A specially curated guide to help you enjoy the next 48 hours in Bath

WEEKEND WINES  |  AUTUMNO ITALIANO

This week we have taken a deep-dive into the sumptuous Italian wines we import. This is always a highly popular promotion as so many of us in ‘normal times’ holiday in this wonderful country and enjoy its delicious cuisine and wines.

As the evenings draw in, wines like the iconic Bertani Ripasso from Verona become superb drinking, with rich, intense flavours dominating. Heading south to the ultra-slick Brancaia estate where their baby super-Tuscan ‘Tre’ has warming velvety texture and kirsch and chocolate notes. Down to Puglia, home to one of our most popular red wines, Papale Oro from Varvaglioni. This hedonistic, full-powered red is the ultimate match for a cold night and a hearty dinner.

The promotion runs to 19 October, and you can save up to 25%, which should give plenty of time and incentive to indulge in Italy’s fabulous wines. 

Visit: The Great Wine Co.

WEEKEND BAKE  |  ORANGE SPONGE CAKE

Keats' season of mists and mellow fruitfulness waxes lyrical about vine fruits, apples and hazelnuts – and indeed, such produce epitomises the flavours of a British autumn. But the sun hasn't quite set on those lazy, hazy days of summer, and oranges offer the perfect bridge twixt soft summer berries and hearty autumn fruit.

This lively, cheerful cake – infused with an uplifting orange tang – is super-easy to throw together and perfect for either an impromptu afternoon tea, an indulgent dinner party dessert... or just an instant mood-lifter, whatever the weather. You can replace the orange juice and zest with lemon, but if you're in the mood for a mellow uplift rather than a bracing wake-up call, the orange element results in a soft, sweet-tinged autumn sunset on a plate, delivered via the medium of freshly baked cake.

Ingredients (makes one big cake/8 big slices)

250g butter, at room temperature
250g caster sugar
4 medium eggs
1–2 tsp orange zest, finely grated
250g self-raising flour
85ml freshly squeezed orange juice
1 orange
1 lemon

For the icing:
125g icing sugar
5 teaspoons freshly squeezed orange juice
A scant handful of toasted almond flakes (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/gas mark 3. Lightly grease a 22cm round cake tin (preferably springform/clip-sided) and line with greaseproof paper.
2. Using an electric whisk, cream the butter and sugar together for 4–5 minutes until very pale. Beat the eggs in one at a time – if the mixture appears to curdle towards the end of this process, sprinkle in a teaspoon of flour and everything will settle down again. Beat the orange zest into the mixture.
3. Add the flour and mix well before slowly stirring the orange juice.
4. Spoon the cake batter into the tin and bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. If the top starts to brown before the cake has baked through, loosely cover with a sheet of lightly buttered foil.
5. Allow the cake to cool down in the tin on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing it, peeling the lining paper off and allowing it to cool completely.
6. Place the cake on a serving plate. Sift the icing sugar into a small bowl and stir in the orange juice until you have a slightly thick, pourable/spreadable consistency. Pour/spread the icing over the top of the cake and allow it drip down the sides if it wants to. Garnish with thin slices of orange and lemon, sprinkle the top with toasted almond flakes (if using) and leave the icing to set before serving in big slices accompanied by a slump of full-fat crème fraiche or a pool of double cream. 

FOODIE DELIGHTS  |  SUNDAY ROASTS

The Cross Keys, Midford

Terrific traditional Sunday roasts served up in a handsome, family-run hostelry with 18th-century origins set against a rolling countryside backdrop. Covered tables and a marquee in the garden add to the warm, all-weather welcome.

crosskeysbath.co.uk/

The Bathwick Boatman, Bathwick

Creative, chef-led Sunday lunch classics in a characterful but tranquil riverside boathouse location, complete with charming alfresco terrace overlooking the 'Tales from the Riverbank' scene; all in all, utterly delightful.

bathwickboatman.com

The Swan, Swineford

Huge portions of exceedingly well-sourced Sunday lunch fave raves served up in proper pub surroundings. Meanwhile, the spacious beer garden is a pastoral paradise experience and the perfect location in which to sup your pre/post-prandial Bath Ales' tipple of choice.

swanswineford.co.uk

Fox and Badger, Wellow

Rollickin' roasts wrought from largely locally sourced produce, friendly locals and a very warm welcome to our four-legged friends too – it's all going on at this historic hostelry at the heart of mellow Wellow.

thefoxandbadger.com

RESTAURANT REVIEW  |  AUTUMN MENU

The handsome, historic Packhorse Inn thrives at the heart of Southstoke village under the ownership of a collective of visionary community shareholders who took inspiration from time-honoured traditions in order to reaffirm a bright new lease of life for a hostelry that originally opened its doors over 400 years ago.

Ancient-meets-modern interiors offer stylishly seductive cosiness, the beautiful, mature garden offers wild alfresco appeal and menus waltz along to a distinctly modern beat courtesy of award-winning head chef James Harris' strictly seasonal vibe – current autumn menu highlights include Parmesan arancini with Marmite mayonnaise followed by tempura-battered haddock, while tzatziki and sweet potato fries served with the Bavette steak puts a contemporary spin on a classic combination.

In summary: once installed either inside or out at the Packhorse, you won't want to pack up and leave.

Old School Hill, South Stoke, Bath BA2 7DU
packhorsebath.co.uk

HILTON ON A HIGH |  THE NEW COOKIE IN TOWN

The DoubleTree by Hilton Bath (formerly the Hilton Bath) hotel finally opened its doors yesterday after its refurbishment with staff handing out extra special pieces of cookie birthday cake. The hotel now boasts an entire floor dedicated fine dining, casual eating and cocktails as well as a relaxed café and library area that will appeal to local businesses, residents and hotel guests alike.

Emma’s Café is great for locals who want to grab a speciality tea or coffee to go (with a slice of homemade cake) as well as local businesses looking for a relaxed break-out area away from the busy office.

The hotel’s Secret Garden is a unique orangerie overlooking the river and the perfect spot to experience two of Bath’s favourite pastimes – taking in the view and drinking tea. Sweet as well as savoury afternoon teas are available from £25.50 per person.

Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BJ
dtbath.doubletreebyhilton.com

OBJECT OF INTEREST  |  PATEK PHILIPPE TWENTY-4

SHOPPING  |  ADVENT CALENDAR

Space NK New Bond Street is a haven for the city’s beauty lovers. With brands like Charlotte Tilbury, NARS and Drunk Elephant, you’ll find a curation of the best skincare, haircare, fragrance and make-up brands on the market. You can also now shop Paula’s Choice in Bath, a brand founded by skincare expert, Paula Begoun, who is renowned for her straight-talking approach to maintaining healthy skin. Bestsellers include the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and the 1% Retinol Treatment.

October will see us launch our infamous Advent Calendar, the Beauty Anthology II. Priced at just £195, with a value of over £480, inside you’ll find 24 of Space NK’s must-have beauty heroes, curated to see you through December.

10 New Bond Street Place, Bath BA1 1BE
spacenk.com

TAKE 5  |  CHERISHING OUR INDIES

Have you found this beautiful shop on Pulteney Bridge yet? Many of the clothes and accessories sold here – suiting ages up to seven – are designed and handmade in their studio workshop, and cannot be found elsewhere. The shop offers a variety of dresses, reversible dungarees, hand-knitted woollies and the store’s famous and incredibly cute hats; take your pick from strawberry, Christmas pudding and a new dinosaur.

The handmade crafts ethic runs very strong, with artists creating fabrics and making them up into garments and accessories including dresses, trousers and bags. The ice-dyed dress shown here is a wonderful example – the fabric is dyed in the designer’s back garden, using cold dye and plenty of ice, and because the textile is a one-off, every dress or bag is a unique piece.

The longer the ice takes to melt, the better the effect, owner and knitwear designer Mary Dawson tells me.

To complement Up To Seven’s own ranges, the shop is also a major stockist of Frugi, Kite and Toby Tiger, organic cotton, fairly traded clothes for babies and children and has plenty of of appliqued T-shirts, dresses, hats and baby gifts and dinosaurs.

If you haven’t been in, or if you are looking for a baby gift, a frock for a special occasion or comfy clothes for everyday then pop in

to find the perfect solution. Up To Seven is open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and Sunday 10.30am to 4pm.

6 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AX
uptoseven.co.uk

ARTS & CULTURE  |  BEAUX ARTS

During October Beaux Arts Bath host an eagerly anticipated exhibition by local artist Helen Simmonds. Fifty of her highly sought-after still-life paintings will adorn the walls of this prestigious gallery, situated within two Georgian townhouses near the Abbey. Predominantly small and modest, Helen’s evocative, emotive paintings mainly feature home-grown seasonal flowers and items from the artist's beloved collection of ceramics, bottles and enamel vessels. Her work is the antithesis of our voracious, image-hungry, hand-held digital zeitgeist. They engender tranquility and privacy. 

Simmons is capable of giving new enchantment to the everyday utensil, and revivifying and suspending for us the short precious life-span of a flowering plant. Contemplating her work is to be guided from a viral, hurried world to a quiet essence. As Patrick McGuinness put it, “Less is not always more. Sometimes it is everything.” A new short film by Emmy award-winning Bathonian Michael Pitts and his son Ollie is to be released to accompany the exhibition.

12–13 York Street, Bath BA1 1NG
beauxartsbath.co.uk

THE KIOSK  |  MAGAZINE MOMENTS

Curated by Daniel McCabe – Magalleria

Petite Passport is an insider travel guide driven by appreciation of the design environment. The editor says, "I don’t go to a restaurant because the food is superb, but because of the interior. I like to sit on a Hay J77 chair or eat under a .PSLAB light bulb." You’ll visit hotspots in Paris, Copenhagen, Los Angeles and other places, and if the opportunity for an actual getaway seems limited right now, an informed planner is surely handy.

Priced £18.99; magalleria.co.uk

ON THE BOOKSHELF  |  KEEP READING

Curated by Saskia Hayward – Topping & Company Booksellers

Landing in the bookshop next week, Earthlings is the latest novel from Sayaka Murata, author of the sensational Convenience Store Woman. It centres on two cousins, Natsuki and Yuu, unable to shake off the belief instilled in them as children that they are not from this planet. Facing increasing societal pressure to conform, Natsuki and her husband find themselves pulled back towards Yuu and the mountain house where she spent her childhood summers – a still point in a world that is spiralling out of control around them.

In a similar vein to her debut, Murata brilliantly captures the uneasy detachment that decentres Natsuki from her surroundings, recasting our familiar world as strange, and toying with our own narrative expectations. It is dark and dizzying in its rendering of the closeness with which violence and innocence coexist, and what it means to decide, as Yuu and Natsuki do: survive, whatever it takes.

Published 8 October; Granta; £12.99

3 Bladud Buildings, The Paragon, Bath BA1 5LS
toppingbooks.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW  |  ROSIE ALLEN

After the first month of the new academic year, we speak to the newly appointed head of The Paragon School, Rosie Allen, who tells us how she’s adapted to the role during these extraordinary times and why The Paragon’s staff and students have a buzzing sense of optimism for the coming year.

Enjoy our full interview here

ON THE BOX  |  ICONIC FREEDOM FIGHTER

Cynthia Erivo received an Oscar nomination for her performance as civil rights icon Harriet Tubman in this historical drama. Tubman was a slave who escaped her captivity and subsequently led hundreds of others to freedom via the network known as the Underground Railroad. Erivo shines in this compelling tale of a woman fighting for justice.

Available on Sky Cinema and Sky Cinema Pass on NOW TV from 3 October

ON THE BIG SCREEN  |  POWERFUL PERFORMANCES

Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American Supreme Court Justice. Before that, in 1940, he was a lawyer: traveling the country, defending people of colour accused of crimes they didn’t commit. Marshall follows him through one of his career-defining cases – defending innocent man Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown) from what could, with the wrong moves, equal a death sentence.

A gripping story that rings true to this day, with a thoughtful, powerful performance from Chadwick Boseman at its heart, Marshall reminds us of the long-standing impact of those who fought tirelessly for civil rights.

Following the devastating news of actor Chadwick Boseman’s passing, Picturehouse has programmed a season of his work to celebrate his incredible career. They have partnered with charity, 40tude, and £1 from every ticket will go towards supporting their invaluable work.

Book your tickets via The Little Theatre Cinema's website

WHAT'S ON  |  POPULAR EVENTS

On 15 October, Topping & Co. will welcome the co-authors of Jerusalem and Ottolenghi: The Cookbook and Ottolenghi SIMPLE, Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley. The authors will be demonstrating and sharing stunning Palestinian-inspired dishes from their latest book, Falastin: A Cookbook. From 7.30pm Sami and Tara will take you on a journey from Bethlehem to the West Bank. Book ahead via Toppings & Co.'s website.

INTERIOR STYLE  |  GET WITH THE TIMES

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK  |  NEW ON THE MARKET

Developer Juniper Homes have achieved their uncompromising vision for this luxury development. From the moment you step into Belvedere House, you’ll see this select eight-apartment development exudes style and quality. Designed to make the most of its unrivalled position, it's perfect for discerning buyers. The meticulous attention to detail and bespoke design shines throughout.

Set in a delightful landscaped environment, apartments are at ground and first-floor levels. All four ground-floor apartments enjoy private courtyard space. Two of the first-floor apartments have a private balcony and two are exceptional duplex penthouses, enjoying a rooftop terrace with far-reaching views. There is also a residents garden with two charming arbours.

Internally nothing has been left to chance. From the open-plan living space with high-specification kitchens through to superbly specified bathrooms and bedrooms that include thoughtful finishing touches such as walk in wardrobes, the interiors are stunning.

Prices start at £575,000 and reservations are now being taken. Each apartment includes two dedicated private parking spaces.

The Show Apartment is open to view by appointment, please call: 01225 474591 or visit belvederehouse.co.uk

Our October issue is available to read online