HAVE YOU READ AUGUST'S ISSUE?

The August mag is packed with plenty of things to do, see and enjoy this summer...

We hear from comedian Ed Byrne about how he's channelled grief and loss into his new show coming to the city soon (and we promise it's anything but depressing); we visit Distortion Studios, the new out-of-this-world home for virtual film production; and we catch up fifth-generation cider maker hero Eleanor Thatcher now that she's sitting on the board of her family's company. Plus food reviews, city happenings, restaurant updates, holiday interiors and loads more!

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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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Medal-winning 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 Thatchers Juicy Apple cider

Made using 100% renewable electricity, including power generated from the 3,500 solar panels at Thatchers’ Myrtle Farm in Somerset, the new 4% ABV cider is now available in Morrisons, and will be rolled out across other major retailers in the coming months.

The brand-new cider is set to shake up the cider category, bringing in new drinkers and appealing to younger audiences. The vibrant look and feel give it great shelf stand out and intrigue, and the fresh new colours and taste are designed to attract those who are yet to discover the deliciousness of apple cider.

Juicy Apple is now available online and in Morrisons as a single 500ml bottle (£2.50), 4 x 400ml can packs (£5.75) and 10 x 440ml can packs (£11) and will be available nationally across major retailers in the coming months.

Click here to buy now.

New by Longines

The Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39mm automatic watch is an 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 watch and explore a great range of Longines timepieces on the Mallory website

TILLY LEOPARD TIE FRONT GILET

The iconic Damson Madder Tilly Leopard gilet features a quilted body, scoop neck and front ties closures with a regular fit through the body.

It's great styled over dresses, jumpers- anything and everything!

Made from 100% organic cotton.

Designed in London.

Fox + Feather | £80

Click here to buy now or visit the store at 41 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8AD

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

The South West's first ever BBC Proms

The freshly transformed Bristol Beacon will be playing host to the first ever full-scale BBC Proms residency to take place in the South West – on Sat 24, Sun 25 & bank holiday Mon 26 August. To launch the festival weekend, a lively ensemble led by marching musicians from Bristol’s Jump Street Band, supported by members of the Proms team, Bristol Beacon staff and others, will perform a special celebratory musical medley Proms parade from around 8am on Friday 23 August.

Starting in the city centre by the fountains, they will encourage passers-by to join in, as they take the Proms parade across the centre and into Bristol Beacon. Once inside, they’ll lead into Beacon Hall, where Paraorchestra will be setting up and rehearsing for their performance.

Click here for more information.

IDLES announce War Child benefit gig

Bristol legends IDLES will take to the stage at O2 Academy Bristol on 24 August with support from 86TVs, Zalizo and a DJ set from Boca 45 for a gig like no other, which will be hosted by acclaimed comedian Stewart Lee.

Crosstown Concerts, Friendly Records and War Child UK have joined forces to bring this huge fundraising concert to our city. But more than just a concert, this celebration of music is a powerful statement of solidarity. All proceeds will go to War Child, a charity dedicated to supporting children affected by conflict around the world. On the day, there will be limited-edition merch for sale, along with a raffle draw to win some one-of-a-kind prizes. Tickets for the raffle will be £5 and can be purchased at the venue with all funds raised going directly to War Child.

Tickets went on sale this morning (16 August) and are available from Ticketmaster. For more information on War Child and the work it does, click here.

Clay Shed pottery courses

Get behind the POTTERY Wheel

Clay Shed offers a range of six week pottery courses, weekend workshops and private group events, suitable for complete beginners to more experienced makers. Choose from dedicated throwing to more general ‘try a bit of everything’ courses. Weekend workshops range from monthly throwing taster sessions to visiting artists teaching specialist skills. Adult group events can cater for private parties, corporate team building exercises or hen parties.

Whether you want to make functional pots, or sculptural forms, the expert tutors at Clay Shed will help nurture your creativity at any level. And class sizes are small and intimate, providing valuable one-to-one time each week with your tutor. Learn new skills and develop your creativity alongside like-minded people in Clay Shed’s purpose-built pottery studio in BS5. Sign up now for classes starting this September.

clayshed.co.uk
Unit 6, Lawrence Hill Industrial Estate, Russell Town Avenue, BS5 9LT

Manilla Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8

Offered for sale by Rupert Oliver estate agent

Over the past few years, the owners have dramatically improved the layout of No. 13, reconfiguring the hall floor to create a stunning open plan kitchen, dining and sitting room to the rear, flooded with natural light and looking out onto the rear garden. They have also cleverly created a separate utility & boot room; along with a separate cloakroom and w.c. In addition to improving the boiler and heating system they have also replaced the roof and installed bespoke cabinetry. Accessed from the front via a pretty paved driveway with off-street parking, the original wooden front door gives access to an entrance porch, with a part-glazed door opening into the welcoming entrance hall with a stripped oak floor. Flooded with natural light, this gives access to a boot room and utility, with a cupboard housing stacked space for a washing machine and dryer, as well as cupboards for the family's coats, boots and shoes, and a side door leading into a separate w.c and cloakroom. 

On the opposite side is an elegant sitting room with a herringbone parquet engineered oak wooden floor, flooded with light from the south facing bay window, with working sash windows and New England shutters. A feature fire surround with an electric cast iron stove creates a focal point whilst providing additional warmth in the winter, and the high ceiling retains original plasterwork. To the rear, the house has been sensitively opened up to create a truly versatile family space; with a second reception room enjoying views out over the garden, a feature wood-burning stove and bespoke cabinets to the alcoves.

The space opens up to the recently fitted kitchen; with its clean handless finish and expanse of quartz work tops and sociable peninsular island with a recessed induction hob. In addition there are two wall-mounted electric ovens, a microwave combi oven and an integrated dishwasher, with space for an American style fridge & freezer. This space opens up into a fabulous dining room, with a glazed pitched ceiling and dual aspect of sliding glass doors; one opening up to Juliet balcony and the other leading into the garden below. Upstairs, over the top two floors, lie 6 double bedrooms – three on each floor with each floor served by a well-appointed family bathroom; both fitted with a bath and separate shower. This versatile configuration present numerous options for families of all ages and size, as well as space for a home office, or two, along with a dressing room if required. Accessed from the garden is an exceptionally convenient basement; divided into several “rooms” and providing secure, well ventilated storage, workshop space and, subject to ant necessary consent, further accommodation if required.

To the rear of the house is a charming walled rear garden, fully enclosed and accessed from the house via the kitchen & dining room as well as from Grange Road via a pedestrian gate. This gated access is hugely convenient; bringing bikes, prams, children and pets in as well as for accessing the basement storage. The garden itself catches much of the day's sun and has been professionally landscaped to provide an expanse of paved dining terrace which catches the afternoon and evening sun; a perfect BBQ and dining spot, as well as a decent area of artificial lawn for children to play on. To the front, the paved off-street parking space gives plenty room for a large family car to park “off-street” (two smaller cars can equally fit) with the ability to block this in with another. Owners are also eligible for a Clifton Village Residents Parking Permit (for an annual fee) and further visitor permits are issued annually.  |  Guide price £1,750,000

For more images and details click here to see the Rupert Oliver website