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| Plus, a delicious Sicilian recipe and five great wines for under a tenner |
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A specially curated guide to help you enjoy the next 48 hours (or more) in Bristol
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ROARING BACK | BRISTOL'S TV & FILM ARENA
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The cover star of our March issue is the glamorous Lily James as Linda Radlett in Emily Mortimer's BBC adaptation of Nancy Mitford's novel, The Pursuit of Love.
With The Bottle Yard Studios housing its opulent sets, we find out how Bristol's TV and film arena is roaring back into action.
Read the full feature here
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ON THE BOX | A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
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A new locally-filmed futuristic sci-fi series is hitting our screens today.
The One is an eight-part series which features a host of Bristol locations, including Colston Street near the top of Christmas Steps, the Marriott Hotel on College Green, Moon Street in St Paul’s and Broad Street in Bristol’s Old City area.
The One is set five minutes in the future, in a world where a DNA test can find your perfect partner – the one person you’re genetically predisposed to fall passionately in love with. No matter how good your relationship, which one of us can honestly say we haven’t thought about whether there is someone better out there? What if a hair sample is all it takes to find them? The idea is simple, but the implications are explosive. We will never think of love and relationships in the same way again.
Starringg Hannah Ware (The First), Dimitri Leonidas (Riviera), Amir El-Masry (Industry), Stephen Campbell Moore (War of the Worlds), Wilf Scolding (Game of Thrones) and Diarmaid Murtagh (Vikings), this psychological thriller based on a novel of the same name by John Marrs is not one to miss.
Watch it on Netflix today
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NEWS FROM THE CITY | KEEP ON MOVING
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| Food charity launches fitness challenge to raise funds |
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Spreading a little hap-pea-ness this spring, national food charity FoodCycle will launch its first ever challenge event on 1 April.
Taking place across April, the FoodCycle 50 Challenge will see participants set a 30-day fitness target around the number 50 – from cycling 50 miles per week to a daily dose of 50 star jumps – to raise vital funds for vulnerable people across the country.
From sit-ups as string beans to a weekly burst of burpees by a group of beetroots, FoodCycle’s advice for a successful FoodCycle 50 Challenge is simple. Dig deep and lettuce celebrate the joy of moving while making a difference.
For more information on FoodCycle 50 or to sign up to the challenge visit foodcycle.org.uk
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A FIRST LOOK | ONE TO WATCH
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| Behind the scenes of Ridley Scott's House of Gucci |
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This week brought us the first look at director Ridley Scott's highly-anticipated film of the year, House of Gucci, which stars some of Hollywood's biggest names. The film follows the tumultuous life of Italian socialite Patrizia Reggiani and her marriage to Gucci heir, Maurizio Gucci.
On Tuesday (9 March), Ridley's leading lady, Lady Gaga, took to Instagram to share a snap of herself dressed as Reggiani, clinging to her on-screen husband, played by Adam Driver. Both of whom are dressed in impeccable '90s knits. Her simple caption read: "Signore e Signora Gucci."
A quick fashion history recap: In 1972, Patrizia Reggiani, an Italian socialite, married Maurizio Gucci – the 20-something grandson of Gucci founder Guccio Gucci. Over the next 15 years, the couple had two daughters; fought (and won) a high-profile battle for control of the Gucci brand; and became a fixture in the Italian tabloids. Lady Gucci, as she became known as, was famous for her extravagance. Perhaps her most notable comment: “I would rather weep in a Rolls-Royce than be happy on a bicycle.”
Cut to the mid-’80s and Maurizio is found to be leaving his family for his younger lover, after claiming to be on a short business trip in Florence. A few years after his split with Reggiani, Maurizio sold the Gucci brand to Bahrain-based firm Investcorp for approximately £150 million – a move necessitated by his own failures at the helm of the company.
We jump again to 27 March 1995. A hitman fatally shot the 46-year-old Maurizio in his office lobby near Milan’s fashion district – prompting an investigation into his murder that would take years to resolve (in spite of Reggiani being an immediate suspect). Ultimately, the Black Widow – as the press dubbed her – received a 26-year prison sentence for her role in the death (although she continues to maintain her innocence).
Today, Reggiani continues to reside in Milan, supported by an annual grant from Maurizio’s estate, and is occasionally seen wandering around the city’s upscale boutiques with her pet macaw, Bo, on her shoulder.
Filming is currently underway and its release date has been confirmed as 26 November 2021 for the UK. We'll keep you updated.
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GET COOKING | SEDUCED BY A SICILIAN
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| Recipe by Melissa Blease |
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| Caponata |
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Serves 4; vegetarian
Bold in flavour, simple to make and seductively moreish, Caponata – a classic Sicilian dish of stewed aubergines and tomatoes with a unique sweet and sour personality – is a joyful voyage of foodie discovery that, once navigated, will become a regular port of call on your travels around the "what's for supper?" menu.
The sweet/salty skirmish that the mix of capers, olives and raisins brings to the party provides the tantalising complexity that makes every forkful of Caponata pop with contrast, texture and deeply umami sorcery, while the silky aubergines and stewed tomatoes bring comfort and familiarity. The optional addition of a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts just before serving adds creamy crunch, while a handful of fresh herbs (basil works really well, but parsley is good too) adds further fresh-faced flavour uplift.
As to how – and when – to eat Caponata: it's a regular staple on breakfast, lunch, dinner and tapas menus across Sicily, enjoyed any time, any place, anywhere... and any how. Serve it warm, in pure and simple form, with rustic bread; tumble it through hot spaghetti and top with cubes of feta cheese; stir it into risotto; slather it on pizza bases; serve as a side dish to barbecued chicken or lamb; use it cold as a 'pickle' in sandwiches or alongside cheese and charcuterie.
Ingredients (serves 4; vegetarian)
2 large aubergines, diced
2 large banana shallots (or 1 large onion), finely chopped
1 stick celery, finely sliced
2 large, ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
1–2 tsp capers
1 generous tbsp raisins or golden sultanas
20 pitted green and black olives, chopped if large
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp caster sugar
Olive oil, for sautéing
Lightly toasted pine nuts; fresh basil or parsley, to serve
Method
1. Heat a generous glug of olive oil in a heavy-based saucepan and sauté the aubergines over a medium heat for around 20–25 minutes until silky soft. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and set to one side.
2. Sauté the chopped shallots (or onion) and celery until translucent (you may need to add a little bit more olive oil). Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté slowly for around 8–10 minutes until soft and slightly mushy.
3. Return the aubergines to the pan with the capers, raisins or sultanas, sugar, and red wine vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer, adding a splash of boiling water to loosen if the mixture is a bit 'claggy.'
4. Allow to stew over a low heat for around 30–40 minutes until all the vegetables are soft but still hold their integrity.
The Caponata can be kept in a sealed tub in the fridge for up to 3–5 days.
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WEEKEND WINE | GREAT WINES UNDER A TENNER
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Pedro Ximenez - Elki
From Chile.This wine exhibits a delicious balance of peachy lusciousness with crispness and length, which allows it to be enjoyed with a variety of foods or on its own. A combination of constant sunshine with cool temperatures at the Elqui Valley leads to crisp texture and exciting, bright fruit character in the wines. Italian winemaker, Giorgio Flessati, recognised the potential for the Pisco grape, Pedro Ximenez, to make delicious wine, and this is the product of his vision. £7.95
Estate Malbec - Humberto Canale
This Argentinian wine has a very refined style, both on the nose and in the mouth. It is carefully aged in oak casks, giving it irresistible aromas and a long finish. Full bodied, with a complex structure and notes of red berries, spice and black pepper. After a year's bottle ageing, it becomes more unctuous, intense and concentrated. £9.95
Pinot Grigio - Le Vigne
Blended from top Italian vineyards including Cantarelle, next to Lake Garda. A terrific wine that is pale straw yellow in colour with a bright and flowery fragrance. Light, crisp and dry with a racy acidity that gives mouth watering appeal. Offers good mid palate balance with a clean finish. £7.95
Cabernet Sauvignon - Leduc
From France. A dense, blackcurranty Cabernet Sauvignon from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France: Medium bodied it’s wonderfully heady, with notes of violets and pepper and a farewell waft of spice. £7.95
Sparkling Extra Brut - Santa Ana
From Argentina. Santa Ana Brut has an intense green-yellow colour. This refreshing sparkling wine has very fruity aromas such as apple and pineapple and a delicate 'sweet bread' aroma from the yeast. On the palate this wine has a delicate body with fresh stone fruit flavours and a long length. £8.95
Click here to explore the top ten on offer and many more at: The Great Wine Co
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LET'S TALK | EATING EN PLEIN AIR
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... and we're finally, it seems, seeing a light at the end of the long, dark, Covid-19 tunnel. Right now, we're allowed to meet someone outside of of our own household (friends: remember them?!) in an outside setting. From March 29, the circle widens again: up to six people (or two households) can meet up in a public space or private garden... yay, picnic parties are back!
To put it mildly, we've been through a lot this year. So, don't let complicated menus or transportation woes get in the way of your friends reunited celebrations; keep it simple with these super-easy, super-satisfying picnic dishes, made for sharing.
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PREPARE FOUR | PICNIC SNACKS
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Simple, Speedy Sausage Rolls
Makes 12 large/24 mini sausage rolls
Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas mark 4. Unroll 1 x 320g ready-made puff pastry sheet and cut in half lengthways. Remove the skin from approx. 600g high-quality meat or vegetarian sausages and roughly mash with approx. 1 tbsp pickle or savoury marmalade. Brush one side of each strip of pastry with milk or 1 well-beaten egg yolk. Divide the sausage meat mixture in half and use to line the middle of each length of pastry. Roll the pastry around the sausage meat, using the milk or egg yolk to seal the edges. Chill for 30 minutes. Cut each strip into 6 sausage rolls (or 12 mini sausage rolls), brush the tops with the remaining egg yolk or milk, and bake for 20 minutes or until golden. The sausage rolls can be kept in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months before baking. If baking directly from frozen, allow 30 minutes cooking time.
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Chunky Mediterranean Picnic Loaf
Slice the top, to around a 5cm depth, off a medium-sized loaf of your choice (white, wholemeal, cobb, sourdough, gluten-free) Using your hands, scoop most of the dough out to make room for the filling, leaving a sturdy bread 'wall', but saving the 'innards' for breadcrumbs (which can be frozen for up to a month). Mix 4 tbsp mayonnaise with 2 tbsp pesto and spread liberally around the inside of the hollowed-out loaf. Mix 100g chopped roasted red peppers and 50g chopped sun-dried tomatoes (both from jar) with a dozen chopped, pitted black olives. Slice a combination of around 100g each of ham, salami, Brie, Edam and Jarlsberg (or cheese/charcuterie of your choice, omitting the meat entirely for a vegetarian option and making up the quantities with extra cheese) and tumble together in a bowl. Fill the hollowed-out loaf with alternating layers of meat and cheese/roasted red pepper mix, adding a layer of thinly sliced cucumber, crisp lettuce leaves and a smattering of fresh basil in between each layer. Replace the loaf 'lid', press to cover the filling, wrap tightly in cling film and chill for 2–3 hours. Transport your sandwich loaf whole and cut into chunky wedges to serve.
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Rocky Road
Grease and line an 18cm square baking tin. Tip 200g Rich Tea biscuits, Ginger Nut biscuits or plain/chocolate digestives (or a mixture of all three) into a freezer bag and smash with a rolling pin until broken down into a mixture of crumbs and small chunks. In a large saucepan over a medium heat, melt 140g butter with 200g dark chocolate and 3 tbsp golden syrup until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly. Stir 100g mini marshmallows and up to 100g optional additional goodies (nuts, cranberries, sultanas or popcorn) into the melted chocolate mixture, followed by the crushed biscuits. Stir well to thoroughly combine, tip the mixture into the prepared baking tin, spread evenly and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before dusting with icing sugar and cutting into 12 slices.
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Goat's Cheese Muffins
Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas mark 4. Line a 12-hole muffin/cupcake tin with cupcake cases. In a large bowl, mix 175g self-raising flour with 115ml semi-skimmed milk, 1 large beaten egg, 40g melted butter, 30g Parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), around 50g finely chopped baby spinach, 2 tbsp finely chopped chives and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once thoroughly combined, add 50g diced goat's cheese and mix again. Divide the mixture between the cupcake cases and top each muffin with a couple of little cubes of goat's cheese and a couple of slices of cherry tomato. Bake for 15–20 minutes until risen, golden and cooked through. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | OMEGA SEAMASTER 300 41mm
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| A new adventure for a classic |
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OMEGA first introduced the Seamaster 300 in 1957 – it was a watch designed especially for underwater divers. More than half a century later, the timepiece makes a welcome return in a completely upgraded and enhanced form, ready for a new generation of adventurers. This Seamaster 300 has a sand-blasted black dial with rhodium-plated hands coated with "vintage" Super-LumiNova. The polished ceramic bezel ring has a Liquidmetal™ diving scale. The 41 mm brushed and polished stainless steel case is presented on a matching bracelet. As well as a being a beautiful timepiece to enjoy, one of the mesmerising features is a transparent caseback makes it possible to gaze into the anti-magnetic OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8400 movement within.
Click to explore the OMEGA collection and many more at: mallory-jewellers
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FASHION | FINISTERRE'S NEW SPRING COLLECTION
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HOMES & GARDENS | WILD STYLE
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Tabitha Tarling Garden Design
Tabitha is a highly experienced landscape designer with 15 years of designing and installing projects of all sizes, both in the UK and abroad. She offers a full garden design service, including design concept, construction management, planting and styling. She can also provide consultations, garden coaching and advice.
Tabitha works collaboratively with clients, carefully listening to their needs, to ensure the end results are elegant as well as functional. She is keen to ensure her design solutions sit well within their surroundings, with beautiful, thoughtful planting schemes, and a sympathetic use of materials, whether it be it a tiny court-yard, a roof terrace or a large family garden.
She works with a select group of landscape contractors and specialists so that the design process, from concept to completion, is smooth and seamless.
tabithatarling.co.uk
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GROWING GAINS | TIME TO RELISH THAT RADISH
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We have been reliably informed by a PR consultant for the British Radish industry that the radish season is just around the corner!
It's all because the days are getting lighter, and the weather will be warming up – which means it’s nearly time for the British radish season to start. The season starts in April, making radish the first open-field salad crop to be harvested in Britain in the year.
Radishes are one of the fastest growing British crops and can be grown from seed to vegetable in as little as 25 days. They are well known for their peppery flavour, and fabulously colourful exterior. The largest proportion of the British radish crop is grown on farms in Norfolk, where the farmers have specialised in radish crops for over 30 years. Radishes don’t like too little or too much water which is why they are grown in the Norfolk Fens. A combination of low rainfall, and a light soil that retains the water, make for perfect growing conditions.
Radish realities:
• The outside skin of radishes can be white, yellow, pink, red, purple, or black.
• About seven million tons of radishes are produced every year, roughly 2% of global vegetable production.
• Radishes are a very good source of vitamin C.
• Oaxaca, Mexico has an annual radish celebration in December where nativity scenes are carved from radishes.
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MARCH ISSUE | A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM
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We're back!
On the cover: with prestigious productions, starring the likes of Lily James, in hot pursuit, Bristol’s TV and film industries are tackling 2021 head on. Flick to p.20 to find out what’s in store!
Inside: the joyful Junior Bake Off’s Robbie chats about being a Bristol king of the kitchen and making it to the final. We spoke to The Bristol Gulls about how they made history this year - rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in a boat made of 10,000 plastic bottles in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
Bristol Beacon has launched a new project aiming to bring the city together and calling on Bristol citizens to channel their feelings into words and music.
We speak to the head of Channel 4’s Bristol hub about their move to the city and how the pandemic bought out the best in Bristol.
Local author Darryl W. Bullock's latest book celebrates the huge cultural contributions gay men made to the music industry during the Sixties pop boom.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School turns 75 this year and we look at what the post-Covid world holds for the alma mater of Olivia Coleman, Sir Daniel Day-Lewis and Sir Patrick Stewart.
Plus, so much more! Pick it up around the city or read it online: thebristolmag.co.uk
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ON THE BOOKSHELF | A LOOK BACK IN TIME
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The Velvet Mafia: The Gay Men Who Ran the Swinging Sixties
Bristol-based author Darryl W. Bullock has come a long way since penning his first piece for the Bath Chronicle more than 25 years ago. After a decade editing the LGBT section of much-missed local listings magazine Venue, followed by several years helming the West’s alternative lifestyles magazine the Spark, in 2015 he embarked on a career as an author.
Since then he has written several internationally acclaimed books, including David Bowie Made Me Gay, a century-long look at LGBT recording artists. His latest, The Velvet Mafia, follows the stories of the gay men who ran the recording industry in Britain in the 1950s and 1960s. In our latest issue he shares a little of the story.
Read the full feature here
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RWA Annual Open Exhibition
Looking to freshen up your home as things open up? Been staring at the same artwork for a year now!? Check out the 600+ artworks in the RWA Annual Open Exhibition this spring. Works are from emerging and established artists and all available to browse and buy. Includes some unique pieces to remind us of 2020 and how far we've come!
Works start at £45. Head to rwa.org.uk/shop168 to see all.
Image credit: 304: Howard Mason, Lockdown
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Wes Talks: Hannah More: Moral Reformer or Political Manipulator?
A conversation exploring the public voice of one Bristolian woman in the 18th century, a social influencer of her time who spoke up for what she believed in.
With the Georgian backdrop of satire, enlightenment and liberty, Bristol born Hannah More (1745-1833) raised her voice to campaign for what she believed. As an educator, social reformer and Bluestocking her values made centre stage in her playwriting, religious repository tracts and philanthropy. Join Historian Dr Jo Edwards (Trustee of the Hannah More Trust) as she explores More’s life in conversation with Jane Duffus, Author of The Women Who Built Bristol, and Learning and Wendy Allen, Development Officer for The Methodist Church.
Monday 15 March 7.30-8.30pm; £5; booking required; newroombristol.org
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BRISTOL PROPERTY | ON THE MARKET
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| Rockleaze, Sneyd Park, Bristol, BS9 1NE |
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The hall floor flat at 9 Rockleaze is a superb period apartment situated in an envious and sought-after location, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a versatile living space it offers pretty much everything an apartment could serve.
Its many benefits include a private gated drive; south-facing private garden; its own hall-floor entrance and an easily accessible double garage and workshop to the rear. The interiors do not disappoint too, beautifully maintained, much cared for and continuously improved by the current owners over their 20 years plus ownership.
Up a short flight of steps to the sheltered front door the entrance lobby is a generous size and through part-glazed doors open into a magnificent entrance hall. Stairs lead up to a half-landing - the perfect possible space for a home-office and provides some useful storage.
Without a doubt however the sitting room is the jewel in the crown; a spacious 26' deep (into the bay) with a triple sash bay window taking in really exceptional, distant, south facing views. Rich in period features the room is finished with a recessed wood-burning stove, working shutters and fitted window seats to appreciate the outlook.
Across the hallway is a fabulous, fitted kitchen, almost certainly created for the 'chef' of the house and recently installed by Schmidt in Clifton village, complete with underfloor heating.
Off the main hall is a gorgeous master bedroom, complete with its trompe l'oeil feature wall and crafted fitted wardrobes. This room is served by a sumptuous en-suite bathroom, with a recessed Jacuzzi bath, "his and hers" sinks as well as underfloor heating.
The versatile "second bedroom" has splendid views over the Downs and could be used as either a bedroom or a second reception room / dining room (or even a study) and connects to a well-appointed shower room.
The apartment also benefits from retaining part of the lower ground floor, which the current owners have reconfigured to create a versatile guest suite complete with its own shower room. It also benefits from private / independent access to the rear. It's currently being used as a home cinema room, highlighting the property's ease of layout and versatility.
The garden is superb; almost directly south facing and beautifully landscaped with an expanse of lawn and carefully maintained mature borders. Double electric gates open to provide off-street parking for several vehicles as has an electric car-charging point installed. To the rear is a useful double garage, complete with a space for a workshop and some excellent recessed storage. Guide price £1,150,000
On sale with Rupert Oliver - click here for further details and to arrange a viewing
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