Albaray opens new store in Bath

Albaray, the womenswear fashion brand, will open its new retail store tomorrow (25 May) on New Bond Street. 

The store will offer an inviting, pared-back store environment, and the team will create a welcoming atmosphere for customers to discover the brand and explore the collections.

Karen Peacock (Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer) comments:

"As a brand, we believe fashion should be effortless, inspiring, offer versatility and be made responsibly, and we are excited to share this vision with the community in Bath."

The shop will serve as a destination store and deliver the Albaray brand experience, stocking the entire collection.

24 New Bond Street, BA1
albaray.co.uk

OUR JUNE ISSUE IS OUT NEXT WEEK!

You'll love our marvellous June 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.

This month we spoke to the great stage and screen actor Sir Ian McKellen ahead of his appearance in Player Kings at the Bristol Hippodrome. He told us that the role of Falstaff was a tricky one to take on, but that it includes lots of laughs. And indeed that everyone’s life is a Shakespearean play… We also spoke to clothier and businessman Patrick Grant (co-judge of the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee) who is up in arms against the fashion industry, where seasonal fashions have been replaced by a constant issue of sub-par clothing. We are also treated to a preview of If Opera’s summer programme. Plus so much more!

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

Click here to enjoy the digital version of our current issue! 

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 – click here to subscribe on our website. 

Words by Melissa Blease

Strawberry Shortcakes

Super-short scone/sponge cake hybrids crammed with strawberries and cream, best served as part of a lazy Bank Holiday garden tea. 

Ingredients (makes 8 shortcakes)

325g self-raising flour
5 tablespoons caster sugar
125g frozen unsalted butter
1 large egg, beaten
125m single cream
1 large egg white (lightly beaten)

For the filling:
300g strawberries
1 tbsp caster sugar
250m double cream

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/gas mark 7.

2. Mix the flour and 3 tbsp of the sugar together in a bowl. Grate the frozen butter into the dry ingredients and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until you've created a breadcrumb-like texture.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg into the cream and add the flour/butter mixture a little at a time, using a fork to mix together (you may not need all of the eggy cream to make the dough come together).

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured surface and gently roll to approx. 2cm thick. Dip a 6cm cutter (or similarly-sized glass) in flour and stamp out as many rounds as you can. Work the scraps back into a dough, re-roll and continue cutting out; you should get 8 rounds in all.

5. Place the shortcakes around 2cm apart on a greased or lined baking sheet, brush the tops with the egg white and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tbsp of caster sugar. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden-brown, and transfer to a wire rack.

6. Crush half the strawberries with the sugar, quarter the remaining strawberries and whip the double cream. Split each shortcake in half horizontally (if they're still slightly warm inside, all the better!) and fill with a spoonful of the crushed strawberry mixture, a tumble of quartered strawberries and generous dollops of whipped cream. Put the 'lid' on top and serve immediately, dusted with icing sugar.

Italian red wines at Great Wine Co.

Italy's topographic makeup lends itself perfectly to wine production. As a result of her physique Italy boasts a myriad of different soils and climates. Adding to the equation a plethora of indigenous grape varieties, each harvest yields an abundance of diverse and fascinating wine styles. Italy is further blessed with many dedicated and passionate winemakers and vine growers.

Visit greatwine.co.uk to explore more

Two-for-one offer on rosé at The Bird

Don't miss out on The Bird's two-for-one offer on Leoube rosé as the restaurant relaunches its garden terrace, just in time for summer!

Make sure to mention this offer when booking your place!

Email reservations@thebirdbath.co.uk now to book
thebirdbath.co.uk

Wine Dinner at La Terra

Enjoy a lovely wine dinner at La Terra on 12 June at 7.30pm with Cantin Campagnola Veneto.

La Terra's wine dinner will include Campagnola wine. The Giuseppe Campagnola winery has its heart in Marano di Valpolicella, where it produces and vinifies the grapes, both from suitable land owned and from historical suppliers, still identified in the 1950s by Grandfather Luigi, with a view to continuous improvement of the quality of the grapes. The five generations of the wine company have conquered the land, vineyards and grapes, achieving excellence thanks to the love and passion of its components.

Arrival drinks start at 7.30pm, following a four-course meal accompanied by a matching wine flight. £85 per person.

Click here to book.

Not just for when the sun shines

It could be sunnier, but even on a dull day in May, nothing says statement style more than putting on a really great pair of shades. In fact, whatever the weather, you'll feel cool, glamorous, and be very much in your own Hollywood moment. Shown here are four great styles from Mallory. 

Click here to see more sunglasses at Mallory. 

Cream Cornwall's Aqua & Greens Multi Vase Pooley | £41

Cream Cornwall's unique ceramic vase set, in coordinated colours, is a simple addition that can bring a big change to your space. Pop in a few flowers, and these vases instantly brighten up any room, turning an ordinary setting into an extraordinary one.

Click here to purchase. 

All ambassador shots are courtesy of Jo Malone London

Tom Hardy is Jo Malone's London ambassador for Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense

Bonded by British roots, a playful creative demeanour and a shared dedication to social impact and mental health – Hardy was an obvious choice of ambassador for the brand. A born and bred Londoner, he is known for cerebral performances that showcase his depth, complexity and versatility as an actor.

Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense:
The aromatic notes of cypress trees unite with the warmth of grapevine and the sensuality of amber. A fresh and woody scent that leaves a lasting impression. Refined, distinctive and bold. | £160

Click here to purchase or visit the store in Bath at 6-7 Old Bond St, Bath BA1 1BW

Reformation and Jimmy Fairly join forces for an ultra-limited collection

The Californian way of life meets French savoir-faire to create an ultra-trendy collection using responsible materials.

Incredibly trendy, the Flore is the even more responsible silhouette, designed from bio acetate and bio nylon glass. Available in two variations, they are handmade in France.

The Flore | £165
Click here to shop the collection or visit the store in Bath at 4 Burton St, Bath BA1 1BN

Stay fashionably dry

The City Lights rain poncho features an aesthetic Bokeh blur effect of a vibrant cityscape at night. Orbs of light; black, blues, violet and pinky hues seem to cause a glare. The City Lights rain poncho comes from everywhere.

Rainkiss rain ponchos are cut to perfection with taped seams and are 100% waterproof. It’s of high importance to them to only work with sustainable materials, like recycled polyester. Some choices in life are worth it.

Rainkiss | £69
Click here to shop the collection or visit the store in Bath at 3 George St, Bath BA1 2EH

No one wants to carry around a soggy tote

Constructed from the brand's signature waterproof PU fabric, this compact tote bag by Rains is the perfect carrier for daily essentials. 

With collections that blend a conceptual-meets-functional design approach, Rains is an outerwear lifestyle brand with strong urban inspiration and a signature fabric identity. Creating unisex products with a neo-Scandinavian aesthetic, each item is designed with its own coated waterproof fabric inspired by the classic rubber raincoat.

Rains | £65
Click here to shop the collection or visit the store in Bath at 1-4 New Bond St, Bath BA1 1BE

Curated by Daniel McCabe

The latest Hotshoe is subtitled ‘Shooting Mum and Dad’. If it sounds off-putting, well, relax. Hotshoe is a photography magazine and this issue examines our relationship with our parents and how our intimacy with them, or lack of it, has shaped us as individuals, both physically and psychologically. As always the magazine has solicited an outstanding selection of A-list and emerging artists to tackle the theme. The variety of approaches really does give pause for thought and continues an outstanding sequence of releases over the last couple years. If you’re looking for a sturdy photography journal to keep on the shelves and return to again and again, this is one we can recommend. | £20

magalleria.co.uk

Little one's dine for free at The Ivy

As the weather warms up, experience an unforgettable summer half term at The Ivy and treat your little ones between 27–31 May from 11.30am. 

Exclusively for The Ivy Premier Rewards app members, for every paying adult, a child aged 12 or under can enjoy a complimentary main course from our Little Dreamers menu, featuring a host of kids' favourites.

Simply make a booking in the app and present your card when dining. Available Monday–Friday.

Click here to book a table. 
39 Milsom St, Bath BA1 1DN

The Bath Festival hosts an event on The Great Post Office Scandal

As part of the Bath Festival, members involved in The Great Post Office Scandal will be coming together to present a talk on Sunday 26 May from 1.30pm–2.30pm at The Guildhall. 

Journalist Rebecca Thomson (who broke the Post Office accounting story) is joined by former post office manager Nichola Arch, actor John Hollingworth (from ITV's Mr Bates vs. The Post Office) and journalist Nick Wallis (author of The Great Post Office Scandal). 

In this unique Bath Festival event, they will talk about their personal experiences of this huge miscarriage of justice, as well as updating us on the ongoing public inquiry. Tickets are £13. 

Click here to read our article about the scandal as we hear from Gwyneth Hughes, screenwriter of the ITV drama and journalist Nick Wallis. 

To book your tickets to the event, click here. 

The Royal Bath & West Show starts again!

The Royal Bath & West Show throws open its gates to visitors on 30 May–1 June with a packed three-day programme ahead.

With half-term in full swing, the show will provide a great day of family entertainment for the young and young at heart. Highlights this year include the Horticulture Village, where visitors can obtain gardening tips from experts such as David Domoney of ITV’s ‘Love Your Garden’; the Dorset Axemen, who are back in the Woodland and Countryside Arena; and The Great British Kitchen, which welcomes Rachel Khoo, Clodagh McKenna, Rosemary Shrager and Andy Clarke.

Main Ring entertainment comes from the Pony Club Games and the Jamie Squibb Freestyle motorbike displays; whilst the Sports Village and Lakeside Farm will have plenty of activities for everyone. The all-new ‘Bark & West’ section is also a must-visit dedicated to pets, and features trade stands, an agility ring, and displays from show favourites Pawsability Dog Agility.

The ever-popular Wurzels will be performing on Thursday, and if you are planning to visit on Saturday you may catch a glimpse of Love Island’s Farmer Will.

Get your tickets, which can be purchased at bathandwest.com or on the gate. 

Heat up your night with UK jazz star Dennis Rollins

Join Wiltshire Music Centre on 1 June for a funky jazz show with UK trombone star, Dennis Rollins, who's played with legends like Maceo Parker, Courtney Pine, Jamiroquai and Blur. 

He'll be performing his FUNKY-FUNK! show with his band as part of Wiltshire Music Centre's partnership with the Bradford on Avon Live Music Festival.

On offer will be a bowl of delicious Caribbean-inspired stew (meat or veggie) before the show. Freshly and locally prepared by our go-to caterers, Fat Fowl Kitchens for just £13 per person (special intro offer).

Click here to read our exclusive interview with the talented trombonist Dennis Rollins. 
Click here to book now. 

Caisson Gardens: Open Garden Day

Don't miss Caisson Gardens Open Garden Days and feel nature's freshness. The open days will take place on 31 May, and 7, 12, 21 and 22 June.

June is renowned for its abundance of flowers and vibrant colours filling the air with sweet fragrances.

There will be tea and delicious homemade cakes which are not to be missed! Parking is in the field, no dogs allowed. Children to be supervised at all times. Hazards of deep water and dry canals.

After purchase you will receive an email confirmation. Please bring this with you as we will need the order number to confirm entry. Please have ready at the entrance gate.

Morning session 10am–12noon
Afternoon session 2pm–4pm

Caisson House, Combe Hay, Bath BA2 7EF
Click here to visit the website.

Bath Care Home bridges the generation gap

Residents at Hallmark Midford Manor welcomed a gaggle of young visitors into the home as part of a new weekly music session run in partnership with The Together Project. 

Songs & Smiles, which will take place every Friday in the home, brings together 0-4 year olds, their grown-ups and residents for music, movement, singing and the chance to develop long-lasting friendships.

Each session held at the residential, dementia and nursing home on Frome Road lasts approximately an hour, with the main activity followed by refreshments and a meet and mingle with residents and the care team.

The purpose of the activity is to reduce loneliness, improve well-being, tackle ageism and unite local communities through joyful intergenerational activities.

Click here for more information. 

Image Credits: courtesy of Adam Wilkes

Lansdown Open Gardens

The annual Lansdown Open Gardens will take place on Sunday 2 June.

There will be eight gardens open across Lansdown and a plant sale on the St. Stephen’s Millennium Green. Teas and home-made cakes will be on sale in the St. Stephen’s Centre underneath St. Stephen’s Church accessed from Lansdown Road.

All proceeds go towards the upkeep of The Millennium Green. Tickets are £5 each (children free). Tickets may be purchased on the day at the Millennium Green or at the gardens. 

Tickets can also be purchased in advance at millenniumgreen.org.uk where you can find more information.

An evening with Mentoring Plus: Preparing Young People for Change

Local youth charity Mentoring Plus invites you to join its experienced youth practitioners for an in-person workshop on the theme of change on 3 June at 7pm–8.30pm.

Has your child ever struggled with times of change? Such as moving schools or a family bereavement?

Learn how to help your child acknowledge and understand their feelings, and how you can be a safe space for them.

Open to parents/carers, family members and those working with young people. Tickets £5 and include refreshments.

Click here for more information and to book.

The Therapist salon: free coffee morning

Don't miss a coffee morning on Saturday, 15 June, 10am-1pm for local psychotherapists and counsellors from and around Bath at Bath clinic, The Assembly.

Join Audrey Stephenson and be a part of a thriving therapeutic community that shares best practices, war stories and serves as a supportive and educative addition to your practice. 

This event will host a special guest speaker Dr. Sam Carr, Bath based psychologist and social scientist with the Department of Education and the University of Bath who will speak about his new book All the lonely people which is a collection of stories of love and loss, of trauma and hope, told from care homes, living rooms, classrooms and kitchens

Please book your space by emailing Monika at: monika@audreystephenson.co.uk; Audrey Stephenson
audreystephenson.co.uk

Patrick Grant talks about new book 'Less: Stop Buying So Much Rubbish'

The respected fashion designer, founder of Community Clothing and beloved Great British Sewing Bee judge comes to Bath on 26 June between 7pm–8pm, to talk about Less: Stop Buying So Much Rubbish - a passionate and revealing book about loving clothes but despairing of a broken global system.

With a career in fashion spanning nearly two decades, Patrick Grant has a lot to say about our clothing, who makes it and how it’s made.

Patrick talks to Lizzie Heffer about the crisis of consumption and quality in fashion, how valuing craftsmanship and local manufacturing matters for all our futures and how we might make ourselves happier by rediscovering the joy of living with fewer, better quality things. Tickets are £10.

Click here to purchase your tickets. 

Church Cottage, Dunkerton, Bath BA2 8BJ

Offered for sale by Cobb Farr estate agents

A beautifully presented 4 bedroom period farmhouse set in an attractive village location, fully modernised to a high standard with an attractive walled garden and garage, all within a few miles of the city centre of Bath.

Particular features are the light and airy kitchen/breakfast room with its full height ceiling and exposed beams and this is complemented by an attractive sitting room with double aspect and a feature fireplace. Three of the bedrooms, together with the main bathroom are on the first floor and the fourth bedroom is at ground floor level with an additional shower room.

Clever design features are throughout the property which include wooden doors, floating elm shelving throughout, high quality range of kitchen units with Corian work tops and French limestone flooring. Reclaimed oak and elm have been used to provide doors, shelves and gates.

Works carried out include re-plumbing, re-wiring, roofs being overhauled within the last 5 years, new damp proofing within the kitchen area, sitting room and hallway and fully double-glazed hardwood windows throughout.

The interior is beautifully complemented by the wonderful walled garden to the rear which is planted with a wealth of mature shrubs and trees. The property also has the benefit of parking to the front and a large garage.

This is a particularly unique and special property, and a viewing is strongly recommended by the sole agents Cobb Farr. | Offers in excess of £1,200,000

For more information visit Cobb Farr website.