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A specially curated guide to the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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Bath Literature Festival announces its 2025 lineup!
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The official line-up has been released for Bath Literature Festival, and with the event celebrating its whopping 30th anniversary in 2025, the schedule is chock-a-block with extra special guests!
Visitors to the city will include Ruth Jones, Ben Okri, Jeremy Vine, David Baddiel, Sayeeda Warsi, Jojo Moyes, Martin Clunes, Joanne Harris, Carol Klein, Lionel Shriver, Robert Macfarlane, Reverend Richard Coles, Emma Barnett, Max Hastings, Ivo Graham, Alan Johnson, Kit de Waal, Mike Tindall and Reeta Chakrabarti.
The event is run by Bath Festivals, which will be running Bath Music Festival simultaneously, from Saturday 17 May to Sunday 25 May.
See the full line-up online at bathfestivals.org.uk and book online at bathboxoffice.org.uk to make sure you don't miss out!
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On our cover is the straight-talking journalist and communicator Ros Atkins, who brings 'assertive impartiality' to his news stories, which are much needed in these bewildering political times. Another visitor to Bath for the Curious Minds festival this month is journalist and presenter Gabriel Gatehouse who will talk about his book The Coming Storm, which explores how conspiracies in the US are breaking down the liberal world order.
We’ve also chatted to comedian Jenny Eclair, absorbing her high-spirited, absurd perspective on life, which we’ve dubbed ‘Planet Eclair' – her musings include the habits of squirrels, hotel beds, punk rock, and watching TV in your pyjamas.
We interviewed chef Nathan Outlaw who has two Michelin Star restaurants in Port Isaac, Cornwall and is visiting Bath this month. You can also find out about the importance of metabolic health, and immerse yourself in ideas for the home interior.
Every month we deliver 15,000 copies door to door, but if you don't get a magazine at home then you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our floor stands at: Waitrose, Sainsbury's [Green Park], M&S Foods in Twerton, Tesco in Weston Village, and at The Holburne Museum.
While you're waiting, Click here to enjoy the digital version of our current issue!
And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £35 for 12 issues, £20 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.
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Recipe by Melissa Blease
Saturday 1 March is St David’s Day. What better excuse do you need to rustle up a batch of Pice ar y Maen, the classic Welsh teatime treat that nobody can refuse? But these delicious little hob-cooked cookies aren’t just a sweet teatime treat; they’re absolutely delicious served with cheese (Caerphilly, of course) and rich, fruity pickle.
Welsh Cakes will happily stay fresh in a tin for up to 1 week - but you probably won’t need to know that.
Ingredients (makes 16 Welsh Cakes)
225g plain flour
85g caster sugar
1 level tsp mixed spice
½ tsp baking powder
100g very cold butter, cubed
50g currants
1 beaten egg
Splash of milk
Method
Tip the flour, sugar, mixed spice, baking powder and a pinch of salt into a bowl and rub the cold, cubed butter in with your fingertips until you’ve created a mixture that resembles breadcrumbs. Add the currants, stir to combine then work the beaten egg into the mixture until you have soft dough with a similar consistency to shortcrust pastry, adding a splash of milk if the dough seems a little bit too dry.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to around the thickness of your little finger and stamp out around 16 rounds, re-rolling the trimmings as you go.
Grease a heavy frying or flat griddle pan with butter and place over a medium heat. Cook the Welsh Cakes in batches for around 3 minutes each side until golden brown. Serve warm sprinkled with caster sugar, accompanied with butter and jam or with cheese.
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Recommendations by Tom Bleathman from the Great Wine Company
The rugged natural beauty of Sicily has long made for a fantastic holiday destination. Recently, however, its wine scene has also been booming. Home to over 65 indigenous grape varieties, Sicily produces some exceptional wines that often go unnoticed in the broader tapestry of Italian winemaking. This means they frequently offer great value for money. The cherry on top? Throughout March, these wines are also on offer as part of The Great Wine Company's Italian promotion. greatwine.co.uk
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Fiano 2024, Molino Vento
Made by the fantastic Tenute Orestiadi, this Fiano is outstanding value for money. Grown on the western coastline in Trapini, these vines are situated in rich black, mineral heavy soils helping to keep the wine delightfully fresh. Fiano is classically aromatic and this is no exception, packed full of tropical fruit and white flowers. On the palate it is fresh with a lovely level of acidity. £13.30 to £11.10.
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Terebinto Grillo 2023, Planeta
Planeta are one of the icon produces of Sicily and played a huge part in creating the renowned reputation Sicilian winemaking now holds. Grown on the west of the Island in Memfi, this Grillo is a fantastic example of how good these indigenous grapes can be. On the nose, it’s lively, full of pineapple, melon and green apple. The palate is wonderfully weighty and textured. £22 to £18.33.
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Etna Rosso 2022, Planeta
I couldn’t write a Sicilian article without including a wine grown on the slopes of Mount Etna. The vineyards are situated between 510-610 metres above sea-level in rich black and lava sands where all the grapes are hand-picked to ensure quality. Planeta’s Etna Rosso is made using the indigenous Nerello Mascalese grape which produces a soft red wine with notes of plums, raspberries and tomato leaf. The minerality from the soil and acidity running through the wine keeps it delightfully fresh inviting you to take another sip. A wine which provides a true taste of its unique location. £29.50 to £24.40.
Click here to browse more fantastic bottles on the Great Wine Company website
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Portuguese wine dinner
Montagu's Mews at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
14 March
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Embark on a culinary adventure guided by Rui Santil from Liberty Wines, a passionate Brand Ambassador for Portuguese wines. Originally from coastal Portugal, Rui’s journey began in the vineyards, where his love for winemaking was first sparked. Now a WSET Diploma holder and wine judge, he brings a wealth of expertise, ready to transport you through Portugal’s diverse wine regions.
Indulge in a carefully curated menu featuring authentic Portuguese dishes such as peri-peri chicken thigh, pasteis de bacalhau, and Vinhas d’alho lamb, each paired with exceptional wines, from the crisp Alvarinho to the rich and complex Sandeman 20-year-old Tawny.
A thoughtfully designed vegetarian menu is also available.
14 March, 7pm | Tickets cost £145 per person, visit royalcrescent.co.uk
for more information.
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The Tudor Royal collection
With the first watch created by Tudor in 1926, Royal is a name introduced by Tudor in the 1950s to underline the superior quality and reputation of its watches. With this heritage in mind, the Tudor Royal range offers self-winding sporty-chic watches with notched or diamond-set bezels, day date or just date windows and integrated five-link bracelets that are affordable, versatile and an uncompromising quality.
Combining excellent watch craftsmanship and a refined aesthetic, the Royal line sits between classic dress and sports watches. The range comes in steel or yellow gold and steel and is offered in four case sizes: 28mm, 34mm, 38mm and 41mm, accommodating all tastes and wrist sizes, with thirteen possible dials and perfect for all occasions.
Tudor has recently expanded the dial options from the original range of black, silver, champagne-colour, blue, to now include radial-brushed salmon and chocolate brown dials that offer a new and exquisite look.
For a final touch of chic, Tudor has added applied Roman numeral hour markers to its Royal watches. All dials offer these applied numerals or a combination of applied numerals and eight diamond-set hour markers. All Royal watches have an in-house The Tudor automatic movement with a 38 hour power reserve and are water resistant to 100m. The range starts at £2,070
To see and find out more about the range of Tudor Royal watch options click here to visit the Mallory website.
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Spring launch!
Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne |
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Pack your bags for a summer escape. On the idyllic palm-fringed beaches of the Seychelles, encounter the rare coco de mer. Basking in tropical sunlight, the sea coconut’s sculptural form inspires the fresh solar scent of Beach Blossom Cologne.
A refreshing twist of coconut water carried on the breeze, meeting the sparkling clarity of lime and mint, wrapped in the allure of tonka bean.
In either 100ml (£124) or 50ml (86), available online now and in Jo Malone London stores from tomorrow, Saturday 1 March
6-7 Old Bond St, Bath BA1 1BW
jomalone.co.uk
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| 'The Colour of Love' Print from Armani Lawlor Art |
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This contemporary still life is a pure celebration of colour. The contrast between bright yellow, orange, and green, striking pink, and calming blue creates a visually stimulating piece. The abstract shapes enhance the depth and texture of the artwork against the smooth, detailed form of the flowers.
A fine art giclee print on high quality smooth matte 200gsm paper.
Available in A5 – A2, prices vary.
Visit armanilawlorart.co.uk to shop
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• THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT! •
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alvento is an established cycling magazine (37 issues) from Italy that’s just arrived over here and which we do very much like the look of. But what sort of cycling? Well, the publisher says ‘We often say that for us cycling is a pretext to talk about people and their stories. So it doesn't matter whether you use a road bike, a gravel bike or a mountain bike, or whether you are a professional, an amateur or a person who uses a bicycle to go to work. We look for the meaning of things, the deeper meaning behind all experiences.’ The name of the magazine means literally ‘in the wind’ but is also a term derived from cycle racing – the alvento is the one who stays in front of the group and catches the wind in their face.
£14.95
magalleria.co.uk
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| Pamela Anderson dazzles in The Last Showgirl, in cinemas today |
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When the glittering Las Vegas revue she has headlined for decades announces it will soon close, showgirl Shelly (Pamela Anderson) sets out to plan her next act. Reconciling the decisions she’s made and the life she's built, she decides to repair her complicated relationship with her daughter (Billie Lourd).
With an outstanding ensemble cast that includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Brenda Song and Kiernan Shipka, The Last Showgirl is a joyous tribute to a long-gone Las Vegas – and all the women who made it glitter.
Directed by Gia Coppola and featuring a Golden Globe-nominated performance from Pamela Anderson, who dazzles in the role of a lifetime, this poignant film of resilience, rhinestones and feathers is simply unmissable.
Click here for more information and to book tickets at The Little
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Sandra Higgins presents In the Mind's Eye
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Showcasing art by Robin Sewell, Jenny Morse, Susanna Lisle and Catherine Richardson
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NEW OPENING: Sosandar store opens its doors on
St Lawrence Street today!
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The brand-new Sosander store is opening today on St Lawrence Street, Southgate, ready to invite Bath shoppers in to browse their gorgeous collection of fashion-forward, affordable, quality clothing.
Sosander aims to make women feel sexy, feminine and chic, and sells predominantly own-label exclusive products that are well-loved by celebrities and stylists alike.
Sign up to Sosander's VIP newsletter in store for an exclusive 20% off during the launch event from 28 February – 2 March, and join them in store to celebrate the opening with fizz and chocolates tomorrow, Saturday 1 March. Don't miss out!
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm Sunday.
Unit 2A, 3 St Lawrence Street, Southgate Shopping Centre, BA1 1AN
sosandar.com
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Sulis Hospital presents – Master your Sleep: Insights from Leading Experts on Sleep Disorders
20 March, 6.30pm
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Join Sulis Hospital for an enlightening educational event on snoring and sleep apnea with leading experts, taking place at Combe Grove.
If you’re suffering from snoring, you might be waking up feeling tired every day. Continuous disturbed sleep isn’t just frustrating – it’s detrimental to your health. Discover how sleep quality can transform your daily life and make everyday tasks easier.
What to Expect:
Expert Insights: Their panel of experts will share their knowledge and practical advice.
Ask the Experts: Bring your concerns and questions for personalised answers.
Understanding the risk factors: Learn about the factors that contribute to sleep disorders.
Insight into your metabolic health: Gain a deeper understanding of how sleep affects your metabolic health
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and prioritise your health. Booking is essential.
The Oak Room, Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath BA2 7HS
Book tickets at sulishospital.com, or call 01761 422288 for more information
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Birmingham Royal Ballet School presents
Cinderella at Bristol Hippodrome
27 – 29 March
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Step into the magical world of Cinderella, where Fairy Godmothers triumph over cruel stepmothers, pumpkins turn into sparkling carriages and a jewelled slipper changes one young woman’s life forever. This timeless story of love, courage and kindness reminds us all to have faith in our wildest dreams; one day they might just come true.
Praised by audiences and critics alike, former Company Director David Bintley’s Cinderella is a sure-fire mix of wonderful dance, spectacular scenery, and a cast of characters that include mice, lizards and even a dancing frog – something to capture every imagination.
27 – 29 March; Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine's Parade, Bristol BS1 4UZ
atgtickets.com
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Dorothy House Hospice Care – Together in Adversity Campaign
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For almost 50 years, Dorothy House has been providing end of life care, delivering dignity and comfort to patients and families when they need it the most. Dorothy House offers this free of charge, without any expectation. For almost 50 years, Dorothy House has been providing end of life care, delivering dignity and comfort to patients and families when they need it the most. Dorothy House offers this free of charge, without any expectation.
You may have read in the news that hospices are facing unprecedented financial hardship. This is true, over 300 beds have been closed already across the UK with more likely to follow. Sadly Dorothy House is not immune to this and help is needed.
With rising costs, a National Insurance hike, as well as stagnant government funding which only covers just 20% of total costs; running the Hospice has risen over the past three years from £46,000 a day to £52,000 a day. Despite incredible fundraising efforts and innovation, this has all combined to leave Dorothy House with a critical funding shortfall.
Now, facing a major fundraising deficit, the gap needs to close now to protect the vital services Dorothy House offers and ensure this exceptional hospice can continue delivering care.
We kindly ask you to consider making a donation to support our community's only adult hospice.
Please click here for more details about making a donation
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Easter Revision Courses with Monkton Combe School
14 – 17 April 2025
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Want to remove the stress from your revision?
With examination dates looming students often find it hard to revise at home. Monkton’s Easter revision courses offer expert advice from teachers who are well versed in the challenges that examinations place upon candidates. Staff will be on hand to offer individual guidance and support, and to coach to each student through the revision of demanding topics and difficult subject material.
The course will offer expert tutors with content tailored to your study needs, classes of 5-8 students (maximum 10 students per class), an extensive range of subject courses, and small group revision coaching on request.
Find out more and book today at monktoncombeschool.com
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TONIGHT: Bath Rugby go head-to-head with
Harlequins for Premiership Rugbby Cup Quarter Final!
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The match, which kicks off at 19:45, sees Johann van Graan’s side playing in the competition’s knockout stages for the first time in the club’s history.
The team sheet is out, and the match will be broadcasted on BBC Radio Bristol & Somerset, and on TNT Sports.
Or click here to buy tickets and back the Blue, Black and White live at The Rec!
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A stunning four-bedroom home in Marshfield, Chippenham
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4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 3 Reception Rooms | Guide Price: £950,000
Offered for sale by Zest Sales and Lettings
Avalon is an exquisite family home, thoughtfully designed and beautifully presented, nestled in the picturesque Cotswold village of Marshfield. Overlooking serene open fields, this detached stone property boasts elegant accommodation spread across three levels.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and inviting dining room, featuring a charming gas fireplace with a log-burning effect. This space seamlessly connects to a recently renovated kitchen/breakfast room, complete with access to a convenient downstairs cloakroom. The ground floor also showcases a dual-aspect living room, highlighted by an exposed stone fireplace with a gas stove, perfect for cozy evenings.
On the first floor, you'll find three spacious double bedrooms and a generous wet room. Ascend to the upper level, where the stunning accommodation features vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. The principal bedroom is a true retreat, boasting an impressive luxury ensuite bathroom. An adjoining home office offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
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Externally, the property features a driveway providing off-road parking for up to three vehicles, leading to a substantial detached building. Currently serving as a garage, utility room, and a large studio/home office.
Avalon is set within beautifully landscaped gardens, rich with mature plants, trees, and shrubs. The patio area is perfect for barbecues and family gatherings, complemented by an outbuilding.
The picturesque town of Marshfield features seventeenth, eighteenth, and eighteenth century homes, and is home to two well regarded pubs, as well as a post office, general shop and primary school. The town has good access to the M4 and is approximately 10 miles from Chippenham and 6 miles from Bath, giving access to a wide selection of schools in both locations.
Click here to see more images and the floor plan on the Zest website.
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From our Home and Interiors Guide...
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House of Radiators
House of Radiators sells traditional and designer radiators that can be off-the-shelf sizes/finishes or bespoke sizes and colours – including a colour-matching service for many popular paint ranges including Little Greene, and Farrow & Ball finishes.
This popular, family-run business opened its Bear Flat showroom in 2011 and not only sells to Bath areas but throughout the UK and overseas.
With over 50 years experience in the heating and radiator industry they offer a friendly and high level of customer service.
Because the team work with leading manufacturers and distributors in the radiator industry, there’s always something to suit all budgets and styles.
22 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 2AA
Tel: 01225 424199 Web: houseofradiators.co.uk
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