OUR AUGUST ISSUE IS OUT NOW! PICK UP YOUR COPY AND ENJOY!

You'll love our marvellous August 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 comedian Nish Kumar about the business of making people laugh – which he says he has been practising all his life. Another interview is with a figure who has also made us laugh many times, Jane Horrocks (Bubble in Ab Fab), but everything has got more serious as she takes the lead in Pinter's The Birthday Party at Theatre Royal Bath. We also talked to Bath FC manager Jerry Gill on how he qualifies success and his hopes for the approaching football season. There's also fashion, shopping, food, culture, city personalities, interiors and 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

Summer Pudding

If you're not going to make this classic English pud in the middle of August, when are you going to make it? There's simply no better way to make full use of all the luscious summer fruit that's trending right now.

Summer Pudding is simple to create and doesn't require any baking or steaming. You will, however, need a 1-litre pudding basin or similarly-sized bowl, and you'll need to start your preparation two days in advance of tucking in.

Ingredients (serves 6)

750g mixed summer fruit (eg. raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, pitted cherries)
185g caster sugar
1 x 400g loaf of day-old, sliced white bread
2 tbsp cassis (or blackcurrant cordial)

Method

Put all the fruit in a saucepan, add the sugar and stir gently to mix together.

Cover the pan and refrigerate overnight to get the fruit juices flowing.

When the fruit has 'marinated', bring gently to the boil then allow to simmer for around 2-3 minutes. Meanwhile, remove the crusts from several slices of the bread and cut into triangles.

Take the fruit off the heat and stir in the cassis or blackcurrant cordial. Cut a round out of one slice of bread to fit the bottom of the pudding basin, dip into the fruit juice in the pan and place in the bottom of the basin, juice-side down. Line the sides of the pudding basin with juice-dipped bread triangles (juice-side facing outwards), plugging any gaps with little pieces of of fruit-dipped bread.

When the bowl is completely lined with juice-dipped bread, spoon all of the fruit and its juices into the pudding basin. Cover the top of the fruit with more slices of bread and put the pudding basin on a plate. Place a suitably-sized saucer on top of the pudding and weigh it down with weights (tins of beans, bags of rice or lentils?). Allow the pudding to cool completely then place in the fridge overnight.

The next day, remove the weights and the saucer. Run a thin blade around the edges of the pudding, then invert the basin onto a serving plate and turn out. Cut into thick slices and serve with plenty of thick cream.

Medallist wines at The Great Wine Co.

The Great Wine Co's comprehensive range is constantly picking up awards and prizes in international competitions. These wines all have medals from the International Wine Challenge or Decanter World Wine Awards.

Gigondas 'Tradition’, Domaine Brusset | £27.50

Wonderfully genuine, just-picked raspberries and crushed black pepper aromas enveloped by a mouthwatering yeastiness, like baking bread. Really fresh in the mouth, with raspberry and black cherry flavours, although the youthful tannin and crisp acidity suggest pomegranate or cranberry. This is SUCH a vibrant wine: if you order a few bottles, it would be a shame not to enjoy some of them immediately for their wonderful freshness and crystal clear sense of place. However, it will have no problem ageing 4-5 years, and probably longer.

Furmint, Sauska | £11

A beautifully aromatic expression of Furmint, packed with flavours of ripe figs, mango, kiwi, lemon zest and green tea. Crisp, clean, perfectly balanced - the very definition of Tokaj Furmint.

Signature White Blend, Susana Balbo | £16

This lovely wine is a Bordeaux blend with an Argentine twist. The expected Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc are combined with masterfully-crafted Torrontés - Susana is the 'Queen of Torrontés', after all. The result is wonderfully bright and aromatic, with freshness yet also layers of texture and complexity. Floral and citrus notes combine with hints of fresh grass, white peach and orange. In the mouth, floral, fresh and fruity flavours are in perfect balance with the unctuousness that comes from barrel maturation.

Valpolicella Classico Le Miniere di Novare, Bertani | £22

A single-site Valpolicella from Bertani's Tenuta Novare estate. With its transparent red hue and delicate aromas, this has much in common with fine Burgundy. Bright aromas of just-picked red cherries, wild strawberries, redcurrants and complex white pepper notes abound. Fresh and finely-balanced, it is immediately enjoyable, while promising development with cellaring.

Visit greatwine.co.uk to explore more

New by Longines

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39mm automatic watch is a homage to Longines' long standing association and precision instruments worn by the world’s greatest aviators and pioneers on their legendary exploits.

Blending heritage with modern precision, this contemporary 39mm pilot's watch features a titanium case with a black ceramic rotating bezel and a sophisticated anthracite dial with gold polished hands and applied Arabic numerals, the markers are enhanced by Swiss Super-LumiNova for optimal visibility.

Powered by the Longines in-house calibre movement, this COSC-certified chronometer includes a 24-hour hand with a time zone mechanism, it has 72 hours of power reserve, and is water resistance up to 100 meters (10 bar), all secured with an elegant but robust titanium bracelet. £3,900

Click here to see this and explore a great range of Longines timepieces on the Mallory website

Chanel 31 Le Rouge Matte Lipstick
Exclusive Shades

Revealed in 2023 with a palette of twelve shades in a satin finish, the 31 LE ROUGE collection is including twelve new and exclusive matte and luminous shades. The new creations are directly inspired by a unique and exceptional colour heritage, from Mademoiselle’s sophisticated apartment to the couture ateliers, via the effervescent ambiance of the 31 rue Cambon boutique.

Four years in the making, 31 Le Rouge is a luxurious, refillable lipstick in a mirrored case inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s infamous mirrored staircase at 31 Rue Cambon. A lipstick for life, entirely made from glass and metal. A treasured object and something that can be passed down through generations. You simply just purchase another refill.

Sylvie Legastelois, Head of Packing and Design Creation, designed 31 Le Rouge and has been in the house for 38(!!!)years. She has created every iconic beauty product at CHANEL for the past three (almost 4) decades from the Gabrielle fragrance bottle to the classic double compact mirror.

An incredible concentrate encompassing every area of House expertise, 31 LE ROUGE unites light with a matte finish in a game of contrasts presenting a captivating balance in the lips. Rather than reflecting light, 31 LE ROUGE absorbs it for a direct and powerful result.

Colour is mastered and expressed in its purest form.

Chanel | £140 with case
Click here to buy now

Double-Sided Purple and Red Pocket Square

This beautiful intricate design with an early 1900s' fashion plate of 'George', is hugely versatile because it is double-sided with a complementary all-over design and colour on the opposite side.

• 100% Silk Twill
• Hand Rolled Edges
• Made in England
  
• 33cm x 33cm

Thomas Fortin | £57.50

Click here to buy now. 

Holloways of Ludlow

Situated in the heart of Bath on the beautiful Milsom Street, Holloways of Ludlow is a retailer of the finest lighting, furniture and homeware. Offering a network of over 400 international brands it has been the leading provider of quality design for nearly 40 years. The showroom spans two floors presenting beautifully curated spaces while offering advice and guidance for choosing the perfect piece for your home. At the very heart of the business is the enduring belief that good design should look beautiful, function well and last a lifetime.
Open: Monday – Saturday 9.30am–5.30pm and Sunday 11am–5pm

37 Milsom Street, Bath 
Web: hollowaysofludlow.com

Always Sunday

Always Sunday is a proudly independent, woman-owned homewares and luxury gifts store championing local artisans and small makers to bring you limited edition finds you won’t encounter anywhere else. Discover signature coloured enamelware, exclusive luxury candle scents like ‘Miss Havisham’ (smells like the faded grandeur of antique mahogany and patchouli potpourri) and ‘Man of My Dreams’ (warm tobacco, rich sandalwood and the leather back seat of a vintage corvette), alongside an impressive rainbow wall of tapered candles as you enter this aesthetically pleasing boutique.

9 Broad Street, Bath 
Web: alwayssunday.store

Click here for more great Bath shops!

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Unconditional is a New York-based fashion and culture magazine founded by French photographer Alexandra Nataf and Australian stylist Ilona Hamer. It’s one that we always put in our top five, or at least we did until it disappeared around four years ago, so we’re thrilled to report that it’s back. It still boldly claims that it’s a magazine ‘as singular as the individuals reflected in it… a biannual that celebrates this entire universe of impressive women – their lives, their work, their style and their homes – and redefines how their stories are told in print.’ And we’re just as thrilled to find it still does exactly that. Issue 10 features stories and interviews with Malgosia Bela, Jeanne Cadieu, Bibi Breslin, Anne-Catherine Lacroix, Suzanne Demisch, Juniper Tedhams, Luca Bagnara, Livia Penciatici, Anouk Biard and others. | £20

magalleria.co.uk

New series of Celebrity Race Across The World

The second series of Celebrity Race Across The World sprinted into action on BBC One this week (Wednesday, 9pm) – and this time contestants are navigating the Amazon and the Andes in South America. The 12,500km race begins in Belem, northern Brazil, before passing through five undisclosed checkpoints across the length of South America to the finish line in the Andes, Frutillar in southern Chile.

Four new famous faces will compete to make their way across countries without the aid of transport, smartphones and bank cards. TV personality Jeff Brazier and his son Freddy, actor Kola Bokinni and his cousin Mary, former glamour model Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy, and Radio 2 host Scott Mills and his husband Sam will have to rely on their wits to make it to the other side of the continent.

Viewers can tune into BBC One or BBC iPlayer to watch the new series.

Watch the trailer here!

Kids' Rave at the American Museum
Sunday 18 August

Join the amazing Super Pirates in their star disco storytelling tent and enjoy circus play, barrels full of fun, and an epic dance to a classic American playlist. A super family adventure for the summer!

Doors will open at 5.15pm, the event will start at 5.30pm. The event will conclude at 7pm.

On arrival, please check in with the Ticket Office who will give you more information about the event. The rave is planned to be outside in the gardens, but may move indoors if it’s raining.

Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase from the American Garden Deli.

Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD
Click here for more information & tickets.

THE WYLDE CREATURES OF BATH TRAIL

Calling all young explorers! Throughout August, follow the “Wylde Creatures of Bath” Trail, matching the designs on the benches with their pairs inside shop windows.

Follow the trail in the competition booklet to discover the animal in each shop window. You have until 31st August to submit your competition booklet. You can collect a booklet from the Bath BID Office, 11A York Street or a participating business.

When you have completed your booklet, you can drop it off at the Bath BID office to send it by post.
All winning entries will be collected and a random entry from each age group will win the prizes for their age group. 

11A York St, Bath BA1 1NG
Click here for more information.

TIM PEAKE: ASTRONAUTS THE QUEST TO EXPLORE SPACE
Friday 6 September 6.30pm at The Forum

From the first forays into the vast potential of space in the 50s and beyond, to the first human missions to Mars, Tim Peake –the longstanding European Space Agency astronaut – will traverse the final frontier. He’ll go where no one has gone before to offer breathtaking insights into iconic and groundbreaking missions.

As Tim recounts the awe-inspiring endeavours of astronauts across the ages, he’ll reveal what spaceflight is truly like: from the wondrous view of Earth, living in weightlessness, the unique dangers and unexpected moments of humour, to the years of training and gruelling psychological and physical pressures an astronaut must endure.

Tickets start at £35

1a Forum Buildings, St James Parade, Bath, BA1 1UG
There’s still a chance to grab some tickets here.

The Duke's Theatre Company presents 'As You Like It'
Friday 21 August, 7pm

The ancient Forest of Arden serves as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s most famous and quotable comedy.

When Rosalind is banished from Duke Ferdinand’s court, new identities are explored with hilarious consequences. Music, mayhem and madness thrill as we are shown that “All the world’s a stage”.

Back for a fourth Summer Season, The Duke’s Theatre Company follow their acclaimed tours of Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night with As You Like It.

The Garden Theatre Festival present this pop-up special outside of their regular programming.

These events are still evenings of delightful theatre but without all of the main festival infrastructure. But don’t worry, the bar and snack bar is still open!

The Holburne Museum, Bathwick

Click here to get your tickets now.

BATH RUGBY SEASON LAUNCH
Sunday 23 August, 11am - 4pm

This is your chance to meet Premiership Rugby finalists Bath Rugby as they launch the new 2024/25 season in an event at their home ground, The Rec. Bring the whole family along for live music, outdoor activities and a player and coach Q&A. There’ll also be showcases from Pentathlon GB, activities for juniors and plenty of food & drink vendors. The whole event is completely free. Join Bath Rugby as they kick off their 2024-25 season!

The Rec, Pulteney Mews, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4DS

Click here to get your tickets now.

Bath City v Welling United

Head to Twerton Park for The Romans first home game of Vanarama National League South!

Sydney Place, Bath BA2

Offered for sale by Hamptons Estate Agents in Bath.

An exquisite, grand property in the George III terrace, described by Pevsner's Architectural Guide to Bath as "the most beautiful of Bath's 19th Century buildings. Providing elegant accommodation on a grand scale, this magnificent house has truly outstanding principal rooms of majestic proportions and a rare wealth of exquisite surviving period detail.

Built in 1808–09, this was the last great Georgian terrace, consisting of 11 palatial townhouses, to be built in Bath  and is universally regarded as John Pinch the Elder’s masterpiece. While property in the terrace has been home to Queen Charlotte, as well as Earls, Dukes, Viscounts and the most distinguished notaries, it is the current owners who have lovingly restored the historic detail and heritage of the building while also equipping the house to meet the requirements of 21st-century family living.

There is the flexibility either to entertain formally on a grand scale, or to enjoy informal kitchen suppers in the well designed and beautifully crafted kitchen which overlooks the walled rear garden.

The five-flight, cantilevered, 'floating’ stone staircase with its post-Robert Adam ‘stick’ balusters and sweeping, fine mahogany handrail is visually stunning as it ascends from the bright central hall.

The two principal ground-floor rooms are the Breakfast Room and Morning Room overlooking the leafy walled garden. The ‘star performers’ of the house are the two majestic rooms occupying the whole of the first floor, including the grand drawing room with three full-height Georgian sash windows. 


The two principal bedrooms are on the second floor. The front bedroom suite offers dramatic views of the Holburne Museum and across Sydney Gardens, and has an en-suite naturally-lit dressing room and bathroom, while the capacious guest bedroom with its elegant fireplace and large en-suite bathroom enjoys dramatic views over the garden and St Mary’s church.


The four third-floor bedrooms, with delightful original fireplaces and two bathrooms, are currently arranged so that two of the rooms are adjoined to create a “nanny suite” with en-suite bathroom. 


Outside, a walled private garden to the rear is large for a townhouse garden, measuring some 90 feet in length. There is a large stone-paved terrace leading directly from the kitchen that is ideal for outdoor dining or cocktails before dinner. 
| Price from £3,250,000

For more detail and to view a wonderful range of images click here to see the property as featured on the Hamptons website: