A specially-curated guide to the next 48 hours (or more) in Bristol |
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BRISTOL COMEDY FESTIVAL | A BARREL OF LAUGHS
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Pictured: Jarred Christmas brings his show to Smoke & Mirrors on 14 February
Stand up to the January blues with Bristol Comedy Festival
The first ever Bristol Comedy Festival kicks off across the city from 12-25 January, where audiences can expect tour shows, works in progress, roast battles, local talent, a comedy competition, stand up, sketch comedy, secret headliners, pop-up events, comedy on King Street and even a late-night comedy rave.
The festival is taking place at various city centre venues, with a launch party at Bambalan on opening night.
One highlight will be New Zealand comedian Jarred Christmas (star of Pointless Celebrities, Russell Howard's Good News, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Argumental and more, pictured above) bringing his work-in-progress stand-up show Nincompoop to venue Smoke & Mirrors on 14 February from 7.30pm.
Bristol Comedy Festival's charity partner is TAP for Bristol, raising funds to tackle homelessness and support vital services in the city. Throughout the festival, audiences will be encouraged to donate through contactless TAP points located at various venues, helping to make a positive impact while enjoying the laughter.
For more information about the festival, visit the website, and click here for more info and tickets to Jarred Christmas' performance.
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While January can often feel a bit blue, we've been working to keep spirits high with this issue, and it's filled with great pieces that we’re really excited about...
Our cover star is the fabulously chatty Gyles Brandreth. The writer, broadcaster and speaker is bringing his show Gyles Brandreth: Can’t Stop Talking to Bristol Old Vic on 12 January, and will be discussing (at length) his lifelong obsession with talking. In the interview on page 16 Melissa Blease discovers a childhood filled with garrulous gallop, his time as MP for Chester, his loquacious domination of prime-time TV and bookshelves… and that's only about a quarter of his CV.
Elsewhere, we hear from the Baltic Wharf Sailing Club whose boats take to the water in the city centre every week, making the historic harbour pastime more accessible for everyone. We’ve also got a who's who of the city's best and brightest health & wellbeing providers, a special look at food and drink trends we expect to be served up in 2025, and a deep dive into deep tech masterminds from Bristol solving global problems with ground-breaking ideas.
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 and John Lewis.
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 £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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WEEKEND RECIPE | VEGANUARY
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Whole Roasted Spicy Cauliflower
Recipe by Melissa Blease
This healthy, delicious, super-pretty vegan centrepiece packs a big flavour punch and puts a whole new, exotic spin on the humble cauliflower.
Ingredients (serves 4) 1 large cauliflower, tough outer leaves removed 1 tsp cumin ½ tsp ground coriander 1 large garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped ½ large red chilli, roughly chopped The zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon 1 handful fresh parsley, leaves and stalks roughly chopped 1 handful fresh coriander, leaves and stalks roughly chopped ½ tsp cayenne pepper 150ml extra virgin olive oil
To serve 3 spring onions, thinly sliced 3 tbsp pomegranate seeds 1 tbsp sumac 1 handful of fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped 1 handful of fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped 3 tbsp tahini or thick yoghurt
Method 1. Steam or boil the whole cauliflower for around 10 minutes or until just tender. Set aside to drain in a colander for around 15 minutes, and preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4.
2. Take a roasting tin in which the cauliflower will fit snuggly and line with baking paper. Place the whole cauliflower stalk-side down in the middle of the tin, drizzle with around 130ml of the olive oil and season well. Cover loosely with kitchen foil and roast for 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, blend the cumin, coriander powder, garlic, chilli and half the lemon juice together in a blender or food processor to make a rough paste. Add the fresh herbs, cayenne pepper and remaining 120ml of olive oil and blend again until nearly smooth.
4. Take the cauliflower from the oven, remove the foil and spoon the herby sauce over and around the top, coating it completely. Cover with foil again and return to the oven for a further 30 minutes until the cauliflower is tender when tested with the point of a knife.
5. Remove the foil and roast for a further 10–15 minutes until the edges of the cauliflower are golden. Transfer to a warm serving dish, drizzle with tahini or thick yoghurt and serve sprinkled with the pomegranate seeds, sumac, chopped spring onions, fresh parsley, fresh coriander and lemon zest.
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WEEKEND WINES | DRY JANUARY
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Low- and no-alcohol recommendations from The Great Wine Co.
The options available within non-alcoholic and lighter alcohol drinks has boomed over recent years. Many of these wines are perceived primarily for their quality, not their lack of alcohol, as was the case previously. Cheers!
Click here to see more at The Great Wine Co.
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NEW RESTAURANT | TANTALISE YOUR TASTEBUDS
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Six By Nico to bring its changing tasting menu concept to town
Six by Nico is opening its first venue in the heart of Bristol in February at Quakers Friars. Guests can expect to indulge in the restaurant's ever-evolving six-course tasting menu concept that changes every six weeks and showcases local suppliers. Each menu is inspired by a destination, memories and creative storytelling.
Since opening the first Six by Nico in Glasgow in 2017, owner and chef Nico Simeone had one ultimate goal: to bring an accessible tasting menu experience to more people, blending creative dining with an affordable price point.
Customers can experience Six by Nico’s offering for £44 per person, with paired wine and cocktail menus (alcohol and no-alcohol options included) available for an additional cost.
For more info and exclusive offers, visit the website and sign up to the group's newsletter here
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | A SNAKE TO CHARM
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Longines Conquest Heritage Year Of The Snake edition
To celebrate the Year of the Snake in 2025, Longines has launched a special edition of its Conquest Heritage model, in partnership with renowned Chinese artist Wu Jian'an, who was invited to create a special design, which features a mystical snake holding a Lingzhi mushroom in its mouth, intricately engraved on the caseback. A symbol of good fortune.
Limited to 2025 pieces, the Conquest Heritage Year of the Snake features a 40 mm stainless steel case with a vibrant sunray gradient red-domed dial, adorned with gilt hands and Swiss Super-LumiNova® indexes. This is a dazzling display that perfectly complements moments of Lunar New Year celebration and reunion.
The watch is powered by the exclusive Longines L888.5 calibre, equipped with a silicon balance-spring and innovative components that ensure a magnetic resistance ten times greater than the ISO 764 reference standard.
Bringing a touch of sophistication and elegance to the Year of the Snake, this limited edition watch comes with a black leather strap. £2,800.
Click here to see this special edition timepiece and more from the Longines Heritage range at Mallory.
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Pre-Spring 2025 collection from Whistles
With party season drawn to a close, the introduction of a new year brings a tangible shift in the way we're dressing. It's time to bring optimism and direction to your styling, focusing on a wardrobe of staples that are refined, distinct, and versatile.
Available from now until February.
Click here to explore the new collection now.
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FRAGRANCE | NEW LIMITED EDITION
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Jo Malone London Limited Edition Taif Rose Cologne Intense
A new, limited-edition Cologne Intense, Taif Rose takes its name from a precious rose indigenous to Taif, a city where the flower fills the streets, markets and fields with its scent and vivid hue.
A sensuous scent, irresistible with coffee and amber, evokes this radiant and iconic flower. Precious and majestic.
Jo Malone London | £112 (50ml) Click here to buy now.
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MAGAZINE KIOSK | MAGALLERIA
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Curated by Daniel McCabe
Footnote is a bold, new large-format literary and cultural magazine with a cast of notable contributors and interviewees that arrived in the middle of last month and got slightly lost in the deluge of Christmas releases and last minute arrivals. Opening with its centrepiece, a commissioned feature rendered in large text over three pages by novelist, poet and translator A K Blakemore, the ensuing content unfolds as a variety of responses to that text or various parts of it, in the manner of creative footnotes from writers, photographers and illustrators. Hence the name of the magazine. It’s innovative, stylistically fresh and thoughtful, offering a unique reading experience. | £18
magalleria.co.uk
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COURSES | LEARN NEW SKILLS
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COMING SOON
Practical mental health and therapy skills courses near you |
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Human Givens College's clear, evidence-based training gives you the essential psychological knowledge and practical skills you need to help people overcome a wide range of difficulties.
There's lots to choose from, including: guided imagery, therapeutic language and storytelling, treating trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, conflict and self-harm, solution-focused techniques and more...
Suitable for all - each course gives you techniques you can use straight away.
Workshops in Bristol: humangivens.com/college/bristol Venue: Engineers' House, Bristol BS8 3NB
Online courses and more: humangivens.com/college/online
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CONCERT | YOUNG MUSICIAN COMPETITION
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Greater Bristol Young Musician Competition Final
24 January, 7:30pm |
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There is an astonishing amount of musical talent in the schools In the Greater Bristol Area. For more than twenty years the local Rotary Clubs have organised a Young Musician competition to give the most skilled students the chance to show what they can do, and to compete in front of an audience.
This year, the Final of the event will be held in the Lantern Hall at the Bristol Beacon. The level of performance that has been reached by these young people is really extraordinary, and a joy to see and hear.
After three heats featuring entrants from as far afield as Wells, Dursley and Bath, six finalists have been selected and will play 15 minutes of classical music, each on a different instrument, in front of professional adjudicators. Come and listen to a really outstanding concert, with performances of a standard which is hard to believe. And see if you agree with the judges!
Click here to buy tickets now or from the Beacon Box Office.
Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon, Trenchard Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR
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COURSES AND LEARNING | WOMEN'S WELLNESS
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Women's Wellness Morning: Hormone Hacks via Nutrition & Movement
Join Alma Physiotherapy for a rejuvenating Women's Wellness Event designed to help you tune into your body's natural cycle. Spend a morning diving into essential topics for women's health, and experience four talks, two exercise classes and a brunch from Wild Oats Health Food Shop.
Saturday 18 January, 9am – 12.30pm; Wesley Place, Clifton BS8 2YD Tickets £25-£30, for more information and to book visit eventbrite.co.uk
Get 10% off Pelvic Health, Breast Health or Abdominal Physiotherapy Initial Assessment & Treatment with code HELLO10
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Bristol Bears v. Benetton Rugby
Sunday 12 January, KO at 3.15pm |
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The Investec Champions Cup returns this Sunday as Bears prepare to take on Benetton Rugby. The Fan Village will open at 12pm with a wide range of food and drink available, and live music on the main stage in the Fan Village from approximately 1pm.
The Sports Bar will be open from 12pm, with fans able to watch Bears Women vs Exeter Chiefs from 3pm on the big screen – while supporters can also enjoy post-match entertainment from 5.30pm.
Click here to buy your tickets now.
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PROPERTY IN FOCUS | PERIOD FAMILY HOME
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Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9
Offered for sale by Knight Frank estate agents.
The home is host to many original period features: Intricate cornicing and ceiling rose details; fireplace surrounds; high ceilings on every floor; stained glass window features. The owners updated other features whilst ensuring they are in-keeping with the period character of the property, for a more contemporary and modern feel throughout, for example all Sash windows have double glazed, with bedrooms and bathrooms with fitted shutters and oak herringbone parquet flooring laid on the ground floor.
The entrance to the property is through a mainly glass enclosed porch with direct view through the rear garden, the side return is laid with mandarin stone tiles and offers access internally to the single garage, a dual aspect studio/home gym and rear garden access. An internal, period door opens through to the main, ground floor, living space, with a study and formal living room on the southerly aspect, looking over the front entrance and driveway. The living room, is bay fronted with a log burner with built in cabinetry either side. To the rear is the principle suite with built in wardrobes and an ensuite shower and bathroom with a walk in, monsoon shower, freestanding egg shaped bath and double vanity.
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The lower ground floor hosts the open plan kitchen and dining area, with a lantern roof window and bi-fold doors opening to the rear terrace and garden. The kitchen is Devol with an AGA, large central island, a twin Belfast sink with instant boiling water tap, ample of kitchen units and a built in pantry. There is a door at the rear which opens to a boot room with additional sink, cabinetry and access to the rear patio. On the front elevation is a large reception room, currently used as a snug, with a modern log burner and large bay windows looking through to the front entrance and sunken patio area. There is a W.C and utility room with sink and laundry facilities to complete this level.
On the first floor is three, well appointed, double bedrooms, one ensuite and a family bathroom, arranged around the central landing with a lantern roof window and large stained glass feature allowing plenty of natural light.
Offers in excess of £1,795,000
To see more images and review the details click here to visit the property on the Knight Frank website
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