The Enchanted Garden of Light, 1–31 December

Families and friends will be transported into a magical after-dark adventure at The American Museum & Gardens through light displays which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious colour. 

Tickets (£12 Child, £19.50 Adult) available at americanmuseum.org

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. 

Slow-roasted Tuscan Pork with a Mint and Caper sauce

Festive Fact alert! There are only four Sunday Roasts to go between now and Christmas. And what with The Big Day itself falling on a Sunday, you might have even started thinking about that one already...

Frequently dismissed as being beef, lamb or even chicken's poor relative, pork is all-too-often overlooked in our search for Sunday satiation. But as food prices soar and poultry is beleaguered by the bird flu crisis, Italy's most popular meat is coming into its own as the Great British centrepiece it deserves to be. If you fancy a taste of Tuscany this weekend (or indeed, on Christmas Day), try this!

Ingredients (serves 6-8)

2.5kg pork leg joint (ethically reared, high welfare only, please!)
4 cloves garlic, peeled and cut into slivers
2 tbsp fennel seeds
2 tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tsp dried chilli flakes

For the Mint and Caper sauce

2 tbsp capers
2 shallots, peeled and finely-chopped
1 bunch of fresh mint (leaves only), finely-chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

To serve: creamy mash or parmesan polenta; steamed tenderstem broccoli.

Method

1. Allow the pork leg joint to come to room temperature for one hour before preparing.

2. Preheat the oven to 140°C/gas mark 1 (yes, really – this one's going low and slow). Using a very sharp knife, carefully cut small slits all over the pork leg and insert a sliver of sliced garlic into each slit. Drizzle the joint with 1 tbsp olive oil, season well and, in a very large frying pan over a high heat, sear the meat on all sides until browned.

3. Mix the fennel seeds, dried oregano, fresh rosemary and dried chilli flakes together and scatter across a large plate. Rub the seared pork with another tbsp olive oil and roll it in the herb mixture, to coat.

4. Put the prepared joint on a roasting rack over a suitably-sized roasting tin and roast for approximately 4-5 hours, by which time the meat will be sumptuously tender. Remove the pork from the oven, cover with foil and set it aside to rest for at least 20 minutes while you make the Caper and Mint Sauce: simply mix the capers, shallots, garlic, mint, balsamic vinegar and olive oil together in a small bowl. Add a pinch of caster sugar, season well and pour into a serving jug.

5. When you're ready to serve, removing the string from the joint (if necessary; not all pork leg joints are strung) and carve into thick slices. Serve accompanied by mashed potatoes or parmesan polenta and steamed tenderstem broccoli, drizzled with the Mint and Caper Sauce.

Della Vite Prosecco Superiore DOCG

This is a superior Prosecco, especially created for the Delevingne sisters, Chloe, Poppy and Cara, who launched the label in 2020, and ever since has become a star in its own right.

Della Vite Prosecco is made by the Biasiotto family, who have been crafting superior Prosecco for over three generations in the heart of the Valdobbiadene appellation – the region noted by the DOCG credentials. The vineyards are sustainably managed, and the winery is solar-powered.

Della Vite Prosecco DOCG is rich, complex and extra-dry with a highly mineral palate and a soft lingering finish. The hints of crostini and chamomile open up plenty of potential for food pairings, or to just be enjoyed over great conversation and with stellar company.

This is certainly a quality Prosecco that fizz lovers should not be miss out on. Available from the Great Wine Co | £28.50

Better still, the multibuy option for extra discount and free delivery for orders over £50 will certainly help with the celebrations | greatwine.co.uk

Single Variety Co's Fruit Preserve Gift Box

Single Variety Co’s Fruit Preserve Gift Box contains four Great Taste Award Winning preserves, all handmade in their family run jam factory in Bristol.

The Gift Box contains Maravilla Raspberry, Seville Marmalade, Passionfruit Preserve and Ben Hope Blackcurrant Preserve, all made with much more fruit and less sugar than traditional jams. A perfect gift for any food lover! Seasonal flavours of Black Bursa Fig Preserve and Cranberry Sauce are also now available.

Single Variety Co's founder Nicola is in the final at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the family business category, and Single Variety Co has also been nominated for small business of the year in The Independent Awards by Holly & Co.

The Gift Box is £22.50; available online at singlevariety.co.uk

Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?

Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!

Blue Topaz by Pomellato at Mallory

Pomellato's Nudo collection is loved for its simple, minimalist styling and the kaleidoscopic effect of its beautifully faceted stones. Each piece has been handcrafted by Italian artisans from 18-carat rose gold and features a sparkling range of gemstones and birthstones for all months, colours and moods. The Nudo collection comes in several sizes: petit, classic, maxi as well as Assoluto with rings, earrings and necklaces to match your birth month or to mix up as you please. 

The birthstone for December is Blue Topaz. Here we have Pomellato’s Nudo Maxi 18ct rose and white gold blue topaz ring, £2,900. There’s also a London blue topaz version priced at £3,400.

Visit Mallory Jewellers to discover the full Pomellato range and the other birthstones, colours and sizes. 

Ghost: Crossbody Bag Gift Set

What better gift than this bargain gift set from the iconic Ghost Fragrances?

The Crossbody Bag Gift Set, available exclusively at Boots, is perfect for any beauty obsessive. Presented in this stunning Ghost crossbody bag, the gift is filled with Ghost Fragrances’ best-selling scents, including Ghost Orb of Night (30ml), Ghost Sweetheart 30ml and Ghost The Fragrance (30ml) – it’s the go-to gift for any fragrance lover.

What makes this bundle event better is that it is now the Star Gift at Boots – live now till 30 November – meaning it has gone from £80 to £39 | boots.com

Children's knitted hats from Up to Seven

Handmade locally in Bath, Up to Seven's unique and vibrant hats are made in pure wool and make the perfect gift for boys and girls!

Left: Children's knitted Christmas pudding hat handmade in Bath. These adorable, roll edged hats are all knitted in anti-tickle wool, and can be machine washed at 30 degrees (£16) | Right: Beautiful hand knitted basket stitch hat in pure wool, with a 6cm teddy bear sitting in the pocket. The little teddy is attached by a cord to make sure he doesn't stray too far (£30)

Blair Satin Jumpsuit

The only-at-Anthro Blair jumpsuit is now available in a lustrous textured satin. 

Adorned with a plunging v-neckline, and playful peek-a-boo sides, pair with a bejewelled kimono, platform sandals, and an embroidered clutch to match | £155

anthropologie.com

Noma Lighting: Wire Frame Woburn Stag

Francis DIY and Hardware are stocking a fabulous range of Noma Christmas lighting to brighten your home this festive season. 

(Good to know: the cost of running 480 LED lights a day is 2p – that's 50p for the whole of December).

Above: Wire Frame Woburn Stag, £179 | Available to purchase in store at 39 Moorland Road, Bath BA2 3PN | francisdiy.com 

Curated by Daniel McCabe

All of Magalleria's recent issues of photography magazine Hotshoe have sold out in record time, and it’s not just hot with us – nearly all recent issues have sold out at the publisher. So we expect the latest issue, Martin Parr, to last five minutes. Parr’s work documenting British society and social class makes him one of the most important and popular figures in British photography. With the help of the Martin Parr Foundation Hotshoe has fashioned a fascinating collection of portfolios from his vast body of work, together with an extended interview, personal essays from contemporaries and more. If you’re a Martin Parr fan, don’t miss this it. If you’re not, grab a copy for someone who is | £16 | BUY THE MAGAZINE HERE

Carols at the Rec, 7 December, Bath Recreation Ground

Enjoy an evening of festive fun for the whole family at the heart of Bath. 

With traditional carols, a live brass band, mince pies, mulled wine, family fun and a message about the reason for the season, there’ll be something for everyone in what’s set to be a merry and memorable occasion.

Book your free tickets and find out via carolsattherec.com.

Carols at the Rec is brought to you by Grace church Bath, with the support of Bath Rugby and Bath Recreation. There will be a charitable collection; all proceeds go towards the work of Bath Rugby Foundation. 

The City of Bath Brass Band, 9 December, St Michael's Without Church

The City of Bath Brass Band will again be playing its annual Christmas Concert.

Both its Main and Training band will entertain, with rousing tunes from musicals and stirring brass band pieces, and well loved seasonal tunes with traditional and modern arrangements to set the tone.

The evening will include opportunities for audience participation in singing carols and the setting will be relaxed, with an open ‘cafe’ arrangement around tables for families and comfortable chairs around the venue. Refreshments will be available.

Tickets (From £5) available at the Bath Box Office website, through 01225 463362, or at the door on the night | bathboxoffice.org.uk

Celebrate the best of the festive season with Milsom Place

Milsom Place adds some festive sparkle to the heart of Bath whilst helping Father Christmas deliver with gifts galore and hosting a merry little Christmas for you, your colleagues, friends and family.

Start your day with a hot yoga class or hair and beauty session, then relax in one of the enticing eateries and select from a wide choice of delectable dishes, exotic cocktails and fine wine from around the world. Alternatively, get your Christmas shopping underway and browse the latest clothing collections and new partywear in-store alongside elegant homewares, gifts and fresh flowers.

To celebrate the season, feast your eyes upon a magical winter woodland scene designed exclusively for Milsom Place. Capturing the essence of this wonderful time of the year, the wondrous diorama created by Planet Gold Decor is a celebration of the majestic beauty of the natural world in the heart of the city, transporting viewers into a dazzling polar landscape illuminated to enchant all ages!

For opening times and information on shops, restaurants and special events/offers please visit: milsomplace.co.uk and follow their social feeds for all the latest news.

Jazz Sundays at Iford Manor, until 18 December

Enjoy fantastic, live jazz from top musicians alongside a delicious, leisurely lunch prepared by award-winning Head Chef Matthew Briddon and team.

Food sustainably and locally sourced, much reared, grown and foraged on the Iford Estate.

See the Iford website for details of performers, menu and to book | ifordmanor.co.uk

Aldridges Art & Antiques Sale, 29 November | ONLINE ONLY AUCTION

To include: Silver, Jewellery, Ceramics and Glass, Oil Paintings, Watercolours and Prints, Works-of-Art, Clocks, Antique and later Furniture and Furnishings and more. 

OPEN FOR PUBLIC VIEWING | Aldridges of Bath Ltd, Phoenix House, Lower Bristol Rd, Bath BA2 9ES | aldridgesofbath.com

Above: George II walnut & parcel-gilt wall mirror, ca. 1740

Bath Philharmonia: The Snowman, 10 December (3.30pm), Bath Forum

Join Bath Philharmonia for its annual family-friendly Christmas show with orchestral music to delight every age. With Raymond Brigg’s charming and poignant animations projected on the big screen, the orchestra will play Howard Blake’s score live to the film.

With a hamper of seasonal orchestral delights, including a cosy atmospheric setting of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ and the children’s classic ‘Good Night Moon’ the orchestra will take you on a snowy sleigh ride through Christmas classics.

Tickets £18.50/£12.50 (child 2–18), available from the Bath Box Office website: bathboxoffice.org.uk 

Words by Andrew Swift

The Factory in the Fields

The first of this week’s archive photographs shows the Griffin Engineering Company’s works on the corner of Monksdale Road in Oldfield Park around 1900. The company was founded in 1868 by Samuel Griffin who opened the Kingston Ironworks on the Lower Bristol Road. He later moved the works to the Ambury on the other side of the river, but around 1898 moved them again to new premises on the Durley Park Estate in Oldfield Park, a greenfield site which was just starting to be developed. Initially, the company produced steam engines, but later switched to the production of gas engines. By the time the works moved to Oldfield Park, they were also, as the sign on its gates indicates, motor specialists.

During the First World War, the company switched production to help the war effort, and the second photograph shows munition workers lined up outside the works with some of the shells they produced. The company later changed its name to the Stanley Engineering Company, which later still centralised production at its other works on the Triangle, a short distance away. The buildings on the corner of Monksdale Road were converted to the Wansdyke Business Park, but there are currently proposals for the redevelopment of the site.

akemanpress.com

RUHX launches a brand new event for Christmas

On Sunday 4 December, RUHX are asking 100 brave individuals to make a splash at their brand new event, the Polar Plunge.

The Polar Plunge is an opportunity for supporters to do something different this Christmas, and take a dip in the cold lake water at West Country Water Park to raise funds for the Royal United Hospitals Bath. The event is for everyone, including seasoned swimmers who aren’t ready to hang up their wetsuits yet, and total beginners looking to try a new hobby.

RUHX is asking those taking part to raise £100, which will help the charity to give every patient extra extraordinary care and to support staff to do what they do best. RUHX is also working closely with community partners to ensure a positive future for Bath and beyond.

You can register for your place at ruhx.org.uk/polar-plunge

Exeter Chiefs V Bath Rugby

In Bath Rugby's third and final Premiership Rugby Cup outing of the season, the Blue, Black and White head south to take on Exeter Chiefs.

The young contingent of the squad have been maintaining their rugby, making appearances in the BUCS Super League and heading out on loan in the Championship. The likes of Archie Stanley and Sam Harris have become Team Bath regulars who are certainly making their mark in the university league.

From their appearances in the Premiership Rugby Cup, Tom Carr-Smith and George Worboys have earned spots in numerous Gallagher Premiership matchday squads.

Returning from a three-match ban after being cited during Bath's match against Northampton Saints, Dave Attwood returns to the pitch to offer his experience and knowledge to the young team.

bathrugby.com

London Street, Bath BA1

Offered for sale by Hamptons estate agents in Bath.

A unique three bedroom Grade II Listed maisonette benefitting from the most amazing roof terrace providing panoramic views from east to west.

Located at the top end of Walcot street, the entrance is at the rear of the building and leads up to a private staircase to the first floor entrance hall.

The sitting room to the front is a charming room with two sash windows to the front and a central fireplace. The kitchen has plenty of room for a dining table in front of the large window that looks over to the hills on the other side of the valley.

There is also the third bedroom and shower room on this floor whilst the two larger bedrooms and bathroom are on the upper floor. Here a staircase rises up and opens in the centre of the roof garden. It could well be one of the largest in the city and it definitely boasts the most amazing views. Offers are invited in excess of £525,000

For further details and more images click here to see the property on the Hamptons website.