A specially curated guide to help you enjoy the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath

BRAND NEW DRAMA  |  AIRING ON SUNDAY

"Linda [Radlett] is a wonderful character; free-spirited, passionate, impulsive, fiery, frustrating, selfish. The choices she makes at times feel harsh and quite brutal, but I instinctively feel I understand her and love her deeply. I recognise a lot of myself in her."  – Lily James

Watch the date this weekend – because it's Sunday 9 May when we'll be able to see the much talked about The Pursuit of Love, an adaptation of Nancy Mitford's 1945 novel.

Adapted and directed by award-winning Emily Mortimer, The Pursuit of Love is a romantic comedy-drama about love and friendship, starring Lily James as the charismatic and fearless Linda Radlett and Emily Beecham as her best friend and cousin Fanny Logan. The drama also features Dominic West, Andrew Scott, Assaad Bouab, Freddie Fox and Emily Mortimer.

Consumed by a desire for love and marriage, the two women are on the hunt for an ideal husband but their friendship is put to the test when they choose very different paths. While Fanny settles for a steady life, Linda decides to follow hear heart, to increasingly wild and outrageous places. 

The new period drama begins on BBC One at 9pm on Sunday 9 May. All three episodes will then be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Filming took place last year in the Bristol and Bath area and at Bottle Yard Studios, with some scenes completed in Paris, France. It was one of the first drama productions to resume shooting in the UK after the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.  

The Pursuit of Love is produced by Open Book Productions and Moonage Pictures for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. 

Watch it on BBC One on Sunday

MASTERS OF DESIGN  |  A RARE ART

The goldsmiths at Orton Jewellery create handmade bespoke fine jewellery set with rare and unusual gemstones, with the addition of genuine vitreous enamel. The skilful application and firing of crushed coloured glass to fine jewellery is a dying art. For hundreds of years vitreous enamel has been used to add a shot of glowing colour to an item of jewellery, but there are now very few artisans who can master the art of enamelling to this standard. Fortunately for us we have one on our doorstep in Bradford-on-Avon.....

ortonjewellery.co.uk

WHAT'S ON  |  THE CITY'S BEST CONTEMPORARY ART

Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair is delighted to finally welcome everyone back to its May fair. Bath Contemporary Artists Fair is committed to bringing the best of contemporary art from the city and beyond right to the heart of Bath.

Following on from the successful and popular fairs last year, the next event is on 9 May, where visitors can browse the brilliant works of local artists and admire fine art, photography, sculpture and textiles, all under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station.

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

Image: artwork by Richard Gibson

CITY NEWS  |  CABINET CHANGES

A new leader and cabinet members for Bath & North East Somerset Council were appointed this week at the council’s Annual General Meeting.

The new nine-member team is made up of the new leader, Councillor Kevin Guy, supported by eight councillors responsible for seven portfolios, one of which, for Adults and Council House Building, will be subject to a job share.

The appointment of the new posts follows Councillor Dine Romero standing down as council leader and leader of the Liberal Democrat group in April.

The new cabinet and their portfolios are:

• Councillor Kevin Guy – Council Leader
• Councillor Richard Samuel – Deputy Council Leader, Economic Development and Resources
• Councillor Sarah Warren – Deputy Council Leader, Climate and Sustainable Travel
• Councillor Alison Born and Councillor Tom Davies (Job Share) – Adults and Council House Building
• Councillor Dine Romero – Children and Young People, Communities and Culture
• Councillor David Wood – Neighbourhood Services
• Councillor Manda Rigby – Transport
• Councillor Tim Ball – Planning

Councillor Kevin Guy, Council Leader, said: “I’d like to thank the outgoing cabinet members who have worked under huge pressure during the pandemic. I’m proud of the way the team has supported our communities when they needed it most.

“I’ve made some significant changes to the cabinet roles to strengthen delivery of our priorities, so we can ensure that both the climate emergency and fiscal responsibility is placed front and centre of what we do. The new Children’s and Culture portfolio recognises the key role of the local cultural scene in fostering recovery and renewal.”

The full Annual General Meeting can be viewed on YouTube here.

Photo: Left to right: Cllr Dine Romero, Cllr Tom Davies, Cllr Sarah Warren, Cllr Tim Ball, Cllr Kevin Guy, Cllr Alison Born, Cllr Richard Samuel, Cllr David Wood, Cllr Manda Rigby

WHAT'S ON  |  LUCKNAM PARK AND SPA

EXHIBITIONS  |  PICASSO AND HIS MUSE

Lydia Corbett was once known as Sylvette David. And in 1954 she met Picasso in a small village in the south of France. The result was 60 paintings of a girl with a ponytail. This new exhibition at David Simon Contemporary in Castle Cary, open to the public from 8–29 May, celebrates the special connection between the two artists, featuring a substantial collection of original, signed works on paper by Picasso curated for the first time with contemporary paintings by Lydia.

In our latest issue, Emma Clegg talks to Sylvette as she prepares for the new exhibition. Enjoy an eight minute read here

David Simon Contemporary, 37 High Street, Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7AW; 01963 359102; open Monday – Saturday 10am–5.30pm, closed Wednesday and Sunday; davidsimoncontemporary.com

Images, top: Sylvette and Picasso in 1954; left to right: Peintre Dessinant et Modele Nu au Chapeau by Pablo Picasso, 1965, original linocut, edition of 160; and White Tulips with Figures, Lydia Corbett, watercolour and pen and ink

Photo credit: Tobias Jellinek

LOOKING BACK  |  A BRIDGE IN DIFFERENT TIMES

As the multi-million pound project to strengthen Cleveland Bridge gets under way, and tailbacks and diversions become the order of the day, this month’s archive postcard turns the clock back to the 1930s, when the view from Walcot Parade was very different. The bridge had been strengthened only a few years earlier, in preparation for the increased traffic expected when tolls were lifted in 1929. Judging by this photo, the work would have been more than adequate. Not a tailback or HGV in sight, and – what makes it even stranger to modern eyes – free parking spaces galore. The wonder is that something designed to cope with this level of traffic should have withstood the burden of constant heavy loads for so long. It isn’t just the lack of traffic that distinguishes this scene from the one we’ve grown accustomed to – it also features one of Bath’s lost public conveniences. The underground toilets in the foreground were built in 1927-28 by Amery & Sons, and shared the traffic island with an old-style telephone kiosk and a shelter, possibly for the policeman stationed here on point duty. When the toilets were closed isn’t recorded, but it’s said that they were filled in with concrete when the road layout was altered. Things may not always have been better in the old days, but a view such as this, with pedestrians on an equal footing with cars, and enough public conveniences to ensure nobody got caught short, is enough to make anyone feel nostalgic.

See also the feature on Cleveland Bridge in the May issue of the magazine, looking back at the bridge's history and debating its future as part of a major transport route: thebathmagazine.co.uk

akemanpress.com

OBJECTS OF DESIRE  |  GEORG JENSEN DESIGNS

The Manhattan collection by Georg Jensen is a unique series of bar utensils that evokes all the glamour and charm of Gatsby style New York and adds a touch of roaring 20’s decadence to cocktail hour.

The range has a modern twist to classic Art Deco styling with its streamlined champagne bowls, ice buckets, shakers, coasters and serving trays.

Here’s just a few to be found at Mallory

Georg Jensen Manhattan stainless steel champagne bowl, £325.00

Georg Jensen Manhattan stainless steel medium bowl, £95.00

Georg Jensen Manhattan stainless steel wine cooler, £115.00

Georg Jensen Manhattan stainless steel bottle opener, £50.00

Visit Mallory to see more from the Georg Jensen Living collection by clicking here

NEW PRODUCTION  |  COMING SOON

One of the south west's most iconic locations is set to stage the first event of its kind in its 1300-year history.

Glastonbury Abbey will play host to its first ever professional, full length musical later this summer, as theatres begin to reopen their doors as lockdown continues easing.

The world-famous Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will entertain thousands of theatre lovers over three performances during the August bank holiday.

Produced by the same team behind last year's successful One Enchanted Evening in Glastonbury Abbey, the show will be based on the hugely acclaimed Kilworth House Theatre five-star version of one of the most famous musicals.

While professional performers will take on lead roles, local young people are also being encouraged to also take part. Auditions for those from Somerset aged between 8 and 16 will take place at the end of May. For more details or to register your interest in taking part email AtTheAbbey321@gmail.com.

The open-air Abbey production will give music lovers the chance to enjoy a picnic while watching a fully staged professional musical under the stars.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be staged on 29 August and two performances on bank holiday Monday 30 August. Tickets cost £30 and go on sale from 6 May at glastonburyabbey.com

COCKTAIL CREATIONS  |  THE IVY BATH BRASSERIE

The Ivy Bath Brasserie will re-open its doors on 17 May for indoor dining, with a bespoke and colourful 1960s themed cocktail menu, new and delicious summer dishes, and afternoon tea for guests to enjoy.

The showstopping Electric Kool-Aid (£9.75), an electric blend of Absolut Elyx, Plymouth Gin, Havana Club 3 Year Old Rum, Italicus Bergamot Aperitivo & Blue Curacao with lemon juice and Fever-Tree lemonade, will transport guests to a tropical beach, while the San Francisco Spritz (£9.95), complete with Plymouth Gin, Lillet Rose, pink grapefruit juice, Fever-Tree Soda Water and Prosecco, is perfect for a warm summer evening in the city.

Additional delicious creations include California Dreamin' (£9.25), featuring a light and fresh fizz with Plymouth Gin & Italicus Bergamot topped with Fever-Tree white grape & apricot soda, The Age of Aquarius (£9.95), with Absolut Elyx Vodka shaken with mint, lemon and sugar and topped with chilled Prosecco, and Waterloo Sunset (£.10.50), a mix of Absolut Elyx Vodka shaken with cucumber, mint & Ginger Liqueur served in a coupe glass with a splash of Fever-Tree Ginger Ale.

Reservations for May can be made now via theivybathbrasserie.com. For those looking to enjoy some of The Ivy Bath Brasserie's classics in an al fresco setting, guests can now book to dine on the restaurants beautiful terrace.

LIVE MUSIC RETURNS  |  JUNE EVENTS

One of the UK’s most talented singer/songwriters and the front man to iconic bands Theatre of Hate and Spear of Destiny, Kirk Brandon, will be playing a selection of songs from his illustrious catalogue, spanning his 40 year musical career.

3 June – 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm (Doors: 7:00pm); tickets cost £22; chapelarts.org

OUR MAY ISSUE  |  GREAT READING STARTS HERE

CITY EXHIBITIONS  |  BUILDING CONNECTIONS

BEAUTY NEWS  |  LATEST LAUNCH

Evoking the simplicity, precision and poetry of Jean Cocteau's film Testament of Orpheus, the Chanel Cruise 2021/22 collection is suffused with the extreme modernity of black and white. Amongst the limestone walls of the Carrières de Lumières, the collection embodies a play of contrasts between the sixties, rock and punk in the soft light of Les Baux-de-Provence.

Models walked the white limestone quarry with statement eyes heavily lined in black and lips dressed in a glossy nude sheen – complementing the contrasting two-tone collection.

Shop the collection here

FASHION MUST-HAVES  |  BOUTIQUE LINGERIE

Following the successful launch of the debut Boutique x Damaris collection in March, M&S is excited to introduce the next edit created by guest designer, Damaris Evans, in collaboration with the M&S in-house lingerie design team.

The 17-piece offering, which launches today, is a celebration of summer, with bright colour pops in blue and green, and fun embroidered strawberry motifs. Complemented by playful details like the bow back knicker, and bralette, synonymous with Damaris' signature style. The collection is available in a range of styles and shapes, offering an inclusive edit of playful lingerie updates ahead of summer.

marksandspencer.com

L'OCCITANE  |  WITH THE PLANET IN MIND

INTERIORS  |  NEW-STYLE SHOWROOM

Coopers, one of Bath’s favourite businesses, has unveiled a shiny new showroom featuring one of the largest ranges of the luxury manufacturer’s appliances on display in the UK. This is part of an ongoing transformation coupled with an exclusive Premio Partner status with SMEG.

Owner Darrin Christan says, "When I took over the business I did so with the intention of completely reinventing how we traded. I could see that the future of retail was changing, and I was genuinely excited and wanted to be part of it. My plan is to create a true destination store for the region. Concentrating on fewer brands and creating a real experience for our customers. Just seeing the appliances isn’t good enough. I want somewhere where you can actually interact with them."

Coopers are working very closely with a number of premium brands, including Fisher Paykel, Liebherr, Lacanche, Rangemaster, Ilve, Smeg, Quooker, Neff, Bosch and Siemens. Over the coming months, the business is planning to expand the displays to create an immersive destination store where the appliances will be in demonstration mode or even live.

Discover more by reading the feature in our May issue: thebathmagazine.co.uk

coopers-stores.com

WEEKEND WINE  |  A FINE PRODUCER 

Master of Wine, Jancis Robinson, has stated that Riesling is the world’s greatest white wine grape, and that Trimbach's Clos Sainte Hune is “the finest dry Riesling in the world.”

Producing some of Alsace's most outstanding wines for nearly 400 years, with a heritage dating back to 1626, the Trimbach family has earned quite a reputation. However, alongside their rare, famous and expensive bottles, they also produce many that are delicious and extremely affordable as well.

These are classic wines, with terroir and fruit character unmasked by barrel flavours. If you haven’t tried them before, then you definitely should. If you have already, then now's the time to stock up!

Trimbach Riesling £15.50
This is absolutely classic dry Riesling with tangy lime pith and aromatic beeswax character. Fine balance and texture on the palate, with typical Trimbach understated elegance. Delicious now or one to lay down for a few years.

Pinot Blanc £14.95
This classic Pinot Blanc is fermented completely dry, with a firm structure, lovely lemony fruit with lots of breadth, a minerally backbone and a truly elegant poise and balance.

Pinot Gris Réserve £19.50
This beautiful wine provides satisfying roundness and lushness, offset by tingly acidity and more than a hint of mineral character. With fantastic complexity and length on the finish, this is delicious to drink now, as well as being capable of keeping.

Pino Noir Réserve £18.95
Another to keep… if you can…. This is a classic expression of Alsace Pinot Noir, it is soft and gentle on the palate with juicy strawberry and cherry flavours. Medium bodied. Traditionally served chilled.

With free delivery on orders over £50 and 10% saving when you buy 12 bottles or more, explore the full range of Trimbach at The Great Wine Co by clicking here.

NEWS FROM THE CITY  |  PLUNGE FOR PETS

RECIPE ROSTA  |  PASTA PEAS!

Asparagus, broad beans and peas are the ultimate taste of May; bring them together in perfect harmony with silky pasta and citrussy, floral fresh marjoram in this elegant, luxurious dish perfect for a celebratory spring supper.

Pea purée is really easy to make; once you've mastered the art, you'll make it again and again, and team it with all-kinds-of-everything from the classic scallops/black pudding combination to grilled meat (add fresh mint if serving with lamb) and fresh fish.

Ingredients (serves 4)

For the pea purée:
500g fresh or frozen peas
150ml of double cream
1 pinch each of sugar and salt

For the pasta:
320g pappardelle or tagliatelle
500g of fresh or frozen broad beans
2 bunches of asparagus   
1 bunch fresh marjoram

To serve: freshly ground black pepper, grated or shaved Parmesan, olive oil, fresh marjoram

Method

1. To make the pea purée, either shell the fresh peas and simmer them in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, or cook frozen peas according to the instructions on the packet. Drain (reserving 1 tbsp cooking water) and immediately plunge into iced water, to retain their vibrant colour. Put the cooked peas into a food processor or blender with the cooking water, double cream, a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar and process until you have a smooth purée. Set to one side.

2. On to the pasta! Shell the broad beans and cook in boiling salted water for 3–4 minutes (or cook frozen broad beans according to the instructions on the packet). Drain and refresh in iced water before popping the outer pod off each bean. Set to one side.  

3. Snap the woody ends of the asparagus spears and discard (or save to make soup or a vegetable stock). Cut the tips off and and set to one side. Use a vegetable peeler to shave the asparagus spears into ribbons and set to one side. 

4. Place the pasta in a large pan of boiling water and cook according to packet instructions (usually around 10–12 minutes), adding the asparagus tips for the last 3–4 minutes of cooking time and the asparagus ribbons and broad beans for the final minute. Meanwhile, gently reheat the pea purée and keep warm. 

5. Drain the cooked pasta and asparagus (reserving a generous splash of cooking water) and return to the hot pasta pan. Add a splash of cooking water, a dash of olive oil and a generous scattering of chopped fresh marjoram and stir well, over a gentle heat, to reheat through. 

6. To serve, divide the warm pea purée between 4 plates, making a well in the centre of each pool of purée. Pile the hot pasta on top of each pool and top with shaved or grated parmesan, plenty of black pepper, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped, fresh marjoram. 

THE KIOSK  |  MAGAZINE MOMENTS

ON THE BOOKSHELF  |  SHORT STORIES

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK  |  NEW TO THE MARKET

Bradford Old Windmill, also locally known as the Round House was built in the first decade of the 19th century as a windmill by Thomas Smart, a baker. The property was converted into a house approximately 10 years later and is known throughout the town, being such a prominent building. The current owners have lived in the property for 40 years and have lovingly extended and restored it.

This spectacular, fairytale property is approached via a shared driveway off Mason’s Lane and leads to the handsome, four storey windmill tower, built of cotswold stone with a sail gallery and the two storey rounded extension with slate roof and double lancet windows.

Upon entering the property the hallway has flagstone floors, curved stone walls and stairs rising to the first floor. The accommodation on the ground floor comprises two reception rooms. One circular, with wood burning stove and wonderful views over the town. The dining room’s focal points are the handsome stone fireplace and the glazed French doors opening on to the southerly terrace creating a Mediterranean feel. The working area of the house comprises the spacious kitchen with curved worktops and views out of the pretty lancet windows, utility room with access to a small courtyard and doors to a handy bathroom and workshop.

The first floor has a large round bedroom with south facing views and en suite bathroom. There are 3 further double bedrooms one with en-suite facilities and a family bathroom. The spacious office with access via the house or the private courtyard makes this ideal when working from home. Continuing up the tower, via a curved staircase to the second floor, there is an additional bedroom with en suite facilities. Stairs lead up again to the top of the building and a charming living room with a mezzanine area above, exposed conical roof timbers and spectacular views.

Externally, the property has ample parking on the gravelled drive and also to the rear of the lower garden accessed from Whiteheads Lane. The garden is divided in three areas. A sun terrace and lawn with cottage garden plants, wisteria winding round the property, mature fig, walnut and pear trees. Tucked behind the property and accessed from the sun terrace and the garden store are raspberry canes and a grassed area. Stone steps descend to the mature meadow garden with a raised bed of asparagus and globe artichokes, a small orchard and a woodland area. Priced at £1,100,000, and on sale with Bath estate agents Cobb Farr.

For further details and more images: Click Here to visit the Cobb Farr website