First Bath Urban Treescape plaque unveiled on Abbey Green
for the London Plane Tree

Bath Urban Treescape have unveiled the first identification tree plaque on one of Bath’s iconic trees, the London Plane Tree in Abbey Green, a ceremony attended by Mr Mohammed Saddiq, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.

The Bath Urban Treescape project started in 2022 to draw the attention of residents and visitors to the trees on the streets of the city and encourage them to consider their importance. Designed by a multidisciplinary voluntary team of tree and Bath enthusiasts, a website has been produced with four tree trails through the city supported by free paper maps.

Last year 11,000 of the maps were shared at events, leisure and garden centres, surgeries and parks. The tree trails have received so much positive feedback, the group have re-printed 8000 more maps and are going on to launch four further tree trails this year, including one at the Royal United Hospital.

The Bath Urban Treescape team is grateful to Vaughan Hopkins from The Street Nameplate Company and a B&NES resident, who has manufactured and donated the tree plaques to the specification used by Kew Gardens.

For more information about Bath Urban Treescape click here.

OUR JULY ISSUE OUT NEXT WEEK!

You'll love our marvellous July 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 spoke to local costume designer and puppeteer Hannah Southfield about giving human life to inanimate objects – and look forward to the Bath Carnival this month, for which Hannah is creative director. We also discover why busy is the very best adjective for the honey bee, and how these pollinators support our ecosystem. You'll also find some of the production highlights of the Garden Theatre Festival in the grounds of the Holburne – with deckchairs provided! The artichoke on the cover hails our new Delicious Guide, our directory of local food and drink outlets. Plus so much more!

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's [Green Park], M&S Foods in Twerton, Tesco in Weston Village, and at The Holburne Museum. 

Click here to enjoy the digital version of our current issue! 

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 – click here to subscribe on our website. 

Words by Melissa Blease

Chicken Thighs with Romesco Sauce and Shallot Gravy

Romesco Sauce – a rich, piquant purée made from sweet roasted Spanish peppers, almonds, garlic, sherry vinegar, bread and oil – offers an authentic taste of Spain (Catalonia, to be precise) that teams wonderfully well with barbecued (or chargrilled) meat, fish or vegetables, or even as a cheese board accompaniment.

This recipe makes a double quantity of Romesco Sauce; it'll happily keep an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, so you can try it out in all manner of ways.

Ingredients (serves 2)

2 fat, skin-on chicken thighs, on the bone
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Romesco Sauce
100g blanched almonds
200g roasted red peppers from a jar, drained
1 garlic clove
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
50g day-old white bread, torn into chunks
50ml olive oil

Method

To make the Romesco Sauce, dry-fry the almonds in a small frying pan over a medium-high heat until toasty-brown (keep a close eye on them! You don't want them to burn/char).

Drain the red peppers and tip into a food processor or blender with the bread, almonds, garlic, sherry vinegar and smoked paprika, then blitz to a chunky paste. With the motor still running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until you've achieved a smooth, thick paste still retaining a bit of texture. Season to taste and set to one side (you don't need to heat it up; we're serving it at room temperature).

Pre-heat the oven to 180c/gas mark 5. Lay the chicken thighs on an oven-proof tray, drizzle with the olive oil, season well and roast for around 30-40 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and the flesh thoroughly cooked through. Allow to rest for around 10 minutes before serving on pools of Romesco Sauce.

And to drink with this dish? You can't go wrong with either a fresh, fruit-laden Spanish rosé (rosado) or an ice-cold Spanish beer. Olé!

French white wines at The Great Wine Co.

There is not, and will never be, anywhere quite like France: eccentric, idiosyncratic and unswervingly confident as it is in the ability of 'terroir' and tradition to continue to produce the world's best wine in the face of ever-increasing competition. The French are immensely proud of their heritage and with a winemaking history stretching back over 2000 years this is hardly a surprise.

Entre-Deux-Mers 'Vieilles Vignes', Château Sainte Marie | £14.75

This is full of character, while gentler than a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. The first impression is of pink grapefruit and gooseberry, with just a suggestion of tomato plant. The smell is so appetising that it invites you to take a sip. Brisk and mouthwatering on the palate, balanced by some breadth and weight of texture. It finishes where it begins with a lovely persistence of pure, zesty citrus flavours. Great to drink now, or you can expect it to gain richness of texture over the next 2-3 years.

Riesling, Trimbach | £24

Arguably the standard by which all dry Riesling should be measured, and required reading for any serious student of wine, this is absolutely classic, with tangy lime pith and aromatic beeswax character. Fine balance and texture on the palate, with typical Trimbach understated elegance. Still youthful and fresh, it is just starting to show hints of matured complexity. Delicious now, it will continue to evolve beautifully for at least another 4-5 years.

Reuilly Sauvignon Blanc Mont Cocu, Domaine Mabillot | £23.30

This hugely exciting wine is an exceptional, single-vineyard Reuilly from the Mont Cocu site, whose fabulous freshness, texture and complexity is coaxed out through extended ageing on the lees. It expresses the wonderful. almost Albariño-like fragrance of the magical central-Loire terroir, redolent of juicy white peaches, exotic honeysuckle and fragrant elderflower blossom. In the mouth, it has rounded, creamy texture balanced by bright acidity and marvellous length of flavour on the finish. Extraordinarily classy.

Picpoul de Pinet, Domaine de Belle Mare | £14.95

Brilliant, pale yellow tint with green hues; very fresh nose, delicate and floral, white flowers; lively and fresh with a lemon touch and a mineral and salty finish. A fantastic representation of new-style Languedoc wines from the vine-growing area of the Belle Mare estate, which stretches for 45 hectares around the crystal clear waters of Lake Thau, a key area for the cultivation of oysters and mussels. This intense blue inland sea extends over 20 km from Balaruc to Marseillan, passing through Mèze and Sète, and is the largest and deepest of the Languedoc lakes. The vineyard enjoys a Mediterranean climate with a prominent northerly wind, which helps maintain vineyard health and enables perfect ripening.

Visit greatwine.co.uk to explore more

The Ivy Brasserie & Garden

Brighter and lighter nights are here. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, dine al fresco on picturesque terraces with refreshing dishes, chilled rosé and delicious cocktails. Whether you are stopping by for lunch with friends or settling in for the afternoon to make the most of the sunshine.

The Ivy Bath
39 Milsom St, Bath BA1 1DN
Click here for more information.

By Montblanc,
The Origin Collection Doué Blue Precious Resin Fountain Pen

Since its launch in 1924, Montblanc's Meisterstück has been widely regarded as the quintessential fine writing instrument, whether used to pen a love letter, compose a symphony or sign a major historical document, the Meisterstück has left an indelible mark on the pages of history.
To celebrate the legacy, Montblanc have introduced the Origin collection, inspired by early designs found in the Montblanc archives.
This collection blends historical elements with modern flair, such as the intricate blue lacquer and platinum cap pattern reminiscent of the Art Déco era, as well as the nostalgic clip design, and of course, the iconic Meisterstück logo adorns the cap.
The rhodium-coated solid gold nib proudly displays "100" and the years 1924 and 2024. A possession and thing of great beauty - here's to another century of Meisterstück excellence and innovation!
The perfect gift and keepsake for calligraphiles, aficionados and creative thinkers across the globe. Priced at £1,495 (medium nib option).

Click here to see this pen and the wonderful range of Montblanc writing instruments at Mallory.

N°5 L’EAU DROP

For the first time in the history of the House, N°5 L’EAU left its historical bottle behind. A drop of life with the grace to settle in this ephemeral new form. 

Just for a moment, just as long as this limited edition lasts. Rounded and ethereal in shape and structure, this collector’s bottle is a promise of life. It is small, oval and transparent, resembling a pebble. It is an object to take everywhere and anywhere.

N°5 L’EAU DROP is an active source of energy and light, and it is an impulsive radiant drop with dazzling citrus, elevated by aldehydes. Then comes a floral swirl of jasmine, rose and ylang-ylang and a dynamic vetiver and cedar.

Chanel | £120 50ml
Click here to learn more.

Verbena Geranium Shower Gel

This shower gel, with its fresh scent composed around a duo of green leaves - verbena for its lemony effect, and geranium, with its subtle hints of rose - gently cleanses the skin, leaving it delicately fragranced with a fresh and captivating scent.

L'OCCITANE | £17.50
Click here to buy now.

Ciao Oversized Crew Neck Sweatshirt

Greet this slouchy sweatshirt into your wardrobe to style all year round – we say it's the perfect accompaniment to wide-leg denim, slip skirts, cargo pants, gym leggings, and more.

Anthropologie | £58

Click here to shop, or visit the store at 1-4 New Bond St, Bath BA1 1BE

Rei Leather Fringed Waistcoat

Layer the Rei Fringed Waistcoat over your look to elevate your attire. This ultimate layer will bring an undeniable allure to modern wardrobes. Made from leather in a classic shade with fringe detailing at the front and back, it brings instant impact. 

Whistles | £299

Click here to shop, or visit the store at 1 New Bond St, Buildings, Bath BA1 1BL

Swallows & Anchor Tea Towel

Cream Cornwall | £12.50

Click here to shop, or visit the store at 29 Milsom St, Bath BA1 1DG

Children's Picnic Basket with Wooden Food

With sunny days just around the corner, it's the perfect time to have a day of play in the park. Complete your perfect picnic with a Wooden Picnic Basket to have for indoor and outdoor adventures. The sweet wicker basket is lined with gingham fabric and contains a selection of yummy wooden food including cakes, fruit and bread, as well as plates and cups. Relax in the sunshine with this set.

Jojo Maman Bébé | £40

Click here to shop, or visit the store at 5 Cheap St, Bath BA1 1NE

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Farsight is a thoughtful little journal nobody should overlook. It’s published by the Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies (CIFS) and broadly trades in trends analysis. The latest issue is titled ‘The Future of Human Augmentation, Longevity and Transformation.’ We have, it observes, always attempted to bypass our biological limits and we are getting better and better at it. This issue ponders how far this impulse might take us and what the consequences might be, both for the individual and for society at large. It’s a stimulating read, especially when you consider that there is growing conviction in the scientific community that the first human to live 1000 years has already been born…| £9.99

magalleria.co.uk

Widcombe Art Trail 2024

Widcombe Art Trail will take place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June in seven venues in Widcombe, Bath, within easy walking range of each other. Open from 10.30am-5.00pm on both days. 

There will be 28 artists in private homes and community venues, including The Natural Theatre Company and Widcombe Baptist Church and will feature art of all types including sculpture, painting, printmaking, glasswork, textile art and photography.

The artists are looking forward to welcoming people and chatting about their work in this volunteer-run event celebrating the best that Widcombe has to offer. Entry is free.

www.widcombearttrail.com

Seckou Keita & Bath Philharmonia present
AFRICAN RHAPSODIES & THE FOUR SEASONS IN BATH

A brand new collaboration between Seckou Keita and Bath Philharmonia who are set to perform a one of a kind program at The Forum in Bath on 25 June.

To celebrate the passing of the solstice, the performance will be set around the four seasons, weaving together Seckou Keita's African Rhapsodies, an enchanting work for kora and symphonic orchestra sparked by his fascination with crossing cultural borders, and Max Richter’s re-imagining of Vivaldi’s violin concertos masterpiece.

The Forum
1A Forum Buildings , Bath
BA1 1UG
Click here to secure your tickets.

Aquasana in the Rooftop Pool
8am on 26 June

Aquasana includes classic yoga postures combined with gently tai chi and invigorating karate moves in the spa’s mineral-enriched waters. It works through flowing sequences that stretch and tone the body, increasing flexibility whilst relieving tension in an energetic and balanced full-body workout. This class harnesses the healing properties of the waters, leaving you feeling cleansed, rejuvenated and grounded.

The Aquasana class at Thermae Bath Spa are £50 per session and include a two hour Thermae Welcome (spa session plus use of a towel and robe) Places are limited.

Thermae Bath Spa, Hot Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SJ
Click here for more information. 

Warminster Road, Monkton Combe, BA2 7HY

Offered for sale by Cobb Farr

An impressive, deceptively spacious contemporary split level 4 bedroom unique family home with extensive gardens and wrap around sun terraces, a large summer house and wonderful views along with a double garage and plenty of gated off street parking.

Overvale is a unique 4 bedroom contemporary split level family home, located beautifully on the edge of open countryside and yet within easy reach of Bath city centre. This immaculately presented and deceptively spacious family home has several wonderful entertaining spaces, the open plan dining and drawing room, the lovely wrap-around sun terraces and in the extensive garden and summer house. Stunning far-reaching views over the Limpley Stoke Valley can be enjoyed from all the principal rooms to the rear

The property is entered into a large light and airy hallway with glass balustrades, ceramic tiled flooring and doors to all ground floor rooms. There is an impressive well-equipped kitchen with a glazed atrium, a large breakfast bar and bifold doors leading to a secluded decked sun terrace. In addition, there are 3 double bedrooms, a beautiful family bathroom, a large utility room and convenient access to the double garage. 

Shallow stairs lead down to an impressive sunken open plan living and dining room with wall-to-wall floor to ceiling sliding doors leading to the decked sun terrace. A feature spiral staircase leads up to a further reception room that could be used as a large work from home office space or media room. Leading from the drawing room there is a generously proportioned master bedroom suite with high ceilings, a well fitted dressing room and en suite shower room.

Externally the property is approached via electric gates into plenty of off-street parking with a covered car port. There are attractive decked sun terraces that wrap around the sides and rear of the property enjoying access from both the kitchen and living space. Steps lead down to an extensive lawned garden and a large timber framed garden studio and terrace.  | Guide Price £1,250,000

For more information, images and details, click here to see the property on the Cobb Farr website.