Bristol Cocktail Weekend

Bristol Cocktail Weekend will cheers the city from Thursday 28 September - Sunday 1 October with a bumper line-up of participating venues!

Bristol Cocktail Weekend is the city's inaugural showcase of mixology, celebrating the many incredible cocktail venues that Bristol has to offer. Brought to you by drink and dining connoisseurs, Living For The Weekend, and supported by the Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the event will provide visitors with four days of drink, food and adventure.

Venues include city hotspots like Aluna, Bambalan, The Botanist, Bristol and Bath Rum Distillery and many more!

Find out more and buy tickets at bristolcocktailweekend.co.uk

OUR OCTOBER ISSUE IS OUT NEXT WEEK!

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. 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

Melanzane alla Parmigiana

Melanzane? Aubergines, innit! And the best of the season are trending right now. As for the Parmigiana element: what doesn't taste better baked with cheese?

This recipe is a lovely alternative to lasagne without going down the mincemeat-substitute/pasta sheet route. Layers of aubergines, courgettes and peppers in a rich tomato sauce topped with melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan result in a heavenly, comforting combination, perfect for a casual autumn supper.

Ingredients (serves 4)

2 large aubergines cut into 1cm thick rings (or long slices)
2 large onions, peeled and finely chopped
2 large red peppers, deseeded and diced
2 large courgettes, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
1 tsp caster sugar
125g mozzarella, thinly sliced
50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Olive oil

Method

Preheat a griddle (or frying) pan to a medium-high heat and brush the aubergine slices on both sides with olive oil. Griddle in batches until each slice is soft and slightly charred. Set to one side.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the peppers and courgettes and continue to sauté for around 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are turning squidgy, adding the garlic and oregano for the last 2-3 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and caster sugar to the pan, stir and season well (plenty of black pepper is a must), bring to a gentle boil and simmer for around 10 minutes until thickened.

Pour around 1/3 of the tomato sauce across the base of an ovenproof (lasagne sized) dish. Top with 1/3 of the aubergine slices then add another 1/3 of the sauce. Repeat until the final layer is sauce, then top with the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

Cook in the oven for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbly on top. Allow to settle for 5 minutes before serving with a well-dressed green salad.

Spotlight: Bodegas Martín Códax

Spain has the greatest area under vine of any wine producing country, and the diversity of wine styles is immense. This week, we're taking a look at the winery Bodegas Martín Códax in Rías Baixas, where Atlantic influences enhance crisp acidities to the spicy undertones.

This winery focuses both on innovation and the traditional, creating a range of fresh and exciting wines. Here are a few of our favourites:

Albariño - Bodegas Martín Códax
Bright and clear. The nose is intense and elegant with hints of fresh herbs, green apples, lemon and grapefruit. On the palate, it is persistent, rounded and full-bodied, with a light petillance that gives the wine an impressive and vivacious sense of freshness | £18.85

Orange Wine Albariño - Bodegas Martín Códax
Amber coloured with iodized reflections. Nose with medium intensity, ripe fruit notes such as candied orange and orange jam with crushed flowers (roses) and herbal notes. This wine is structured and tannic and has a broad and round feel | £22.00

Alba Martín - Bodegas Martín Códax
Intense yet elegant aromas of white peach and blossom. The vineyards' proximity to the sea gives the wine freshness and saltiness, and the granite soils enhance its natural minerality. Rounded and full-bodied, with a light petillance that adds to its vivacious sense of freshness. It has impressive persistence on the finish | £16.65

'Cuatro Pasos Black' Mencia - Bodegas Martín Códax
Intese cherry red color. Medium-high intensity where prevails the bouquet varietal of black fruit (blackberry, prune, cassis). Fruit harmoniously assembled with toasted raisings, spices and smoked. Mineral background. Powerful and glyceric, with very well integrated friendly tannins. Balsamic aftertaste that invites to a second drink | £18.85

Discover more Spanish wine at greatwine.co.uk

Black+Blum Explorer Bottle | £35

A handy insulated water bottle with Black+Blum's 100% leakproof sealed top which is fully lockable to avoid any unwanted spills. Keeping drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for 12 hours, it's ideal for all-day adventures as well as the daily commute. Built from high quality stainless steel, it's durable, dishwasher safe and fits easily into standard bike bottle cages and car cup holders.

Visit finisterre.com to shop

Introducing Hai at Whistles

Immersed in optimism and steeped in nostalgia, we are proud to reintroduce Hai at Whistles. Available now from whistles.com and in selected Whistles stores.

The collection comprises 16 modern styles and three staples that have been refreshed in a violet colourway exclusively for Whistles: the Hai Velvet Sienna Dress, the Dupion Scrunchie and the Puff Gina Bag - all of which feel utterly unique for Autumn Winter 2023.

Outremer Eau de Toilette | £24

This light eau de toilette is housed in an exquisite Art Deco-inspired glass bottle that recalls the bucolic landscapes and bustling cityscapes of France, where each unique Outremer fragrance is conceptualised and distilled.

The Bergamote is fresh, with notes of tangy lemon and orange above a bright floral bouquet.

To shop, go to anthropologie.com

Discover the beauty of the Jaipur Collection

Every piece of Marco Bicego jewellery features a combination of fine Italian craftsmanship and creativity. The designs are based on three signature features: multi-coloured gemstones, the finest detailing and hand engraved 18ct gold.

Inspired by the Pink City in northern India, the Jaipur collection combines exquisite craftsmanship with nature's superior-quality gemstones and is characterised by its multi-coloured, rose-cut gemstones. Whether rings, earrings, bracelets or necklaces, each piece is characterised by its prism-cut gemstones and epitomises the understated elegance that the jeweller is famous for.

Marco Bicego Jaipur 18ct Yellow Gold Yellow Quartz Pendant | £790

Click here to see the Jaipur range and more from Marco Bicego at Mallory 

Curated by Daniel McCabe

The Autumn DAZED ‘Beyond Borders’ issue is just out in a range of covers, although sadly we can’t offer you the K-Pop icon Jungkook (BTS) cover which sold out immediately on release. So we’ve gone here with the fabulous Rosalía and we’re still stocking all the others – Little Simz, Queen Blackwell and Spice – in what is a truly packed and well-balanced issue. If you are a K-pop collector, there’s more content with Rowoon in the current AnOther and Ateez in next month’s Altered States. On your marks... | £5.99

Age UK's Celebrating Age Festival

The Celebrating Age Festival (CAF) launches every year on the International Day of the Older Person, 1st October. It is a month-long festival to promote ageing well, including challenging stereotypes around ageing, celebrating older voices, and encouraging everyone to try something new. CAF 2023 offers a variety of free and low-cost events and activities across Bristol, from musical performances and art exhibitions to wellbeing events and discos.

Join Age UK on 2 October from 2-4pm to open the 2023 Celebrating Age Festival with uplifting music and voices from local older talent. There will also be information stalls and refreshments provided.

2 October | 2 - 4pm | City Hall, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR 
Find out more at ageuk.org.uk

Margaret Thatcher, Queen of Soho

Maggie returns in her smash hit drag extravaganza!

Following four sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, a UK tour and a West End season, the Iron Lady is back and more fabulous than ever. 

On the eve of the vote on Section 28, Maggie gets lost in Soho and accidentally becomes a cabaret superstar. Will she change her mind about the homophobic bill before it's too late...?

A big gay odyssey about LGBT rights, the 80s, and disco.

22 September - 8pm
23 September - 4pm, 8pm
Visit tobaccofactorytheatres.com for tickets

One lamp, three wishes and infinite possibilities… Disney’s spectacular Broadway and West End musical Aladdin - The Musical comes to Bristol in Summer 2024!

By signing up (by 22 October) you'll get access to an exclusive pre-sale, giving you the chance to snap up the best seats before everyone else!

South Bristol Arts Trail

On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September, Ashton Park School is showcasing the work of their exceptionally talented students. Their exhibition will cover all age ranges, from year 7 to GCSE and A-Level. With free parking on site, and refreshments available, why not use them as your starting base?

23 - 24 September | 11am - 4pm
Ashton Park School, Blackmoors Lane, Bower Ashton, Bristol, BS3 2JL

Bristol Playgoers Club

Bristol Playgoers need new members! Friendly drama group performing script-in-hand play readings every few weeks. Acting, directing, front-of-house, technical/backstage, an audience member– something for everyone.

If you’ve never been on stage before but would like to have a go, play readings are an accessible first step to gaining confidence & learning stagecraft. No pressure to perform, you’re welcome to join as part of their audience.

For more details and specific dates, visit bristolplaygoersclub.co.uk

Missing Monkey in Old Market

A monkey has been stolen from the window display of Bristol Vintage in Old Market. 

On Wednesday 13 September at 2.30am, the window of Bristol Vintage was smashed and the monkey prop, that has spent 12 years looking out the window, was taken. 

The monkey was considered to be a living legend in the community, and has a lot of history, having been used in a shoot for a PG Tips tea advert in the 80s. 

Police have opened an investigation, and Bristol Vintage request that you email info@bristolvintageshop.co.uk with any information that you might have. 

bristolvintageshop.co.uk

Cromwell Road, St. Andrews, Bristol, BS6 5HD

Offered for sale by Ocean estate agents in Bristol.

A beautifully presented and exceedingly spacious Victorian semi - set up and back from the road within the sought after area of St Andrews and enjoying far-reaching views.

This impressive Victorian property Circa 1871 has been thoroughly updated and lovingly maintained by the current owners of some 31 years. A great deal of care has gone into retaining many of its period features that sit seamlessly alongside modern fresh décor.

On the ground floor are two generous principal receptions, the first incorporates the large bay window inset with double glazed sash windows. The bay also retains its original panelling - alongside the fireplace - adds to the grand feel. The 2nd reception is currently used as a spacious and ideal work from home office, but could serve various other purposes.

The rear of the property has been opened up to create a full width kitchen / diner. This makes a fantastic entertaining / family space, it includes a hand built wooden kitchen, AGA oven and double doors opening into the rear garden. There is also a WC at this level.

The lower ground floor comprises two rooms currently arranged as a workshop and large storage area. A door has been added to the front elevation giving independent access to the lower ground floor through the front garden.

The first floor has a large central landing, that opens into four generous double bedrooms and the family bathroom. The stunning loft conversion provides one very large master suite making up the full plan of the property.

Outside, the front garden has been beautifully landscaped, offering a gently sweeping path from pavement level - passing well stocked boarders and beneath attractive blossom trees - all the way up to the front door.

The rear garden again is beautifully maintained, with a thought to achieving interest and colour throughout the seasons. As the plot is set up and back from the road, both front and rear gardens are attractive spots to enjoy and full of sunshine. Guide price £945,000.

For more details, images and floorpan, click here to see the property on the Ocean Home website.