OUR JULY ISSUE IS OUT NEXT WEEK!

Our July issue is getting into the summer spirit, with our pages packed with plenty of things to do, see and enjoy...

We get into the spirit of Pride ahead of the Pride Day on 13 July with an interview with Cabaret Stage programmer Aled Osborne; hear from Disney soundtrack writer extraordinaire Alan Menken whose songs will be heard on stage at the Hippodrome when Aladdin's magic carpet crash lands; get the latest from Bristol's MasterChef winner, vet Brin Pirathapan; find out why Bristol's big on synchronised swimming ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics and so, so much more!

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 £4.95. 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

1. 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).

2. 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).

3. 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. 

Visit greatwine.co.uk to explore more

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 and the wonderful range of Montblanc writing instruments at Mallory.

Verbena Geranium Eau de Toilette

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.

Rei Leather Fringed Waistcoat | £299

Layer the Rei Leather 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.

Click here for more festival style inspiration

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 that 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

'A Pop of Colour', featuring The Clevedon Distillery
29 June 12-4pm

Fizz Gallery has put together A Pop of Colour in response to the dilemma many people face when choosing the right artwork to inject energy into their interiors using a striking painting, captivating sculpture or vibrant print. The exhibition itself (on until 13 July) features more than 10 artists known for their use of bold colour palettes in affordable contemporary artwork. Fizz Gallery is also collaborating with The Clevedon Distillery on its new gin launch at a special event on 29 June, where visitors can sample the new spirit while taking in the vibrant art on display.

Image: Bowie Fame by Pete Humphreys, Original Mixed Media 22 X 28"
Click here for more information

Summer Fiesta Stall Holder sign ups

Previously known as the Summer Gala, the Summer Fiesta is a festival style event taking place on Thursday 18 July from 6pm. There will be music, dance and drama performances together with a halal BBQ, food stalls and local market stalls. The event is free to attend and all welcome to join in celebrating the work of Fairfield students and enjoy the treats on offer.

If you would like to run a market or food stall, or have any questions, please contact enquiries@fairfield.excalibur.org.uk or nthompson2@fairfield.excalibur.org.uk 
Alfoxton Road, Bristol, BS7 9NL 
Click here for more information

Soul Circus Yoga

Soul Circus is a well-being festival where music, yoga and holistic therapies meet glittery festival antics and DJ afterparties. It is set to return to its beautiful home in the Cotswold hills of Elmore, Gloucestershire. Stretch out in yoga tipis and lush countryside by day and dance under the stars by night. Spend your days doing yoga with MoreYoga, breathwork with The Breath Space and Innercamp, aerial skills, fitness with UP Wellness, dance, tantra and much more. Spend your evenings sipping cocktails and eating delicious food, followed by shaking your booty to electrifying DJ sets and live music. There's everything a healthy hedonistic SoulSetter is searching for, so run away to the circus with Soul Circus Yoga! Day tickets start at £170 and weekend tickets start at £270. Both are inclusive of classes and workshops. 

15-18 August
Elmore, Gloucestershire 
Click here for more information

Grove Road Coombe Dingle, Bristol, BS9

Offered for sale by Rupert Oliver estate agents

Quite simply, an opportunity such as this presents itself once in a buyer's lifetime. The chance to acquire a pair of stunning family houses in a private and peaceful setting; with state of the art fixtures and fittings, landscaped gardens and grounds, a shared gated drive with an expanse of off-street parking and versatile accommodation of over 8000 sq. ft. spread out across two Freehold family houses. The houses have been built to the highest specification with the aim, quite simply, to bring the outside in. Each room maximises light and space; with bi-folding doors a feature of the ground floor and master bedroom suites, and clever corner windows capturing much of the day' sun whilst retaining a high degree of privacy. They are each sociable, spacious and exceptionally versatile whilst being as private or inclusive as each occupier might wish; connected by the shared driveway to the front and a single door, between garages, on the inside.

Aside from these two touch points the architect designed homes are incredibly private; with landscaped gardens providing year round enjoyment; from the fitted outdoor kitchen in 76a to the almost spa like finish of the outdoor pool and hot tub of 76b. Each house enjoys an outdoor sauna, whilst 76a has the benefit of detached home office space in the garden. Inside, every conceivable tech option has been considered with an integrated Loxone “smart home” automation system controlling the lights, heating (zoned underfloor throughout each house), recessed blinds, media and even the hot tub remotely, at any time of day or night and from anywhere in the world. Both houses enjoy a double height atrium in the entrance halls, flooding the entrances with natural light and presenting a welcoming light-filled reception space; whilst above are spacious first floor landings with plenty of room for a reading nook overlooking the architectural staircases and looking out into the woods beyond. In each kitchen there is an oversize island and breakfast bar, creating a sociable space for families of all ages and size to enjoy, connecting seamlessly to the open plan dining and seating areas. The garden flows out from these spaces truly bringing the “outside in”; with beautiful birdsong from the trees surrounding the houses belying how well connected to central Bristol these homes are.

Kitchen appliances from high quality providers such as Fisher & Paykel, Quooker and Meile compliment the German designed kitchens, along with integrated wine fridges, a recycling compactor drawer (in 76b) and “Insinkerators” making life just that little bit easier. Feature “Bell” corner gas fires add a focal point and warmth in the winter whilst the MVHR system keeps the air fresh, fully circulated and provides a constant supply of fresh filtered air. Upstairs, each of the master suites overlook the adjoining woodland and their rear gardens, bringing in the changing colours of the trees with bi-folding doors opening onto a Juliet balcony. They each enjoy “his & hers” dressing rooms and beautifully fitted en-suite bath and shower rooms. The remaining guest bedrooms in each house share a mixture of en-suite bath / shower rooms and fitted storage along with a spacious and generous family bathroom; with oversize twin ended bath and oversize shower cubicles. Throughout the houses are clever storage solutions, including linen cupboards across the first floor landings and coat and boot cupboards within the entrance halls along with numerous Velux windows, many electronically operated and rain sensitive, flooding the transitional spaces with natural light. Each home enjoys its own private outside space, but is accessed by a shared driveway leading down from a gated entrance to an expanse of off-street parking and access to each property's circa 500 sq ft garages – complete with underfloor heating.

76a has a charming fully enclosed rear garden, accessed both from inside the house as well as from the drive, with steps leading up from the side. This has been sensitively landscaped to provide year ‘round use with a superb fitted outdoor kitchen, expanse of lawn and a detached home office / play room. The garden swings around to the south elevation presenting a private courtyard with a further children's play area and arced timber clad sauna. 76b has an almost zen-like south facing garden and spa facilities; with a beautiful Niveko swimming pool with in-built roller cover and a separate in-ground hot tub, complete with an outdoor “hot & cold” running shower and access to a infra-red Zoki sauna. A child-safe balustrade runs between the pool and house with a stylish outdoor sitting room, covered to three sides, overlooking the pool and finished with a contemporary outdoor gas fire; a space to be savoured and enjoyed all year ‘round. Both gardens are lit-up with a high-tech lighting system to provide night moods and there are plenty of water and power connections. The garden of 76b has also been finished with access to an outdoor gas supply and additional power should a outdoor kitchen be required as well as secure independent access to a side lane leading down to Grove Road.

Guide Price £3,995,000

For more information and images click here