Images by Paul Box

The future of Bristol’s annual Balloon Fiesta looks bright, with organisers confirming dates for this year’s event (8-10 August).

The much-loved Meet The Pilots initiative will return due to overwhelming popularity. A new highlight for 2025 will be In The Clouds, an immersive attraction featuring a cold-inflated hot air balloon that visitors can step inside, complete with a soundscape replicating the experience of pilots in flight (pictured below). 

  At the heart of the event, the central arena will continue to set the stage for more than 100 hot air balloons to take flight if conditions allow, twice daily at dawn and dusk. After nightfall, the Nightglows will again take place on consecutive evenings on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August, as more than half a dozen hot air balloons tether and light-up in sequence to a soundtrack produced by BBC Radio Bristol. 

  Children across the city will also get the chance to see the balloons up close, thanks to a Schools Tether Roadshow that plans to bring the balloons directly into schools and communities. 

A major boost to the not-for-profit event has come from a new headline sponsorship deal, providing crucial financial support over the next three years. The partnership with south-west accountancy firm Albert Goodman will help ensure the Fiesta remain free for the city, celebrating Bristol, supporting the regional economy and sharing the magic of hot air ballooning with all. 

To find out more info and book your car parking and hospitality tickets early, head to the website.

Have you read March's issue yet?

Sliding cautiously into very early Spring thinking, we've got some vibrant looks from Oliver Bonas, a rip-roaring preview at the new third volume of The Women Who Built Bristol by its author Jane Duffus, a sneaky peek behind-the-scenes at a ballet-version of Cinderella coming to Hippodrome... plus reams of exclusive Spring/Summer Homes, Interiors & Gardens content to help you overhaul your space.

...But if all of that feels a bit too bright and breezy, or you're looking for somewhere to hide until the world feels a little less, well, hectic, then we've got a four-page special on an ancient cave hiding beneath our feet in Southmead. Pop on your helmet and descend into its depths with us. 

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 and John Lewis.

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 £35 for 12 issues, £20 for six issues or buy a copy for just £4.95. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – click here to subscribe on our website. 

Recipe by Melissa Blease

Monday 17 March is St Patrick’s Day. Get the party started this weekend with this classic, comforting Irish stew: an authentic, traditional taste of the Emerald Isle in a bowl.

Ingredients (serves 6)

1kg boneless lamb shoulder, cut into roughly 3cm pieces
4 tbsp plain flour
2 onions, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp soft light brown sugar
2 × 440ml cans Irish stout (ie. Guinness!)
2 tbsp malt vinegar
4 carrots, thickly sliced
1 small swede, peeled and cubed
4 potatoes, peeled and cubed

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180c/gas mark 4. Coat the lamb with the flour and season well. Melt a little oil and butter in a large casserole dish and fry the lamb in batches until nicely browned on all sides (you may need to add a little extra fat to the pan for the last batch.) Set the lamb to one side.

2. Melt a little butter in the same pan and sauté the onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until very soft, adding the sugar for the last minute or so.

3. Add the meat back to the pan along with the stout (Guinness!) and the vinegar. Add the carrots, swede and potatoes and just enough cold water to cover the lot (probably around 400ml) and bring to the boil, skimming off and discarding any foam that rises to the surface.

4. Cover the casserole with a lid and cook in the centre of the oven for around 1 ½ hours before removing the lid and returning to the oven for a further 20-30 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce. Serve in warm bowls accompanied by, perhaps, cabbage and soda bread.

Biodynamics is a form of organic farming that emphasises the interrelationship of soil fertility and plant growth, drawing on the spiritual theories of Austrian occultist Rudolf Steiner, that studies the astrological sowing and planting calendar, as well as treating the earth as a living and receptive organism.

Some grape growers who have adopted biodynamic methods claim to have achieved improvements in the health of their vineyards, specifically in the areas of biodiversity, soil fertility, crop nutrition, as well as pest, weed and disease management.

So, does it improve the quality of the wine? Certainly producers believe their biodynamic grapes are stronger, clearer, offer more vibrant tastes, as well as making wines that remain drinkable for longer.

In many leading blind tastings involving leading Masters of Wine and head sommeliers, biodynamic wines have been judged superior to their conventional counterparts with better expressions of terroir – the way a wine represents its specific place of origin in its aroma, body and flavour. Here are some great biodynamic wines available to buy at The Great Wine Co...

1. The Roost Biodynamic Chardonnay by Bonterra, USA, £33

2. Beautiful Chaos Syrah by Seresin Estate, New Zealand, £25

3. Canon du Marechal Grenache - Syrah by Domaine Cazes, France, £16.95

4. Los Yesares Monastrell, Bodega Cerron, Spain, £52.50

greatwine.co.uk

The Fabergé dynasty really began in 1882 when Peter Carl Fabergé took over his father’s very ordinary 40-year jewellery business. Together with his brother Agathon, he quickly transformed it into an international phenomenon. 

The success of the two brothers was changing the nature of the business. Out went the then-fashionable style where diamonds prevailed. In came the design-led artist-jeweller with a penchant for colour through both stones and reviving the lost art of enamelling. They added objets deluxe to their repertoire, including objets de fantaisie such as the Imperial Easter Eggs, now regarded as pinnacles of the goldsmiths’ art. 

Today these are treasured in some of the world’s leading museums and private collections. The craftsmanship of all their creations was of the very finest standard. This formula of design and craftsmanship made Fabergé irresistible and the ultimate objects to own, as well as the gift of choice.

These Fabergé egg pendants and lockets are not only wearable and highly collectable but are keepsake investments to be treasured for years to come.

Shown above:

Fabergé Essence 18ct Rose Gold and Diamond Locket Pendant and Chain with a Star Surprise | £6,840

Fabergé Heritage Palais Yelagin 18ct Rose Gold Red Enamel and Diamond Pendant and Chain | £6,000

Fabergé Essence Simple 18ct Yellow Gold and Diamond Pendant and Chain | £3,480

Click here to see more pieces by Fabergé at Mallory Jewellers

Chanel launches the Rouge Coco Playground, an immersive experience in an all-new playground setting in Covent Garden

The Rouge Coco Playground draws inspiration from the Rouge Coco Lipsticks: Rouge Coco, Rouge Coco Baume, Rouge Coco Shine and Rouge Coco Flash.

The playground design reflects the playfulness of Rouge Coco lipsticks, whose carefree spirit is captured with interactive experiences. There will be games, ice cream and even live skateboarding performances for you to enjoy and marvel at. This fun, relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to experience the lipsticks’ unique appeal.

If you’d like to up your makeup skills, book a one-to-one beauty appointment or a makeup masterclass to learn how to apply Rouge Coco like a Chanel MUA.

The Rouge Coco Playground will offer an exclusive Customisable Set adorned with a Chanel lipstick charm that can attach to your bag. 

For more information, and to book a beauty appointment, visit the website.

21-30 March  |  The Piazza, The Market Building, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF

Menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt is bringing its pop-up pub concept The Tyrwhitt Arms to Bristol for the ultimate rugby watching experience this Saturday (15 March) from 3pm until 6.30pm at The Rose of Denmark in Hotwells.

Fans are in for a treat with seats to catch all the action from the Six Nations fixture England vs Wales on the big screens, taking part in a pre-match pub quiz (hosted by former professional rugby player, Luther Burrell) with prizes worth up to £500, a chance to win tickets to watch the Bristol Bears and signed merch, before enjoying the game streamed live on the big screens with a half-time discussion from VIP hosts. 

On top of the non-stop entertainment, complimentary food and drink will be served throughout the event. Seats at the event have been allocated in a social media competition.

Players' off-pitch fashion 

Charles Tyrwhitt has added new pieces to its official rugby range, including the Funnel Neck Cardigan and the Red & White Stripe Pique Polo, pictured below. Charles Tyrwhitt is worn off the pitch by players, coaches, presenters and supporters alike. The brand’s roster of ambassadors includes rugby legends Matt Dawson and rising star Marcus Smith (pictured above).

Curated by Daniel McCabe

We don’t stock as many outdoors magazines as we did a decade ago. Other than the pandemic putting the brakes on travel I can’t really think why. So it’s great to see a new one out there, and a very impressive one at that. New Mountain Magazine moves the focus from more professional and near-expeditionary undertakings to share more modest and personal narratives that explore how individuals connect with nature in their own unique way – ‘relatable experiences in the outdoors’ is the how the publisher puts it and I can’t do better. The (surely) Apartamento-inspired cover hints that this is going to be an accessible, absorbing and unpretentious affair, and that’s what you get. | £23

magalleria.co.uk

Watch darkly comic sci-fi flick Mickey 17 at Watershed this weekend

From the Academy Award-winning writer/director of Parasite Bong Joon Ho comes his next groundbreaking cinematic experience: Mickey 17.

The unlikely hero Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) has found himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment to the job… to die, for a living.

Click here to book tickets for screenings of Mickey 17 at Watershed

The world-famous SXSW festival – which takes place in Austin, Texas, annually (plus Sydney) and celebrates the convergence of tech, film, music and culture – is landing in London for the very first time this year, from 2-7 June. And there’s good news for the folk of Bristol, as the London edition is going on tour, stopping in our city.

Arriving at BIMM Bristol (the music, performing arts and creative tech uni) on Friday 21 March, Bristol’s creative community will have the opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge developments and trends at the intersection of technology, entertainment and entrepreneurship.

The full line-up will be announced soon, but there will be opportunities to connect with industry pros, live performances from emerging local artists and networking – building relationships that can propel careers in the right direction.

Tickets to the Bristol's SXSW London Roadshow day conference (10am-4pm) are completely free, and are available to book here.

21 March from 10am, BIMM Bristol, St James House, Moon Street, St Paul's, BS2 8QY

Supersmith, the pioneering team behind the 3Scooter, a ground-breaking, safer alternative to a traditional mobility scooter, is coming to Cabot Circus next weekend. The special event invites visitors to witness the 3Scooter in action for the very first time, as well as meeting the founders, Tom, Emily, and Fred, to learn about their extraordinary work at the Bristol Robotic Lab based in UWE.

Attendees will have the chance to hear first-hand from the founders about their journey - from early prototypes to the advanced patented technology which is now available for purchase. There will also be an exclusive opportunity for customers living within two hours of Bristol to place a deposit for the limited release of the 3Scooter.

With its cutting-edge stabilisation technology and user-centred design, the 3Scooter represents a shift towards empowering mobility solutions that enable users to remain active, engaged, and independent.

To read more about the Supersmith team, visit their website at www.supersmith.co. 

Supersmith’s Cabot Circus pop-up runs from 10am-4pm, 22-23 March. Find the team on the first floor, near the lifts and opposite Lush and Hotel Chocolat.

Running for its second year, Bristol Gallery Weekend takes place at the beginning of Spring to emphasise themes of renewal and awakening, with a diverse programme of events at a variety of art spaces, galleries, artist-run projects and private art collections. With an extensive programme scheduled especially for the weekend including talks, private views, family workshops and special events, this will be an opportunity to discover and explore more than 30 of the city’s world-class galleries. This event is free to attend and aims to enable as wide an audience as possible access to art and culture by sharing Bristol’s unique creative environment.

A PDF map is available with all the info, including events and a list of participating venues, at bristolgalleryweekend.org.uk

Local author, artist and traveller Linda Alvis is launching the third book in an ongoing series alongside an art exhibition next weekend 22-23 March from 11am to 5pm. 

Hoovering Up The Holy Carpet: Volume 3, A Changing World, which continues Linda's story of an artist's life from early days to world travels and exhibitions, is being launched in time for Easter and Mothering Sunday. In the book's preface, Linda writes: "I hope my story will inspire my readers to be brave in their artistic endeavours and possibly travel to wonderful places... or just enjoy accompanying me on the journey."

Guests will be able to buy all three volumes, plus Linda's children's and poetry books (which include Worrall, Robin and the Garden Visitor), over the weekend.

22-23 March, 11am-5pm | The Studio, 28 Wellington Park, Clifton BS8 2UT
alvisfineart.co.uk

Frisbee Golf, sometimes known as Disc Golf, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get more active and have fun trying something new with family and friends. During the Frisbee Golf Open Weekend at the Mendip Activity Centre, a free Yeti Hunt is included, perfect for children who search for friendly Yetis hidden around the 18-hole course. Once they have found the codeword they receive a special chocolate treat! Book online and save £2 per person.

Book your spot here

15-16 March, Mendip Activity Centre, Winscombe, BS25 5PQ

After more than a decade at the heart of Bristol’s independent art and creative scene, Room 212 is entering an exciting new chapter as ownership transitions from its founder, Sarah Thorp, to local artist and entrepreneur Hemali Modha.

Under Sarah’s ownership over the last 12 years, the shop has become a much-loved institution on Gloucester Road. She is now stepping back to focus on her recovery following a recent leukaemia diagnosis before continuing with her long-planned move to Cornwall.

Hemali Modha, an artist and creative businesswoman, brings a wealth of experience to Room 212. With a background in fine art, she has successfully run a web design agency, a clothing boutique, and her own perfume brand. She is also currently Head of Marketing and Comms at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA Art Gallery), making her well-versed in both the artistic and business worlds.

Under Hemali’s ownership, Room 212 will remain a platform for local talent while also introducing much-loved brands from her previous venture, Amulet Boutique.

The shop will close for a short refurbishment at the beginning of April, with plans for a celebratory re-opening in mid-April to mark the transition. The event will be a chance for the community to meet Hemali and discover what’s next for this much-loved creative space.

Follow @room212gallery on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest news.

212 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, BS7 8NU

room212.co.uk

Bedminster based bookshop Storysmith has been announced as the south-west of England’s independent bookshop of the year at the British Book Awards 2025.

Selected by the judges from 72 finalists announced last month, the award celebrates those bookshops that continue to draw book lovers to towns and cities across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Storysmith, opened by owners Dan and Emily Ross in 2018, is celebrating its second regional title in just three years. It will now be in the running to win Independent Bookshop of the Year, which will be announced at the British Book Awards ceremony in May.

Storysmith stocks a highly curated selection of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, along with serving locally roasted coffee and running a busy programme of literary events. They also work with schools across the city to inspire young readers.

You can find Dan, Emily and their shop dog Roy (who has his own email address) at Storysmith, 236 North Street, BS3 1JD.

Visit storysmithbooks.com to browse the award-winning bookshop’s finely crafted selection of reads.

A woman from North Somerset has undergone successful Mako robotic-arm assisted knee and hip replacement surgery at Nuffield Health Hospital in Clifton, allowing her to enjoy her active lifestyle once again.

Angela, who inherited a knee condition from her father, opted for the robotic-arm assisted surgery due to its enhanced implant positioning accuracy. A keen traveller and walker, Angela was determined to get back out into the world, pain-free, as soon as she could.

The surgery took place in July of 2024 and was followed by six weeks of post-op rehab with the physiotherapists at the hospital. 

Today, Angela is delighted to have recovered enough to plan her next trip with husband Keith.

Read more about Angela's story and the state-of-the-art technology that helped her get back on track on our website at thebristolmag.com

Semi-detached  |  5 double bedrooms  |  2 Receptions  |  2 Bathrooms | large south-facing garden.

Offered for sale by Knight Frank Estate Agents

Enjoying a premium position on the highly desirable, tree-lined residential Henleaze Avenue; This charming and incredibly spacious, family home hugely benefits from its South facing orientation, is filled with natural light and character, has been lovingly maintained and retains many original period details. The home has been double glazed throughout with windows in keeping with the period of the property.

Approached via the front garden to the front door where there is focal stained glass window, designed and handmade by a master craftsman, looking through to the porch.

The ground floor boasts a spacious lounge with a wide bay window comprising 3 period style double glazed sash windows, a feature cast iron fireplace with marble surround, built in bookcases with storage cupboards beneath and intricate ceiling details and cornicing.

The hallway and open plan family / dining room features wooden flooring throughout and make great use of the south facing aspect, with large double glazed sash windows and a French door opening to the patio space. Through this room is the kitchen with a range of fitted kitchen units, integrated appliances and a large, double-glazed window to the side which overlooks the rear garden. This follows through to the functional utility room and cloakroom, with additional access to the garden, and a downstairs toilet and shower room.

On the first floor, there are three double bedrooms and a main bathroom. The largest of the bedrooms is at the front of the property, with a large, double glazed, bay window, stripped floorboards and built in wardrobe space, the other two bedrooms on this floor benefit from the southerly aspect, with views through to the rear garden. The second floor has two additional double bedrooms with eaves storage around the exterior walls.

Outside, the property boasts of a large, level and private south facing 70-foot garden with gated side access,.The garden is established with feature palm trees, vine and fig tree and with a unique garden, designed to be enjoyed in 3 areas, including a barbecue and wood store area. The front garden is also planted with mature shrubs, and two pathways paved with period tiles, one leading to the front door, the other for side access to the rear garden.

To view more images, details and the floor plan click here to visit the Knight Frank website. 

Tailored Flooring

For more than 30 years, Tailored Flooring has been supplying and fitting stunning carpets and floor coverings to home owners and businesses in Bristol and the surrounding areas.

Now under new ownership, following the diligent proprietorship of the previous owner Darren Taylor, the experienced team has a wealth of knowledge and experience in supplying and fitting floor coverings that will beautifully enhance every style of home.

From the showroom in Clifton, Tailored Flooring offers a wide range of the highest quality carpets in wool, sisal, seagrass, jute and coir, along with luxury vinyl tiles, engineered wood and solid wood flooring from leading UK brands Woodpecker, Crucial Trading, Alternative Flooring, Ted Todd, Fibre Flooring, Kersaint Cobb and Invictus.

80 Alma Road, Clifton, BS8 2DJ | 0117 973 3393 | tailoredflooring.co.uk