Cotham Hill Street Party

The annual street party on Cotham Hill returns for the 14^th year this weekend, with festivities taking over the area on Sunday 12 May.

Join the revelry throughout the day, where you’ll be entertained by street performers, listen to bands (including folk-rock-punk group Imprints and The Terraplanes Blues Band) as well as a DJ, plus visit the numerous hospitality venues and traders along the way for food and drink.

The street party is free to attend, and is organised by Simon Baines.

HAVE YOU READ OUR MAY ISSUE?

You'll love our marvellous May 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 an exclusive interview with crime-writing legend Lynda La Plante ahead of her appearance at CrimeFest, a review of the newly refurbished Browns Brasserie & Bar, a look ahead to a choral performance at Bristol Cathedral, our special festival guide for 2024 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, 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

Smoky Chorizo and Sweetcorn Stew

A lovely, lively springtime stew, bursting with flavour and perfect for a speedy midweek supper: it moves from stovetop to table in under 20 minutes.

Orzo is a tiny pasta shape, similar in size to rice. If you don't have any to hand, macaroni works well too.

Ingredients (serves 2)

1 large leek, sliced
1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped into small cubes
60g cooking chorizo, sliced into fat chunks
1 garlic clove, crushed
½ red chilli, deseeded and finely-sliced
75g orzo
½ tsp smoked paprika
200g can sweetcorn (or 200g frozen sweetcorn, defrosted)
1 large tomato, chopped
350ml chicken or vegetable stock
½ small bunch of parsley, finely-chopped
The juice of ½ lemon

Method

1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a deep frying pan and sauté the leek, pepper and chorizo for around 6-8 minutes, or until the leek is silky, the peppers are soft and the chorizo has released its fragrant oil and is turning golden. Meanwhile, pulse the sweetcorn in a food processor or blender to form a thick purée.

2. Add the garlic, orzo, paprika, chilli and tomato to the pan and continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the stock and the sweetcorn purée, bring to a simmer and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring regularly, until the orzo is tender.

3. Add the parsley and the lemon juice, stir well and serve in warm bowls.

Italian White Wines

From the Dolomites to the bays of Sicily, Italy's topographic makeup lends itself perfectly to wine production. As a result of her physique Italy boasts a myriad of different soils and climates. Adding to the equation a plethora of indigenous grape varieties, each harvest yields an abundance of diverse and fascinating wine styles.

Visit greatwine.co.uk to explore more

Harvey Nichols Bristol launches spring set menu

Harvey Nichols launches it new seasonal three-course menu and a Mijenta Tequila cocktail for £35, available at the Second Floor Restaurant until Friday 5 June.

The new spring set menu celebrates the vibrant favours of the season with three starters, mains and desserts to choose from. Dishes include confit Creedy Carver chicken terrine; risotto primavera with asparagus, courgette, mint and pea; and vanilla and rosemary rice pudding, served with rhubarb sorbet and ginger crumble. 

To elevate your dining experience, Havery Nichols has partnered with Mijenta Tequila, an award-winning sustainable tequila from the highlands of Jalisco in Mexico, to offer a complementary cocktail alongside the menu, including a classic Tommy’s Margarita or Paloma. £35 per person. 

For further information please visit harveynichols.com

A Deep Dive with a Superocean

In the 1960s, the new sport of scuba diving was all the rage; a bit of a science too as for divers, timing was everything, and Breitling set out to give them the clearest display possible.

The watch they named the Slow Motion has clean lines, chunky, luminescent indexes, squared-off hands and a high-contrast dial, all designed for maximum legibility.

But what people really fell in love with was the look. The new Superocean pays homage to the Slow Motion's celebrated design, but with all the modern features we now love: such as a scratch-proof, ceramic-inlayed bezel and brightly coloured dials. Broad hands and indexes in luminescent Super-LumiNova® are clearer visibility than ever before. The range now boasts four case sizes : 46, 44, 42 and 36mm.

The Superocean is water resistant to 300m (1000 ft), as well as being shock, sand and saltwater-resistant. Automatic with a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. There are two strap options (rubber and steel bracelet) and a folding clasp that allows for adjustments to wear over rashies and wetsuits.

Best of all, this is no longer just a dive watch. Surf, paddle, sail or swim with it, or just hit the bar with it. It looks great paired with a wetsuit, or out for a smart dinner. The Superocean perfectly balances the nostalgia of the Slow Motion heritage with a fresh new look.

Shown here is: Breitling Superocean Automatic 44, a 44mm steel case with blue dial and a black ceramic unidirectional bezel on a navy blue rubber strap. £4,300.

See this and many more Breitling timepieces at Mallory

CHANEL Les Beiges healthy glow sun-kissed powder | £75

This powder from Chanel gives a naturally radiant healthy glow in any light, creating a tailor-made look with an imperceptible finish. Uses sensorial formulas with fine, lightweight textures.

A trio of healthy glow powders, bronzer and blush that can be worn individually or blended, designed to illuminate your face, warm up your complexion and bring out the colour in your cheeks. Its fine, silky formula leaves behind a veil of light.

The sun-kissed healthy glow effect lasts up to 8 hours, just as if you had spent the day in the great outdoors.

A generously sized creation presented in the rounded square case that is emblematic of CHANEL.

Click here to purchase

Cotswold Company Garden Birds Cushion - Multi | £30

The Garden Birds Cushion has both texture and colour with the beautifully depicted birds. Bringing our favourite feathered friends indoors.

Click here to purchase

Whistles Launch Sahar° by ModestMira | £90

Whistles is delighted to announce it will be the first UK stockist of Sahar° by ModestMira, with a curated edit of silk scarves, adding to the Brands at Whistles offering, alongside Hai, Rains, Isle of Eden & KS Creative Pottery. 

Sahar° by ModestMira is a luxury British brand specialising in silk, with patterns all hand drawn and made in the UK. Each collection is carefully thought out, designed, and developed by the founder Amira Khan.

The Summer Florals collection draws inspiration from summer getaways, with the ‘Blue Buttercup’ scarf evoking the carefree spirit of the 60s and 70s, while ‘Botanical Garden’ style bursts with confidence, reflecting the vibrant hues of a summer garden.

A more timeless classic from Sahar° by ModestMira’s Monogram collection features the ‘S’ monogram style in black and ivory, offering an enduring design that can complement every outfit.

Click here to shop the collection

New Bristol salon Hone & Howe opens in the heart of Clifton

Clifton Village welcomes a new era in luxury and sustainable hairdressing as Hone & Howe opens its new store. 

Sam Hone and Gigi Howe are no strangers to Bristol, having worked in salons in Bristol and nationwide for over 10 years. Hone & Howe offers best-in-class service and the highest standard of skill and technique in a homely and comfortable environment.

The salon strives to minimise its environmental impact by using eco-friendly products and implementing green initiatives throughout its operation. These include exclusive use of Davines products throughout the salon; use of vegan and plant-based Scrummi towels; and Who Gives a Crap loo roll. Additionally, the salon uses Full Circle Salon Recycling, meaning all products in the salon (including hair) will be recycled and reused.

7 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4DP
Click here to visit the website

Curated by Daniel McCabe

American Trails is a travel and photography magazine from Sweden focused on road tripping around the United States in search of interesting people doing interesting things in the small towns and back roads of the nation. If Americana and especially the culture of the South is your passion you really won’t want to miss an issue, which can easily happen because, although it's published quarterly in Swedish, it appears much more haphazardly in English. We’ve just picked up the last three English language releases, the latest of which (No 15) follows less-trodden music history paths through Seattle, New Orleans and Memphis among other places. | £12.99

magalleria.co.uk

On left: Ren (Helen) Renwick | On right: George Ferguson

RWA welcomes new Director and new Chair of Trustees

The RWA enters a new chapter and welcomes new Director, Ren (Helen) Renwick, and new Chair of Trustees, George Ferguson. 

Ren will officially assume her role in mid-July, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a passion for the arts. Ren is driven by the conviction that art has the capacity to empower, connect, and enrich individuals and communities, aligning perfectly with the RWA's mission.

The RWA warmly welcomes George Ferguson CBE as the new Chair of Trustees. With a distinguished career in urban design, architecture, and public service, George brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts to this pivotal role.

In his capacity as Chair of Trustees, George will provide strategic leadership and guidance to the RWA, ensuring its continued growth and relevance in the contemporary art world.

2024 sees the RWA celebrating 171 years of Annual Open Exhibitions, which are a firmly established fixture in the UK’s art calendar, attracting thousands of entrants, visitors and buyers every year.

RWA's Open Exhibitions are now open to anyone to submit work!

Click here for more information

Bristol Craft Beer Festival

The festival of flavour, Bristol Craft Beer Festival is back between 7–8 June, located at Bristol Harbourside, where all beer is included in the ticket price.

This year’s festival will have 40+ world-class breweries, pouring 400+ beers. There is a beer for everyone at the festival, including local favourites like Left Handed Giant, Wiper and True, Bristol Beer Factory and New Bristol Brewery. 

Juicy pales from Cloudwater and DEYA, lip-smacking sours and beer concoctions from Tiny Rebel and Vault City, plus thirst-quenching lagers from Braybrooke and Utopian. 

Hungry? There’ll be delicious dishes from top restaurants, including live fire concept ACME Fire Cult, vegan and vegetarian Italian subs from Bocca di Bianchi, bao bun and fried chicken from Bone Daddies, juicy burgers from Meltdown Cheeseburgers and jolly good food from Jolly Hog. 

Expect festival vibes with live bands and DJ sets, plus free talks and tastings hosted by Craft Beer Channel's Jonny Garrett. 

Visit bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk for more information

Bristol Bears vs Saracens

Bears welcome Saracens to Ashton Gate for their final home game of the regular season on Saturday 11 May.

With over 20,000 tickets already snapped up, the atmosphere promises to be fantastic. Ensure you're part of the excitement by securing your seat! Kick off starts at 3.05pm. 

Click here to purchase your tickets

Image by Mark J Robson

NoFit State launches its new show in St Pauls next week

Prepare for another full-on, boisterous, and audaciously fierce performance from the NoFit State circus troupe. 

SABOTAGE brings a darker, grittier, and more subversive edge to NoFit State’s trademark large-scale contemporary circus shows. Back in the Big Top with incredible new acts, original music, new apparatus and a more theatrical feel, SABOTAGE explores themes of separation and belonging. Saboteurs stand out. They stand up. They challenge the establishment. They are heard. Performances take place in St Pauls from 18 May until 2 June. 

Tickets are available from nofitstate.org

BS9 Arts Trail

BS9 Arts Trail returns to our streets on 8 and 9 June between 11am–5pm, in leafy north Bristol’s Henleaze, Stoke Bishop & Westbury-on-Trym.

Artists include painters, sculptors, printmakers, ceramicists, photographers, potters, jewellery designers, glass workers, enamelists and a wood turner spread across 11 interesting venues.

All works are for sale and include items from £3 to £3,000, so whether you want a greetings card, a hand-crafted mug, a unique piece of jewellery or a statement painting, BS9 Arts Trail is the place to come!

The venues are easy to access and all are located around the northern side of The Downs. Most of the trail’s 11 venues host multiple artists. Many venues have cafés and facilities to provide a warm welcome.

Click here for more information

Tangled Roots Festival

Tangled Roots Festival of contemporary and traditional folk from around the world is back on between 7–9 June. 

Held on Radford Mill Farm in a hidden valley in Somerset, there is a natural amphitheatre and all venues are under cover. 

Don't miss out on great acts such as Ciderhouse Rebellion, Kirsty Merryn, John Hegley, Solana, Sugarmoon, Christina Alden and Alex Patterson, plus many more!

Activities consist of Flamenco Friday, campfire sessions, open mics, yoga, Tai Chi, and dance workshops. This festival is small, friendly and welcoming. Under 16s can go free and camping is available on site. 

Click here for more information

Retro Football Shirt Convention at Ashton Gate

Don't miss this Retro Football Kit Convention at Ashton Gate on 12 May at 12pm. 

Sponsored by Red Bull, the Ultimate Super Sunday event will showcase retro kits, vintage boots, football memorabilia and much more. 

Two games (the Women's FA Cup Final and a Premier League match) will be shown on the big screen in the Independence Sport Bar.

Visitors to the stadium can also look forward to raffles with every football match shown, pub games, DJs and much more. 

Click here to buy tickets and to find out more

Photo credit: Massed Performance by Hampshire County Youth Ensembles. Courtesy of Hampshire Music Service

Every child in the South West will benefit from a new generation of Music Hubs

On behalf of the Department for Education, Arts Council England has announced a new generation of Music Hubs, covering every part of England, including seven music hubs in the South West. 

These Hubs will form an ambitious national programme providing high-quality music education for all children and young people through investment in musical activities, equipment, and teacher training.

The new Music Hubs will help to deliver the Government’s National Plan for Music Education. This plan aims to give all children and young people the opportunity to develop their musical talents fully, by ensuring that children and young people across the country have the chance to learn to sing, play instruments, and make music with their peers.

The new Hubs will also help to deliver the Arts Council’s 10-year strategy, Let’s Create, which aims to improve access to creativity and culture for all children, no matter what their background or where they live.

Click here for more information

Image Credit: Nick Hope

Artistic swimming duo strike gold at Olympic test event

Kate Shortman and artistic swimming partner Izzy Thorpe have claimed gold in the first Olympic discipline to be contested at the new Olympic Aquatics Centre in Paris.

The duo, from Bristol, followed up their breakthrough silver and bronze medals at this year’s World Aquatics Championships in Doha by winning the Technical Duet title in the second leg of the Artistic Swimming World Cup, which doubled as an official Olympic Test Event for Paris 2024.

“It was a cool moment – we are gold medallists in the Olympic pool, the first time we have swum in it,” said Shortman, who studies International Management and Modern Languages (French) at the University of Bath and is supported by a Bill Whiteley Scholarship. “It’s good to get that experience under our belts and give us confidence going into the final Olympic push. There is still so much to work on, we are not getting complacent at all. We’re hungry for more and really excited for what is to come.”

teamgb.com; teambath.com

Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8

Offered for sale by Rupert Oliver estate agents

7 Pembroke Road is an elegant semi-detached Victorian townhouse, built in the late-Georgian style and Grade II Listed. 

With a handsome dressed limestone façade the house exudes period charm; with an abundance of retained period features both inside and out. Over the past few years the house has been meticulously refurbished and redecorated by the current owners; sensitively reconfiguring the layout to provide family accommodation suitable to 21st Century needs whilst installing a new kitchen and several new bath/shower rooms. 

Approached via a pillared entrance with off-street parking for numerous vehicles, a flag stone path leads up to the front door, with gated access to the rear garden and steps down to the self-contained lower ground floor flat. Inside the principal house there is a useful entrance porch for taking off coats and shoes, with part-stained glass door into the welcoming entrance hall. 

An arch opens up leading into the open plan kitchen, dining room and sitting room. L-shaped and hugely sociable this is a wonderful space for families of all ages and size to enjoy; with a recently fitted DeVol kitchen overlooking the garden, with a Bert & May tiled splash-back and refurbished Everhot range cooker along with plenty of space for a large central island and generous family dining table. The whole rear kitchen/dining space opens up to the front, with a warm and welcoming cast-iron stove recessed into the fireplace providing a central feature with a period fire-surround and a triple sash shuttered bay window flooding the room with natural light. 

Adjacent to this is a charming family room; again fitted with a stylish 30's ceramic fire-surround integrating seamlessly with the retained period plasterwork. Also accessed from the hall floor is a separate boot room, leading out to the garden, a separate cloakroom and access from the house down to the lower-ground floor flat. Accessed from the half-landing above is a useful fully plumbed utility room.

A sweeping stone staircase leads to the light-filled first floor landing, with the whole floor redesigned to provide an exceptionally spacious master-suite comprising a sitting room with wood-burning stove, master bedroom, dressing room, beautiful bath/shower room and a home office.

Across the top floor lie three further double bedrooms as well as a second home office/study (or an extra bedroom if required) served by a well-appointed shower room. 

Accessed either independently from the front of the house, or internally from the entrance hall is a large three-bedroom self-contained flat. Perfect for dependent relatives, spill over guest/family accommodation or a useful secondary income stream; either via AirBnb or a longer term tenancy. The flat comprises three double bedrooms, a sitting room, galley kitchen and a shower room. To the front of the flat are a serious of barrel-ceilinged storage vaults, along with space and plumbing for a utility room. | Guide Price £2,350,000

For more information and images click here.