands Canvas Print, 

abstracthouse.com; Stovax Riva2, find your nearest supplier 

at stovax.com; QLED 4K Ultra HD TV (available in 43”, 

50” & 55” screen sizes), find your local stockist online at 

mitchellandbrown.co.uk; Reeded Glass Film, 

surfacedesigns.com; Heritage Clear Glazed Doors, 

climadoor.co.uk; Cushions, Coffee Table, Throw and 

Log Basket from hauslife.co.uk; Ceiling Speakers from 

litheaudio.com 


STYLISH 

Stays 

Tucked away in a delightful enclave 

of coastal Devon, the Cary Arms 

& Spa occupies a dramatic and 

achingly beautiful site in scenic 

Babbacombe Bay. This historic 

coaching in has welcomed many 

visitors over its illustrious history - 

including royalty - so we felt right at 

home embarking on a weekend in 

here, with our two small dogs in tow. 

With ten elegant sea-facing rooms 

and suites at the inn, four restored 

fisherman’s cottages and eight 

brilliantly quirky deluxe beach huts 

and beach suites, there’s a good 

fit for any guest. Our bolthole was 

a luxurious beach hut - perfect 

for that extra bit of privacy. These 

serene spaces feature a dramatic 

mezzanine level, with a porthole 

framing uninterrupted views out to 

sea, as well as their own terrace to 

enjoy the morning or evening rays. 

Knowing we are a nation of dog 

lovers, many hotels and holiday 

lets have become more flexible to 

allow our four-legged friends along 

for the trip, but few places use the 

term dog friendly and mean it with 

as much love and care as the team 

at the Cary Arms. The hotel really 

makes holidaying with your dog easy 

- pooches are presented with a cute 

bag of goodies on arrival, as well as 

a bed and water/food bowls to make 

them feel at home - the restaurant 

is dog-friendly too and the staff 

were making sure all the dogs were 

catered for at breakfast by sliding 

them a sausage or two - with their 

owner’s permission of course. 

The restaurant is one of the 

destination eateries in the area, with 

a menu of modern British classics 

alongside seasonal daily specials. 

Fish, is of course, the dish of the 

day, and the setting enjoys the same 

panoramic views as the rest of the 

hotel; it makes for a very special 

dining experience. If you’re lucky, 

you’ll be able to spot the local seals 

trying to steal a bite from fishermen. 

The bay area is a haven for walkers, 

with the three-week English Riviera 

Walking Festival (4th-19th May this 

year) drawing hiking enthusiasts 

from far and wide. The opening 

weekend of the festival is planned 

to coincide with another celebration 

of local culture, the Brigham Pirate 

Festival. Attracting thousands, the 

event is a swashbuckling mix of 

seaside shenanigans and piratethemed 

fun, celebrating the area’s 

rich heritage of smuggling. 

Babbacombe Bay was a popular 

landing point for smugglers, just 

far enough from Torquay to be 

reasonably safe for the smugglers 

to get ashore and wind their way 

through a network of secret paths 

and tunnels. You can explore many 

of these hidden tunnels and caves 

- just make sure to check tide 

timetables! 

There are lots of walks to enjoy 

straight from the hotel - and with 

enough fish and chip or cake stops 

to keep you powering up those 

steeper cliff edges. Once you’ve 

pounded the shoreline, you can 

then take a well-earned soak in 

the hotel’s spa. The glass faceted 

sea-facing spa includes a waterfall 

hydrotherapy pool, relaxation 

area, steam room, sauna, exotic 

experience shower, gym, and two 

treatment rooms - perfect for some 

indulgence and to really melt away 

the tensions of the week. 

There are few weekend stays were 

I’ve left feeling quite so refreshed, 

well-fed and contented - if you’re 

planning a UK coastal break, the 

Cary Arms certainly ticks all the 

boxes. It’s perfectly located for 

seaside exploration, and the team 

go above and beyond to make 

sure your stay is as comfortable 

as possible. In an age where time 

to recharge is in short supply, I 

wouldn’t hesitate to visit again. 

Katie Thomson 

www.caryarms.co.uk 


DAHLIA 

Lots of people get put off planting dahlias, but 

they are easier to grow than you might think. 

Dahlias love rich, well-drained soil in full sun. 

They’ll still give you lovely blooms without a 

lot of soil preparation, but enriching the soil by 

digging in a mulch when planting will give you 

even better results. Like most bulbs and tubers, 

they don’t like poorly drained soil, so dig in 

plenty of compost or topsoil to raise the level of 

your garden beds slightly if you have heavy soil. 

Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ 

Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’ 

For best results, start your dahlia tubers in 

temporary pots in a greenhouse in March or 

April to grow on to transplant outside later in 

the season – this will give them a head start. 

Alternatively, you can plant the tubers directly 

outside in May. Dahlias are half hardy, which 

means that should be kept frost free over winter 

and during spring. 

Dahlia ‘Daisy Duke’ 

C U T T I N G 

Seek true enjoyment from your 

garden by planting flowers perfect for 

cutting - we went to the experts at 

Farmer Gracy for advice! 

Garden 

Ranunculus ‘White’ 

PEONY 

You can plant peonies in autumn 

or spring, but always in the same 

season that they are sent to you so 

that they are fresh when planted. 

In the first year they remain fairly 

compact but over time these plants 

can fill a space up to 1.2m. Peonies 

are happiest in a border in sun or 

partial shade, choose a suitable 

spot and dig over the soil before 

planting to ensure it is loose and 

soft for planting. You can also grow 

peonies in large patio containers in 

a soil-based compost. 

Ranunculus ‘Elegance® Malva’ 

RANUNCULUS 

Ranunculus are grown from corms which look like claws. Thriving 

in a sunny spot, the lovely big blooms these plants produce will 

appreciate a warm, sheltered spot away from strong winds to keep 

them in top condition. Ranunuculus are half hardy, for best results 

it’s a good idea to start them off in pots and then transplant out into 

their final positions from mid spring. They’re particularly well suited 

to growing in patio containers, but also do very well at the front of a 

mixed flower border with rich, free-draining soil. Plant them directly 

into a sunny, sheltered border or patio container between April-June. 

If planting earlier, start them off in pots or cell trays in an unheated 

greenhouse to transplant out later in spring. 

Paeonia ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ 

See more varieties, care advice and get inspiration at farmergracy.co.uk 


A HAPPY & 

HEALTHY 

Retirement 

Retirement marks a significant 

milestone in life, offering the promise 

of relaxation, exploration, and newfound 

freedom. However, achieving 

a happy retirement requires careful 

planning and foresight, particularly 

in the UK where factors such as 

pension schemes, healthcare, and 

cost of living play crucial roles. By 

taking proactive steps, individuals 

can pave the way for a fulfilling and 

financially secure retirement. 

START EARLY AND 

SAVE DILIGENTLY: 

The foundation of a successful 

retirement plan lies in starting 

early and consistently saving for 

the future. Take advantage of 

workplace pension schemes such 

as the government-backed National 

Employment Savings Trust (NEST) or 

employer-provided schemes, which 

often include employer contributions. 

Additionally, consider contributing to 

private pension plans or Individual 

Savings Accounts (ISAs) to diversify 

your retirement savings. 

UNDERSTAND 

STATE PENSION 

ENTITLEMENTS: 

The UK State Pension provides 

a fundamental source of income 

for retirees. To maximise your 

entitlement, ensure you have 

made sufficient National Insurance 

contributions throughout your 

working life. The State Pension 

age is regularly reviewed, so stay 

informed about any changes that 

may affect your retirement plans. 

CREATE A 

REALISTIC BUDGET: 

Assess your current financial 

situation and outline a realistic 

budget for retirement. Consider 

your expected expenses, including 

housing, healthcare, leisure 

activities, and potential long-term 

care costs. Factor in inflation and 

potential fluctuations in income 

32 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

to ensure your budget remains 

sustainable throughout retirement. 

You need to work out what you’d 

like retirement to look like, how 

much that would cost per year, and 

save and invest in line with those 

expectations. 

DIVERSIFY 

INVESTMENTS: 

While pensions form a core 

component of retirement planning, 

diversifying investments can provide 

additional sources of income and 

mitigate risks. Explore investment 

options such as stocks, bonds, 

mutual funds, and property, taking 

into account your risk tolerance and 

long-term financial goals. 

HEALTHCARE AND 

LONG-TERM CARE 

PLANNING: 

Healthcare costs can significantly 

impact retirement finances, 

especially as individuals age. 

Familiarise yourself with the NHS 

services available to retirees and 

consider private health insurance 

options to supplement your 

healthcare needs. Additionally, 

explore long-term care insurance to 

protect against the potentially high 

costs of residential or home care in 

later life. 

D E B T 

MANAGEMENT: 

Prioritise clearing outstanding 

debts before entering retirement 

to alleviate financial burdens and 

ensure a smoother transition. 

Develop a repayment plan to settle 

any outstanding mortgages, loans, 

or credit card debts, allowing you to 

enter retirement with greater financial 

freedom and peace of mind. 

STAY ACTIVE AND 

ENGAGED: 

Retirement is not just about 

financial planning; it’s also about 

maintaining physical, mental, and 

social well-being. Stay active by 

pursuing hobbies, volunteering, 

or engaging in part-time work 

if desired. Cultivate social 

connections with family, friends, and 

community groups to foster a sense 

of belonging and fulfilment during 

retirement. 

REGULARLY REVIEW 

AND ADJUST PLANS: 

Life is dynamic, and retirement 

plans should adapt accordingly. 

Regularly review your financial 

situation, investment portfolio, and 

retirement goals to ensure they 

remain aligned. Consider consulting 

with a financial advisor periodically 

to assess progress, make necessary 

adjustments, and stay on track 

towards a happy and secure 

retirement. 

In conclusion, planning for a happy 

retirement requires a proactive 

approach that encompasses 

financial preparation, healthcare, 

and lifestyle choices. By starting 

early, saving diligently, diversifying 

investments, and prioritising physical 

and emotional well-being, individuals 

can embark on retirement with 

confidence and optimism for the 

fulfilling years ahead. Remember, 

the key to a successful retirement 

lies in thoughtful planning and 

continuous adaptation to changing 

circumstances.

LOCAL FAMILY RUN 

MOBILITY SHOWROOM 

Luxury Adjustable Beds 

Rise & Recline Chairs - Made to 

Order or Stock Chairs for Quick 

Delivery! 

Mobility Scooters - Lightweight & 

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Powerchairs 

Walking Aids & Rollators 

Wheelchairs 

Bath Lifts 

Stairlifts - Straight & Curved 

Daily Living Aids 

Scooter Servicing & Repairs 

Visit One of our Showrooms Open 6 Days 

Trudoxhill Nr Frome - *Shepton Mallet - Coxley, Wells - Warminster - Melksham 

CALL US ON 01225 251601 

www.lifeandmobility.co.uk 

*Open Sunday & Bank Holidays 

Your home. Your care. Your choice. 

We help you stay independent in your own home. 

Our quality award winning care is provided by our 

highly trained and compassionate carers. 

Bristol North & West: 0117 463 3165 

Bristol South and East: 0117 463 0141 

alinahomecare.com 

We can help. 


Best of Both 

pennys 

Sustainable 

Topsoil and Compost 

From your garden, to our farm, and back to 

your garden. 

SUSTAINABLE COMPOST 

From your garden to our farm 

and back to your garden 

@pennysgroup 

01761 241387 

www.pennysgroup.co.uk

CLIFTON ARCADE BOUTIQUE OPENING APRIL 2024

Bristol Living Apr - May 2024

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