Old City Sounds

From soul to swing, folk to funk and busking to blues, this new family-friendly event is set to jazz up Bristol's August Bank Holiday weekend!

The free-to-attend one-day event will take over King Street, St Stephen's Church, St Nicholas Street and St Nicks Market in a musical celebration for those young and young at heart.

Created by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the inaugural outdoor event has musical fun for all the family on offer. All genres will be celebrated throughout four melodic zones, as the event takes over the streets of the Old City between 12 - 6pm on Saturday 26 August.

The iconic annual Old Duke Jazz Festival will spearhead the 'Old City Jazz'' zone on King Street, which will host live jazz talent from near and far in a symphonic celebration of all things folk, funk and swing.

St Stephen's Church garden will play host to the 'Old City Kids' area, and young ones can enjoy storytelling, face painting, circus performers, and more. Head to St Nicks for Bristol's favourite maze of stalls and pop-up restaurants, alongside local musicians from BIMM. 

To find out more, go to bristolcitycentrebid.com

Our September issue is out next week!

You'll love our fabulous September 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. We really hope you'll enjoy the read!

15,000 copies are delivered door to door, and you can pick up a copy at many places around town – including our stands at Waitrose, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols.

Read the digital version of our current issue here!

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 – see our website. 

Words by Melissa Blease

Bank Holiday Sunshine Feast!

It's the final Bank Holiday weekend of the year! Get your glow on with this vibrant sharing menu, guaranteed to bring the sunshine to your table even if you're stuck indoors.

Lime and Mango Chicken Wings (serves 8)
Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 5. Spread around 2kg/16 chicken wings across a baking tray (skin side up), drizzle with oil, season well and roast for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix 200g mango chutney with the zest of 1 lime. When the chicken has partially-roasted, brush half of the mango chutney/lime mixture over the wings and return to the oven for 20 minutes, brushing them with the rest of the mango chutney/lime mixture halfway through cooking. Serve hot or at room temperature, scattered with finely-sliced red chillies and freshly-chopped coriander.

Coconut Cauliflower with Black Beans (serves 8)
Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 5. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Chop 1 large cauliflower into large florets and drop into the boiling water, along with the juice from both 1 lemon and 1 lime. Simmer for 5 minutes, drain well and set to one side. Melt around 4 tbsp coconut oil in a large ovenproof casserole dish (with lid) and sauté 2 tbsp black mustard seeds for around 1 minute (or until they start to sizzle and release their fragrance). Add 1 large knob of ginger (peeled and grated), 4 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed), 1 large green chilli (finely chopped) and 2 tbsp turmeric powder and continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously. Add 2 x 400ml tins coconut milk and 2 x 400g tins of black beans (drained and rinsed) to the pan, season and stir well and bring to the boil. Add the blanched cauliflower and bake (with the lid on) for 30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is completely tender. Serve warm, topped with 3-4 tbsp toasted coconut flakes and a handful of freshly-chopped coriander.

Rainbow Slaw (serves 8)
Finely shred (or grate) 150g red cabbage, 150g white cabbage, 1 large red apple (cored) and 3 large carrots and tumble the lot into a large serving dish. Mix 100g natural yoghurt with 50ml mayonnaise, the juice of 1 lime, the juice of 1 orange and a large handful of freshly-chopped coriander. Season to taste and pour over the slaw. Stir well and serve at room temperature.

Sunshine Fruit Salad (serves 8)
Pick the leaves off 8 sprigs of fresh mint and, using either a pestle and mortar or the end of a rolling pin and a sturdy bowl, pound with 100g caster sugar to form a sandy paste. Spread out on a tray and leave to dry out. Meanwhile, peel and chop 1 large pineapple, 1 large peeled, de-stoned mango and a hefty wedge of watermelon (chopped, picking the black seeds out as you go). Add the prepared fruit to a serving dish and spritz with the juice of 1 lime. Stir well. Just before serving, add 200g raspberries, 3 chopped, peeled ripe bananas, the flesh from 4 kiwi fruits (chopped) and the rest of the mint sugar. Serve dolloped with thick Greek yoghurt and fresh mint leaves.

Spotlight: Domaine de Belle Mare

The Languedoc-Roussillon region of France is iconic for its tapestry of terroirs - from schistous granitic Faugères, to windswept, wild Corbières and sharp, maritime Picpoul.

And right on the south coast sits Domaine de Belle Mare - a small estate that produces wines from 15 different grape varieties in the Languedoc. The estate is a fantastic representation of new-style Languedoc wines and stretches for 45 hectares around the crystal clear waters of Lake Thau.

Picpoul de Pinet
The Picpoul de Pinet is a classic mark of the Languedoc region- brilliant, pale yellow tint with green hues; very fresh nose, delicate and floral, white flowers; lively and fresh with a lemon touch and a mineral and salty finish | £9

Picpoul-Sauvingon
A blend of Picpoul and Sauvignon. The Picpoul offers fruit and mineral complexity backed up with fresh gooseberry from the Sauvignon | £11.10

Grenache-Merlot, Les Granges de Félines
A blend of Merlot, Grenache and Syrah, this is fresh and fruity with red berry and cherry character and a clean, fruity finish. If you're after an easy quaffing, well made, fruity red this is the one | £11.10

Visit greatwine.co.uk to browse more Languedoc wines

Good: Stories in Food

Join GOOD: Stories in Food on their tours of Bristol and Somerset, and discover the stories of the very best of the South West’s food and drink. With a focus on independent producers, restaurants, retailers, and everything in between, the tours deliver you delicious flavours in an ethical way. Your guide will have extensive knowledge of local, sustainable food, and the very best spots in the South West to visit. Tours include:

Bristol Hotspots & Hidden Treasures – a city centre food and drink tour, every other Saturday at 2.15 from 9 September

Wine & Cheese Tasting in the Cheddar Valley – with exclusive lunch and tour at The Pony Chew Valley with Josh Eggleton, 15 September (Bath departure), 22 September, 6 October

Farming, Feasting and Fermenting: A day in the Chew Valley – get exclusive access to these inspiring businesses and indulge generously along the way (24 September).

Visit goodstoriesinfood.com to find out more

Hot Diamonds X JJ Believe pendant | £110

This is a jewellery suite that is both unique, but also wearable - It's not too uniform, and the off-set layers create a mesmerising effect. This pendant is crafted from 925 sterling silver, plated with 18ct gold and hand-set with a real diamond. Jac x The pendant measures 26mm x 29mm including the bail.

Go to hotdiamonds.co.uk to shop

Pat McGrath Mothership XI – Sunlit Seduction Eyeshadow Palette | £99

New from PatMcGrath with 10 seductive shades and 5 versatile luxe finishes all encased in one beautiful palette. The sensorial formulas are designed to unite rich, instant colour with effortless application, making it the perfect addition to your makeup arsenal and the ultimate multipurpose palette. Easily create structure shapes and highlights with the creamy, blendable, versatile pigments which can be used wet or dry and amplified even further with the new IntensifEYES Longwear Primer | £25

To shop, go to patmcgrath.com

Barnes Organic Cotton Denim Crops | £67.95

A piece you'll reach for year round, and find so many ways to style. Classic denim crops that sit below the natural waist, with a contemporary wide leg and twin stitching. Made from organic cotton denim in a versatile mid wash.

Visit seasaltcornwall.com

Pick up discounts at the L.F.Markey and Meadows Sample Sale

After the huge success of their previous sample sales, L.F. Markey & Meadows are now bringing the opportunity to shop their brands to new cities in the UK.

In an effort to make sure no stock goes to waste, you will be able to shop not only styles from their previous collections but also one off archive pieces that were not put into production, true one of a kind finds.

They will be in Bristol on the 2 and 3 of September with brand new stock added from collections dating back to the brand's origin, as well as previous collections.

Free entry⁠ | Prices starting from £15⁠ | New stock daily⁠

2 September - 10am - 4pm
3 September - 10am - 2pm
The Gallery Space, The Island, 1st Floor Bridewell Street, Bristol BS1 2QD

The Rolex Lady-Datejust Oyster

The classic Rolex feminine watch – the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust with its small 28 mm case – with either a 3 or 5 link Jubilee bracelet carries a rich, elegant tradition of powerful, legendary female wearers since it first appeared in 1957.

Rolex offers so many choices of the Lady-Datejust, that wearers can always find one to reflect their personality, demands and expectations. It is available in: Oystersteel, 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold, or in Rolesor versions that combine Oystersteel and one of three varieties of gold.

All are perpetual, self-winding movements with a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, waterproof to 100 metres and certified as a Superlative Chronometer.

Shown here (left to right) is the Lady Datejust Oyster, Oystersteel with domed bezel and baton markers, £5,850. The Lady-Datejust Oyster, in Oystersteel and yellow gold with a fluted bezel and champagne-colour dial set with diamond markers. £10,000, and the Lady-Datejust Oyster in Everose gold with an olive green dial set with diamond markers | £25,700

Click here to see an impressive range of Lady Datejust watches on display at Mallory

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Swill magazine is an offshoot of the ambitious Australian restaurant group Swillhouse. It’s a smart and imposing affair, rooted mainly in stories and developments around contemporary Australian cuisine (which, at this level, is not swill) but casts an informed eye over what else is going on around the world. This issue includes an interview with Natoora founder, Franco Fubini, a the homage to ham, egg and chip sandwich at London sandwich shop, Max’s, an eye-opening journey through the kitchens of Turkey, the life of Giorgio de Chirico and Australian chef and 'national treasure' Peter Russell-Clarke who describes turning a then-prince Charles away from his restaurant in the 1970s | £23

magalleria.co.uk

Wild Wonder bookfest

‘A book fires a child’s imagination like nothing else’ says Westonbirt Arboretum.

The memory of a book we have read as child, or that has been read to us, stays with us for life. When we curl up to read a book with a child, a close bond is formed based on the shared intimate experience and the wonderful journey that the book takes you on, lost entirely in its story and the images it conjures up.

Featuring an all-star line-up of children’s authors, TV personalities and illustrators, family book festival ‘Wild Wonder at Westonbirt’ children’s book festival returns to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum from 15 to 17 September. This festival is all set to celebrate and encourage children’s joy of reading, inspired by nature and wildlife!

15 - 17 September | Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QS 
Find out more and book tickets at forestryengland.uk

The Practical Sustainability Course

"Delivered expertly by passionate and knowledgeable tutors"

An immersion into dynamic education to engage your heart and hands, specialising in practical skills, systematic design and collaborative approaches. Whether you are fresh out of education, looking for a career change or making the most out of your retirement, this course is a playground of opportunity to discover your passions in the wide world of sustainability. 

The course includes ten modules: Organic Horticulture, Soil and Ecology, Woodland Management, Green Building, Green Energy, Permaculture Design, Group Dynamics, Community Engagement, Creating Change, Re-localisation. 

Running from September - July, three days per week; 9.30am - 3.30p,. Full fee: £3,595; part concession: £2,995; full-concession: £2,395. To apply please visit shiftbristol.org.uk

Tetbury Music Festival

The Tetbury Music Festival returns to the Cotswolds this October for a week of extraordinary music performed by internationally acclaimed musicians. 

Concerts range from early to classical to contemporary music, with lectures and interviews to share insight, understanding and new ways of appreciating the context in which these great works were written. 

Visit the beautiful and ancient town of Tetbury for the perfect cultural weekend break. 

Find out more, view the full line-up, and book tickets at tetburymusicfestival.org

Traditional Upholstery School

The Traditional Upholstery School was founded in 2016 by Joanna Heptinstall to teach upholstery skills and lampshade making. 

Courses and workshops are designed to suit those looking to re-train and learn to upholster to a professional standard, and also those who just want a creative and rewarding hobby. The characterful, light and spacious workroom in a Wiltshire village provides a creative and sociable teaching space. Joanna offers a friendly and supportive environment which allows students to flourish. Small class sizes allow all students to thrive and produce high quality work, whether enjoying a satisfying hobby or working towards a new career. 

Visit traditionalupholsteryschool.co.uk to find out more

New In: Decorative Tiles

Quorn Stone have just launched their latest collection of beautiful decorative tiles, from colourful glossy metro and kit kat tiles to authentic glazed Zellige tiles and Moroccan patterned prints. This new range encompasses something for every home, injecting an element of creativity and playfulness into any interior scheme.

View in store at Quorn Stone Bristol, 92a Whiteladies Road, Clifton, BS8 2QN
Or visit their website at mystonefloor.com to shop the full collection

K Interiors Bespoke Furniture

Gone are the days of being limited in colour, pattern or texture when you’re looking to buy that new sofa! Alongside their existing interior design services, K Interiors is proud to offer a new bespoke furniture service to their clients.

They can supply any item of upholstered furniture designed to the exact style and size you need, using fabrics selected for their durability and timeless beauty.

So whether it’s a three-piece, an armchair or a footstool, the result is a truly one-of-a kind piece that is built to an exceptional standard and fits perfectly into your home. 

Talk to K about your ideas and create your very own family heirloom. 

Discover more at k-interiors.co.uk

Granby Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8

Offered for sale by Bristol estate agent, Rupert Oliver.

This is a fabulous modern townhouse, developed by Edward Ware Homes in 2006. Since then it has been much improved by the current owners who have thoughtfully enhanced various elements of the accommodation throughout.

The house can be accessed from both the front and rear – with access from the garden, via steps, to the covered parking adjacent to the property.

Through the front door you are greeted by a welcoming entrance hall with under-stair storage. Doors lead into a wonderful open-plan kitchen, dining, and reception space – which is perfect for those who like to entertain. The kitchen itself is high quality, with granite worktops and plenty of floor and wall-mounted storage cupboards and integrated appliances.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a very useful utility room with an integrated washing machine, a large glazed rear door provides access out to the sunny south east facing courtyard garden

Upstairs, over the full width of the front of the property is a superb sitting room with parquet flooring and a full-height square bay window flooding the room with natural light and views across green gardens to Windsor Terrace and Leigh Woods beyond.

The main bedroom on the first floor has a generous footprint that offers views over the garden below. This room has undergone recent refurbishment to include newly installed fitted wardrobes and a recently installed fully en-suite shower room.

On the second floor are three further bedrooms; two good size double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes, and a single fourth bedroom, or a useful home office/study. These share a well-appointed family bathroom.

Outside (accessed from the utility room) is a sunny south east facing paved courtyard garden. A real sun trap and is a perfect spot for al-fresco dining. A rear gate leads to a path and steps down to the resident's only off-street parking, where the property has access to an allocated car parking space. There is also a residents-only Bike Store. Guide Price, £850,000

Click here for more images, details and to view the floorplan on the Rupert Oliver website.