A specially curated guide to the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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CINEMA | KLIMT AND THE KISS
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Exhibition on Screen: Klimt and the Kiss at The Little Theatre
Discover the scandalous life and the rich tapestry of extraordinary influences behind one of the world’s favourite paintings.
From the producers of ‘Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition’, and the director of ‘Frida Kahlo’ and ‘Mary Cassatt – Painting the Modern Woman’ comes a powerful, gripping and passionate new film, Klimt and the Kiss.
Klimt was a titan of the Art Nouveau movement, creating decadent new worlds which merged tender sensuality, ancient mythology and radical modernity. The film delves into the detail and passion surrounding Gustav Klimt’s iconic artwork as well as revealing the scandalous life of the artist himself.
Discover the fascinating portrait of the decadent Art Nouveau movement for which Klimt was renowned and be taken on a shimmering journey through the history behind one of the most reproduced paintings in the world.
The Little Theatre, St Michaels Place, Bath BA1 1SF 30 October, 6pm | 2 November, 12pm For tickets, go to picturehouses.com
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OUR OCTOBER ISSUE IS OUT!
You'll love our fabulous October 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. Features include an interview with Ken Loach about his new film The Old Oak, a conversation with Jay Rayner about his jazz sextet who are visiting Bath, and Mary Beard gives us her fresh take on the Roman Emperors as her new book is published. We really hope you'll enjoy the read!
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 our current issue!
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WEEKEND RECIPES | BRITISH COMFORT FOOD
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Recipe by Melissa Blease
Classic Chicken Pie
If you're in the mood for reacquainting yourself with a British comfort food classic, this luxurious chicken pie ticks all the cosy supper boxes.
Ready made, all-butter shortcrust pastry is your hassle-free best friend here. But don't be tempted to use a ready-roasted chicken; silky, flavoursome fresh chicken stock is the key to this recipe's success, and the main preparation can be done the day before you assemble your pie.
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
1 whole, free-range chicken (1.2k-1.5k approx.) 1 onion, peeled and chopped 1 carrot, chopped 2 sticks of celery, roughly chopped 2 bay leaves 10 peppercorns 200ml whole milk 50ml single cream 55g butter 55g plain flour 1-2 tsp dried tarragon 1 x 500g block of ready made, all-butter shortcrust pastry
Method
Put the chicken into a large pan along with the onion, carrot, celery, bay leaves and peppercorns. Cover with cold water and bring to the boil before reducing the heat and simmering until the chicken is cooked (probably around 1 ½ hours, depending on the size of the chicken).
Remove the cooked chicken from the stock, set to one side and allow to cool. Continue simmering the stock for around 30 minutes before straining the reduced liquid into a jug and leaving to cool completely. You can, if you wish, refrigerate both the cooked chicken and the stock for up to 24 hours from this point.
When you're ready to make the pie, strip the chicken flesh from the carcass (discarding skin and bones) and cut into bite-sized chunks. Skim off any fat that has formed on the surface of the stock and discard it.
Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour, allowing it to 'cook' for a minute or so to remove any trace of floury texture. Gradually add 250ml of the reserved chicken stock (use any remaining stock to make gravy, perhaps?) and the milk and bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously. Add the cream, reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until you've created a smooth, slightly thick sauce. Add the dried tarragon, season to taste, and fold the chicken into the sauce. Set the mixture aside to cool.
Preheat the oven to 190°C/gas mark 5. Roll out two-thirds of the pastry and use it to line a 20-25cm pie dish. Fill the pastry case with the cooled chicken mixture and brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg. Roll out the remaining pastry to make a lid and pinch the edges together to form a seal. If you're feeling creative, make leaves or cute little pastry decorations with any leftover pastry and use them to decorate the top of the pie.
Brush the top of the pie with more beaten egg and make a hole in the centre to allow the steam to escape before baking for about 35-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Allow the pie to settle for 5 minutes before slicing and serving immediately accompanied by oodles of buttery mashed potato, steamed greens and gravy.
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WEEKEND WINES | A TASTE OF ITALY
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Italian Reds
As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, cosy up and treat yourself with some of Italy's finest red wine.
From the Dolomites to the bays of Sicily, Italy's topographic makeup lends itself perfectly to wine production, boasting a myriad of different soils and climates. Add to this the many indigenous grape varieties, each harvest yields an abundance of diverse and fascinating wine styles. Italy is further blessed with many dedicated and passionate winemakers and vine growers. Here's a selection of our favourite Italian reds:
Brunello di Montalcino – Il Poggione Sumptuous black cherry fruit character on the nose, followed by dried cranberry, dried cherry and kirsch. In the mouth, it has fabulous, velvety texture, and crisp acidity providing freshness and balance | £46
Brunito Rosso Toscana IGT – Cantine Leonardo Da Vinci Cherries lead the charge in this dense yet juicy 'mini super-Tuscan' wine. Full bodied and a little sweet; hints of spice dance amid a dense core of juicy fruit | £12.75
Etna Rosso DOC –Planeta This wine comes from Nerello Mascalese grapes and perfectly reflects the unique and splendid terroir of Etna. A soft red wine with flesh and structure. Very typical of the area with notes of plums, raspberries and green tomato leaves | £27.50
Brunello di Montalcino – Fattoria dei Barbi Deep, rich, savoury aroma of wild cherries over a complex medley of dried Provencale herbs, peppery spice, frankincense, cocoa and dried fruits. Succulent and velvet-textured, it is beautifully-balanced with fruit and herby-spicy complexity | £59.50
Discover these and more Italian wines at greatwine.co.uk
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DINING | CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR
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NYE at Green Park Brasserie
Expect nothing less than a buzzing atmosphere and an outstanding menu at Green Park Brasserie this New Year.
Alongside a six-course meal showcasing local produce, the lively Harlem Rhythm Cats take the stage for what is expected to be another sell out evening and a brilliant way to see in 2024. The two cosy heated terraces (with Bath Pizza Co) will be busy with revellers through the evening (no bookings there) as the two restaurants in historic Green Park Station gear up for another busy evening to celebrate with regulars, locals and visitors to the city.
Booking essential for Green Park Brasserie's six course dinner and live music: greenparkbrasserie.com/newyears and make sure you bring your dancing shoes!
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Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?
Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!
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ACCESSORIES | BUILT TO LAST
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Heaven's Garden Eco-Friendly Umbrella | £36
Meet The Original Duck Umbrella, sustainably handmade and built to last.
Each canopy is made of 100% recycled plastic bottles. This compact umbrella fits into any backpack or tote bag, making it a convenient travel companion. You can rely on its sturdy build to keep you dry during any downpour.
British artist Willemien Bardawil has created three exclusive designs for Original Duckhead, each a celebration of Summer, new beginnings and abundance of life. Her energetic style draws on the figures of classical art – a celebration of the Divine Feminine at its most blissful, translated to a modern context through expressive lines and a playful way with colour.
Go to originalduckhead.com to shop
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Anton Grain Architectural Art
Anton Grain originally trained as an architect, but after many years as an industrial designer he turned his work to what he loves doing most: drawing beautiful buildings.
His illustrations in watercolour and ink of the UNESCO heritage city of Bath capture his love of the classical Georgian architecture.
Shop the artwork on his website at antongrain.com
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Brora X Joanna Lumley
Designed as part of an extra special collaboration with the charming and brilliantly humorous British icon Dame Joanna Lumley, this five-piece collection takes inspiration from her love of Parisian fashion and her travels between city and country.
Evoking a little 'star quality', this beautifully feminine, butter-soft organic cotton shirt features an all-over textural dobby spot with delicate embroidery on the shaped collar, placket and cuffs, perfect for pairing with our Moss Stitch Tanks.
10% of each sale will go directly to The Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Shop now at broraonline.com
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GIFTS | SOPHISTICATION AND STYLE
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Bleu de Chanel Shaving Brush | £82
The new Bleu de Chanel Shaving Brush is the must-have accessory to complete your grooming routine with sophistication and style.
Composed of synthetic hair and with a magnetic holder, this Shaving Brush is made to use at home or when you are on-the-go.
Shop now at chanel.com
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OBJECTS | CANDLELIT NIGHTS – NORDIC STYLE
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Georg Jensen Cobra Candleholders (set of three)
The Cobra candle holder's sensual, fluid shape is undoubtedly one of Georg Jensen’s most recognisable and iconic designs. Seemingly defying gravity, the lightness of the candleholders has a magical effect – one that is doubled when the flickering candlelight is reflected in the surface.
A set of three candlesticks – small (160mm), medium (200mm) and large (240mm) – form a beautiful natural group that, like a cobra, seems to sway this way and that. The designer, German-born Constantin Wortmann says that his work shouldn’t be taken too seriously and should evoke an emotional response.
With a with a mirror-polished finish, the set of three candlesticks are durable, weighty and stable. Stainless steel set £194, or stainless steel and 24ct gold plated set £295. Buy both and mix for a super decadent display.
Click here to explore these and more from the Georg Jensen home collection at Mallory Jewellers.
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MAGAZINE KIOSK | MAGALLERIA
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Curated by Daniel McCabe
More Or Less is a sustainable fashion magazine urging us to put a lot more thought into buying our clothes, most importantly factoring in the realities of garment cost and consumption so that we might want to ask ourselves ‘Do I need this? Do I even want this?’ The publisher (creative director Jaime Perlman) argues that we can be style conscious without sacrificing the transportive magic and fantasy of fashion. More or Less is only seven issues old, but it already many of the industry's leading names have accepted its challenge to create fashion stories which are eco-conscious, innovative, fun and with a more accessible price-point | £24
magalleria.co.uk
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EXHIBITION | REVOLUTIONARY ART
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Gwen John: Art and Life in London and Paris at The Holburne
This Saturday, Gwen John: Art and Life in London and Paris is opening at The Holburne.
The exhibition will bring together paintings, watercolours, drawings and sketches to chronologically trace Gwen John’s 40-year career. The exhibition will place her art in relation to the two cities where she chose to live and work: from her early years at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and subsequent training under James Abbott McNeill Whistler at the Académie Carmen in Paris, to her permanent move to Paris in 1904 and the life she built as an artist there.
It will draw on new research into John’s connections to her contemporaries, dispelling the myth that the artist was an eccentric recluse. It will also explore the relationship of her work to that of her brother, Augustus John, and Auguste Rodin – with whom she had a ten-year affair.
Read our feature on Gwen John in the October issue of The Bath Magazine: thebathmagazine.co.uk And book tickets for the exhibition at holburne.org
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THEATRE | AN EPIC MASTERPIECE
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Sophie Treadwell's 'Machinal' opens at the Ustinov Studio tomorrow
This weekend sees the first performances of MACHINAL at the Ustinov Studio, based on the true story of Ruth Snyder, who with her lover Judd Gray, murdered her husband and was sent to the electric chair.
This provocative drama of the 1920s offers one of the greatest female roles in theatre - challenging, powerful, emotive and poignant.
Five time Olivier Award winner Richard Jones directs Ustinov favourite and one of the UK's most sought after young actresses Rosie Sheehy (Oleanna, The Whale) who is joined by an extraordinary cast including Buffy Davis, Pierro Niel-Mee, Tim Frances, Sam Alexander, Steven Beard, Wendy Nottingham, Daniel Bowerbank and Daniel Abelson.
By tickets now at theatreroyal.org.uk
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HALF TERM | A SPOOKY DAY OUT
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Spooky half term days out at The American Museum and Gardens
Join the American Museum and Gardens throughout October half term for a cool, spooky day out with a classic American Trick or Treat atmosphere. Why not get into the spirit of Halloween and come in a costume? Go along and:
- Run around a Halloween-themed trail in the autumnal gardens
- Explore the potion trail in the Museum’s decorated Georgian manor house
- Get creative in the Brick America: An Adventure in LEGO Bricks Exhibition, where you can build something weird and wonderful for the brick Hall of Fame Gallery
- Enjoy family activities indoors in the Stables, including a reading corner, colouring, crafts or puzzles
- Tuck into some seasonal treats at the American Garden Deli
21 - 29 October | 11am - 4pm No booking required; £3 per trail sheet, plus normal admission Find out more at americanmuseum.org
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AUTUMN EVENT | HAPPY SHOPPING!
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The Douée Autumn Event – begins today!
Get your Christmas shopping done early at The Douée Autumn Event this weekend!
Head down to 38 Gay Street from 10.30am - 5pm, Friday - Sunday, to browse their beautiful range of clothes, cashmeres, jewellery, children's clothing, festive decorations, and much more.
Friday 20 - Sunday 22 October | 10.30am - 5pm 38 Gay Street, Bath BA1 2NT douee.co.uk
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TALK | DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW
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2000 Years of Earning a Living talk at The Royal High School
Stuart Burroughs, Director of the Museum of Bath at Work, will be giving a talk titled “Bath at Work: 2000 Years of Earning a Living” on 25 October at the Royal High School.
The talk will be a review of the city’s commercial development since Roman times – from Bath Stone and Bath Chairs to Bath Buns.
Tickets £12.50 including a glass of wine with additional glasses of wine available for purchase.
25 October | 7.15pm The Sophie Cameron Centre at The Royal High School, Lansdown Rd, Bath BA1 5SZ Advance booking only. For booking and more information go to millenniumgreen.org.uk.
All profits from the event go towards the upkeep of the St. Stephen’s Millennium Green.
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CELEBRATION | FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY
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Bath hotels sweep the board at prestigious hotel awards
This week at the Boutique Hotelier Awards, which recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in the boutique hotel industry, four Bath properties scooped awards including The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath which won Boutique Hotel of the Year 2023.
This award celebrates a property that has demonstrated innovation and resilience across the last 12 months, working to improve facilities, retain and attract valuable staff and grow their businesses. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa has seen a significant investment into its product across the past year, including a revamp of its top suites and the introduction of the new Montagu’s Mews, complete with heated outdoor terrace for weather-proof dining.
The Bar at No.15 by Guesthouse in Bath was announced as the winner of the Best Boutique Hotel Bar. This distinction rewards a hotel that has made its in-house bar a destination for both guests and non-residents, providing creative cocktails or thoughtfully paired bar snacks.
Ed Fitzpatrick of Homewood Hotel & Spa in Bath was announced as the winner of the General Manager of the Year category. This accolade recognises a hotel head honcho who constantly inspires, motivates and encourages their team, while also remaining focused on the development and commercial success of the business.
Finally, Jessica Grant-Sloyan, director of spa and wellness at Lucknam Park, was announced as the winner of the Wellbeing Champion category. This award recognises hotels which are putting the physical and mental wellbeing of their staff first, through new practices, educational tools and a general caring attitude.
Kathryn Davis, MD, Visit West said: "This is an incredible result for the hotel sector in Bath and the surrounds, with 4 winners at the Boutique Hotelier awards. This demonstrates the quality of the experience for visitors, and the expertise in the local industry, providing inspiration for the next generation of hoteliers."
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THE INTERIORS GUIDE | BESPOKE SERVICES
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Sky Interiors
The team at Sky Interiors (Bath) Limited have been designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke cabinetry and joinery for over 40 years.
Based at its showroom and joinery workshop on the outskirts of Bath, experienced designers work closely with clients to guide them through the design process. The company takes great pride in building a relationship with its clients through listening to their practical requirements and their tastes for colours, textures and finishes and Sky Interiors will always delight in incorporating the sought after ‘fine detail’.
With total flexibility to produce all aspects of interiors to exceptional standards, from kitchens to bathrooms, bedrooms to boot rooms, as well as one off pieces, the company also collaborates with interior designers across Bath, the home counties and London.
Bluesky House, Western Way, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 8BZ. Tel: 01225 707372 Web: skyinteriors.co.uk
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PROPERTY | ESCAPE TO BEAUTIFUL BECKINGTON
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Church Hill, Beckington, BA11
An absolute gem of a Grade II Listed attached period home offered for sale by Hamptons estate agents in Bath
This five bedroom, four bathroom, semi-detached stone built village home has been presented to the highest standards throughout and is a charming and spacious family home.
You are greeted into the property by the entrance hall, which illustrates the historic features with exposed ceiling beams and flagstones. The beautifully appointed sitting room is a comfortable family space that has been presented to an excellent standard with exposed brickwork on one wall along with an oak wooden floor and lots of windows allowing an abundance of natural light into the room.
The sitting room also opens out to the private enclosed garden. The dining room leads from the entrance hall continuing the stunning flagstone tiles and providing ample space for a dining table and chairs.
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The kitchen is the heart of the house and benefits from a wooden hand painted kitchen with a large central island with an expansive marble work surface. Appliances include an integrated microwave in the island along with an integrated dishwasher, WOLF oven and with space for an ‘American’ style fridge/freezer.
The utility area leads from the kitchen with access to the rear garden as well as leading to the downstairs shower room and cloakroom. A beautiful stone staircase leads to the first floor where two bedrooms are located along with the family bathroom.
The principal bedroom is well proportioned with two fitted wardrobes as well as a beautifully fitted en-suite bathroom. Two further staircases lead to the top floors, which house three further bedrooms and a bathroom.
Outside a south facing rear garden is private and enclosed by stone walling and fencing. A large terrace provides a superb area for outside dining and entertaining around the hot tub. Two lawn areas have been created with both being artificial grass allowing it to be enjoyed all year round. Guide price £1,250,000
For more details and images click here to see the property on the Hamptons website.
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