A specially curated guide to the next 48 hours (or more) in Bath
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LOOKING BACK | BAROQUE EXUBERANCE
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Words by Andrew Swift
Although one of the busiest parts of the city centre, most visitors pay little attention to Kingsmead Square, even though it contains some of the earliest Georgian houses in Bath. Most intriguing is Rosewell House, built in 1735, and seen here around a century ago. Although contemporary with Queen Square, its Baroque exuberance – and especially the two bearded atlantes flanking the central first-floor window – hark back to an earlier architectural tradition.
Over the second-floor window is a date stone with carvings of a rose and a well. This is an architectural device known as a rebus, indicating that the house was built for Thomas Rosewell. It was almost certainly this building that John Wood had in mind when he wrote that "the houses in Kingsmead Square have nothing, save ornaments without taste, to please the eye". Yet take the time to stand in this busy square and take in the details of this remarkable building, and you might well conclude not only that this is unnecessarily harsh but that Wood was talking out of his hat.
akemanpress.com
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OUR MARCH ISSUE | OUT NOW |
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You'll love our fabulous 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. We really hope you'll enjoy the read!
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 our current issue!
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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.
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Want to share this newsletter with a friend? Forward it on!
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WEEKEND RECIPE | RICH, CREAMY AND LUXURIOUS
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Recipe by Melissa Blease
Smoky Fish Chowder
There are as many recipes for Chowder as there are devotees of the rich, creamy, luxurious broth that originated in New England and remains to be the most iconic dish of the Northeastern United States region.
The classic smokehouse flavours in this version (smoked fish; smoked bacon) are balanced by a gentle hint of chilli and the milky-sweet uplift of fresh sweetcorn; you can of course use tinned or frozen sweetcorn if that's more convenient (you'll need about 300g in total), but fresh corn really gets the party started. As for the fish: the choice is yours (see ingredients) as long as it carries sustainable certification; look for the blue MSC label, and dive in.
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Ingredients (serves 4)
- The corn from 3-4 ears of fresh sweetcorn (or 300g tinned or defrosted sweetcorn)
- 300g smoked bacon lardons
- 1 large onion, peeled and diced
- 2 sticks of celery, finely chopped
- 1 large or 2 small carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium-sized baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced
- 250ml whole milk
- 650ml fish stock
- 250g skinless smoked haddock or cod fillets, chopped into chunks
- 250g skinless white fish fillets (eg, basa, cod or coley), chopped into chunks
To serve (and definitely not optional!): 4-6 tbsp single cream; plenty of chopped fresh parsley.
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Method
1. Tip 200g of the corn kernels into a food processor or blender and blitz to a smooth paste. Set to one side.
2. Tumble the bacon lardons into a large, cold saucepan big enough to contain all the chowder with a drizzle of olive oil. Turn the heat under the pan up to medium-high and, once the lardons start to sizzle, lower the heat and sauté slowly for around 6 minutes or until the fat has rendered out of the bacon and the lardons have turned golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and set to one side.
3. Melt a generous knob of butter in the pan and sauté the onion, carrots, celery and potatoes for around 10-12 minutes or until very soft but not coloured, adding the chilli for the last couple of minutes. Add the milk and stock to the pan, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely soft but still retaining a bit of texture. Add both the smoked and unsmoked fish, the sweetcorn puree and the reserved sweetcorn kernels. Stir well, and allow to simmer gently for around 8-10 minutes or until the fish has cooked through, returning the sautéed bacon lardons to the pan for the last couple of minutes of cooking time.
4. Season to taste with black or white pepper (you probably won't need salt as bacon and smoked fish are salty enough) and serve in warm bowls drizzled with the cream, sprinkled with plenty of freshly-chopped parsley and, perhaps with chunks of fresh sourdough or soda bread on the side.
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WEEKEND WINE | MARCH SPECIAL
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Enjoy Australian wines with up to 25% off
The Great Wine Co. has just announced fantastic discounts on its Australian wines throughout March. Discover a diverse range of wines that never cease to fascinate and delight. Here, we’ve highlighted some great whites – but you’ll find reds and delicious rosés all on offer too.
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The Hermit Crab Viognier-Marsanne | D’Arenberg
The nose of this wine displays an enticing mix of white stone fruits and sweet pineapple with an underlying hint of ginger. The palate is luscious and flavoursome, and nectarine and peach are prominent, with a twist of candied citrus rind | £11.82
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On The Grapevine Chardonnay | McWilliams
Rich, textured Chardonnay, old-school in its buttery flavours and brimming with peach and apricot | £8
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Valley's End Sauvignon Blanc Semillon | Pikes
A vibrant showing of tropical fruits, including ripe passionfruit and lychee. Even though the palate is bursting with sweet flavours, the tight line of acidity keeps everything in check, and it finishes deliciously dry with hints of minerality | £12.45
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Düfte Punkt Riesling Gewürztraminer Kerner | Chaffey Bros. Wine Co.
A great wine that is co-fermented, at first playing its Riesling card with lime florals and aromatics, though the more exotic Gewurztraminer comes out of its shell as you go | £12.91
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White Label Pinot Gris | Rob Dolan
A slight blush colour. Fresh fruit aromas of red apple and orange zest. Crisp acidity and a textured mouthfeel. Pomegranate molasses and preserved lemon flavours | £18.33
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There's also something for every wallet, especially with a total savings of up to 25% when you buy a mixed dozen! Tour the Aussie cellars by clicking here.
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Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?
Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!
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OBJECT OF DESIRE | OUT OF AFRICA
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Discover Marco Bicego
Every piece of Marco Bicego jewellery features a combination of fine Italian craftsmanship and creativity. The designs are based on three signature features: multi-coloured gemstones, the finest detailing and hand engraved 18ct gold.
Inspired by the tribal jewellery and the soft dunes of the Sahara, the Africa Collection is an extravagant expression of golden boules of different sizes and finishes, all individually hand-engraved and textured. Whether rings, earrings, bracelets or necklaces, each piece is characterised by its prism-cut gemstones and epitomises the understated elegance that the jeweller is famous for.
Main image: Africa 18t yellow gold and diamond graduated necklace; length 49cms | £4,490
Below left: Africa 18t yellow gold ball stud earrings | £705
Right: Africa 18ct yellow gold, multi coloured gemstone bracelet; 18.5cms | £2,820
See the Africa range and more from Marco Bicego at Mallory | mallory-jewellers.com
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BEAUTY | MOTHER'S DAY GIFT
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Molton Brown London: Heavenly Gingerlily | limited edition design
Usher in the dreamiest spring fragrance ritual with the Heavenly Gingerlily collection from Molton Brown.
These limited edition bottles of Bath, Body and Hand Care have been adorned with a beautiful illustration of flourishing lilies – the perfect Mother's Day gift.
Browse the collection at moltonbrown.co.uk | Molton Brown, 9 Union St, Bath BA1 1RW
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MAGAZINE KIOSK | WHY WE LOVE PRINT
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Curated by Daniel McCabe
Noble Rot is a wine magazine that launched in 2013 with the banner ‘WINE MUSIC FOOD LIFE’ announcing that it was going somewhere that wine magazines generally do not, and so it has proved. If you’ve been a regular reader you’ll know Noble Rot has reflected the tidal wave of change that’s been sweeping wine and food culture over the last decade. The creators are about to open their third restaurant in the wake of the magazine and this 10th anniversary issue rounds up the various ‘Rotters’ who’ve contributed stories, images and, of course, winemaking inspiration along the way | £12
store.magalleria.co.uk
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ON THE BIG SCREEN | CHILDHOOD FRIENDS
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CLOSE, The Little Theatre Cinema, 3–9 March
Winner of the Grand Prix award at Cannes 2022 and nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2023 Academy Awards, CLOSE is an elegant, poetic and empathetic study of youth from acclaimed writer-director Lukas Dhont.
Thirteen-year-olds Léo and Rémi are inseparable; best friends, as close as brothers. However as they start a new school year, the pressures of burgeoning adolescence challenge their bond with unexpected and far-reaching consequences. With incredible performances from newcomers Eden Dambrine and Gustav De Waele, Dhont’s evocative second film is a profoundly moving coming of age story that will have an enduring impact.
Showing at The Little Theatre Cinema until 9 March: picturehouses.com
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FASHION | BOUTIQUE BEAUTIES
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Di Guardo pop-up boutique, 9–26 March, unit 21–22 Milsom Place
DiGuardo is an independent store selling clothing and accessories carefully curated from a hand-picked selection of independent designers. The store carries small collections with unique items and styles.
In this exclusive pop-up boutique, Letizia Di Guardo will be showing a new collection from the boutique’s most exciting designers. Beautiful unique print dresses, organic cotton pants, tailored jackets and silk separates, everything from casuals to the best wedding guest outfits and more.
The pop-up event will take place at 9–26 March, Monday–Saturday, 10am–6pm to and by appointment at unit 21–22 Milsom Place | diguardoboutique.com
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WINE DINNER | ON-SET DINING
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La Terra wine dinner: Tasca D Almerita (welcoming back Giulio Bruni), 22 March
Enjoy La Terra's latest wine dinner – on the set of ITV's Unforgotten!
The show's long awaited fifth series came out last Monday (27 February) and parts of the series were filmed at La Terra and around Bath last March (2022). You may even spot La Terra's Vito and Alex making their ITV debuts – providing they survived the cutting room...
The evening will begin with drinks on arrival at 7.30pm. This will be followed by a four-course dinner. Matching wines will accompany each course | £78 per person
Above image: the stars of Unforgotten, Sinéad Keenan (left) and Sanjeev Bhaskar (right) | Right image: La Terra's Vito (middle) with Sanjeev and Sinéad
laterra.co.uk | La Terra, 2 John Street, Bath
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EXHIBITION | ALLURINGLY ODD
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Kiri Kiri Unruly Performer: Collages by Swedish artist KIRI KIRI, 13–19 March
An alluringly odd redeployment of magazine images spliced together to capture the critical, rebellious spirit.
The exhibition addresses the perpetual human preoccupation with vanity, consumerism, fashion, fame, mortality, sex, gender, wealth and power, and ponders the cultural expectations of the sexes and the treatment of the body and youth as a commodity.
Open Monday–Saturday 12–5pm, Sunday 1–4pm. Free entry. Private view on Friday 17 6-8pm | Please RSVP ask@kirikiri.co.uk if you would like to attend | @kirikiri.uk | kirikiri.co.uk
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TALK | THE VIRTUES OF THOUGHT
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Talk: How to think like a philosopher (and when not to), 7 March, BRLSI / Online
Standard accounts of philosophical reasoning focus on rules of deductive logic, valid arguments, fallacies and so on. Although these are all important, in this talk Dr Julian Baggini (philosopher, author and journalist) wants to switch the focus to the attitudes and habits of thought advocated by “virtue epistemology”.
He will argue that the formal dimensions of reasoning are less important than the virtues of thought. Furthermore, Julian will argue that the ways philosophers think can sometimes lead us astray and that there are times when we should not think like philosophers at all.
Arrive for 6.45pm to browse. There will be wine and soft drinks on offer (in return for a donation to BRLSI) so you can take your drink into the talk. Cards or cash accepted.
7.30–9pm, at BRLSI, 16 Queen Square / Online. Tickets £4–7, available at brlsi.org
Featured image of Dr Baggini copyright: Antonia Macaro, 2022
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IN THE GARDEN | OPEN DAYS
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Hellebores Garden Open Day, 5 & 12 March, Kapunda Plants
A stunning display, as seen on BBC Gardeners World, with plants for sale.
£5 entry; supporting Dorothy House and The Wessex MS Therapy Centre. Tea and homemade cakes available.
2–4pm, 5 & 12 March, at Kapunda, Southstoke | kapundaplants.co.uk
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BATH ABBEY | CELEBRATING THE CITY
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World Heritage Day, 4 March 11am–3pm
There will be a display in Bath Abbey of archive material relating to the dramatic lives of several Georgian doctors who have memorials in the Abbey, as well as material relating to two medical businesses that were located close to the Abbey in that period, one headed by George Ruspini, surgeon-dentist to the Prince of Wales, and the other by surgeon-chiropodists Thomas and Ellen Tuttell.
Children can dress up in historical costumes and imagine life as a doctor, or as George, Thomas, or Ellen.
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'How The Other Half Lived': celebrating women in Bath, 8 March 9.30am–2.30pm
A special event to mark International Women’s Day, shining a spotlight on fascinating women with a Bath connection. New research by Abbey archive research volunteers will reveal the lives of several Georgian women commemorated in Bath Abbey.
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SPORT | LEICESTER TIGERS V BATH RUGBY
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Nine changes for trip to Leicester Tigers with Barbeary on the bench
Head of Rugby Johann van Graan has made nine changes for Bath Rugby’s trip to Leicester Tigers in Round 19 of the Gallagher Premiership.
There are three alterations to the backline which started against Bristol Bears. Ruaridh McConnochie, Jonathan Joseph and Orlando Bailey are all recalled with Ben Spencer, Cameron Redpath, Matt Gallagher and Tom de Glanville continuing their starting roles.
Bath Rugby play Leicester Tigers tomorrow (4 March, 3pm KO) | bathrugby.com
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY | EDUCATION
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Donate to Ethiopiaid this International Women's Day and transform lives
Ethiopiaid is a small Bath-based charity which delivers support to people who need it the most, at a time when it will make a real difference.
This International Women's Day Ethiopiaid want to show people that change starts with girls. The formative years of a girl’s life are so important. In Ethiopia, it is vital that these years are protected. By providing free re-usable period packs and protecting young girls from female genital mutilation (FGM), they are more likely to complete their education. Educated girls are at less risk of child marriage and gender-based violence. Educated women make better decisions about their health and future families, they are more likely to access maternal healthcare and send their own children to school.
Donations today can help transform these young girls' lives and build better futures for generations to come.
To learn more, go to ethiopiaid.org.uk or call on 01225 476 385.
Featured image: school girls receiving their free reusable period packs
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INTERIORS GUIDE | SUSTAINABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP
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Bath Bespoke
With a dedication to considered design and sustainable craftsmanship, the multi-award-winning Bath Bespoke delivers distinctive and imaginative design solutions to create truly unique living spaces. Founded 14 years ago by Bath locals Tom Jones-Marquez and James Etheridge, Bath Bespoke works in partnership with architects, interior designers and private clients. Its skilled, passionate team use their extensive experience to create traditionally handmade, beautifully bespoke furniture from carefully selected, sustainable materials. Be it a handcrafted kitchen or a bespoke piece of built-in furniture; high-quality, hardwood flooring, handmade joinery or authentic sash windows to complement the character of your home, every project is designed and crafted with its own character by expert craftsmen with an unprecedented attention to detail.
Hartley Farm, Winsley, BA15 2JB 01225 920900 | bathbespoke.co.uk
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PROPERTY | BRIGHT AND SPACIOUS
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Heather Rise, Bannerdown Road, Batheaston, Bath BA1
Offered for sale by The Apartment Company.
Built in 2019, this sleek residence enjoys peaceful, private and secure living whilst being just a short drive away from the city centre. In brief the apartment comprises: bright and spacious open-plan sitting room/kitchen area with dual aspect views to the front and rear. The kitchen has plenty of storage space in the stylish grey units, a smart kitchen island and a full range of quality integrated appliances.
There are two spacious double bedrooms, the master having a beautiful en-suite and both bedrooms have plenty of storage space in the built in wardrobes. There’s also a well-fitted family bathroom.
Outside, the apartment has two allocated parking spaces as well as communal parking, and the development has well maintained landscape gardens adding to the tranquility of the neighbourhood | £400,000
For more images and details, click here to see this lovely apartment on The Apartment Company’s website.
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