A specially curated guide to help you enjoy the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath

COMING SOON  |  LIVE PERFORMANCES

From the Creators of Pub in the Park and Drive & Dine Theatre, The Alfresco Theatre arrives in Bath for the weekend of 6 to 9 May with a tasty mix of big-screen movies, comedy gigs, live theatre and exciting music acts. Pull-up, pop the handbrake on, turn your car radio up to the max and enjoy your show from the safety and comfort of your own private patch. Enjoy live shows and feel-good movies, all served alongside one-off dishes from some of the UK's finest chefs; Tom Kerridge, Rick Stein, Jason Atherton, Paul Ainsworth and Atul Kochhar. The events take place in the glorious surroundings of Warleigh Lodge Farm near Bathford.

For more information, visit: thealfrescotheatre.co.uk

Main image: Björn Again: The ABBA Show, 8 May

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE  |  DINING DOMES

On 17 May, Homewood, Bath, new member of Small Luxury Hotels of The World, will launch a unique ‘Big Green Egg’ barbecue dining experience for guests. A three-course lunch or dinner may be hosted in its new dining domes, which sit nestled in the tree line of the hotel’s grounds, with uninterrupted views across the gardens.

Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed onto the lawns with a glass of Taittinger Champagne and bountiful mezze boards to graze upon. Depending on the group’s choice of menu, a selection of marinaded BBQ meats or vegetarian dishes will be presented, ready for a nominated member of the group to take on the ‘Head Chef’ role, complete with an apron, to finish grilling the main course themselves.

Champagne Afternoon Tea will also be available in the Domes daily, with a decadent menu of enjoy. 

The new Big Green Egg Experience is available at Homewood, Bath seven days a week, with lunch from 12-3pm, Afternoon Tea from 4-6pm; and Dinner from 7-10pm. This starts from £50 per person for lunch.

The Domes accommodate a maximum of six guests or a minimum of four. For bookings of less than four people, a £100 hire charge is applied. Children aged 12 year or under may dine half price. In line with government guidelines, the rule of six or two households applies when dining on our terrace.

For further information or to book, please visit homewoodbath.co.uk or call 01225 580439.

FROM OUR MAY ISSUE  |  ADJOA ANDOH

Since its debut on 25 December, 82 million households have streamed Bridgerton – the new period drama has held the number one slot on the top 10 list in over 70 countries and has made the fifth biggest original series debut on Netflix. Melissa Blease speaks to the force of nature that is Bristol-born Adjoa Andoh, also known as Lady Danbury.

Enjoy an 11 minute read here

Photo by LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

CITY NEWS  |  HISTORIC VENUES OPENING UP

With the easing of lockdown restrictions visitors will soon be able to again explore and engage with the fascinating stories and histories of the No.1 Royal Crescent, Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Beckford’s Tower and Museum of Bath Architecture.

Herschel Museum of Astronomy – open from 19 May, Wednesday – Sunday weekly

A brand-new audio tour is now available for adult visitors that brings the house to life, with stories about how the Herschel family lived and worked in Bath, exploring their contributions to science and music during their time in 19 New King Street. Also new for 2021 is an audio-visual guide for children – meet Caroline Herschel as she takes you around her home and helps you to explore the home and collections, encouraging you to make your own discoveries.

Beckford’s Tower – open by appointment from 17 May

Book a guided tour or self-led visit and follow in William’s footsteps, following Beckford’s Ride up to the Tower, which is now home to a museum displaying original furniture that has been found and brought back to the Tower, alongside paintings, prints and objects, illustrating his controversial life. Visitors can also climb the spiral staircase to the beautiful Belvedere and experience the spectacular, panoramic views.

Museum of Bath Architecture – open by appointment from 17 May

Using maps, designs, drawings, videos, paintings and tools, including a 1:500 scale model of Bath which gives a miniature, birds-eye-view of the whole city, you can discover Bath’s famous architectural treasures including the iconic Royal Crescent and The Circus, before seeing them for real just a short walk away.

No.1 Royal Crescent – opens Wednesday 2 June

One of Bath’s most famous and instantly recognisable locations – if not its most prestigious address – when it reopens, No.1 Royal Crescent will feature a remarkable new immersive experience, which will allow visitors to see life as it was lived in Georgian Bath during the late 1700s.

bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

Above, from top left: Museum of Bath Architecture, No. 1 Royal Crescent, Herschel Museum of Astronomy and Beckford's Tower

EXHIBITIONS  |  VISIT AND BE STILL

During May, Beaux Arts Bath in York Street offers a respite from the busy streets outside with a showcase of still life drawings and paintings entitled Still. The exhibition features an exciting array of artists and mediums, including oil paintings by renowned Wiltshire artist Helen Simmonds, and the magical and amazingly detailed pencil drawings of Lewis Chamberlain. There is also the tranquil and contemplative work in egg tempera of Atsuko Fujii, works in oil by Nathan Ford, Harriet Porter, Alex Callaway, and Rob Pittam. Ceramics are by John Jelfs. It’s well worth a visit!

beauxartsbath.co.uk

Image: Night Interior with Seated Figure by Lewis Chamberlain; pencil on paper; 25 x 32cm.

LOOKING BACK  |  A SCENE OF DEVASTATION

This week marks 79 years since the Bath Blitz, when the city was subjected to three bombing raids between the evening of Saturday 25 April 1942 and the early hours of Monday 27 April. Over 400 people were killed and thousands of buildings were damaged or destroyed. This photograph shows just one of the countless scenes of devastation with which Bathonians were trying to come to terms in the days and weeks that followed. It was during the third raid that a 250kg bomb fell near the northern end of the Paragon, destroying Nos 28–31 and killing 20 people. Among them was Mary Middlemas, a well-known GP, who had been tending to the wounded in a first aid post at Snow Hill and had returned home to No. 29 to grab a few hours rest. Two of her sisters were also killed. As well as the four houses which were destroyed outright, No. 32 was so badly damaged that demolition was necessary. The site remained derelict for over eight years, until, late in 1950, the council decided that the five houses would be replaced by 13 flats. They stipulated, however, that the façade should replicate, as far as possible, the original buildings, and the work was carried out so successfully that few people today suspect that a large chunk of one of Bath’s most famous Georgian terraces is less than 70 years old.

akemanpress.com

OBJECTS OF DESIRE  |  THE LAUNER HANDBAG

With over 70 years of heritage, producing the very best in understated luxury handbags and small leather goods, British brand Launer is recognised the world over for employing time honoured craftsmanship and traditions that has earned the proud distinction of a Royal Warrant.

The Launer is the handbag often used by HM The Queen; its iconic structured style and ‘twisted rope’  signature emblem as well as being a small but practical size, will usually be seen on the arm of her Majesty, and a fit for any occasion.

There are many colour combination and the signature collection comes in three style sizes the Traviata, Juliet and Judi. 

Shown here are two from the Judi range currently found at Mallory. Launer Judi Handbag in pink patent leather, £1,355 and in dove grey, £1,230.

These beautifully crafted mini-totes will be an investment piece to be cherished but also promises to stand the test of time.

Visit Mallory by clicking here

LATEST LAUNCH  |  APPLE'S NEW GENERATION 

Apple have introduced a new slimmer, flat-back iMac – measuring just 11.5mm thick, it features a 24-inch, bright 4.5K display and is now packing in the punchy Apple Silicon M1 chip for super-fast performance.

There’s also an approving nod to the early colourful all-in-ones AppleMacs – as the new generation will be available in seven colours to brighten up your work and personal computing. 

Alongside the new iMac, Apple is also introducing a keyboard, mouse, and trackpad in matching colours – and just like your smart phone, there’s a Touch ID button on the keyboard to log in. 

What’s more, there's a desperately needed update to the iMac’s camera and microphone – It now has a larger sensor with 1080p resolution, so you’ll look and sound better on zoom calls. 

Lots of configuration options and the basic entry model starts at £1,249. You can order from today. Delivery mid-May.

Find out more by clicking here

CITY ARTS  |  OUT OF THE BLUE 

Come and visit this beautiful new gallery right in the heart of Bath, which is showcasing some of the best British artists and ceramicists throughout May. Set across two floors, the gallery is packed with great pieces. Look out for future exhibitions arriving at the gallery on the website. 6 Upper Borough Walls, Bath. 

5% of each and every sale at Out of the Blue will go to Julian House.

outofthebluegallery.com

Image: (top) one of Cornish artist John Piper's fine early paintings with pencil drawings around the cottages, £950; (bottom left) a Cornish harbour painting by artist Gerry Plumb, £265;  (bottom right) a beautiful hand thrown fish bowl with 24 carat gold embellishments, £40, by Peter O'Neil and Sarah Nicol.

LITTLE TREATS |  ENJOY A SPA IN STYLE

Perhaps you’ve already booked your UK break for the summer or are still tearing your hair out as you try and find the one week of the summer when the stars align and the various branches of the family are available to meet up for the perfect getaway together. 

St Michaels Resort, overlooking Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth still reports good availability from August to October and offers something for everyone. Family friendly accommodation is on offer, with the very welcome bonus of award winning full-service spa and wellness facilities including the world’s first sea salt steam room, hot tub, saunas, indoor pool, hydrothermal and Rhassoul mud experiences, tennis and gym.  

For those who are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach, then perhaps just create your own ‘spathroom’ at home using the St Michael’s Spa products from British Brand ishga. Pictured here is the Spa at Home collection featuring Invigorating Organic Body Oil, Hebridean Sea Salt Scrub, Hebridean Dreams Candle and  Relaxing Bath Salts. £39.00

Find out more from these links. uk.ishga.com  or book a visit to St Michaels Resort here

OUR MAY ISSUE  |  GREAT READING STARTS HERE

COMING SOON  |  CELEBRATE THE OUTDOORS

AMERICAN MUSEUM & GARDENS  |  OPEN-AIR YOGA

On Thursdays from 27 May you will be able to practise yoga in the gardens of the American Museum. Gentle Yoga & Guided Meditation are collaborating with the American Museum & Gardens to offer these weekly wellbeing sessions with the Bath YMCA yoga experts. Where better to take part in yoga in this beautiful setting with stunning views, listening to the sounds of nature? There is no better place in the city to practice yoga, relax and to calm the body and mind.

The yoga is interwoven with beautiful readings, a carefully curated playlist and the sounds of nature. The class will end with a themed guided meditation to instil quietness in the mind and body, allowing you to completely relax, rest and restore. There will be elements of mindfulness and the opportunity to savour the exquisite setting that the museum gardens. Open to all levels and experience, beginners welcome.

americanmuseum.org

NEWS FROM THE CITY  |  BATH HALF

The Bath Half Marathon Fund is now open for applications from local charities, community groups and sports clubs based in Bath & North East Somerset. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to help local residents who are isolated or facing disadvantages to play, stay fit and improve their health. Groups are invited to apply now to Quartet Community Foundation for the funding before the deadline of 21 May 2021.

Every year donations from runners entering the Bath Half Marathon are added to the fund. This money then goes to sports, exercise and play projects organised by groups in Bath & North East Somerset. Over the last 18 years the Bath Half Marathon Fund has awarded over £206,000 to 194 local projects delivered by 109 different groups. This is in addition to a further sum of just under £270,000 invested in an endowment fund at Quartet Community Foundation.

Angela Emms, Philanthropy Manager for Bath & NES at Quartet Community Foundation said: “Local charities, community groups and sports clubs are now facing increased demands with fewer resources, yet they’ve never been more needed. These grants make a massive difference and help B&NES residents have fun and stay fit and healthy.”

The Bath Half Marathon has been postponed to 13 March 2022.

The Bath Half Marathon Fund

WEEKEND WINE  |  SPECIAL OFFER 

With reds, whites and rosés, there's something for everyone in this selection of great everyday wines.

1 x 2017 Chardonnay, Roller Girl
1 x 2018 Pinot Grigio, Green Park
1 x 2018 Viña Pinto Sauvignon Blanc, Vinedos Puertas
1 x 2018 Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Trapiche
1 x 2017 Hanwood Chardonnay, McWilliams
1 x 2017 White Zinfandel, Canyon Road
1 x 2017 White Zinfandel, Roller Girl
1 x 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Poggio della Quercia, Corte Viola
1 x 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Animos
1 x 2018 Vineyards Malbec, Trapiche
1 x 2018 Nero D'Avola Shiraz, Inycon Estate
1 x 2018 Heredad de Altillo Rioja Tempranillo, Felix Solis Avantis

The Great Wine Company trade arm sold this wine to a customer who asked for them in pre-mixed cases. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the order was cancelled.

To avoid the waste of opening the boxes to take the bottles out, The Great Wine Co are instead offering them to customers at a knock-down price.

Order yours by clicking here.

NEWS FROM THE CITY  |  LET'S GET BOOKING

RECIPE ROSTA  |  IT'S BBQ TIME!

Having a barbecue this weekend? Then use the hot embers to create a deliciously decadent dessert that pretty much makes itself while you feast on your burgers.

I've suggested using giant chocolate buttons here because they melt beautifully, but if you only have a slab of chocolate (of any flavour – use your imagination!) to hand, just chop the chunks finely. And if you're not a fan of fudge, marshmallows or even crumbled chocolate, brownies work really well too. And, for an extra-added adults-only bonus, add a splash of spiced rum or brandy to your filling of choice before wrapping up.

The prepared Banana Fudge Sundaes can be assembled and kept in the fridge, in their foil wrappers, for up to 4 hours before serving.

Ingredients (serves 4)
4 large bananas
1 pack giant chocolate buttons
8 pieces vanilla fudge, cut into chunks
Optional (for grown ups only!): splash of spiced rum or brandy

To serve: ice cream, whipped cream, glacé cherries, chopped mixed nuts

Method

1. Cut a deep slit down the middle of each unpeeled banana, leaving the skins intact. Stuff the slit with the chocolate buttons and fudge. Wrap the bananas in foil, keeping the cut side upright, and place them in the hot embers of the barbecue for 20–25 mins, by which time both the chocolate and the fudge will have softened and the bananas will have gently caramelised.

2. Carefully unwrap the bananas using oven gloves (they will be very hot!) and place on individual plates. Top with with scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, glacé cherries and nuts... and dive in!

TAKE FOUR  |  MEAT-FREE BBQ DISHES

Makes 6 skewers; vegetarian

Chop 1 x 300g block of paneer into 2cm square cubes and set to one side. Whisk 2 tbsp Greek yogurt with 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated,) 1 crushed garlic clove, 1 tsp garam masala, ½ tsp paprika and ½ tsp turmeric. Season well. Coat the paneer in the marinade, cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour (top tip: marinating overnight will intensify the flavours.) Thread the marinated paneer cubes on to skewers, alternating each cube with slices of roughly chopped red onion and roughly chopped red peppers. Grill or barbecue until both the paneer and the vegetables, turning regularly until nicely browned (about 10–12 minutes). Serve hot, in wraps or pitta bread, spritzed with fresh lemon juice.

Vegetarian/vegan; serves 4

Slice 1 x 250g halloumi cheese (really good vegan halloumi is readily available in supermarkets) into 8 equal slices. Brush each slice with with olive oil and grill or barbecue on each side for 3–4 mins or until golden (or roast on a foil-lined baking tray in a medium-hot oven for 8–10 minutes, turning once). Serve in lightly toasted brioche buns with lettuce, tomato salsa and a dollop of hummus.

ON THE BOX  |  A SPANISH THRILLER

The Innocent is a Spanish television thriller miniseries directed by Oriol Paulo and based on the Harlan Coben novel of the same name. The show stars Mario Casas, Alexandra Jiménez, Aura Garrido and José Coronado.

An accidental killing leads a man down a dark hole of intrigue and murder; just as he finds love and freedom, a phone call brings back the nightmare.

Watch it on Netflix today

THE KIOSK  |  MAGAZINE MOMENTS

ON THE BOOKSHELF  |  COOKING WITH HERBS

FASHION  |  SUMMER WARDROBE

Brighter days are coming and you'll need the appropriate attire. The midi skirt is your new spring essential!

Shop the collection at: graceandmabel.co.uk

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK  |  NEW TO THE MARKET

Two Bedroom, two bathroom apartment.

Belvedere House is an exclusive development of just eight exquisite new apartments in the much sought-after area of Lansdown, Bath. Set at the top of Lansdown Hill, the property enjoys far reaching views over Bath and offers all the comforts of modern, large open-plan living spaces opening on to landscaped gardens.

Developer Juniper Homes' vision for Belvedere House has created homes that simply exude style and quality. Its meticulous attention to detail and bespoke design can be seen throughout; from the high-specification kitchens and beautifully fitted bathrooms to the thoughtful finishing touches such as impressive walk-in storage....

... Plots 2,3,6 and 7 offer wonderful open plan living space with beautifully fitted kitchens and space for dining, plus the wow-factor of your very own balcony or garden to enjoy the breathtaking views with a morning coffee

Each apartment has two double bedrooms along with a main bathroom and en-suite shower room to master bedroom to complete the package inside. The high-end kitchen is designed with plenty of storage.

Externally each apartment has two parking spaces provided. There are also beautiful communal gardens to enjoy. Asking price £535,000

Click here to find out more on Andrews Estate agents website