A specially curated guide to the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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CITY NEWS | TOURISM BENEFITS
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Image: The torchlit Great Bath at the Roman Baths | Image courtesy of B&NES Council
2000 years on and The Roman Baths remain at the centre of Bath’s fortunes
Heritage Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council have enjoyed a significant financial boost, with income and profitability set to exceed pre-pandemic levels this year.
The Council’s local authority’s cabinet, which manages the heritage sites including the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery, and the Fashion Museum, have reported a £10.4m profit during 2023/24 and anticipates this rising to £12.2m in 2024/25.
Bath has benefitted from the strong return of American tourism to the UK, and it is anticipated the return of the Chinese market in 2024/25 will contribute to further growth in tourism throughout the region.
While overall visitor numbers remain lower than peak pre-pandemic figures, actual income returned to the council is now the highest on record and is predicted to continue to grow in 2024/25.
The focus of visitors to create memories in special places has seen the Roman Baths prosper in a challenging visitor economy.
Throughout the past year, the city centre site has consistently exceeded budgeted visitor figures and shown increased spending in the museum shops. A strong programme of popular exhibitions at Victoria Art Gallery has also led to a 30% increase in exhibition visitors in the past year.
The money will be used across the district by contributing to the council’s wider activities and a five year plan that includes developing a new Fashion Museum as well as visitor enhancements to The Roman Baths, an impressive programme of exhibitions at the Victoria Art Gallery plus numerous benefits for residents with a new Discovery Card and greater accessibility for school groups, including free admission to the Roman Baths for school groups where 30% of pupils receive free school meals.
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OUR MARCH ISSUE IS OUT NOW!
You'll love our marvellous March 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 Melissa Blease talks to David Morrissey about the challenge of taking on Pinter at the Ustinov; we find out about the latest interactive exhibition at The American Museum & Gardens, The American Road Trip; BBC correspondent Jeremy Bowen shares his insights into the Middle East ahead of his appearance in Bath; we catch up with the Team Bath Racing Electric team at the University of Bath, 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.
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WEEKEND RECIPES | A CLASSIC BISTRO RECIPE
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Words by Melissa Blease
Shortcut Bouillabaisse
This shortcut route to a classic bistro recipe goes a long way to bringing a taste of the sun-soaked French Riviera to our own supper tables. Bon appétit!
Ingredients (serves 2-3)
1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and finely chopped 1 bulb of fennel, peeled and finely sliced 2 sticks celery, finely chopped 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 4 large, ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 level tbsp tomato purée 1 tsp caster sugar 3 sprigs fresh thyme 100ml dry white wine or 75ml Pernod/brandy ½ tsp dried red chilli flakes 600g fish stock 1 x 400g tin lobster bisque Around 300g sturdy white fish fillets (eg. non-oily varieties such as cod, basa, haddock or monkfish) chopped into bite-sized chunks 150g raw, peeled king prawns
To serve: garlic mayonnaise; croutons; freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Heat a drizzle of olive oil and a knob of butter in a large pan over a medium heat and gently sauté the onion, carrot, fennel, celery and red pepper for around 20 minutes, or until very soft but not coloured, adding the garlic, thyme and chilli flakes for the last 1-2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, tomato puree and sugar and allow to 'cook out' for around 1 minute, stirring continuously, followed by the wine, Pernod or brandy. Allow the mixture to bubble briefly before adding the fish stock. Bring to the boil before turning the heat down and simmering for 30 minutes.
Pass the soup through a sieve into a clean pan, pressing out as much liquid as possible with the back of a ladle. Return the soup to the heat, add the lobster bisque and season to taste. Bring back to a simmer and add the fish and prawns. Continue to simmer for around 4-6 minutes or until the fish has cooked through and the prawns have turned pink.
Serve in warm bowls accompanied by little piles of garlic mayonnaise, croutons and Parmesan cheese.
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WEEKEND WINE | MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL
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For your English Rosé
Why not treat your mum to a selection of the finest rosé wines this Mother's Day. Ranging from a variety of different countries, see if you can spot the English Rosé:
Hattingley Valley - Still Rosé Irresistibly vibrant strawberries and cream aromas leap from the glass, and it's juicy, succulent and fresh - but not sharp - on the palate. | £24
Susana Balbo - Signature Rosé
Elegant pale salmon pink colour. The nose displays a fine floral profile, with delicate hints of nuts. On the mouth, its freshness and juicy acidity are in perfect combination with flavors of currants and strawberries. | £20.83
Fantastique Rosé Organic - Château Sainte Marguerite This wine has as much flavour intensity as a red wine, yet carries an indisputable rosé texture of incredible lightness, softness and harmony. Rose petals, blush pears, peach, vibrant, just-picked raspberries and a hint of peppery spice make up the compelling flavour | £44
Côtes de Provence 'Symphonie' - Château Sainte Marguerite
The aroma is a bowl of ripe pears, apricots, golden apples and a sprig of fresh fennel frond, while the palate is superbly soft, rounded, pure and lingering. | £32
Portofino DOC Rosé Magnum - Rosafino
This wine comes from a tiny vineyard of old Grenache vines in hills overlooking the Mediterranean. It has a pretty rose-tinted peach colour, and a mellow bouquet of red apples and honey. The palate is dry, fresh and soft-textured, with hints of wild strawberry and nectarine, a juicy, rounded personality and a long, fresh finish. | £44
Visit greatwine.co.uk for more.
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FINE DINING | WINE DINNER
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La Terra to host dinner celebrating Italian the wines of Mezzacorona
La Terra restaurant will host a four-course dinner on 14 March, celebrating the wines of Mezzacorona, a vineyard located in the alpine northern Italian region of Trentino.
Mezzacorona lies at the foot of the majestic Italian Dolomites. Its vineyards, which have pergola trellising (characteristic of the region), run from Lake Garda to the foothills of the towering Dolomites. A fresh and wild breeze blows from over 400 lakes and numerous glaciers of the surrounding mountains, peaking at over 9,000ft.
Thanks to a spectrum of microclimates, ranging from Mediterranean and Alpine, and profiting from over a century of winemaking experience, Mezzacorona planted varietals in the zones best tailored to the needs of each varietal, allowing them to flaunt the aromas and flavor of their terroir using state-of-the-art facilities and modern winemaking techniques.
Guests will look at the classics including Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Lagrein and Teroldego Riserva.
Tickets to the event include drinks on arrival at 7.30pm and the four-course dinner. 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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GIFTS | PERFECT FOR MOTHER'S DAY
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Gold Heart Necklace from The Silver Shop of Bath | £32.95 |
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This gold-plated heart is the perfect gift for someone special in your life! It’s a new addition to The Silver Shop's collection of Gold Plated Jewellery, and is ideal for layering up to add a luxurious finish to any outfit.
This gift has a Sterling Sliver and 9ct Gold Plate with an 18" chain.
Click here to purchase.
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OBJECTS OF DESIRE | GLASS ACTS
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Flower Sculptures by Lalique
Handmade in France, and originally created in glass by René Lalique in 1931, this delicate Anemone flower sculpture from Lalique is a symbol of purity and innocence.
Elegantly crafted in crystal and painstakingly detailed, each sculpture is both romantic and contemporary, and shows that nature and modernism can be captured in harmony when fashioned by the hands of artists.
Shown here, left to right, are Lalique’s Anemone gold lustre crystal small sculpture, the Anenome clear crystal small sculpture and the small sculpture red crystal Anenome. Each measures 5.1cm wide and is priced at £129.
For these and many more fine Lalique sculptures and exquisite crystal glassware click here to visit Mallory.
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Chanel's Rouge Allure Velvet Nuit Blanche | RRP £42
The Rouge Allure Velvet is a luminous matte lipstick in eight new shades, one for every hour of the night.
Housed in a limited-edition white case with black trim, this ultra-comfortable lip colour enhances lips with pure, concentrated pigments, for an intense and long-lasting finish.
A jojoba oil derivative and shea butter make for a soft formula that instantly leaves lips feeling moisturised and supple.
Click here to explore the different colours.
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CERAMICS | A POP OF COLOUR
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Oliver Bonas Fulo Red Ceramic Outdoor Plant Pot Large | £35
A red glaze elevates the daisy motifs on the Fulo outdoor plant pot. Use indoors or outside for a pop of colour and pattern.
These plant pots are hand-made and include a drainage hole. They can be hand washed only.
You can select a gift box for your purchase when you click your shopping bag to view your items. The perfect gift for your mum on Mother's Day!
Click here to purchase.
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• INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY •
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CHARITY | INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
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International Women’s Day Ethiopia Appeal
Child marriage in Ethiopia: Haalima's reality.
Haalima was only 15 years old when her parents told her she had to marry a man she’d never met — a man who was almost 20 years her senior.
“My dream was to get an education, but my family told me repeatedly that I was to be a wife and a mother, nothing more.”
1 in 4 girls in Ethiopia are forced to marry before they turn 18.
"I begged my father not to make me do it,"
Most girls in Haalima’s position would have to accept their fate, not knowing there was another way.
Read more about our International Women’s Day Appeal and discover how Haalima’s life was changed at ethiopiaid.org.uk.
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NEW LAUNCH | EMBRACING FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
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French Connection announce its collaboration with Girls Out Loud
This International Women's Day, French Connection announce its collaboration with Manchester-based organisation, Girls Out Loud.
The organisation is dedicated to empowering girls across the UK in celebration of International Women's Day.
As part of the partnership, French Connection will launch two special product collaborations featuring the Amour Graphic Tee and Amour Graphic Sweatshirt. Available exclusively in French Connection top stores and online with 20% of the total revenue from the products being given to Girls Out Loud to support their mission of empowering girls to find their voice and fulfil their potential.
Amour Graphic T-Shirt | £25 Amour Graphic Sweatshirt | £45
To shop the collection click here.
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Whistles Bibi Crossbody Bag | £129
Whistles is proud to partner with the Prince’s Trust for International Women’s Day to support the #ChangeAGirlsLife campaign.
10% of sales from Whistles most-loved Bibi Bag will be donated to the Prince’s Trust throughout March - T&Cs apply.
The funds raised will enable the Prince’s Trust to support more young women to overcome challenges they are facing and change their lives for the better.
Find out how the Prince’s Trust uses donated funds and more about their work by visiting princes-trust.org.uk
#ChangeAGirlsLife
#WomenSupportingWomen
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MAGAZINE KIOSK | MAGALLERIA
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Curated by Daniel McCabe
Lodestars Anthology’s Italy issue has been out for a number of weeks now but still worth announcing because it’s not time-sensitive and, as the publisher says, ‘Italy is eternal’. This is the second edition of the issue (it’s called Italy Revisited) after the first sellout issue several years back which, for us, was the one that put this magazine on the publishing map. The Lodestars mix of photography, food and travel writing, prose and poetry this time revolves around the likes of Rome, Positano, Bologna, Ravenna, Portofino, Florence, Lake Maggiore, Trieste, Monopoli, Vence, Tropea and many other destinations across a country not only steeped in history but also one that constantly defies our expectations. | £15
magalleria.co.uk
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Image from Visage Gallery
The 35th Bath Decorative Antiques Fair
Celebrating its 35th edition, the Bath Decorative Antiques Fair is a premier event showcasing a wide range of decorative items from 15–16 March.
This year’s fair promises to be an exceptional experience, blending history with contemporary design. Expect to see a captivating selection of English, French, and Nordic antique furniture and designs. Exhibitors will be showing grand painted cabinets, distinctive chateau furniture, commanding statuary, cast iron urns, and garden benches tailored for outdoor elegance.
Discover farmhouse tables, rustic oak furniture, intriguing architectural elements, unique salvage pieces, and diverse lighting options. An opulent mix of antique textiles, intricate needleworks, and rugs sourced globally, complemented by folk art, mirrors, early glass, and English and Continental pottery will be shown.
The Fair also boasts a wide spectrum of art, ranging from period portraits to modern and contemporary pieces by celebrated artists. A list of exhibitors is available on the website. Admission £5.
The Pavilion, Bath BA2 4EU Click here to visit the website.
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SPORT | SIX NATIONS SUPER SATURDAY
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Six Nations Super Saturday at Rengen House
Don't miss Six Nations Super Saturday on 16 March at Rengen House, where doors open at 1.45pm.
Join in for a fun day of rugby, drinks and food. Don't forget to RSVP your space.
2.15pm – Wales vs Italy 4.45pm – Ireland vs Scotland 8pm – France vs England
Email daisy@rengenhouse.com to RSVP your space for free!
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NOW OPEN | SING YOUR HEART OUT
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Robun's Karaoke Bar now open!
Get ready to elevate your karaoke game and shine bright like a superstar at Bath Karaoke, the fabulous new addition to Robun.
Nestled above the immensely popular Japanese restaurant, Robun, this brand-new karaoke bar promises to be the ultimate hotspot in town, where patrons can rock out to top-notch karaoke tunes, indulge in Tokyo Tapas, and sip on cocktails that’ll knock your socks off.
Fuel your karaoke adventures with Robun’s awesome food and drink packages, featuring tasty Tokyo Tapas perfectly complemented by cocktails that pack a punch.
For those looking to make a day of it, don’t miss Robun's Bottomless sessions on Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm and 4-7pm
Karaoke sessions every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Click here for session times and to book
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SPORT | DON'T MISS THE ACTION
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Bath City v Farnborough
There isn’t much in it for play-off places at the top of the Vanarama National League South with the Romans sitting in 6th place at 58 points. The pressure is on Bath to pull out all the stops against Farnborough who are travelling to Twerton Park for Saturday’s match. Kick off 3pm.
Bath will be wanting to make amends after the close but disappointing 1-2 defeat by Braintree Town who spoiled our impressive home run.
Boro have been in good form. Although most of their wins have been at home and they have only won twice this season when playing away. Their record against Bath City is telling, of 26 games played between the teams, City have won fourteen and Boro only seven.
Purchase tickets for the game in advance via the website.
Get over to Twerton Park and support City - it will be sure to be a good show.
9 March | 3pm bathcityfc.ktckts.com
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CITY & COUNTRY | BUILD THE CITY
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City & Country acquires the former Bath Press site
Family-owned developer City & Country has completed the acquisition of the 5.3-acre Bath Press development site for £13.8 million.
Whilst the development will be new-build residential led, the historic façade of the Bath Press site will be retained around City & Country’s heritage credentials. The scheme will comprise a mix of new-build apartments, houses and office space.
The site already benefits from planning permission, with City & Country due to commence work as soon as possible.
The former Bath Press site, situated on Lower Bristol Road in the City of Bath, benefits from a wealth of local amenities, including museums, galleries, theatres, and sports facilities.
Residents of the upcoming development will be within walking distance of amenities such as cafés, the city centre, and the Bath Spa railway station is located just over one mile from site.
For further information about City & Country, visit cityandcountry.co.uk
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Unexpected snowfall makes Julian House’s annual Big Bath Sleep-Out a challenge
The unexpected snowstorm that hit Bath on Friday night made the 2024 Big Bath Sleep-Out, run by local homelessness charity Julian House, an even bigger challenge for the 98 fundraisers who took part this year.
The heavy snowfall took everyone by surprise and event organisers had to implement their emergency procedure to make sure the fundraisers sleeping under flimsy tarpaulins, who were taking part in the flagship event for Julian House, were safe and were made aware of the adverse sudden change in weather.
The emergency shelter, put in place every year in case of bad weather, was soon filling with people who were extremely wet and cold, with 10 people quickly relocated when their shelters collapsed under the weight of the sudden snowfall.
Donations to the Big Bath Sleep-Out for Julian House are still coming in – to donate visit the fundraising page: The Big Bath Sleep-Out for Julian House.
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HOMES & INTERIORS GUIDE | HOUSE OF RADIATORS
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House of Radiators sells traditional and designer radiators that can be off-the-shelf sizes/finishes or bespoke sizes and colours.
This popular, family-run business opened its Bear Flat showroom in 2011 and not only sells to Bath areas but throughout the UK and overseas.
Following a major re-fit, there are over 100 radiators on display and due to increasing popularity the traditional cast iron and column radiator range has expanded. With over 50 years' experience in the heating and radiator industry, they offer a friendly and high level of customer service.
This is key in helping customers choose the right radiator for their home that will not only look amazing but will heat their room and do its job. Because the team work with leading manufacturers and distributors in the radiator industry, there’s always something to suit all budgets and styles.
Locally the company are able to offer an at-home consultation where they’ll measure up and work out the correct heat requirements and size up radiators accordingly.
22 Wellsway, Bear Flat, Bath BA2 2AA Tel: 01225 424199 Web: houseofradiators.co.uk
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PROPERTY | A HOME WITH FINE VALLEY VIEWS
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20 Lower Stoke Limpley Stoke Bath BA2 7FP
Offered for sale by Bath estate agents Cobb Farr.
A flexible and spacious 4 bedroom, 3 storey house set in this most popular village. Once the village Post office, it now offers newly refurbished accommodation with fine valley views both internally and externally.
20 Lower Stoke has undergone much renovation in the recent past and now boasts extensive living space set to 3 storeys. It was originally the village Post Office but has now been reconfigured into cohesive residential accommodation.
The kitchen is now set on the ground floor, which has created an exceptionally light and spacious entertaining space. The dining room overlooks the garden which is lawned in 3 tiers and has wonderful views of the Avon valley. It also has large rear aspect Georgian style sash windows, an antique style radiator, inset fireplace with Chesney wooden burning stove and stone hearth, exposed wooden floorboards.
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The ground floor is completed by a utility/boot room,cloakroom and store.
Upstairs there are high ceilings and engineered oak floor throughout, with a newly installed wood burner in the main sitting room. There is a bedroom to the rear which could easily be utilised as a second sitting room, large office or guest room.
The top floor offers 3 lovely bedrooms all with fine views, ensuite facilities to bedroom 1,and a generous bathroom. | Guide Price with OIE of £700,000
Click here to view more images and read through the details on the Cobb Farr website
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