Transcend to the next level with Wake The Tiger

The world’s first Amazement Park®, Wake The Tiger, has teased mind-bending expansion plans of the revolutionary art walk-through experience, which will arrive in early 2024. The news also comes as the experience has announced the launch of annual memberships and gift vouchers. 

Of the yet-to-be-revealed next level expansion plans, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Luke Mitchell, explains: “Expect the most mind-blowing immersive art production imaginable, all laid out within a maze of exploration; a complete dazzling wonder of the senses - spanning creativity, discovery and playful magic, and still an adventure for all ages.”

Whilst the expansion is well underway, the experience has a ton going on this side of Christmas, including four new funga trails to explore and adult-only Festive After Hours for those looking for an out-of-this-world mate, date or team night of fun.

See the Wake the Tiger website for Christmas offers, gift vouchers, memberships and more. Keep up to date and book at wakethetiger.com

OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE IS OUT NOW!

You'll love our fabulous November 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. 

This month, we learn all about Evolution, the incredible drone display coming to Bristol, we check out Josh Dury's amazing astro-photography, and get to know Alexandra Pickford, the globe-trotting ballet dancer. Elsewhere, we chat with journalist Polly Toynbee about her new book and get ready for the long-awaited re-opening of the Bristol Beacon. We really hope you'll enjoy the read!

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, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols.

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 £33 for 12 issues, £18 for six issues or buy a copy for just £4.25. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – see our website. 

Words by Melissa Blease

Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms, Chestnuts and Taleggio

Easy to cook, gluten-free and usually lurking somewhere in the back of the pantry, a packet of polenta is your autumn/winter speedy supper best friend, faster to cook than mash and less fussy to prepare than rice.

This super-seasonal, cosy supper for two combines buttery polenta with earthy mushrooms, sweet chestnuts and luxuriously creamy Taleggio cheese.

If you can't get your hands on Taleggio, Bel Paese, Gorgonzola or Brie all work well too.

Ingredients (serves 2)

250g chestnut mushrooms, halved if large
2 tsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed
1 heaped tsp dried thyme
100g vacuum-packed cooked chestnuts, quartered
100ml whole milk
100g quick-cook polenta
30g butter
25g parmesan, grated
100g Taleggio cheese, cut into small cubes

Method

Heat a large frying pan with a lid over a high heat. Add the mushrooms and dry cook for around 3 minutes, stirring very occasionally, until the mushrooms have browned and started to release their liquid. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the oil, garlic, thyme, chestnuts and plenty of black pepper. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring continuously, until fragrant. Add 1 tbsp water, cover the pan, remove from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the milk in a saucepan with 400ml water and a good pinch of salt and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low, pour in the polenta and stir well. Simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring constantly until the polenta has thickened and is starting to come away from the sides of the pan. Add the butter, Parmesan and half the Taleggio and stir well until the cheeses have melted.

Divide the polenta between two warm shallow bowls or plates. Dot with the remaining Taleggio and top with the mushrooms, along with any juices left in the pan.

Festive Edible Art Patisserie Masterclass at Harvey Nichols

Calling all festive foodies!

Join Harvey Nichols for a Christmas patisserie masterclass hosted by Edible Art Founder and renowned pastry chef, Damien Wager. 

Tickets are £40 per person and include a demo, cocktail and yuletide treat to take home.

Tuesday 21 November | 7pm – 9.30pm | Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols
To book, go to eventbrite.co.uk

Award-winning wines

With all this dreary November weather, we at The Bath Magazine reckon that it's time to treat ourselves to something a bit special to liven up these cold nights in.

So this week, we've put together a list of Decanter's award-winning wines so you can be sure you're getting the very best bang for your buck. Take a little trip around the world with us and find out what the experts are recommending...

Starting in South America we have Susanna Albo's Signature White Blend from Argentina that won the Decanter Silver Award this year. For this white Bordeaux blend, Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc are combined with Torrontés, resulting in a wonderfully bright, fresh and aromatic wine with floral and citrus notes of fresh grass, white peach and orange. £24.

Staying south of the equator, we have Australian winemaker D'Arenberg's The Laughing Magpie that won Silver in 2018. This Shiraz is round and luscious with an attractive black olive and sage character persistent throughout the palate. Dark brooding fruit is apparent on the nose with earth, spice and dried herbs. £24.

If you're looking for that extra sparkle, head up to France and try out the Champagne Mosaïque Signature by Jacquart. This fizz won Gold in 2020, owing to its gorgeous aromas of baked apple, pear tarte tatin brioche, hazelnut cream and dried flowers. On the palate, it is fresh, rich, lush and juicy with flavours that echo the nose. £47.50.

Staying in Europe we have Hungarian winemaker Patricius who won platinum last year with their Aszú 6 Puttonyos 50cl! This white dessert wine has a dense exotic and spicy bouquet with apricot jam and marmalade notes. The palate is medium-bodied with a fresh, vibrant marmalade and quince entry and honeyed finish. £49.95.

Shop these and more award-winning wines at greatwine.co.uk

The Crackers Return to Jo Malone | £36

From decorative crackers and ornaments to 'Little Luxuries', visit Jo Malone to discover small surprises to fill stockings, for a secret Santa or just to surprise and delight. 

Add a festive finishing touch to any dining table with a scent-filled Jo Malone London cracker in a gingerbread-inspired design. 

In the classic design, reveal a 9ml cologne in the fresh woody scent of Wood Sage & Sea Salt, a luscious 30ml English Pear & Freesia Body & Hand Wash and a 15ml hand cream scented with zesty Lime Basil & Mandarin. Click here to shop.

And in the Cream edition, open to discover a Poppy & Barley 9ml Cologne, English Pear & Freesia 30ml Body & Hand Wash and Wood Sage & Sea Salt 15ml Body Creme. Click here to shop.

Lou Rota Twelve Days of Christmas Dessert Plate | £20

Featuring unique renderings of each of the twelve days of Christmas, each of these dessert plates makes a gift that's sure to delight, and results in a collection worthy of display.

Designed by Lou Rota exclusively for Anthropologie, this collection is a seasonal romp through nature's hedgerows – in all their festive glory. She has dreamt up illustrations of charming creatures and branches laden with ripened fruits and rich-hued florals, putting her own unique spin on the age-old carol, "Twelve Days of Christmas."

Shop now at anthropologie.com

Diana Porter Silver 'Endless' Hoop Earrings | £92

Organic silver hoops with Diana's everlasting words etched around the hoop. One earring is etched with the words 'Future, Perpetuum, Infinite' the other 'Infinity, forever'.

Shop now at dianaporter.co.uk

Sorbie Gem Clutch Bag | £135

Bring after-dark looks to life with this must-have gem clutch bag - the most sought-after accessory this season. In a rectangular shape, it comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, a buckle fastening and feels like a throwback to the 90s. Style with everything from LBDs to tailoring this autumn-winter.

Shop now at whistles.com

The Rolex Perpetual 1908

The name ‘1908’ refers to the date Founder Hans Wilsdorf officially registered the Rolex trademark in Switzerland.

A classic and decidedly contemporary dress watch, this completely new timepiece is inspired by the Oyster Perpetual from 1931- however the slim 9.5mm profiling and precision movement celebrate the excellence and the many innovations that master watchmakers at Rolex have developed into a very modern and highly sophisticated timepiece.

This elegant and understated watch features a 39mm case (in either yellow or white 18 ct gold) crowned with a bezel that is part domed and part finely fluted. The dials are a miniature work of art, simple and classic styling using traditional enamelling methods combined with cutting-edge modern technologies to colour to an intense black slate look or white satin finish.

Displayed on its face are the Arabic numerals 3, 9 and 12, as well as a small seconds hand sundial at 6 o’clock. Meanwhile, the faceted 18 ct gold hour markers harmoniously match the different styles of hands: sword-shaped for the minutes and with a circle for the hours.

The beautiful movement can be enjoyed through the sapphire crystal case back.

The 1908 is fitted with a black or brown alligator-leather strap with green lining, and features a Dualclasp with two symmetrical blades.

Each model has approximately 66 hours power reserve, is waterproof to 50 metres and is certified, Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex certification after casing)

For prices and to view the range click here to see the Rolex 1908 collection at Mallory.

Curated by Daniel McCabe

SCENERY is a chunky new interiors magazine that’s turning heads because it’s created by a couple of industry heavyweights and because it offers a twist to a genre that’s arguably looking for one. Many of our most popular interior design magazines feature expensive furniture in architecturally-designed spaces, which can feel a little exclusive. With SCENERY the focus is certainly on spaces, but ‘the spaces that colour our lives, the curiosities and characters we collect. The places we choose to spend our time, and why we choose to spend our time in them.’ There’s a lot of close-up gazing at interesting objects, collections, tableaux, wall colours, surface pattern and so on, and it does have an attractive curiosity and warm ambience that quickly draws you in. £28

magalleria.co.uk

Bristol Bears VS Sale Sharks

The bears are back after a narrow loss at Exeter Chiefs! 

Pat Lam's men return to Ashton Gate to take on Sale Sharks this Saturday at 2.30pm. 

Secure your tickets now with Adults from £30 and Under-12's from £10. Alternatively enjoy Hospitality in the Heineken Lounge with their special Beer and BBQ package.

Head to bristolbearsrugby.com to find out more

Christmas at Westonbirt

Is there anything better than a captivating landscape and stunningly lit trees, creating an enchanting world full of wonder?

Don’t miss the well-loved Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, where the magic of the festive season comes to life in spectacular illuminated fashion.

On selected evenings from Friday 24 November until Saturday 23 December, prepare to be dazzled by an enthralling winter wonderland, filled with sparkling lights, festive sounds and mesmerising installations.

The perfect time to create cherished family memories to last a lifetime.

Pre-booking essential, see forestryengland.uk for specific dates

Image courtesy of Johnny Hathaway.

Fairfield's Winter Gala

On Wednesday 13 December, Fairfield High School is hosting their Winter Gala.  

This special event showcases the fantastic work of Fairfield's students, and features a number of stalls selling a variety of gifts, together with a halal barbecue and festive treats. Stallholders are welcome; just £10, available on a first come first serve basis.

Free entry | 6pm–8.30pm. 
For more information click here.

Bristol Bach Choir: the Spirit of Christmas concert

Bristol Bach Choir present their traditional Spirit of Christmas with a twist, on Sunday 10th December at 4pm, in St. George’s, Brandon Hill. They will be joined by Horfield CEVC Primary School Choir, with their directors Kirsten Cunningham, Laurel Steel, and their accompanist Claire Alsop. 

There will be the usual feast of festive songs and readings from all ages, for all ages, by all ages, with the choirs performing their own distinctive repertoires before coming together to ensure a truly magical afternoon celebrating the meaning of Christmas. There will be the familiar carols for all to sing, to help get you into the Christmas spirit!

Sunday 10 December | 4pm | St George's, Great George St, Bristol BS1 5RR
Tickets available at bristolbach.org.uk

Bristol Bus Boycott Pioneers permanently remembered at Watershed

Watershed saw out Black History Month with a celebratory event on Monday 30 October when the Bristol Bus Boycott pioneers were honoured at a special screening followed by the unveiling of permanent seat plaques dedicated to them.

The Thank You event, organised by Curiosity UnLtd, included a screening of celebratory films about the historic 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, four months of peaceful protest which saw the ‘colour bar’ lifted from public transport, and was instrumental in the creation of the Race Relations Act of 1965 and 1968

The group at Watershed on Monday evening included Guy Bailey (OBE), Barbara Dettering, Joyce Morris-Wisdom, Tina Johnson plus friends and family of the 17 pioneers including Dawn Hackett (Roy Hackett's daughter), Vernon Samuels (Norman Samuels' son) and Lily Khandker (Feroze Ahmed's granddaughter). Many of them got to sit in the cinema seats that will bear their names permanently in Watershed's 101-seat cinema. They were delighted to welcome Dept Mayor Asher Craig and the High Sheriff of Bristol Sharon Foster to do the unveilings.

Julz Davis, the Disruptor-In-Chief at Curiosity UnLtd said: 

"I'm proud to be a son of Bristol, a city of radical racial change makers. With the Bristol Bus Boycott making an indelible contribution to a better Bristol and Britain I was humbled to co-create with Watershed, Unite the Union, First Bus and Duppy Share Rum in delivering Thank You. From pop-up exhibitions and murals to Pride of Britain, plaques and Parliament, Thank You showcased the work that has gone into marking the 60th anniversary. Undoubtedly, the Boycott was a triumph for racial justice; however the event reminded us that today, Bristol is the 7th most unequal place for People of Colour to live. So, for those organisations that are serious about building on the Boycott's legacy by taking meaningful action on racial and social equality, let's connect and co-create to make that a reality." 

For a chat email julz@CuriosityUnltd.com
To find out more, go to us9.campaign-archive.com

College Road, Clifton, BS8

Offered for sale by Bristol estate agents, Rupert Oliver.  

This is a superb family home; located effortlessly close to most of NW Bristol's best independent schools (Clifton College is a mere 150 yards away) it presents hugely versatile family accommodation of circa 4000 sq. ft over four floors. 

Over the past 10 years or so the current owners have lovingly and painstakingly refurbished the house. A pedestrian gate opens onto a lovely slate path leading via shallow steps up to the front door; or down several steps to the self-contained annex below. 

To the rear of the house is a wonderful suite of open plan reception rooms; flooded with light from the almost full-width wall of glazed sliding doors opening out into the garden from the kitchen and an architectural roof window join the kitchen ceiling to the family room. The family room itself is a lovely size with underfloor heating, and hugely sociable being able to see and converse with everybody in the kitchen and dining room below. The kitchen itself is beautifully appointed with an oversize island topped with granite work tops providing a useful breakfast bar and sociable prep-space. There is an expanse of further storage and granite work tops with integrated appliances include a wine-fridge, two dishwashers, fridge & freezer.

From the dining area a door opens into a useful utility area (with space for both a washing machine and dryer) and steps leading down to the lower ground floor. This lower ground space is hugely versatile. At present, the lower ground floor is split between a gym / cinema room (with “wine cellar”) used daily by the main house and a separate self-contained annex let to provide additional income. 

Upstairs, across the whole of the first floor, is a truly sumptuous master bedrooms suite with the bedroom itself occupying the full width of the first floor. To the rear, this leads into the a generous fully fitted walk-in wardrobe and through again into a sumptuous limestone tiled en-suite bath and shower room – complete with a twin ended bath and oversize shower. 

Across the three half-landings and the second floor lie five further double bedrooms served by four bath / shower rooms (three of which are en-suite). As per the house itself, these rooms are finished beautifully with triple glazed sash windows, along with high quality fully tiled bath / shower rooms with marble topped vanity basins, enclosed shower cubicles, heated chrome towel ladders, underfloor heating and a bath in the family bathroom. 

The annex is a lovely space currently offering traditional “studio” accommodation with an open plan studio room and high quality fitted kitchen. The room is finished with a separate shower room.

To the rear the house enjoys a beautiful private sunny south facing garden landscaped to maximise the “inside / outside” lifestyle. The sides are planted with raised beds incorporating mature clipped topiary olive trees and a climbing jasmine. A cedar clad door provides pedestrian access into the rear lane, leading down to Cecil Road.
Guide price £1,850,000.

Click here for more information and images and to see the apartment on the Rupert Oliver website.