Dancing Queens

Mark Gatiss and Ian Hallard and the world’s first ABBA tribute drag act

Discover gastronomic bliss at the Royal Crescent Hotel

5 THINGS Great things to look forward to this month• 08

CITYIST We meet portrait artist Sally Muir, who specialises in painting dogs • 10

NOTES ON A SMALL CITY

Columnist Richard Wyatt thinks back to the crowning of King Edgar in 793AD, the first king of a united England• 16

FOOD REVIEW Melissa Blease dines at the newly launched Montagu’s Mews at the Royal Crescent Hotel • 52

THATCHERS Cider maker Eleanor Thatcher about what’s in store for the Thatchers business • 54

LEATHER TALES Dents produce gloves for royalty and for James Bond • 58

INTERVIEW Melissa Blease talks to Mark Gatiss and Ian Hallard about their new theatre production • 18

COUNTRY STYLE Sophie Bateman conjures up a vision of Country Brocante, with enamelled teapots and floral quilts • 24

WHAT’S ON Our monthly guide to all the things to enjoy in and around the city • 28

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS Here’s our monthly round-up of artistic goings-on• 34

INTERVIEW Emma Clegg meets Nathalie Levi, curator at Victoria Art Gallery, and discovers her plans for the future • 42

MAKE DO AND MEND Carole Waller finds new ways of using up her colourful textile offcuts• 46

DRINKS AHOY Mocha, espresso, Breakfast or Earl Grey? Here are some of our favourite places to drink the hot stuff • 48

FIVE MINUTES WITH... Discover the work of artist Anthony Sheeran• 60

HISTORY An investigation of the watchman’s sentry box in Bath• 62

BEAUTY Discover the transformative effects of VelaShape and HIFU at The Orangery• 68

THE WALK Kirsten Elliott focuses on windows as she walks through Bath• 74

INTERIORS Designer Ashley Hicks explains the influence of his father and shares his creative inspiration• 76

LANDSCAPE Designer Sam Selby talks about his approach to Bath gardens • 82

OUTDOOR LIVING It’s time to prepare for endless hours in the sunshine (we hope)

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GARDENS Ellie West considers the allure of the common bluebell • 86