A specially curated guide to help you enjoy the next 48 hours (or more) in Bristol
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SUMMER ANNOUNCEMENT | DATES FOR THE DIARY
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IDLES announce 2021 homecoming concert |
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Bristol’s favourite sons, IDLES, will headline an outdoor concert on The Downs on 3 September 2021.
The one-off gig is being organised by Bristol’s Team Love and Simple Things and will be IDLES' first headline outdoor show in Bristol. The iconic five-piece, along with a line-up of support still to be confirmed, will welcome 10,000 people to The Downs in
IDLES scored their first UK number one album in 2020 with Ultra Mono, which also became the fastest selling vinyl release of the year. However, the band are yet to play the album live since their sold-out tour has been pushed back to 2022.
IDLES won’t be the only act appearing at the show, with organisers Team Love and Simple Things promising a whole day of amazing music, food, drink and fellowship, all to be announced in the coming months. Look out for the general sale of tickets, which goes live at 9am on 2 April.
idlesband.com
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APRIL ISSUE | A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM
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New issue – OUT NOW!
As always, there are many great reads by our team of wonderful writers and contributors as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bristol's best businesses. We hope you'll enjoy the read!
15,000 copies are delivered door to door, and you can pick up a copy at many places around town – especially from our stands at Waitrose. We will be working with retailers John Lewis, House of Fraser, and Harvey Nichols when they reopen and will have our floorstands there too.
Alternatively, click here to read the digital version
And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £30 for 12 issues. Details can be found on our website here: thebristolmag.co.uk/subscribe
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY | 60 YEARS OF INNOVATION
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Arnolfini: 60 years later |
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Set up in 1961 as a bookshop on Clifton Triangle, Arnolfini has grown from humble roots to become a pioneer of interdisciplinary contemporary arts, with an ambitious and eclectic programme of visual art, performance, dance, film and music. As the arts centre celebrates its 60th anniversary, Melissa Blease asks for past, present and future perspectives of this iconic institution.
Enjoy an eight minute read here
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GRAPE EXPECTATIONS | SPANISH SPARKLERS
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Coffee, tea? We love the Cava jive... |
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...and it loves me. Discover these six fabulous Cavas with The Great Wine Co.
Mas Pere Brut Reserva Cava – Pere Ventura Fresh and balanced with a creamy texture. This is an elegant and distinctive cava with aromas of apple, nuts. £12.95
Albariño Brut – Mar de Frades Golden yellow with lemon green hues. On the nose it is complex and expressive. First it releases bottle ageing notes and a sea water, eucalyptus and white fruit in the background that remind of albariño grape. A toasted bread and almond kernel character pervade. On the mouth it is broad, tasty and fresh. In the aftertaste the typical albariño notes reappear with a pleasant and crispy aftertaste. £27
Blanc Vi Natural Sparkling Organic – Celler 9+ Vintage 2017. Gold yellow colour, lightly cloudy due to the second fermentation lees being present. Elegant bakery aromas and mature fruit. The bubbles are light in the mouth and very well integrated due to the second fermentation with cork top. Minimum of 15 months maturation in the bottle.
La Cuvee Brut Organic – Gramona Medium intensity. Elegant floral notes wrapped in stone fruit - peach, apricot, golden apple, lemon peel, closed by a shy note of raw almond. Round entrance, medium enveloping body, crispy carbonic texture. In the retro-nasal route citrus memories return, the apple, the almond. Very refreshing and long finish. £22.50
Cuveé Classic Cava – Pere VenturaPere Ventura's high-quality cava house was established in 1992, but draws on a sparkling wine heritage that extends deep into the past.Ageing takes a minimum of 18 months in the cool Pere Ventura cellars, although some of its cavas are allowed to rest for as long as three years or more. "Take risks and pursue excellence,' advises Pere. "That is the secret of success.' This elegantly balanced Cava has fine, frothy bubbles and vibrant golden hue. The aromas of crunchy green apple and white peach come to the fore on the nose, alongside hints of lemon balm and toasted brioche. £11.75
Imperial Brut Organic – Gramona A delicious 2015 vintage - ripe white fruit such us apple and peach. Aniseed notes, fennel. Nice balance between notes of freshly baked bread and subtle citrus peel aromas. Dried nuts. Subtle toast and yeast notes with buttery aromas. Wide on entry, full and creamy on the palate. Velvet-like bubbles. Refreshing finish. The white flowers and fruit aromas come through again on the palate against a backdrop of freshly baked bread. £33
Click here to explore the full range of great Cavas at: The Great Wine Co.
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BEAUTY MUST-HAVES | TREAT YOURSELF
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GET EGGS-CITED
The cherry tree is iconic to the Provençal landscape with its delicate white flowers that light up the early days of spring. Laced with the soft and delicate scent of these early blooms, L'Occotane's Cherry Blossom Easter Egg makes it possible to experience spring in Provence any day of the year and offers a perfect treat to comfort the body, mind and soul.
Cherry Blossom Easter Egg with Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Hand Cream, £16; uk.loccitane.com
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CHANEL YOUR HANDS
Inspired by the beautifying hand cream created by Mademoiselle Chanel in 1927, CHANEL now reinvents this essential step with LA CRÈME MAIN. A complete care product for hands and nails that leaves skin moisturised, velvety and radiant, all in one on the-go item. Elegant and practical, LA CRÈME MAIN is made for travel and is the essential accessory to carry in your handbag. Includes May rose wax and Iris pallida, renowned for its brightening properties, both from the CHANEL Pégomas gardens in Grasse.
No 5 L'Eau On Hand Cream, £46; chanel.com
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | FABERGÉ
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The Fabergé dynasty really began in 1882 when Peter Carl Fabergé took over his father’s very ordinary 40-year jewellery business. Together with his brother Agathon, he quickly transformed it into an international phenomenon.
The success of the two brothers was changing the nature of the business. Out went the then fashionable style where diamonds prevailed. In came the design-led artist-jeweller with a penchant for colour through both stones and reviving the lost art of enamelling.
They added objets deluxe to their repertoire, including objets de fantaisie such as the Imperial Easter Eggs, now regarded as pinnacles of the goldsmiths’ art.
Today, these are treasured in some of the world’s leading museums and private collections. The craftsmanship of all their creations was of the very finest standard. This formula of design and craftsmanship made Fabergé irresistible and the ultimate objects to own, as well as the gift of choice.
These Fabergé egg pendants are not only wearable and highly collectable but are keepsake investments to be treasured for years to come.
From left to right:
Fabergé Heritage Palais Tsarskoye Selo 18ct yellow gold, turquoise enamel and diamond locket pendant and 20 inch chain with a clover surprise. Total diamond weight: 0.31ct. £9,600
Fabergé Heritage Palais Tsarskoye Selo 18ct yellow gold, white enamel and diamond pendant and 20 inch chain. Total diamond weight: 0.29ct. £6,480
Fabergé Heritage Palais Yelagin 18ct white gold royal blue enamel and diamond pendant and 20 inch chain. Total diamond weight: 0.19ct. £6,480
Fabergé Imperial Simple 18ct rose gold and diamond pendant and 20 inch chain. Total Diamond Weight: 0.05ct. £2,760
Click here to see the Fabergé range at Mallory Jewellers.
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ART EXHIBITION | RAISING SPIRITS
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A new exhibition that has opened at Southmead Hospital profiles the work of Andy Goodman, who hails from Bristol. The artful visual playfulness in his work is hard to resist; the hope is that the images will raise the spirits of both staff and visitors alike. Our April cover star, Shirley Temple-Meads, will also be appearing at the exhibition this month, along with other famous faces that resemble Bristol landmarks.
Enjoy a two minute read here
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STAY-CATION INSPIRATION | STROUD, COTSWOLDS
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Staying at Five Valleys is less about staying in but more about and getting out and embracing the change of scene. Enjoy near-endless footpaths and pretty little villages when you get away to the heart of the Cotswolds for a rural break, it couldn't be easier. Book a stylish apartment and take the opportunity to explore the dramatic scenery on the doorstep.
There's so much going on too, learn about the rich local history, indulge in the fabulous foodie and café scene, perhaps take an art course, a tour of Woodchester Valley Vineyard with wine tasting, or get active with a guided off-road bike ride or why not play a round or two of golf at one ... (or all) of the five local courses. Perhaps a visit to Stroud Brewery, down by the canal, for organic beer and pizza. If you want some pampering then the Calcot Manor and Spa is the place to unwind and relax. At the aparthotel there's a bike store, on site parking, free wifi and an accessible apartment too. It's the perfect place to stay for your next adventure. A three-night weekend starts from less than £230.
The Sunday Times recently named Stroud as the best place to live in the UK, stating: "Our overall winner has the basics covered in perfect style and, even better, it has a strong community spirit and knows how to celebrate all things local."
Visit: 5va.co.uk Tel: 01453 764496
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ON THE BOX | A FATHER-SON DRAMA
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Sent to live with his estranged father for the summer, a rebellious teen finds kinship in a tight-knit Philadelphia community of Black cowboys.
Starring Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin and Method Man, this moving father-son drama is the perfect way to kick off the bank holiday weekend.
Watch it on Netflix tomorrow
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RETURN TO RADIANCE AT ANTHROPOLOGIE
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LES CHANSONS DE PRINTEMPS | SALADS IN THE SUN
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Recipe by Melissa Blease |
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Salade Niçoise |
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Since it first appeared on menus in Nice in the late 19th century, Salade Niçoise – a glorious combination of tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, green beans and olives in an anchovy-rich vinaigrette – has topped the salad charts across the world. Delia Smith calls it "one of the best combinations of salad ingredients ever invented" and Gordon Ramsay says it's "the finest summer salad of all" – like most chefs, however, they beg to differ when it comes to how to treat those little potatoes: Gordon sautés his after boiling (I do, too), while Delia slices hers and uses them cold. Would Nigella Lawson care to comment? "I have no desire to join the fray," she writes, in her 2007 book Nigella Express. "I put in what I have at home from, broadly, the accepted canon, but not necessarily everything the purists would". She therefore eschews spuds altogether and uses croutons instead. I would like to add, however, that canned new potatoes can be used to great success in this recipe if you haven't got any fresh to hand... just don't tell Gordon I said that.
On the fish front, many recipes insist on using seared fresh tuna; many more tell you that only tinned tuna will do... and on and on the debate goes, with olives, anchovies and everything else being tossed around in the great salad bowl of cheffy egos.
The recipe you see here is my own little version of this great big salad, but feel free to do your own thing. I can, however, offer one firm guarantee regarding the multiple charms of Salade Niçoise: after just one forkful and a sip from a glass of chilled rosé on an early spring evening, you're immediately transported to a pavement table outside a French Riviera bistro. À votre santé!
Ingredients (serves 2, generously)
For the olive dressing: 50g pitted black olives 6 anchovy fillets 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 4 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar The juice of half a lemon
For the salad: 300g small new potatoes or 1 x 300g can of peeled new potatoes in water 100g green beans, trimmed and chopped into bite-sized chunks 2 x 200g high-quality tinned tuna in olive oil, drained 4 large eggs 2 Baby Gem lettuces 200g cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar The juice of half a lemon Olive oil, for sautéing and dressing Pinch of caster sugar Small handful basil leaves Fresh chives, to serve
Method
1. To make the olive dressing, mash the olives, anchovies and garlic together to form a rough paste (a pestle and mortar helps here) before adding the olive oil, lemon juice and balsamic or red wine vinegar. Combine well, and set to one side.
2. Cook the potatoes in salted, boiling water for 12–15 minutes, or until tender (or, open that can.) Drain and set to one side. Meanwhile, cook the eggs until hard-boiled (I like the yolks to be slightly soft-set, which takes around 6 minutes). Plunge into cold water before peeling, to avoid the dreaded 'green rim' around the cooked yolks. Steam the green beans until al dente and refresh in cold water; drain, and set to one side.
3. Halve the cooled potatoes and sauté over a medium heat in 2 tbsp olive oil until just turning slightly crispy on the outside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil with 2 tbsp balsamic or red wine vinegar and the juice of half a lemon to make a vinaigrette. Strip the Little Gem lettuces and add the leaves to the bowl, tossing with your hands until each leaf is covered in vinaigrette. Divide the dressed leaves between two large, shallow serving bowls and roughly blob half of the olive dressing hither and thither across the leaves.
5. Pile the potatoes and tomatoes on top of the leaves, followed by the green beans and chunks of tuna. Cut the hard-boiled eggs into halves or quarters and place them neatly around the top of each bowl, making sure that each serving has a total of 2 eggs each. Dollop small spoonfuls of the remaining olive dressing on top of each piece of egg... et voila!
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LET'S TALK | LIQUID HEAVEN
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Soup shouldn't be put on the back burner just because the sun is shining. Here are a spring soup selection packed with lively, seasonal flavours, refreshingly elegant, elegantly refreshing and super-speedy to make.
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Pea and Mint Soup
Serves 4; vegetarian/vegan option
Pour approx. 850ml chicken or vegetable stock into a large pan. Add 1 bunch of spring onions (roughly chopped), 1 medium-sized potato (peeled and chopped) and 1 clove of crushed garlic, bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer for around 15-20 minutes, or until the potato is very soft. Add 900g frozen petits pois, bring back to the boil and simmer for around 4 minutes, until the peas are just cooked. Add approx. 4 tbsp chopped fresh mint, 1 tbsp lemon juice and a pinch of caster sugar, stir well and allow to cool slightly before blending with a stick blender (or in a food processor) until smooth. Reheat (adding a dollop of fresh or soured cream/vegan option if desired) or serve chilled, topped with an extra swirl of cream.
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Spring vegetable soup
Serves 4; vegetarian/vegan option)
Sauté 1 finely-chopped onion in a large saucepan over a medium heat until translucent. Add 2 medium-sized potatoes (peeled and diced) to the pan and sauté for a further 2-3 minutes. Add 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock, bring to the boil and simmer for around 5-6 minutes until the potato cubes have cooked through. Add 150g trimmed, chopped Tenderstem or purple sprouting broccoli, 150g peeled, finely-chopped baby carrots and 150g frozen peas to the pan and simmer for around 4-6 minutes. Add 150g fresh spinach leaves and a generous handful of chopped fresh mint and simmer until the spinach leaves have wilted (around 1-2 minutes). Season generously and serve hot, topped with finely-grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative) and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
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Asparagus soup
Serves 2; vegetarian
Sauté 1 finely-chopped onion in a large saucepan over a medium heat until translucent. Add 400g finely-chopped asparagus and sauté for a further 3 minutes before adding 500ml vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, season to taste and simmer for around 4-6 minutes, until the asparagus has cooked through. Add around 4 tbsp double or single cream/creme fraiche (or vegan alternative) and blend with a stick blender (or in a food processor) until smooth. Serve warm.
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Gazpacho
Serves 4–6 as a starter/part of a tapas spread; vegan
Tip 800g chopped, very ripe tomatoes, half a cucumber (roughly chopped), 2 red peppers (deseeded and roughly chopped), 2 garlic cloves, 60g day-old crusty white or sourdough bread (cubed), 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp dry sherry (optional), and plenty of salt and black pepper into the bowl of a food processor or blender and blitz until thoroughly combined.
Pour the mixture into a large bowl or jug (pushing it through a fine-mesh sieve and discarding the 'pulp' if you prefer a silky smooth texture) and chill for a minimum of 4 hours. Serve in individual bowls or glasses topped with torn basil leaves, capers, diced cucumber, sliced cherry tomatoes, an extra drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a generous smattering of freshly ground black pepper.
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INTERIOR STYLES | WALL CLOCKS WITH ATTITUDE
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Newgate's best clock ever |
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We’ve often featured Newgate clocks in the magazine and newsletters and while we might choose our words more carefully - we don’t mind Newgate’s forthright self-declaration and unanimously agree they are pretty darned-good wall clocks.
Available for a short time only, Newgate has a limited edition of six vibrant designs: including ’Best Clock Ever' and 'Up Yours' wall clock featuring multicolour limited edition artwork with a hand-pulled screen-printed slogan combined with a spun aluminium dial and matt black silicone case.
Newgate clocks have become popular also because of their generous size - this one measures 53cm and the quality ‘silent sweep’ whereby the hands move in a constant sweeping motion rather than a stepped tick. The motor is pretty quiet too, so the only noise you’ll hear is guests mouthing out expletives as they read the time. Regular price: £100
Click here to order and view all the range at Newgate World
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BEAUTY TALK | GRADUALLY DOES IT
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Amanda Harrington London Perfect Body Ultimate Gradual Tan
180ml, £28.
Perfect Body, Ultimate Gradual Tan is Amanda Harrington’s illuminating, hydrating and tan-extending primer, use alone as a gradual tan, or as a primer for the Body Mousse. Innovatively formulated with a blend of mild tanning agents and light-reflecting particles that work to create a subtle base colour and extend the wear of your sunless tan, while skin soothing ingredients help to boost hydration and suppleness. Collagen and hyaluronic acid plump and firm the skin working to improve elasticity, while aloe vera hydrates, softens and replenishes moisture levels. An antioxidant and omega-rich blend of shea butter and almond oil soothe and enrich skin health, helping to rejuvenate and smooth the appearance of fine lines.
Available at the Beauty Hall in Harvey Nichols Bristol (opening 12 April) or online at: harveynichols.com
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HOMES & GARDENS | AWARD-WINNING SPECIALISTS
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Paul Whittaker Bathrooms and Wetrooms
Paul Whittaker Bathrooms and Wetrooms is a design, supply and installation bathroom company with a huge reputation in the Bristol area. Working closely with his clients, Paul is able to deliver cleverly designed bathrooms and wetrooms, expertly installed by his experienced team of fitters. With 3D design layouts to help with decision-making and project management through the course of the works, Paul Whittaker makes bathroom renovations easy and stress-free.
0117 2230086 / 07879 666221; paulwhittakerbathrooms.co.uk Showroom by appointment at Bathroom Solutions, 54 Redcliff Street, Bristol BS1 6LS
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RWA: Easter Egg Painting
2–18 April, online
This workshop is for all the family to enjoy together. Follow a step by step video to create beautiful painted eggs to decorate your home for spring and Easter. Have fun preparing your eggs and learning how to paint with enamel paints, which will ensure your decorations will remain beautiful for years to come.
rwa.org.uk
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BRISTOL PROPERTY | ON THE MARKET
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West Villa, Redland Court |
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This is one of only two new-build houses; the other being Woodstock Lodge, on the exclusive Redland Court development.
This beautifully transformed two-bedroom villa benefits from private gardens, a main reception room, large kitchen/breakfast room with bespoke cabinets, Quartz worktops and a full range of high-quality built-in appliances. From the kitchen, there's a dining area/living space that opens out onto a patio area.
On the upper floor, there are two large bedrooms, both with full en-suite bathrooms, and from this floor stairs lead up to a spectacular, terraced roof area, which is unique to the development and covers the full expanse of the villa offering exceptional views over the landscaped grounds, and to all points across Bristol.
Overall, this is a sympathetic build and a very elegant construction in the style of the original Georgian Manor House, sitting on its own plot with walled gardens to both sides and the rear of the property, it also comes with two parking spaces.
Priced at £1,250,000, West Villa is available to view by appointment only. To arrange a visit and tour of Redland Court and the other properties available, contact Ocean on 0117 946 9838 or Savills on 0117 910 0360.
Or visit the Redland Court website for more information: redlandcourt.co.uk
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