Famous Bristolian Maisie Williams shares her favourite beauty buys

Bristol-born Maisie Williams (known for starring in Game of Thrones, as well as being an ambassador for Bristol food charity The MAZI Project recently shared her must-have beauty products in an interview for Harper’s Bazaar.

In the chat, which you can watch here, Williams said that Erborian’s CC Red Correct is “Amazing, it’s kind of the only makeup I really use day-to-day.”

Formulated with green pigments that correct redness, encapsulated pigments, and soothing Centella Asiatica, the produce helps create an even-toned complexion, blurs skin texture to fade minor irregularities and blemishes, adds radiance, soothes and moisturises. It’s available to buy in Space NK (with stores on Queens Road and Cribbs Causeway) and Boots.

OUR APRIL ISSUE IS OUT NEXT WEEK!

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 Bristol's best businesses. 

Features include exploring SS Great Britain's new botanical installation; new wedding trends enticing couples to cut ties with tradition; discovering the organisations that provide creative ways to boost Bristolian's wellbeing; plus 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, House of Fraser 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 £4.25. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website. 

Words by Melissa Blease

Lamb Stifado

This robust casserole combines all the classic Greek taverna flavours in one comforting pot, perfect for warming up a dreary March weekend – or putting a fresh spin on the traditional roast lamb feast this Easter. Yamas!

Ingredients (serves 6)

800g lamb shoulder, chopped into generous cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
500g shallots, peeled and chopped in half if large
1 tbsp brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried mint
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp tomato pureé
2 x 400g tins of cherry (or chopped plum) tomatoes
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
200ml red wine

To serve: a generous handful of crumbled feta cheese

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 5. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a flameproof casserole dish over a medium-high heat and brown the lamb all over (you will probably need to do this in batches, removing the seared lamb to a plate with a slotted spoon as you go).

2. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil into the pan. Add the shallots to the pan, and scatter with the sugar. Allow to sizzle for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to caramelise. Add the garlic, oregano, rosemary, cinnamon and nutmeg and cook for a further minute. Add the tomato pureé and cook for another minute, then add the seared lamb back into the pan, along with any resting juices. Stir well to coat the lamb in the spiced onion mixture.

3. Add the tinned tomatoes and red wine vinegar to the pan. Rinse the cans out with the red wine and pour it into the pot, along with enough water to just cover the lamb. Season well, bring to a simmer and stir again, then cover with the lid and transfer to the oven for 1 hour.

4. Remove the pot from the oven and stir again – if the sauce looks very thick, add a splash more water. Cover again and return to the oven for another 1-1.5 hours, or until the lamb is meltingly tender.

5. Sprinkle the feta cheese across the top and serve accompanied by chunks of fresh crusty bread, steamed rice or mounds of mashed potato.

Biodynamic Wines

Biodynamics is a form of organic farming that emphasises the interrelationship of soil fertility and plant growth; it draws on the spiritual theories of Austrian occultist Rudolf Steiner, that studies the astrological sowing and planting calendar, as well as treating the earth as a living and receptive, holistic organism.

Some grape growers who have adopted biodynamic methods claim to have achieved improvements in the health of their vineyards, specifically in the areas of biodiversity, soil fertility and crop nutrition, as well as pest, weed and disease management.

Here’s our selection of biodynamic wines from The Great Wine Co. (explore its full cellar of dedicated producers here)

Beautiful Chaos Pinot Noir – Seresin Estate

This has a bit of natural wine funk, which is quickly overtaken by bright, exuberant fruit, freesia, lily and lipstick aromas. It is dry, fresh and exciting on the palate, with light texture, crunchy fruit, brisk acidity and an appealing note of liquorice on the finish. | £25

Rosso di Montalcino – Il Poggione

Lovely rounded red fruit character, very easy and immediate, yet backed up by satisfying complexity and structure. Tuck right into it straight away, and enjoy over the next 2-3 years. Produced entirely from the Brunello variant of Sangiovese grapes, from Il Poggione's younger vines, this is aged for 12 months in large casks before a period of bottle aging. | £22

Monastrell Remordimiento – Bodega Cerron

This wine shows the elegance of which Monastrell is capable, from the Mediterranean influence on the south-facing vineyards. It has an approachable red fruit character, alongside hints of aromatic herbs. Balanced and smooth on the palate, the flavours are pure and refined, with mineral hints. | £15.50

Fabergé eggs for Easter

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 18ct White Gold Royal Blue Enamel and Diamond Pendant and Chain £8,160

• Fabergé Emotion 18ct Yellow Gold Multicoloured Gemstone and Diamond Pendant and Chain £12,960

• Fabergé Heritage Palais Tsarskoye Selo 18ct Rose Gold Rose Enamel and Diamond Pendant and Chain £6,000

There’s a full range of Fabergé jewellery to be discovered at Mallory Jewellers: click here to see more.

Luxury Bakeware and Kitchen Accessories by Peugeot

Yes, you heard right… Long before turning their attention to the automobile, Peugeot invented the tabletop pepper mill almost 150 years ago. Where tradition and history are a huge part of the DNA of Peugeot. Innovation and modernism are at the forefront, and its beautiful range of manual or electric salt and pepper mills are sustainably crafted in France, with an original steel grinding mechanism and over 200 years of expertise behind the technology.

Now with a beautifully crafted kitchen and bakeware range - all sustainably crafted in France - you can prepare, season and cook your dishes to perfection with Peugeot's innovative technologies, premium materials, high-performance mechanisms and user-friendly designs.

Shown here are the Peugeot Premium Salt, Pepper & Spice Mills from £13.50, available from Peugeot.

Click here to see these and many more bakeware, kitchen and table accessories

Jimmy Fairly: The Nax | £135

Introducing the Nax: Jimmy Fairly's new oversized frame. With its brown tortoiseshell, its double bridge and its 70's vibe, retro is back.

It is best suited for round, triangular or oval faces. All Jimmy Fairly stores offer eye tests, free adjustments, style advice or simply browsing.

Click here to purchase.

Penhaligon's AlUla | £215

Don't miss Penhaligon's AlUla's new arrival. This fragrance smells of warm plum, meeting a mirage of patchouli tinged with turmeric. 

Vanilla winds whisper across the horizon. Plum, Patchouli, Palms reach skyward, taller than incense, next to a monolith of spice and tobacco. A sweeping desert of saffron, born of sand and drenched in sky.

Click here to purchase. 

Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow palette – Rivage | £54

The LES 4 OMBRES RIVAGE palette features the colours found along the coast, the four shades represent the meeting of land and sea that inspired Valentina Li for this collection.

A satiny turquoise, a subtly satiny champagne, a luminous matte brown, and a translucent hue whose gold and pink shimmer enhances any eye look. Embossed with curved ridges that resemble ripples on the water’s surface, the four shades in the palette evoke the movement of waves.

Click here to shop the spring collection.

Finisterre men's Tonkin Work Shirt | £110

The Tonkin is a utility-inspired shirt with a relaxed feel and serious workwear build.

A new addition to Finisterre's collection, the Tonkin is the ideal casual shirt for those cooler summer days. Made from mid-weight organic cotton herringbone twill, it layers comfortably over a tee and features large utility-style lower patch pockets.

Click here to purchase. 

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Family Style is a new magazine launched this month, New York-based but edited from around the world by alumni from the United Nations, Vogue magazine and The New York Times. It takes the ingredients of a standard lifestyle title: fashion, art, design, and whips them into 'a fantasy dinner party' in the form of a quality cultural journal. The launch issue divides its content into dinner course sections, not unlike an express service version of Luncheon magazine, and offers the usual fare of premier indie icons – Michèle Lamy, Chloë Sevigny, Gus Van Sant, Anohni et al. Worth a look. | £12

magalleria.co.uk

Beginners Bridge Classes with Bristol Bridge Club

Bristol Bridge Club is restarting its 10-week Beginners Bridge course on 3 April at 7.30pm, and the course will continue to be on Wednesdays. 

Players can either pay £8 per lesson or make one payment of £70 for the full duration. A shorter Introduction to Bridge course is available, also on Wednesdays, with a new intake of participants every three months. 

Not sure you want to sign up to a course just yet? Bristol Bridge Club holds a weekly informal bridge session every Thursday at 10.30am, with the opportunity for people to take part in a Q&A with Ralph (£6 for members and £8 for guests). ‘Friendly Thursdays’ also take place each week for members and guests, with a relaxed pairs handicapped session at 7pm. Food is available to order from 6.30pm.

For more information, contact Stuart: teaching@bristolbridgeclub.co.uk

Bristol Sparks welcomes OTTOPIA presented by OTTER Produces

Landing in Bristol's city centre from 27 March–21 April is OTTOPIA: a world of creative play and interactive fun, presented by OTTER Produces.

OTTOPIA is a novel, black and white striped, family-friendly immersive experience that will enchant visitors of all ages and inspire curious minds. Sparks, housed within the former M&S building now celebrated as a beacon of sustainability and arts, will host the remarkable series of events.

Within OTTOPIA you will find quests, unique interactive games, and playful adventures. Hosted by the charismatic duo, Lutra Lutra, players are invited to a visually striking world brimming with puzzles, riddles and play.

Ticket prices range from £7.50 for over 13s, to £5 for over 5s, with free entry for under-5’s.

For further details, and a glimpse into the world of OTTOPIA, visit the website.

Spring wildlife at Westonbirt

Something magical is happening at Forestry England’s Westonbirt, The National Arboretum this spring. The warmer and longer spring days bring the emergence of many forms of new life.

One of the most exciting things to see is new leaves appearing on the trees and flower buds opening. Springtime is also signalled by the sound of songbirds and sights of newborn wildlife.

Bring the family to explore Westonbirt’s spring walk trails, free after paying admission, to learn more about this beautiful home to wildlife.

Click here for more information.

Ashton Gate Stadium host its first ever Women's Six Nations fixture

This Easter weekend, Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium will host its first ever Women’s Six Nations fixture as it becomes home to the world’s number one team, the Red Roses for their colossal clash against Wales on the 30 March, at 4.45pm.

This is one of only two home fixtures for England in the tournament, so it’s a rare chance to see some of the best players on the globe take to the pitch, and you can immerse yourself in each kick, scrum, and point first-hand from the stands with thousands of fans cheering on.

The day promises fun for all the family in an electric sporting atmosphere, as the Red Roses aim to inspire the next generations of young girls and boys looking to get into the sport. Celebrate a monumental day for women’s sport in Bristol, and you might even find yourself coming back for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup!

Every match of the tournament will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online. 

Frank Water launches World Water Day Appeal 'Peace Flows'

Bristol-based global water charity, Frank Water has launched its latest fundraising appeal to coincide with World Water Day on Friday 22 March to raise £30,000 to support the most vulnerable communities with access to clean, safe water.

The appeal will highlight water's crucial role in nurturing inner peace and community cooperation. By collaborating closely with communities, Frank Water has seen firsthand how improved access to clean, safe water alleviates the burden of water scarcity and uncertainty, fostering peace and harmony within families and communities.

To donate and find out more visit the Frank Water website at frankwater.org

Andrew Scott stars in new series 'Ripley' on Netflix 4 April

If Saltburn left you hungry for more dark tales of jealousy, greed and high society imposters, then be prepared to fill up with Ripley - a new Netflix series based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, Tom Ripley which was told in 1999 with Anthony Minghella’s film: The Talented Mr Ripley, starring Matt Damon, alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law.

This stylish Netflix limited series released 4 April has Andrew Scott (Sherlock, Fleabag) taking the antihero role as the story of a New York grifter in 1960s' New York, who is hired by a wealthy family to track down Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn), their wayward playboy son and to try and persuade him to return home from Italy. But Tom's introduction to Dickie Greenleaf's leisurely life abroad is the first step into a complex life of deceit, fraud and murder.

You may know how this ends [spoiler: not well] - but the journey there is quite delicious. It’s a vision of high society, beautifully cast and brilliantly filmed. Andrew Scott is both convincing and excellent.

Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints

The Bears kick off the Gallagher Premiership Run-In with a mouth-watering Friday night clash against league leaders Northampton Saints at Ashton Gate (7.45pm KO).

It's set to be a big one for the annual 'Go Green' fixture, so join Bristol Bears for all the excitement and don't miss out!

Click here to buy tickets. 

Job vacancy at University of Bristol

Would you like to help hold the University of Bristol to account for achieving positive change?

We are looking for people to help develop our Reparative Futures Programme which aims to tackle racial injustice and inequalities both within the University, and in the local and global communities we work with.

There are 5 Accountability Partner and up to 20 Accountability Associate roles available.

Partners will be expected to commit to an average of 8 hours per month and Associates will be invited to contribute to set pieces of work. Successful applicants will be paid for their time.

For more information and to apply visit: University of Bristol
Deadline for both: 07 April 2024.

St Peter’s Hospice teams up with Bristol Bears for fundraising march

St Peter’s Hospice is teaming up with Bristol Bears again for this year’s Rugby March, taking place on 21 April. Tickets are £30 for adults and each ticket includes entry to the exhilarating Bristol Bears vs Newcastle Falcons rugby game.

Put on your walking boots and choose between a six-mile or new three-mile (which is accessible) route through Bristol before taking your seat in the stadium and soaking up the match-day atmosphere watching Bristol Bears in action. Participants will receive a Rugby March t-shirt to wear on the day and a route map to guide them on an adventure around Bristol's scenic spots. Every donation raised from the event could fund an hour of a nurse's time, helping to give care, advice and comfort to local patients and their families during the most difficult moments.

Click here to get your tickets online. 

Known for its innovative garden rooms, this company offers so much more... BGR Designs works with a range of famous designers, architects and visionaries that create bespoke designs to complement your vision. 

The team works with clients to produce creative solutions and phenomenal standards of workmanship. Luke Millard is the driving force behind the success of BGR Designs. As a highly-respected designer for interior and exterior projects, he has become well-known around Bristol for his creativity and ability to make each new project a unique and functional space for every client. BGR Designs creates spectacular gardens and living spaces taking pride in its ability to get to the heart of each project. Whether that project is creating a wood-frame studio, designing a garden, restoring or remodelling existing buildings, or even building a new home – BGR Designs will listen, design, and build for you.

Read more about the people that power BGR Designs in our April issue, landing across the city next week.

bgrdesigns.uk

Hanbury Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8

Offered for sale by Rupert Oliver estate agents

26 Hanbury Road is a superb semi-detached townhouse, situated in an enviable location with Whiteladies Road to the east, Clifton village to the west, The Downs just to the north and Clifton Triangle not too far to the south.

The original front door leads into a beautiful entrance hall, with a tessellated floor and turned balustrade staircase leading to the floors above, along with retained ceiling cornice work. Beneath the stairs is direct access to the lower ground floor annex whilst at the end of the hall is a useful downstairs cloakroom.

To the front of the house lie two superb reception rooms; with the sitting room enjoying a wide triple sash bay window, engineered wooden floor, period fire surround and retained corniced ceiling plasterwork. Adjacent to this is a charming study or games room, fully carpeted with a sash window, carved oak fire-surround, coal effect gas fire and retained corniced ceiling plasterwork. 

On the opposite side of the hallway is a charming suite of rooms, with the generous and beautifully proportioned bay-fronted dining room opening up and leading down to the family kitchen, complete with AGA and an expanse of Corian worktops, floor and wall mounted storage. This is a wonderfully sociable space, opening up into the sun-drenched conservatory with a pair of French doors leading out into the private rear garden.

From the hall, a turned balustrade staircase leads up to the first floor landing, with a useful study or third bedroom on the half-landing. Across the first floor lie two exceptional bedroom suites; one to the front and one to the rear with the principal bedroom at the front enjoying a triple sash bay-fronted window and en-suite bath & shower room. 

To the rear the guest suite overlooks the garden; also with a bay-fronted window and has the sole use of an en-suite shower room. Also on the first floor is a well-appointed family bath & shower room serving bedrooms three & five. 

Bedroom five itself is situated on the half-landing leading up to the top floor which, with an expanse of fitted wardrobes, serves as a useful dressing room. The top floor itself is entirely given over to a superb fourth bedroom; perfect for a studio office or au pair accommodation and is served by its own en-suite bathroom, feature toughened glass ceiling light and a triple aspect flooding the room with natural light. 

Accessed from the top floor is also an abundance of storage, from a generous walk-in loft room to wrap-around eaves storage. The Annexe Accessed from either the main house via a contemporary staircase down from the entrance hall, or via the garage from the driveway is a superb one bedroom annex. 

Arranged with a stylish and contemporary fitted kitchen in the hall the annex benefits from a deep 21' sitting room, generously proportioned double bedroom and a separate well-appointed shower room. | Guide Price: £1,995,000

For more information and images visit the Rupert Oliver website by clicking here.