Bristol mourns the death of Her Majesty The Queen

Bristol is a city in mourning after confirmation from the Royal Family that Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96 at Balmoral. 

The Mayor of Bristol ordered that the flags on College Green be flown at half mast, and City Hall be lit up in regal purple in remembrance of the Queen.

The Proclamation of the new Monarch will be read in front of the fountains on College Green at a date to be confirmed.

Anyone wishing to lay floral tributes in memory of The Queen is asked to lay them at the West End of Bristol Cathedral. Books of condolence will also be available at City Hall and Bristol Cathedral alongside a Bristol e-book, and a national e-book of condolence.

You may also pay your respects by leaving a message at royal.uk

OUR SEPTEMBER ISSUE: OUT NOW

Our September magazine features a collection of great reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bristol's best businesses. We hope you 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 September 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. 

Circumstance Distillery releases Bristol's first whisky in 82 years

This week, Circumstance Distillery released its inaugural single grain whisky – the first to be produced in Bristol since the city's last distillery was destroyed during the blitz in 1940.

On Monday 5 September, the whisky sold out in nine minutes. Circumstance, however, keen for the people of Bristol to try the new creation, has released a map of where the whisky will be available taste.

Take a screenshot of the maps above and get down to your nearest venue!

What's more, Circumstance Distillery turned four this week! To celebrate its birthday, the team are opening the distillery doors for some tasty drinks and good times tomorrow (10 September) from 1–8pm.

Expect music and good vibes from DJ Suzi P, drinks from the full Circumstance range as well as from Psychopomp Microdistillery – Circumstance's sister company.

Delicious Indonesian street food from Enggi's Kitchen will also be on offer alongside tasty local beers from Coffee & Beer.

The team will also be running a few tours of the distillery, for those who would like to have a little look around!

Free entry, everyone welcome!

Find out more about the party at: Circumstance Distillery's 4th Birthday Party

Boundless innovation

Dubbed by renowned whisky retailers Master of Malt as 'Britain’s most innovative distillery', Circumstance is pushing the boundaries in the world of whisky.

Ahead of the launch of its new whisky, we sat down with co-founder Liam Hirt (pictured above far left) to find out their innovative creations and how they're respecting the traditions without being confined by them.

Read the full feature here and discover more about Circumstance at: circumstancedistillery.com

Image credit: @JonCraig_Photos

Shepherd's Pie with a subtle difference

'Tis the season to start getting cosy! And who doesn't love a Shepherd's Pie? This one, however, brings a couple of neat twists to the Classic Comfort Dish party.

Blending the onions, carrots and celery to a purée before adding them to the mince results in a silky texture, with the added bonus of turning the whole dish into a picky eater paradise. The creamy cannellini beans, meanwhile, add a 'superfood' blast of protein, B vitamins, iron and antioxidants to the overall affair, while the addition of just a tablespoon of mint sauce elevates the overall satisfaction rating to stellar heights.

This recipe serves six, making it a true family affair. But if you're not cooking for a crowd, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for easy reheating in the oven or the microwave the next day, or frozen for future 'ready meals'.

Autumn? Bring. It. On!

Ingredients (serves 6)

500g minced lamb
Picked, finely-chopped leaves from 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 x 400g tins of cannellini beans, drained
2 large onions
2 large carrots
2 sticks of celery
1 tbsp plain flour
800ml chicken stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp mint sauce
800g swede
800g potatoes
2 tbsp milk
1 handful grated mature Cheddar cheese

Method

1. Peel and roughly chop the onions and carrots, trim and roughly chop the celery, and blitz in a food processor until you have a thick paste (or, chop into fine dice). Set to one side.

2. Put the mince into a large, cold frying pan. Turn the hob heat up to high and fast-fry for around 10 minutes or until dark golden and a bit nobbly, breaking the mince up with a wooden spoon as you go. Drain and discard the rendered fat through a colander, retaining around 2 tbsp in the pan.

3. Put the pan back on the hob, turn the heat down to medium-hot, add the drained beans and finely-chopped fresh rosemary and stir well. Continue to sauté for a further 6-8 minutes, or until most of the beans start to pop and turn a bit mushy. Add the blitzed vegetables and sauté for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the flour, stir well, and add the stock. Season well, bring to the boil, then simmer on a low heat with the lid on for 30 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, peel the the potatoes and the swede and chop into chunky dice. Drop the swede into a large pan of boiling, salted water and simmer for 10 minutes before adding the potatoes and continuing to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until yielding enough to mash. Drain well, and mash with the milk, grated cheese and plenty of seasoning. Preheat the oven to 180ºc/gas mark 4.

6. Stir the Worcestershire and mint sauces into the mince (don't worry if the mixture is still a bit runny, it'll thicken up nicely in the oven) and transfer to a suitably-sized oven-proof dish. Top with dollops of mash and scuff the top up to guarantee lots of crispy bits. Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden and bubbling, and allow to settle down for around 10 minutes before serving with good old garden peas and plenty of tomato ketchup.

Producer in focus: Swinney Vineyards

Located on the banks of the Frankland River, Western Australia
Swinney wines are created by Matt Swinney and winemaking savant Rob Mann. The team are known for wines that are full of freshness, sophistication, beautiful balance and persistence on the palate. 

Currently on offer at The Great Wine Co you can save 25% on these fabulous wines. Here’s some beauties from the range that will delight.

Frankland River Riesling

The story is that Rob Mann, wanted to avoid the petrol character that can develop in Riesling grapes that have been over-exposed to sunlight, so he twisted Matt Swinney's arm to invest in 5 km of shade cloth to hang on the 'afternoon side' of the rows. The result is a wine with fabulous purity and finesse of aroma. Lime pith, lime cordial and just a suggestion of flowery perfume. In the mouth, it is dry and tangy, with generous fresh fruit salad notes offset by spicy, savoury umami richness. £21.66

Frankland River Grenache

Grown on bush vines, whose leaf canopy with dappled shade and growth pattern in three dimensions helps separate the bunches and ensure even ripening in Frankland River's marginal climate for this variety. With a deep ruby-purple colour, this is unusually dark for Grenache, again it’s all about the clever, inventive way it is grown. £27.50

Frankland River Syrah

As soon as you take a sip, it's apparent why this is named 'Syrah' instead of 'Shiraz:' it has a freshness and finesse that allies it more to the Rhône valley than to the Barossa. Impressively impenetrable, glass-staining black colour, with glorious, soaring, damson and loganberry fruit and a sprinkling of Chinese five spice, then fine marzipan and cherry kernel £27.50

Farvie Frankland River Syrah

Last but not least, this is a Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 Gold medalist and is every drop first class.
An awe-inspiring wine with the aroma of Hermitage and the texture of Richebourg, Farvie Syrah is a selection of fruit picked exclusively from the 'morning' side of the vine rows, which ripens more slowly and gently. It is super-refined, intense and concentrated in flavour. Undoubtedly a great wine to lie down and develop - but oh, it's so irresistible already. Utterly harmonious. £82.91

By Lalique: the Champs-Elysées gold cluster crystal bowl

The spectacular rows of trees lining “the most beautiful avenue of the world” inspired the design of the finely engraved crystal leaves that adorn the Champs-Elysées bowl, designed by Marc Lalique in 1951. 

It is a fabulous work of art, handmade in France and weighing in at a hefty 6.2 Kg. Dimensions 19.00 cm (H) x 46.00 cm (W) x 19.00 (D) cm. £2,880

Curated by Daniel McCabe

SICK began as a zine created by American ex-pat Olivia Spring while studying at Goldsmiths University in London. Becoming sick and faced with unrealistic and unhelpful writing and advice about life with a serious illness, she was encouraged to create a platform to support herself and others in her situation, something offering honest perspectives on the issue of chronic illness and disability. The zine of course quickly found a community and today has become a proper magazine of sorts, showcasing creative writing and illustrative work threaded with testimonies about living with illness. £10

The Fence: made in South Bristol by South Bristol talent

A highly anticipated feature film from South Bristol director Will Stone and cinematographer Adam Pickford has finally hit the big screen, making it the first independent feature film to be produced in Bristol since 1962.

The Fence follows an 18-year-old working class lad living in Hartcliffe who has his motorcycle stolen the day he buys it. He seeks the help of his scoundrel friends and notorious older brother to track it down before it’s gone forever.

Speaking about his directorial debut, Will said: “The short was based on one of many stories from my father’s childhood. He grew up on a council estate in Hartcliffe during the late 70s and early 80s – the estate was one of the most deprived and notorious in the South West. He had plenty of stories of his childhood about school, fighting, stealing and all kinds of stuff. The bike story was just one of many really. But it’s one that stuck with me for a while and I eventually thought it was perfect for a short film project.”

The feature film is a development of an original short film of the same name that Will released on YouTube as part of his Film Production and Cinematography degree course at Bournemouth University in 2018. The 20-minute film, soundtracked by absolute classics from The Beatles and The Pogues, was shot on a £2,000-budget on an estate in Salisbury while he studied in the south of England. Although he had modest hopes for his film, it reached a million views in six months and garnered hundreds of positive reviews. After watching the views continue to skyrocket into the millions but finding no success in his pitches to production companies, the young filmmaker set out to write a screenplay himself, deciding to commit to the project during the first lockdown.

After tireless work, Will and Adam managed to secure funding for a low six-figure budget and filming for The Fence ran from 9 to 28 August 2021. Around 90 per cent of the film was shot in South Bristol with locations including Whitchurch, Stockwood, Keynsham, Warmley, Cadbury Heath and Radstock. What’s more, around 50 speaking parts were filled by actors from the local area, bringing opportunities to young Bristol teenagers. 

Most impressively, The Fence features some of Bristol’s most famous faces including Jayde Adams, Joe Sims and Paul Holbrook. Furthermore, the likes of Sally Phillips (Miranda, Bridget Jones), Eugene Simon (Game of Thrones), Paul Cooper (This Country) and David Perkins (Hollyoaks) also appear in Will and Adam’s directorial debut. Behind the camera, award-winning co-producer Guy Davies – best known for his debut feature As I Am (2019) played a key role, along with a strong team of creatives.

The Fence doesn’t shy away from the poverty and social issues faced by Hartcliffe in the 1980s and yet the film is filled with moments of nostalgia, brilliant comedic timing, and pure charm that are worthy of attention.

Showing only in Bristol Showcase Cinemas (Cabot Circus and Avonmouth) until 15 September – book your tickets while you can: Showcase Cinemas

Read our full feature in our September issue here

Image credit: Director Will Stone with his father, Paul, on whom the film is based

Be our guest to Disney's Beauty and the Beast this October!

WIN WIN WIN! Disney's Beauty and the Beast is arriving at Bristol Hippodrome this autumn and we're giving away 4 TICKETS to the production on Wednesday 5 October at 7.30pm.

This beloved ‘tale as old as time’ has been brought to life on stage like never before, with all the charm and elegance audiences expect from Belle and her Beast.

To be in with a chance of winning, look out for the competition on Instagram and Twitter...

For Instagram:

• Follow us @thebristolmag & like Bristol Hippodrome on Facebook @BristolHippodrome
• Like the post
• Tag a friend you’d like to take in the comments

For extra bonus points share to your IG stories!

For Twitter:

• Follow us @thebristolmag & like Bristol Hippodrome on Facebook @BristolHippodrome
• Like the post
• Tag a friend you’d like to take in the comments

Competition closes at midday on Tuesday 27 September. The winner will be selected at random and notified on 28 September. 

Please note: Bristol Hippodrome recommends the production for ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted into the theatre.

GOOD LUCK!

Terms & conditions apply: click here to view

Featured image credit: Courtney Stapleton as Belle and Shaq Taylor as Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast Photo - Johan Persson ©Disney

Harvey Nichols Wine Masterclass at The Mount Without

The Crypt at The Mount The Without, 12 October, £35 per person

Hosted by Harvey Nichols Wine specialist, Diana Lyalle, in the beautiful and historic Crypt space located in basement of The Mount Without, explore some of Europe's most classic wines which have been created using traditional winemaking methods.

Discover more about the regions in which they are created and how this affects the taste and style of these long-established bottles, along with what sets them apart from the New World. All wines will be paired with nibbles.

All wines included in the tasting are available from The Harvey Nichols Wine Shop, which offers a comprehensive and unusual selection of quality wines, sourced from around the world by our expert team of buyers. 

Many of the wines stocked are exclusive to Harvey Nichols, and we also carry an excellent selection of Champagnes and a wide variety of spirits — not forgetting our ever-popular Own Label range.

Tickets available to buy at Harvey Nichols Bristol – email: reception.bristol@harveynichols.com or via Eventbrite

Image credit: Evoke Pictures

Frampton Country Fair

Sunday 11 September. Gates open at 9am

This fabulous event – held in 30 acres of beautiful parkland of Frampton Court Estate in Gloucestershire – is one of the last truly traditional country fairs. 

Hugely popular, the fair celebrates all that is great about the countryside and the people who work and live in it. 

With over 400 trade stands, three display rings, entertainers and events as well as a traditional fun-fair, there is so much to see and do – a great day out. 

Tickets will be available on the gate or buy online for a speedy entry.

Click here to visit the website, read more and buy tickets

Tetbury Music Festival

Tetbury Music Festival is returning from 24 September – 2 October as a highlight on the autumn calendar. 

Enjoy events with Manu Brazo, Sarah Dunant, The Consone String Quartet, Professor Natasha Loges and many more. The nights are drawing in and a week of fine music and meeting friends is the best way to embrace the season.

Book your tickets at: tetburymusicfestival.org

Painting birds: art courses on Exmoor with Moor & Sea Holidays

Taught by Samantha Buckley, the course will introduce students to the beautiful technique of Indian miniature painting. 

Taking inspiration from the surrounding Exmoor landscape and the Mughal art of capturing nature, in particular birds, students will use traditional materials to create their own unique painting.

The first step will be paper preparation, staining and burnishing. Next, an introduction to pigments and how to prepare the Indian palette and paint using the traditional techniques of colour flooding. Finally, students will use a technique known as Prataj, or invisible shading, to create the fine detail using the unique squirrel brush found only in India.

During the three days, students will also have an opportunity to explore the surrounding area for inspiration.

Running from 14-16 October; £220 per person including lunch, tea/coffee and cake. Accommodation is extra.

Glass classes taught by Bridget Birse can also be arranged for anyone staying at Moor and Sea (subject to availability). Visit Moor & Sea Holidays' website for more details and how to book.

07794594916; moorandseaholidays.co.uk

Friendsical, Redgrave Theatre, 12 – 13 September

Jake Quickenden is confirmed to be making a celebrity guest appearance in the comedy musical Friendsical, written and directed by Miranda Larson (Christmasaurus, The Night Pirates, Cartoon Network Live), for its entire run at Bristol Redgrave from the 12-13 September 2022 before embarking on the rest of its UK-wide tour following its run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Jake rose to prominence as a finalist on X Factor in 2014 and won Dancing on Ice in 2018. 

Friendsical is an original, unique parody musical inspired by the hugely popular and beloved US TV show Friends.

Ross, Rachel, Joey, Monica, Chandler and Phoebe have been with us for nearly 30 years. They are still there for us, and this time a stage show musical parody crams all 10 seasons and 236 episodes into 60 minutes of nostalgic fun.

Join all six friends as they sit around the iconic brown couch in Central Perk and take a trip down memory lane, with all the very best inside jokes, unforgettable scenes and storylines included.

When Ross’ wife leaves him for another woman, he fears he will never find love again. But then Rachel runs back into his life... will he end up with his one true love?

Featuring original songs such as ‘(He’s her) Lobster!’, ‘Richard’s Moustache’ and ‘You’re Over Me? When Were You Under Me?’, the gang take on naked Thursdays, a power cut, and a dinosaur convention. What could possibly go wrong?

Book your tickets at: redgravetheatre.com

Bristol Bears v Bath Rugby postponed

Following the decision by the Premiership Rugby board, Bristol Bears has confirmed that tonight’s fixture against Bath Rugby has been postponed. The game will now be rescheduled for Saturday 10 September (5.30pm KO). Tickets for Friday night remain valid for the rescheduled date.

The occasion will pay tribute to the memory of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.

Ellis Genge will make his hometown return when Bristol Bears take on West Country rivals Bath at Ashton Gate on the opening night of the new Gallagher Premiership season.

The Bristolian prop starts in the front row alongside England teammate Kyle Sinckler and hooker Bryan Byrne, while Joe Joyce returns from injury to partner Chris Vui in the engine room.

Jake Heenan captains the side this week in the absence of Steven Luatua, while Magnus Bradbury is set for his first competitive appearance for the club at number eight alongside recent England call-up Sam Jeffries.

Harry Randall and Callum Sheedy are the half-backs, with Sam Bedlow and Piers O’Conor lining up in the midfield. Charles Piutau, Rich Lane and Luke Morahan complete the starting XV.

Elsewhere, AJ MacGinty and Sam Lewis could make their first competitive appearances for the club from the replacements bench. 

bristolbearsrugby.com

Bellevue Cottages, (End Of Bellevue Crescent), Clifton, BS8

Offered for sale by Howard estate agents in Bristol

A delightful and well-presented end of terrace, four-bedroom, two-bathroom home situated in the heart of Clifton Wood.

The house is approached via a private road and is well placed for Clifton Village, Brandon Hill, Clifton Triangle, Bristol University, Harbour Area and the City Centre is only a short distance away.

The versatile interior is set over three floors. The ground floor offers a front reception room, cloakroom, useful under stairs storage space and a good sized fitted kitchen/ dining room.

There are two double bedrooms and a family bathroom to the first floor with two further double bedrooms, one with ensuite shower room and a home office area on the second floor.

There are far reaching views over the city enjoyed from the upper floor rooms.

A delightful rear garden with a great deal of privacy and enjoys most of the summer sunshine. There is a courtyard area to the front of the house which also provides a private parking space. 

Guide price: £725,000

Click here to see more images and read through the details on the Howard Homes website