OUR JULY ISSUE IS HERE!

Our July issue is getting into the summer spirit, with our pages packed with plenty of things to do, see and enjoy...

We get into the spirit of Pride ahead of the Pride Day on 13 July with an interview with Cabaret Stage programmer Aled Osborne; hear from Disney soundtrack writer extraordinaire Alan Menken whose songs will be heard on stage at the Hippodrome when Aladdin's magic carpet crash lands; get the latest from Bristol's MasterChef winner, vet Brin Pirathapan; find out why Bristol's big on synchronised swimming ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics and so, 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 £4.95. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website. 

Words by Melissa Blease

Summer Rice Salad

Remember when rice salad used to be soggy and boring? Not any more!

This recipe works well with pretty much any and all seasonal vegetables you happen to have lying round in the bottom of the fridge – think, asparagus, peas, tenderstem broccoli, mangetout and/or courgettes. The soft summer herbs, meanwhile (parsley, coriander, tarragon, mint?) add further vibrancy to this versatile dish, while the sumac – a complex, earthy spice blend, popular in many Middle Eastern dishes – adds a subtly tart/sweet/floral edge to the whole, glorious affair. If you haven't got sumac to hand, try cumin powder, dried coriander or smoked paprika instead.

Ingredients (serves 4)

300g mixed seasonal vegetables (see above), diced or neatly sliced
1 scant tsp sumac
250g cooked rice (brown, white, wild or a mixture of your choice)
80g sun-dried tomatoes in oil (chopped) plus 3 tbsp of the oil from the jar
2 spring onions, finely-sliced
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
4 tbsp chopped mixed fresh herbs (see above)

To serve (optional): 30g salted almonds, roughly chopped

Method

Bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Add the vegetables and lightly simmer for around 3 minutes or until just cooked but still retaining a bit of bite. Drain and immediately plunge into cold water to retain their green colour. Drain again, then transfer to a large bowl and sprinkle with the sumac. Add the cooked rice, sun-dried tomatoes and spring onions and stir well to thoroughly combine.

In a small bowl or jug, lightly whisk the sun-dried tomato oil with the vinegar and garlic, then stir in the chopped herbs. Season to taste then pour 2/3 of the dressing into the rice salad and mix well.

Serve in the bowl or turned out onto a serving platter drizzled with the remaining dressing and scattered with the chopped almonds, if using.

Spanish white wines at The Great Wine Co.

Spain has the greatest area under vine of any wine producing country. Due to its arid climate and low rainfall, the land simply cannot support such a concentrated volume of trellised vines as you might find in a country like France. Spain's vineyards are therefore dotted with low-lying, ancient bush vines better adapted to compete for the scarce resources. The diversity of wine styles is immense. 

Quintaluna Verdejo, Ossian Vides Y Vinos | £16.65

This marvellous wine has a beautiful fragrance of golden apples, quince and a suggestion of pine woods. It's rounded and creamy in texture, with lovely freshness and balance. A far cry from the homogenous vineyards of northern Rueda, an hour to the south in Nieva, there is a varied landscape of pine forests and massive slate boulders, interspersed with ancient vineyards planted on pure sand. 60% of the fruit that goes into Quintaluna comes from ungrafted vines, including some planted in the 19th Century (the sandy soil protects the vines from the Phylloxera louse, meaning that they can survive without having to be grafted). The vine age results in an intensity and complexity that is extremely rare in wines made with the Verdejo grape.

Albariño Alba Martín, Bodegas Martin Codax | £14.40

Intense yet elegant aromas of white peach and blossom. The vineyards' proximity to the sea gives the wine freshness and saltiness, and the granite soils enhance its natural minerality. Rounded and full-bodied, with a light petillance that adds to its vivacious sense of freshness. It has impressive persistence on the finish.

Txakolina, Adur | £14.40

Wonderfully intense and elegant on the nose with white fruit, pear, fresh herbs and citrus notes. The palate is bracingly fresh with poise and tension, a notably saline character and a long, complex finish. Sourced from 3 hectares of vines in Getaria, the yields are carefully controlled in order extract maximum intensity of aromas from the Hondarribi Zuri grape. Fermentation takes place in French barrel all from the first press at a temperature of 12 ºC. 10% of the wine then undergoes malolactic to slightly reduce the acidity and provide more weight and balance on the palate. The Txakoli is then left in contact with the lees for 6 months to add volume and texture.

Godello 'Mara Martin,' Terras do Cigarrón, Bodegas Martin Codax | £13.75

Fantastically pure and precise, with delicate peach, greengage and pink grapefruit aromas, which are reflected on the superbly-refreshing palate. The balance is impeccable, with the ripe fruit offset by a hint (but not too much) of sophisticated, citrus pith bitterness and tangy (but not sharp) acidity. Very fine.

Visit greatwine.co.uk to explore more

Mikimoto - The most beautiful pearls

In 1893, Japanese entrepreneur Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world's first cultured pearls. His obsessive love for these precious organic gems has become known world over as Mikimoto: the Japanese jewellery house associated with cultivating the finest quality cultured Akoya, South Sea, Tahitian and pearls and turning them into sophisticated and iconic pieces of beautiful jewellery. Highly sought-after, a Mikimoto creation is a pleasure to wear and a timeless statement of elegance. Shown below (left) is the Mikimoto Morning Dew drop earrings in 18ct white gold with a black South Sea cultured pearl and Akoya cultured pearl. Grade A+ pearls, sized 7-9mm. £4,600Below right. A Mikimoto pearl chain in 18ct white gold Akoya cultured pearl and diamond Bracelet, featuring grade A+ pearls (5.5mm - 6.5mm) and a total diamond weight of 0.15ct. £1,900

Click here to find out more and view the collection at Mallory.

Credits: Tommy Hilfiger - photographed by Micaiah Carter

TOMMY X MERCEDES F1 X CR RUGBY CARDIGAN

Want to be twinning with Grand Prix winner George Russell?

Button up this pure cotton cardigan for a bold look with its chunky cable-knit panels and timeless rugby stripe pattern. The collaboration sees emerging designer Ruth sharing his interpretation of Tommy Hilfiger’s’ signature prep with the bold innovation of the Mercedes-AMG F1 Team.

Tommy Hilfiger | £300

Click here to shop.

Curated by Daniel McCabe

‘Drink, Travel and Adventure’ mag TONIC talks terroir, and not just wine. Outings in this sixth issue take us to Rwanda in search of banana beer, to the Isle of Islay to explore the character of its whiskies, to the Venetian cocktail scene, the ciders of Normandy and last but not least to the iconic pubs of Liverpool. But there’s plenty of wine territory to cover, including a look at Denmark’s credentials as serious wine-producing nation, the evolution of Cambodian wine, the burgeoning Nova Scotian Wine scene and to the Bay of Biscay on a quest for wine hidden beneath the sea. | £15

magalleria.co.uk

Christopher Lee as Lord Summerisle in 'The Wicker Man' (1973)

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL: CLIFTON SUMMER SCREENINGS
Thursday 4 July to Sunday 7 July

After a successful inaugural launch last summer, Clifton Summer Screenings returns with a four-day festival of all things cinema. Relax in the beautiful Mall Gardens before taking your seats for some unique pop-up cinema. With covered seating, state-of-the-art LED screens and wireless headphones, you’ll enjoy classic films come rain or shine. Before the film there’s a chance to relax in the Garden Bar (hosted by The Ivy Clifton Brasserie) and enjoy a range of food provided by The Mall Deli. New for 2024 Bristol Film Festival introduces screen2, a second cinema offering a range of talks, short films, cult movies and some Vintage Screenings (which combine a film and wine tasting).

Click here for more information and to buy your tickets.

Portishead Summer Show

Are you looking for somewhere local to go? Then why not come along to the Portishead Summer Show on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July!

The 2024 Show includes Kevin’s Community Circus, The Mini Pony Show, M & M Gundogs, Aldabra Giant Tortoises, dancing from Stepping Stones and Aspire Schools of Dance. The show also has music from the Chicken Teddies and the Fab Twins – a Beatles and 60’s tribute duo as well as Punch & Judy, Children’s fun sports, bouncy castle and a Fun Dog Show.

You can purchase tickets in advance with a 20% discount – single adult £8, weekend £12, children under 17 are free and free car parking. For more information call 07989 140367.

Click here to visit the website.

Pauline Quirke Academy Bristol

Join the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts at Cotham School 5-9 August (10am to 4pm) for its Matilda the Musical ‘Megamix’ Summer School! This fun-packed, five-day course will involve learning choreography, scenes and songs from the smash-hit musical Matilda.

No previous experience needed, and the summer school is open to anyone aged 5-18. Join the Academy to learn new skills, make new friends and experience the fun! For further information and a booking form, please contact the Principal Carly on carly.bond@pqacademy.com or 07421023706.

Cotham School, Cotham Lawn Road, BS6 6DT
Click here to visit the website.

Bristol Hypes: Embrace Sunshine With These Summer Health Hacks!

Summer is finally here, longer days, warmer temperatures and a renewed sense of energy. With the change in season, it's also important to adjust our health routines. We're all about making the most of our body's natural healing power. And summer is an opportunity to do just that!

Click here to read the full article.

City’s first three home league fixtures will go on priority sale on Tuesday, 9 July (10am). General will go on sale Monday, 15 July. 

Bristol City v Millwall – Saturday, 17 August – 3pm (Silver Fixture)

Bristol City v Coventry – Saturday, 24 August  – 12:30pm (Gold Fixture)

Bristol City v Oxford – Saturday, 21 September  – 3pm (Gold Fixture)

Click here for more information.

Help Joyce celebrate her 107th birthday!

Kingswood Court care home has launched an appeal to ensure one of its residents reaches her 107^th birthday in style. Joyce will be 107 on 8 July and the care home is asking for the help of the local community to ensure Joyce has 107 cards to help her celebrate.

The team is looking for people near and far to send cards to Joyce to help make this birthday into one to remember. Whether store bought or homemade, they are seeking cards from all across the UK and potentially further afield to celebrate Joyce and everything she has achieved.

There's still time to send your cards to:
Joyce’s 107 birthday
220 Soundwell Road
Kingswood, Bristol
BS15 1PN

barchester.com

Handover of Historic Ashton Gatehouse to Ashton Park School

A special handover ceremony took place of the historic Ashton Gatehouse to Excalibur Academies Trust’s Ashton Park School, from construction company EG Carter, following an accident last year which caused considerable damage. A number of companies and contractors, who lovingly restored this Grade II listed building, were in attendance to witness this momentous occasion.

The Gatehouse, which was the original entrance to Ashton Court Estate, is steeped in history having been constructed in 1805 in the regency gothic style, and is now open for all to enjoy including training, meetings and workshops. Excalibur and Ashton Park School are also keen to once more enjoy these beautiful facilities for Trust and school activities. The handover event took place on Thursday, 13th June, at Ashton Park School. The morning was filled with all members of the project who had seen the project through from start to finish.

Richard Uffendell, Headteacher of Ashton Park School, comments: “We are extremely privileged to accommodate this beautiful building on our school site. The handover ceremony was very fitting, with symbolic ribbon cutting, speeches, photos, and delicious cakes. More poignant was the presence of our students, an integral part of the school community, and who will continue to appreciate the Gatehouse and its history for decades to come.”

Click here to learn more about the Gatehouse.

Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8

Offered for sale by Knight Frank Estate agents.

The entrance hall, accessed via flagstone stairs, leads to a bright open plan kitchen and dining area adorned with original Victorian features; the original marble fireplace remains as a focal point in the dining room and a 3 oven aga is centrepiece in the kitchen. Dual-aspect large sash windows flood the space with natural light, complemented by a separate WC and rear access to the patio and seperate garage.

On the first floor, a generously proportioned drawing room covers the full width of the property with impressive sash windows which allow natural light to flow through. Currently serving as a versatile sitting room and study area, this floor offers ample of room and flexibility for family living.

The second-floor hosts two double bedrooms; the principle at the front of the property, with built in wardrobe space and the original fireplace, the bedroom at the rear overlooks the patio area, alongside a centrally located family bathroom. The additional two double bedrooms and further family bathroom are on the third floor.

The self-contained basement flat is accessible via both internal and external entrances. This spacious, one bedroom apartment features a well-appointed kitchen, inviting sitting room, double bedroom and bathroom; with extra natural light being offered to the bedroom through the skylight connected to the rear patio. Ample storage space completes this lower level at the front of property.

Guide Price £1,250,000

To see more images and read through all the details click here to visit the Knight Frank website.