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As always, we've curated a collection of great reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bristol's best businesses. We hope you'll enjoy this month's magazine.

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Serves 8

This elegant, luxurious summer dessert brings strawberries, white chocolate and cream together in perfect harmony on a crisp, crunchy base. And the best news of all? You don't even need to turn the oven on! The cheesecake does, however, require at least 6 hours in the fridge to settle before serving – but as we all know, very good things come to those who wait!

Ingredients

200g digestive biscuits
100g butter, preferably unsalted
100g white chocolate, roughly chopped
400g hulled strawberries, plus extra to decorate
300g full-fat cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
The finely grated zest of half an unwaxed lemon
1 tbsp runny honey, maple syrup or agave nectar
200ml double cream

Method
1. Lightly grease and base-line a 20cm/8in tin (preferably springform).

2. Put the digestive biscuits into a sealable freezer bag or the bowl of a food processor and either crush with a rolling pin or process until you reach the texture of fine crumbs.

3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan and either add the biscuit crumbs to the pan or pour the butter into the crumbs in the food processor. Mix or process the butter and biscuit crumbs until thoroughly combined and press the mixture firmly across the base of the tin in an even layer before allowing to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, slice approx. 150g of the hulled strawberries and neatly arrange the slices around the edge of the prepared tin. Chop the remaining strawberries into small pieces.

5. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl, either over a pan of simmering water (don't let the base of the bowl touch the water or the chocolate will turn claggy!) or in short bursts in a microwave, stirring frequently.

6. Beat or whisk the cream cheese with the vanilla extract, lemon zest and honey, maple syrup or agave nectar before adding the chopped strawberries and stirring well. In a separate bowl, whisk the double cream until it forms gentle peaks.

7. Fold the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, followed by the double cream.

8. Spoon the mixture into the tin, gently pressing it against the sliced strawberries around the edge. Smooth the top with with the back of a spoon, cover with cling film and chill until firm (minimum 6 hours, although it will happily wait for up to 24 hours before serving).

9. When you're ready to serve, remove the cheesecake from the tin, transfer to a serving plate and scatter a handful of chopped strawberries across the top.

Boutique, small batch and handcrafted are all descriptive words you come across when reading about a family-run winery. Rojomoma is all of those and more. It's set among acres of dry grown bush vines in the Ebenezer sub-region of the Barossa, South Australia. It's a family-owned, run and operated winery producing an outstanding range. The craftsmanship and passion is evident in their wines, all due to the unstoppable drive of winemaker Sam Kurtz, Bernadette Kaeding and son Raj. Producing the absolute best-quality wines they can, vintage after vintage, is paramount.

Grenache plantings that have been in the ground since 1886 are Shiraz, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, which have been planted over the two and half decades these guys have owned the vineyards. The vines are carefully nurtured with close attention to hand pruning; they are shoot thinned to manage the quality and yields and fruit is handpicked every year. All this results in top-quality fruit and the freedom to produce balanced, delicately bold, expressive wines. 

Destination: Desi

Have you checked out the new Indian restaurant just opened in the heart of Bristol in place of tapas restaurant El Puerto? The culinary philosophy at Harbourside Desi Kitchen & Bar revolves around the authentic and homemade – the team is all about striving to celebrate the very best of flavoursome Indian food. Expect freshly ground spices and delicate seasonings in dishes such as chickpea-based pindi chana masala and lamb kofta curry – and marinades made in-house, using only fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

harboursidedesikitchen.co; follow Desi Kitchen & Bar on Instagram

The Italian fine fashion jewellery designer Pomellato produces spectacular pieces that are timeless, unconventional and most of all very colourful. Perfect for summer are the rings and matching necklaces from the Nudo collection.

Nudo has become Pomellato's most iconic ring and features a sleek, powerful design characterised by a 'nude' stone available in lots of colour combinations. 

Shown above, from left: Pomellato Nudo Petit 18ct rose and white gold amethyst ring, £1,440. Nudo Petit 18ct rose gold lemon quartz ring, £1,440. Nudo Petit 18ct rose and white gold London blue topaz ring. £1,800. Visit Mallory Jewellers to see the Nudo collections and more from Pomellato.

Introducing Mulberry x Alexa Chung, a new design collaboration

Mulberry's 50th anniversary celebrations continue as the brand unveils an exciting new design collaboration with a long-time friend of the house and the woman who inspired one of its most iconic bags: Alexa Chung. Launched globally on 12 July, Mulberry x Alexa Chung is the latest chapter in Mulberry Editions. Amplifying its legacy of bold collaborations, Mulberry Editions is a series of limited-edition capsules in which leading creatives have been invited to put their own spin on the house's design DNA.

mulberry.com

War of the Worlds: season two (2021)

The second series of War of the Worlds, starring award-winning talent Gabriel Byrne and Daisy Edgar Jones, will be available for UK viewers to watch on Star on Disney+ from today, after filming in Bristol last year with support from the city’s Film
Office.

Written and created by BAFTA award-winner Howard Overman (Misfits, Crazyhead, Merlin), War of the Worlds is a modern re-imagining of the classic H.G. Wells novel produced by Urban Myth Films, set in present-day France and the UK. Season two stars an ensemble cast, including Golden Globe winner and Emmy and Tony award-nominated actor Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment), and Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Award winner, Daisy Edgar-Jones (Normal People), along with returning cast members.

Watch it on Disney+ today!

Always in the Dark by Diane Harding

Always in the Dark: One Woman's Search for Answers from a Family Shrouded in Secrets is a deeply moving memoir that tells of secrets, scandal and survival.

After her parents emigrate post war, Diane in Cape Town enjoying an idyllic and cosy early childhood, but it is ruined at the age of three after the arrival of a visitor. Her rollercoaster existence and mother’s mental breakdown, when Diane is eight, adds to her confusion. Her father works for Cadbury’s and after securing a transfer with the company, the family move back to England when Diane is 14. With each new move, of which there are many, Diane prays that happiness will return to her parents’ marriage.

It is obvious her home life is a weird one and it is only after her mother’s death that she rummages through her secret box and unearths a wealth of staggering information she does not know exists. But Diane is a young child when it all begins and the fact she has lived her life to the point of naivety is beyond baffling. And because of the hurt and embarrassment her shocking revelation is not something she wants to share with her husband.

The search for the truth sends Diane on numerous missions to talk to many people, only to discover that she is the last to know about her dysfunctional family. Her goal is to hear an apology for her ruined childhood.

£10; amazon.co.uk

Wimbleball Lake

Prepare for a summer of fun and adventure at Wimbleball Lake. Less than a two-hour drive from Bristol and Bath, Wimbleball is the perfect location for your next family escape. Try your hand at watersports, have a go at archery, swing from the high ropes or enjoy a tasty treat from the café. You can also extend your stay and camp on site. Whether it’s a day trip or a longer camping break, the lake offers the ideal escape for friends, family and couples. For more information or to book activities and camping, visit Wimbleball Lake’s website.

Brompton Regis, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9NU
swlakestrust.org.uk/activities; 01398 371460

The Portishead Show

After months of planning, the Portishead Horticultural Society is hosting a summer show on 24 and 25 July. In addition to the 300 horticultural, handicraft, cookery and children’s classes, the show will have a fantastic line-up including two circus acts – the Pirate Taxi and Tilly Lee Kronic on trapeze. The show will also feature Gamegoer Gundogs’ dog displays, Little Nippers Terrier Racing, and the popular Companion Dog Show. Visitors can also enjoy swing music from The Marionettes, ballads from The Chicken Teddys and tunes from Portishead Concert Band. Fizz Box Bar will be pouring the beer and prosecco and Barefoot Stone Baked Pizza Company will be cooking up fresh creations. Adults £7.50, children aged under 16 go free. Booking in advance recommended.

portisheadsummershow.com

BS16 Arts Trail 16 – 18 July 2021, 10am – 4pm

BS16 is an area of Bristol which, until recently, has had few, if any, significant art events. That was until the creative duo of printmaker Catherine Williams and Karen Davies, aka Mustard Cuts, established BSpoke16.

In response to the initial Covid-19 lockdown, the pair, who were busy producing a range of artwork, decided to organise an event that would benefit both the makers and community in the local area, providing a safe browsing environment outside the makers' homes.

The first trail, last July, was a roaring success with artists using all types of media, and crafters producing a wide variety of products to delight the residents of BS16. The exhibitors could finally display and sell their works to the public – many having had no outlets open during the lockdown. Some of the stands had established their businesses through these challenging times and it was a perfect time to test their products' success.

The event this summer has exceeded all expectations and has inspired over 100 talented artists, makers and designers to be part of what is going to be a fabulous celebration of creative talent.

BSpoke16 hopes to draw in customers from local communities as well as those from further afield who appreciate high quality craftsmanship. There is so much to choose from, you will not be disappointed...

Visit bspoke16.co.uk to view the exhibitors and download your map.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to find out more.

Images by artist Clay & Craft

Bristol Shakespeare Festival: Macbeth, 23 July, 7.30pm – 9pm

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, a top UK all-male theatre company with direct links to the history of William Shakespeare, invite you to join them this summer for the brilliant tragedy Macbeth.

Emerging victorious and decorated in war, Macbeth receives a thrilling pronouncement from three weird sisters who prophesy he will one day be king of Scotland. Overcome by ambition and driven on by his powerful wife, Macbeth murders the king and sets in motion a terrible sequence of events from which there is no turning back.

A play of supernatural magic and vaulting ambition and an examination of the dreadful consequences of the insatiable lust for power. With Shakespeare’s most chilling power couple and truly stirring poetry this play will keep you gripped.

Bring a chair and a sun hat and prepare to be entertained and transported, watching Shakespeare as he first saw it performed; in the open air, by an all-male cast with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. Book early to avoid missing out!

Tickets cost £12.45 – £18.92. Book here: eventbrite.co.uk

Private pregnancy ultrasound scans for ‘picture-perfect’ peace of mind

Imaginatal is an organisation dedicated to making sure that expecting parents have an exciting and reassuring experience. Bringing peace of mind and helping them enjoy the pregnancy through to the end, the Bristol clinic has been designed to provide a comfortable, calming, and relaxed environment. Friendly staff make for a welcoming atmosphere to ensure special experiences are cherished.

There is a variety of scanning services, from the very first scan at six weeks where those expecting will be able to see their baby for the first time, through to gender scans, 4D scans, wellbeing scans and even a 'well woman' scan available within 24 hours of request. Out-of-hours appointments are also available.

NIPT blood tests are possible too, to check the baby’s DNA for underlying risks of chromosomal disorders, as well as gynaecology and fertility scanning services.

151 Wick Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 4HH
0800 640 4299; imaginatal.co.uk

Lift off! Bristol researchers’ work bound for International Space Station

Materials developed by University of Bristol scientists and engineers are being blasted 250 miles from the Earth’s surface and affixed to the International Space Station (ISS).

The novel composites will spend six months attached to the SESAME module of the ISS, orbiting the Earth some 3,000 times at speeds of 17,000mph.

The materials are being placed on the ISS to test them in the fierce space environment, where they will be subjected to micro-meteoroids, temperatures from -150C to +150C, high-velocity dust, severe electromagnetic radiation and engineering debris.

Real-time data will assess how the materials are performing and will help university scientists on the ground improve materials for the next generation of space missions.

Ian Hamerton, professor of polymers and composite materials at the University of Bristol, has been spearheading the Bristol side of the mission.

The space-bound materials are part of the Euro Ageing programme, a £3.5m European Space Agency project which will see 45 materials exposed to the effects of space while encased in a chamber on the Bartolomeo platform especially designed for the ISS by Airbus.

Places on the spring 2022 mission have been highly sought after and Ian and his team faced a five-month, highly competitive tender process to get their materials accepted.

The composites have been developed by two University of Bristol PhD students, Dr Yanjun (Desmond) He and Mayra Rivera Lopez, who recently won the People’s Choice Award at the annual 3MT (three-minute thesis) competition hosted by the Bristol Doctoral College.

The data will be especially useful for Bristol student George Worden, who will develop and use the ‘digital twin’ in his PhD programme to break new ground in the field of space materials – including the potential to create composites with self-healing properties. 

Image: an artist's impression of the Bartolomeo platform on the ISS. Credit: Airbus

Thatchers Katy Cider scoops top award

One of the Somerset cider maker’s favourites, Katy, has scooped some top awards including the best-in-class trophy for new world-style ciders at the 2021 International Cider Challenge, a competition judged by some of the country’s most respected drinks experts. This follows hot on the heels of a gold medal from the Taste of the West awards.

Thatchers Katy Cider – made with the rosy red apples that are always first to be harvested at Myrtle Farm – is a fine, fresh and fruity bottled cider that has been crafted by the fourth-generation cider maker for over two decades. The 7.4% cider has a subtle sweetness, a refreshing sparkle and crisp, tangy finish.

Katy was not Thatchers only cider to be recognised in the competition. Two of its speciality Cider Barn ciders, Cox’s and Grenadier, and its first alcohol-free cider, Zero, were all awarded medals.

Award-winning Thatchers Katy, and the complete range of Thatchers ciders, is available online from thatcherscider.co.uk

Husqvarna Automower® 105

This compact three-wheeled robotic mower is primed for efficient mowing of more open grass areas. Suitable for smaller lawns up to 600m², it can also handle slopes with an incline of 25%. Easy to use, offering personal settings, it's available in 'polar white' too.

£799; husqvarna.com

37-47 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1EW; 0117 9669845