Jane Austen, Caroline Herschel, Mary Berry... Bath is undoubtedly a producer of inspirational women. So what's the city doing to celebrate International Women's Day this year? 

Throughout March, Bath is hosting a whole load of events showcasing inspiring, extraordinary women who have broken barriers, reshaped industries, and influenced millions. Here are just a few...

Baroness Sue Dowden is visiting Bath for Curious Minds Festival this Monday, 10 March, discussing her book The Game Changer, and reflecting on her extraordinary career as a trailblazer in women's sport. 

Next Friday, 14 March, Strictly Come Dancing’s Amy Dowden MBE is visiting The Forum, bringing an uplifting and inspirational dance spectacular to the city. 

Acclaimed entrepreneur and TED speaker Margaret Heffernan will explore the power of creativity in shaping the future at BRLSI as part of Curious Minds on 22 March; and Elizabeth Day -  chart-topping podcaster and author - shares her honest, heartfelt, and often hilarious reflections on how to fail at The Forum on 29 March.

Seeing off the month is internationally acclaimed novelist Elif Shafak and journalist Alev Scott with a fascinating discussion on women, migration, and the stories that connect us across cultures.

To discover more brilliant events taking place in the city this month visit bathboxoffice.org.uk

Readers are loving our March issue!

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. 

Or 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. 

Recipe by Melissa Blease

So simple… yet so sumptuous! But do allow the time to invest in the low, slow sautéeing of the onions; this is the little bit of faff that makes a big difference to the deeply flavoursome end result.

Ingredients (serves 6)

300g shortcrust pastry
1 tbsp butter 
2 tbsp olive oil
900g onions, peeled and sliced
2 eggs
300ml double cream
50g parmesan, finely grated

Method

1. Heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan. Gently sauté the onions over a low heat (stirring occasionally) for about 30 minutes until completely softened and almost ‘jammy’ but still pale in colour.

2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190°C/gas mark 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry out to around the thickness of a £1 coin and use it to line a deep, 23cm fluted flan/tart tin. Line the pastry case with baking paper, fill with baking beans and bake blind for 10 minutes. Remove the baking paper and beans and bake for another 8-10 minutes or so, or until the pastry is lightly golden brown. Remove the pastry case from the oven and preheat a baking tray.

3. Beat the eggs and cream together in a bowl, add the cheese and season to taste. Stir the onions into the mixture, then spoon the filling into the flan/tart case. Bake on the preheated baking tray for 25-35 minutes until the filling is lightly set (a bit of ‘wobble’ is good) and golden brown on top.

4. Allow to stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving with, perhaps, a crisp green salad.

Hungary boasts the world's first vineyard classification, established in Tokaji in 1730 by royal decree, and today has 22 wine regions and over 64,000 hectares of vines.

It's surprising then that the country is yet to have its day in the sun when it comes to global oenophile appreciation. It is, however, becoming more popular as a winemaking destination, and for good reason. Here we've chosen four wines from the Patricius winery, to give you a taste of what the country has to offer...

Aszú 6 Puttonyos 50cl | £55
This Decanter World Wine Awards Platinum winner is intense, complex, noble and sweet, with a dense exotic bouquet with apricot jam and marmalade notes. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, vibrant marmalade and quince entry and honeyed finish.

Aszú 6 Puttonyos Bendecz Vineyard 50cl | £111
This wine has an astonishing fragrance, evoking exotic spices, dried fruits, tobacco and antique wooden furniture. The 20 years' development in the bottle makes for an overall impression of seamless richness, with flavours that are astonishingly complex.

Late Harvest Tokaji Katinka Half Bottle, 37.5cl | £19.95
Light golden straw in colour, medium-bodied, showing a light botrytis influence. Lightly sweet, showing dried orange, tobacco and white chocolate on a lightly spicy background. Just the right hints of complexity and elegance.

Dry Furmint, 75cl | £16.65
This is dry white has expressive aromas and flavours of lemon zest, peach and honey. Patricius originally made this to satisfy demand for dry white wine within Hungary, however its quality is so exceptional that it has since become their number one export

greatwine.co.uk

Corkage, the award-winning independent wine restaurant on Chapel Row, invites you to join them for their mouthwatering new Steak Night, running every Tuesday from 5.30pm - 9pm. 

Choose between a 6oz/8oz/16oz sirloin steak for £18/£20/£39, all served with chips and smoked butter. Plus, enjoy 10% off bottles of wine all night.

Tell your friends and book your spot.

Corkage, 5 Chapel Row, Bath BA1 1HN

corkagebath.com

Plan your Mother's Day celebrations early and ensure a truly special day in the elegant surrounds of Bailbrook House.

Afternoon Tea, 2pm – 4pm

Take Afternoon Tea in the beautiful Mansion House lounges, served from 2pm – 4pm, and indulge in a selection of delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of indulgent cakes and pastries, all served with your choice of premium tea. £32 per adult, £16 per child aged 4 – 12. Click here to book.

Bailbrook House Hotel, Eveleigh Avenue, London Road West, Bath BA1 7JD
01225 855 100 | bailbrookhouse@handpicked.co.uk
handpickedhotels.co.uk

The Portugieser is one of the oldest and best-known watches from IWC. At the end of the 1930s, at the request of two Portuguese merchants, IWC built a large wristwatch with the precision of a marine chronometer and a dial that has hardly changed in nearly 90 years.

Durable, slim and refined, these iconic timepieces with their eye-catching style - imposing case size, yet exceedingly thin bezel, simple Arabic numerals, delicate feuille hands, a railway-track-style chapter ring, and a clearly organised dial - are all elegant and sophisticated. Another classic feature that is both charming and quirky - and resisted a redesign - are the partly cut-away 6 and 12 numerals. This clever signature styling allows the perfectly aligned sub dials to look balanced and occupy more space. Something highly cherished by IWC aficianados.

Shown here is the new IWC Portugieser Chronograph in a 41mm, 18ct rose gold case with a black Arabic dial, a rose gold polished bezel on a Black Alligator Strap. The IWC manufactured 69355 Calibre movement is automatic and can be enjoyed through the sapphire glass caseback. The watch is water resistant to 30m (3 bar). £16,000

Click here to see this stunning model and more timepieces from the IWC Portugieser range at Mallory.

Merlyn Chesterman RE is an accomplished print artist with a career spanning over four decades, gaining worldwide recognition for her breathtaking woodcut prints.

Based on the North Devon coast, her art delves into the natural world, focusing on the sea, waves, weather and the windblown trees and grasses of her surroundings. Utilising the texture of her wooden blocks, she creates prints that reflect the organic patterns, rhythms and gentle hues of nature.

Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret's Buildings, Bath
Opening times: Monday 11am-5pm, Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm

galleryninebath.com

On Tuesday, Mr B's Emporium will welcome award-winning novelist Natasha Brown who will discuss her bold and provocative new novel, Universality. Natasha was named one of Granta’s Best Young British Novelists in 2023, and her debut novel, Assembly, was shortlisted for countless awards. 11 March, 7-8pm, tickets £7-£14.99. Click here to book.

The University of Bath School of Management invites you to the Bath Executive MBA Open House event.

The Executive MBA programme has been designed to keep you ahead. You’ll gain the skills to tackle today’s challenges and explore contemporary topics vital for the success of any business. Experience a programme that’s innovative and bold, designed for leaders ready to tackle complex challenges with confidence and agility. This is your MBA, designed for our times.

Join the University of Bath School of Management for an opportunity to discover how their innovative curriculum, meticulously redesigned with input from alumni, current students, academics and industry leaders, can transform your career and leadership potential.

Friday 14 March, 10:.30am - 1.30pm; 10 East, School of Management, University of Bath

Click here for more information and to register to attend

King Edward’s School and Bath Philharmonia are proud to present this year’s exciting concert, themed around ‘Home’.

2025 proudly marks the 12th year of collaboration with Bath’s wonderful professional orchestra, Bath Philharmonia, and sees their players and conductor, Jason Thornton, work ‘side-by-side’ with KES’s talented orchestral musicians, in an imaginative, highly accessible and entertaining programme, to which all are welcome.

This year’s Gala Concert theme of ‘Home’ is not only a concept that deeply resonates universally, but has provided much reflection and inspiration for countless composers from across the ages.

Doors open at 6.30pm, with the performance beginning at 7pm. There will be an interval with complimentary refreshments available.

Wednesday 19 March | The Guildhall, High St, Bath BA1 5AW
Tickets: Adults £18, concession £10; visit kesbath.com to find out more and click here to book tickets

Senbla presents two of Opera International’s award-winning Ellen Kent Productions of Puccini's world-renowned operas, featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Directed by Ellen Kent, the brand-new productions are traditionally staged and feature beautiful sets and costumes. 

On 2 April, La Bohème will tell the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. The set reflects the Bohemian art of the period and will include snow effects and Muzetta’s dog will also make an entrance.This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including ‘Your Tiny Hand is Frozen’, ‘They Call Me Mimi’ and ‘Muzetta’s Waltz’.

On 3 April, back by overwhelming public demand, is the award-winning production of Madama Butterfly, returning in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. 

La Bohème: 2 April, 7.30pm | Tickets £25 – £45
Madama Butterfly: 3 April, 7.30pm | Tickets £25 – £45

The Forum, 1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, BA1 1UG

Bath Philharmonia presents two of the most loved pieces of classical music as visionary pianist Benjamin Grosvernor performs Ludwig van Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto and internationally renowned violinist Harriet Mackenzie performs Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending.

Ralph Vaughan Williams’ gloriously evocation of the English countryside, The Lark Ascending and Ludwig van Beethoven’s dramatic and accomplished Piano Concerto No.5 have transfixed audiences across the generations. Complementing these two cornerstones of orchestral music, Bath Philharmonia present Samuel Barber’s emotionally charged Adagio for Strings alongside the delicate and gentle tones of the Rajistani inspired music of Indian-American composer Reena Esmail in her beautiful Ram Tori Maya.

8 April, 7.30pm; Bath Forum, 1A Forum Buildings, BA1 1UG
Click here to buy tickets

Johann Van Graan has named his team for tonight's Premiership Rugby Cup game, kicking off at 7.45, which follows Bath’s 39-28 win against Harlequins in the quarter-final, played at The Rec last Friday evening.

Bath Rugby Starting XV: 1 Arthur Cordwell, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Kieran Verden, 4 Ewan Richards, 5 Ross Molony, 6 Arthur Green, 7 Ethan Staddon, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 10 Ciaran Donoghue, 11 Ruaridh McConnochie, 12 Will Butt, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Austin Emens
Replacements: 16 Jasper Spandler, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Harvey Cuckson, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Neil le Roux, 22 Louie Hennessey, 23 Jaco Coetzee

The match will be broadcasted live on TNT Sports, X (written commentary) and BBC Radio Bristol & Somerset.

bathrugby.com

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2 Reception Rooms | Offers over £700,000

Offered for sale by Camella Estate Agents

Dating back to the 15th Century, this exquisite Grade II listed semi-detached home was once an Old Chantry (private chapel). Even more captivating than the house in popular filmThe Holiday, this exceptional Cotswold stone property is filled with period features and boasts a unique cinematic heritage of it’s own, having been a filming location for The Beehive.

Set over two floors, the home offers three generously sized bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a beautifully appointed Shaker kitchen. At its heart, a spacious sitting room exudes warmth and character, centred around a magnificent Inglenook fireplace.

The charm extends outdoors, where a beautifully maintained garden, with mature trees and shrubs, enjoys breath-taking views of the By Brook River. A large driveway provides ample parking for up to five cars, while a custom-built outdoor kitchen—complete with a rotisserie grill, pizza oven and spit—creates an idyllic space for alfresco dining and entertaining.

While meticulously maintained, this rare gem offers an exciting opportunity for some thoughtful modernisation, allowing you to tailor it to your taste while preserving its rich history and charm.

Situated in the desirable, unspoilt hamlet of North Wraxall, Coxes Hill Farm presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of history in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It lies 7 miles N.W. of Chippenham, and 9 miles N.E. of the beautiful Georgian city of Bath.

The vibrant village of Marshfield is a mere 2.5 miles away, offering a range of amenities including a GP, post office, several pubs, and a village store. Families will appreciate the proximity to well-regarded village primary schools in both Marshfield and Yatton Keynell, as well as the excellent schools of Bath located just 9 miles away.

Click here to see more images and the floor plan on the Camella website.

Catriona Archer Interiors

Together Catriona Archer Interiors bring over 40 years of reputable interior design and styling experience to projects large and small. Fully furnished schemes, interior renovation planning and professional styling are provided, with packages to suit your requirements and budget. Their flexible approach includes half-day consultations for initial design ideas, using existing belongings as the starting point. Because beautiful interiors should be accessible to all and needn’t cost the earth.

Tel: 07823 884945; catrionaarcher.com