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

EXCITING NEWS  |  BRISTOL ATTRACTION

Plans for a £13.5m tourist attraction in the heart of Bristol have been approved by councillors despite having been recommended for refusal by planning officers.

At a meeting of a Bristol City Council planning committee plans brought forward by We The Curious and Arc Global were unanimously backed.

Imagine looking down on Bristol’s historic harbourside through a glass cabin, as you slowly glide 69 metres high in the sky… welcome to Arc.

If plans go ahead, Bristol will become the first city in the world to host Arc – an elegant glass cabin suspended between two super-strong carbon fibre masts, that lifts 42 passengers into the sky and takes them on a magical 20-minute scenic flight.

Once inside the cabin passengers will be gently lifted as the masts pivot on a 3.2-metre diameter base in Millennium Square, (just the width of two BMW Minis, side-by-side), using highly-sophisticated technology designed by some of the UK’s leading engineers.

The 360˚ views of Bristol’s amazing historic sites will give a unique perspective with an accompanying pilot on-board to explain the City’s history and the importance of the heritage sites passengers will see.

arc.global

SAVE THE FOREST  |  BRISTOL CHARITY

Chris Packham, Joanna Lumley and Zoë Wanamaker are some of the celebrities backing an appeal that launches today (12 April) to save a special forest in Ethiopia.

Without urgent action, the Metema forest in Ethiopia could be extinct in 20 years, gripped by the devastating effects of the climate crisis. The Bristol-born charity, Tree Aid, is calling for support from the people in the South West to bring the forest back from the brink of extinction, stopping it being engulfed by the creeping desert.

Chris Packham, one of the high profile supporters of the appeal, explains: “People in the Sahel are living with the devastating effects of our global climate crisis. Temperatures are rising, land is becoming infertile and the desert is spreading south, like a wave in slow-motion.

Tree Aid’s Future Forest appeal will contribute to the Great Green Wall movement. This African-led movement aims to restore and re-green 8,000kms across the entire width of Africa – stopping the advancing Sahara desert, which has spread 100km south since 1950 – and securing a sustainable future for the millions of people living in poverty in the Sahel.

The appeal aims to raise £352,875 to save one of the last green belt areas before the desert, tackling the climate crisis with a solution based in nature. Donations from the public will be matched by the UK government until 11^th July, doubling the fundraising total.

Matched funds from the UK government will enable Tree Aid to provide communities in Metema, Ethiopia with tools and training to restore the forest, protect the frankincense trees and create a more sustainable income from them. The Metema forest is extra special as it is made up of Boswelia trees, which produce frankincense – a precious tree resin that is used in essential oils around the world.

Tree Aid is encouraging individuals, schools, community groups and businesses in the South West to join its Great Green Walk from 12 April to 11 July – walking 8, 800 or 8,000km with friends or groups to support the appeal.

To find out more, visit thebristolmag.co.uk

APRIL ISSUE  |  A MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM

WHAT'S ON  |  WATERSHED EVENTS

Women Over 50 Film Festival (WOFFF) showcases international films by and about older women. Now in its 7th year, WOFFF creates a film community centred around older women and inspires younger people to re-think ageing and see creative potential in an often-invisible demographic.

WOFFF's virtual Best of the Fest is packed with award-winning short films of witches, warriors and women who roar!

Streaming on 16 April on modernfilms.com

Pre order for £9.99. Book via the Watershed page on Modern Films.

LIMITED EDITION  |  SUPPORTING LOCAL PUBS

Thatchers Cider has launched an exciting initiative to help support local pubs and bars throughout the South West and the country as they begin to reopen as government restrictions are lifted.

Participating pubs are being sent a supply of limited-edition t-shirts – free of charge – that will be available for regulars to purchase – and show their support for their local pub.

As pubs sign up to take part, pub-goers will be able to find participating outlets via an online map at thatcherscider.co.uk. So if you're keen to get your hands on one of the limited edition t-shirts, the map will let you know where you can purchase one.

The t-shirts have been created to back pubs across the country, with all proceeds going to support local pubs and bars.

So keep an eye out for these limited edition t-shirts, and become a #ThatchersPubHero.

So head to Thatchers' website to find out which local pubs are participating and where you can buy your #ThatchersPubHeroes t-shirt.

Thatchers is inviting customers to tag them on social media when they've bought their t-shirt with the hashtag #thatcherspubheroes.

After the first national lockdown in 2020, Thatchers gave away over 6,000 kegs of cider to pubs and bars up and down the country, helping them get back on their feet as they reopened.

CITY FOOD NEWS  |  DOORS SWING OPEN

The popular street food market at Temple Quay in Bristol opened its doors yesterday!

With measures in place ensuring a Covid secure environment, the lunchtime market is welcoming back some of Bristol's best independent street food operators, including at the first market Alp Mac serving up their mac n' cheese dishes; buttermilk chicken wings from Gurt Wings; and authentic Indian dishes from The Mango Hub; all providing delicious freshly prepared lunches.

Customers will be able to keep up to date with all stalls attending on the market's Instagram and other social media channels. Some of the traders have been carrying out home-deliveries but are now set to return again every Thursday 12.00 to 2.00pm in the Temple Quay Square.

Temple Quay is located next to Temple Meads Station and is managed by Avison Young on behalf of the Temple Quay Management Company.

Image credit: Alp Mac 1 credit Becca Luger

FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT  |  SUMMER PLANS

Headline chefs and multi-generational family activities have been announced for Cornwall’s first festival of the year.

Joining the line up at Porthilly Spirit, which is taking place from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 May 2021 at Trefresa Farm, close to Rock, is renowned Venetian wine trader Luca Dusi, and open fire and BBQ expert Genevieve Taylor – who will both be hosting feasts on the Saturday night.

Adventure club Wild Warriors has also announced its night-time sessions at the festival, where they will take care of children while parents dine and catch up around the campfire.

Visit Porthilly Spirit's website to find out more: porthillyspirit.co.uk

OBJECTS OF DESIRE  |  BIRTHSTONE OF THE MONTH

The Diamond takes its name from the Greek word ‘adamas’ which simply translated means ‘invincible’.

Science alert. Every carbon atom contains four electrons in its outer shell. In diamond, these electrons are shared with four other carbon atoms to form a very rigid chemical bond that results in an extremely strong tetrahedral crystal. It is this simple, tightly-bonded arrangement that makes diamond one of the hardest substances on Earth and sits at number 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. It is this durability is one of the many things that makes a diamond so coveted and enduring. End of lesson.

For most though Diamonds are simply enchanting; light is refracted beautifully as it passes through the facets and is the jewellers artistic craft to show just how perfect and brilliant a diamond can be.

White diamonds are most common and usually considered best for their purity and clarity, but other diamonds can be found in shades such as yellow, blue, pink can be very evocative. The perfect gift for a loved one.

Here are a few examples of the perfect cut.

Top, left to right: Platinum five stone, four claw-set emerald cut and baguette cut diamond Ring £8,950

Victoria platinum single stone four claw-set radiant cut diamond ring with tapered shoulders £10,950

Victoria 18ct yellow gold and platinum single stone four claw-set round brilliant cut diamond Ring with tapered shoulders £2,200

Above, left to right: Platinum single stone four claw-set oval cut diamond ring with diamond grain-set shoulders. £24,750

Platinum single stone three claw-set pear cut diamond ring with tapered shoulders. £5,750

18ct yellow and white gold single stone four claw-set marquise cut diamond ring with plain shoulders. £2,950

Explore the full range of bespoke diamond jewellery at Mallory.

BEAUTY MUST-HAVES  |  NEW LAUNCH

Specially devised for the warmer days, the Coco Mademoiselle Collection Été reveals a fresher and fruitier aspect of the fragrance with two new limited edition releases in 100ml format ideal for travelling: Coco Mademoiselle L’Eau, a formula as light as a perfume mist and Coco Mademoiselle Le Gel, a shower gel for body and hair.

A summer variation that allows fans of Coco Mademoiselle’s boldness to enjoy its citrus and floral notes without moderation.

chanel.com

FASHION  |  SUMMER 21 COLLECTION

Following the successful launch of M&S X Ghost last year, M&S is extremely excited to announce the continuation of the collaboration for Summer 21. With a contemporary 15-piece edit designed exclusively for M&S and launching online and in-stores (Cribbs Causeway).

M&S is delighted to welcome back the iconic British brand to bring you an exclusive collection of summer dresses that once again reflects Ghost's signature aesthetic and timeless detailing. The collaboration continues to place style, quality, and comfort at the heart of the designs, championing exquisite attention to detail and premium quality, synonymous with the brand.

Shop the collection at: marksandspencer.com

ON THE BOX  |  NARRATED BY DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

When the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world in 2020, governments advised everyone to stay at home to contain the virus, and people’s lives changed dramatically.

The global lockdown didn’t just change us, however, it also changed nature, as city streets became deserted, cruise ships ceased sailing across oceans and wildlife ventured into places they had never been seen before.

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, The Year Earth Changed is a documentary featuring exclusive footage from around the world that shows how nature adapted and bounced back as human behaviour changed over the year.

Watch it on Apple TV today

WHAT'S FOR LUNCH?  |  IT'S A NOODLE THING

Fresh herbs, Asian flavours and noodles in abundance can turn the "what on earth should we have for lunch/dinner?" conundrum into a full-on flavour-feast in moments... and this vibrant, supremely satisfying dish proves that point in style.

I tend to use minced beef for this recipe, but minced pork, chicken or a vegetarian minced beef alternative work equally well – and, if you prefer a totally vegetarian dish, just omit the prawns altogether. The fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, chillies, spring onions and lime juice, however, are non-negotiable: they combine to create the intrinsically addictive zing that makes your tastebuds sing, while the 5-spice, fish sauce and soy sauce provide that essential earthy, Far-Eastern flourish.

In the unlikely event that you have leftovers to deal with, store in the fridge in a sealed tub overnight and reheat thoroughly the next day in chicken or vegetable stock to create a wonderful spicy noodle soup, served with chicken or vegetable spring rolls and sweet chilli dipping sauce on the side.

Ingredients (serves 4)

300g cellophane or rice noodles
200g minced beef, pork or chicken (or vegetarian alternative)
150g cooked peeled prawns
2 tsp Chinese 5-spice
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 heaped tbsp peeled, grated fresh ginger
1 bunch spring onions, finely sliced
2 fresh red chillies, finely sliced (deseed if you prefer a milder chilli hit)
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp caster sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 generous handful fresh coriander, chopped
1 generous handful fresh mint, chopped
Neutral oil (eg. vegetable, sunflower or rapeseed) for frying

Method

1. Soak the noodles in a bowl of warm water until soft (typically around 4–5 minutes, but check instructions on packet). Rinse in cold water, drain and put to one side.

2. Fry the minced beef in a hot wok or large frying pan for around 5 minutes until brown and crisp. Drain off any excess fat if necessary before adding the Chinese 5-spice, garlic, ginger, prawns, chillies, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar and stir-fry for another 4–5 minutes until fragrant and sizzling.

3. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss all the ingredients together (adding a splash of boiling water if the mixture feels too dry) before adding the spring onions, coriander and mint. Toss again to combine thoroughly – with the help of kitchen tongs, perhaps? – and serve warm or at room temperature sprinkled with more chopped fresh herbs.

WINE TASTERS  |  SIX PINK FIZZIES

HOMES & GARDENS  |  CREATING SPACE

BRISTOL PROPERTY  |  ON THE MARKET

This is a breathtaking, two-bedroom first floor apartment set in a Grade II listed property, conveniently located in Melrose Place and close to many great amenities with just a short walk to Clifton Village, the Harbourside and the city centre.

With a beautifully appointed, open-plan living area and quality kitchen, as well as a wealth of period features, the apartment has been stylishly updated to give a contemporary feel. 

The master bedroom has fitted wardrobes, while the shower room is chic and well designed with under floor heating.

The property also comes the extra benefit of off-street parking for one car. This lovely apartment is only just on the market and available with no onward chain. Guide price: £345,000.

Click here to contact Howard Homes estate agents for further details