OUR AUGUST ISSUE IS OUT NEXT WEEK!

Our August issue is packed with plenty of things to do, see and enjoy...

We hear from comedian Ed Byrne about how he's channelled grief and loss into his new show coming to the city soon (and we promise it's anything but depressing); we visit Distortion Studios, the new out-of-this-world home for virtual film production; we catch up fifth-generation cider maker hero Eleanor Thatcher now that she's sitting on the board of her family's company. Plus food reviews, city happenings, restaurant updates, holiday interiors and loads 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 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

Ricotta and Parmesan Cheesecake

Liven up a summer party buffet, add an interesting edge to a classic cheeseboard or shake up your starter repertoire with this this tasty twist on the classic cheesecake.

Ingredients (serves 8-10)

100g butter, melted
75g digestive biscuits
125g oatcakes
25g shelled walnuts
300g full-fat cream cheese
300g ricotta
150g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), grated
4 large eggs
Small bunch fresh chives, snipped

Method

1. Line a 20cm diameter loose-bottomed or springform cake tin with greaseproof paper. Whizz the oatcakes, biscuits and walnuts into fine crumbs in a blender or food processor (or crush finely in a large freezer bag with a rolling pin). Tip the crumbs into a large bowl then add the melted butter and mix thoroughly. Firmly press the mixture into the base of the tin and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 150c/gas mark 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the cream cheese, ricotta and parmesan (or alternative) together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, the chives and plenty of freshly ground black pepper and continue to whisk until thoroughly combined.

3. Pour the cheese mixture onto the chilled biscuit base and bake for 50-60 minutes until the cheesecake is set but still retains a slight wobble in the centre. Allow to cool fully in the tin before removing and serving at room temperature, accompanied by a selection of chutneys and a bowl of nicely-dressed salad leaves.

American reds at The Great Wine Co.

California, the golden state, is not the only American wine region living the dream at the moment. The boutique wineries of Oregon have been staking a claim of independence lately, with rather successful results. In fact, the elegance and finesse of the Pinots from the lush, fertile hills of the Willamette Valley have begun to rival New Zealand's Central Otago and Chile's Leyda Valley as the home of New World Pinot. The basalt iron-rich red soils of Oregon's Dundee Hills offer equally interesting expressions of the Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris varieties. Yet the USA's sunshine capital is not quite ready to descend from its throne and California's favourite wine regions continue to offer diversity and quality in abundance.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cannonball | £24

An exciting revival of a classic style. It has the best characteristics of traditional California and old world Bordeaux. Features aromatic tiers of ripe mulberry, spiced black tea and purple floral notes. Ample at its core with flavors of cherry, chocolate and roasted hazelnut, all contributing to tremendous depth, leading to a long and unstinting finish. Pairs beautifully with lamb chops, roasted duck, cassoulet, black and blue burger, grilled aubergine and aged Cheddar.

Zinfandel, Bonterra | £19.50

Aromas of black raspberry and cherry fruit, and notions of pepper and minerals on the nose. A decadent palate of briery fruit, vanilla, brown spice and toasty oak is framed by polished tannins and a rich, lingering finish.

Old Vine Zinfandel, Bogle Family Vineyards | £18.85

This supple and mouth-filling vintage leads with juicy raspberry and ripe boysenberry fruit. Hints of spiced chocolate integrate well with fruit that is surprisingly luscious and silky on the palate, partnered with black pepper backbone that gives structure and weight. Flavours of toasted oak and pipe tobacco create further structure, allowing this wine to stand up to a variety of hearty fare.

The Convert, Tenet Wines | £22

This exceptionally smooth and elegant wine has aromas of ripe cherry and plum, complemented by earthy undercurrents of smoked cacao and spicy cola. Silky-soft on the palate, it has flavours of cherry, blackberry and vanilla, which glide into a long, satiny finish. Plenty of leaf canopy is kept on the vines, so that the fruit ripens gently in dappled shade, for a fresher, more elegant style of wine. These attributes are emphasised by whole-bunch fermentation, long, gentle maceration and maturation in larger casks, producing wine of great finesse.

Visit greatwine.co.uk to explore more

Thatchers Juicy Apple: just in time for summer!

Thatchers Juicy Apple is the ultimate blend of sun-drenched apples and 100% renewable electricity. Mouth-wateringly sweet, crisp, and happily appley in every drop.

The fresh new flavour is powered by sunshine. Made using 100% renewable electricity, including power generated from the 3,500 solar panels at Myrtle Farm, it’s as good for the environment as it tastes in the glass.

ABV 4.0%; suitable for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs; gluten-free. Contains sulphites for freshness.

Click here to buy.

The Montblanc Meisterstück x Olympic Heritage Paris 1924 Fountain Pen

To celebrate 100 years of the Meisterstück fine writing instrument and the centenary of the Paris Summer Olympic Games in 2024, Montblanc pays tribute to its iconic pen's origins with a collection inspired by the 1924 Paris Games.

At their core, both Montblanc and the Olympic Games share the same virtues - with master craftsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence and human achievement.

This special edition in warm red precious resin - the official colour of the 1924 Games - features yellow gold plated clip and trim as well as a beautifully detailed Au585/14k handcrafted gold nib adorned with a javelin thrower - a nod to the 1924 games Olympic poster.

The cap top ring proudly displays the Olympic rings and a wreath of laurel leaves; as originally presented to Olympic victors.

The cap is also engraved with “Olympic Games Paris 1924,” and the anniversary ring bears “1924” and “2024,” highlighting the shared celebration. And in true Montblanc tradition - the iconic snow cap emblem crowns the edition. A very special and highly collectable fountain pen of the finest making. Medium nib: £780

To see this special edition Meisterstück and many more beautiful Montblanc fine pens, click here to visit the Mallory website

SOL DE JANEIRO JET SET travel kit

Wherever your destination, a Sol de Janeiro Jet Set Kit will transport you instantly to the sandy shores of Copacabana and beyond. Featuring a trio of the brand’s best-selling body heroes from each fragrance families - Cheirosa 62, Cheirosa 40 and Cheirosa 68 - containing a mini Body Cream, Shower Gel and Cheirosa Mist. All conveniently housed inside a clear travel case.

Cream: 50ml / Gel: 90ml / Mist: 30ml

Sol de Janeiro | £30

Click here to buy now.

Start your day right with TOAST's expanded nightwear range

Inspired by nature, the new nightwear collection comes in a palette of chalky hues and is cut to easy shapes with pared-back silhouettes. Pyjama tops and bottoms and nightdresses feature floral prints block-printed by artisans in India, made for mixing and layering with hand-woven sketched check pieces. Gowns are crafted from soft double-faced cotton, intended to encourage slow mornings at home.

Collage Floral Cotton Pyjamas | £125

Click here to buy now 

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Reloved claims to be the first magazine dedicated to pre-owned objects and those who celebrate them – the people and businesses driving the circular economy. It's published biannually to encourage the appreciation, repair and reuse of quality manufactured consumer goods such as clothing, accessories (especially watches), furniture, vehicles and other objects of desire that are designed to last. It provides studies insights from curators, historians and experts who shed light on the evolution of the second-hand market, balanced with interviews with passionate enthusiasts and brand-followers who are in it for the hunt and the joy of ownership. The publishers (who are Swiss) say that Reloved is aimed at ‘readers from all socio-professional backgrounds’ but we think anyone interested in collecting and the workings of the contemporary ‘preloved’ retail environment will also love this. | £27

magalleria.co.uk

Cinema Rediscovered
until Sunday 28 July

Watershed’s annual festival dedicated to the rediscovery and revival of great films.

The festival of classic cinema and film restorations returns to venues in and around Bristol UNESCO City of Film for its eighth annual edition. Expect big screen experiences of brand-new film restorations, rediscoveries and film on film rarities from around the world, alongside a multitude of starting points for lively conversation. The Full Festival Pass (£120) allows you to select from 60+ Cinema Rediscovered screenings and events.

Click here for more information.

SS Great Britain's Summer Lates: Thursday 1 August

Watch the dockyard come to life with live bands, a summer BBQ (including a vegan option), local beers and their special signature cocktail, the Steamship.

You’ll also have the unique opportunity to explore the ship, Dry Dock and dock yard after hours, without the crowds.

First set 6.30-7.15pm, second set 7.45-8.30pm
Tickets from £14 (tickets must be booked in advance)

Click here for more information

COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS TO AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT THIS WEEKEND

If you’re seeing this, you’re in luck! A final few places remain for your local She’s Electric event on Sunday 28 July at Bailbrook House Hotel in Bath - and we have a handful of complimentary tickets to give away.

Join fabulous hosts, Jo Elvin, Former Editor-in-Chief of Glamour Magazine, and Ginny Buckley, Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com, BBC and ITV journalist and presenter. They will share how you don’t need to sacrifice style for sustainability and answer your questions about how you can make the right decisions for you, your family and the planet.

• MEET: Enjoy a good time in great company in a beautiful location

• HEAR: Listen to inspiring stories from unstoppable female trailblazers

• DISCOVER: Enjoy guilt-free shopping with She’s Electric’s amazing sustainable lifestyle brands

• DRIVE: Experience the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric, car of the year 2024

• RELAX: Come with a friend and recharge with a complimentary bite to eat- in the sunshine! (Yes, it's going to be sunny!)

PLUS! She’s Electric believes in rewarding good people with good things. That’s why one lucky guest will take home a special collection of goodies from their gorgeous lifestyle partners.

Grab a friend and join them at Bailbrook House Hotel in Bath on Sunday 28 July. Use code BRISTOLMAG to get your complimentary tickets today. Hurry, they won’t last long!

Bailbrook House Hotel, Eveleigh Ave, London Rd W, Bath, BA1 7JD

Click here for more information and to book your ticket.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Spa Days Sunday – Thursday

A LUXURY HOTEL IN THE HEART OF BATH

Immerse yourself in luxury with a Spa Day

The award-winning Spa crafts the perfect escape, offering guests a day of relaxing in Bath's natural thermal waters, a range of sumptuous spa treatments and a delicious afternoon tea. 

THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA
BEAU STREET, BATH BA1 1QY
Click here for more details on the spa village..

Cromwell Road St Andrews, Bristol, BS6

Offered for sale by Ocean Real Estate

A simply stunning and spacious Victorian semi-detached property - set in an elevated position within the sought-after area of St Andrews.

Inside the layout in brief is as follows; a welcoming entrance hall gives a light and airy first impression, added to by the large stained glass window. From here the two principal receptions are found, both making up the full width of the property.
The first has a bay window inset with recently upgraded double-glazed windows (with additional sound proofing) and is finished with plantation-style shutters. A period style fireplace, stripped wooden floors and ornate ceiling plaster work and a character feel. The 2nd again has a bay window that takes in not only lots of southerly facing light but affords incredible views even from this hall floor level.
Again stripped wooden floors, a feature fireplace and ceiling plaster-work maintain the Victorian character, whilst sitting neatly alongside modern decor. This room is particularly generous, giving space for a lounge and reading area, lined with built-in bookshelves.

Back in the entrance hall, where the central staircase connects all four story's - living space continues below at ground floor level. An attractive kitchen/diner sits at the front and an additional sitting/dining room sits at the rear. From here french doors fitted to the bay window provide access out to the patio section of the rear garden. The kitchen has a quarry-tiled floor, wooden cabinetry and marble work surfaces - attractive yet hard-wearing finishes.

A utility room (providing additional access to the rear garden, a large pantry and a wet room-style shower with WC complete this floor.
The first and second floors give four double bedrooms, a family bathroom and an ensuite bathroom to the top floor bedroom. This floor has again been extended with a rap-around dormer window, providing additional usable space and some of the best panoramic views available in Bristol.

The front garden has a mature tree and raised planting, giving a greater sense of privacy - whilst complimenting the handsome Victorian frontage. An all-important off-street parking space, complete with EV charging point, sits within the generous plot.
The rear garden, again is beautifully maintained and landscaped to make the most of the slight teared plot and the incredible uninterrupted southerly views. A large patio extends from the house, offering an inside/outside living arrangement - a perfect place for entertaining. As you lead down the garden, careful thought has been given to planting - to achieve interest and colour throughout the seasons. At the very end is a section given over as an allotment, ideal for those with green fingers, looking to experiment with growing your own produce! Given the lack of neighboring adjacent properties, a greater sense of privacy is achieved as is the sunshine to the last possible moment.
| Offers in Excess of £995,000

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