The Little Theatre Cinema shows new Wonka movie

Get comfortable in the cosy and charming two-screen cinema as it showcases the latest Wonka film that was filmed here in Bath.  

Directed by Paul King (Paddington) and based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved children’s story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wonka is the origin story of the extraordinary character Willy Wonka, telling the wondrous tale of how the world’s most eccentric inventor becomes the beloved chocolate-maker we know today. 

Click here to read our article about Wonka and its location pizzazz. We uncover more about the locations used, the massive island city that was constructed and the filming in Bath.

To buy tickets to watch it at The Little Theatre click here. 
Main image is a still from official trailer courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures

OUR DECEMBER ISSUE IS OUT!

You'll love our fabulous December 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.

Features include Robun head chef Kasae Fraser telling us about her experience on Masterchef: The Professionals; a look at the new Wonka film starring Timothée Chalamet with details of the filming locations, including Bath; and Melissa Blease’s interview with Guy Masterson about bringing Dickens' classic Christmas tale A Christmas Carol to life on stage, and why he once drove Richard Burton to Switzerland. We really hope you'll enjoy the read!

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

Click here to enjoy our current issue!

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Moles: 45 years of music

One of the best-known grassroots music venues in the UK, Moles in Bath, closed on 6 December. This subterranean nightclub On George Street, which has dominated the live music scene in the south west for the past 45 years, was a energetic and raw social and musical forum.

It has hosted early incarnations of some of the UK's biggest artists, including a young Morrissey and The Smiths, Pulp, The Cure, Oasis, Radiohead, and more recently Ed Sheeran, Annie Mac and Idles, to name a few of many.

Mole’s co-owner Tom Maddicott explained after the announcement of the club’s closure that it was the escalating prices of stock, utilities and rent that have impacted the business so dramatically, along with customers also feeling the pinch.

All that’s left to be said is ‘thank you Moles for being part of Bath’s musical history – we’ll miss you’.

Click here to read our article about Moles' history and its closure.

Words by Melissa Blease

Duck à l’Orange

Duck is a uniquely flavoursome alternative to traditional festive faves such as turkey, beef or goose – and, due to the relatively small size of a typical duck (particularly in comparison to a turkey), it's perfect for smaller celebratory get-togethers, too.

This classic French recipe was a dinner party and restaurant staple across the UK in the 1970/80s. But why did we let it swim off the radar? The tantalising combination of rich roast meat offset by a semi-sweet citrus sauce results in irresistible, ooh la la allure.

A side order of potatoes roasted in the luxurious fat that collects as your duck cooks, meanwhile, is de rigueur (top tip: keep leftover fat in a sealed pot in the fridge for future use.)

Ingredients (serves 4)

1 whole, ready-to-roast duck (around 1.8kg), giblets removed
1 orange, halved
2 bay leaves
1 large onion, peeled and halved

For the orange sauce

½ large onion, peeled and thinly sliced
4 tbsp orange liqueur (eg. Cointreau)
75ml red wine
150ml freshly-squeezed orange juice
3 tbsp orange marmalade
2 tsp cornflour

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°/gas mark 5.

1. Prick the duck skin all over with the tip of a sharp skewer. Push the halved orange inside the cavity, followed by the bay leaves and half of the onion (reserving the other half for the sauce). Season generously and roast for 45 minutes.

2. Remove the duck from the oven and, using sturdy oven gloves, carefully pour the hot fat that has collected in the roasting tin into a heatproof bowl (if you're roasting potatoes in the duck fat, now's the time to add the spuds to the tin.)

3. Return the duck to the oven for a further 35-45 minutes, or until the skin is golden-brown and crisp; you'll know the duck is thoroughly cooked when a leg, if wiggled a bit, is fairly loose. Transfer the duck (and potatoes, if you've taken the recommended route) to a board or warm serving platter, cover loosely with foil and leave to rest for 15 minutes while you make the orange sauce.

4. Pour all but one tablespoon of the hot fat from the roasting tin into the heatproof bowl with the rest of the reserved fat. Place the roasting tin on the hob over a medium heat, slice the reserved half onion and sauté it in the duck fat, stirring regularly until softened. 

5. Add the orange liqueur and wine to the pan and allow to bubble for a few seconds before adding the orange juice (remember you've got half an orange in reserve for this) and 150ml of cold water. Allow to simmer for two minutes, then strain the liquid through a fine sieve into a medium-sized saucepan and return to the hob.

6. Stir the marmalade into the sauce and bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with one tablespoon of cold water until smooth and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring regularly until the sauce is thick and glossy, adding any juices that have collected from the resting duck to the pan as you go.

7. Serve with those roast potatoes, braised red cabbage, seasonal greens and lashings of that sauce. Sprinkle a few cranberries for a dash of sharpness some extra colour and sheer opulence.

Feel the festive fizz

Why not get ready for Christmas with some of The Great Wine Company's fizziest, festive drinks. Here are some of their top Sparkling Wines:

Prosecco - Stelle d'Italia
Great Wines best-selling Prosecco, this is lovely, lively, crisp and vivacious, with a delicate lemon and peach character, and an aromatic, dry, refreshing finish. | £11.10

Brut Metodo Classico - Planeta
Pale yellow in colour with shades of sea green. Shows distinct aromas of "muscaredda", a variety of white prickly pear, white flowers and green grass. Vibrant and lean on the palate. Mt. Etna in full eruption. | £24.40

Quartese Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG - Ruggeri
This is a seriously classy, Brut Prosecco, that comes exclusively from some of Valdobbiadene's finest vineyards, giving it fabulously concentrated nectarine and apricot fruit character, which lingers on the palate far longer. With its creamy mousse of miniscule bubbles, this is an absolute joy to drink. | £16.50

Franciacorta Brut - Mosnel
A refined aromatic medley of elderflower and hawthorn blossom with nuances of crisp Mediterranean citrus, apricot and melon, along with subtle impressions of wild herbs and almonds. | £33

Prosecco Rose DOC, Millesimato Brut - Stelle d'Italia
One of the first Rosé Proseccos in the UK. A beautiful fresh and light sparkling rosé with an intense red berry character. The fragrant, inviting nose follows through the palate, which offers hints of strawberries alongside a creamy mousse and a crisp finish. | £13.30

To explore more, visit greatwine.co.uk

Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?

Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!

An evening with MasterChef finalist Kasae Fraser at Robun

Join Robun in celebrating the achievement of their Executive Chef, Kasae Fraser, who has made it to the final week of MasterChef: The Professionals 2023.

Attend the unforgettable evening at Robun, personally hosted by Kasae.

The evening will begin with a glass of fizz on arrival before guests head upstairs to the special private dining room where they will sit down to a 7-course tasting menu with paired wines, featuring dishes inspired by her time on Masterchef: The Professionals as well as the very best dishes Robun has to offer.

If you're a devoted fan of MasterChef: The Professionals and want to experience the ultimate tasting menu, book your ticket today for this limited event.

13 December | 7pm | £120 per person, including a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival and a 7-course tasting menu with paired wines.
Go to robun-events.giftpro.co.uk to book

The Cotswold Company opens new store

The Cotswold Company is set to open a new store on 14 December 2023. 

Brimming with character, the store which will be the ninth of the brands retail spaces to open in the UK boasts stunning Georgian architecture, complete with beautiful skylights and a remarkable arched ceiling at the rear of the space. 

Situated in this premium shopping location with neighbouring high-end retailers and views of Bath Abbey.

The store will comprise of 3 living and dining spaces, featuring a select edit of kitchen and office furniture, along with five bedrooms showcasing the brand's best-selling mattresses, which customers are welcome to try out.

Customers visiting the store on the opening day will receive a warm welcome from the store manager and a team of home experts who will be on hand to assist with design advice and product inquiries.

12 Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 5AS
cotswoldco.com

Fabric Designs by Isabell Browell

With an interior design background, Isabell Browell’s love of fabrics was the motivation to learn the art of lampshade making. 

Isabell uses handwoven Ikats from Uzbekistan and vintage silk sari fabrics from India to create her designs. She aims to create lampshades that make a statement and transform a room. 

With her base being in Bath, she can also offer a bespoke lampshade service for specific interior room schemes. 

Isabell’s products can be viewed on her website at browellinteriors.com

Homefront Interiors in Margaret's Buildings is one of Bath’s most appealing independent shops. 

Homefront offer a carefully curated treasure trove of beautiful sustainable living and artisanal homeware products from local artists and makers. 

To purchase these products, visit homefrontinteriors.co.uk

Low-cost Christmas lights

Visit Francis DIY in Moorland Road for a wide variety of the best festive fairy lights from the Noma lighting range – Noma’s products are very low-use energy and many have easy timers. 

Francis also has a range of battery-operated fairy lights. So no need for a bleak house – we think this Dickensian snowman will cheer things up nicely. Rather dapper, he is a metre high, with 120 warm white and white duo LED’s, 10-metre cable and easy timer | £129

39 Moorland Road, Bath BA2 3PN
For more information visit francisdiy.com

Ferm Living Vulca Vase | £9 - £209

The Vulca Vase’s fluid form and textured surface recalls the harsh beauty of volcanic bedrock. Made from stoneware with an off-white stony glaze, the vase features distinctive, tiny grains that make each piece unique. Fill it with your favourite flora, or let the piece make a statement on its own.

Shop now at studiowalcot.co.uk

Christmas Collectibles by Georg Jensen

Iconic Danish design house Georg Jensen has added Christmas tree ornaments in the form of candles and votives to this years spectacular line up of festive collectibles.

Treat yourself and those you love to something beautiful to help you celebrate Christmas in style with this striking collection of seasonal decorations, available in plated 18ct gold or palladium.

Each Georg Jensen design is a memorable collector’s item that will add the much-loved holiday cheer to any corner of the home.

Shown here: From left to right are Georg Jensen Christmas Collectibles: bow decoration £20, 2023 bell decoration £29, three point star decoration £20, Christmas tree table decoration £50 and bauble decoration £29.

Click here to see the decorations as well as Christmas candles and a collection of Georg Jensen designer homeware at Mallory. Celebrate in style.

Chanel Sublimage L'Extrait de Nuit serum | £620

Sublimage L'Extrait de Nuit is an exceptional serum that concentrates all the active fractions of Vanilla Planifolia combined with swertia extract and a powerful, naturally derived chronopeptide.

These powerful active ingredients are delivered throughout the night, maintaining the skin's rhythms. Upon awakening, as if after 8 hours of sleep, skin is visibly rested, fresh and radiant.

Shop now at chanel.com

Anthropologie Sequin Cut-Out Halter Wide-Leg Jumpsuit | Now £108

Primed for party season, this sequin-strewn jumpsuit features a slinky halter neckline and strut-worthy hems.

The name "Maeve" references a purple flower, a Greek goddess, and a famously beautiful Irish warrior queen. In light of these inspirations, it's no surprise that their collection is structured yet delicate, a representation of beauty and strength at once. Each Maeve design is refined and flattering.

Shop now at anthropologie.com

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Slanted is a bookish-looking magazine about typography. Its 42nd issue is actually about books, more specifically about the place of the printed book in modern in media and society. It ponders whether its future might be tied to its tactile, sensual quality or is the manufacturing and design quality of modern book, in addition to its functionality, merely a gimmick or empty marketing exercise to keep it relevant? 

This issue examines those books that are pushing boundaries, moving beyond traditional norms and rediscovering their essence, driven by the belief is that genuine reading encompasses more than mere skimming – it involves and encourages understanding and engaging in creative thinking. We couldn’t agree more, and the same goes for magazines. | £25

magalleria.co.uk

Christmas Carols in the Circus

The Circus Area Residents Association (CARA) is hosting Carols in the Circus at 7pm, Friday 15 December. 

All CARA members, Bath residents and friends are welcome to go along to the event and join in the carols with the Salvation Army providing the music. This year they are delighted to also have Nicole Medin joining them to sing two of their selected carols as their guest soloist.

There will be a charity collection at the event on behalf of nominated charities, so save the date and enjoy the musical magic of the Circus.

15 December | 7pm | The Circus, Bath BA1
carabath.com

Image by Fi Smith

Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair at Green Park Station

This is always a great Sunday outing and perfect for picking up wonderful art gifts and treats ahead of Christmas.

The award-winning monthly Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair (BCAF) is back on Sunday 10 December. Committed to bringing the best of contemporary art from the city and beyond to the heart of Bath, the fair has created a regular space where artists can network, share ideas, connect with the public, and where the public can connect with art. 

Visitors can browse the works of local artists and admire fine art, photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and much more, all under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station.

For updates and exhibiting artists visit the website: bcaf.co.uk

Festive toy donation appeal gets underway at Bath's fire station

Staff at Bath's fire station are once again collecting new toys for families in need across the local area this Christmas.

With many people finding the festive period difficult, firefighters from Avon Fire & Rescue wanted to make a difference for families in the Bath community.

The toy collection scheme, which is entering its fourth year, has seen over one hundred toys donated by members of the public and fire service staff.

Staff at the fire station said: "We're excited to be working with our local community to once again collect toys for local families this Christmas. We recognise that it's been a difficult year for many, including the effects of the current Cost of Living Crisis, and we're determined to do what we can do to support our local community. We hope that we can make a difference to those children and families that need it most this Christmas. As we did last year, we'll be asking colleagues and members of the community to donate new toys which we will organise, wrap and label before distributing."

You can donate a toy at any time to Bath, Weston-super-Mare. Bedminster or Southmead fire stations and they'll be distributed to local families. 

Julian House - The home of opportunity: Aaron's story

Aaron cannot remember a time when he wasn’t in mental pain - and, for a long time, drugs helped him to cope.

But that led him into a spiral of homelessness, crime, and gangs. He wanted to change his life but he didn't know how. 

Julian House was there for Aaron when all other options were closed to him. With the support of their dedicated team, Aaron is planning for a safe, sober and independent future.

This Christmas, your donation can help Aaron – and other people who find themselves in terrible situations – to rebuild their lives.

The security and support Julian House offer their clients is the first step towards something better. Please give what you can this Christmas, so they can reach even more people like Aaron in 2024.

Click here to donate. 

Postcard from Bath - Edition Number 6

Produced by the team at The Bath Magazine - the 6th edition of Postcard from Bath, our beautifully presented visitor guide to the city, is officially out!

This luxury guide book is designed to elevate the visitor experience and can be found in over 1700 hotel rooms, Airbnbs, and other visitor accommodation across the city.

Postcard contains the very best of shopping, dining, and things to do and see in the Bath, alongside editorial pieces on the city's fascinating history, architecture, culture, people and so much more. 

To see the digital edition or to buy a real copy for yourself as a keepsake or souvenir, head over to: postcardmagazine.co.uk.

Enjoy the read!

Victoria Bridge Road, Bath, BA2

Offered for sale by Hamptons estate agents in Bath

Situated to the seventh floor of Royal View – a landmark address within the highly desirable Riverside development – is this wonderful two bedroom apartment. 

The apartment is one of just three that benefit from a private roof garden. You enter the apartment and are greeted with the stunning open-plan living area displaying the most spectacular views over the river and towards the Royal Crescent. The room offers a light and airy feel with full height windows and two sets of doors opening to two separate balconies offering places to sit and enjoy the aspect along. Stairs lead to the roof garden. 

The kitchen is fitted with integrated Siemens appliances including a double electric oven with matching coffee machine, induction hob, wine fridge, dishwasher along with a full height fridge and full height freezer. Sleek white units are sat under a contrasting granite worktop. Additional bespoke cabinetry has been installed in the kitchen area with the addition of a larder cupboard. 

The principal bedroom has a Juliet balcony with a pleasant aspect along with a wardrobe area where additional units have been installed, leading to the luxury en-suite bathroom with a deep shower cubicle and a freestanding bath. 

The second bedroom includes double doors leading out to the balcony along with a recessed dressing area with fitted cabinets and another luxury en-suite shower room. The cloakroom and useful utility cupboard with plumbing for a washing machine are accessed from the open-plan living area and complete the layout of this superb penthouse apartment. | Guide price £1,250,000

For more images and details click here to view this property on the Hamptons website.