Image credit: Liam Daniel

Bath appears in Bridgerton

The first half of Bridgerton’s third series hits our screens on 16 May (you’ll have to wait until 13 June to watch the rest), and the production’s presence in Bath to film key scenes has caused quite a stir!

New stats from Visit West commissioned by Mayor Dan Norris show the popular period drama has contributed more than £5 million to the local economy with UK and international visitors.

Bridgerton has even sparked the development of a new industry surrounding the show, with thousands of extra visitors to The Guildhall, Royal Crescent, and other brilliant, historic Bath attractions featuring in the popular period drama with a modern take.

This includes the creation of new tours and experiences. Bath Walking Tours has specifically designed a new tour taking in the show's most memorable filming locations.

So, keep your eyes peeled, and don't miss the beautiful city on the big screen...

READ OUR MAY ISSUE NOW!

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 Bath's best businesses.

This month we went to the Holburne Museum and narrowly avoided being doodled by Mr Doodle (who is only happy when doodling), and asked him why doodling is the biggest thing in his life – and why he’s been doodling obsessively in the museum… and in Bath. We also spoke to fashion director of The Times Anna Murphy who is coming to The Bath Festival and has some uplifting advice about how to feel fabulous whatever your age. There are more interviews with journalist and art critic Will Gompertz, actor Tamsin Greig and jazz trombonist Dennis Rollins. You can also find out about the amazing new Dyson Cancer Centre at the RUH in an in-depth piece about this innovative project, which has been supported enthusiastically by the local community. Plus so much more!

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 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 £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 and its myriad of different soils and climates, lends itself perfectly to wine production. 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

Pane e vino open every Saturday evening for intimate candlelight dinners

Pane e vino is open every Saturday evening for intimate and delicious candlelight dinner experiences. 

Chef Darix will prepare 3-course set menus that will change weekly and are priced according to what's on offer. Starter, main, dessert, tea or coffee and limoncello can range between £34 to £45 per person.

It is highly recommended to book in advance as spaces fill up quickly. 

Call 01225 698063 to book your table. 
For more information, follow Pane e vino on Instagram: panevinobath
5-6 St James's St, Bath BA1 2TW

Woods at the Races

With Georgian elegance and a warm informal atmosphere, Woods has created an enviable reputation as one of Bath best independent restaurants, a firm favourite with locals and a must for visitors to Bath.

Established in 1979 by David and Claude Price, they work alongside the head chef of 28 years Stuart Ash and Gaston Price who runs the front of house. A truly family-run business offering personal service, dazzling food, modern British cooking with a classic French influence, and sourcing local ingredients to give you a mouth-watering sensation that will leave you coming back for more. 

On 1 June Woods will be hosting a £45 three-course lunch and televised racing for Derby Day, starting at 12.30pm. 

On 6 October is Prix De L-arc de Triomphe - Woods will be hosting another £45 three-course dinner and televised racing. 

The menu changes seasonally with specials of the day. The wines that accompany the delicious dishes are specially selected and tasted by David. Woods caters for all.

Click here to visit the website. 

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. 

Hortons England St Tropez Broderie Mini Dress White | £169

Crafted from 100% cotton, this is the ultimate summer dress that’s perfect for all occasions. 

Featuring a gorgeous contemporary mini collar with elegant floaty sleeves for a feminine touch. Detailed with the most stunning broderie lace and a super flattering relaxed fit that is perfect for the warmer seasons. This is the ultimate day to night dress, wear from the beach over a bikini then add a pair of heels to transition into an evening ensemble.

Click here to purchase. 

Ellis & Killpartrick Mulberry Sunglasses

Mulberry scarlet red frame with silver details. A bold statement to brighten up even the dullest day. | £250

Visit the store to shop or book an appointment online. 

18 New Bond St, Bath BA1 1BA
Click here to visit the website. 

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.

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.

Visit the store to see the beautiful cushions in the window!

12 Northgate St, Bath BA1 5AS
Click here to purchase. 

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

Celebrate 90 years of fun at The Forum

The Forum is set to celebrate its 90th birthday on 18 May with a series of special events including a performance of blockbuster movie classics with Bath Philharmonia and Musicians from the Royal Marines School of Music.

This landmark venue, known for its distinctive Art Deco architecture and rich history, invites the community to join in a full day of festivities.

Throughout the day, guests will have the unique opportunity to explore areas of the building not usually open to the public via free bookable backstage tours. Families can take part in free drop-in arts and crafts activities and the Forum's café will come alive with an array of free live music and comedy performances, creating a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere for all visitors.

Guests can enjoy ‘Memories of The Forum Through Time’, a specially curated exhibition of old photographs and cherished memories that showcase the building’s vibrant history. First built as a luxurious ‘super-cinema’ in 1934, The Forum has operated as a bingo hall and a dancing school and has evolved into one of the most prominent performance venues in the region, hosting a diverse range of events from concerts and comedy nights to corporate functions and community gatherings.

For a full schedule of the day's events, how to book tickets, visit bathforum.co.uk or contact the Bath Box Office at 01225 463 362.

Horticulture takes centre stage at Royal Bath & West Show

Horticulture takes a centre stage as it is exhibited at the Royal Bath & West Show between 30 May–1 June. 

Horticulture has been a key feature at the Royal Bath and West Show since the 19^th Century and is enjoying a revival, partly in response to an upsurge in gardening during the pandemic lockdowns.

In addition to the floral art displays and trade stands is the Pop-Up Gardens Competition, open to both professional and amateur gardeners. David Domoney of ITV’s Love Your Garden will be available to answer horticulture questions, alongside fruit and vegetable growing expert Jess Gough (Happy Smalholding) and Lara from the ‘Skool Beanz’ children’s gardening club.

The advanced ticket rate ends at Midnight on 16 May, so book now for even more savings at bathandwest.com.

Mogers Drewett host Move On Up workshop as part of Mental Health Awareness Week

The Move On Up Workshop will be taking place at Rengen House on 16 May between 5pm–7pm as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. 

Mogers Drewett’s specialist HR support team will be on hand to share their professional insights on integrating movement into daily life for improved mental health.

The event is aimed at small and medium businesses across the local area, in particular for leaders with people management responsibilities who want to find out more about the impact of an employee’s physical wellbeing on business performance.

Speakers will include Ben Morris, Head of People and Performance at Mogers Drewett, and Lucy Cotterell, an experienced Human Resources Consultant at the firm.

Click here to watch a video explaining more about the event. 

4 Argyle Street, Bathwick Bath
Click here for more information. 

Newbridge Arts Trail

At the Newbridge Arts Trail, more than 30 artists and makers will be exhibiting in 11 different venues right on your doorstep on the 18–19 May.

This annual event is the perfect way to enjoy a weekend of creativity and art without having to stray too far from home.

This is the thirteenth year of the Newbridge Arts Trail bringing together local people, schools, and business sponsors to support our talented artisan community.

The four main public venues are Weston Methodist Church on Kennington Road, Newbridge Primary School, Fairfield House and The Locksbrook Inn. As well as being part of the trail, on Sunday Fairfield House also has historical guided tours about the lives of the Ethiopian Royal Family in Bath on offer at 12pm and 1.30pm with lunch available afterwards.

The trail hosts a wide range of creative mediums, from painting and printmaking to pottery and jewellery.

Click here for more information.

Ladies Day at Bath Racecourse

Join fellow racegoers for a show of style and beauty at Ladies Day on 15 June at Bath Racecourse, and don’t miss JLS star performing live, Marvin Humes.

The exciting racing combines stylish outfits, ornate hats and of course, incredible food and drink, to give you and your friends a day out to remember.

Thousands of racegoers will put their best shoes forward to impress the judges of the popular Style Awards, which is open to all, with the winning outfit taking home a £500 cash prize.

Soak up the atmosphere in the Grandstand or take the opportunity to celebrate a day in the sun.

Click here for more information and to book your tickets.

As one of Bath's two Grade II listed country house hotels, Bailbrook House is a prestigious luxury hotel with a rich history. 

Nestled within 20 acres of serene grounds and just a short drive from the city centre, it's the ideal escape for a romantic getaway or a day of indulgence with family away from the city's hustle and bustle.

16 June | 12.30pm–4pm | Father's Day BBQ: 
Join Bailbrook House for a BBQ celebration with the whole family, practise your archery skills, enjoy a complimentary local ale for all the fathers. £42.50 per adult, £20 per child.

28 June | Wine and cheese evening:
Join Bailbrook House Hotel in the Cloisters Restaurant for an evening celebrating fine wines and local Bath cheeses. Wines selected from the boutique winery Villa Saletta, nestled in the heart of Tuscany. £55 per person. 

Click here to visit the website. 

Gala Fundraising Dinner at Homewood

Join If Opera for a convivial, stylish event and help raise much-needed funds. Taking place at the beautiful Homewood on 27 June at 6pm. 

The evening begins with bubbles on the terrace overlooking the landscaped gardens with sculptures and art pieces thoughtfully placed throughout the grounds.

Moving into the stylish dining room, a fine three-course dinner prepared by Homewood’s brilliant chefs awaits. This unique menu created especially for the evening will be expertly crafted using the best Somerset produce as well as ingredients handpicked from the hotel’s kitchen garden, all matched with specially selected wines.

Throughout the evening, you will enjoy a selection of romantic, dramatic music from members of the If Opera ensemble, past and present. Limited tickets are left, so first come first serve. Don't miss out!

Click here to find out more and book your ticket. 

Image Credit: Nick Hope

Artistic swimming duo strike gold at Olympic test event

Kate Shortman, who studies at the University of Bath, 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

Weston Park, Bath, BA1

Offered for sale by Hamptons estate agents

Fleetlands is a handsome semi-detached period home in the desirable address of Weston Park. With spacious accommodation over four floors it benefits from parking, a lovely garden, views plus it's a level walk through the Royal Victoria Park to Milsom Street.

Built of Bath stone, ‘Fleetland’s spans four storeys that lie behind a handsome façade. This period family home offers spacious accommodation with three of the floors benefitting form bay windows allowing light to flood in. The open land to the front called ‘The Archery Field’, links up to Primrose Hill and is part of the Cotswold Way; all providing a lovely leafy aspect to the front of the house. 

The back is south facing with far reaching views over the hills to the south. The interior is full of period features including many period shutters. The drawing room to the front has the bay window, a period fireplace takes centre stage and the tall corniced ceiling adds to the charm. The open plan kitchen and dining area also has space for a sitting area and benefits from those wonderful far reaching views.

The lower ground is currently used as a large work space and hobbies room but has the potential to create a large open plan space with direct access into the attractive gardens. The first floor houses two principal bedroom suites. There are four further bedrooms, and a bathroom with under floor heating, and for those on the top floor, if the children or guests don’t want to come down to make a coffee in the morning, there is even a handy kitchenette. | Offers in excess of £2,000,000

For more information visit Hamptons website.