Spot 'Brunelf' across Bristol this Christmas and be in with the chance to win a £500 Love Bristol gift card

Starting today (22 November) and until 24 December, Brunelf – Bristol’s own 15-ft version of The Elf on the Shelf® – is spreading festive cheer by visiting some of the city’s most iconic locations.

Bristol’s giant Scout Elf will embark on a Christmas adventure, delighting Bristolians with his larger-than-life presence, playful holiday antics and some new-for-2024 Christmas surprises.

Alongside Brunelf’s Christmas adventure, there’s an opportunity to participate in the new for 2024 ‘Elfie’ competition. Simply snap a selfie with Bristol’s Scout Elf and post it on Instagram using the hashtag #BristolElfie, while tagging @bristolbid and @redcliffeandtemplebid. Each post enters participants into a drawing to win a £500 Love Bristol gift card.

Click here to find out more information about where and when you can find the red-clad cheeky chappie around the city in the run up to Christmas.

OUR DECEMBER ISSUE IS OUT NEXT WEEK!

Your next edition of The Bristol Magazine has some familiar faces on the cover...

Well, it's official. The city's elves have worked their magic and Christmas festivities are upon us. Our December issue is positively bursting with things to do, see and taste for the final few weeks of 2024, whether you're venturing out alone or are spending time with others. We've got a cracking interview with Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park and new film Vengeance Most Fowl's director Merlin Crossingham. The significance of the franchise's first feature-length film in 16 years being made here in Bristol cannot be overstated. Fans around the world are rejoicing, and so are we. 

We've also got some glamorous looks to see you through the party season, decoration inspiration, festive film recommendation, a local gift guide, a special focus on Clifton Arcade, and SO much more...

15,000 copies are delivered door to door, and you can pick up a copy at many places around town – including our stands at Waitrose, John Lewis and Harvey Nichols.

Read the digital version of our current issue here!

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 £4.95. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website. 

Pecan Pie

Recipe by Melissa Blease

Thursday 28 November is Thanksgiving Day in the USA; if you rustle up this classic all-American pie to celebrate the occasion, your friends will definitely thank you for it!

You can, if you wish, use all 300g of the whole pecan nuts to arrange in a concentric circle on the top of the pie but to me, chunks of nuts held within that rich, sweet, indulgent filling adds to the Pecan Pie party.

Ingredients (serves 8-10)

500g pack ready made, all-butter shortcrust pastry
75g butter, softened
100g caster sugar
175g maple syrup
175g golden syrup
3 eggs
½ tsp vanilla extract
300g pecan nuts
To serve: lightly whipped double cream or vanilla ice cream

Method

1. Roll the pastry out on a lightly-floured surface and use it to line a 23cm tart case. Prick the base of the pastry with a fork and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 190c/gas mark 5. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper, fill with baking beans (or uncooked rice) and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans (or rice) and greaseproof paper and return the pastry case to the oven for around 10 minutes, or until the base has set and the pastry is lightly golden in colour.

3. Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy then add both the maple and golden syrups to the bowl. Beat again, then gradually add the eggs, the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt and whisk until combined.

4. Chop 200g of the pecan nuts, add them to the pie filling and stir well to thoroughly distribute them throughout the mixture (or see note above). Pour the mixture into the tart case and arrange the remaining pecans in a circle around the edge.

5. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the heat down to 160c/gas mark 3 and continue to bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top of the pie is golden brown and the filling is still a little bit wobbly in the centre.

6. Leave the pie to cool on a rack before removing from the tin and serving with lashings of whipped double cream or vanilla ice cream.

Beaujolais wine at The Great Wine Co.

To the south of Bourgogne lies Beaujolais, a region famed for its production of light, vibrant and fruity reds. Its vineyards are almost entirely planted with Gamay - the grape from which Beaujolais' signature style is derived - making this one of the few winemaking regions in the world to place such focus on a single grape variety. Refreshing acidity, fruit-driven flavours and low tannins are the distinguishing characteristics of the region - a vast separation from the heavy, tannic styles from surrounding regions. It's also home to the now-famed Beaujolais Nouveau, an early-release style bottled a mere 6-8 weeks after harvest, with no barrel ageing at all - a stylistic tradition that has propelled Beaujolais into public awareness and popularity.

Fleurie 2023, Pierre-Marie Chermette | £25
Brouilly, Louis Tête | £18.50
Beaujolais Nouveau 'Le Pot', Louis Tête | £16.95
Fleurie, Louis Tête | £25

Click here to see these and much more at The Great Wine Co.

Tare opens new Wapping Wharf bar

Michelin Guide-recognised eatery Tare has added a sister venue to its Bistro, opening a bar in the unit that formerly housed its Tasting Menu restaurant at Wapping Wharf.

The new harbourside spot Tare Bar is open Wednesday through to Saturday evenings, offering moreish bar snacks and and an extensive drinks list. Tare Bar is the brainchild of founder and chef, Matt Hampshire, who has spent the past year perfecting the concept that brings together his passion for sensational food and drink in a modern yet laid-back environment.

“We wanted to create a fun space that feels a little like home, but with the exceptional quality that you’d expect from Tare and everything we’re known for." he says. Tare Bar’s menu includes an inspiring wine list, each available by the glass and rotating regularly. It also features a selection of signature cocktails and drinks from many local distilleries and breweries, as well as a wide variety of no- and low- alcoholic alternatives. Highlights from the ever-changing bar food menu include glazed stuffed chicken wings, tempura oyster mushrooms and pork belly skewers.

tarerestaurant.co.uk

Top Trend: Hot luxury

When it comes to 'IT girl’ styling, few shades will work better than red and pink. Complement your look, your wardrobe, your style with a dash of racy red or pink to really catch the eye.

Here are five of our favourite luxury 'hot pink’ watches currently on show at Bath jewellers Mallory. Above left to right:

• TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 steel 36mm pink patterned diamond dot and baton dial watch with a black ceramic and steel rotating bezel on a brushed and polished steel bracelet, £3,400
• Longines Conquest steel and rose gold capped 34mm purple baton dial watch with a rose gold capped polished bezel on a purple rubber strap, £2,800
• Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M steel 34mm rose baton dial watch with a steel polished bezel on a steel bracelet, £6,200
• Patek Philippe Calatrava 18ct rose gold 35mm purple lacquered baton dial watch with a rose gold diamond set bezel on a purple brushed satin strap. Total diamond weight: 0.55ct, £34,110
• Chopard Happy Sport Steel 36mm white Roman dial watch with a steel polished bezel on a red alligator strap. Total Diamond Weight: 0.24ct, £6,390

Click here to see these and many more luxury timepieces at Mallory

Yankee Candle Express at Cabot Circus Saturday 23- Sunday 24 November

The Yankee Candle Express will take its passengers on a festive fragrance journey. Once onboard, visitors will be transported into a cosy and inviting space, inspired by the Yankee Candle Christmas TV advert, reminding us that the magic of Christmas is usually found close to home. 

There will be much merriment, from a photo booth for capturing memories to brand competitions, or perhaps resting in the armchair before enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate. 

Each visitor will receive a gift bag of festive fragrance to take home or gift to a loved one. 

Saturday 23 November, 11am-7pm and Sunday 24 November 11am-5pm
Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, Bristol

Click here to see more Yankee Candle Christmas cheer!

Bristol Soap Company Mini Gift Tin

Express your care with this charming gift set. Unveil the sweetness of a Sweet Orange Lip Balm, the soothing touch of a Sweet Orange and Lavender Soap, and the eco-friendly elegance of a Rami Soap Bag.

It's not just a set, it's a curated expression of affection, proving that even the most modest gestures can show someone you truly care. 

Bristol Museums Shop | £16
Click here to buy now

Curated by Daniel McCabe

CHEW is a charming new title from the publishers of market-leading children’s magazines ANORAK and DOT that aims to reconnect kids aged 6+ and their families with the universal foods we take for granted, such as fruits, grains and vegetables. CHEW uses play, imagination and creativity to engage them in the idea that healthy foods are exciting rather than something to battle against. The first issue is all about the orange and how this humble fruit has become one of the most popular foods on our planet. | £6.50

magalleria.co.uk

James Lisney plays Chopin
Wednesday 27 November, 7.30pm

James Lisney returns to St George’s with some of Chopin’s best-loved piano music in a concert programme that displays the Polish composer’s mastery of epic narration (the Four Ballades), profound poetry (a selection of Nocturnes), and the skills of the salon virtuoso (the Impromptus).

Chopin’s genius changed the course of the piano – and music itself – yet it also bridged the gap between the connoisseur and the casual listener, transcending barriers and uniting people from all walks of life.

This concert will also be livestreamed

Tickets from £12. Click here to book now.

St George's Bristol, Great George St, Bristol BS1 5RR

Fairfeild High School's Winter Gala- A Ceilidh Christmas
Wednesday 18 December, 6pm

Held in memory of Languages teacher Vincent Le Goascoz, Fairfield's Winter Gala will bring live performances, music & festive treats with positivity, warmth & enthusiasm.

Includes multicultural food stalls, market stalls, and festive activities. 

Anyone interested in running a stall should email admin@fairfield.excalibur.org.uk.

Click here for more information.

Fairfield High School, Allfoxton Rd, Horfield, Bristol BS7 9NL

Redmaids’ High students commemorate the schools’ founders

Redmaids’ High School in Bristol proudly marks its 390th anniversary this year, celebrating nearly four centuries as the oldest surviving independent girls’ school in the UK. This milestone was commemorated on Friday 15 November 2024, at the School’s annual Founders' Commemoration Day, steeped in history and tradition. Originally known as Founder’s Day, this celebration honours John Whitson, founder of the Red Maids’ School, whose visionary commitment to girls’ education began even before the School’s foundation in 1634. Following a 2016 merger with Redland High School for Girls, the occasion now also commemorates Reverends T.G. Rose and Urijah Thomas, who established Redland High in 1882.

Each year, students don traditional red uniforms—echoing Whitson’s historic trade in red dye—and take part in a ceremony including a wreath-laying at Whitson’s tomb in St. Nicholas Church followed by a service in Bristol Cathedral. The event draws together alumnae, families, and the school community, celebrating Redmaids’ High’s rich heritage of education and progress.

This year’s anniversary coincides with another milestone: Redmaids’ High will join the prestigious Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), becoming its 26th member next year. This partnership will enhance opportunities for collaboration, bringing GDST’s dedication to innovation and leadership in girls’ education to Bristol.

To find out more about Redmaids' High and how their distinguished history has shaped what they stand for today, visit redmaidshigh.co.uk

Redmaids' High School, Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3AW

Crown Garden Apartment, Soundwell, Bristol

Offered for sale by Ocean estate agents.

Situated just off Soundwell Road is this unique 1 bedroom converted apartment which comes to the market offering an excellent first time or investment purchase opportunity. The property is flooded with natural light and has a wonderful quirky feel through out.

The apartment comprises as a large open planned living/dining room with the kitchen seperated by well designed worktops. On the entry floor you can also find a well presented shower room and ample storage space.

To complete the apartment is a elevated bedroom floor which is flawlessly designed overlooking the living space and benefiting from the natural light bursting through. The current owners have also added creative and unique space savings features throughout the property. To the exterior the property has one allocated parking space as well as communal gardens and bin storage.

This property is just minutes away from local shops, bus routes and the beautiful Page Park making this property an ideal first time purchase or investment opportunity. The property is also conjointly located for the Bristol to Bath cycle path as well as major transport links such as the M5/M4/M32.

Offers in excess of £210,000

To see more images and review the details click here to visit the property on the Ocean website