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Contemporary Art on show at the Abbey Hotel in Bath - Courtesy of Modern ArtBuyer

Art Galleries, Bath Art, Featured No Responses »

Dec 192012

We are delighted to announce that the Abbey Hotel, Bath, is now showing stunning artwork from a selection of artists represented by Modern ArtBuyer, the contemporary art sales website (www.modernartbuyer.com), also based in Bath.

The Abbey Hotel has been undergoing refurbishment to create an elegant hotel ideally suited for Bath’s broad range of visitors. As part of the Abbey’s focus on ensuring an elegant and enjoyable stay for its guests, the hotel is working closely with Modern ArtBuyer to hang a gallery of contemporary artwork throughout the hotel for guests to browse and even buy, while they relax over coffee or sip their evening cocktails.

The work has been selected to reflect the stylish, boutique feel to the hotel and the collection includes wonderful pieces by Jason Keeley, Lisa Creagh, Paul Bennett and Rob Ashdown. The gallery will be a permanent fixture at the hotel and the artwork will be changing continually to keep guests engaged and inspired.

Jessica Lloyd-Smith, Director, Modern ArtBuyer said: “Bath has a reputation for being an exceptional centre for art, so it’s fantastic to be able to exhibit some of our artists’ work at the Abbey Hotel and reinforce that strong reputation to the city’s visitors.”

Christa and Ian Taylor, Owners, Abbey Hotel said: “We want to give our guests not only a stylish stay in Bath but also a cultural one. We already offer award-winning dining and interesting keynote talks, so it’s exciting to be developing our gallery for both visitors and locals to enjoy. The work looks incredible and we hope everyone will love it as much as we do.”

Editor’s notes

About Modern ArtBuyer Limited

Modern ArtBuyer Limited was founded in January 2012 to provide an online channel (www.modernartbuyer.com) to showcase selected contemporary paintings, limited edition screen prints and photographs to the internet generation, ensuring that integrity and quality of work are paramount throughout. Prices are attractive and the diverse and constantly growing selection of artwork ensures the varied tastes of our audience are satisfied.

Customers can feel reassured about buying from Modern ArtBuyer knowing that all artists are carefully selected for their quality. In addition, the website offers an opportunity for customers to try out artworks on their very own wall using our clever ‘Changing Room’ app to give that extra layer of comfort. A ‘no quibble’ returns policy is in place for all customers.

About the Abbey Hotel

The Best Western Abbey Hotel is one of the best-located hotels in the centre of Bath, just moments away from the famous Pump Rooms, Roman Baths, Thermae Spa, Bath Abbey, and the city’s brilliant shopping area.

The Best Western Abbey has 60 comfortable bedrooms, and a peaceful lounge and bar for a Bath afternoon tea or cocktails. The award-winning Allium Brasserie, under our acclaimed chef Chris Staines, is open all day, and is already one of the best places to eat in Bath. And our Terrace Cafe offers the best people-watching in town.

Contact details

For images or for more information, please contact:
Jessica Lloyd-Smith, Director, Modern ArtBuyer Limited

E: jessica@modernartbuyer.com
W: www.modernartbuyer.com

Bath Rugby Ladies Need You!

Bath Rugby Ladies, Featured, Rugby, Sport No Responses »

Oct 032012

Think rugby and you might picture burly men mindlessly knocking lumps out of each other, up to their knees in mud.

Think again – meet Bath Rugby Ladies.

Burly? Never. To meet the girls in the street, or more likely in the gym, one would be hard pushed to tell most of them apart from any other athletes.

Mindless? No. Half of the squad are graduates, many having met while playing for the University of Bath, and day jobs include engineers, teachers and biochemists and several of the players are currently studying at College or University.

Mud? Okay, that is inescapable.

But a new era is set to kick-off at Lambridge following Bath Rugby Ladies’ decision to join up with the Bath RFC, an amateur club that has existed since 1865. In 1996 the men’s team moved to form Bath Rugby Plc at the start of the professional era.

It was intended to reinstate a men’s senior team after a two-year period but the lack of a proper ground delayed that for 16 years, during which time the youth section continued with no adult sides to progress to.

But with Bath Rugby moving their training facilities to Farleigh House, Lambridge is now free for use and is currently being redeveloped to allow Bath RFC to make it their home. It’s great that finally, after waiting 16 years, the teams can now work together from U7 – U18 along with the mens and ladies teams after years of playing at separate locations.

The Ladies team have been based at Lambridge since they were established in 2004 and, having narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premiership in 2010-11, will be pushing for Championship 1 South honours in the coming season.

Along with a change of club, the team have many new players this season and have also introduced a new coaching set up who look to take the team into a new era. The team are keen to get more women from the Bath area involved in the game – there’s already a variety of experience levels from novice to experienced so anyone is welcome to the team.

A number of former Bath Rugby Ladies have gone on to gain international honours: England internationals include Nicola Hoole, Marlie Packer, Natasha Hunt and Izzy Noel-Smith, while current players Caryl Thomas and Aimee Young have both gained full caps for Wales.

There are great opportunities to develop existing skills or learn from scratch with the Bath Rugby Ladies team, so regardless of experience, we welcome any ladies that are looking to develop their rugby skills and knowledge and at the same time, meet new people and get involved in a local club.

Lizzie Passingham, Bath Ladies newest member says ‘Thank you all for your support and encouragement from the start. As a new member you all made me feel really welcome and part of the team’.

The ages of the players vary from 17 to early 40s so you’re never too old to start something new! So if you are wanting to find something where you can keep fit, meet new people and you enjoy playing and supporting rugby then get in touch!

The Ladies train every Tuesday and Thursday at Lambridge from 6:45pm and play most Sundays. If you’re not too keen on getting dirty on the pitch, all of our matches are free so everyone is welcome to come along and support the team – there is always hot bacon rolls and tea available in the new clubhouse for those rainy days… Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BathRugbyLadies for details of our next matches or come down to the clubhouse and check out the notice board.

Please contact Sarah on bathrugbyladies@hotmail.co.uk or 07816 757644 if you would like to join the Ladies. Alternatively, come along to Lambridge for a chat on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. We hope to see you soon!

Twitter: @BathRugbyLadies

Carluccio's LA DOLCE VITA ARRIVES IN BATH

Dining, Featured, Food & Drink, Italian No Responses »

Sep 192012

Carluccio’s is delighted to announce its official opening in the cultural city of Bath, welcoming local residents and visitors with a genuine Italian dining and shopping experience in sophisticated surroundings.

Situated at the heart of Bath’s bustling Milsom Place, Carluccio’s offers an all-day Italian restaurant, food shop and delicatessen and is the ideal destination for an Italian coffee and hearty breakfast, right through to three-course candlelit suppers and even a spot of foodie retail therapy. As day turns to evening, guests can experience the buzz of a traditional Milano wine bar at Carluccio’s Aperitivo Bar – the perfect setting for an-after work catch up over interesting Italian wines and refreshing tipples. Alternatively, diners can enjoy the last of the summer sunshine on the picturesque al fresco terrace.

THE RESTAURANT
Using the freshest seasonal ingredients, many sourced directly from Italy, the varied restaurant menu provides something for everyone, with dishes prepared on site daily by Carluccio’s chefs. First courses include appetising soups, crisp Italian salads and, designed for sharing, a selection of antipasti plates laden with traditional specialities such as Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella, balsamic onions, caponata, rustica olives and juicy artichokes.

There are over 11 pasta dishes on the menu – must tries include a deliciously spicy Spaghetti Alle Vongole In Bianco (Neapolitan spaghetti with whole fresh clams, garlic, herbs and chilli) and Carluccio’s signature dish of Penne Giardiniera (Pugliese penne with courgette, chilli and deep fried spinach balls with parmesan and garlic). Can’t choose? Try the popular Trio di Pasta (tasting trios of our pasta dishes) – the homemade Ravioli, Funghi and classic Luganica with Italian sausage go particularly well together. Other mains include Saltimbocca di Maiale (pork escalope wrapped in Parma ham), Branzino con Salsa e Patate (fillet of sea bass with sautéed potatoes) and Brasato di Manzo (beef stew slow cooked with Chianti, served with grilled polenta).

Home style puddings prepared by hand every day include an indulgent panna cotta using real vanilla pods and a dash of rum whilst ice creams come from an Italian family-run business that have been making gelati for over 100 years.

For fresh seasonal choices – look out for the tempting selection of weekly-changing specials on the boards in the restaurant. As well as great quality, authentic Italian food, Carluccio’s prides itself on its sensible prices, with two courses costing as little as £15.

THE FOOD SHOP AND DELI
Head to Carluccio’s food shop to browse shelves bursting with beautifully packaged Italian products, many sourced direct from artisan producers in Italy. From regional olive oils to pre-prepared pesto and sauces, squid ink pasta to dried porcini mushrooms, traditional Italian biscuits and superb chocolates as well as excellent wines, it’s the destination of choice for Italian food lovers.

Carluccio’s delicatessen is brimming with freshly made dishes available for lunch on-the-go, including tasty ciabatta sandwiches, Piadina (Italian flat bread), while light salads and top quality cured meats and sweet treats are perfect for Italian dinner parties at home.

THE DESIGN
To complement Bath’s beautiful and historic landscape, Carluccio’s in Milsom Place mixes contemporary design fixtures with charming nods to traditional Italy. Striking features include handwritten signage on tiles, long timber benches, vintage restored furniture pieces such as a butcher’s block serving as a retail table and refurbished antique dressers displaying fresh deli food. Photographs on canvas reveal snapshots of old-world Italian culture and architecture while a contemporary frosted kitchen vision slot reveals a silhouette of the chefs hard at work so diners can watch the action.

Carluccio’s – offering a genuine taste of Italy in Bath.

Carluccio’s, 3-7 Milsom Place, Bath, BA1 1BZ
T: 01225 312 604

www.carluccios.com
Follow us on Twitter @Carlucccioscaffe

The Big Knitathon Bath

Hobbies & Interests, Knitting, Spotlight No Responses »

Aug 302012

Whatever you’re into – get into knitting for
‘The Big Knitathon Bath’

Update: The Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, Councillor Rob Appleyard, has also now agreed to come and open the event.

Community fundraising campaign will highlight issues faced by Big Issue magazine vendors in Bath… and attempt to break a Guinness World Record…

The Big Knitathon campaign launched on the 2nd August, aims to encourage Bath’s knitting population to unite in order to raise funds for The Big Issue Foundation, and will form part of a nationwide attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the most people knitting simultaneously.

Part of a wider campaign across the UK – to raise awareness of the Foundation’s work and of homelessness – teams of knitters in Bath, and across the country will pick up their fundraising needles on Saturday 17th November between 2pm-6pm. Knitters are invited to attend the local campaign’s event, which will be held at St Michael’s Without church, on Broad Street.

In conjunction with the Big Issue Magazine’s 21st birthday celebrations, The Big Knitathon is a new venture for the charity, which has previously held other fundraising drives such as The Big Sleep Out. The team of knitters at St Michael’s are hoping to produce a large volume of knitted squares – which can be made into a patchwork blanket after the event. It is hoped that this blanket will be put on display to continue to raise further awareness of homelessness in Bath. The world record event will start at 2.30pm.

The Big Issue Foundation is a national charity that connects vendors with the vital support and solutions that enable them to rebuild their lives and journey away from homelessness.

The event at St Michael’s, sponsored by Sharon Spencer of Great British Yarns – a mail order knit company supplying the wool for the campaign – will kick off with a talk from Samantha Grief, Vendor Service Broker at the Foundation’s office on Bridewell Lane. Ms Grief will then introduce a vendor who has agreed to share their story.

Ms Grief said;
“The Big Knitathon is a great way to have fun whilst raising vital funds for the Big Issue Foundation and helping some of our city’s most vulnerable people take those all-important first steps into changing their lives. The Foundation’s work in Bath makes a significant difference to the lives of local vendors by helping them achieve their goals, learning new skills, reconnecting with their families and moving into permanent employment.”

Lizzy Ellery from DWP Public Relations, Bath, is spearheading the organisation of the event and said;
“People of all ages, genders, and knitting abilities can get involved and events can be held in churches, libraries – or even living rooms! Knitathon events are simply about communities and friends getting together to raise as much sponsorship possible to donate to The Big Issue Foundation. You can get involved with our attempt to make a blanket or knit anything from a hat to a jumper – and you could even donate what you make to your local vendor.”

Nearly 100 people a week turn to the Big Issue for an opportunity to help themselves at a time of personal crisis, and The Foundation strives to support 2,500 vendors across the country. Vendors make a personal choice to buy their magazines with their own money, taking charge of their finances and sales whilst developing the skills required to retail to the public. This addresses the problem by offering homeless people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income; to ‘help them to help themselves’.

For those interested in holding their own event, an event pack is available. For more information about the event and campaign in Bath, or an event pack, email knitathonbath@gmail.com, or contact Samantha Grief at the Big Issue Foundation Samantha.grief@bigissue.com. You can also follow the campaign on Twitter at: @BigKnitathon.

StudentZest - A fresh new student service...

Featured, Independent Business, StudentZest No Responses »

Aug 062012

What is StudentZest?

StudentZest is a fresh new student service offering the very best deals, promotions & events that Bath’s independent businesses have to offer. Set up by two current Bath Spa University students, StudentZest will become the link between Bath’s independent businesses and the student market.

Local businesses we need your help…

A membership card doesn’t have any real substance without offering its members a wide range & variety of businesses. We differ from other memberships as we only work with independent local businesses. We feel by working closely within the community we can help give back to our local, independent shops, rather than the high street chains.

Our membership cards go on sale during September at the universities freshers fairs and online via our website & Facebook page. Our members will then use their cards to obtain discounts & offers at the businesses involved.

This is where we need your help. We already have 50+ local businesses signed up to offer our members something special, however we still need more! We are looking for any independent businesses who currently offer student discounts or better still, could offer a new and unique offer just for StudentZest members. No matter how big or small the offer, anything you can offer would be fantastic.

What’s in it for you?

Mutually, this will benefit everyone – local businesses, us & the students. If businesses are able to offer some sort of discount, we will then be able to advertise them free of charge. As this is a business set up by students, for students, recommendations by us will go a long way. We have already established several different advertising streams including; through our website, on our Facebook page (already with over 1,100 likes) & our growing Twitter account.

Wait a minute where is the catch?

This is easy – there isn’t one. There are no catches, no strings attached and no monthly subscription. StudentZest is completely free for Bath’s independent businesses.

StudentZest was created to help improve the student experience in Bath whilst working with local, independent businesses, to increase their customer footfall and promote their business to an ever growing student market. We have visited many businesses in Bath over the past months and attended several networking meetings including BNI Bath and the question which keeps popping up is, “What’s the catch?” The answer is – there isn’t one, StudentZest is completely free. So don’t miss out and be part the growing number of businesses already
registered.

Want to be part of it?…. Now What?

That’s the easiest bit! Simply register online at www.studentzest.co.uk/company

Alternatively, feel free to send us over an email to us@studentzest.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Nicholas Wylde - Pure British - Patriotically Wylde - 25th Anniversary & Diamond Jubilee Celebration Competition

Independent Business, Nicholas Wylde No Responses »

May 292012

As well as enjoying the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year, Nicholas Wylde is celebrating his very own 25th Anniversary

To mark these two very special occasions and commemorate the Queen’s 60 year reign Nicholas Wylde has launched a specific version of his Spirit of Colour Collection designed with patriotic inspiration – revealing a ruby, sapphire and diamond in three different modern styles.

See below to enter our Golden Jubilee Competition to win a stunning pair of diamond earrings worth £1,000

Enter our Golden Jubilee Competition to win a stunning pair of diamond earrings worth £1,000

In conjunction with the Western Daily Press we are running a competition where you could win a fabulous pair of diamond earrings.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – keep a look out for the competition in the paper. Entry into the competition needs an answer to a simple question regarding our very special and patriotic Spirit of Colour Collection. Competition terms and conditions and closing date will be stated on the paper

Nicholas Wylde – Specialising in designing stunning pieces of jewellery The South West’s leading designer jeweller located in Bath and Bristol

Nicholas Wylde Website
Twitter
Facebook

Olympic Fever Reaches Bath

Events, Olympics No Responses »

May 242012

Free report for local business people - How to keep your staff!

Appoint Personnel, Independent Business, Spotlight No Responses »

Apr 122012

What motivates an employee to stay with you? And what attracts someone to join your company in the first place? The 2012 Employee Motivations Report has the answers!

This independent survey, conducted by Karen Collins of Appoint Recruitment, explores primary motivators, long-term goals, most sought after benefits and willingness to travel.

Gaining insight from 100 local people, this is a valuable resource for employers throughout the region.

The report has been produced with the time conscious employer in mind, replacing waffle with bullet pointed notes. And, most usefully, it also features a summary of ideas to help you incorporate the findings into your own business practice.

To receive your free copy, simply email
Gemma@appoint.co.uk

Looking for a new partner to join the Charlie Boots shop on Broad Street

Charlie Boots, Fashion, Featured, Independent Business, Spotlight No Responses »

Apr 112012

Charlie Boots (named after the Bristol designer behind the project) is an edgy, ethically-minded shop on Broad Street, Bath offering clothing, art, accessories and homewares.

Newly opened, and already enjoying a healthy interest from local fashion-seekers, the shop’s ethos focuses on ‘conscious design’ and favours sustainable, recycled, upcycled accessory brands and the occasional vintage find.

Charlie designs sustainable womenswear and makes jewellery using vintage findings and recycled materials. She finds potential in the unexpected to create something covetable and unique.

Joe kang has a quirky and fun approach to sewing. Her giant bow brooches can transform any plain item in your wardrobe into a stylish must-have. She also produces cushions, baby bootees and a whole lot more.

On top of this we stock the work of another twenty-five UK artist/designers.

We are currently looking for another artist/designer/buyer to join us and contribute towards covering the shop hours as well as running costs. Please get in touch by email or phone if you are interested.

How to find us:

35 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LP (Opposite The Salcombe Trading Company)
Website: www.charlieboots.com
Twitter: @CharlieBoots
Press enquiries: Charlie Boots: +44 (0) 7824 533 672 or charlie@charlieboots.com

Electric Vintage - Where All Your Inky Dreams Can Come True!

Electric Vintage, Independent Business, Lisa Lee No Responses »

Apr 102012

I remember the days when tattoo parlours, like betting shops, existed behind darkened doors. That tight, nervous feeling you got as, after your third unsuccessful visit, you finally pushed the door open, the relief when a smiling tattooist shook your hand and showed you their portfolio. I remember thinking, ‘What was I so worried about?’

It is very difficult to keep the wonderment of the tattoo parlour whilst making it a little less intimidating for the client, but Sara Hopson has fantastically achieved this very thing with Electric Vintage Tattoos.

You can see the layout of the studio from outside, so you know exactly what to expect, which, if you are a tattoo virgin, is quite reassuring. Inside you will meet some of the most talented tattooists in the country right now, who will work with you to achieve your desired design. Then, once you’ve paid your deposit and booked a slot, you get your ink! From start to finish, the experience, for me anyway, was excellent. You couldn’t be in safer, more creative, hands.

Sara and her team also offer Laser Removal, Body Piercing and Clothing. For more details and prices, check out the : newly designed website

©Lisa Lee 2012 @elvegren
Guest Contributor Lisa Lee – Elvegren Tales
All Bath.co.uk features: by Lisa Lee

Bath Instagrams

Instagrams No Responses »

Apr 062012

Just Fascinating - Bespoke Fascinators by Carrieanne Jenkinson

Creative, Design, Featured, Independent Business, Just Fascinating, Spotlight No Responses »

Apr 022012

Just Fascinating was born in June 2011 and started by Carrieanne Jenkinson. In the beginning, they sold ready to wear fascinators but they were constantly being contacted to make individual fascinators and hats so they decided to start the bespoke service, since then they have been swamped!

Carrie has a history in design and decided after some years to revisit this design passion and put it to good use. ‘I loved designing and creating fascinators and hats! I have so many wonderful ideas that sometimes I feel shear frustration at not being able to make them all but offering the bespoke service means that I am constantly designing and creating new pieces which is just marvellous.’

Six months on and they have a growing fan base, her recent design for Lady Gaga flew around the internet causing a huge interest in the small company which is taking the Millinery world by storm.

Offering a very reasonably priced bespoke service means that anyone can afford to have something designed and created to compliment their personal style and to match their outfit. ‘ We work closely with clients to make sure we get it just right, matching the colours perfectly and taking the time to discuss their personal needs, its wonderfully inspiring to make people happy and most of our clients have been truly thrilled with their fascinators and hats.’

I think 2012 is going to be a extremely exciting and busy year for Just Fascinating and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Visit their website today to see some of their unique and stunning designs and if your looking for a local milliner then look no further! www.justfascinating.co.uk

Twitter: @fascinating2011

The Salcombe Trading Company

Independent Business, Spotlight, The Salcombe Trading Company No Responses »

Mar 152012

When you think of Scandinavian homewares, one particularly well-known superstore might spring to mind. But beautiful boutique The Salcombe Trading Company on Broad Street is set to reinvent this flat-packed image.

‘The aesthetic of the Nordic countries is refreshing, neutral and closely linked to their relaxed way of life’, says Michelle Sames, one half of the husband-and-wife-team that owns The Salcombe Trading Company. ‘We want customers to see how easy it is to recreate this atmosphere in their own homes, with select pieces from Scandinavia’s leading designers.’

Having established a sturdy reputation in south Devon for over 10 years, The Salcombe Trading Company has now put down roots in Bath, showcasing an exceptional range of products for the house and garden.

‘Our inspiration comes from the moors of Devon and the sophistication of Bath, giving our range a distinctly New England/Scandi feel’, says Michelle. Specialising in Scandinavian interiors but also representing the best British artisans, this clever combination really comes across. Brands such as Skagerak Denmark, Menu and Sagaform sit effortlessly alongside British blacksmiths and craftsmen to create Salcombe’s unique style.

‘The signature clean lines and pale tones of Scandinavian design are emulated all over the world and this is what we focus on at Salcombe’, says Michelle. ‘We are constantly building on practice and tradition to offer pieces that are both beautiful and functional, and this is why so many customers come to us.’

A very personal shopping experience combined with knowledgeable staff that have tried and tested each product, means that Salcombe Trading is well-placed to offer advice on every aspect of your interiors – a virtue indeed, when everything in the shop is built to last for years and years. ‘The disposable age must come to an end’, insists Michelle, who actively sources all her products with longevity in mind. ‘We feel that if we can supply the best of both quality and design, customers can choose a beautiful piece with timeless style that future generations will enjoy.’

One thing is clear – the Salcombe Trading Company never stands still for long, so head down and see what’s new today!