Stage and screen star Tristan Gemmill (Coronation Street, Casualty, The Bodyguard) will don the infamous hook and sail to Neverland as the fearsome Captain Hook in this year’s pantomime spectacular, The Further Adventures of PETER PAN:
The Return of Captain Hook, running from 11 December - 11 January. 

Written by Bath’s own panto legend Jon Monie, who also stars as the side-splitting Smee, this year’s show is bigger, bolder, and more dazzling than ever! Get ready for gravity-defying flying scenes, stunning choreography, and mind- blowing special effects that will leave you gasping. Pirate sword fights, crocodile chases, and jaw-dropping stunts bring Neverland to life like you’ve never seen before!

Joining the madness are Nick Jnr’s Holly Atterton as the sparkling Tinker Bell, Hollyoaks star Sarah Jane Buckley as Mrs Darling/Ethel Mermaid, Marcus J Foreman as Peter Pan and West End performer Bobbie Chambers as Emily Darling, with comedy acrobats The Nitwits as the hilarious bumbling pirate crew.

Life has been smooth sailing for Peter Pan since he defeated Captain Hook… or so he thought. Whispers are spreading that the notorious Hook survived those stormy seas and is out for revenge. Could it be true? Watch out… he might be right behind you!

Bursting with hilarious jokes, show-stopping songs, and non-stop action, this is the pantomime event of the year – and you won’t want to miss it. Book your tickets now, from just £11, and join the adventure!

Daily at either 2pm & 7pm or 1pm & 5pm | theatreroyal.org.uk

Theatre Royal Bath, Saw Cl, BA1 1ET

Recipes

4 bake-from-frozen party buffet classics

When party season starts to roll into view, your freezer is your best friend. Start the buffet now and thank yourself later!

Read online

Read more of Melissa's recipes online

Festive Treats

The Indulgence Range from Islands Chocolate

Ethically sourced and truly delicious, Islands powders and flakes are a rising star in the world of hot chocolate. You can find them in Fortnum & Mason, Harrods and all the top stores; now inlcuding Tesco.

See the Indulgence range and discover more Islands chocolates at: islandschocolate.com

Weekend Wines

Fireside Fine Wines

The Great Wine Co.'s selection of fine wine, specially curated for the colder months. Perfect for enjoying fireside, these wines are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Pessac-Léognan Blanc Château Lamothe-Bouscau | £26

Bordeaux Rouge La Réserve Lucien Lurton Collection | £14.40

The FMC Chenin Blanc, Ken Forrester Wines | £39.50

Explore more fireside fine wines on the Great Wine Co. website

A joyous mix of delicate golden chains, tiny hand-engraved golden beads, and colourful gems join together to create another iconic collection.

Our favourites...

Marco Bicego Paradise Mixed Blue Topaz Necklace, 18ct Yellow Gold | £4,050

Marco Bicego Paradise Mixed Blue Topaz Earrings, 18ct Yellow Gold | £2,050

mallory-jewellers.com

Earlier in 2025, Bath Assembly Rooms launched the Luminaries - a new way to support the sparkling future of the building. You can now gift a 12-month subscription to the Luminaries for a friend or loved one.

Donate £250 and the recipient will receive a welcome pack containing limited-edition postcards and a pin badge, regular email updates about the conservation work behind the scenes, an exclusive Christmas gift, and free tickets to the visitor
experience when we reopen.

To find out more about the Luminaries, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/luminaries.

Drop Sequin Shell Top | £89
This shell top is adorned with large drop sequins in a distinctive olive green that reflect light elegantly, producing a shimmering effect as you move.

Drop Sequin Skirt | £120
This elegant midi skirt is adorned with large drop sequins in a distinctive olive green that reflect light elegantly, producing a shimmering effect as you move.

24 New Bond St, BA1 1BA | albaray.co.uk

Celebrate the season with five festive fragrances in 9ml bottles. This selection includes longtime favourites such as luscious Orange Bitters and irresistible Ginger Biscuit alongside new, enwrapping Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot.

Fragrant Festivities Cologne Collection | £90

6-7 Old Bond St, BA1 1BW | jomalone.co.uk

This little gem of a shop continues to be one of Bath’s favourite gift and jewellery stores and is still a family-run and independent business. With Bath’s largest selection of silver jewellery with prices ranging from £5 to £500, the staff work hard to source a wide selection of pieces with some ranges being handmade by local jewellers.

Moon and Stars necklace | £21.95
White Opal Trio Necklace | £26.95
Daisy Drop Earrings | £35.95
18mm Hoop Earrings | £7.95

25 Union Passage, BA1 1RD | thesilvershopofbath.co.uk

Theatre

Review: The Woman in Black at Theatre Royal Bath

"As the play picks up pace, becoming a game of waiting for the woman in black’s inevitable reappearance, its Mackay’s grief-stricken face that will anchor you to reality. The real horror here is not an awaiting jumpscare, but Kipps’ intense and sustained misery, the years he’s lost to his trauma."

Words by India Farnham | Production images by Mark Douet

Read online

Carols by Daryl Kellie from Midday [for about an hour] outside these two lovely independents on Bathwick Hill trying to steal a bit of their own limelight away from the Christmas Market-festive cheer for all to hear…

Cakes flowers wreaths candles and of course coffee!

Visit @dexterscoffeeshop on Instagram for more info

dexterscoffeeshop.com

Be enchanted by wonderful artisan Christmas decorations inside the museum’s Georgian Manor House, including a spectacular 17-foot Nordmann fir tree from
Langford Lakes in Somerset. 

Listen to the Courage Singers choir or Bath Phoenix choir and enjoy festive storytelling, 11am and 12.30pm in the Stables, along with a range of activities, and treats in the deli.

10am - 4pm | Claverton Manor, BA2 7BD | americanmuseum.org

To all CARA members, neighbours and friends….head over to CARA’S Carols in the Circus event where the Salvation Army will be providing the music. There will be a charity collection at the event, with all profits going to the Salvation Army Fund.

With so much always happening near Christmas…get the date in your calendars now!

7pm | The Circus, BA1 | carabath.com | carabath@hotmail.com

facebook.com/carainbath/

Featuring James Gilchrist, one of the UK’s best-loved tenors, as Narrator, this performance of Bach’s evergreen Christmas Oratorio (Parts 1-3, and 6) will enthrall and delight as it tells the Christmas story.

Directing a first-class baroque band and a roster of superb young soloists, conductor Gavin Carr will raise the roof with Bath Minerva Choir in some of Bach’s most splendid and festive music.

7.30pm | St. Swithins Church, The Paragon, BA1 5LY | bathboxoffice.org.uk

Jane Austen at 250: An Evening with Susannah Harker

The Gainsborough Bath Spa is delighted to host an exclusive evening with actor Susannah Harker and Austen scholar Dr Gabrielle Malcolm.

Enjoy an intimate conversation as the award-winning actor and writer reflects on her career, her connection to Austen’s world, and how the author continues to
inspire her own storytelling.

14 December | 4.15pm - 6.30pm | eventbrite.co.uk

'Phenomenal Women' with Caroline Quentin

Caroline Quentin is a British actress and presenter, known for her extensive work in tv and theatre, but she is also an author and gardener, and has presented shows such as Caroline Quentin's National Parks.

 Caroline will be reading from her book “Drawn to the Garden”, talking about her love of gardening and theatre, television and music and answering any questions you may have about her long and varied career.

17 December | 5.30pm - 7.30pm | eventbrite.co.uk

The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Beau Street, BA1 1QY

King Edward’s School, Bath has been named the Independent Secondary School of the Year in the South West in this year’s Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026.

KES also retains the top spot as the leading co-educational independent school of any kind (boarding and/or day) in the region for the fourth year in a row in the Sunday Times league table of results, based on combined A Level and GCSE results this year that saw 90% of A Level entries gain A*-B grades (62% A*/A) and over 53% of GCSEs scoring 9 or 8 grades (32% Grade 9).

The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide is one of the most authoritative surveys of state and independent schools. As well as celebrating the examination excellence of the top performing schools, the Guide also shines a light on the wider strengths and innovations of the highest-achieving schools, including efforts to support pupils’ mental health and wellbeing, inspiring passions beyond the classroom and
preparing pupils for life beyond school.

In response to receiving the 2026 South West Independent Secondary School of the Year title on behalf of everyone at King Edward’s, Martin Boden, Headmaster, said: “At King Edward’s, we believe that happiness and wellbeing are the foundation of high achievement. This award reflects our commitment to combining academic ambition with a culture of care, so that every pupil feels supported, valued and inspired. When young people are confident and curious, they not only achieve outstanding results but leave ready to make a positive difference in the world.”

For full reporting on this year’s Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 visit: thetimes.com

kesbath.com

The Investec Champions Cup returns this weekend and Johann van Graan has named his side to face Munster.

Taking centre stage in front of a sold-out Rec, Ben Spencer will lead his team out under the stars for Bath’s first outing in the 2025/26 Investec Champions Cup.

Beno Obano remains at loosehead after last week’s winning performance against Saracens, partnered by Tom Dunn at hooker.

Will Stuart switches in for Thomas du Toit at tighthead, with the South African waiting to provide his impact from the bench.

Quinn Roux and Charlie Ewels complete the tight five.

Last week’s Player of the Match performance sees Josh Bayliss remain in the starting XV on the blindside.

Guy Pepper returns to Bath action taking the openside, and Miles Reid completes the starting forwards set-up at Number 8.

Spencer captains from scrum-half, with Finn Russell joining him in the half-back pairing in what will be his 50th appearance for the Blue, Black and White

Coming from the bench last weekend, Cameron Redpath and Max Ojomoh will combine in the midfield as this weekend’s centre partnership.

Completing the starting line-up, Henry Arundell and Joe Cokanasiga man the wings, with Tom de Glanville at full back.

Looking to provide their impact from the bench, Kepu Tuipulotu, Francois van Wyk and du Toit are selected as the replacement front row.

Ross Molony, Ted Hill and Sam Underhill will take the remaining replacement forwards spots, with Tom Carr-Smith and Santi Carreras named as replacement backs.

The game kicks off on Saturday night at 8pm | Live on TNT Sports

bathrugby.com

4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3 Receptions | Guide Price: £1,850,000

Offered for sale by Cobb Farr Estate Agents

Goblin Combe is approached via a level driveway and dates from the 1950’s when it was built in the site of an old quarry. It sits centrally in a generous ¾ acre, elevated plot affording fine views over the city.

In previous years, it has been extended and now provides ample accommodation set to just two storeys to include 5 reception rooms, up to 5 bedrooms, ensuite facilities, an attached double garage and a first-floor balcony terrace to take in the vista.

Even more of a rarity in Bath is a near level plot boasting lots of mature planting, orchard area and being fully hedged and private making it a paradise for gardeners or anyone who enjoys being outside. The rear terrace at ground level spans the width of the house and benefits from a south westerly aspect therefore having the sun for the afternoon and evening – great for entertaining.

In summary a very unique opportunity to purchase an established house in one of Bath’s most sought after locations – early viewing recommended.

To view more images, details and the floor plan, visit the Cobb
Farr Estate Agents website