Iford Manor Gardens reopen for the season

30 March 11:00 am - 30 September 4:00 pm

Re-opening this weekend for the Summer season, tickets are now on sale to visit the world famous Iford Manor Gardens. 

Much replanting has been taking place over the winter months and the garden will be bursting with tulips and spring flowers upon reopening. 

Advance online booking is recommended to benefit from an online discount and guarantee entry during busy periods when visitor numbers are capped to maintain the peaceful tranquility of the space.

For more details and to buy tickets click here to visit the Iford Manor Gardens website

OUR APRIL ISSUE IS OUT NOW!

You'll love our fabulous April 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 visit the restored Caisson Gardens in Combe Hay, finding a stunning landscape that’s rich in wildlife; we profile a new exhibition at Victoria Art Gallery showing an exciting range of Parisian posters from Toulouse-Lautrec and his artist contemporaries celebrating the nightlife and gaiety of the Belle-Epoque; we talk to the founders of Bath Publishing, who had the vision to publish Nick Wallis' Great Post Office Scandal book before the scandal hit the nation; and you can discover the subjects of our new Portrait of Bath image from photographer Joe Short. 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 [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

Creme Egg Brownies

Easter comes but once a year... and brings a very specific seasonal confectionery treat with it! Make the very most of both with this indulgent, crowd-pleasing Easter bake.

Ingredients (serves 9-12)

6 Creme Eggs
175g dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
175g butter
2 tbsp cocoa powder
3 large eggs
150g caster sugar
150g light brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
115g plain flour
150g Digestive biscuits, roughly chopped/crumbled

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4, lightly grease and line a square 20cm cake tin and unwrap the Creme Eggs and pop them in the freezer (this makes them easier to cut cleanly, and prevents the 'yolks' from melting too much in the oven).

2. Put the chocolate, butter and cocoa powder in a heatproof glass bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water, making sure the water doesn't touch the bowl. Stir until completely melted and remove from the heat.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, light brown sugar and vanilla essence until smooth. Pour into the chocolate mixture and stir well to combine. Add the flour and a pinch of salt and stir until smooth. Add the shortbread or Rich Tea biscuits and pour the mixture into the prepared tin.

4. Take the Creme Eggs out of the freezer and, using a very sharp knife briefly dipped in boiling water, slice in half vertically. Nestle the halved eggs into the brownie mixture ('yolks' facing up) and bake for 25–30 minutes or until just set.

5. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely before slicing into squares.

Recommendations by Tom Bleathman from the Great Wine Company

The finest Champagne alternatives

Champagne, often associated with celebrations, is considered one of life’s finer pleasures, but not one for the faint of wallet. Consider, then, the wines made using the same method, but from other quality wine regions. 

These Champagne alternatives can be equally impressive and, in many cases, more approachable for the less formal occasions you might want to drink them in. These options are all on offer at The Great Wine Company until 14 April. Here are some recommendations from Tom Bleathman:

Discover more at greatwine.co.uk

Pere Ventura Classic Cava

Cava, originating from Spain, strikes an excellent balance between quality and affordability while following the same production method as Champagne. The Pere Ventura Classic Cava is made from indigenous Spanish grape varieties: Macabeu and Xarel-Lo. Expect flavours of crunchy green apple, white peach, hints of lemon balm, and toasted brioche. £12.95–£10.79

Sauska Sparkling Brut

Hungary may not be the first place you think of for traditional method sparkling, but Sauska Sparkling Brut is a hidden gem. Produced using the local Furmint grape, along with classic sparkling varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it offers a fresh style with flavours of ripe citrus, juicy pineapple, and lemon curd. Fantastic value for money if you’re daring enough. £19.95–£16.62

New Bath restaurant, Eat a Pitta, offering free lunches at Grand Launch party

Bath’s new street food restaurant, Eat a Pitta, are celebrating their first opening in the heart of Bath with a Grand Launch party on Tuesday 2 April with free and discounted food, entertainment and chances to win free lunch for a year!

Eat a Pitta have been bringing fresh, vibrant and healthy fast food to the people of Bristol, and have recently opened their first Bath restaurant on Westgate Street.

On Tuesday 2 April they’ll be offering a free meal to the first 100 customers who arrive for opening at 11am, and will then be offering 50% off all food for the rest of the day. There will also be plenty of ways to win prizes, ranging from £25 vouchers to spend with them on Uber Eats, and also several chances to win free falafel for an entire year!

Find out more on their website at eatapitta.co.uk and on social media @eatapittauk.

April Birth Flower Necklace - Daisy - 9kt Gold | £345

Celebrate your special person's birth month with a dainty 9kt gold daisy necklace.

The daisy is the birth flower for April. You can personalise the note inside the gift box.

Made with recycled gold and hallmarked at the London Assay Office. The daisy pendant is 1cm in diameter.

Click here to purchase. 

Toast's Floral Embroidered Cotton Shirt | £165

The patch pocket at the side of our shirt is accented by tumbling blooms, hand-embroidered by artisans in India. Crafted from crimped cotton to a straight shape with a back box pleat, falling to a low-hip length.

Crimped cotton. Floral hand embroidery. Back box pleat. Side patch pocket. Low-hip length. Corozo buttons.

Created using a combination of artisanal craft and modern techniques, in line with our vision to help preserve traditional methods.

Fine hand embroidery is very delicate. Please protect the item from jewellery or other sharp objects that may pull the threads.

Click here to purchase. 

Toast's Veja Wata II Low Canvas Trainers | £110

Wata II trainers crafted by Veja from certified organic and regenerative cotton yarns from Bergman Rivera, Peru. 

Set on a sole made from responsibly sourced Amazonian rubber, rice waste and recycled rubber, then finished with organic cotton laces.

Chrome-free leather and suede panels. Organic cotton laces. Recycled polyester lining. Amazonian rubber, rice waste and recycled rubber sole.

Click here to purchase. 

Hotel Chocolat's Extra-Thick Easter Egg – Patisserie | £29.45

The ultimate Easter egg for those who favour all things baked and beautiful. Updated for Easter 2024 with a refreshed selection of filled chocolates.

A must-try for patisserie fans, both sides of this Easter egg were inspired by two of the nation’s favourite bakes. One half brownie-inspired 50% milk with pecan pieces; the other half cheesecake-inspired salted caramel-milk.

The Patisserie Extra-Thick Easter Egg comes presented in a sophisticated keepsake tin. When the chocolate is gone, the tin can be used again: as a place to stash your favourite biscuits and baked goods. 

Click here to purchase. 

100 years of the Montblanc Meisterstück

This year sees the 100th Anniversary of the Montblanc Meisterstück Pen. Translated as ‘Masterpiece’ this luxury item epitomises the history and tradition of a brand, more than anything else.

Introduced in 1924, the Meisterstück has gone on to symbolise both personal and historic milestones and has marked everything from a teenager’s graduation gift to the famous signing of the Golden Book of the city of Cologne when German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer didn’t have a pen and used President John F. Kennedy’s personal Meisterstück 149 instead.

With celebrity endorsements - it’s seen in the hands of Johnny Depp, many Presidents including Barack Obama was well as often starring on screen: The film Octopussy shows James Bond given a Montblanc Meisterstuck fountain pen… of course, loaded with all the obligatory extra gadgets. Interviewed later, 007 actor Roger Moore admitted, "Pens. I have hundreds of them - all Montblanc."

Instantly recognisable arguably the best in the market, it is the pen that is loved by writers, statespeople and celebrities and its status, magic and popularity never wains.

These pens are in a league of their own. Shown below , the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 (£860) - a timeless classic, a beautifully oversized fountain pen in Montblanc's precious resin and the finest writing instrument. It will bring joy to the owner and everyone they might connect with. Like JFK, just ask them if they need to borrow your pen. Thanks Montblanc and very happy Centenary to Meisterstück.

See this and many more Montblanc treasures at Mallory.

Piglet in Bed's Warm Clay Somerley Stripe Linen Duvet Cover | £159

Piglet in Bed's heritage-inspired Warm Clay Somerley Stripe Linen Duvet Cover features a terracotta stripe interspersed with a patterned dobby weave for extra dimension. 

Made from a blend of European linen and cotton, this wonderfully breathable, comfortable and durable fabric offers the best of both worlds. This duvet cover features coconut shell button fastenings and handy inside corner ties to stop your duvet from slipping.

Click here to purchase. 

The Gainsborough Bath Spa: Spa Day package

Treat yourself to a relaxing day at The Gainsborough Bath Spa with a luxurious Spa Day package. You can choose one treatment from an array of different options and spend four hours in the Spa Village. 

With the Spa Day package there are a selection of 50-minute treatments. You can choose from a variety of three treatments – the Gainsborough Signature Massage, the Elemis Facial or a hybrid treatment in which you have a 25-minute back massage and a 25-minute facial. If you would like to add other treatments you can easily upgrade by paying more. 

The Spa Village consists of three different pools, an infrared sauna and a dry sauna, a steam room and an ice alcove. 

The Spa Village is the only place other than the Thermae Bath Spa where you can bathe in Bath’s natural thermal waters. The water is rich in minerals such as magnesium, and these penetrate through your skin to your muscles, helping your body to achieve deep relaxation. 

Click here to read our experience at this beautiful spa in this month's edition of The Bath Magazine. 

Click here to book your place at The Gainsborough Bath Spa.

Bath City v Weymouth

Plenty to play for in the Vanarama National League South!

Weymouth visit Twerton Park on Good Friday, and The Romans will be wary that Weymouth’s away form could cause them some difficulty. However in November City recorded a fine 5-1 victory, away to Weymouth - City’s biggest win this season.

City are currently 10th in the table with 62 points while Weymouth are 14th with 50 points. With an away game against Taunton (21st in the league) on Easter Monday, City with some good performances have a great chance to collect all the points needed to get back into the play-off zone at the top.

It promises to be a great game! Be a part of a big crowd and come along to cheer on The Romans as they continue to push for the play-off places. KO 3pm.

bathcityfc.ktckts.com

Painting by Brent King

Bathampton Art Group Spring Exhibition

The ever-popular Bathampton Art Group’s Spring Exhibition is now in its 56th year. Showing on 6 April from 10am–4pm.

The group of over 60 artists meet in three sessions every week, and the exhibition provides a showcase for their talents.

Paintings (all for sale) range from landscapes and seascapes to portraits, including pets, and still life. There are awards for the best in each of three subject categories, with judging by local artist Catherine Beale. There is a café with homemade cakes and savouries, and a tombola. The exhibition is open from 10am–4pm.

Click here for more information. 
Bathampton Village Hall, Holcombe Lane BA2 6U

Image shows 'Myriad' by Rachel Heard

'On Reflection' - Contemporary paintings by Rachel Heard

This work by artist Rachel Heard comes from being drawn to trees and reeds by bodies of water in the countryside. The exhibition is on from 19 April–5 May. 

Reflections of light on the surface of the water seem to bring forth quiet contemplation, a moment of feeling immersed in nature and feeling at home there, at one with the surroundings.

In her paintings Heard addresses literal reflection, but also the metaphorical interpretation, a process of personal introspection, in the context of nature. Special places where sky, water and earth meet, surrounded by foliage or trees, ever-changing through the seasons, have proved to be a limitless source of inspiration. 

The artist finds ways to evoke those feelings of awe, wonder and connection through painting, becoming aware of all the life that this environment holds. Drawings from £50 and paintings from £300–£3000. Open 11am–6pm (closed Mondays).

Gallery @ No 56, High Street, Corsham SN13 OHR
willowuk.com

Bath Drama presents ‘Skylight'

Bath Drama presents Skylight, a play of exquisite beauty, of humour, of pain and of joy, at Rondo Theatre on 24–27 April.

It is a bitter night in the mid 1990s. Kyra returns to her cold, damp North London flat after a day’s work teaching disadvantaged East End children. Ahead of her, after she has had her supper, is an evening marking homework. What then happens is an unexpected reminder of her past life. The next twelve hours will be some of the most challenging of her life, when her whole raison d’etre will be brought into focus.

David Hare’s award-winning three-hander will bring an emotionally shattering experience for the audience. Hare writes brilliantly about relationships; with Skylight he does this whilst also examining the role of finance and business in our everyday lives. Directed by Andy Cork.

7.30pm | Tickets £14/£12 call 03336 663366
rondotheatre.co.uk

Bailbrook House Hotel wedding and celebrations open day

Held in the beautiful Mansion House, Bailbrook House Hotel hosts an open day on Sunday 21 April, 11am–3pm. 

This is the perfect event to help you collect inspiration and information for your celebration.

The team will be on hand to answer any questions and to discuss your requirements.

Visit the website for more information. 
Eveleigh Avenue, London Road West, Bath, Somerset BA1 7JD

The Therapist salon: free coffee morning

Free coffee morning for local psychotherapists and counsellors from and around Bath on 14 April, 10am–1pm. 

Head along to Bath Clinic, The Assembly, 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. 

The Assembly, 2 Brock Street, Bath  BA1 2LN
Book your space by emailing monika@audreystephenson.co.uk.
audreystephenson.co.uk

Harlequins vs Bath Rugby

The Gallagher Premiership continues as Bath Rugby play against Harlequins at Twickenham Stoop Stadium on 30 March. Kick off at 3.05pm. 

With the weather being forecast to rain it's best to be prepared. 

Guard against the elements with the Men’s Bath Rugby Rain Jacket. This Rain Jacket features an adjustable hood and full zip with a chinguard to provide protection in every season. Engineered from 100% polyester with a mesh lining, breathability and comfort come first. | £95

Click here to purchase. 

Joe Bugg Furniture and Spaces

Joel Bugg Furniture & Spaces designs and creates elegant, bespoke fitted furniture and interiors, which are architecturally thought through to seamlessly fit and suit your property. 

Joel and his team offer a fully managed service from initial space planning and concept designs, using teams of skilled cabinet makers in their manufacture through to final installation. 

They will also recommend, source and provide lighting, flooring and other finishing touches as required. Their expertise spans all interiors from kitchens and bathrooms to libraries and boot rooms, and as well as working directly with clients they work collaboratively with architects and interior designers to deliver a truly tailored solution.

Tel: 01225 583520 / 07779 236242 Web: joelbugg.co.uk

Pemberley Place, Lansdown Road, BA1 9BE

Offered for sale by Anchor

Made up of 72 modern, stylish one and two-bedroom affordable living apartments for sale through Shared Ownership, Pemberley Place is housing for over-55s redesigned. Our new development is now open and set among a historic countryside overlooking the elegance of Georgian Bath.

Pemberley Place offers older people interested in independent living the opportunity to buy through Older Persons Shared Ownership and will give you the opportunity to art buy, part rent your new home.

The kitchens are bright and airy and come fully fitted with appliances designed to make life easier, and when it comes to bathrooms, we’ve combined style and substance to create elegant spaces featuring crisp white sanitary ware, level-access showers and anti-slip flooring. 

Designed to meet the specific needs of older people and filled with expert touches, including flat and level access throughout, at Pemberley Place you will live in total comfort and feel proud of your contemporary new home.

As well as a warm community of like-minded neighbours and range of communal facilities for you to enjoy, Pemberley Place also offers peace of mind with 24-hour support through Anchor on Call and opportunities to enhance your quality of life with our Be Well 360 programme. | Shared Ownership from £198,750

If you would like to find out more about the properties and lifestyle on offer at Pemberley Place, please call 01225 591351 or email ppsales@anchor.org.uk.
anchor.org.uk