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A specially curated guide to help you enjoy the next 48 hours in Bath
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COCKTAIL HOUR | NO REST FOR THE WICKED
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| Toffee Apple Martini by The Ivy Brasserie |
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Whether it is terrifying ghouls and ghosts or cute pumpkins patches, The Ivy Bath Brasserie's unique cocktails are sure to get you in the spook-tastic spirit. Why not relax and unwind with a the Toffee Apple Martini at The Ivy Bath Brasserie – available until Halloween – or get yourself a coupe glass and make one from scratch.
Method:
Shake and double strain.
Ingredients:
35ml Bacardi Spiced Rum
15ml 30 & 40 Calvados Liqueur
15ml Caramel Sauce
50ml Apple Juice
Garnish:
Drizzle caramel sauce around the rim of the glass and ENJOY!
£8.75; theivybathbrasserie.com
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SPOOKY WEEKEND WINE | GRAVES DIGGING
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Two top wines for Halloween from Château des Gravières France.
A bloody Red
Deep garnet-red with a slightly woody and toasted nose and aromas of prunes and liquorice. Fleshy, robust and well-balanced in the mouth with a firm, lengthy finish. This is a fantastic value classic Graves red that delivers loads of pleasure at a very modest price. £13.95.
The ghostly White
This fabulous dry white Graves shows off way more than an echo of its more famous neighbours. Combining zesty pink grapefruit and herb aromas with succulent, rounded texture and sumptuous flavours of honeydew melon, cream and toast, it is an amazing wine for the extremely modest price. £12.95.
greatwine.co.uk
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WEEKEND RECIPE | TREAT YOURSELF
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There's nothing ghoulish about this rich, hearty, just-the-right-amount-of-spicy casserole: the perfect dish for Halloween!
Ingredients (serves 4)
700g stewing steak, cut into chunks
1 generous tbs plain flour, seasoned
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2/3 large peppers (green, red or a mixture of both), deseeded and sliced
400ml can chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
2 tbsp paprika
75ml fruity red or dry white wine
300ml beef stock
Oil for frying
To serve: 150ml soured cream; 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Method
- Heat oven to 160°C/140°C fan/gas 3.
- Toss the cubed beef in the seasoned flour. Heat around one tbsp oil in a flameproof casserole dish and brown the beef in batches, adding a bit more oil after each batch. Set the browned beef to one side.
- Add a little bit more oil to the casserole dish and sauté the onions and peppers until soft and just starting to brown (around 5-10 minutes), adding the crushed garlic for the last couple of minutes.
- Add the wine and allow to bubble down for a couple of minutes before adding the tomato purée, the tinned tomatoes and the paprika. Allow to simmer briefly, stirring well.
- Return the beef to the pan, cover with stock, bring to the boil, pop the lid onto the casserole and either cook in the oven or on a gentle heat on the hob for a minimum of two hours (if cooking in the hob, remove the lid for the last half hour to allow the sauce to thicken.) Sprinkle with the parsley,
- Serve in warmed bowls drizzled with soured cream, sprinkled with parsley and accompanied by a pile of crusty bread (or better still Hungarian Langos) to mop up the rich, velvety sauce.
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HAUNTED PUBS | GHOSTLY GOINGS
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| The Crystal Palace |
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When retired journalist Donald Smith started researching his 2011 book Haunted English Pubs, he unearthed a whole host of reports of manifestations of monks wearing black habits spotted in and around this characterful pub, established circa 1780 ... and a mysterious apparition frolicking alongside them. "Tales are rife of a vaporous naked male apparition sprinting between the Abbey and Abbey Green,” Donald wrote. “But police and others who have pursued this elusive creature report a metamorphosis during pursuit: the man's form converts to cloudy grey and, when he reaches the Crystal Palace, he disappears altogether..."
crystalpalacepub.co.uk
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| The Garrick's Head |
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A shadowy, colourless, semi-translucent figure wearing 18th century evening dress, rumoured to the the ghost of a young women who fell in love with an actor who her husband killed in a duel, wafts around both the Garrick's Head and the adjoining Theatre Royal itself, where many actors have reported seeing a misty grey shape lurking in the shadows of the auditorium. In 1996, bar staff apparently witnessed a heavy till dragged from a tight space and thrown across the pub, but most Grey Lady encounters (and reports are countless) involve little more than a sudden unexplained drop in temperature and a very strong smell of jasmine, after which many people who have experienced such odd goings-on claim to feel suddenly depressed, as if they have absorbed the lady's restless misery themselves...
garricksheadpub.com
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| The Salamander |
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Unexplained heavy footsteps, songs and voices heard drifting from empty rooms, flying glasses, a fire door that opens itself, cold spots, black shapes – eek, it's all going on at The Salamander, whose history dates back to 1736. Some locals say that all the unexplained activity in the pub is down to just one ghost: a young man wearing a frock coat, jodhpurs and riding boots, his dark hair tied back with a white ribbon, often sighted wandering around the John Street/Quiet Street axis after dark...
bathales.com
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| The Longs Arms |
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Odd goings on have been witnessed or experienced in all areas of this highly acclaimed pastoral gastropub hotspot The Longs Arms, but regulars refer to their recurring 'visitor' as George: a previous landlord who left the pub in 1949. George has often been seen sitting at tables, standing at the bar or even in the garden picking up apples. Meanwhile, a ghost dog – always seen in black and white, like an old-fashioned photo – has led to customers chasing it around the tables trying to stroke it...
thelongsarms.com
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FROM THE ARCHIVES | PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
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| Spooky sightings around the city |
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In a city with a history like Bath, it’s not surprising that there might be a few spooky encounters here and there… Historian Catherine Pitt takes a look at recent ghost sightings in Bath – and asks, can we really see dead people? Whether or not you’re a believer, these terrifying tales will get you thinking the next time you walk past some of these familiar buildings.
Enjoy our eight minute read
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RESTAURANT REVIEW | COSY AND CHIC
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| By Melissa Blease |
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| The Methuen Arms, Corsham |
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Historic frolics meet tasteful contemporary chic in fine style at the Methuen Arms, where a characterful collection of cosy nooks and crannies or the elegant, spacious dining rooms are supplemented by a magical alfresco courtyard complete with fairy lights, heaters and sheepskin-lined seats. On the food front, the kitchen has recently welcomed a brand new chef to the hob – and Kevin Chandler seems to be right at home already.
Superstars of the current menu include Kevin's beautifully-presented take on Brixham crab on toast (which comes with an absolutely divine tempura oyster) followed by mains of meaty monkfish tail in a semolina crumb and supremely succulent loin of pork served with the all-too-infrequently encountered supporting cast of Pan Haggerty and brawn cake.
Kevin's dinnertime delights offer supreme confidence in the fact that even his lunchtime sandwiches (including Salt Beef Brisket and – yes! - a fish finger buttie) will be distinctly upper crust treats too. As for the puddings: if you don't plump for the Sticky Toffee Pudding made with Medjool dates and served with both rum caramel and clotted cream, you're seriously missing out.
butcombe.com/the-methuen-arms-wiltshire/
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NOVEMBER ISSUE | OUT AND ABOUT & LOOKING GOOD
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| City Special: Bath Unlimited |
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How Bath is the home of pioneers, with great innovation, design and expert services delivered across the globe.
And...as always, there is so many great reads by our team of wonderful writers and contributors as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bath's best businesses. We 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 and from our stands at Waitrose, Sainsbury, M&S Foods (Twerton Mills), (Tesco Weston Village) and the Holburne Museum.
Alternatively, you can read the full magazine on our website
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | BATH UNLIMITED
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Do you feel battered and bruised by recent months? And are you concerned about how Bath is coping? Emma Clegg talks to Kevin Peake, director of marketing and business development at Royds Withy King, and the brains behind the Bath Unlimited project, and discovers that the city is firing on all cylinders – 17 of them, in fact.
Enjoy our 11 minute read here
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SHOPPING | HEALTH AND WELLNESS
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| by The British CBD Company |
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The British CBD Company has opened its doors on Queen Street this month, providing customers with an oasis for finding out how CBD (Cannabidiol) can be used for many common ailments.
The shop is the brainchild of local businesswoman Justine Goldstraw who has extensively researched the natural health remedy. The use of CBD is growing in popularity for those looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or the long-term effects of certain pharmaceutical drugs.
Products include oils, edibles, books and gifts – buy in store or online!
thebritishcbdcompany.co.uk
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OBJECT OF INTEREST | DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
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| Chopard Happy Hearts 18ct rose gold, onyx and diamond Sautoir |
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This delightful 18ct rose gold diamond sautoir necklace from Chopard features two delicate layered sautoir necklaces embellished with simple outline heart-shaped charms. Hearts are also inlaid with black onyx and the Chopard signature ‘Happy Heart’ containing a freely moving diamond. The total diamond content is 0.15ct. Measuring 120cm in length, see this and a range of Chopard jewellery at Mallory.
mallory-jewellers.com
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THE KIOSK | MAGAZINE MOMENTS
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Curated by Daniel McCabe – Magalleria
Know much about art? Don’t know much about art but know what you like? For many, contemporary art is impenetrable. It has a multitude of characteristics, qualities and definitions: figurative, abstract, personal, public, political, high brow, moral, spiritual, pagan, primitive, abstract, rustic, colourful, monochrome, minimal, digital, textural, conceptual and more. So how does an art magazine cater for all tastes? Elephant dedicates each issue to an accessible, universal theme. For the latest issue it’s ‘Optimism and Pessimism’, demonstrating again why this is arguably the most satisfying art magazine you can buy.
£12; magalleria.co.uk
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ON THE BOOKSHELF | PAGE-TURNERS
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| Review by Kathleen, Topping & Co. |
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| Real Life by Brandon Taylor |
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A hugely readable coming of age campus novel, Real Life is tenderly written and aches with the layers of feeling around friendship, identity, sexual violence and solitude. Wallace is biochemist at a Mid-Western university with a group of friends with whom he is close and distant from simultaneously. His father has died recently and he is wrestling with his grief, identity and desire. I loved the intimacy and the expansiveness in this novel. It will shoot you back to the intensity of adolescence and reveals a little snapshot of the complicated ways race works in academia.
Daunt Books, published in paperback 30 July.
toppingbooks.co.uk
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| Review by Kathleen, Topping & Co. |
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| New World Sourdough by Bryan Ford |
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Heralding a new name in the world of food writing and artisan bread, Bryan Ford is leading a sourdough revolution with his smokey, funky, delicious breads. Afro-Honduran, New Orleans born and now living in Miami he sets out to make sourdough more inclusive, smashing up our image of a rustic, beautifully-scored artisanal loaf. This is a book bursting with wild yeast bakes – Detroit style pies, pan de coco, Jonny cakes and Hush puppies. Refreshing and so very inviting, especially the way Ford rips rather than slices! A great book to give to an aspiring baker friend who’s sourdough talents have emerged in lockdown.
Quarry Books, published 16 June.
toppingbooks.co.uk
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ON THE BOX | A COMEDY HORROR
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Truth Seekers is a supernatural comedy series about a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see.
However, as they set out to film ghost sightings, but as their supernatural experiences grow more frequent, they begin to uncover a conspiracy that could bring about Armageddon for the entire human race.
Created by and starring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz)
Watch it on Amazon Prime now
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WHAT'S ON | POPULAR EVENTS
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| LISTEN |
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Sign up and join Midge Ure's Backstage Lockdown Club. Enjoy exclusive, regular access to a series of intimate, musical events on a monthly subscription basis. Every month there will be at least one Club Event with the opportunity to make musical requests, Q+A sessions, acoustic songs and just generally chat with Midge all live from his Environment Studio. Tune in at 7.30pm on 1 November to listen to Midge chat with singer-songwriter Paul Young.
patreon.com/midgeure
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| ENJOY |
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A brilliant live broadcast of virtual choir videos recorded by 14 different choirs from across the UK will be released on 1 November. More than 250 singers from various choirs have brought their voices together in support of Keynsham charity, The Music Man Project.
eventbrite.co.uk
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| REMEMBER |
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On 1 November at 2pm, the Royal British Legion Representative Major Roger Evans (Rtd) will lay the only wreath to mark the Dedication. The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Manda Rigby, will place the first cross on behalf of the City of Bath. Join the Royal British Legion Dedication of the Field of Remembrance at Bath Abbey Churchyard.
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| HUNT |
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This Halloween, children’s book character Wally – wearing a red-and-white striped shirt and black-rimmed specs – will be travelling the country, appearing in museums including the Roman Baths.
Hunt for Wally amongst the Roman Baths's collections, spell out a spooky phrase with letters hidden alongside mini Wally standees, and receive a special certificate and sticker!
romanbaths.co.uk
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Bath Contemporary Artists Fair
Bath Contemporary Artists Fair is committed to bringing the best of contemporary art from the city and beyond right to the heart of Bath. Following on from the successful and popular inaugural October fair, the next event is on 8 November, where visitors can browse the brilliant works of local artists and admire fine art, photography, sculpture and textiles, all under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station.
www.bcaf.co.uk
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INTERIORS | INTRICATELY DESIGNED
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This autumn, spice up any room with Graham and Green's new collection of vibrant velvet cushions. Complete with a sumptuous feather-filled pad and intricate hand-appliqued tiger designs, these gorgeous velvet cushions make the perfect home accessory or Christmas gift.
£45; grahamandgreen.co.uk
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PROPERTY OF THE WEEK | ON THE MARKET
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Settled amongst one of Bath's ever-popular Georgian streets and occupying the ground and lower floor of this fabulous Grade II listed townhouse, lies this beautiful three bedroom maisonette. With Georgian architecture at its finest, this property boasts an array of period features including stunning high ceiling, large sash window and original fireplaces. The apartment itself has been well cared for, comprising: sitting/dining room, kitchen with breakfast bar, master bedroom with ensuite shower room, two additional double bedrooms, bathroom, cloakroom, private courtyard and two vaults. Being within minutes' walk from The Roman Baths, Thermal Bath Spa and Bath Abbey, this property is one of a kind and early viewing is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Currently on sale at £575,000 with local specialist estate agents: The Apartment Company.
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| Popular on our website this week: |
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