Chinese New Year celebrations at Wai Yee Hong

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Bristol

The Lunar New Year begins this coming Wednesday (29 January) and there are loads of ways to celebrate in Bristol over the coming month! 

2025 marks the Year of the Wood Snake in the Chinese Zodiac, and Lush Bristol is kicking off the festivities with a Make Your Own Bath Bomb session tomorrow, 25 January. The team at the Cabot store is equipped to recommend and create 'bath cocktails' surrounding this years zodiac, or even your own zodiac. Visit eventbrite.co.uk for tickets. 

On 29 January, UWE students are celebrating the New Year's vibrant traditions with an event filled with 'fun activities, delicious food, and exciting performances' at the Frenchay Campus. Head to uwe.ac.uk to book.

Eastgate Oriental City is hosting its annual New Year celebration on 1 February with a day of dance and martial arts performances, and the traditional lion dance. The family event takes place at the Wai Yee Hong Chinese Supermarket, and is the biggest New Year celebration in the South West, so it's not to be missed. waiyeehong.com

The following weekend, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has planned an exciting weekend filled with vibrant performances, family-friendly activities, and even a fun-filled snake trail around the museum. View the full programme at bristolmuseums.org.uk.

And on 26 February, the Chinese New Year of the Snake Banquet is taking place at Wong's. They promise a magnificent feast of traditional Chinese dishes, and Cllr Andrew Varney, Lord Mayor of Bristol will also be in attendance. Find out more at chinabureau.co.uk. 

Our February issue is out next week!

Slapstick Festival is gearing up to deliver a programme of events crammed with side-splitting laughs, and we managed to snag some of comedy legend Ben Elton’s time ahead of his appearance collecting his, well, Comedy Legend Award. He tells us who his own comedy legends are, and what it means for his lifetime’s work to be recognised.

For anyone chasing love, prioritising self love, cherishing their friends and adoring their pets, we have a packed gift guide to make sure your Valentine feels thoroughly spoilt this year.

Elsewhere, writer Florence Grieve meets with Ad Infinitum to learn about the theatre company’s efforts to put Deaf artists centre stage; journalist Simon Horsford heads to the studio of graffiti artist Tommy (known as Vandalist) for a masterclass in all things street art; we hear from the stars of Dear Evan Hansen ahead of its run at Bristol Hippodrome; and we reflect on some of the best ways to make the most of mirrors in your home. All that, and 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 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. 

Chinese Chicken Curry

Recipe by Melissa Blease

Wednesday 29 January is Chinese New Year! Ditch the delivery service and celebrate in style with this treatsome Chinese takeaway classic.

Using cold roast chicken makes a big difference to the overall texture of this curry; you can either put leftovers to good use, or roast a small chicken the day before/morning of your fakeaway feast. To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock in the curry sauce and swap the chicken for pan-fried tofu or Quorn chunks.

Gong hei fat choy!

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the Curry Sauce:
2 onions, peeled and sliced
4-5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
2-3 carrots, sliced
2 tbsp plain flour
1 tbsp medium curry powder
500ml chicken stock
1 tbsp clear honey
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
3 star anise
2 bay leaves
1 heaped tsp garam masala

To complete the curry:
Around 500g cold roast chicken, skin removed, chopped into bite-sized chunks
1 onion, peeled and diced
1 generous handful chestnut mushrooms, sliced
150g frozen peas

To serve: steamed or egg-fried rice

Method

1. Heat a little vegetable oil in a large frying pan and sauté the onions and sliced carrots for around 8 minutes until soft but not brown, adding the garlic for the last 1-2 minutes.

2. Add the flour and curry powder to the pan and continue to cook, stirring continuously, for 1-2 minutes before slowly adding the stock followed by the honey, soy sauce, star anise and bay leaves. Stir well, bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer (stirring occasionally) for 10-15 minutes, adding the garam masala for the last couple of minutes. Take the sauce off the heat, strain through a sieve and set the sauce to one side.

3. Fry the onion and mushrooms in a little vegetable oil and, when the vegetables are soft, add the frozen peas, cooked chopped chicken and strained curry sauce to the pan. Season well, stir to combine and gently simmer until completely heated through.

4. Serve in warm bowls on top of mounds of steamed or egg-fried rice.

Fine wines

As we work our way through January, we all deserves a little pick-me-up to keep ourselves going. And with Great Wine Co.'s January sale still on, why not take the opportunity to stock up on some fine wines at huge discounts? 

From Germany to the US, Spain to Chile, here are our picks of fine wines to stave of the last off the January blues.

Le Credo, Côtes du Roussillon Villages - Domaine Cazes, £37 (save £29.50)

With an impenetrable, black appearance and seriously concentrated aroma, this wine offers a marvellous mix of damson jam, black liquorice, medjoul date, air-dried saucisson, wet clay and black olive.

Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon - Stag's Leap Wine Cellars,  £200 (save £160)

This Cabarnet Sauvignon displays wonderfully vibrant and honest morello cherry aromas, along with toasted spices, a waft of woodsmoke and pencil lead. 

Pago Garduña Syrah - Abadia Retuerta, £61 (save £49)

This Syrah has an intense dark purple hue and a peppery nose with hints of warm beetroot, freshly turned earth and forest fruits. The full bodied palate has aromatic notes of violet and smoke that accompany the concentrated fruit flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant and plum.

Finca Los Hoyales - Cruz de Alba, £44 (save £31)

Red and elegant layers, it has a subtle and complex nose with elegant notes of black fruit, spices, and light balsamic memories, integrated with a delicate and harmonious wood. On the palate it has a long lingering finish of black fruit, roasted and velvety tannins.

Altaïr Cabernet Sauvignon - Viña San Pedro, £44 (save £22.50)

Deep ruby red with a nose of intense aromas of fresh red fruit like cherries, intermingled with a subtle note of oak that is perfectly integrated in the wine.

Discover these and more fine wines at greatwine.co.uk

Valentine's Day Dining at Harvey Nichols Bristol

Take the best seat in the house this Valentine’s Day at Harvey Nichols Bristol. Indulge in an artful display of culinary charm with their curated five-course menu for £60 per person, including a complimentary gift bag for each couple.

Friday 14 February from 7.30pm at the Second Floor Restaurant, Harvey Nichols Bristol. 

Click here to book your table.

Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite 43mm in Steel - £16,100

Since Apollo 11 landed on the Moon in 1969, the OMEGA Speedmaster has a long term association with astronauts and space exploration.

Now, Omega takes this legacy to a new height with the Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite. Presented in two extraordinary 43 mm stainless steel versions that follow the phases of the moon as viewed from both hemispheres, and a dial that Omega has sourced from slices of the Gibeon meteorite that fell in Namibia in prehistoric times. The iron meteorite dial reveals distinctive ribbon-like flecks and is unique and unrepeatable, ensuring each timepiece carries its own piece of space history.

These two groundbreaking Speedmaster timepieces introduce the Omega Calibre 9914 movement for the first time. This manual-winding movement, including its special finish, is visible through the flat sapphire crystal on the caseback. It is anti-magnetic to 15,000 gauss and guarantees OMEGA's finest standard of precision and chronometric performance, as determined by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).

As well as beautifully measuring every moment on Earth, this collection follows the phases of the moon, which makes perfect sense given that the Speedmaster was the first watch ever to be worn on the lunar surface.

For more information on this exciting new timepiece and to register your interest visit the Omega specialist team at Mallory, or browse online at mallory-jewellers.com.

N°1 de Chanel Red Camellia Expert Revitalising Serum Duo | £181

Enriched with red camellia extract and an oligopeptide, this revitalising duo consists of the 15ml eye serum and 30ml serum that both work to preserve the youthful appearance of the face and eye area. The serums come nestled inside an elegant red travel pouch.

Shop today at chanel.com

Kaisanna Jacket Taleah Print from Fox and Feather | £99.90

This classic denim jacket with a chic leopard print is a cool, understated piece that elevates any outfit. The chunky buttons and wide cuffs give it an extra flair, and the jacket is fully lined, seamlessly integrating comfort and style. 

Head to foxandfeather.co.uk to shop online, or visit the store at 41 Gloucester Road, Bishopston BS7 8AD

Amira Tinted Speckled Glass Vase from Oliver Bonas, £35

A beautiful clear tinted glass vase with a large rounded bowl and shallow neck. Blown with orange, black and green spots to create a multicoloured, textural effect, each vase is individually decorated, so each piece will have its own unique speckle finish.

To shop, visit oliverbonas.com or head to their Bristol store at Unit MS9, 21 Philadelphia St, Quakers Friars, Broadmead, BS1 3BZ

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Notebook is published by film streaming company MUBI. The sixth issue has a cover is illustrated by a six year-old child, underscoring the fact that this outing is focused on different expressions of youth in cinema – ‘a time of surprise, invention, rebellion, and hope for the future’. Features include six coming of age scenes, an examination of product placement as youth-targeted propaganda, teen fixations with bloody or extreme imagery, the new de-ageing trends emerging from Hollywood and a brave plunge into the madcap ‘microcinematic’ world of TikTok, YouTube and Instagram video feeds to provide a TV schedule-like critical guide to one day’s intense viewing. There’s suddenly a handful of very high quality and innovative new film journals on the market, and Notebook is one of them. | £22

magalleria.co.uk

Bristol Film Festival presents The 39 Steps

Tomorrow night (25 January), Bristol Film Festival is hosting a very special 90th anniversary screening of Hitchock classic The 39 Steps.

Set primarily in Scotland, celebrate this seminal film in style at Averys Wine Merchants with a Scotch whisky tasting experience to complement both the film and the annual celebration of Scotland’s beloved poet. Your evening starts with a sparkling wine reception on arrival, then over the course of the film, you will sample four single malt whiskies from the key regions of Scotland with tasting notes from Averys’ resident experts.

Visit bristolfilmfestival.com to book your space

Randox Health Opens New Clinic in Holland & Barrett, Bristol Cabot Circus

Randox Health have opened their new clinic in Holland & Barrett, Bristol Cabot Circus, bringing cutting-edge health testing right to the heart of the city! With over 40 years of innovation in diagnostics, Randox Health empowers individuals to take control of their health through personalised, preventative health testing. 

This partnership with Holland & Barrett makes health testing more accessible than ever, offering a wide range of comprehensive tests, including areas such as heart, hormonal, gut, nutritional, genetic, and cancer risk testing. Whether you’re looking to track your health, gain deeper insights into your body, or address specific concerns, Randox Health provides quick and reliable results, because knowledge is power.

Visit the new clinic today in Holland & Barrett and start your journey toward a healthier, happier you.

To find out more about the new opening head to thebristolmag.co.uk and use the code BRISTOL12 to get 12% off your in-clinic health test!

Holland & Barrett, George White Street SU59, BS1 3BA
randoxhealth.com

Mirror of Mirth: Satire in Georgian Bath opens today!

Step into the scandalous world of Georgian Bath with Mirror of Mirth, a brand-new exhibition at Bath's Victoria Art Gallery. See more than 200 of the gallery's finest satirical artworks, including the humorous works of Thomas Rowlandson, John Nixon, and other artists of the era. 

Mirror of Mirth runs from 24 January to 21 April. 

Find out more here: victoriagal.org.uk

Bristol Bears take on Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate this Sunday

Bears welcome Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate for Round 11 of the Gallagher Premiership this Sunday, 25 January!

It's Combination Day – the club's annual celebration of the local rugby clubs that make the community so special – so there's a whole load of stuff to do before the 3pm kick-off.

The Fan Village will open at 12pm with a ride range of food and drink available, and live music on the main stage from approximately 1pm. Independence Sports Bar will also be open from 12pm, and The Foundation will run activities in the build up to kick-off. At 2.30pm a Bears first team player will take part in a Q&A and will answer supporters' questions in the Bears Den. 

Head to bristolbearsrugby.com to buy tickets!

Butts Batch, Compton Bishop, Axbridge, BS26

Offered for sale by Peter Greatorex Unique Homes

Orchard Cottage is a unique and beautifully extended 6 bedroomed, 3 bathroomed village property that blends original charm with a contemporary edge and modern functionality, it is situated in a peaceful location in this thriving Somerset village.

Thoughtfully updated over the years and benefitting from a significant renovation program by the current owners, the architect designed sitting room is a captivating blend of style and function, featuring a stunning glazed extension with a galleried landing that creates a breathtaking double-height space. A log burner provides warmth and a cozy ambiance during the winter months, making it an inviting retreat on colder days. In warmer weather, French doors open directly to the garden making this room perfect for year-round enjoyment.

The kitchen/breakfast room is a bright and inviting space, featuring painted wooden units and a range stove - which provides heating and hot water for the home - and a central island with in-built microwave oven. The kitchen's design includes a classic butler sink and elegant granite worktops. Steps lead down from the kitchen into the versatile dining room, a space that offers both charm and flexibility with fireplace and wood burning stove and French windows out onto the garden.

Upstairs, there are six well-proportioned bedrooms [bedroom six currently used as a home office] but each with its own unique appeal, the principal bedroom has an en suite shower and the upstairs also includes a newly refitted family bathroom, thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience.

The property sits in nearly half an acre of well-maintained gardens that include an orchard, a shed, a decked area that's ideal for outdoor relaxation and a charming summer house that can be used as an office, studio or teenage hang-out.

A gate leads into the driveway and the hardstanding area, there's ample space for parking several vehicles as well as the new high specification double garage.

The property also includes a versatile garden room, ideal as a home office/studio, making Orchard Cottage an exceptional find.

Overall, Compton Bishop combines rural charm, educational resources, and accessibility, making it an appealing location for those who appreciate a balance of countryside living and easy access to urban amenities. | Offers in excess of £1,000,000

For more details and images click here to visit the Peter Greatorex Unique Homes website