A specially curated guide to the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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NEW OPENING | OUTDOOR RETAILER
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George Fisher expansion continues as they open new store in Bath |
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One of England’s oldest award-winning outdoor retailers George Fisher are continuing their expansion from their historic Lake District home as they open their third store in Bath on Abbeygate Street.
This new store, only the third of its kind, will offer the specialist advice synonymous with George Fisher in an exciting newly fitted retail environment with a carefully curated selection of brands including: Fjallraven, Patagonia,Arcteryx, Rab, Berghaus, The North Face, Passenger, Merrell & Scarpa.
With Bath surrounded by beautiful countryside, the city is an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the nearby Cotswolds for recreational walks, hiking and water sports, which George Fisher perfectly cater for.
georgefisher.co.uk 7-8 Abbeygate St, Bath, BA1 1NP
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You'll love our fabulous April magazine which features a collection of great reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bath's best businesses.
This month we visit the restored Caisson Gardens in Combe Hay, finding a stunning landscape that’s rich in wildlife; we profile a new exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery showing an exciting range of Parisian posters from Toulouse-Lautrec and his artist contemporaries celebrating the nightlife and gaiety of the Belle-Epoque; we talk to the founders of Bath Publishing, who had the vision to publish Nick Wallis' Great Post Office Scandal book before the scandal hit the nation; and you can discover the subjects of our new Portrait of Bath image from photographer Joe Short. Plus so much more!
Every month we deliver 15,000 copies door to door, but if you don't get a copy at home then you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our floor stands at: Waitrose, Sainsbury [Green Park], M&S Foods in Twerton, Tesco in Weston Village, and at The Holburne Museum.
Click here to enjoy the digital version of our current issue!
And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £33 for 12 issues, £18 for six issues or buy a copy for just £4.25. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website.
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WEEKEND RECIPES | A PASTRY TREAT
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Words by Melissa Blease
Asparagus Tart
Vibrant asparagus, a rich, creamy savoury custard and a super-short, crumbly pastry base: a heavenly combination indeed!
You can, of course, rustle up your own shortcrust pastry to make this tart, but ready-made versions have already done an excellent job on your behalf – do make sure, though, that you choose an all-butter brand for a perfect end result.
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
1 x 375g pack ready-rolled, all-butter shortcrust pastry
300g asparagus, woody ends snapped off and discarded
300ml double cream
2 eggs, beaten
50g Gruyère or nutty cheddar, finely grated
4 spring onions, peeled and finely sliced
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 5 and lightly grease a round, 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin.
2. Line the tart tin with the pastry and trim the excess overhang. Cover loosely with baking paper, fill with baking beans (or uncooked rice) and bake blind for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the baking paper and baking beans (or rice) and slide the pastry case back into the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the pastry has turned light golden brown. Set to one side to cool.
3. Meanwhile, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes, then refresh under cold water. Chop the spears into short lengths and set the tips aside for later. Put roughly half of the spears into a food processor or blender and blitz to a thick purée.
4. Pour the double cream into a large bowl along with the eggs and beat until thoroughly combined. Stir the asparagus purée and grated cheese into the mixture and season to taste.
5. Arrange the remaining asparagus pieces across the base of the pastry and cover with the egg mixture. Arrange the asparagus tips across the top, scatter with the chopped spring onions and bake for around 35-40 minutes, or until the tart filling has set (but still slightly wobbly in the middle) and the top has turned golden-brown.
6. Leave to cool slightly (or completely, if preferred) before serving accompanied, perhaps, by steamed new potatoes and a well-dressed salad.
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WEEKEND WINE | A TASTE OF CHILE
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Chilean wines: putting the right grapes in the right place
With the majestic Andes to the east, the choppy Pacific to west, an arid desert plateau to the north, a host of Antarctic snow-capped volcanoes to the south, and finally a lush alluvial fertile valley sandwiched somewhere in the middle, Chile is renowned for its interesting and delicious variety of wines.
The consistency and quality of Chilean wine comes not only from its breathtaking geography, but as a result of an eager and enthusiastic group of winemakers who have begun to truly understand their terroir by establishing the right grapes in the right place.
Visit thegreatwine.co.uk to explore more.
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Sideral - Viña San Pedro | £24
The aromas are ripe, inviting and complex: black cherry, blackcurrant, roasted red pepper, worcesterberry and treacle. In the mouth, it is rich and soft, with rounded, velvety tannins and lovely juicy fruit character. A superbly well-balanced and well-rounded wine, this is ever so easy to enjoy.
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Viejas Tinajas Muscat - De Martino | £29.50 |
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This wine is aromatic and intense with great volume in the mouth and achieves a balance between the fresh acidity and the texture contributed by 6 months’ maceration with the skins.
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Merlot - Primera Luz | £9.25
Fresh raspberry and strawberry nose, with a light and juicy palate bursting with forest fruit. Straight-talking, easy-drinking, moreish - this is fantastic value Chilean Merlot.
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Pedro Ximenez - Elki | £12.95 |
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This wine exhibits a delicious balance of peachy lusciousness with crispness and length, which allows it to be enjoyed with a variety of foods or on its own. There is a crisp texture and exciting, bright fruit character in the wines.
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Carménère Gran Reserva - Viña Falernia | £19.50 |
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The colour is brilliant and deep, the nose intense with aromas of brambly black fruit, espresso, spice and sweet pepper. Robust and dense on the palate, super-velvety tannins, fine oak nuance and positively bouncing with blackcurrant fruit. A hugely impressive wine that benefits from the grapes being dried, hand-picked at harvest and grown at high altitude.
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SUNDAY'S BEST | LUNCH AT THE BATH PRIORY
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The Bath Priory launches new Sunday lunch menu
Roast lunch, delicious plates and time to enjoy the beautiful gardens offer the perfect Sunday with family or friends.
The Bath Priory has launched a brand-new Sunday lunch menu, including a delicious Sunday roast. The new lunch is served each Sunday between 12-5pm. With two courses for £38 and three courses for £48, children are warmly welcomed too, with The Garden Menu for V.I.L.P. (Very Important Little People) menu also on offer, including main courses for £9.50 and puddings for £6.
Served in the main restaurant, or in The Bath Priory’s informal ‘Pantry’, guests are welcome to arrive as early as they wish, and stay for as long as they would like, with cosy sofas perfect for reading the Sunday papers, and four acres of beautiful gardens to enjoy. The new Sunday lunch menu aims to offer families and friends the perfect opportunity to reunite and enjoy each other’s company, enjoying delicious food as they do so.
The Sunday lunch menu will change each week, to offer the best seasonal dishes and Sunday lunch favourites. With a choice of three starters, main courses and desserts, starters may include dishes such as ‘Burrata with Williams pear, pine nuts, lemon balm’ or ‘Chicken liver parfait, red onion marmalade and toasted brioche'. Main courses will always include a roast lunch option, as well as a lighter fish dish and a vegetarian option, too, and dietary requirements can be catered for with notice upon booking.
To book Sunday lunch at The Bath Priory call 01225 331922 or see www.thebathpriory.co.uk
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GEAR OF THE YEAR | BEST IN GLASS
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Zeiss Victory® SF 10x42 Binoculars
Rediscover the world of birdwatching with the ZEISS Victory® SF.
You can experience every spectacle nature has to offer with brilliant optics and an unparalleled wide-angle field of view. Thanks to its light weight, unique ergonomic design and dynamic fast-focus feature, the Victory® SF allows for hours of relaxing birding without fatigue. The Victory® SF is the new benchmark for birding and wildlife observation in the 125-year development of ZEISS binoculars.
The 120m/1000m field of view with 10x magnification is like a dream come true for many nature enthusiasts. The close range of 1.5m allows for an impressive, larger-than-life view of birds, butterflies and dragonflies – as if you could reach out and touch them. The weight distribution and ergonomic grip makes for comfortable, steady observation, even at 10x magnification. | £2,399.
Contact London Camera Exchange for more details on the latest Zeiss SFL and SF binocular range and a special offer for a free Zeiss Secacam7 Trail Camera (worth £249 - offer ends 5 May 2024) with your purchase.
Click here for details or visit lcegroup.co.uk London Camera Exchange Bath, 13 Cheap Street, Bath BA1 1NB
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Wool Crew-Neck Cardigan | £85 |
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This classic cardigan will form the foundation of your transitional outfits. Knitted from RWS-certified wool, it's decorated with contrasting stripes and has a crew neck, front patch pockets and a row of horn-effect buttons.
Click here to purchase.
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Relaxed Open-Knit Jumper | £85 |
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Rendered in a striking cobalt-blue hue, this modern jumper is open-knitted from a lightweight cotton blend – making it a great transitional piece. It has a textured hand feel and wide ribbed trims that subtly define the relaxed shape.
Click here to purchase.
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | SUPER SOLITAIRES
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Engaging Times
Classic and timeless, solitaire engagement rings hold a significant meaning for couples, the centre stone being the main focal-point of the ring symbolising love, commitment and loyalty, as well as representing strength and purity. Here are just a few from the Mallory bespoke collection and many have a variety of stone weight options to suit all budgets.
From left to right:
Victoria platinum solitaire, round brilliant-cut diamond ring with tapered shoulders. Total diamond weight 0.50ct, £3,750.
Amore 18ct yellow and white gold solitaire, round, brilliant-cut diamond ring with knife edge shoulders and diamond grain setting on the Collet. Total diamond weight: 0.33ct, £2,250.
Elizabeth 18ct yellow gold and platinum solitaire, round brilliant-cut diamond ring with tapered shoulders. Total diamond weight: 0.60ct, £4,250.
Venise platinum solitaire, round brilliant-cut diamond ring with knife edge shoulders. Total diamond weight: 1.01ct. £11,450.00.
Find out more by visiting the Mallory website.
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BY AESOP | BATHROOM CLASSICS
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Bathroom Classics Duo | £60
Two time-honoured, botanical-infused formulations for the bathroom
Post-Poo Drops A botanical bathroom deodoriser that effectively neutralises disagreeable smells with crisp notes of citrus peel and discreet florals. 100ml. £27
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash A gentle formulation containing oils of Orange, Rosemary and Lavender to effectively cleanse the hands without drying them out. 500ml. £33
Click here to visit the Aesop website and purchase.
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FASHION | THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING
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DuoBoots returns to home soil with its own pop-up
DuoBoots are returning to home soil between 11–29 April, opening a pop-up fitting room in Milsom Place for a limited time only.
In the brand’s 50th year, it felt only right to return to its hometown of Bath, celebrating half a century of being the world’s most inclusive boot brand.
The brand still uses the same family-run workshops in Portugal to make their famous calf fitting boots to this day. Each style is designed to not only be practical but stylish and timeless too.
DuoBoots’ current collection is available in a choice of eight calf widths, ranging from 30-50cm, with selected styles also available in standard, petite and tall calf heights (Dalia and Haltham styles only).
Throughout April, customers are able to come along to the pop-up in Milsom Place and find their perfect fit in a selection of knee-high styles.
DuoBoots Fitting Room, Milsom Place, 41 Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1DN
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MAGAZINE KIOSK | MAGALLERIA
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Curated by Daniel McCabe
HÅNDVÆRK from Denmark is becoming the established go-to journal for people interested in or actually moving their craft or artisanal activity to a more commercial level.
It portrays the living, changing practice of design and craft through in-depth interviews and portraits in a more technical way than the ‘lifestyle change’ nature more common to this publishing genre (i.e. ‘I gave up my job at the bank to become a potter’). Published by writer, designer and photographer Rigetta Klint, it focuses on craft in its own right and the necessary basis for architecture, art, fashion and interior design. Each issue takes on a specific theme, with the latest (Issue 10) looking at ‘The Artist’, so expect plenty of clay, bronze, glues and pigments, textiles, wood, stone and more.
magalleria.co.uk
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TICKETS ON SALE | IF OPERA SUMMER SEASON '24
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General booking is now open for IF Opera’s summer 24 season |
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“…one of the most magical opera festivals in England”
Hosted in the glorious surroundings of Belcombe Court in Bradford on Avon, the festival runs from 23 – 31 August and this year includes performances of Lucia Di Lammermoor (23,27,29 and 31 August), Die Fledermaus (24 & 28 August), Children’s concert Roald Dahl’s Little red Riding Hood (25 August) and IF Opera Picnic Prom (26 August)
There are various ticket prices to suit most pockets. Visit Bath Box Office for more information and tickets. bathboxoffice.org.uk
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COMEDY | LAUGH YOUR SOCKS OFF
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Jon Monie stars in Bath Comedy Festival's SLAPSTICK! |
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The world premiere of the dazzling new comedy SLAPSTICK! – starring Bath pantomime legend Jon Monie is coming to the Bath Comedy Festival.
SLAPSTICK! hauls its audiences into the chaos of Regency theatre. Joseph Grimaldi, the famous pantomime clown, is ready to stage his final performance, telling the story of his extraordinary career. Mayhem ensues when the cast and set are waylaid by highwaymen, leaving Grimaldi, a panic-stricken stage manager, and two hungover musicians, to carry on regardless.
Performed in the magnificent original Theatre Royal, SLAPSTICK!
is about theatre; the relationships of actor and crew, audience and players, comedy itself and the tragedy from which it is created.
Performances: 14 April: 7.30pm; 15 April: 2.30pm and 7.30pm; 19 April: 2.30pm and 7.30pm; 20 April: 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Old Theatre Royal, 12 Old Orchard Street, BA1 1JU For tickets visit www.josephgrimaldi.com or call 0844 888 9991.
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Kiri Kiri exhibition
Swedish artist Kiri Kiri is back by popular demand, shaking up Bath on 15–28 April with a second solo show, Kiri Kiri exhibition.
The exhibition will unveil over 70 new previously unseen artworks. Sign up for the private view on 18 April (6–8pm) at no cost, and get a chance to win a Kiri Kiri original, meet the artist and have a drink. To sign up for private view email: ask@kirikiri.co.uk. This exhibition is free entry.
44AD Artspace 4 Abbey Street, Bath
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EXHIBITION | A BURST OF COLOUR
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Lumiere Art Exhibition: A journey of light and colour |
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Lumiere features the artwork of colourist, Hetti Dysch. Painting with a naïve and impressionistic style, the exhibition will feature work created whilst traveling in Paris, The Pyrenees, Essaouira, Devon, Dorset, Bristol and Bath.
Wild and urban landscapes are captured in this diverse body of work that track the artists' journey to date. Working most recently with bold backlit colours and a 4-colour palette, the finished pieces are rich in content and colour and will appeal to a range of ages and artistic interest.
16 April 6pm-8pm Private View (all welcome). RSVP via Instagram/text.
17-21 April open to the public | Walcot Chapel, Bath. BA1 5UG
RSVP via insta: @hettidyschart. T: 07850 401759.
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Bath City v Tonbridge Angels |
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Bath City’s penultimate home match of the Vanarama National League South sees them playing host to Tonbridge Angels at Twerton Park (KO 3pm).
The hosts though may not be as convivial on the pitch as Tonbridge might hope as this is a two way grudge match. Tonbridge beat City earlier this season and currently positioned 13th in the league and with 56 points, they cannot mathematically make the play-offs - so will be looking to restore some pride.
Indeed, Tonbridge’s home form since beating City is pretty good. It’s their away games where they have dropped the points. Meanwhile the Romans in 7th with 66 points need to keep up the pressure in the play-off zone and settle their score with the Angels.
For the Romans, Ephraim Yeboah will return to the squad after featuring for Bristol City in their FA Youth Cup semi-final loss at Manchester City on Tuesday. Kieran Parselle and Ewan Clark could also return, giving the Romans more options. And with City’s front two, Scott Wilson and Cody Cooke expecting to increase their goal tally to 20+ each, then this looks like it will be a great match.
A win will see Jerry Gill’s team succeed last season’s points total - it’s also his 150th home match in charge and 50th game of the season in all competitions. Game On.
Click here for tickets and cheer on the Romans as they look to cement a place in the top seven!
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TALK | TIME FOR A HOLIDAY
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Find out what the Indian Ocean and Arabia offer |
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Join Marie and her team as they welcome Charlotte from If Only holidays, to talk about what the Indian Ocean and Arabia can offer at 2.30pm-4pm.
If Only are a multi award-winning tour operator and are experts in creating personalised luxury holidays for those seeking a beautiful bespoke experience, or Honeymoon.
Reserve your space today by emailing bath@milesmorgantravel.co.uk or call 01225 486 800
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LECTURE | JOIN THE ROAD TRIP
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Peaches Golding gives lecture at the American Museum & Gardens
Peaches Golding OBE, American-British business executive and Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, will be giving the Claridge Lecture on 29 April at 7pm, linked to the museum's current American Road Trip exhibition.
In her talk ‘Two roads diverged on the American Road Trip’, Peaches will share her journey from living in segregated America to becoming The King’s personal representative.
The lecture will take place in the Stables at the American Museum & Gardens. Click here for more information and to book tickets.
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OPERA | UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCES
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Welsh National Opera performs at the Bristol Hippodrome
Welsh National Opera returns to Bristol Hippodrome for a packed programme of classics between 24–27 April.
Starting with two evenings of Mozart’s comic opera Così fan Tutte, then a night of opera favourites featuring a selection of the best-known pieces in the operatic world. The WNO season closes on Saturday evening with a haunting performance of Benjamin Britten’s dark and magnificently atmospheric Death in Venice - based on the novella by German author, Thomas Mann.
Cosi fan Tutte: 24, 26 April, 7pm
Opera Favourites: 25 April, 7.30pm
Death in Venice: 27 April, 7.30pm
Click here to purchase tickets.
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BEST IN SHOW | CANINE CHAMPIONS
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Bath Canine Society championship show
The Bath Canine Society's championship show will be taking place on 24–27 May at Three Shires Field.
Judging starts at 9am each day with the group finals around 3pm each day. Dogs are welcome to come into the show on a lead at a cost of £5 per dog.
Different breeds are scheduled each day. Friday – Working and Pastoral breeds; Saturday – Utility and Hound breeds; Sunday – Toy and Terrier breeds; Monday – Gundog breeds. An array of trade stands selling dog-related items will also be in attendance as well as a food outlets, Lilleys cider bar and Marshfields ice cream.
Bath is one of the largest championship shows in the UK with an anticipated 7,000 dogs competing over the four days from all over the UK and some from Europe. The judging panel is made up of experienced judges from the UK and overseas.
There is a charge of £10 per car in the car park (payable with cash or contactless).
Visit the website at bathcaninesociety.org
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WORKSHOP | FLOWER PAINTING
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Botanical Watercolour Painting Workshop for Adults on 10 April
Learn to create beautiful flower paintings inspired the collection at No.1 Royal Crescent.
Artist Holly Foskett-Barnes will provide step-by-step instructions on how to paint flowers that would have been used in Georgian fashions, allowing you to relax into the process of watercolour painting. You will leave with your own botanical watercolour illustration. This will be a very relaxed workshop, suitable for all abilities and the final painting will be suited to your painting level.
Duration of workshop 2 hours. Suitable for 16 years old and above.
What’s included? All materials will be
provided but if you would prefer to bring your own materials then please
do. Tea and coffee will be available.
No.1 Royal Crescent, 1 Royal Crescent, Bath 10 April 6pm–8pm, £38
Book tickets here
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HOMES AND INTERIORS | MOST WANTED
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Coopers for Quookers
Since it was invented in 1970 by Henri Peteri, the boiling-water tap has become an indispensable tool in kitchens all over the world. Highly efficient, safe and convenient, a basic Quooker consists of a stylish kitchen tap on your worktop with a heating tank, connected to the water supply, under the sink or in kitchen cupboard.
As well as the popular boiling-water tap, there are various options – for convenience, you can go for an all-in-1 tap that offers 100°C boiling water, perfectly filtered and chilled water or even chilled sparkling water with an add-on tank and CO2 cylinder.
Choose the tap that suits you best and with many different finishes and tap styles - a Quooker will look fab and complement any kitchen design.
Find out more, ask the experts at Coopers Home Appliances. 13/15 Walcot Street, Bath or click here to visit the website.
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PROPERTY | A UNIQUE AND CHARMING HOME
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Avoncliff, Bradford-On-Avon, BA15
Offered for sale by Hamptons estate agents
Ancliff Square is an attractive U-shape of Grade II Listed three storey homes centred around an enclosed communal garden with level lawns bordered by stone walling plus Box and Beech hedges.
The symmetry of the façade is enhanced by the Georgian style glazed sash windows. Fountain House is the central house boasting a double fronted appearance of this fine terrace. The interior has a modern feel with retained features such as fireplaces and generous ceiling heights.
The ground floor sitting/dining room is well proportioned and has the benefit of a wood burning stove. The beautifully fitted kitchen has been finished to a high standard with a range of cabinetry and integrated appliances.
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Up on the first floor is the sitting room with the most pleasant outlook over the front lawn and up to the hills and woods beyond. A central fireplace adds a focal point to this room.
Leading from the sitting room through double doors is a charming garden room with atrium-style roof allowing an abundance of natural light into the space; this is a wonderful space for reading or enjoying the sunshine.
There is also a bedroom with en-suite to complete the first floor. Up on the second floor there are three further bedrooms and the family bathroom, with one of the bedrooms having access to a pretty balcony overlooking the garden room below. | Guide Price £695,000
For more information visit the Hamptons website.
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