So if you’re aiming for that kind of riding maybe something quite “racey”. If you’re happy with direct order you won’t go wrong with the Canyon / Rose / Vitus offerings. £1500 gives you loads of choice if you go, worth checking out the Trek / Spesh / Giant / Scott / Cube etc ofering at your local shops.
Alternatively, if you’re aspiring to getting fit and getting miles in on easier tracks maybe consider a cyclocross type bike? Pinnacle Arkose or Giant TCX + loads of others. Will be great for most of what you describe.
Essentially, £1500 will get you something plenty good. Try a few out, pick the one you like the feel and colour of, or you like the shop. Ride it.