Bath firm creates eco-friendly Remembrance Day poppy

Bath design agency Matter has spoken of its pride in creating an environmentally friendly Remembrance Day poppy partially made from used coffee cups.

The firm has made the poppy plastic-free and it is the first update to the design since 1995. The Royal British Legion said about 50% would come from discarded coffee cups, with the rest made of renewable fibres.

Designer John Macdonald said: "We are extremely proud to be part of [the project], it has huge symbolism and meaning. It is very important to a lot of people and we have worked hard to make sure we maintain the icon."

The studio has used the project as a basis for inspiring local design students about the positive impact design can have, holding a recent design day for Hayesfield Girls' School.

The firm also donated a giant version of their eco-friendly poppy to Bath Abbey where it is on display in front of the West Doors alongside a prayer for Remembrance and a prayer for world peace.

The Abbey is hosting various Remembrance services, including the two minutes silence in the Abbey Church Yard on Saturday 11 November at 11am and a Remembrance Concert at 7pm.

On Sunday 12 November, there will be a Remembrance Sunday Eucharist at 10.30am followed by a Service of Remembrance in the Abbey at 2pm, following the Royal British Legion Parade through the city.

For more information about Remembrance Day services go to bathabbey.org, and to learn more about Matter visit matter.co.uk

OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE IS OUT!

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.

Features include an insight into the heady world of 1970s' fashion, an interview with Steve Backshall as he talks about his latest sea expeditions, and we get to know Bath-based solo pianist Nurry Lee. We really hope you'll enjoy the read! 

Every month we deliver 15,000 copies door to door, but if you don't get a copy at home then you can pick up a copy at many places around town and from our floor stands at: Waitrose, Sainsbury [Green Park], M&S Foods in Twerton, Tesco in Weston Village, and at The Holburne Museum. 

Click here to enjoy our current issue!

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Postcard from Bath

We've got some very exciting news…

Postcard contains the very best of shopping, dining, and things to do and see in the Bath, alongside editorial pieces on the city's fascinating history, architecture, culture, and so much more.

This luxury guide book is designed to elevate the visitor experience and can be found in hotel rooms, Airbnbs, and other visitor accommodation around the city.

If you are a hotel or B&B, and would like to have copies of Postcard Magazine in your rooms or available for your guests, contact us on info@postcardmagazine.co.uk. And if you'd like to buy a copy for yourself as a keepsake or souvenir, head to postcardmagazine.co.uk.

Enjoy the read!

Recipe 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.

Award-winnning 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

Food events at Iford Manor Kitchen

Iford Manor Kitchen is hosting a series of events this month so you can indulge in all the culinary delights they have to offer. 

Enjoy fantastic, live jazz alongside a delicious leisurely lunch every Saturday, or join them for their fortnightly Friday Supper Club with a five-course tasting menu (£60pp). On 22 November, learn how to bake the perfect loaf with their Make & Bake Sourdough class (£120pp) and on 24 November join them for their monthly Pizza Night Special!

Find out more and book your able at ifordmanor.co.uk

Bottomless Bento Brunch at Robun

Looking for a great place to eat this Saturday? Check out Robun's Bottomless Bento Brunch!

A brunch affair like no other, Robun's Saturday dining experience combines unlimited sips with the artful charm of bento boxes. 

Treat yourself to either a meat, veggie or seafood bento box, and choose either unlimited Prosecco, Rum Punch or ZP Spritz Mocktail so that you can sip, savour and socialise in style.

Available every Saturday from 12pm-4pm, book now at robun.co.uk

T&Cs: 90 minutes of unlimited drinks and a choice of bento box. Unlimited drinks limited to those above. The menu descriptions do not contain all ingredients. Please alert staff of any allergies when ordering. A discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to the bill.

Watch Masterchef's Kasae Fraser cook up a delicious Hake fillet

Ahead of her appearance on Masterchef Professionals it was a real delight to film the brilliant Kasae Fraser - Executive Chef at Robun (and also the new Flute Seafood Café) - cook up the most delicious Hake fillet, served with sautéed samphire and courgettes and a hot, aromatic sour broth poured at the table. Just superb.

Follow Kasae’s progress on Masterchef the Professionals.

Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?

Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!

The Crackers Return | £36

From decorative crackers and ornaments to Little Luxuries, discover small surprises to fill their 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 Crème. Click here to shop.

20% off a personal styling session at Mint Velvet Bath

Mint Velvet are offering 20% off a personal styling session on 16 November, 6.30pm - 9.30pm. All ticket proceeds will go towards supporting Refuge, who provide specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Book now at eventbrite.co.uk.

Mint Velvet fuses relaxed comfort with glamorous, yet wearable trends – relaxed glamour is the fail-safe style formula. Their new collections are overflowing with versatility to lean on day-in, day-out. 

Mint Velvet, 6– 7 New Bond Street, Bath BA1 1BE; mintvelvet.com

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

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

Tonight: Gloucester Rugby v Bath Rugby

It's game day!

Bath Rugby are heading to Kingsholm Stadium tonight as they get ready to take on Gloucester Rugby in Round Five of the 2023-24 Gallagher Premiership. 

The match kicks off at 7.45pm and will be broadcasted on TNT Sports and BBC Radio Bristol.

Head to bathrugby.com to find out more and get it on the action.

This Sunday: Bath Contemporary Artists Fair

This Sunday, 12 November, BCAF returns to Green Park Station. 

Step into a world of creativity and imagination at the Award Winning Fair, where artistic expressions come to life in the heart of the historic city. The monthly event celebrates the diversity of contemporary art, showcasing the works of talented artists from across the region and beyond. Since its creation in 2021 BCAF has supported over 2000 spaces to exhibiting artists!

So head down to the old Green Park Station this Sunday to browse and shop for incredible original artwork, network with artists, share ideas and connect with art.

12 November | 10am - 5pm | Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath BA1 1JB
Visit bcaf.co.uk to find out more

Widcombe Christmas Market

At Widcombe Social Club, the Natural Theatre Company and St Matthews Church Hall, all on Widcombe Hill, around 50 exhibitors will be displaying their beautiful work, all of which will be for sale. You will find plenty to choose from, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, paintings, prints, cards, candles, mosaics, glass and enamel work. Refreshments are available at St Matthews Church and the social club. Free entry.

11 – 12 November | Widcombe Social Club, Widcombe Hill, Bath BA2 6AA
Opening times: Saturday: 10.30am – 5pm, Sunday: 10.30am – 4pm
widcombechristmasmarket.com

Beaujolais Wine Dinner at the Bath & County Club

Join the Bath & County Club for an extra special meal.

The Bath & County Club is a historic private members club situated in the heart of Georgian Bath’s world heritage city adjacent to Queen Square and minutes from the iconic Royal Crescent and Circus. It offers a full calendar of social events including several ‘black tie’ dinners, wine tastings, talks on a range of subjects and outings to local places of interest.

On Thursday 16 November Bath and County Club is hosting a Beaujolais Wine Dinner: a three-course dinner with all wines included. The bar opens at 6.15pm, with dinner commencing at 7pm. Tickets cost £42.

Thursday 16 November | 6.15pm | Bath and County Club, Queen’s Parade, Bath, BA1 2NJ
Visit their website: bathandcountyclub.com and get in touch with their secretary on 01225 423732

The Winter Exhibition at Gallery Nine

The Winter Exhibition brings together the work of British contemporary artists, ceramicists and jewellers. Ceramicist Emily Myers works in porcelain and red stoneware clay; Philip Lyons returns with new work capturing the ever-changing light of the Cornish coastline; and Lisa Wisdom creates unique metal landscapes from a palette of rust and copper. Jeweller Jenifer Wall creates contrast by applying white and yellow gold leaf to oxidised metal and Marlene McKibbin makes brightly coloured, dip-dyed and hand machined acrylic chunky bangles, earrings and rings. 

11 November - 6 January | 9b Margaret Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP
Discover more at galleryninebath.com

Bath Cantata Group Concert

Bath Cantata Group launches their 2023-24 season with a thrilling concert featuring some of the best music ever written. Handel's youthful Dixit Dominus, written when he was just 22, is full of wonderful exuberance as well as heart-wrenching poignancy. Coupled with this is Mozart's beautiful Requiem which completes this brilliant programme. This is surely an evening you simply won't want to miss. 

Saturday 25 November | 7.30pm | St Stephen's Church, Bath, BA1 5SX
Book now at ticketsource.co.uk

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.

Business West Networking Breakfast

Join Wiltshire Chamber as they host a Networking Breakfast at Heywood House.

Heywood House is a classic country estate that has been transformed into a space for offices and conference facilities. With co-working spaces, meeting rooms, a members' café and catering facilities, outdoor space for hire, and more, Heywood House has everything that a thriving business community requires.

Whether you are a regular networker or have never stepped foot into one before, the Business West networking events provide you with a friendly environment to put yourself and your business out there. The chamber offers you the chance to make smart business connections. Successful networking can help you raise your profile, meet new customers and suppliers, develop your knowledge, explore new ideas, find investment, establish partnerships and build a presence in other markets.

If you’re not a Heywood House or Chamber member, not to worry… these networking events are open to all within the business community!

14 November | 8am | Heywood House, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 4NA
Book now at heywoodhouse.com

Bath Minerva Choir: ‘Across the Vast, Eternal Sky’

Join Bath Minerva Choir for an evening of choral jewels from Scandinavia and the UK, featuring well loved composers Paul Mealor, Ola Gjeilo, Elgar and Balfour-Gardiner. Joined by rising young baritone Florian Störtz, this programme will beguile and stimulate with beautiful, calming music to warm the heart.

Saturday 25 November | 7.30pm | St Swithin's Church, The Paragon, Bath
Tickets £15 – £20 from bathboxoffice.org.uk

Bridgewater Drive, Holburne Park, BA2

Offered for sale by Savills estate agents in Bath.

Bridgewater Drive is a brand-new terrace of Georgian-style townhouses and is Bath's most prestigious new address.

Reflecting Bath's Georgian architecture, the terrace comprises four and five bedroom townhouses featuring Bath Stone facades that add a traditional quality to these contemporary homes.

These handsome homes are approached from a traditional Bath-style promenade with parking on the pavement level and the house from a first floor Bath Stone balustraded walkway. 

No.20 (pictured) has a ground floor entrance hall that invites you into the open plan kitchen/dining room with its French doors leading onto the terrace and garden, perfect for outdoor entertaining and relaxing. Also on the ground floor is a dedicated study, cloakroom and under stair storage.

On the first floor, the drawing room with a traditional fireplace, French doors and Juliet balconies offers a generous living space. The principal bedroom with en suite shower room and dressing area completes the first floor. The top floor is comprised of the guest bedroom with en suite and built-in wardrobes, two further double bedrooms and family bathroom.

There are 2 covered allocated parking spaces on the ground underneath the promenade with a utility area and storage space. Square Footage: 2,167 sq. ft

The architecture reflects the historic character of Bath whilst internal layouts have been adapted for modern living and offer contemporary design, specification and finishes fit for the future. 

Set in over 6 acres of nature reserve style parkland next to the picturesque Kennet and Avon canal, the development is situated on a naturally sloping gradient providing expansive views across the city and open countryside and within walking distance of the centre of Bath with its vast array of attractions and leisure activities.

Click here to view the property on the Savills website, and for further information or to make an appointment to view the show home, please contact Rosemary McAndrew at Savills on RMcAndrew@savills.com or 01225 302888.

This image is CGI generated