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SUSSEX

Sussex OCTOBER 2026 / £3.95

SPECIA L Over 25 pages of inspiration and insight

OCTOBER 2026

Role

MODEL SUSSEX'S JODIE KIDD FRONTS THE LATEST AUTUMN COLLECTION FROM DELTA ROAM

ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES.COM COVER WITH SPINE.indd All Pages

PLUS COMMUNITY CHUCKLES Behind the scenes of the Brighton Dome Comedy Festival SMALL BUT MIGHTY Experiencing the intimate Lury in Hastings MEDIEVAL MAGIC Celebrating the past and present in Lewes

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents OCTOBER 2026

27 CULTURE

FASHION & BEAUTY

EDUCATION

14 Agenda The best events in

34 The Shoot Sussex's Jodie Kidd

Sussex across October

fronts the latest from Delta Roam

78 Brighton Marina Offering a future route for local youngsters

16 Brighton Dome Comedy

36 Brufords Exploring watch

Festival Bringing the LOLs

care in Eastbourne

81 Meet The Head Matt Williams of Seaford College

20 Lewes The perfect mix of history and modern day living

ABSOLUTELY HOME

DON'T MISS

FOOD & DRINK

50 French Bedroom Celebrating 20

82 Kew Wakehurst Why it is

years of the iconic Sussex business

in full bloom this autumn

28 Lury Visiting the intimate

54 Inglis Hall The Lewes studio

Hastings restaurant

is moving with the times

31 Drinks The tipples tickling

58 Trends What's hot as we

our tastebuds this month

welcome the chill of autumn

Z E S T

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, 020 7704 0588 zest.london

Facebook @ABSOLUTELYSUSSEX Twitter @ABSOSUSSEX Instagram @ABSOLUTELYSUSSEX absolutelymagazines.com

O N T H E C OV E R Jodie Kidd for Delta Roam (deltaroam.com)

editor MARK KEBBLE • art director PAWEL KUBA • magazine designers MARIANA SUZUKI, PAMELLA MORENO • production manager DANICA BRODIE media consultants LOUISE PEARSON, SARAH BAKER credit control manager ALEXANDRA HVID • directors CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO, ABIGAIL GARDNER • non-executive director ALEXANDRA HUNTER • managing director SHERIF SHALTOUT Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights

1 Kew Wakehurst

Autumnal joy in Sussex (p82)

French Bedroom Celebraing two decades in design (p50)

t the time of print, I am close to the finishing line. I am not talking about taking up Hyrox, which has been in the news a lot recently for not entirely tasteful reasons, but my kitchen makeover. My wife and I procrastinated over knocking through the kitchen/dining room to go open-plan for probably over a year. One week we had built up the courage, only to go and cower behind the sofa the following week. The kitchen was the last room in the house we hadn't touched since moving in eight years ago and it desperately needed revamping, so finally – finally – we took the plunge. I would be lying if I said the past five weeks had been plain sailing. For a start, our Rommie rescue dog hates men (bar me), so there was no chance I could work from home with her, so a daily commute returned to my life. Then there was the discovery of a mystery door in the back wall – we still literally have no idea what it could have been, but that knocked us back a week as the brickwork around it couldn't hold the steel support needed minus a wall. But we are so close. Just yesterday the kitchen appliances were put in, so now it's just those decorative flourishes. It's been a labour of love, but that's why our Home special is here, to oﬀer guidance and inspiration. I am oﬀ to put the (new) kettle on.

Inglis Hall A new direction for the Sussex business (p54)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Home Trends

The best looks for the new season (p58)

Agenda

The events not to miss this month (p14)

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Wish LIST

NEW FLAME

Ths Skivvy is a new kind of candle – a hand sculpted glass vessel mouth-blown in India holds a sphere candle hand-poured in Australia. And Vine is a scent that brings the garden straight inside, £189. cillie.com.au

EDITOR’S PICK

10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

GOLDEN YEARS Stylish jewellery brand Otiumberg is celebrating 10 years in business this month with a stylish campaign featuring Poppy Delevingne as well as a new store opening in King's Road. Their secret? Timeless chic and eﬀortless elegance. otiumberg.com

PRETTY GREEN Staud's palette for AW26 is full of forest shades: brown, green and rust, combined with contrast dark purples and blues. We love the muted greens best. staud.clothing

SELF CARE Diptyque's new wellness collection oﬀers an all-day ritual, starting with morning nourishment and invigoration, and finishing with evening relaxation. Les Rituels de Soin are accompanied by a collection of decorative objects too. diptyqueparis.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

C H A I N R E AC T I O N Liberty's fabulous new fashion jewellery gallery oﬀers an excellent curation of contemporary and demi-fine jewellery. Brands include Miami favourite Martha Calvo, among others. libertylondon.com

ON THE PULL Casesafe is the world's first suitcase to include an integrated tracker. You'll never lose your luggage again. july.com

FAV O U R I T E SHIRTS Lisa Corti's prints feature an element of surprise in their motifs and colourways – and for AW26 this stripe shirt has an unusual feel, in a very zeitgeisgty palette. lisacorti.com

EMERALD CITY No shade is too obscure for Amelie's Follies, where bra and pant sets come in every hue, as well as every size and shape. Book a fitting to see for yourself. ameliesfollies.co.uk

PA N O U T Just laudnched at Le Creuset is Forêt, showcasing a matte fores green with subtle lightgold detailing, perfect for the cosy, rich feel of the season ahead. lecreuset.co.uk

N E W M E TA L L I C S Alex Monroe's Teeny Tiny Snake is elegantly poised and delicately detailed, handmade in solid 18ct yellow recycled gold in their workshop. alexmonroe.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C U LT U R E

IN CO N V E RSAT ION 8 OCTOBER, CHARLESTON

In ‘The Creative Garden’ at Charleston, Gardens Illustrated editor, Stephanie Mahon, and garden designer Annie Guilfoyle explore gardening as a creative practice with Nigel Slater (pictured) and Sarah Price. They will discuss what happens when imaginative people get their hands in the soil. charleston.org.uk

Agenda 14 • Brighton Dome Comedy Festival 16 • Lewes 20 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda THE BEST EVENTS IN SUSSEX

EV E NT

Characters Through History 28-29 October ARUNDEL CASTLE Families and history fans alike are invited to immerse themselves in the 12th century as Arundel Castle’s grounds come alive with costumed historical interpreters, recreating key ﬁgures from Arundel’s Norman past. From a crusader and a knight to an archer and the Master Falconer, visitors can expect encounters that open a window onto the Castle’s early years. arundelcastle.org

FRANCE BOURÉLY, PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE INVISIBLE, IMAGO MUNDI, 2025 © FRANCE BOURELY

A RT

Edge U NTI L 3 JA NUA RY 2027, H ASTI NG S CON TEMPORARY

Edge: Where the Land Meets the Sea is a major new exhibition exploring the fundamental connection between land and sea, and the vital role both play in sustaining life on our planet. In an era of profound environmental change, Edge challenges conventional ideas of separation and presents the coastline as a dynamic zone of exchange, where rivers, soils and oceans converge. hastingscontemporary.org

MU S I C

Katherine Jenkins 6 October BRIGHTON DOME The biggest selling classical artist of this century, Katherine Jenkins OBE, has announced a UK tour to celebrate her incredible quarter of a century in music. The 25 Year Anniversary Tour is the ﬁrst tour for Katherine in ﬁve years and is set to feature all her biggest hits including Time To Say Goodbye, the emotional Jealous of the Angels and I Will Always Love You and more. brightondome.org

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CULTURE • DIARY

F O O D

STO RIES

A RT

T H E PR E S E NC E

of Absence

Until 4 October REGENCY TOWNHOUSE An upholsterer, a contemporary surrealist, a painter and a photographer will come together for an exhibition at Brighton’s Regency Townhouse. Jo Hathaway’s work on memory and reﬂection bring colour and light and the internal, abstract experience of the theme; Nick Bowman’s photos each tell their own story of light, nature and the impact of revelation and obscurity, alongside additional work by Frances Bloomﬁeld and Emily Beaumont. rth.org.uk

T H E AT R E

DOWN TO CHANCE 23 October CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE Anchorage, Alaska. 1964. The largest earthquake in US history. A part-time radio reporter, her teenage intern, a general on leave, and a local hobbyist find themselves at the centre of a remarkable relief effort. Genie Chance, live on air, must take unimaginable risks to save her community and family from chaos. Down to Chance is a heart-warming portrait of a community in crisis with the whole world listening in. cft.org.uk

This Month’s Must See

PHOTO: ALI WRIGHT

Annual Light Experience

23 - 3 1 O CTOBER, CHICHE STER CATHEDRAL

ow established as a key moment in Chichester Cathedral’s cultural calendar, the 2026 Light Experience will explore the theme Illuminating Art. Created using large-scale projection and an original score by composer David Harper, Illuminating Art will see the Cathedral’s architecture – from its Norman stonework to its soaring nave – reimagined as a canvas for digital art. chichestercathedral.org.uk

A food festival launches this month, uniting communities across Brighton and Hove

RIDDLE & FINN

rightonFoodStory, a brand new three-day festival, comes to the city from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th October. It is the first festival of its kind in the city to deliberately set out to change the conversation about how it eats – not a trade showcase, but an idea-led celebration of the people, produce and thinking already building a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system in Brighton and Hove. Curated and produced by awardwinning Brighton food journalist and broadcaster Gilly Smith, the festival joins the dots between the city’s restaurants and producers and the initiatives already changing how Brighton and Hove eats – from school food programmes to grassroots community projects. On Saturday 3rd October, New Road becomes a showcase for the best of Brighton and Hove's food and drink scene, with local favourites including At The Table Deli, Grazed Sussex, Junk Food Project, Palmito, Sussex Surplus, Curing Rebels, Riddle & Finn, Savvy Ferments and Furna. A programme of panels and conversations at Red Roaster’s Terraces brings together chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, fishers and campaigners – including Gingerman’s Pamela McKellar, Palmito’s Diego Ricuarte and Etch’s Steven Edwards on the realities of running a restaurant in Brighton today, and Brighton and Hove Food Partnership’s Vic Borrill on building a fairer local food system. Also look out for community feasts across the city’s halls, churches, synagogues, temples and mosques, celebrating the food and stories of Brighton and Hove. brightonfoodstory.substack.com

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KATHERINE RYAN

BUSINESS Brighton Dome’s Rosie Crane reveals how collaboration, inclusivity and emerging talent are shaping the city’s biggest comedy festival yet

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CULTURE • Q&A

DAN TIERNAN

righton Dome Comedy Festival returns from 16th-25th October and this year has partnered with Komedia, bringing a packed 10-day programme to two of the city’s best loved events venues. All My Friends indie disco makes a long-awaited Brighton debut on the first Saturday of the Festival. Hosted by legendary comic podcasters Elis James, John Robins and Dave Masterman, who are DJing together for the first time in over two years, the day rave brings indie and pop tunes from the 80s to the present day to Brighton Dome Concert Hall. Also new to the line up at Brighton Dome are internationally acclaimed comedian and filmmaker Simon Amstell, who performs I Love It Here in the Concert Hall as part of a strictly limited tour, and Northern Irish-Australian stand up Jimeoin [Live at the Apollo], whose new show Ballyhoo comes to the Corn Exchange. In the Studio Theatre, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award-nominated star of Channel 4’s Mitchell & Webb Are Not Helping, Lara Ricote, explores millennial angst and selfdiscovery in Inkling and BBC New Comedy Award winner Dan Tiernan is armed with jokes, punchlines and rocks in Quartz and All. Cult cartoonists Modern Toss are back, with an exhibition in Brighton Dome Founders Room throughout the Festival.

CATHERINE BOHART

For younger comedy fans, comic duo and Brighton Dome favourites Shelf return to the Studio Theatre with child-friendly music and sketches in The Kids Show 2. And swear-free standup showcase Live at Brighton Dome BLEEPED is back in the Corn Exchange, for ages 11 and up. Over at Komedia, Guardian political sketch writer John Crace asks What The Hell Just Happened? in the Basement. After selling out in Edinburgh last year, Kim Blythe presents her brand-new show Puzzle and Rich Wilson performs an evening of observational hilarity in To The Cradle, From The Rave (Komedia Studio). Raising the Roof brings together Joe Wilkinson, Angela Barnes, Dinesh Nathan, James Ellis and Rich Wilson as MC in a comedy fundraiser for YMCA Brighton in the Basement, and award-winning character comedians Maddy and Marina Bye as Siblings perform surreal sketch show Dreamweavers (Komedia Studio). With so much on, Absolutely chatted to Brighton Dome’s Head of Programme, Rosie Crane, to find out how it has all come together. Q Brighton has long been regarded as

one of the UK's comedy capitals. What is it about the city that makes it such a natural home for a festival like this? A Brighton is a city that knows how to enjoy itself! Comedy and Brighton have a lot in common – live comedy is about letting go and having a laugh, but it’s also about seeing things from a di!erent perspective, broadening your thinking about all sorts of things, and Brighton has always been good at that. Q This is the first year Brighton Dome

and Komedia have partnered on the festival. What does it allow you to achieve that wasn't possible before? A This is such an exciting partnership, it has enabled us to have an even wider range of brilliant comedy and most importantly it’s given us a sense of comedy community, venues can’t work in isolation, we need each

ALL MY FRIENDS

other to survive, so it’s been a joy to work with such a brilliant team at Komedia, who really understand the grassroots of comedy and the emerging talent across the country. Q You've described this as your

"biggest and funniest comedy festival yet". What are the highlights that you're personally most excited for? A All My Friends is going to be a gorgeous event, filled with love, silliness and daytime dancing. I cannot wait to see Lara Ricote, who I think is going to be a huge star and this will likely be the last time you’ll see her in a room as small as the Studio Theatre. I’m excited about so many! Stevie Martin, Rosie Holt… I feel super proud of local Maisie Adam being in the Concert Hall for the first time this year. And I’ll be popping over to Komedia for the brilliant Siblings and Solve-Along Murder She Wrote, which sounds bonkers. Q The programme spans everything from

major household names to emerging comedians. How important is it to strike that balance when curating the line-up? A It’s vital, not just for the festival but for the comedy world as a whole, to showcase the next big names alongside the established success stories. We all love to see our favourites, but I think sometimes even more exciting is discovering a new obsession. Q Brighton audiences are known for

embracing the unexpected. Were there any acts this year that felt like a particularly perfect fit for the city's personality? A I think that would have to be the A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • Q&A MAISIE ADAM

SOOZ KEMPNER PHOTO: STEVE ULLATHORNE

indescribable Sam Campbell. The festival includes family-friendly performances, daytime discos, live podcasts and political satire alongside traditional stand-up. Q Was it important to broaden

people's expectations of what a comedy festival can be? A This has been one of the main drivers of the festival from the beginning. There’s nothing better than finding comedy in unexpected places. Watching people giggle their way around the Modern Toss art exhibition is an absolute joy. I’m always on the lookout for genre-bending comedy. Q Accessibility clearly sits at the heart

of the programme, with live captioning across all Brighton Dome performances. How central is inclusivity when you're planning festivals like this? A No-one should be excluded from having a laugh! The captioning team have become an integral part of the festival, they are incredible at what they do (their skills are still ba!ing to me) and they bring another dimension of fun and inclusivity to the festival. Q Beyond the performances, the festival

includes workshops for young comedians and the Finding Your Funny project for people in recovery. How rewarding is it to see comedy used as a tool for confidence, wellbeing and community? A The young comedians showcase at the end of their eight week course is honestly my favourite part of the festival. To see how they have evolved and grown in confidence is really emotional and I’m always shocked at how funny they are. There is a lot of crying as well as laughing at that one! I’m really proud to be expanding the workshop programme to include the brilliant Petra Massey’s Finding Your Funny. Petra is an

JAZZ EMU PHOTO: MATT STRONGE

incredible performer and teacher and is passionate about the healing powers of clowning about. Witnessing how comedy can actually change lives is what it’s all about. Q Comedy is constantly evolving,

particularly with the influence of podcasts and social media. How have you seen audience tastes change, and has that influenced this year's programme? A People are consuming far more comedy online and that has given rise to some brilliant acts, like Jazz Emu (who will rock your world on the first night of the festival), but I’m passionate about getting people out to watch it live because it just doesn’t compare to seeing it on a screen. This is a big reason for programming our

CELYA AB

BLEEPED night, which is aimed at younger audiences as well as those who prefer less swearing in their comedy. Coming to your first live comedy gig as a youngster can take your life in a whole new direction. Q If someone has never experienced

Brighton Dome Comedy Festival before, what would you say to persuade them to spend a few days laughing their way around Brighton this October? A I would say grab a schedule, see how many shows you can pack in (at least three per day!) and have the time of your life in a city that was literally built for fun times. For more details and to book tickets visit brightondome.org and komedia.co.uk

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LEWES CASTLE

S PIRIT Absolutely explores the history, culture, ﬂavours and ﬁercely independent attitude of Lewes

here are few places in Sussex where past and present sit together quite as comfortably as they do in Lewes. Medieval streets climb towards a Norman castle; independent shops occupy centuries-old buildings; the South Downs rise almost immediately beyond the rooftops; and a town famous for revolution, brewing and one of Britain’s most extraordinary Bonfire celebrations has developed an equally compelling reputation for food, art and independent culture. October brings another reason to look in its direction. Just outside Lewes, Glyndebourne’s Autumn Season returns on 14th October, bringing opera and concerts back to one of the world’s most celebrated opera houses. Glyndebourne may sit amid the Sussex countryside rather than within the town itself, but it feels inseparable from Lewes. The combination of world-class opera, rolling Downs and a historic market

town only a few miles away encapsulates much of what makes this corner of Sussex special. And while thousands arrive here because of Glyndebourne, Lewes itself provides plenty of reasons to linger.

A POTTED HISTORY Lewes wears its history particularly well. This is no heritage town preserved behind glass, but somewhere where the past remains part of everyday life. The High Street rises and falls through an architectural patchwork of timber frames, Georgian façades, flint walls, narrow passages and crooked rooftops, while the great bulk of Lewes Castle ensures there is rarely any doubt about the town’s age. The castle dates from the years following the Norman Conquest, when William de Warenne, one of William the Conqueror’s most powerful supporters, established a fortress here. What makes Lewes Castle especially unusual is its two mounds – it is one of only two castles in England built in this form. Climbing to the top today provides one of the best introductions

to Lewes, with views across its rooftops and out towards the South Downs. The de Warenne family also left another extraordinary mark on the town. William and his wife Gundrada founded the Priory of St Pancras between 1078 and 1082. Once among England’s most important monasteries, Lewes Priory was largely destroyed

ANNE OF CLEVES HOUSE

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

GLYNDEBOURNE

following Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, but its extensive remains can still be explored at Priory Park. Tudor history is equally visible. Anne of Cleves House on Southover High Street is a beautiful timber-framed Wealden hall house, parts of which date from the late 15th century. It was among the properties given to Henry VIII’s fourth wife as part of the settlement following the annulment of their marriage in 1541 – although, contrary to what its name might suggest, Anne never actually lived there.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO The best way to understand Lewes is on foot. Begin around the High Street and simply wander. Independent bookshops, antiques dealers, galleries, cafés and boutiques make browsing as important as sightseeing, while seemingly insignificant lanes frequently reveal another unexpected historic building or view towards the Downs. Lewes Castle & Museum of Sussex Archaeology is the obvious starting

point for newcomers. After climbing the castle towers for the views, the museum provides a broader introduction to Sussex’s archaeological story. From there, walk downhill towards Southover and Anne of Cleves House, where furnished rooms, a Tudor kitchen and traditional garden offer a more intimate glimpse of domestic life centuries ago. Nearby, Southover Grange Gardens offer a quieter change of pace. The gardens were once attached to a house built in 1542 and are now one of the loveliest green spaces in central Lewes, ideal for escaping the bustle of the High Street. Continue towards the remains of Lewes Priory, where the scale of the surviving site gives some indication of the enormous monastery that once stood here. Lewes’s cultural offering is not confined to its past. Charleston in Lewes has established a contemporary home in the town, complementing Charleston’s famous Bloomsbury house at Firle. The latter, once the home and studio of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant and a meeting place

for the Bloomsbury group, remains an essential excursion from Lewes, its painted interiors and walled garden providing one of Sussex’s great artistic experiences. Back in town, Chalk Gallery is an artistrun contemporary gallery, while Depot, next to Lewes station, demonstrates how successfully the town mixes culture and community. The award-winning independent three-screen cinema shows mainstream releases alongside independent films, documentaries, world cinema and classics, as well as hosting talks, workshops and special events. Its café-restaurant, terrace and garden make it somewhere to spend considerably longer than the duration of a film. Then there are the Downs. Lewes sits within the South Downs National Park, meaning countryside walks begin almost on the town’s doorstep. Head towards Mount Caburn or follow routes over the chalk hills for those expansive Sussex views that can make Brighton and the coast feel much further away than they really are. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS ST PANCRAS PRIORY

things you may not know about LEWES

THE NEEDLEMAKERS

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK Lewes’s independent spirit extends emphatically to its food and drink scene. Perhaps its most famous name is Harvey’s Brewery, whose red-brick premises beside the River Ouse have become as much a Lewes landmark as many of its historic monuments. Harvey’s has helped make a proper pint of Sussex ale part of the Lewes experience, and several excellent pubs keep that tradition alive. For classic pub atmosphere, The Pelham Arms is an enduring favourite, occupying a handsome historic building towards the western end of the High Street. Its combination of local beer, hearty food and a welcoming neighbourhood feel sums up much of Lewes at its best. Close to the castle, The Lewes Arms is another characterful institution,

while Rights of Man brings food, drink and a little local political history together under one roof. Down in Cliffe, The Gardener’s Arms offers another traditional Lewes drinking experience. Dining options are increasingly varied. Haru Izakaya on Station Street brings Japanese flavours to the centre of town, while Squisito Restaurant & Bar inside The Needlemakers is a popular option for Italian-inspired food. The Needlemakers itself is worth seeking out: a former industrial building that now houses independent businesses and retains the kind of slightly hidden-away character Lewes does particularly well. For something relaxed during the day, The Patch on Market Street works from morning coffee onwards, while Depot Cinema and Restaurant combines its film programme with a seasonal menu and local ingredients, beers and ales.

LEWES CASTLE IS A NATIONAL RARITY Its unusual design features two mottes, or artificial mounds. Only one other surviving castle in England shares this distinctive double-motte layout, making Lewes far more architecturally unusual than its familiar silhouette might suggest.

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ITS FOOTBALL GROUND IS SOMETHING SPECIAL Lewes FC have called the wonderfully named Dripping Pan home since the club was founded in 1885, making it one of the oldest continuously used football grounds in the country.

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LEWES HAS ITS OWN CURRENCY The Lewes Pound was launched in 2008 as a complementary local currency designed to encourage spending with independent businesses and keep money circulating within the local economy.

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BILL'S BEGAN LIFE HERE Before it became a nationwide restaurant brand, Bill's grew out of a Lewes greengrocer. Founder Bill Collison rebuilt the business after flooding devastated the original shop in 2000, developing the colourful produceled café and food-store concept.

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BILL'S

LEWES HAS A REMARKABLE CONNECTION TO AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE Thomas Paine lived in the town from 1768 to 1774 and worked locally as an excise officer before leaving for America. He went on to write Common Sense, the hugely influential 1776 pamphlet advocating American independence. It means that behind one of Lewes's handsome Georgian façades lies a direct connection to a revolution thousands of miles away.

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Are you on our priority list? The best properties don't always reach the open market. Get early access before they do.

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• PARTNERSHIP • XXXXX ABSOLUTELY XXXXXXXX

T h e p e r f e c t M A T C H

Why Leeds Castle is a dream venue for your wedding

or those dreaming of a fairytale wedding, Leeds Castle offers a selection of beautiful venues to suit celebrations of all styles and sizes. From the grandeur of the historic Castle to the character of Battel Hall and the elegance of the Maiden’s Tower, each venue offers a distinctive setting, complemented by picturesque outdoor spaces and a range of unique on-site accommodation. Selected late availability dates until the end of August 2027 are also available, with 20% off the standard wedding package price in the Castle and Maiden’s Tower.

Within the Castle, couples can exchange vows in the Ceremony Room, with its tall French windows and elegant interiors, before enjoying a wedding breakfast in the Salon overlooking the moat and surrounding parkland. The Drawing Rooms then provide a beautiful setting for evening celebrations. Couples and their guests can also stay at the Castle, with 19 bedrooms including the Castle Bridal State Bedroom, seven Castle State Rooms and 11 Castle Classic bedrooms. The Maiden’s Tower offers a private and elegant setting on Castle Island, within a beautifully restored 16th-century building. Couples can choose between the light-filled Long Gallery or the private garden for their

ceremony, with both spaces accommodating up to 80 guests. Receptions take place in the Tudor Hall, with evening celebrations for up to 100 guests, while five luxurious en-suite bedrooms provide accommodation for the couple and their guests. For smaller celebrations, Battel Hall offers exclusive use of a beautifully preserved 14th-century medieval manor house. Ceremonies can take place in the wood-panelled ceremony room or beneath the timber-framed garden pagoda, surrounded by landscaped grounds. The manor has five en-suite bedrooms, with additional accommodation available in the adjacent Battel Hall Oast. For evening celebrations, the Fairfax Barn offers a characterful setting for larger parties, with space for up to 180 guests and views across the estate. Outdoor celebrations can take place in a variety of stunning locations, from ceremonies on Castle Island to receptions on Pavilion Lawn and larger marquee celebrations on Cedar Lawn. With a range of licensed ceremony spaces, exclusive-use options, onsite accommodation and a dedicated team of wedding coordinators, Leeds Castle gives couples the flexibility to create a celebration that feels personal to them, from the ceremony through to the evening celebrations. leeds-castle.com/wedding A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK

Evolutionary Process THE WOODCOTE

The Woodcote has announced the appointment of Nathan Cornwell as Chef Director, marking a significant new chapter for the restaurant’s culinary direction. Set within the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, The Woodcote continues to evolve under the vision of founders Glen and Asta Manchester. thewoodcote.com

Lury, Hastings 30 • Drinks 33 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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SMALL

pleasures

Jack Lury and Issy Cianchi reveal how food, family, art and heritage combine at their intimate Hastings restaurant

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FOOD & DRINK • Q&A

mall in scale but rich in story, Lury is among Hastings’ most intriguing new dining destinations. The debut restaurant from husband-and-wife team Jack Lury and Issy Cianchi welcomes 10 guests at a time into a converted Edwardian house in the town’s New Town. Here, Jack works single-handedly in the kitchen, creating an ever-changing tasting menu inspired by his British and Sri Lankan heritage and the distinctive food culture of Sri Lanka’s Burgher community. Classical and modern techniques meet ingredients such as cinnamon, arrack, black tea and curry leaves, while Issy’s background in visual arts and design has shaped a serene, considered dining room filled with bespoke details and work by rotating artists in residence. Having moved from London to Hastings with their two young children in 2024, Jack and Issy tell Absolutely about creating Lury together.

PHOTOS: GEORGINA COOK

Q Jack, your menu is inspired by your British and Sri Lankan heritage. How has exploring your family’s roots shaped your cooking and the story you want every guest to experience? A Jack: I think it has provided a core of ideas, ingredients and techniques that now frequently inform dishes we put on the menu. When we started out I was thinking a lot about the story of an individual dish; now I think I take a broader approach and using these core things the menu as a whole is what tells the story. Q Issy, your background spans film, fashion and design rather than hospitality. How has that influenced the look, feel and personality of Lury? A Issy: I think despite most of my career being in design and creative fields, the job I had just before moving to Hastings has been the most influential. I worked for an Aerial Circus company called Flying Fantastic, which is also run by a husband and wife team. They taught me a lot about creating a welcoming environment for people within what is seen as an intimidating industry. Creating what you like and feels good to you will ultimately be far more authentic than trying to follow a formula for what you think is right. Q With just 10 guests and one sitting each

evening, the experience feels incredibly intimate. What are the advantages of keeping things so personal, and does it allow you to cook differently? A Jack: On a practical level, being small

JACK & ISSY

allows us to plan things very precisely, and keep food waste to an absolute minimum. Ten guests also means I can personally interact with every table, which I think is important given my name is above the door. I always try to take a couple of courses out myself, and make myself available after service if guests want to chat. I don’t think I cook any di!erently for 10, but perhaps I plate up dishes in a simpler way than I used to because doing it all myself, I have to prioritise the food going out on time and hot. Q Lury also champions artists through its rotating artist-in-residence programme. Why was it important for food, design and art to sit alongside one another under one roof? A Issy: We look at the project as a whole – food, service, crockery, artwork. So for me it was inevitable that the artistic side of things would sit alongside the restaurant in the same space as the food. We always have a local artist in the process of making us a new set of bowls or plates. We also wanted to highlight di!erent artists’ work, as it brings a new energy of design into the space every couple of months and also gives people a chance to display and sell their beautiful creations. The upstairs of our restaurant we donate for local artists to use as a studio space on a four monthly basis, which has been lovely as there is not always the support available for art and we want to champion as many people as we can that are pushing for a dream.

roles within the business. We have very similar tastes in most areas so there has never been much to disagree about. I am in constant awe that Jack can work a 17-hour day for most of the week and still manage to be totally present and patient at home. He has always been calm and steady, but this project has shown me just how impressively focused and devoted he can be in all areas of his life. Jack: As Issy said, we have very di!erent roles so naturally take care of di!erent things. I think Issy has to be far more versatile than I do. At the end of the day, I need to write menus and cook the food. Whereas Issy has to organise sta!, our artists in residence, manage reservations, social media, commission crockery and even on occasion jump in as a kitchen porter! And she does these things whilst also looking after two children under three. luryrestaurant.com

Q As a husband-and-wife team, how do your different skills complement each other, and have you discovered strengths in one another that perhaps you hadn’t appreciated before opening Lury? A Issy: It is potentially quite risky working with your partner, but we have been fortunate in that we have very little crossover in skills/responsibilities and so for the most part get on with our own A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS

Spiced Up The Ned Skyscraper Syrah takes a grape known for power and gives it poise instead. Cool-climate Marlborough brings blackberry, cinnamon, and white pepper with fine tannins and a spiced finish. The red that eases you into the season, £17. majestic.co.uk

Sunshine Keeper

Château d'Estoublon’s Roseblood Rosé is for those not ready to admit that summer is over. Strawberry compote, raspberry, green apple, and grapefruit zest, with a crisp, mouth-filling acidity, keep everything bright and alive, £16.50. tesco.com

Southern Warmth M. Chapoutier’s Bila-Haut blanc has the kind of richness that feels made for autumn. Plump and layered, with lime, peach, and yellow wildflower, it has the weight and warmth to carry you comfortably into October, £13.95. finewinedirect.co.uk

A U T U M N

POURS Five bottles for the turn of the season B y N ATA L I A S U TA

Comfort Zone AUTUMN FIZZ

October needs perking up, and Abingworth’s Ozymandias Blanc de Blancs 2019 is here to help. The first sparkling from this small Sussex estate, it delivers toasty, bready depth and a creamy, refined mousse from extended lees ageing, £45. abingworthvineyard.com

Folklore Merlot is autumn’s most comforting companion. Blackberry, bay leaf, and red earth with soft, velvety tannins. Soft, comforting, and uncomplicated, it won’t fix the shorter days, but it will make them easier to bear, £10. tesco.com

Natalia Suta is a WSET-certified wine writer and educator with a knack for making wine accessible and fun. When she is not writing, she’s busy curating wine experiences and offering consultancy to help others discover the joy of wine. Follow Natalia on Instagram @_winerocks_

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FA S H I O N

NATURAL COMFORT PAUL JAMES KNITWEAR

Paul James Knitwear's At Home in Nature campaign celebrates the enduring appeal of natural fibres and timeless craftsmanship, showcasing versatile knitwear designed for life outdoors and everyday comfort. Crafted from premium wool, cotton and merino, the collection blends heritage-inspired style with modern functionality, encouraging a slower, more considered approach to dressing. pauljamesknitwear.com

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Delta Roam has launched its new collection with Brand Ambassador – and Sussex local – Jodie Kidd, which will have you looking cool as the temperatures drop D E L TA R O A M . C O M

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IN SAFE

h a n d s Absolutely meets the team at Brufords’ Rolex Authorised Service Centre

t Brufords, the care of a Rolex timepiece is about far more than precision alone. From the quiet focus of the service centre to the personal relationships built on the showroom floor, every service reflects a blend of technical expertise, traditional craftsmanship and genuine client care. Here, we talk to Rolex-trained watchmaker Brian Birkmyre, Rolextrained watch technician Becky Lewis, and Rolex sales manager Aldo Olivieri, to discover what makes their Rolex Authorised Service Centre such a special part of their Eastbourne showroom experience. Q What first inspired you to pursue

a career in watchmaking? A Brian: I’ve always had quite an acute attention to detail. That, paired with an interest in jewellery and silversmithing, plus a mechanical engineer for a father, just seemed to strike the right balance. On an open day visit to the School of Jewellery nestled in Birmingham’s historic

jewellery quarter, I was told courses in Horology (the study of time) were also conducted in the building. My interest was spiked, and I knew I wanted to pursue it.

carrying memories, achievements, and experiences that cannot be replaced.

A Becky: Since a young age I’ve enjoyed

A Brian: Whilst our industry is

creating things, DIY projects, and problem solving. I enjoy working with my hands and find a lot of satisfaction in fixing and restoring things, so watchmaking seemed like a natural fit for me.

Q How do you balance traditional

craftsmanship with modern technology?

continuously striving for developments which lead to more precise timekeeping, the base of any watchmaking endeavour harnesses so many traditional methods and processes. From the design concept

Q Among the Rolex watches you have

cared for, is there one that stands out for its significance or remarkable story? A Becky: We recently welcomed a Submariner into the workshop for servicing and restoration. Purchased by its owner in 1996, the watch has spent three decades accompanying him on countless recreational dives. Now in his mid-70s, diving remains his great passion, and when asked how many dives the watch had joined him on, he smiled and replied, “Too many to remember... and we’re not finished yet.” Stories like this are a reminder that Rolex watches transcend their practical purpose. They become deeply personal objects,

1. BRIAN BIRKMYRE 2. BECKY LEWIS 3. ALDO OLIVIERI

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FASHION • PARTNERSHIP

“IT ALLOWS US TO PROVIDE A TRULY COMPLETE ROLEX EXPERIENCE, FROM THE INITIAL PURCHASE TO ITS LONG-TERM CARE AND MAINTENANCE” to service and overhaul, the fundamentals which make a wristwatch desirable haven’t changed – we are somewhat fascinated by them. When servicing, the procedures and processes we carry out might be conducted with stateof-the-art equipment, but the ritual of assembly and encasing the watch before returning it to the customer encompasses many traditional elements. Q What part of servicing a Rolex

do you find most rewarding?

A Becky: The moment everything comes

together: cleaned, serviced, polished, and running perfectly. I like to imagine seeing it through a customer’s eyes, knowing they’ll receive the watch in the best possible condition. Having worked on the sales floor previously and meeting many customers whose watches hold such precious memories for them, I’ve seen first-hand the joy they experience when they are reunited with their watch following a service. Q What would customers be surprised

to learn about the care and precision involved in servicing a Rolex watch?

A Brian: I think the sheer impressiveness

of the quality is often misunderstood by clients. If a car does 150,000 miles in 10 years, its wheels will rotate approximately 120 million times – the balance wheel in a watch can achieve these figures in approximately 9 months! Ensuring all the microscopic elements are perfect is the only way to achieve reliability in such a finely tuned mechanism. This takes many hours of patience and precision, as almost all of the most sensitive elements of the service and adjustment are done by hand.

Q What do you think having an in-

house Rolex Authorised Service Centre brings to Brufords and their clients? A Aldo: Having an in-house Rolex Authorised Service Centre is a significant advantage for both Brufords and our clients. It allows us to provide a truly complete Rolex experience, from the initial purchase of a watch through to its long-term care and maintenance. Clients have the reassurance that their timepiece remains in the hands of Rolex-trained watchmakers using Rolex parts and tools, all while dealing with a trusted local team they know personally. For Brufords, it strengthens our relationship

with clients by enabling us to support them throughout the entire lifespan of their watch. It reflects our commitment to Rolex’s exacting standards and reinforces the confidence our clients place in us. Q What makes the Rolex experience

at Brufords so special?

A Aldo: The combination of world-class

craftsmanship and genuine personal service. Rolex is one of the most respected luxury brands in the world, but it is the way we look after our clients that makes their experience memorable. Whether someone is purchasing their first Rolex, adding to a collection, or returning for servicing, we take the time to understand their needs and create a welcoming, relaxed environment. Our knowledgeable team, dedicated Rolex showroom, and in-house service centre allow us to o!er a seamless journey that reflects the prestige and heritage of the Rolex brand while maintaining the warmth and family values that Brufords is known for.

For more information, visit them in-store at The Beacon, Eastbourne, or contact them by email at rolex@brufords.com

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FASHION • TREND

POETRY BUtton-neck sweater, £269 poetryfashion.co.uk

BELLA FREUD New Romantics jumper, £395 numberfour.boutique

MADELEINE THOMPSON CASHMERE Conduit cardigan, £470 madeleine-thompson.com

CATH X WYSE Gabrielle tie knit top, £165 wyselondon.com

EDITOR’S PICK

PIGLET IN BED Crew neck cardigan, £139 pigletinbed.com

KNIT PICK

Keep warm in wool EMELLO

By P E N D L E H A R T E

Cashmere knit trousers, £330 emello.com

DIOTIMA MANE Embellished top, £910 koibird.com

BRORA Cashmere cable cardigan, £445 broraonline.com

WIGGY KIT

ASPIGA Merino wool stripe cardigan, £150 and scarf, £40 aspiga.com

Alpie sweater, £425 wiggykit.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

PRODUCTS KNIT.indd 39

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Health is about more than the hours you spend exercising At Goodwood, movement, recovery, expert support and the restorative power of nature come together to help you live well for longer. Set within 11,000 acres of beautiful West Sussex countryside. Discover a healthier way to live. Only at Goodwood.

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goodwood.com/healthclub

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

SMOOTH LOOK La Prairie’s Swiss Pristine Essence is the luxurious first step in a restorative skincare ritual. Inspired by Swiss glaciers, it combines the Exclusive Cellular Complex™, Hypower LP52™ and Swiss Glacial Minerals to rebalance the complexion. laprairie.com

Beauty News 43 • Products 45 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ESCAPE - WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

C L E V E R LY C O M PA C T F O R T H E C I T Y the traditional sauna experience, upgraded

L U X U R I O U S LY L A R G E I N T H E W I L D classic design, best in class, built to last

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y PENDLE HARTE

DOUBLE ACTION

REVIEW

ROLLR

ILIA

Deodorant - but not as you know it

Is it skincare or is it makeup? Ilia’s award-winning Super Serum Skin Tint is the best of both worlds, combining light to medium coverage, powerful skincare, and mineral SPF into one easy step. Expect a dewy finish and all-day protection.

EDITOR’S PICK

iliabeauty.com

NEW CRUSH CHANEL

The new Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolut is an intense ambery composition, threaded with the sensuality of vetiver and vanilla, the vibrant radiance of grapefruit and lychee, the sensuality of rose and jasmine, and the enveloping depth of patchouli. It’s a reﬁned, audacious, singular trail.

chanel.com

SWISS P OW E R LA PRAIRIE

La Prairie’s new Swiss Pristine products focus on modern fatigue. Using Swiss Glacial Minerals, patented biotechnology HyPower LP52™, and its iconic Exclusive Cellular Complex™, this is a new approach to healthylooking skin that strengthens the skin barrier and improves resilience.

s there anything less glamorous on your dressing table than a rollon deodorant? Finding a deodorant that not only works but also smells nice is not an easy task – and looking for a sustainable solution is even harder. And making it pretty is just an unrealistic expectation, right? Wrong. Rollr is a deodorant that ticks all these boxes, especially the looking good one. With its chic, Art Deco-esque ridged glass bottle and crystal ball (rose quartz, blue dumortierite or green aventurine), it’s a stylish addition to your inventory. Plus, the sweet-smelling reﬁlls (our favourite is Mandarin, though Juniper comes a close second, and Clary Sage is a more masculine option) are simply sachets that mix with water and last two months each. And best of all, it really works. They claim that their all-natural formula works with your body’s microbiome rather than against it. Pre and postbiotics prevent the bacteria that cause odour from growing in the ﬁrst place, rather than just masking the result – which sounds good to me and explains why this new brand has already won a host of awards. Granted, it’s more expensive at the start than most throwaway deodorants, but the investment will pay off quickly enough. Thank you Rollr. rollr.co.uk

laprairie.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

OPI X SUPERGIRL Up Up and Ablaze Supergirl nail lacquer, £16.60 opi.com

MYLEE

CHANEL

Spotlight gel polish, £9.99 mylee.co.uk

Le Vernis, £30 chanel.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BIOSCULPTURE The Colour, £15.50 biosculpture.co.uk

MYLEE Snow & Sorcery trio, £24.99 mylee.co.uk

ON THE NAIL Bright and shiny nails for autumn BIOSCULPTURE

By P E N D L E H A R T E

The Base, £15.50 biosculpture.co.uk

MAVALA Mini Colours, £6.80 mavala.co.uk

MYLEE

MYLEE Bright & Early gel polish, £9.99 mylee.co.uk

Ski Patrol Alert, £9.99 mylee.co.uk

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FREE TILES W ITH YOU R BATH ROOM TH IS OC TOBE R

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9/21/26 10:46 AM

15/09/2025 11:56

DECADES IN DESIGN FRENCH BEDROOM

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, French Bedroom continues to bring romance, elegance and a touch of Parisian charm to British homes. Founded by Georgia Metcalfe, the brand has grown from a passion for beautiful French-inspired furniture into a much-loved interiors destination, oﬀering sumptuous beds, luxurious linens, statement lighting and decorative details designed to make every bedroom feel truly special. frenchbedroom.co.uk

inside this section p48

INTERIORS NEWS

p50

FRENCH BEDROOM

p54

INGLIS HALL

p58

AUTUMN TRENDS

p68

COSY- MA X XI NG

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

COLOUR

M ATC H HABITAT

Colour is key in Habitat's new AW26 collection, where easy pieces such as this buttercup yellow trolley pair with 70s-inspired upholstered seating. A strong collection of decorative accessories includes ceramics, glassware and textiles. habitat.co.uk

SOFT TOUCH HYDE & HARE

Hyde & Hare is the home of natural fibres, a British-born luxury lifestyle brand rooted in the concept of Hygge. Drawing on age-old traditions and the inherent beauty of natural materials, the brand curates a collection of sustainably sourced soft furnishings, all made from the finest natural and sustainable fibres by skilled makers and artisan-owned co-operatives. hydeandhare.com

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H O M E | NEWS

TAKE FIVE Plant pots

BERGS POTTER Viva self-watering pot, £33 growurban.uk

ART WORK DIOR

HEAVENLY HOMES

BOLD BRIGHTS

Terracotta face plant pot, £32 heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

BITOSSI HOME

Bitossi Home draws on the heritage of Bitossi Ceramiche, a historic Tuscan manufacturer with over 150 years of expertise in Italian ceramics. Building on this artisanal legacy, the brand reinterprets the world of tableware through a contemporary design vision that blends craftsmanship, creativity and originality. bitossihome.it

Part of the Dioriviera capsule, this square pillow showcases the Dior Arabesque motif drawing inspiration from the work of artist Christian Bérard with a colourful floral pattern, elevated by Jonathan Anderson's hallmark Dior Médaillon signature, £1,050. dior.com

HAY Flower pot with saucer, £55 nordicnest.com

ALBERT & MOO Checked mini plant pot, £10 albertandmoo.com

POTS OF FUN VILLA BOLOGNA

FERM

Founded, confusingly, not in Italy at all but in Malta, Villa Bologna Pottery has been using the same traditional methods to make each piece since the 1920s. These are stylish, highly collectible pieces with lots of character. villabolognapottery.com

Evoke pot low, £225 fermliving.co.uk

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FUTURE

HEIRLOOMS As Sussex-based French Bedroom celebrates 20 years, founder Georgia Metcalfe reflects on romance, resilience and enduring design

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H O M E | PROFILE

wenty years ago, selling a bed online was a rather radical proposition. E-commerce was still finding its feet, customers were understandably cautious about making significant purchases through a screen, and the interiors market offered little for those seeking furniture with a distinctly romantic, feminine spirit. Georgia Metcalfe saw an opportunity. In 2006, she founded French Bedroom, the Sussex-based brand that has since become known for luxury beds, elegant furniture, premium bed linen, lighting and decorative accessories, all united by the belief that the most treasured pieces should transcend passing fashion. “Reaching the 20th anniversary of French Bedroom is both humbling and deeply gratifying,” Georgia says. “The success of the business hasn’t been built simply on opportunity; it’s been built on

persistence, adaptability and the willingness to make bold decisions at the moments that mattered most.” Her original idea was shaped by the things she had loved for years: characterful homes, heritage, natural materials and the evocative power of objects with a story. Travels through France, where she explored brocantes and antique markets, provided inspiration, alongside more personal memories of her grandmother’s rose garden and the Georgian house in Bath where she grew up. “French Bedroom was born from a love of romantic interiors, travel, heritage and memory,” she says. “I could see what ecommerce had the potential to become, and I could see the gap: a bedroom brand with a romantic, feminine point of view, and furniture built with longevity in mind.” Initially, French Bedroom curated pieces sourced from selected suppliers, bringing a previously elusive French aesthetic to British homes. Over time, however, Georgia and her team began designing collections

of their own. That transition accelerated following the growth the company experienced during the pandemic, allowing it to invest more heavily in original furniture. Today, every furniture design sold by the brand is its own, with the bestselling Love Story collection expanding to encompass 26 pieces. Inspired by traditional French design but interpreted through a contemporary lens, the collection features graceful curves, sculptural forms, tactile fabrics and refined proportions. New additions, including an armoire, dressing table and further storage pieces, will continue its evolution during the anniversary year. “Seeing The Love Story Collection grow has been incredibly rewarding,” Georgia says. “It reflects our long-term commitment to designing furniture that feels romantic, enduring and deeply personal.” That commitment is encapsulated by a phrase French Bedroom’s customers have come to use: “antiques of the future”. It is both an aesthetic ambition and a response A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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H O M E | PROFILE

GEORGIA METCALFE

to the culture of disposable furnishings. While inexpensive pieces may offer an immediate fix, Georgia wants French Bedroom furniture to be lived with, loved and eventually passed on. “Our belief in creating antiques of the future is, at its heart, a quiet rebellion against disposable culture,” she explains. “In a world of fast furniture, we are choosing to design pieces that are made from solid wood, crafted with integrity and built to outlast trends. For us, sustainability isn’t about slogans – it’s about permanence.” Convincing consumers to invest in this approach has required patience and clarity. Georgia likens the process of refining a collection to David Beckham’s father repeatedly telling the young footballer to “go again” after every shot at goal. Designing furniture with the strength to endure and the beauty to remain relevant demands continual adjustment. The wider journey has been no less exacting. Over two decades, French Bedroom has weathered recessions, a global pandemic, disrupted supply chains, changing tariffs, rising costs and increasingly complex regu-

lations. Adaptability, Georgia believes, has been essential rather than optional. One of the company’s guiding values, “agile not fragile”, has become a weekly – and sometimes daily – mantra. Yet throughout those changes, femininity has remained at the heart of the brand. French Bedroom has an all-female design team and a 70% female workforce, while the great majority of its customers are women. Its softly pleated fabrics, delicate carvings, flowing lines and rose-strewn textiles are not treated as decorative frivolities, but as a confident design language. “In 2006, femininity was harder to communicate as a strength without it being dismissed as ‘girly’ or niche,” Georgia says. “Twenty years later, the power of femininity is far more widely understood. Femininity is not a weakness, it’s a point of view – and by 2046, it won’t need explaining at all.” This philosophy extends beyond appearance. French Bedroom offers free mentoring to emerging female founders and intends to increase that support, while becoming more intentional about working with female-run factories and suppliers.

Georgia is looking for manufacturing partners that nurture diverse workforces, preserve the value of materials, reduce waste and contribute positively to their communities. “Being unapologetically feminine is not just an aesthetic choice,” she says. “It’s a business philosophy.” The anniversary has provided a moment for reflection, but 2026 is principally a year of creative momentum. Alongside the expansion of Love Story, new armoire designs are under development and a pyjama collaboration with British fashion brand Their Nibs promises a playful meeting of complementary styles. Limited-edition furniture and collector pieces are also being explored, giving customers the thrill of finding something considered, scarce and special rather than mass-produced. After two decades as a predominantly online business, French Bedroom is also seeking more opportunities to meet its loyal community. Pop-ups, events and customerled initiatives could allow shoppers to vote on finishes, name new designs and influence future launches. Georgia wants the people she calls “FB Fans” to feel that they are participants in the brand’s story. The bedroom itself has changed considerably since 2006. Once seen primarily as a place to sleep, it may now be a sanctuary, workspace, restorative retreat or even somewhere to entertain. Women’s working lives have transformed too, making time at home increasingly precious and requiring furniture to work harder. Whatever technology may bring, however, Georgia believes the emotional motivation behind decorating a bedroom will remain remarkably consistent. “Bedroom furniture isn’t a purely functional purchase,” she says. “It’s about sanctuary, romance, identity and how you want to feel in your home when you close your front door at the end of your day.” By 2046, she expects shopping to feel less like browsing and more like experiencing, with highly personalised and immersive journeys dissolving the distinction between physical and digital retail. Yet French Bedroom’s guiding principles will remain rooted in craftsmanship, emotional connection and timeless style. “If there’s one defining lesson from these 20 years, it’s this: trust what you can see before others can, and don’t let their hesitation talk you out of your own conviction,” Georgia concludes. “The world has a habit of catching up.” frenchbedroom.co.uk

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rugsofpetworth.co.uk Golden Square, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0AP | 01798 344027

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ADDED V A L U E

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H O M E | Q&A

Sussex’s Inglis Hall have long been known for their stunning kitchens, but now there is another reason to be impressed by them. Absolutely heads to Lewes to find out more

nglis Hall is best known for beautifully crafted kitchens and architectural interiors, but alongside them they’ve quietly been designing and making a collection of products they think are worth knowing about. A stool, a light, a dining table, a bench – even their own waxed cotton jacket. All made in England, all with the same obsessive attention to materials and making that goes into their cabinetry. Absolutely ventured to their Lewes base to meet Toby Hall and discover more about the collection. Q You’ve described this collection as

one that has grown “organically” over the years rather than being designed to fill a product range. At what point did you realise these individual pieces deserved to become a collection in their own right? A There wasn’t a single moment, more a slow dawning. Each piece began as the answer to something a kitchen needed: a cupboard that could shift from storage to display, somewhere to sit that actually fits under a counter, a light that gives a good glow over supper without glare. They were practical responses to real projects, made for clients’ homes rather than designed to fill a range. Over time, people started noticing them in finished kitchens and asking if they could have them too. That’s when we realised we had something more than a set of one-oﬀs: a genuine collection. The pieces sit naturally alongside a kitchen, but they also stand perfectly well on their own for people who aren’t in the market for a kitchen at all. Other designs, like the bag and jacket, came from much the same instinct; things we wanted or needed ourselves, but they were also a way of exploring our love and appreciation of craft in all things. Q Many of the products, from the Parlour light to the Kubrick pantry

PHOTOS: LEIGH SIMPSON

cupboard, have fascinating stories and influences behind them. How important is storytelling in your design process, and do clients connect with those narratives? A Hugely. Nothing we make simply appears, every piece has a reason for existing, whether that’s a client’s need or a curiosity of our own. We take inspiration from everywhere. There’s a long lineage of craft in my family, potters, artists, vignerons, and it instilled in me an absolute dedication to the process of making. I’ve also been lucky enough to meet some fascinating people along the way, with captivating tales that have shaped how I approach design. That’s where a lot of this comes from, not a mood board, but people and places and stories. Our clients connect with that when we tell them why a piece is made the way it is. It’s no longer just an object; it has purpose and integrity.

built the way our kitchens are: to be lived with, not replaced. We’re lucky to be surrounded by talented makers and specialists we trust: English Woodlands Timber just down the road with decades of knowledge, upholsterers in Kent doing beautiful work, handles hand-forged down in Devon. We care about keeping British craft alive, and it’s kinder to the environment too. Q Collaboration is a recurring

theme, whether with Fritz Fryer, costume maker Katie Fitzsimons

Q Everything in the collection is

designed and made in the UK, with many pieces crafted in your East Sussex workshop. Why is keeping production local so important to Inglis Hall? A Because we like to know exactly whose hands shaped a piece before it reaches someone’s home. We’re sure of the quality of our own work, so if we can make it ourselves, we do. Every 1. piece in the collection is

1. THE CREATE.ORDER 2. THE BAG. WORK/NO WORK

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H O M E | Q&A

or upholstery specialists Jerome Shorter Furniture. What do you look for in a creative partner, and how do those collaborations strengthen the finished pieces? A We look for people who care as much about their craft as we do about ours. Fritz Fryer have the technical expertise to achieve a beautiful soft light that perfectly matches our prototypes and the skill to fold and cut solid brass seamlessly; Katie Fitzsimons understands cotton the way we understand oak. We’re specialists in kitchens, not generalists, so it’s natural we’d look for the same focus elsewhere. Every collaboration is a meeting of minds; we learn from each other, and you can see that exchange in the finished piece. Q Your designs feel understated

rather than attention-seeking. In an era where interiors often follow fast-moving trends, how do you stay committed to creating timeless pieces that are built to last? A By designing around use, materials and making, rather than whatever happens to photograph well this year. The Stool. Pelham exists because most bar stools are the wrong height for a standard counter – a problem, not a trending style. We favour solid materials and honest joinery, nothing dressed up to look like something it isn’t. Objects built in this way tend not to date, because they were never chasing a moment in the first place. Q Several products, including the

Work / No Work bag and the Fergus jacket, began as practical workshop items before becoming retail products. Has that shift changed the way you think about what Inglis Hall could create in the future? A Not dramatically. Inglis Hall has always been full of creative people who can’t stop noticing a good idea and following it. The bag and the jacket both started as things the team needed on site, not products we set out to sell, but they ended up being too nice to keep to ourselves. Where that curiosity leads next, we genuinely don’t know. Our attention stays on the kitchens, first and foremost, but if something proves itself useful enough to earn a place in the collection, we’ll keep making room for it. Q Sussex has such a rich heritage of craftsmanship and beautiful natural

landscapes. How much does living and working in East Sussex influence your aesthetic, choice of materials and approach to design? A Considerably, and not just because the workshop happens to sit here. I was brought up in a wonderfully unorthodox way, on a vineyard in the middle of the Sussex countryside, by parents who were true hippies of the era. We had almost no furniture in the house, but what little there was, was beautiful. My mum’s family were farmers, my dad’s were into antiques, and my French grand-mère was a talented amateur potter, a contemporary of Bernard Leach. We were all raised to value beautifully made objects, and to look for quality over quantity when creating a home. Lewes itself is quite a remarkable place. A small town full of creatives and dreamers, with a rich history of craft and art that is still very much alive today. That said, we take inspiration from further afield too. The Pantry Cupboard. Kubrick, for example, owes a lot to Japanese design.

A fascination born from family connections and a deep respect for their ideas around simplicity, form and the beauty of aging. Q Your kitchens are already highly regarded, but collections like this broaden the Inglis Hall lifestyle. Do you see the business evolving into a wider design house, or will furniture and cabinetry always remain at its heart? A We’re slightly wary of grand labels. What I can say is that we care deeply about craft and good design in all its forms, and that curiosity will always be part of the business. Kitchens remain at the heart of it, that won’t change. But if something emerges naturally from the workshop, proves its worth, and feels genuinely in keeping with how we think, we won’t ignore it. There isn’t a masterplan to become something broader. It’s more that we pay attention when an object earns the right to be made again.

inglishall.com

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RICH R E V I VA L

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Sussex’s The Vawdrey House reveals the five design trends shaping our homes this autumn

MALCOLM MENZIES 82MM PHOTOGRAPHY

s autumn settles in, our homes naturally become the focus once more. Shorter days and cooler evenings encourage a shift indoors, but the seasonal change is about more than adding a throw or lighting a candle. It oﬀers an opportunity to reconsider how a room feels: whether it is welcoming enough for long suppers, layered enough for quiet afternoons, or expressive enough to bring pleasure through the darker months. This year, that renewed attention is translating into interiors with confidence and character. The pale, paredback schemes that have dominated for so long are giving way to warmer woods, enveloping colour and patterns that reward a closer look. Rather than following one prescribed aesthetic, homeowners are choosing details that feel personal, combining crafted finishes with treasured furniture and making bolder decisions in rooms where atmosphere matters most. The appeal lies in the balance. A richly painted ceiling can transform an otherwise simple room; an imaginative tile layout can animate a restrained bathroom; and a vintage piece can soften the clean lines of a contemporary extension. These are ideas that can be embraced at any scale, from a complete renovation to a thoughtful weekend update. Above all, they recognise that successful rooms are not simply seen, but experienced – through colour, texture, light and the stories carried by the objects within them. Deep colour palettes, bold wallpaper, natural timber and eye-catching patterns are therefore returning to the forefront as homeowners move away from neutral, safe

schemes to interiors with greater individuality. Sophie Chapman, Associate & Interior Designer at The Vawdrey House, shares her five key design directions she expects to see shaping homes this season.

DEEP, MOODY COLOUR PALETTES One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is a move towards richer, deeper colours. While neutrals still have their place, homeowners are becoming more confident by introducing colours like olive green, chocolate brown, burgundy, terracotta and deep blue into their homes. This is particularly true in spaces such as dining rooms, studies and snug areas where a more intimate feel is desired. These colours work particularly well when used beyond the walls too. Painted joinery and woodwork, kitchen cabinetry and ceilings in these bold shades bring a stronger sense of identity to a room. Start by assessing the amount of natural light alongside the existing materials within the space rather than choosing a shade in isolation.

WALLPAPER DRENCHING Wallpaper is making a strong return, but we are seeing demand for pattern-drenched spaces that are more dramatic. It can be particularly successful in smaller spaces such as cloakrooms, bedrooms and studies, where committing fully to a pattern often has much more impact than restricting it to one wall. There is also growing interest in wallcoverings that introduce natural materials and craftsmanship into the home. Manufacturers are producing collections A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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that incorporate cork, bark, wood veneers and even embroidered leather, bringing a richness and tactile quality that goes beyond traditional wallpaper.

THE WARMTH OF NATURAL TIMBER Natural timber continues to be a popular choice across multiple surfaces thanks to its natural variation and character, but we’re moving away from timber that is paler or more uniform. Instead, homeowners are introducing walnut tones, smoked oak and darker stained woods which bring warmth and character to joinery, kitchens and furniture. Fluting and other crafted details are another way we’re seeing timber used to add interest without relying on additional colour or decoration.

PATTERNED TILES BECOME MORE PLAYFUL Creating interesting patterns with tiles is making a strong return, but in a more sophisticated manner. Rather than relying on a single statement tile in a bold pattern, we are seeing creative laying styles and designs using more minimalist tiles. In bathrooms, for example, checks and stripes can be used together, or a patterned floor can sit alongside a simpler wall tile in a related colour. The important thing is that the patterns have something connecting them, whether that’s colour, scale or material. Tiles that balance handcrafted character with cleaner colour palettes and contemporary applications feel relevant for today’s homes.

MIXING OLD AND NEW People are becoming less concerned with following trends and more interested in creating homes that reflect their personality. That often means mixing antiques and pre-loved items with contemporary pieces, introducing artwork and collecting objects over time rather than designing a room around a single look. We love seeing older pieces sitting alongside contemporary architecture. An antique table, vintage chair or inherited piece can prevent a newly designed space from feeling like a show-home, while contemporary elements can give older homes a new lease of life. The most interesting interiors rarely come from choosing every detail at once. They develop over time, and that mix of different periods, materials and personal objects is often what gives a home its character. thevawdreyhouse.com

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This season, lighting is confidently stepping into the spotlight

Interiors

spotlight Experts from the industry pick out five lighting trends we can expect to see this autumn 62

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s autumn draws in and daylight begins to fade earlier, lighting takes on a renewed importance within the home. More than a practical necessity, the right design can transform a room, creating warmth, atmosphere and a sense of comfort throughout the darker months. This season, lighting is also stepping confidently into the spotlight as a decorative feature in its own right, with expressive forms and tactile materials bringing personality to every corner. Statement floor lamps offer scale and sculptural presence, while striking pendants turn dining areas into places of occasion. Natural wood introduces an organic, grounding quality, and the enduring romance of chandeliers continues to influence both classic and contemporary schemes. Elsewhere, fringed shades revive the glamour of bygone eras while casting a beautifully diffused glow. Here, leading interiors experts discuss how to use them to illuminate the home with style, character and warmth.

STATEMENT FLOOR LAMPS By Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village As people increasingly desire layered lighting schemes that include a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting, they are becoming less reliant on the traditional ‘big light’. With this, statement floor lamps have risen in popularity. Not just a source of task lighting for reading, statement floor lamps add decorative and sculptural presence to a room. Oversized designs with exposed bulbs add contemporary elegance and a sense of scale, whilst eye-catching ceramic bases add an artisan-like feel through organic textures. Whether modern or traditional, a striking floor lamp should look as good off as it does on, functioning as a piece of art by day and a source of light by night. To choose a floor lamp, consider your existing space. The right floor lamp should complement your style, whether patterned or pared-back, traditional or modern. In a living room, position a floor lamp next to a sofa or armchair to provide adequate task lighting for reading. In a dining room, place a floor lamp in a corner, where it can function

as ambient or accent lighting, setting the mood and creating intimate lighting for cosy dining. SCULPTURAL DESIGNS By Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product & Displays at Barker and Stonehouse Sculptural lighting designs can work anywhere in the home, but there are two rooms where they can have the greatest impact. The first is the hallway. Often one of the smaller spaces in the home, there are limited opportunities to introduce statement furniture, but an eye-catching lamp can instantly add personality while providing the soft illumination needed to create a welcoming entrance. Secondly, a sculptural light suspended above a dining table creates a sense of occasion, drawing attention to the area and making it feel like a more considered part of the home. WOODEN DESIGNS By Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village Wooden lighting designs are proving popular as people seek new ways to add character to A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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There is something nostalgic about fringing

their homes. Wood is an incredibly characterful material because it features distinctive knots and grains. Not just reserved for furniture, wood is a fantastic choice for lighting, bringing an organic warmth and tactility to interiors. It also evokes a connection to the natural world. The inherent charm of the material lies in its individuality, as no two grain patterns are exactly alike. When illuminated the contrast between the earthy wood and glowing light feels warm, inviting and grounding.

the atmosphere of the room itself. In a bedroom or dressing room, this gentle glow creates a mood that feels intimate and cocooning, like candlelight caught in crystal. Chandeliers also shift beautifully with the seasons. In summer, they reflect and scatter natural light, creating a bright, weightless radiance. In winter, they o!er a warm and festive twinkle, adding depth and atmosphere to long evenings. They’re surprisingly versatile and suit both contemporary and classic spaces, either by echoing a home’s history or adding a note of old-world glamour to something more modern. When choosing where to place your chandelier, think carefully about how you will dust it. This practical consideration might influence your choice of height and positioning to make cleaning easier. Also, in smaller rooms, avoid petit chandeliers as they can make the space feel even more compact. Instead, glass wall lights or petite glass pendants o!er a refined alternative, casting delicate pools of light that enhance the space without competing with its architecture or scale.

CHANDELIERS By Georgia Metcalfe, founder and Creative Director at French Bedroom Influenced by Castlecore and Bridgerton style interiors, chandeliers have been a big lighting trend for 2026 and this shows no signs of abating. Chandeliers exude romance, elegance and grandeur. They have the power to transform a bedroom or dressing room into a truly special and inviting sanctuary. Originating in 14th-century France, chandeliers were once emblems of prestige, their candlelit arms dancing across the ceilings of grand châteaux and glittering salons. Over the centuries, they have evolved from practical fittings into sculptural centrepieces, serving as artful expressions of French design that are ornate, layered, and unapologetically sophisticated. Their light is one of their most romantic qualities. Soft and delicate, it enhances everything it touches, from fabrics and finishes to

FRINGED LIGHTING DESIGNS By Georgia Metcalfe, founder and Creative Director of French Bedroom Fringing and tasselled detailing was very prominent at WOW!house 2026, indicating that fringed lighting designs are set to make a comeback. Opulent, glamorous, and romantic, there’s something irresistibly nostalgic about fringing – echoing the elegance of bygone eras, from the decorative detailing of stately homes to the playful swish of a 1920s flapper dress. Now, fringing is en vogue once again, whether draped along the edge of a cushion, sweeping the base of a bed, or accenting a lampshade. In lighting design, especially, fringe works beautifully to softly filter light in a gentle, ambient way. It casts delicate shadows and adds a subtle sense of movement, making it perfect for the bedroom, where mood and atmosphere matter most. When layered in contrasting tones, it also becomes a visual focal point, blending whimsy with e!ortless elegance.

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S L E E P

Solution

Customise your Jensen bed to create a bespoke sleep environment

Jensen bed is a personal choice. From the comfort inside the bed to the textile, size, headboard and legs, there are countless ways to create a bed that feels right for you – and looks right in your bedroom. With different bed types, spring systems, textiles and accessories to choose from, you can create a sleep experience that is truly your own.

Start with the right comfort

Good sleep starts with comfort. Choose the bed type and spring system that suit your body and the way you sleep. With Jensen, mattress firmness can also be individually selected on each side of a double bed – without a gap or hard edge between you and your partner. So

you can share a bed without having to share the same comfort preference.

Find the right size

As the colder months approach, the size of your bed matters – both for your sleep and for the room around it. Consider how much space you need to sleep comfortably, while leaving enough room for bedside tables and movement around the bed. From single beds to generous double beds, choose the size that works for your needs and your bedroom.

Choose your textile

Once the comfort is in place, it is time to create the look. Your choice of textile can completely change the character of the bed – from light and understated to warm and sophisticated.

Explore different colours and textures to find the combination that suits your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create.

Add a headboard

A headboard gives the bed a more complete look and can become a defining feature in the bedroom. Choose a design that complements your bed and textile, whether you prefer something soft and understated or a more distinctive statement.

The details make the difference

The legs may be a small detail, but they can make a big difference to the overall look. Different shapes, materials and heights allow you to give your Jensen bed a lighter, warmer or more contemporary feel.

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

It is these details that make the bed truly personal.

Complete the bedroom

Why stop with the bed? Add bedside tables and carefully selected accessories to create a complete and harmonious bedroom. By coordinating the bed, headboard, legs and surrounding furniture, you can create a space where every element works together – with the Jensen bed at its centre.

Make it yours

From comfort and size to textiles, headboards, legs and bedside tables, every detail can be chosen to create a Jensen bed that feels personal to you. First, make it feel perfect. Then, make it look perfect.

Made in Norway since 1947

Jensen was established in 1947, when resources were scarce and ingenuity was essential. Our first mattresses were made using materials such as horsehair and cotton wool – natural materials that were available at the time. Much has changed since then, but our commitment to outstanding sleep comfort has remained the same. Every Jensen bed is still made in Svelvik, Norway. For us, Made in Norway is more than a label. It represents generations of craftsmanship, attention to detail and a dedication to quality.

Experience Jensen in London

Made in Norway is more than a label. It represents generations of craftsmanship, attention to detail and a dedication to quality

Today, you can experience this Norwegian craftsmanship in the heart of London. Choosing a new bed is a personal investment, and finding the right comfort is an important part of that decision. Visit our showroom at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, where our London team can introduce you to the Jensen collections, help you explore different comfort options and guide you towards the bed that is right for you.

Jensen Chelsea Harbour, 0203 914 1262 jensenbeds.chelseaharbour@ hildinganders.com jensen-beds.com/uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Settle in

The Creative Director of flooring brand Hug Rug on why it’s all about cosy-maxxing this autumn

s another autumn approaches, with darker nights and colder temperatures on their way, many of us are looking to reinvent our homes to create cosy, inviting spaces ahead of the winter months. The new trend of ‘cosy-maxxing’ is the perfect way to transform your home into a warm, inviting space this season, ready to curl up and relax, escaping the crisp weather. Our homes are our sanctuaries, and we’re always looking for ways to make our spaces feel cosier – especially during autumn and winter. ‘Cosy-maxxing’ is all about designing with comfort and warmth in front of mind, imbuing interiors with a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The trend encourages us to consider all the choices that really bring a room to life, including everything from texture to colour and pattern.

There are many ways you can achieve this feeling in your own home. Heritage patterns that feel nostalgic and familiar are a great way to create a comforting space. To create a truly restful atmosphere, look to warm tones and soft accents; ambient lighting and plush textures will make your space feel snug and enhance feelings of wellbeing. With cosy-maxxing, more is more: don’t be afraid to layer, or to mix and match different textures to enhance the snug, cocooning feeling.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR SCHEME

Picking the right colour palette is important for achieving an autumnal feel. Earthy tones and warm neutrals are key colours for this time of year. Shades like olive green, mustard yellow and deep browns are incredibly versatile and will bring a sense of calm and comfort to interiors.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUG RUG

By L I Z Z I E M O S L E Y

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With the cosy-maxxing trend, more is more: don't be afraid to layer or to mix and match Calming and grounded, grey is also a timeless neutral. This season, we’re seeing a move away from cooler greys with blue undertones towards warmer greys and greige, which make interiors feel inviting and restful. If you’re looking to achieve more depth, experiment with layering greys. Consider a mix of textures, shades and materials to create a cosy, tonal scheme with contrast and interest. With the cosy-maxxing trend, more is more: don’t be afraid to layer, or to mix and match to enhance the snug, cocooning feeling.

DECORATING FROM THE GROUND UP

Rugs are the perfect way to add warmth and a cosier atmosphere by introducing a softer feel underfoot. For maximum impact, layer rugs with each other or over carpet, which adds comfort and visual interest to the home. You can then layer other plush accessories like cushions and throws throughout the space, which make

homes feel truly welcoming and lived-in – a space to relax and unwind. In open-plan rooms, rugs can be used to zone and carve out defined areas within larger spaces for reading, lounging and relaxing, which can bring an enhanced sense of cosiness to bigger interiors that might otherwise feel bare. A rug can be used to anchor pieces of furniture such as a sofa, armchair or coffee table to define your living room or to highlight a cosy reading corner. In any space, texture plays an important role, adding tactile softness for a sense of comfort and relaxation. The great thing about washable rugs, plush doormats and accessories is they are easy to store away and switch out for seasonal decor upgrades, allowing you to cosymaxx to your heart’s desire in the autumn and reinvent your space again when spring comes around.

ELEVATING EVERY SPACE

Achieving a cosy environment isn’t confined to your living spaces. You can

create little moments of everyday comfort throughout the home. Your hallway is a great place to start. It’s the first place you enter and the last space you’re in before leaving, so it sets the tone for the entire home. It’s important to decorate this area with style and comfort in mind, creating an inviting atmosphere right from the very beginning. Runners are perfect for achieving the cosy-maxxing aesthetic in the hallway, providing a warm welcome every time you step into your home. Consider using designs with traditional patterns, which are becoming increasingly popular this autumn as they provide a welcoming and nostalgic feel to the entryway. Adding an outdoor mat is also an easy way to decorate your entryway, injecting personality and cosiness from the first step. They also have the added benefit of also protecting your floors from the dirt and mud outside during the colder months.

hugrug.co.uk

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There are garden rooms and there are Eco Studios. Bespoke garden studios that are as individual as you are. Sustainably made using hemp, a historic material with serious built-in benefits for you and your building.

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H O M E | TREND

REX LONDON Vintage etched coupe glasses, set of two, £18.95 rexlondon.com

COX & COX Fluted champagne coupe, set of four, £35 coxandcox.co.uk

OKA Ampelos wine glasses, set of four, £65 oka.com

MICUCCI INTERIORS Linea champagne glass, £12 micucci.store

BITOSSI HOME Giada glasses set of two, £35 bitossihome.it

NUDE X TOM DIXON Splash set of two Lowball glasses, £30 nudeglass.com

H OT SIPS

HABITAT Colour stem champagne flute/ Martini glass, set of four, £17 habitat.co.uk

All the chicest glasses By P E N D L E H A R T E

PROCOOK Confetti tumbler set of four, £25 procook.co.uk

DIBOR Parisian purple wine goblet, £11 dibor.co.uk

MICUCCI INTERIORS Bicos wine glass, £20 micucci.store

CASA BY JJ Eleanor wine glass, set of eight, £99 casabyjj.com

CASA BY JJ Poolside Gossip acrylid tumbler, set of six, £64 casabyjj.com

NKUKU Yalla hammered champagne coupe, set of four, £48 nkuku.com

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H O M E | ISSUE

P H

U O

M S

Absolutely takes a look at heat pumps. Are they suited to most homes?

or several years now we have been talking about heat pumps. But are they right for everyone? A heat pump can be an expensive outlay and a long-term investment, so it’s important to get it right. For many people, government grants are a big draw. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives most households in England £7,500 off an air source or ground source heat pump, with an extended budget running through 2028. If you're on oil or LPG rather than mains gas, the grant rises to £9,000 (but only until 31 March 2027). Since April 2026 you no longer need an EPC to qualify, and there's no means test, plus every residential heat pump install carries 0% VAT. That typically leaves £5,000– £10,000 to find yourself for a full system, sometimes less. Housing stock is the real deciding factor. Victorian/Edwardian terraces often have solid walls, small gardens for outdoor units, and existing radiators

sized for high-flow-temperature gas boilers. Heat pumps run at lower flow temperatures, so you may need larger radiators or underfloor heating and better insulation first – this adds cost and disruption beyond the unit itself. Flats and conversions are trickier: no garden for an outdoor unit, shared freeholds requiring permission, and sometimes no obvious place to site equipment. Air-to-air heat pumps (which get a smaller £2,500 grant) or communal/ district systems can be better fits than a standard air-to-water setup. Conservation areas and listed buildings may need planning permission for external units where permitted development rights don't apply – it's worth checking with your council before committing. Newer or well-insulated homes are the easiest case: existing radiators or underfloor heating often cope fi ne, and payback is faster. A wholehouse retrofit assessment (insulation,

radiator sizing, heat loss survey) from an MCS-certifi ed installer is worth doing, since it tells you whether you're a "straightforward" case or a "fabricfirst" case needing extra work. While the environmental case is solid, it is not absolute. Heat pumps cut carbon emissions significantly if run on grid electricity, since the grid is much greener than it was a decade ago. They're more eﬃcient at converting energy into heat than gas boilers, so the case strengthens further as the UK grid decarbonises. However, if your home is poorly insulated, a heat pump run ineﬃciently can cost more to run than a modern gas boiler, even if it's still lower-carbon – so insulation improvements often deliver as much environmental benefit as the heat pump itself, and ideally happen alongside it. In short, if you're in a reasonably well-insulated terrace or house with outdoor space and not in a restrictive conservation area, a heat pump is increasingly becoming a sound choice with current grants. If you're in a flat, solid-wall Victorian house without space for external kit, or a listed building, get a proper survey fi rst – the answer may be "yes, but not the standard system", or "insulate first".

Housing stock is the real deciding factor

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E D U C AT I O N

Inspiring the next generation K EW WA K EHUR ST

Kew Wakehurst in Sussex have announced a record number of school pupils in the 25-26 academic year, with 14,713 students welcomed into the wild botanic garden for inspiring and engaging sessions. This remarkable figure, which includes learners from schools, colleges and universities, marks a 19% increase compared with the previous year. Next month we will find out how they achieved this. kew.org/wakehurst

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BRIGHT P R O S P E C T S Brighton Marina’s Louise Taylor explains how a new partnership with Spear will help young people fulﬁl their potential Q

righton Marina has embarked on a three-year partnership with youth employment charity Spear, helping young people across the city develop the confidence and practical skills needed to take their first career steps. Spear supports 16- to 24-year-olds facing barriers to employment, including limited qualifications, mental health challenges or experience of the care system. More than 70% of those completing its coaching programme enter work or education and remain there a year later. Here, Brighton Marina Centre Director Louise Taylor discusses the importance of widening opportunity, looking beyond qualifications and giving Sussex’s young people the encouragement to fulfil their potential. Q What inspired Brighton Marina

to partner with Spear?

A As a Brighton local who was born and

raised here, supporting young people in our community feels deeply important. Brighton Marina is more than a retail and leisure destination; it is part of the fabric of the city, and we want to play a positive role in shaping its future. My own role models and mentors have taught me that talent can be found everywhere, but opportunities are not always equally accessible. Working with Spear allows us to help create those opportunities for young people who may otherwise struggle to find their path. Youth unemployment is not simply a social issue; it is a community issue. If we can help young people build confidence, skills and aspirations, everyone benefits.

Q What skills are young people often

missing when they leave education?

A Young people today have incredible

potential, but they often lack confidence and exposure to the workplace. Many leave education without opportunities to practise essential skills such as interviewing, professional communication and networking, or to understand what employers are looking for. These things are not typically taught in a classroom, but they are critical to securing and succeeding in a role. They are also growing up in an “always on” world, where social media creates constant pressure to have everything figured out immediately. Paired with an increasingly competitive job market, taking those first steps into employment can feel daunting. Employers can help by opening their doors, sharing their experiences and offering practical insight. Sometimes a simple conversation can show a young person that most careers are not linear and that it is all right not to have every answer straight away. Q Why is it important for your team to

contribute its time as well as funding?

A Financial contributions are important,

but real impact comes through human connection. Many of us can point to someone who encouraged us, opened a door or helped us recognise potential we did not see in ourselves. My dad grew up on the Moulsecoomb estate and, through education and the support of others, created opportunities that changed the course of his life and our family’s future. That taught me the value of role models, mentors and people who champion potential. As a business rooted in the local

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EDUCATION • Q&A

community, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to be those role models. Young people do not always need someone to provide every answer; sometimes they need someone to share their experiences, believe in them and help them see what is possible. Q Which part of the programme

could make the greatest difference?

A Every element is valuable, but if I had to

choose one, I would say mock interviews. For many young people, interviews can feel intimidating and unfamiliar. A mock interview enables them to make mistakes in a safe environment, receive constructive feedback and realise they are often far more capable than they think. I have seen confidence grow dramatically when someone discovers that they can communicate their strengths effectively. Once that self-belief begins to build, it

carries into CV writing, applications and future opportunities.

Q Why should employers look

but never the whole story. Some of the most resilient, determined and adaptable people have faced significant challenges that will not appear on a CV. When employers focus only on grades or traditional career routes, they risk overlooking incredible talent. Growing up in care or experiencing mental health challenges should not define somebody’s future. Such experiences can develop resilience, empathy, determination and adaptability – qualities that are hugely valuable in the workplace. My advice to any young person would be do not let where you start define where you can finish. Confidence often comes after action, not before it. Apply for the role, attend the interview, ask the question and volunteer for the opportunity. Every small step builds experience and self-belief.

A Qualifications tell part of someone’s story,

brightonmarina.co.uk

Q What opportunities can Brighton

Marina offer young people?

A The diversity of our businesses is one of

our greatest strengths. With organisations working across retail, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, health and wellbeing, and professional services, young people can encounter numerous industries and working environments in one location. Not everyone knows what they want to do at 18 or 20, and that is perfectly all right. Brighton Marina provides somewhere to explore possibilities, gain experience and discover interests that could lead to a long-term career. beyond qualifications?

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Sixth Form Boarding The perfect introduction to living and studying away from home.

• A leading selective state grammar school • Co-ed Sixth Form with boarding for boys • Excellent A-level results – 71% A*/B • Extensive sport and extra-curricular activities • Comprehensive careers guidance and mentoring • Strong house-based pupil welfare system • Affordable boarding at £5,797 per term • Outstanding alternative to independent sector

adamsgs.uk

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+44 1952 953810

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

matter, whether you are reading a novel or trying to inspire a school community. Q How do you relax outside of school? A Sport has always been a big part of my life.

I love watching rugby (as a family we are big Bath fans) and cricket, and continue to follow Aston Villa through the highs and lows. I also enjoy good food, going to the theatre, and walking our daft labrador, Murphy.

MEET THE

HEAD

Absolutely sits down with Matt Williams of Seaford College in Petworth

et amid the beautiful surroundings of Lavington Park near Petworth, Seaford College offers an inclusive, all-round education designed to help every pupil achieve their personal best. The coeducational independent school welcomes children from Reception through to Sixth Form, with day, weekly and flexible boarding options. At the heart of Seaford’s approach is the belief that every student should be known and valued as an individual, combining a strong academic education with outstanding pastoral care and extensive opportunities across sport, music, drama, art and outdoor education. The result is a warm, close-knit community focused on developing confident, curious and wellrounded young people – and here, we find out a little more about Headteacher, Matt Williams.

Q What are you most proud of at your school? A What first attracted me to Seaford

was the warmth and authenticity of the community, and the breadth of opportunities for our students. Academic success matters enormously, but I am most proud of the young people who leave us as confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.

Q If you were to become Prime Minister for a day, what’s the first thing you would change? A I would ensure that every young person, regardless of background, had access to a rich programme of sport, music, drama, outdoor education and other co-curricular opportunities. Some of life’s most important lessons are learned beyond the classroom. Q What is the most surprising thing about you that people might not know? A I was once smuggled into northern France in the back of a Land Rover and, in my younger days, played the drums in an ABBA tribute band. Neither experience has proved particularly useful in school leadership. Not yet anyway.

seaford.org

Q Why did you want to become a Headteacher? A I didn’t set out to become a teacher, let alone a Head. Once I entered the profession, I quickly realised the profound impact education can have on young people’s lives. Becoming a Head gave me the opportunity to shape not just individual pupils’ experiences, but the culture and values of an entire community. Q What was your favourite subject at school and why? A English Literature. I loved the power of stories and the way great writing can challenge your thinking, broaden your perspective, and help you see the world through someone else’s eyes. English taught me that words A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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LAST WORD • PLACE

why everyone is talking about…

Wakehurst Why autumn is the perfect time to explore the West Sussex wild botanic garden

utumn is a season of spectacle at Wakehurst. Maples blaze around Mansion Pond, Bethlehem Wood’s birches glow gold and Horsebridge Wood takes on rich copper tones. At Westwood Lake, changing trees are reflected in the water, while seed heads, grasses and late-flowering plants bring texture and movement to the gardens. Beneath the trees, another transformation is taking place. As fallen leaves gather, fungi emerge in an extraordinary variety of forms and colours. Visitors might spot the red tentacles of Devil’s fingers, the constantly changing Shaggy Inkcap, yellow Sulphur Tuft or the fairytale Fly Agaric. These fascinating organisms are also essential to woodland ecosystems. Through Wakehurst’s Nature Unlocked research programme, Kew scientists have explored how fungi living on tree roots help move carbon from trees into the soil. Visitors can discover more during guided fungi walks from 20th-23rd October at 10.30am and 1.30pm, searching the gardens for species found at Wakehurst and across Sussex. Families have plenty of reasons to visit during half-term. From 17th October until 1st November, the Wallace & Gromit: Fantastic Fungi Trail invites children to foil the latest plot devised by villainous penguin Feathers McGraw. The adventure reveals the “tricks and treats” of fungi across the landscape. Young visitors can also hunt for colourful leaves, find the crunchiest leaf piles and explore the Children’s & Community Garden, where vegetable beds display seasonal produce ranging from Tromboncino squash to giant pumpkins. Should the weather turn, the Elizabethan Mansion offers interactive exhibitions

and children’s books in its restored Library. The Chapel tells the story of the Millennium Seed Bank, while the Billiard Room explores Wakehurst’s history, living collections and relationship with the National Trust. Monday afternoon tours of the Seed Bank atrium reveal how seeds travel from collection to long-term storage. October begins with suitably seasonal outdoor cinema screenings from 2nd-4th October. Adventure Cinema will present Halloween favourites beneath the night sky, including cult classics, supernatural stories and family-friendly frights. Art is also woven into the landscape through Henry Moore and More, featuring four sculptures by the influential British artist alongside contemporary commissions. With magnificent colour, mysterious fungi, family adventures, science and sculpture, autumn at Wakehurst is an invitation to experience the natural world at its most dramatic. kew.org/wakehurst

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The Complete Supplier of

PVCU ALUMINIUM WOOD

Supplying Sussex with double glazing, windows and doors since 1970

Head Office | Brighton Showroom | Glass Showroom 8-9 Centenary Industrial Estate, Hughes Road, Brighton BN2 4AW

Tel: 01273 691000 • Fax: 01273 691001

Shoreham Glass Centre | Showroom 266, Upper Shoreham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 6BF

Tel: 01273 462 749 • Fax: 01273 453 093

Supplying Sussex with double glazing, windows and doors since 1970

Email: info@shawsofbrighton.co.uk • Website: www.shawsofbrighton.co.uk IBC - AD SHAWS INSTALLATIONS.indd 83 11835_Shaws_A4_Advert.indd 39

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