Panto stars give their backing to Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s Winter Appeal

Bath pantomime stars Neil McDermott, Jon Monie and Maisie Sellwood met Russell, a two year-old Jack Russell, on stage at the Theatre Royal Bath ahead of curtain up for the matinee performance of Sleeping Beauty to help launch Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s Winter Appeal.

The pantomime cast are backing Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s Winter Appeal, launched to raise funds for urgently needed building improvements to the Home’s vet suite and recovery room facilities. 

The Home’s veterinary facilities, built in 2000, are now fast becoming outdated. Last year 98% of the animals brought into Bath Cats and Dogs Home arrived with urgent concerns for their welfare so the busy vet suite is constantly working at full capacity.

Plans for 2024 include a renovation of the existing recovery space in the vet suite into two separate recovery facilities for cats and dogs, ensuring all animals have a safe space to recover post-medical treatment.

If you are able to support Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s Winter Appeal visit bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk

OUR DECEMBER ISSUE IS OUT!

You'll love our fabulous December magazine which features a collection of great reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bath's best businesses.

Features include Robun head chef Kasae Fraser telling us about her experience on Masterchef: The Professionals; a look at the new Wonka film starring Timothée Chalamet with details of the filming locations, including Bath; and Melissa Blease’s interview with Guy Masterson about bringing Dickens' classic Christmas tale A Christmas Carol to life on stage, and why he once drove Richard Burton to Switzerland. We really hope you'll enjoy the read!

Every month we deliver 15,000 copies door to door, but if you don't get a copy at home then you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our floor stands at: Waitrose, Sainsbury [Green Park], M&S Foods in Twerton, Tesco in Weston Village, and at The Holburne Museum. 

Click here to enjoy our current issue!

Enjoying our newsletter? For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website.

 Vacuum-packed mussels, meanwhile, are all too often overlooked for no good reason; readily available in the chilled section of most big supermarkets all year round (usually in one box containing two single-serve packs), they generally come in their own flavoured broth which really amps up the flavour in this recipe.

On the drinks front, you really won't go far wrong if you open a bottle of fizz to accompany this treatsome dish; after all, it's (almost) Christmas!

Ingredients (serves 2)

200g dried linguine
150g large, deveined king prawns (defrosted if frozen)
150g large scallops (defrosted if frozen)
2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
½ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes
150ml dry white wine
2 x 250g pouches of prepared mussels in white wine and garlic sauce
3 firm tomatoes, chopped into small dice
4 tbsp single cream
To serve: freshly-chopped parsley; lemon wedges

Method

1. Cook the linguine for 2 minutes less than the instructions on the packet and drain well, reserving around 2-3 tbsp of the pasta cooking water. Set both to one side.

2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over a medium-high heat in a large, lidded frying pan. Briefly sear the prawns and the scallops until both are nicely caramelised on all sides (probably only around 2 minutes – don't allow them to overcook!). Transfer the seafood to a plate, cover loosely with foil and set to one side.

3. Turn the heat under the pan down slightly and add 1 tbsp butter followed by the diced tomatoes, garlic and chilli flakes. Sauté for just under a minute, then add the white wine to the pan. Allow the wine to bubble and reduce for around 2 minutes, then add the mussels (and all the broth from their packets) and give the pan a good shake. Put the lid on the pan and steam the mussels for 3 minutes.

4. Add the sautéed scallops and prawns to the pan along with the cream, the pasta and the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss everything together (long-handled tongs are useful here!) and simmer very gently for around 2 minutes until the pasta has reheated and absorbed some of the sauce and all the seafood has thoroughly cooked through.

5. Divide between two warm, shallow bowls and serve immediately scattered with plenty of freshly-chopped parsley and accompanied by fresh lemon wedges.

Bag a Bargain on Christmas Wines

Want to enjoy Christmas and save money? The Great Wine Company has got you covered. Out of the 200 wines and champagnes on offer, here are a few that caught our eye:

Les Mougeottes Pinot Noir - Les Mougeottes
Les Mougeottes Pinot Noir has a lovely nose of ripe red cherries and berries, with a classic French savoury/charcuterie character. | £9.95 (save £2.25)

Ice Cuvée Sparkling - Peller Family Estates
This wine has a classic, Champagne-like yeasty character, alongside tantalising nectarine, honeysuckle and fresh papaya notes. | £25.50 (save £9.50)

Le Relais de Durfort-Vivens, Margaux - Château Durfort-Vivens
This wine has a deep violet-purple colour, black and red fruit aromas, with mineral and woody notes. It is rich-textured, with velvety, supple tannin structure. | £32 (save £7.50)

Tamboerskloof Syrah - Kleinood
Ruby in colour, this South African wine has a complex nose of garrigue (the combined fynbos aromas of rosemary, lemon verbena, lavender and marjoram that perfume the air at Kleinood), ripe cherry, fine spices, cassis, currant and ripe strawberry. | £18.33 (save £9.17)

Pouilly-Fuissé - Saumaize-Michelin
Ripe orchard fruit, cashew butter and clotted cream complete the seamlessly sumptuous sensation. | £29.50 (save £5.50)

To explore more, visit greatwine.co.uk

Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?

Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!

Ludo Sport's Bar and Kitchen host best moments of 2023

On 31 December, from 8pm until late, you can revel in the celebrations and join the fun at Ludo. 

You’ll be welcomed with a glass of fizz on arrival and be able to enjoy two hours of bottomless drinks, pizza and games. A DJ will also be on hand to rewind, remix and replay the hippest tunes, funkiest beats and anthems of the year; and you’ll receive an extra, complimentary glass of bubbles for the countdown to midnight and toast as the clock chimes 12am.

Ludo’s giant UHD screens will replay the best sporting moments of the year, of which there have been plenty of amazing triumphs. 

Tickets for New Year’s Eve at Ludo are priced at just £49 per person and include unlimited beer, wine, house spirits and soft drinks.

Click here to book your place. 

Feel-good feasting with The Community Farm

If you’re looking to support local businesses whilst tucking into top-notch, organic produce this Christmas time, make sure you buy everything you need for your festive feasting from The Community Farm.

You and your loved ones can tuck into nourishing, organic produce safe in the knowledge that you'll also be supporting their mission to grow healthy food of the highest quality, whilst continuing to care for the environment and communities. They’ve also got some incredible charity projects that they’re supporting this year.

For more information visit thecommunityfarm.com

OUAI Better Together Set | £38.00

Deep cleanse and detox, then detangle and hydrate with these OUAI best sellers. 

The Detox Shampoo cleanses away dirt and oil and the Leave In Conditioner smooths and detangles.

This is a Beyond Beauty product which means it has been sourced, tried and tested and finally declared one of the most new and innovative heroes out there.

harveynichols.com

A beautiful petite round pendant sparkles with cubic zirconia stones set in sterling silver. 

Stylish and eye-catching in design. It comes on an 18″ chain, and can also be worn at 16″. To complete the look, wear with The Silver Shop's matching Sparkling Circle stud earrings. Perfect for adding a little sparkle to any outfit! 

Visit their store at 25 Union Passage BA1 1RD
Or to shop on their website go to thesilvershopofbath.com

Grand Prix Leather Driving Gloves | £95

Inspired by the flamboyant colours of classic motor racing teams, these distinctive driving gloves boast three different colours.

One on the palm and strap, the second on the back of the glove and the third has an eye-catching cameo neatly trimming the keyhole back. 

With all the delicate detailing of driving gloves, these gloves also feature touchscreen technology making them mobile phone friendly. 

An online exclusive, these gloves are perfect for motorsport lovers, stylish drivers looking to coordinate with their car or trendsetting gents who love to stand out from the crowd. A truly colourful classic in the making.

Visit dentsgloves.com to shop. 

Gift for Daughter from Dad | £227

Celebrate the bond between father and daughter with a dainty 9kt gold and silver love knot necklace. 

The circles symbolise infinite love, strength, protection and unity. Free international shipping and personalised note inside the gift box. You choose your own wording

All jewellery is handcrafted in their Bath workshop.

Click here to shop.

Braided bracelets from Omega

These über cool, luxury sailing bracelets by Omega are available in moulded rubber or braided nylon and fastened with a stainless steel clasp. 

They are casual, colourful and easy to wear. It’s a contemporary look that will complement any wardrobe and is fit for any occasion.The perfect statement gift.

Inspired by the DNA of Omega, the accessories collections are strongly linked to Omega’s timepieces. They are creative expressions of the brand that make use of different types of materials and finishes used in the watch manufacture.

Shown here is the white and blue braided nylon sailing bracelet, £310. 

See this and many more luxury gift ideas at Mallory.

Relax and recharge with Therapies with Grace

Therapies with Grace offers a range of relaxing beauty treatments to take your mind off the stresses of daily life.

Reconnect your body and mind with a range of relaxing, deep tissue massages, treat yourself to a luxury Natural Spa Factory facial aiding deep relaxation, enjoy a professional service when getting your nails painted or shape, tint and lift your brows and lashes using advanced systems.

These range of treatments will rejuvenate the way you feel this Christmas.  

Click here to book a treatment or buy a gift voucher. 

Red Cartier spectacles, with geometric Panthère head details | £600

Established in 1979, Ellis and Killpartrick is one of the south west’s leading independent opticians, and as well as a loyal following of clients. 

The shop boasts a fabulous display of designer sunglasses from the most desirable brands and has so many elegant designs in both sunglasses and in the optical collection. 

18 New Bond Street, Bath BA1 1BA
ellisandkillpatrick.com

ORLY: Twas The Night Nail Polish Collection | Now £39.95

This is the perfect magical collection, where swirling shades dance across the glade. The dark green Regal pine stands tall, whilst copper spark lit the ball.

ORLY Twas The Night 6 Piece Nail Polish Collection includes:

Spark 18ml Nail Polish
Sugarplum Soiree 18ml Nail Polish
Regal Pine 18ml Nail Polish
Velvet Ribbon 18ml Nail Polish
Cosy Night 18ml Nail Polish
Snow Angel 18ml Nail Polish

Each polish is vegan, cruelty-free and 12 free formula. The polish has their patented gripper cap for easy opening and precision application. Featuring their 600 Bristle Genius Brush which delivers a smooth, even finish.

For more information click here. 

Curated by Daniel McCabe

The winter See All This is subtitled ‘Make yourself a home’, a clever play on words for what amounts to a search for the definition of ‘home’. This is tasked to an intriguing panel of artists, writers, travellers and architects, all of whom this unfailingly-interesting Netherlands-based art and culture magazine believe to be uniquely placed to understand and articulate the value of a place to call one’s own. The issue is guided by ‘ultimate homemaker’, artist/architect and founder of Studio Mumbai, Bijoy Jain. Among other things he includes a fascinating interview with the Islington Twins, who actually live on the streets of London. | £14.95

magalleria.co.uk

Santa’s Cinema with Elf, the Movie

Join Santa at his cinema in the Stables at the American Museum and watch Elf, the feel-good, family Christmas movie!

Arrive between 12–2pm to meet Santa and take some fun photos together before Santa gives every child their own American candy cane. Then settle down to watch the film at 2pm with some popcorn. 

With the LEGO bricks exhibition, the family trail in the Museum, and treats in the Deli, you can look forward to a fantastic day out with your family.

20 December | 12-4pm
Claverton Manor, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7BD 
Click here to buy tickets. 

Sing carols with your family at Bath Abbey

Children are invited to come dressed as a shepherd, angel, wise man or star to take part in a fun retelling of the Nativity – with a real live donkey!

Sing carols with your family on Sunday 17 December. Service starts at 3.30pm and finishes at 4.30pm. 

Morning services will be carried out as usual in the morning. 

For more information go to bathabbey.org

A Camerata Christmas with John Rutter

Bath Camerata is delighted to welcome back the one-and-only John Rutter to Bath as the conductor of its Christmas Concert 2023!

Join the choir in the beautiful surroundings of Bath Abbey for what promises to be a thoroughly uplifting celebration of music for the festive season.

There will be Christmas songs old and new, alongside some favourite carols for the audience to join in with – all presided over with gusto and style by ‘Mr Christmas’ himself! 

Bath Abbey | Tuesday 19 Dec | 7.30pm-8.30pm
To book tickets click here

Cleveland Pools Trust auction local artist's paintings

Cleveland Pools Trust is auctioning two beautiful framed paintings of the Pools by local artist Jane Riley.

Bidding is open and closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 17 December. You can bid on one, or both paintings. If you'd like to take a closer look they're on display in the reception at Cleveland Pools.

The paintings have a reserve of £360 for each individual painting. Best offer wins. All the money from the sale will be used by the Trust to ensure the Pools remain accessible and available to all of the community in Bath. 

Click here for more information or send your best offer to: fundraising@clevelandpools.org

Postcard from Bath - Edition Number 6

Produced by the team at The Bath Magazine - the 6th edition of Postcard from Bath, our beautifully presented visitor guide to the city, is officially out!

This luxury guide book is designed to elevate the visitor experience and can be found in over 1700 hotel rooms, Airbnbs, and other visitor accommodation across the city.

Postcard contains the very best of shopping, dining, and things to do and see in the Bath, alongside editorial pieces on the city's fascinating history, architecture, culture, people and so much more. 

To see the digital edition or to buy a real copy for yourself as a keepsake or souvenir, head over to: postcardmagazine.co.uk.

Enjoy the read!

31 Lymore Avenue, Bath BA2 1BB

Offered for sale by Cobb Farr estate agents in Bath

Lymore Avenue is located in the most convenient and popular Oldfield Park area of Bath. It is a pretty terraced house offering well presented, fully refurbished accommodation to two storeys with the added benefit of off-road parking.

The property has a little front garden with the front door leading to a classic Victorian layout with the stair rising straight to the upper landing and the door leading from the hall to the dining room which is open plan to the front aspect sitting room enjoying a bay window and wood burning stove.

The dining room has a step down into almost a ‘double kitchen’ which has a partially vaulted ceiling and window overlooking the rear garden. The kitchen itself has a range of integrated appliances and accesses the rear lobby and in turn the bathroom. The bathroom offers a freestanding bath, walk-in shower and high-quality fitments.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms with the largest to the front and an ideal office to the rear overlooking the garden. 

The garden has a private sun terrace immediately to the rear of the building and then an area of level lawn with a large storage shed and access to the parking space. | Guide price £425,000

For more images and details click here to view this property on the Cobb Farr website.