Simple pleasures
Naomi Murray from Botanica Health in Rusthall reveals the fascinating story of Stomatis Moratis, a US war veteran who was diagnosed with cancer but went on to live for decades thanks to being in tune with his simple surroundings in Greece…. I recently returned from a trip to the Greek island of Kefalonia feeling […]
Holiday heroes
Our resident fashion expert, Charlotte Newman from Kitch, reveals why the Sophia Alexia brand is just perfect for summertime chic… When it comes to luxury resort wear, Sophia Alexia is a London-based label with exquisite creations, blending luxury, sophistication and an effortless sense of summer chic. If you’re looking to revamp your summer wardrobe […]
House proud
Following her recent win at the House Wow Awards 2023, we caught up with local interiors expert Jane Lee, who specialises in home staging, downsizing and styling. Here she explains more about her passion for creating dream homes for both her face-to-face and remote clients – whatever their budget Can you start by telling […]
Natural selection
Following her triumphant time at Chelsea Flower show earlier this summer, local designer Camellia Taylor, who won an RHS Silver Gilt medal for her Natural Affinity Garden for Aspens, speaks to Eileen Leahy about her career and why she swapped psychology for horticulture… Aspens charity and local garden designer Camellia Taylor celebrated an award-winning […]
Why a road trip through Italy can be genuinely heavenly
Combine the historical beauty of Rome with a road trip into the hilltop towns of Umbria, says Sarah Marshall… I’m stood in a queue, waiting my turn at one of Rome’s 2,500 fountains. Cyclists stop to splash their faces, locals refill their water bottles hurriedly between meetings, and tourists dazed by the Mediterranean sun […]
Taste the difference
The Royal Oak in Hawkhurst is a charming period pub, which dates back to the 16th century, but as Eileen Leahy discovers, it has its sights set firmly on the future thanks to the clever culinary vision of its current custodian Laurence Bowes… Having both The Leicester Arms in Penshurst and The Rock Inn […]
Brought to books
The Summer Reading Challenge is a free annual event that aims to encourage children to read more. Eileen Leahy reveals how you can still get involved in it and talks to the Amelia’s library team about how they are supporting the scheme… If you’re frustrated by your children being on their phones all the […]
‘It’s been the toughest of all our 40 years, but we won’t be broken – the show must go on’
Last month the Two Sisters Theatre, which is the main hub of the Hever Festival, had to close due to being badly damaged in a storm. Eileen Leahy spoke to the event’s Director Ailsa Molyneux about how she and her team managed to keep the popular arts festival afloat in this, its 40th year, and […]
“We want to be the best”
The TN card is the Tunbridge Wells loyalty scheme that rewards shoppers for supporting local. This month its founder Jess Gibson chats to Kiko, owner of Kitsu, Kiko Sushi & Yakitori and now Momo Bubble café about bringing the flavours of Japan to Royal Tunbridge Wells… Kiko, you have recently opened your third business […]
Love Where You Live
This month SO Magazine chats to Ivan Di Santo, owner of tapas restaurant Soprano, and co-founder of Coco Retro, about all the places he likes to support locally. Here Ivan reveals where he likes to stroll, shop and socialise…. Whereabouts do you live in the borough of Tunbridge Wells? I live in Hawkenbury, a […]
