A specially curated guide to the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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CELEBRATIONS | THE QUEEN VISITS BATH
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The Queen received a sunny welcome to Bath yesterday – where she joined celebrations for the 850th anniversary of St John's Foundation. As one of the UK’s oldest charities, St John's works to change people’s lives for good in Bath and the surrounding areas.
At the 16th Century Chapel of St Michael Within, The Queen joined residents of St John’s Foundation's almshouses for tea. The Chapel sits within St John’s courtyard and is home to 40 of the 94 almshouses that the charity has for older adults. Originally founded as a medieval refuge, St John's provides shelter and support for older adults, as well as working with children to make sure they have the best start in life. Her Majesty, as Duchess of Cornwall, became Patron of the charity in 2009.
The Queen walked through the city from the almshouses to Bath Abbey, where she was greeted by nearly 900 school children from seven primary schools, which have been supported by St John’s since the launch of its Foundation Fund in 2020. Inside the Abbey, Her Majesty attended a Service of Celebration to mark the charity's anniversary.
During the service, there was a performance from the 'Voices for Life' choir, which brings together children from six local schools that St John’s supports, and one of St John’s almshouse residents gave a reading.
Click here to read the full story.
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OUR FEBRUARY ISSUE IS OUT NOW!
You'll love our fabulous February 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 Lorraine Kelly sharing her thoughts on her debut novel set in the Orkneys; the changing shape of kitchens as well as expert views of what's on trend; and Nicholas Wylde disclosing the difference between naturally-grown diamonds in comparison to laboratory-grown. Keep an eye out and we 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 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.
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WEEKEND RECIPES | DRIPPING PUDDINGS
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Words by Melissa Blease
Two twists on Yorkshire Puddings
National Yorkshire Pudding day falls on Sunday 4 February this year – who knew? Now you do, make the most of it with two easy twists on the Yorkshire Pudding theme.
Yorkshire Puddings with Smoked Salmon and Horseradish Cream (serves 6 as a starter) Whisk 4 eggs, 100g plain flour, 75ml semi-skimmed milk, 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped),1 peeled, crushed clove of garlic and a pinch of salt together in a large jug to create a smooth batter. Cover and allow to rest for 30 minutes (or chill in the fridge overnight). When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6. Divide around 3 tbsp vegetable oil between a 6-hole muffin tin and place into the oven to heat up. When the oil in the muffin tin is smoking hot, carefully remove the tin from the oven and divide the batter between the 6 holes. Return to the oven and bake for around 15 minutes, or until the Yorkshire Puddings are golden and puffy. To make the horseradish cream, mix 125ml crème fraîche with 1 tbsp horseradish sauce. Serve the hot Yorkshire Puddings topped with slivers of smoked salmon, generous dollops of horseradish cream and wedges of fresh lemon.
Blackberry and Apple Yorkshire Puddings (serves 6) Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6, lightly drizzle a 6-hole muffin tin with vegetable oil and slide into the oven to heat up. Meanwhile, peel and core 4 large apples of your choice and chop into chunks. Heat around 30g butter and 100g golden caster sugar in a large frying pan over a medium heat and sauté the chopped apples for around 5 minutes or until lightly caramelised and just starting to soften. Whisk the white of 1 egg with 40g caster sugar until frothy. Add the remaining egg yolk plus 2 whole eggs, 200ml full-fat milk and 140g plain flour and whisk again to combine. Stir the caramelised apples into the batter along with 150g blackberries. Remove the muffin tin from the oven and carefully divide the fruity batter between the 6 holes. Slide the tin back into the oven and bake for around 15 minutes, or until the puddings are golden and puffy. Serve hot with thick cream, vanilla ice cream or custard.
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WEEKEND WINE | SPECIALLY RECOMMENDED
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Wines of the Lebanese mountains
Here are a trio of recommendations by Tom Bleathman from The Great Wine Company. Beautiful yet troubled Lebanon enjoys warm summers, cool winters and dramatic landscapes.
One of its outstanding wines is IXSIR, established in 2008, which uses fruit from Lebanon's finest sites, including the dramatic Ainata vineyard, which at an awe-inspiring 1,800m elevation is higher than any vineyard in Europe. Vines grown this high make wines with spectacular, soaring fruit, and exhilarating balance and complexity.
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Altitudes Red 2019 - Ixsir This wine has irresistibly succulent aromas of juicy, ripe black cherries, fresh raspberries, and a sprinkling of peppery spice. Drink now and over the next 3-4 years. This would complement roast or barbecued lamb beautifully. | £15.50
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Altitudes White - Ixsir This lovely and unique Lebanese white has beautifully distinctive aromas of oranges, jasmine, honeysuckle, and mango. It is superbly well-balanced: fresh and refreshing, with satisfying completeness of texture and a long, elegant finish. | £24
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Grande Reserve Red - Ixsir It’s young enough to still show fresh, plump and juicy black cherry and purple plum fruit, and old enough to have developed a wonderful, velvety texture. Great to enjoy now and over the next three years.
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This IXSIR benefits from the consultancy of Hubert de Boüard, the winemaker of the famous Saint Emillion and proprietor of Château Angélus and exhibits the same fabulous sophistication in winemaking. | £35
Visit greatwine.co.uk for more.
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Italian Wine Dinner at La Terra
This wine dinner at La Terra offers a four-course meal with a matching wine flight for each course.
These distinctive fine wines are from the Umano Ronchi vineries in Le Marche area of Italy, which are sited near the Adriatic Coast. The white wine is characterised by the Verdicchio grape and the red wine from the Montepulciano grape, both high-quality single vineyard wines rather than blended ones.
Umani Ronchi received the special "Winery of the Year" award during the presentation of the 2024 Guide to Italian Wines by Gambero Rosso.
Arrival drinks at 7.30pm. £80 per person | 21 February laterra.co.uk
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Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?
Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!
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The White Company Recycled Super Soft Quilted Jacket (18mths—6yrs) | £42
Lighter than a coat but with more warmth than a simple tee or jumper, our quilted jacket is the ideal layer for little ones throughout spring.
With a classic collar, it smartens up joggers or little jeans, and the stylish curved stitching adds a contemporary feel while keeping the traditional quilted look. It’s made with recycled fibres and comes with our Earth-friendly tab.
Click here to purchase.
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L'OCCITANE | A LITTLE SHEA GOES A LONG WAY
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Shea Butter Hand Cream | £22
This nourishing and softening hand cream with 20% concentrated shea butter is a true saviour when it comes to dry hands.
Trusted by thousands, this best-selling hand care will keep your hands supple and hydrated, even in winter.
The product stands at the roots of the company's commitment to Empowering Women, inspired by the incredible women in Burkina Faso who make 'women's gold' - shea butter.
Click here to purchase the product.
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WATERPROOF | RECYCLED FASHION
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Finisterre Tego Long Sleeve Robe | £135
Recycled long sleeve weatherproof changing robe in navy and flame red, for ultimate protection when getting in or out of a cold sea.
Built to keep you warm and dry when changing in challenging conditions, Finisterre has given the Tego an upgrade by adding longer sleeves and two new sizes.
With its double-layered, water-repellent outer and cosy fleece inner that quickly wicks moisture and warms the body, it's the go-to robe for those committed to cold water.
Click here to purchase.
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | C'MON, GET HAPPY!
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The Happy Hearts of Chopard
A fluttering of colourful Happy Hearts, simply outlined in gold or brightened by a mobile diamond, take to the air on this light blue square in pure silk twill.
Full of romance and lightness to be worn as you wish: around the neck, in the hair or even as a belt. 90 x 90cm £295.
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The Happy Hearts bangles from Chopard feature two hearts, each beautifully counterbalanced in harmonious closeness.
One big heart is filled with a colourful, precious gemstone or even a diamond cluster; the other contains a freely floating diamond, sealed in a crystal glass case. The bangle is made from 18ct gold, also available in 18ct white, or 18ct rose gold. It’s an iconic and beautiful collection from Maison Chopard.
To find the perfect gift for a loved one, click here to see all the treasures in the Happy Heart collection at Mallory.
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Barista perfection - the SMEG Coffee Machine with Grinder | £850
Prepare authentic espresso, cappuccino and lattes from the comfort of your own home with the SMEG EGF03 espresso machine. Using freshly ground coffee to bring out the inner barista in you, you can prepare coffee at the correct temperature and pressure with a sophisticated double thermoblock heating system which allows for faster switch-on times and precise water temperature control for brewing, steam and hot water.
Benefiting from optimum 15 bar pressure, the machine produces perfect results it also has a milk wand/frother for cappuccinos by mixing steam, air and milk, dense creamy foam is created and a built in grinder.
And with 4 different pre infusion profiles; short, standard, long and progressive and 4 different temperatures – the coffee experience can be personalised to suit different tastes.
Available from Coopers Home Appliances, 13/15 Walcot Street, Bath. coopershomeappliances.com
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MAGAZINE KIOSK | MAGALLERIA
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Curated by Daniel McCabe
The team at Magalleria frequently get asked for collage magazines but there’s not much to buy and their make-do recommendation is Plastikcomb which rather undersells what this defiantly analog and delightfully riotous German-American art publication has to offer.
Unveiling only its seventh issue this week, Plastikcomb harks back to the pre-digital 1990s when print designers experimented or toyed with the typographic formats and layouts that governed conventional construction of the magazine page at the time (most notably in Ray Gun magazine).
Think mashed-up, torn, distressed, agit-inspired imagery, ink sprayed everywhere and Letraset typography over the top of it all – the ‘grunge' effect in other words, which has caught on in a big way with younger artists and designers. Can’t think why. | £22
magalleria.co.uk
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EVENT | FIND LOVE THIS VALENTINE'S
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Find love with Paul C. Brunson
Join world-renowned relationship expert and head of Global Insight at Tinder Paul C. Brunson (Married at First Sight UK & Celebs Go Dating) for a very special event as he introduces us to his brand new book Find Love.
Whether you're single and looking for love, or in a relationship and curious to see if your partner might be 'the one', join in for a candid evening packed with tips and insights.
7 February | 7.30pm-8.30pm Click here to book.
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OPERA | A DYNAMNIC PRODUCTION
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Bath Opera presents Handel's Semele
If you like Handel's Messiah, you'll love his Semele! Nine glorious choruses enhance the story of Jupiter taking the mortal Princess Semele to be his mistress.
Bath Opera's fully staged production will be set five minutes from now, in a world adjacent to our own. The drab reality of the populace is enlivened by the new Gods of the internet. Their grey lives are brightened by living vicariously through following or worshipping the ‘influencers’, instagrammers and social media stars such as Jupiter and Juno. The opera is directed by Dave Key Pugh and conducted by Peter Blackwood.
Tickets are between £20 and £30.
15–17 February | Roper Theatre, Hayesfield School, Bath BA2 3LA Click here to purchase tickets.
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RUGBY | GET IN ON THE ACTION
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England U20 v Wales U20
It's Six Nations season and international rugby is coming to the City of Bath.
After a thrilling occasion during last year's U20 Six Nations which saw England take on France, the home nation are returning to Bath twice this Championship, this time choosing The Rec as their home ground for their second and fourth round fixtures.
Taking to the Blue, Black and White's home fortress, the famous stadium will play host to the England U20's Six Nations fixtures against Wales U20 on 9 February.
Fast forward to 8 March and The Rec will see more international action from England U20 as they take on current U20 Six Nations champions, Ireland.
For your chance to watch the next generation of international talent, get your U20 Six Nations tickets now! Prices start from £5, with a bundle offer for both fixtures for £26.25 for adults and £8.75 for juniors.
bathrugby.com
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EVENT | YEAR OF THE DRAGON
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Lunar New Year – the Year of the Dragon |
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Join the Museum of East Asian Art on Saturday 10 February to celebrate one of the most important occasions in the East Asian calendar – Lunar New Year.
From 11am to 4pm, the museum will be running a fun-filled day for all the family at the Bath Assembly Rooms. Learn about the history and customs of this festival and take part in activities, workshops, and trails exploring different aspects of Lunar New Year and Chinese culture.
For more information click here.
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CINEMA | PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
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Ian McKellen stars in psychological thriller adaptation of 'Hamlet' |
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Kaleidoscope Entertainment have confirmed that a new adaptation of Hamlet, starring two-time Academy Award nominee and Shakespearian titan Ian McKellen, will be heading to UK Cinemas for one night only on 27 February.
The screening will include an exclusive recorded Q&A with Ian McKellen and Director, Sean Mathias.
Ian McKellen reprises his lead role as Hamlet, a man who descends into madness as he seeks vengeance against his uncle for the apparent murder of his father. Further cast includes stars of stage and screen, Jenny Seagrove, Steven Berkoff, and BAFTA-winner Francesca Annis.
27 February | Click image to watch the full trailer Little Theatre Cinema, Bath BA1 1SF Click here to book your tickets.
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OPEN MORNING | DISCOVER MORE
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Open Mornings at Royal High School Bath Prep and Senior
Senior School Open House | 20 February | 10am–12pm
Discover life at Royal High School Bath during its Open Morning, where families will have the chance to learn more about the school and the girl-centred education that it offers. As usual there will be pastoral and academic staff on hand to chat to parents and students, with tours available for those who would like to see the Senior School in more detail. Click here to book your space now.
Prep Open House | 21 February | 10am–12pm
The school hopes this will give you the chance to find out just what it is that makes its community so special, and to decide whether it may be the right choice for your daughter to thrive. Click here to book your space now.
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THE GUEST EDIT | THE LUXURY GUIDE TO BATH
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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 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!
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PROPERTY | A WONDERFUL WIDCOMBE TOWNHOUSE
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St Mark's Road, Bath BA2
Offered for sale by Bath estate agent Camella.
Located within walking distance of Bath Spa train station and the bustling Widcombe village and Bath city centre, this splendid 3 bedroom Grade II Georgian townhouse, has both historical charm and contemporary living.
St Mark's Road is a quiet no-through residential road with the historic St Mark’s Church – now a community centre – offering a programme of day classes such as Tai Chi and dance at the end.
Once inside, you are greeted by immaculate contemporary decoration throughout, perfectly blending modern aesthetics with period features such as sash windows, cornices, and fireplaces.
The beautifully decorated, open plan lounge /dining room is both cosy – with a Stovax gas log burner – with well designed alcove shelving and cabinets. This leads through double doors to a well equipped kitchen with a utility space towards the rear
One the first floor are two spacious bedrooms, one running the full width of the house and a shower room while on the second floor is another full-width bedroom with it’s own luxurious shower room.
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Throughout the property, whether it’s the well fitted kitchen, the designer bathrooms or the log burner, comfort and luxury abounds.
The rear, south-facing tiered garden, with a separate gate leading up to Alexandra Park, basks in sunlight – perfect for alfresco dining and offering a private and serene retreat.
To the front a pretty lawned garden with a path to the front door means the property is nicely set back from the quiet road.
With residents' parking spaces and additional considerations such as a new roof and damp-course treatment guarantees, this is a solid and ideal home for those seeking both style and substance. | Offers in excess of £875,000
Click here to view more images and read through the details on the Camella website
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