Private Peaceful: playing at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 16 April

"The Peaceful brothers’ tale is a testament to loyalty, kinship, courage, redemption and the true meaning of honour"  |  Melissa Blease, The Bath Magazine 

The Peaceful brothers, Tommo and Charlie, have a tough rural childhood facing the loss of their father, financial hardship and a cruel landlord. Their fierce loyalty to each other pulls them through, until one day they both fall for the same girl. And then the Great War comes. Set against the epic backdrop of WW1, we join 18-year-old Private Tommo Peaceful in the trenches as he takes us on a journey through his most cherished memories and tells his story of courage, devotion, family and friendship.

Private Peaceful is on at the Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 16 April; tickets available from theatreroyalbath.org.uk.

Read our full review on The Bath Magazine website: thebathmagazine.co.uk

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £30 for 12 issues, £15 for six issues or buy a copy for just £3.95. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – see our website. 

Win a £25 John Lewis voucher

This week's 12 letter word is made up including the above letters in green. We’ve placed 2 letters to give you a start. The blue letters are used more than once.

Clue: often seen on BBC One around 10pm...

Make sure to follow us on twitter ( @TheBathMagazine ) to see the answer: posted on a Wednesday afternoon. Winners picked at random.

The exact origins of these cute little cookies are unclear; some food historians claim the recipe dates back to the Elizabethan Era, while others cite them a Jacobean treat. It's universally agreed, however, that this is an intrinsic West Country recipe through and through, as Bristol was the main import hub for Cassia Oil, derived from the bark of the East Asian Cassia tree. 

As it happens, you don't actually need to use Cassia Oil in this recipe; mixed spice, nutmeg or cinnamon adds a lovely warming backdrop to what are essentially the shortest, butteriest, currant-speckled biscuits you've ever tasted, offering a lighthearted break to Easter's traditional chocolate-based bounty. Having said that, they're also perfect served as a side order to any of the Easter Chocolate Mousse recipes (below) that we've also over-indulged you with this weekend...

Ingredients (makes 12 biscuits)

100g golden caster sugar
1 large egg
½ tsp baking powder
80g currants
100g slightly soft, room temperature butter
250g plain flour
2 tbsp milk
Tiny drop of oil of cassia or 1 tsp mixed spice

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 190°Cc/gas mark 5 and line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper.

2. Using an electric whisk, beat the sugar and butter together until soft and fluffy before adding the egg and continuing to whisk until fully incorporated.

3. Fold the flour, baking powder and cassia oil or mixed spice into the mixture, then add the milk a little at a time followed by the currants, and gently mixing until you have a smooth dough. 

4. Plop the dough onto a lightly-floured surface and roll out to around 5mm thick.

5. Use a biscuit cutter or the lightly-floured rim of a suitably-sized glass to create 12 biscuits (re-rolling and using the dough trimmings) and lay them onto the baking tray.

6. Bake the biscuits for around 12 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. Sprinkle the biscuits with caster sugar while still hot, and allow to cool before tucking in.

It's Easter – so you can't get enough chocolate, right? It's time to set the easiest-ever chocolate mousses loose!

Classic Chocolate Mousse

Break 200g high-quality dark chocolate into chunks in a large, heatproof bowl and add 120ml cold water. Set the bowl over a pan of just simmering water (but do NOT let the bowl touch the water) and heat gently, stirring occasionally with a metal spoon, until the chocolate has melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Whisk the whites of 3 eggs with 50g caster sugar until stiff peaks are formed. Beat the remaining 3 egg yolks into the melted chocolate before gently folding the egg whites into the mixture until fully combined. Spoon the mousse into 4-6 individual bowls or glasses and chill for at least two hours (or overnight.) Serve topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a dusting of grated chocolate.

Minty White Chocolate Mousse

Break 250g high-quality white chocolate into chunks in a large, heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of just simmering water (but do NOT let the bowl touch the water) and heat gently, stirring occasionally with a metal spoon, until the chocolate has melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Meanwhile, whisk 250ml double cream with 1 egg white and ½ tsp peppermint extract until soft peaks have formed. Add a big dollop of cream onto the slightly cooled chocolate mixture and mix thoroughly before gently folding the remaining chocolate mixture into the cream. Divide the mixture between 6 small glasses and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving topped with sprigs of fresh mint.

Chocolate and Avocado Mousse (vegan)

Break 150g vegan dark chocolate into chunks in a large, heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of just simmering water (but do NOT let the bowl touch the water) and heat gently, stirring occasionally with a metal spoon, until the chocolate has melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Meanwhile, halve and destone 2 large, ripe avocados (yes, really!) and scoop the flesh into a food processor along with 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 3 tbsp maple syrup and 160g coconut cream. Pulse for a few seconds, scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula, then pulse again to combine. Add the cooled, melted chocolate, then pulse again until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Divide the mousse between six small bowls and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chocolate and Coffee Mousse

Dissolve 1 heaped tsp instant espresso coffee in 1 tbsp boiling water. Break 100g 72% dark chocolate and 50g milk chocolate into chunks in a large, heatproof bowl. Add the coffee, set the bowl over a pan of just simmering water (but do NOT let the bowl touch the water) and heat gently, stirring occasionally with a metal spoon, until the chocolate has melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Using an electric whisk, gradually beat 150ml double cream into the chocolate mixture until combined. Divide the mixture between 6 espresso cups and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving topped with dollops of whipped cream, a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings and 2-3 coffee beans (if you happen to have any to hand.)

A taste of Portugal

Perfect for warmer days and lazy lunchtime drinking, a lip-smacking, pétillant Vinho Verde ticks all the boxes. With delicious, fruity aromas of light apple. peach, lemon and grapefruit alongside herbal notes, a good Vinho Verde is medium-bodied and has a joyfully refreshing texture on the palate. It also has a lovely, generous finish – plus there’s that added touch of pet nat spritz.

Portuguese Vinho Branco’s will also transport you to a Portuguese beachside chiringuito... where you’ll be wanting grilled sea bass, a simple sunny salad and a few french fries to accompany the crisp, fresh taste. Some good sun here is very welcome too.

Here are six greats that will go down so nicely:

• Vinho Verde Signus – Quinta da Lixa £9.50 
• Flowers Vinho Verde – The Quinta da Lixa £9.85
• Alvarinho Pouco Comum – Quinta da Lixa £13.30
• Vinho Branco – Artolas £9.50
• Douro White – Quinta Do Crasto £14.95
• O Oenólogo Encruzado – Casa da Passarella £23.50

Click here to browse The Great Wine Company's Vinhos. 

Chill with a Henny & Joe's Chai Latte

This unique multi-award winning chai is made from a traditional blend of therapeutic and warming spices that bottles the vibrancy and the true exotic taste of India. Bath-based Henny and Joe's have blended and infused cardamom, ginger, star anise, nutmeg, cloves, all spice, vanilla pods, mixed spice, fennel seed and cinnamon with, of course, a little unrefined sugar to help lift and bring the spices to life. 250ml | £8.55

The Bath Magazine made this short commercial to demonstrate just how easy it is to whip up a delicious, refreshing drink using the Chai Infusion Syrup. 

The Chai Infusion is available to buy from the Henny And Joe's website: hennyandjoes.co.uk and at many of Bath's coolest coffee shops.

If you have a product commercial in mind or need a video presentation to help promote your business - then why not get in touch with the team at The Bath Magazine.

Looking for more delicious foodie inspo?

Click through to browse our full Delicious Guide!

Floriani Ristorante

New restaurant Floriani has now opened on 30 Milsom St, Bath BA1 1DG.

Omega Specialities CK 859

This vintage style timepiece is inspired by the iconic 1939 Omega wristwatch that housed the famous 30-T2, 15 jewel, manual-winding small seconds calibre.

The 39mm case is crafted in stainless steel and features a vintage Omega logo embossed on the crown. Behind the domed sapphire crystal, the dial is made from Ag 925 silver, with blued hands, batons and all markings transferred in dark blue. To cap the classic look there’s also a small-seconds subdial display at 6 O’clock.

Presented on a brown leather strap with a vintage Omega logo on the buckle, the timepiece is driven by Omega’s manual winding, anti‑magnetic, Co-Axial Master Chronometer – Calibre 8926 movement. This lovely precision movement can be fully appreciated through the crystal glass on the polished caseback, which also has several engravings including, “numbered edition” and “CK 859” – a historic reference to stainless steel and the shape of the case. Water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres/100 feet). A beautiful watch. £5,810

See this limited edition timepiece and many more from Omega by visiting Mallory. 

Chanel: N°5 The Soaps

Inspired by the smooth harmony of rose and jasmine that composes N°5, the soaps were formulated as a sensual continuation of the N°5 floral bouquet. Infused with the House's iconic fragrance, five bar soaps are presented in a black and white gift set, a nod to the minimalist design of the N°5 packaging. £89

Available from tomorrow (15 April) on the Chanel website: chanel.com

Lush celebrate World Bath Bomb Day with 'Makers on Tour' event

To celebrate World Bath Bomb Day (Wednesday 27 April) Lush will be hosting a Makers on Tour throughout April.

Over three weeks, Lush’s bath bomb makers from the Lush factory in Dorset will be visiting over 60 Lush shop locations to offer customers the opportunity to press some of Lush’s best selling bath bombs to take home with them (prices from £4). 

The event will take place in Bath on 18 April, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, at Lush Bath, 8 Union Street, Bath BA1 1RW. lush.com

Whistles unveils debut kids collection for Spring Summer 2022

Playful yet practical, Whistles has released its debut kids collection for Spring Summer 2022, bringing its signature sense of spirit and style to little ones' wardrobes. 

Inspired by on-rotation staples from the Whistles womenswear collection, this 44-piece unisex collection has been mindfully created to ensure kids feel comfortable and cool during everyday adventures. Designed for ages 3-9 with the aim of enhancing play, Whistles modern kidswear is imbued with the same utilitarian and easy-wearing ethos it has become renowned for. Think button-up workers' jackets, cozy jersey sweatshirts, joggers and T-shirts and relaxed-cut trousers – a capsule closet for the contemporary kid.

From today, the Whistles kids collection is available to shop exclusively online at whistles.com.

Wedding gifts from Honey Willow

Above left: Dainty Bridesmaid Necklace | Thank your bridesmaid with this dainty keepsake necklace, handmade for her with her birthstone and presented in a gift box with a personalised note. Sterling silver, £65

Above right: Linked for a Lifetime Bangle – Gift for Mother from Son | Celebrate your bond by gifting your mother a silver love knot bangle, two links for the two of you and personalised with the words 'linked for a lifetime'. Small (2.3 inches), £120  

8 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AX
Tel: 01225 822339; Web: honeywillow.com 

Take a look at our Wedding Guide 2022

Browse the full Wedding Guide 2022 on The Bath Magazine website: thebathmagazine.co.uk

Netflix: Our Great National Parks

Narrated by former President Barack Obama, this stunning docuseries shines the spotlight on some of the planet's most spectacular national parks.

Available to watch on Netflix: netflix.com

The Little Theatre Cinema – National Theatre Live: Henry V

Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) plays the title role in Shakespeare’s thrilling study of nationalism, war and the psychology of power.

Fresh to the throne, King Henry V launches England into a bloody war with France. When his campaign encounters resistance, this inexperienced new ruler must prove he is fit to guide a country into war. Captured live from the Donmar Warehouse in London, this exciting modern production directed by Max Webster (Life of Pi) explores what it means to be English and our relationship to Europe, asking: do we ever get the leaders we deserve?

Henry V is on at The Little Theatre Cinema, Thursday 21 April. Tickets available on The Picturehouse website: picturehouses.com

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Maggot Brain is a music quarterly published by Third Man Records, the Detroit-based independent record label founded by Jack White in 2001. We’ve only seen eight issues so far, all in a fairly straightforward old school rock music magazine vein which means it’s almost fresh now. You get an A-list cast of writers contributing content that is both contemporary and archival centred around rock, punk, jazz and roots sounds, rounded out with artistic, literary and cultural musings. This issue is centred on a timeline of images from, and an interview with, ‘the modern king of arts portrait photography’, Michael Lavine. £14.99

Newly commissioned exhibition merchandise will be available in the Abbey shop, including prints, cards and a selection of stationery items. Available to view during Bath Abbey’s opening times; visitors are invited to make a donation at the door on admission.

Visit the Bath Abbey website for more information: bathabbey.org/whats-on

Mogers Drewett launch Jubilee bunting competition

To mark the historic occasion of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Mogers Drewett Solicitors are running a special Jubilee competition.

The Solicitors are asking all primary school aged children in the South West region to design some bunting for the Jubilee celebrations in June. The winning schools will win £500 and the winning children a £50 voucher of their choice. Mogers Drewett will also turn the winning entries into bunting to hang up in your school as you celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Only entries on the official template will be accepted. Templates can be download from the Mogers Drewett website by clicking here or requested by emailing louise.kelly@mogersdrewett.com. Please ensure all entries are at one of the Mogers Drewett offices (located in Bath, Sherborne and Wells) by the deadline (Friday 6 May). 

To read the full list of rules, and for further information, please visit the Mogers Drewett website: mogersdrewett.com

See the Coke Unity FAB refrigerator by SMEG at Coopers

Oh, happy, sunny days... Marking the 50th anniversary of its iconic "Harmony" commercial, featuring a diverse group of young people singing together on an Italian hilltop that they would "like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony," Coca-Cola has launched the 1971 Unity Collection including a special, limited edition SMEG FAB refrigerator. It's funky, packed with love and it's the real thing!  I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing was a huge hit for British band The New Seekers in 72 and topped charts across the globe being recorded in many languages. "Peace throughout the land!" 

Currently on show at Coopers Home Appliances on Walcot Street. 

Hetty Hare Table Lamp from Graham & Green

The Graham & Green Hetty Hare Table Lamp promises to create a focal point with her intrigued ears and proud stature. Made from a distressed white resin base with a light grey shade. £135

Available from the Graham & Green website: grahamandgreen.co.uk