Four Mothers, which won the BFI London Film Festival Audience Award and is set to release on 4 April, is being shown in a special preview screening
at Watershed this Mother's Day. 

Edward (James McArdle), a talented novelist on the cusp of literary success, is juggling his work with the responsibility of caring for his elderly mother, Alma (Fionnula Flanagan). As the excitement of a US book tour builds, he is suddenly faced with an unexpected twist – his three friends decide to take an impromptu Pride getaway to Spain, leaving their mothers in his care.

Over a lively and chaotic weekend, Edward must navigate the balance between his rising career and caring for four eccentric, combative, and wildly different ladies...

Four Mothers is showing at Watershed on Sunday 30 March at 5pm

Visit watershed.co.uk to book tickets

Our April issue is out next week!

We’re particularly excited about this one, as there’s a whole host of fab conversations with fascinating Bristolians and visitors to our lovely city.

On our cover is the wonderful Mollie Pearce, star of screen and ice. The Nailsea native, who found TV fame on BBC’s The Traitors last year, is known nationally for her advocacy and activism in de-stigmatising both visible and invisible Disabilities. We catch up with Mollie about – among other things – her recent Dancing On Ice stint, and how it feels to be a spokesperson for the Crohn’s and colitis community.

We also meet Danny Carlo Pandolfi, co-director of Lyra Festival, Bristol’s poetry festival which returns in April; Wotton-Under-Edge-born DJ Eats Everything, who talks sell-out shows and his new star-filled album; equality and diversity trainer and wellbeing coach Lildonia Lawrence, whose new book is helping to guide people through racial trauma recovery; chief executive of Gloucestershire Cricket Neil Priscott, who discusses plans for a major cash injection for the sport; and we welcome comedian Jenny Eclair, who is bringing her new show Jokes Jokes Jokes Live! to Bristol Old Vic.

Elsewhere, we’re celebrating the arrival of Spring with all sorts of horticultural features, including a dive into the South West Lakes, the best walks for wild swimming around Bristol, a look at the University Botanical Gardens in Stoke Bishop, and the magic of fern that grows in your own back yard.

Phew… That’s a lot to get your teeth into. So, remember to keep an eye out around town next week for all this good stuff and so much more!

In the meantime... read the digital version of our March 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. 

Recipe by Melissa Blease 

Rhubarb Relish (makes 3 x 200g jars)

Trim 800g rhubarb and chop into 3cm chunks. Tip half of the rhubarb into a heavy-based pan with 2 peeled, finely-sliced red onions, 200g soft light brown sugar, 200ml cider vinegar, 1 star anise, 1 small cinnamon stick, 12 black peppercorns and 3 bay leaves and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the all the liquid has evaporated and the relish is thick and jammy. Remove the whole spices from the pan, add the remaining rhubarb and simmer gently, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water if necessary, for a further 10 minutes or until the ‘new’ rhubarb is soft but still retains its shape. Allow to cool completely before transferring to sterilised jars and sealing well. The relish will keep in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Rhubarb on Brioche Toast (serves 4)

Mix the seeds from 1 vanilla pod (or 1 level tsp vanilla extract) with 50g unsalted butter and 50g icing sugar. Heat the vanilla butter in a large frying pan and, when melted, sauté 4 sticks of rhubarb (trimmed and chopped into 2cm chunks) over a low heat until the rhubarb is tender.

Sift a little more icing sugar across 4 thick slices of brioche and grill under a medium heat until just starting to colour. Divide between 4 plates and top with the warm rhubarb, plus the buttery juices in the pan. Top the brioche with thick Greek yoghurt or crème fraîche and serve warm.

Pickled Rhubarb Slaw (makes 4 servings)

In a large bowl, toss 2 trimmed, finely-sliced rhubarb stalks with 1 peeled, thinly-sliced red onion, the juice from 1 lemon, 1 x 2cm chunk of fresh ginger (grated) and 1 tbsp soft light brown sugar and set aside for 10 minutes to pickle. Meanwhile, thinly slice 1 small white cabbage and coarsely grate 3 scrubbed carrots and 1 small red apple. Toss all the ingredients together with 30g fresh coriander. The slaw is best served immediately (as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled/barbecued fish or meat, perhaps?) but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours.

Rhubarb and Custard Soda

Simmer 150g trimmed, finely-sliced rhubarb in 200ml water for 10 minutes. Line a sieve with muslin or kitchen paper and set over a jug or bowl. Pour the contents of the pan into the sieve and set aside until the liquid stops dripping into the bowl, then gather up the muslin or paper and give it a good squeeze to extract any remaining liquid from the solids. Pour the liquid back into the pan, add 200g caster sugar and simmer briefly until the sugar has dissolved. Add 1 tsp vanilla bean paste, stir well, then leave to cool. Decant the cold syrup into a bottle or container and store in the fridge. To serve, add a splash to a glass filled with ice and top up with soda water, cream soda… or prosecco.

Discover more delicious recipes on thebristolmagazine.co.uk

It's Mother's Day this Sunday, and there's no better way to toast the mother figure in your life than with a bottle of fizz!

Champagne, often associated with celebrations, is considered one of life’s finer pleasures, but not one for the faint of wallet. Consider, then, the wines made using the same method, but from other quality wine regions. These Champagne alternatives can be equally impressive and, in many cases, more approachable for the less formal occasions you might want to drink them in.

1. Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Grande Cuvée
Crémant is a French sparkling wine crafted using the same traditional method as Champagne, but produced outside the Champagne region. In this case, it hails from Burgundy. Crémant de Bourgogne Brut, Grande Cuvée is full, well-structured and balanced on the palate, with hints of flowers and butter. £18.85

2. Sauska Sparkling Brut
Hungary may not be the first place you think of for traditional method sparkling, but Sauska Sparkling Brut is a hidden gem. Produced using the local Furmint grape, along with classic sparkling varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it offers a fresh style with flavours of ripe citrus, juicy pineapple, and lemon curd. Fantastic value for money if you’re daring enough. £19.95

3. Tresor Rosado Cava Pere Ventura
Tresor Rosé is a fun yet seriously classy Cava, with intense, complex aromas of redcurrant, wild strawberry, cherry and raspberry. Long, fruity, soft and elegant on the palate. Pere Ventura Family Estates was formed with a view to producing the finest estate Cavas in the heartland of this DO, Sant Sadurni d’Anoia. £17.75

For all these and more, visit greatwine.co.uk

Wild Oats Health Food Store

If you're looking for a great way to treat the little ones, Wild Oats Health Food Store has an offer running from Saturday 5 to Monday 21 April, when kids can eat for free, with a minimum spend of just £5. 

The offer includes a free hot cross bun – provided by Hobbs House Bakery – along with a drink to keep them refreshed in the form of a babycino or a Cawston Press kids’ juice carton. This offer is valid for up to two children per adult, and includes those under
the age of 16. 

Visitors must mention The Bristol Magazine to claim the offer.

woats.co.uk | Wild Oats Health Food Store, 9-11 Lower Redland Road, BS6 6TB

Invented by Chopard in 1976, Happy Diamonds are far more than an ingenious concept: they bear within them the freedom of women who are continuously capable of enchanting their lives by reinventing their trajectory. This all-conquering movement gives the light, swirling diamonds their own kinetics, defying the laws of gravity to signify their perpetual Joie de Vivre.

The Happy Diamonds pendants are as unique as they are playful. The dancing diamonds are entirely free between two sapphire crystals, thus enabling them to move without restraint, and through his movement to enhance their inherent sparkle. 

Shown above:

Chopard Happy Diamonds 18ct Rose Gold Diamond Pendant and Chain, Diamond Weight: 0.05ct | £2,150

Chopard Happy Diamonds 18ct Rose Gold Diamond Pendant and Chain, Diamond Weight: 0.15ct | £3,260

Click here to see more of the Happy Diamonds Collection by Chopard on the Mallory website

Mint Velvet White Double Breasted Pinstripe Blazer

Nail smart-casual in this white double-breasted pinstripe blazer with a peaked lapel, black buttons and long sleeves.

£175

Mint Velvet, 44 Regent St, Clifton, BS8 4HU

mintvelvet.com

White Stuff Slip On Myrtle Footbed

The kind of shoes you slide into and immediately feel yourself relax. Easy, Nordic style with hand-stitching and buckle-detail.

£65

Unit 104-105 The Mall, BS34 5DG

whitestuff.com

Chanel | Butter Skin

The butter skin makeup trend is all about achieving a smooth, creamy, and radiant complexion that looks as soft and even as butter.

Warm up the face with Les Beiges Bronzing Cream, blending it into the high points where the sun naturally hits and softening the edges with
your foundation brush for a seamless look.

£48

chanel.com

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Objection is a most unusual interior design magazine, one that narrows its focus to just one room per issue. For only its third release in five years this statuesque magazine takes on the kitchen which it frames as ‘a vessel for countless stories and daily gatherings’.
It brings together contributors from the worlds of fashion, photography, design and architecture, and arrives printed on high end art paper and presented in its customary unbound, large format home to offer a reading experience akin to browsing a looseleaf collection of fine art prints.

£30

magalleria.co.uk

There are only a handful of tickets left – quite literally – for Jenny Eclair’s current tour Jokes Jokes Jokes Live!, which crash lands at Bristol Old Vic next Sunday (6 April at 7.30pm).

We have an exclusive chat with Jenny herself in the April issue of the magazine, which will land around the city next week, and trust us when we say this is one you won’t
want to miss.

Jokes Jokes Jokes celebrates the release of comedian, novelist, and professional show-off Jenny’s hilarious memoir of the same name.

Expect thoughts on drama school, (mostly drinking cider and eating sausage rolls), sleeping with men who looked like they lived under a carpet, punk poetry, anorexia, bedsit misery, waitressing and not really having a clue about anything, to being the first woman to win the Perrier Award, becoming a mother, author, grumpy old woman, podcaster and grandma…

More info and tickets: bristololdvic.org.uk

Join Chris Yeo & Izzie Balmer, as seen on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow & Antiques Road Trip, at an exclusive valuation day following a stunning
musical performance from Trio Archai on Thursday April 10.  

Held at the historic St George's Bristol, this promises to be a truly wonderful day beginning with the classical performance at 1pm, and finishing with 
the valuation event from 2pm onwards.

No appointment necessary for valuation day.

Chris Yeo, Izzie Balmer and their expert antiques team will be at St George's Bristol, Great George Street, BS1 5RR from 2 - 5pm on Thursday April 10

Tickets for Trio Archai are available at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

For valuation enquiries:

clevedonsalerooms.com | 01934830111 | info@clevedonsalerooms.com

Image by Ruby Walker

Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the most beautiful and important
plant collections in the world. 

As spring bursts onto the scene, the native and exotic trees in the arboretum are coming to life in a rich blaze of colourful blooms. The longer, warmer days breathe life into the air, heralding the arrival of an array of plants and animals.

So, this Spring, why not discover more about this living masterpiece and what Westonbirt’s team are doing to encourage hundreds of species to thrive?

Join one of Westonbirt’s guided spring walks or family-friendly events and immerse yourself in the beauty of this biodiverse haven.

Plan your visit at forestryengland.uk

Image by Johnny Hathaway 

Visit the Antique Village Fair at Ashton Court Mansion and discover unique treasures!

The 40 stalls include find jewellery, gold and silver, homeware, furniture, paintings, prints, vintage clothing and accessories, militaria and much more.

The vintage cafe will be serving tea, coffee and cream tea.

Entries cost £2, and under-16s go free.

6 April, 10am - 3pm; Ashton Court Mansion, BS41 9JN

Bristol is one of the confirmed locations for the upcoming regional hunger strikes organised by the Mothers Manifesto movement to take place over Mother's Day weekend. The strikes will demand immediate government action to
tackle food poverty in the UK. 

Bristol joins a list of UK locations, including Preston and Plymouth, that are also taking part in what will be a 24-hour nationwide hunger strike. 

These regional efforts will complement and amplify a five-day hunger strike outside Parliament, where campaigners will demand for systematic change: universal free school meals, an Essentials Guarantee for Universal Credit and stronger commitments to global food security, climate action and debt justice.

The Bristol hunger strike will take place on 29 March, 10am-3pm at
College Green, BS1 5UY

For more information, to sign the Manifesto, or to join in on the action, visit mothermanifesto.com

Frank Water has unveiled the UK’s first water-activated mural, a groundbreaking public installation in Bristol's Cabot Circus, to mark World Water Day.

Frank Water commissioned artist and activist Jasmine Hortop to create a visually stunning mural, It Starts With Water. At first, the title is displayed in a monochrome design. Then using special, water-activated hydrochromic paint on the top layer, the mural bursts into colour, revealing a breathtaking scene of fresh water flowing through a thriving natural landscape: lush trees and grasses flourishing, an abundance of wildlife and people benefitting from the life-giving force that sustains all life.

The public was invited to pour rain-harvested water onto the mural to witness this transformation (pictured).

Supported by Cabot Circus, Upfest, If Not Now Digital and Exhale Coffee, the installation is designed to spark conversation and encourage action to protect fresh water and in turn, the future of our planet. It will remain in Quakers Friars,
Cabot Circus, until the end of April.

Watch the moment the mural was unveiled on Instagram: @frank_water_charity 

For more information, visit frankwater.org

Bristol Rovers will be going for their third successive win at the Memorial Stadium against Mansfield Town on Saturday 29 March.

The Gas have lost back-to-back away fixtures in the third tier, falling to defeats to Lincoln City and Crawley Town, but will be confident returning home. Rovers beat Huddersfield Town 1-0 at The Mem before coming out the right side of a five-goal thriller against Bolton Wanderers, with Connor Taylor heading in a late winner. 

With eight games left this season, the Pirates are six points above Burton Albion, who are just inside the relegation zone in 21st position. However, the Brewers
have played one fewer match. 

The Stags won their last match in League One, with Deji Oshilaja scoring a 90th-minute winner at One Call Stadium after Josh Benson cancelled out Caylan Vickers’ opener. 

Bristol Rovers v Mansfield Town | Sky Bet League One | The Memorial Stadium
Saturday 29 March, 3pm KO 

To purchase tickets for the match, visit bristolroverstickets.co.uk

 5 bedrooms  |  5 Receptions  |  3 Bathrooms | 5 Parking Spaces

Offered for sale by Knight Frank Property Agents

A distinguished home set in an elevated and private position, surrounded by mature gardens and spectacular panoramic views stretching across the countryside towards Bristol, Dundry, and beyond.

Built with space and natural light in mind, this exceptional home is arranged over three floors, with principal rooms benefiting from far-reaching views. The entrance hall leads to a series of reception rooms, including a bay-windowed sitting room with a feature fireplace, a formal dining room, and a beautifully designed kitchen.

Sweeping lawns extend from the house, bordered by mature trees that provide both privacy and a picturesque natural backdrop. There is a brilliantly designed patio and decking area, with corner pergola, modern lighting and a fire pit seating area - perfect for entertaining, relaxation, and taking in the unrivalled views.

To view more images, details and the floor plan
click here to visit the Knight Frank website.