From fritters and flat-iron steak to Devon blue and dark chocolate, The Circus will find the sweet spot
48 A NINE-DAY WEEK OF FOOD & DRINK
Meet
Andy Burden introduces the Freezies, whose behaviour emulates shop dummies and
Step into the holiday season and get your fashions
Bath Restaurant Week packs in an extra two days so you can take full advantage of all the special offers from our city eateries
52 WINE CAN-DO!
Emma Clegg meets a dynamic duo with ‘Unlimited’ ideas who are storming the drinks market with their innovative canned wines
56 IN LINE FOR THE ASSEMBLY
Tom Boden answers our questions about the bold interactive vision the National Trust is planning for the Assembly Rooms
We speak to the Rev Richard Coles about music, 1980s’ madness, being a minister, imagining
66 DESTINATION DUNSDON
and moving to the jungle...
Isabelle Blakeney quizzes Martin Brown about digging up the
Lexicographers, etymologists and a dictionary-based murder mystery. Ah! It must be
Expect a dynamic line-up of operatic excellence from If Opera at a new idyllic
There’s a new interior retail initiative just north of Bath with high-quality kitchens, flooring and electrical appliances
70 TAKE THE FLOOR
Here’s a selection of ideas for ground-level style statements
74 THE WALK
Andrew Swift revels in the vistas upstream of Tintern Abbey
76 GARDENS
Visit a horticultural show and inspire future garden projects, says Elly West
from 3–11 May –check out our feature on page 48 for all the reasons to visit your favourite city eateries, and some new ones, with special offers a-plenty! bathrestaurantweek.com
Susie Dent. Photo by Michael Leckie
FROM THE EDITOR
Our city is elegant, uplifting and duly invested in its significant and magnificent history. However, peel back the Georgian façades and look beyond the honey-coloured Bath stone and you will find a different story. Welcome to a Beastly kind of Bath, as given life by Terry Deary and Martin Brown of Horrible Histories fame. In their new book, you can engage with the city’s Druids who soaked their altars with the blood of enemy prisoners; with the curse tablets in the Roman Baths requesting the eating away of a thief’s intestines; with how Adelard scratched secret words onto amulets as spells in the 12th century; with John Harington (16th century) who told risqué stories and invented the flushing toilet; with Queen Anne who nearly died in a carriage on Lansdown Hill in 1703; with John Poulter the Highwayman who was hanged at 24 in 1754; with Beau Nash who cruelly ordered older women to sit at the back at Assembly Room balls; and of course with Mary Shelley’s monstrous creature, Frankenstein, created in the city in 1816. Isabelle Blakeney gathered up the grimy facts and talked to Martin Brown on page 28 about the underbelly of Bath and why it makes a truly Horrible read.
From rock star to reverend and presenter to crime writer, Richard Coles has had an eclectic life (he describes his own CV as like that ‘of a fantasist’). I spoke to him on Good Friday (which made me feel duly elevated) and he gave me a thought-provoking appraisal of why living in 1980s London as a pop star in the AIDS/HIV era had surprising parallels to being a priest – he’s coming to the Bath Lit Fest this month (see page 20). Another wordsmith en route to the Festival is Susie Dent, who is embracing the shadows in her new linguistic mystery book, which hinges around the puzzles contained in letters sent to a dictionary office (see page 30).
I met the dynamic co-founders of the Canned Wine Group who have proved that great wine doesn’t have to come in a bottle (see page 52). There’s also a new series of new interior showrooms to explore at Dunsdon Barn (page 66), a vision of the plans for the soon-to-be renovated Bath Assembly Rooms (page 56), a new summer programme from If Opera (page 34), and to keep you well grounded, some flooring inspiration (page 70). You’ll have also noticed on our cover that it’s Bath Restaurant Week in the first part of this month – see page 48 for some of the special offers that will give you and your own extra reasons to eat, drink and be sociable.
May your ‘Beastly’ times in Bath be limited in the month of May, but do read all about them.
Emma Clegg, Editor
In the pink: flowery fantasies
Here are some floral-infused treats from Anthropologie, in honour of Chelsea Flower Show (20–24 May):
Aromatic green lavender layered with fresh balsam, effervescent citrus accents, and warm hickory over an appealing background of black amber.
The Mud Fairy Blooming Hearts Stoneware Pitcher | £46
Blooming with multicoloured, heart-shaped flowers and a heart-shaped handle cutout, this stoneware pitcher is pourect for serving up brunch mimosas or fresh-squeezed juice.
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City updates
ABBEY BOYS’ CHOIR CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Bath Abbey Boys’ Choir and Lay Clerks as they celebrate their 150th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1875, the choir has been a cornerstone of musical excellence, nurturing generations of talented young singers and playing a vital role in preserving Britain’s choral heritage.
To commemorate this landmark year, Bath Abbey Boys’ Choir, alongside the esteemed Lay Clerks, will present a series of spectacular concerts and events throughout 2025, offering audiences the chance to experience the beauty and power of choral music in the heart of Bath. As part of the celebrations, the choir has announced the release of a special anniversary CD, called Everlasting Light, a testament to its enduring legacy. The Boys’ Choir and Lay Clerks will also visit one of the most ancient and beautiful Christian sights in the UK, singing at St David’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire, on 30 and 31 May and 1 June. For more information on concerts, events, and how to support Bath Abbey Boys’ Choir, visit bathabbey.org
BATH PARALYMPIAN TIES THE KNOT
Bath based twice-silver medallist para-badminton player, Daniel Bethell (who was born with cerebral palsey) married his fiancée Georgia Stride in their dream wedding on 19 April at St Mary The Virgin Church in the village of Marshfield. The happy couple were surrounded by family and friends as they celebrated the next chapter of their lives together.
Keeping things local, the couple engaged suppliers from all around Bath and the surrounding area, purchasing their wedding bands from Wylde Jewellers and hosting their Regency era-style reception at Prior Park College, all captured by photographers, Powder & Pearls, complete with strings trio, Bridge Strings. The new Mrs Bethell wore a sparkling ball gown by Morilee, paired with custom-made sleeves, while Daniel kept things classic with an Italian blue morning suit by Dyfed Menswear. Georgia and Daniel will continue the celebrations in May with their honeymoon to Kenya and Mauritius.
HIDEOUT BARTENDER WINS COCKTAIL COMPETITION
Jacob Scott from The Hideout has been announced as the Winner of the 2025 Blend Series Cocktail Competition UK branch, a groundbreaking event celebrating innovation and creativity in port-based mixology, with the Global Final taking place in Porto this month.
Jacob emerged as the winner of the UK branch; his creation, the Petiscos Martini, was praised by judge Anthony Symington, fifth generation family member and UK Brand Manager, as “a very sophisticated and moreish drink with a strong connection to Portugal, showing incredible balance and freshness.” Reflecting on the win, Jacob shared that although he was initially nervous, he was grateful to compete alongside a great team, including his Hideout colleague Steve, who placed third. “I’m really excited for the final in May,” he added. hideoutbath.co.uk
WYLDE JEWELLERS ACHIEVES DIAMOND MILESTONE
Nicholas Wylde, renowned jeweller and designer, has announced the sale of his company’s 1,000th Wylde Flower Diamond®, a landmark achievement in the brand’s distinguished history. The Wylde Flower Diamond®, celebrated for its exquisite beauty and superior craftsmanship, has become a coveted symbol of elegance and love since its inception.
Featuring 81 precisely-cut facets, with the eight facets on the base specially crafted to reveal the breathtaking flower-like shape that gives the diamond its name, this signature design ensures a brilliant sparkle and remarkable depth, capturing light from every angle.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone,” said Nicholas Wylde, founder and designer. “The Wylde Flower Diamond® is designed with precision and passion, and each one represents the culmination of artistry and craftsmanship. The sale of our 1,000th diamond is a testament to the dedication of our team, as well as the love and appreciation from our clients around the world.” nicholaswylde.com
Introducing the new Kilver Court & Gardens
Set behind a towering Victorian viaduct in Shepton Mallet, Kilver Court & Gardens is a space shaped by history, design and reinvention. Known for its striking three-and-a-half-acre gardens and rich heritage, Kilver has recently undergone a quiet transformation — and it’s ready to be seen in a new light.
Originally created in the 19th century by MP Ernest Jardine as part of a progressive model factory, the gardens were later reimagined by Babycham’s Herbert Showering and Chelsea Flower Show designer George Whitelegg. In the 1990s, the site found a new purpose when Roger Saul, founder of Mulberry, made Kilver the headquarters for the brand — restoring the gardens and opening them to the public for the first time.
Today, under the stewardship of the Showering family once again, Kilver has been redefined. A refreshed identity brings the garden’s rich past and creative future into sharper focus, while staying true to what makes the place so distinctive.
Alongside the gardens, Kilver is also home to a small collection of curated brands, including Mulberry, TOAST and Makers & Merchants - Home and Garden. There’s a café serving seasonal dishes made with produce from the site’s own organic vegetable garden, and a growing calendar of exhibitions, retail events and partnerships.
Whether you're here for an hour or an afternoon, Kilver invites exploration — a place to slow down, look closer and experience something quietly unexpected.
Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 5NF for the curious. for the creative. for the cultivator. kilvercourt.co.uk | @kilvercourt
5THINGS TO DO IN MAY
Join the party
Bath Festivals’ Party in the City on Friday 16 May will see thousands of music lovers heading to Bath’s city centre from 5pm where the sound of live music will spill out into the streets from pubs, clubs, churches, museums and galleries. Some 2,000 singers and musicians will play at 39 venues and it’s completely free to attend – so save the date! Stay in one place for the duration, or move from venue to venue to enjoy performances from much-loved local bands through to emerging talent. There is something for every taste, with 16 genres of music on offer.
16 May, 5pm until late; various venues, visit bathfestivals.org.uk to find out more
Belly laugh in Wells
The Wells Comedy Festival – established in 2015 –brings the finest comedians in the country to the heart of Somerset for one jam-packed weekend. The line-up for 2025 includes Simon Amstell, Sara Pascoe, Mark Steel, Spencer Jones, Hal Cruttenden, Lucy Pearman, Rhys James, Rosie Jones, Glenn Moore, Thanyia Moore and Kemah Bob. Tickets are selling fast for the festival’s four gala performances which will feature incredible line-ups of festival acts!
23-25 May; tickets from £10; wellscomfest.com
Revel in a Great British Day Out
The Royal Bath & West Show is a Great British day out for all the family to enjoy. Over three days there are action-packed events, and a haven for all enthusiasts of rural life. The show will feature activities, demonstrations and entertainment; including interactive sessions, fast-paced excitement in the Main Ring and an enhanced food hall experience. 29–31 May, The Showground, Shepton Mallet BA4 6QN bathandwest.com
Fasten your seatbelts...
Buckle up and get ready for a hugely entertaining all-areas-access conversation spanning a decade inside Formula 1, with former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner, star of Netflix’s smash hit docuseries Drive to Survive at The Forum. Following his sell-out 2024 tour and hot off the release of his latest book, Unfiltered, Formula 1’s favourite underdog is back on the road for his biggest tour ever as he takes us into the pit lanes and onto the circuits of the world’s greatest race tracks.
Fane are offering a 50% ticket discount for Bath Magazine readers: visit fane.co.uk/guenther-steiner-unfiltered and use code DRIVE50 to book!
7 May, 7.30pm; Tickets £35-£59; The Forum, 1A Forum Buildings BA1 1UG
Make your own perfume
If you love fragrance, or simply enjoy being creative, join Parterre for one of their exciting perfume experiences. Botanical Perfume Day on 16 May, 10.30am to 5pm, is a day of scent discovery with the focus on natural ingredients – includes making your own perfume to take home (£165).
Perfume Making Workshops, 10, 16 and 24 May, 2.30pm–5pm: learn about fragrance making, and then delve into perfume creation. Take home a bottle of your own fragrance that you have designed and blended yourself (£120).
Through Smoke to the Gods, Wednesdays – Saturdays until 31 May: a free exhibition at the Perfumery, focusing on the history of perfume. You can even sample Cleopatra's favourite scent! FREE.
Catharine joined St John’s Foundation in July 2024 as interim CEO and was appointed permanently in January 2025. She is deeply committed to ensuring access to opportunities for all – principles that guide her leadership at St John’s. Before joining St John’s, she was Chief Executive of Designability.
How long have you been based in Bath and why is the region meaningful for you?
I moved to Bath over 20 years ago when my children were small. I’ll never forget one of my first walks along the canal to Bathampton, as the countryside was just breathtaking. Moving here from Balham, it felt like another world. Bath means so much to me now. It’s where I raised my children and while they have now flown the nest, those years grounded here will always hold a special place in my heart.
What is your background and career?
I spent over 15 years working in commercial marketing, with brands like M&S, Selfridges and later as Global Marketing Director at The Economist. It was fast-paced, international and exciting, but after my second child was born, we made the decision to leave London and have more of a life, not just a career.
That move sparked a shift in me. I’d spent years helping big companies grow their profits and suddenly I felt I wanted to do something that gave back. I genuinely wanted to use my skills to benefit people who hadn’t had the same chances I had. The funny thing was, the leap from marketing to the charity sector isn’t as big as it sounds. Marketing is about understanding people’s needs and so is running a charity, except in this case, it’s your community and your beneficiaries you’re working for.
What is your role at St John's Foundation and why is it a good fit for you?
Until now, I’ve only ever led national and international charities, so the opportunity to lead one in my own community felt really special. There’s a stark divide in Bath with parts being incredibly wealthy, and in other areas life expectancy being ten years lower. That’s not okay and to be able to do something about it, right here where I live, is a huge privilege. What I bring to the role is people-first leadership – leading isn’t just about having a vision, it’s about taking people with you. That means supporting my team, helping them grow, backing them to lead in their own right. I want everyone to feel they have a voice. St John’s values of trust, courage and kindness really speak to me. I try to show up with those values every day, and I see them reflected back by our team.
Can you explain more about the St John’s Foundation community charity?
At our core, we’re an almshouse charity and have been for over 850 years. Almshouses are homes for older people, offering people independence and community as they age. We also run outreach services for older adults across the city. But we don’t stop there. We use our resources to support the wider community, those who find themselves at a point of crisis. We also work with local nurseries and schools, providing emotional and educational support to children.
We’re very proud of the impact we’re having. Last year, 102 residents lived in our almshouses and 98% of them say they feel safe and secure here. We helped over 600 people through our Crisis programme, and provided 410 children with hot school meals every day. To support our work, we run a trading company that includes St Catherine’s, which is luxury serviced accommodation, and the House of St John’s, which is a place for people to connect, work and celebrate. The House hosts co-working, private offices, meeting rooms and an event space used for everything from weddings to corporate functions. It’s an iconic building and honestly, it’s gorgeous.
Does the strong local connection change how you feel about what you do?
It changes everything. When the work you do impacts the community where you live, it means more. This is my home. This is where my family is. It’s deeply personal, and that makes the work feel incredibly meaningful.
How do you feel about how the immediate and long-term future for the charity?
We’re halfway through a 10-year strategy that was written before COVID, before the cost of living crisis and the economic turbulence of the last few years. One of my first priorities is to review that strategy to make sure it fits the world we’re in now, and that it’s reaching the people who need us most. It’s about staying relevant, responsive and impactful.
What is a notable landmark in Bath for you?
I love the walk from the Royal Crescent through the Circus and down to Queen Square. I often pop into the House of St John’s for a coffee and to check in with staff and members when I’m there. That whole area just feels like the heart of Bath, and it never gets old.
Can you share a memorable moment?
During lockdown, Bath was a different place. Without the crowds and the hustle, it felt still and almost poetic. You really noticed the details in the architecture and the quiet beauty of the streets. It reminded me just how stunning this city is, even in hard times.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Sailing is my big passion. We keep a boat on the river in Norfolk and we love exploring the UK’s coastal waters. There’s nothing like being out on the water to reset your mind.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who did her best.
stjohnsbath.org.uk
Naturals blog...
by Andy Burden
The Naturals’ Freezies have an eclectic background, with roots inspired both by shop dummies and formal figures of business. Andy Burden explains how the characters came into being, and how they were re‐invented for the modern era.
At the Natural Theatre Company we are passionate about our special brand of performance. It can reach anyone, involve everyone and be used in many different settings. It is a fabulous way of giving a voice to Special Educational Needs pupils in the one-to-one sessions we provide, it can bring local communities together with our larger participation projects like Radstock Fayre and it can energise office training days.
About ten years ago, we were launching a programme of corporate training and I was approached by a Bath-based company who wanted to give their employees a memorable away-day. The company was called Mystery Dining, and with the help and input of the CEO, we settled on an event that used their logo of a bowler hat as a starting point.
We settled on creating a flashmob event in the city centre with 45 members of their staff all dressed as bowler-hatted businessmen. We had a number of these costumes that had been used in a few other scenarios over the years – so we set about purchasing more bowler hats, a set of 45 identical glasses and lots and lots of umbrellas.
To make the flash mob work, we looked at another old piece called Freezies. These were characters inspired by shop dummies that had come to life. They walk in a line or group, walking in rhythm with a click of umbrellas on the ground. Then, suddenly, they all freeze together (how they do this in unison is a trade secret!). The characters stay stationary for as long as possible, with a bemused public staring and trying to work out what might happen next. Then they come back to life and they walk off again. The previous Artistic Director of the Naturals, Ralph Oswick, tells me that at this point he decided to add a primal scream to make the break point even stronger.
We were developing this into a fabulous flashmob for our clients. However, we knew that a line of 45 non-professionals would not all
stop at the same time. So, we came up with the idea of a leader calling ‘Taxi!’. Everyone in the group would follow suit and then freeze. A lovely, subtle change.
A few months later we worked on the Freezies piece dressed as the Businessmen again. (Ralph tells me this had been tried in the past as an individual piece). A new ‘story’ evolved. We realised we were commenting on the idea of the traditional work ethic. It also sent out a little bit of hilarity, satirising the stresses of managers in big companies. When these smart, well-ironed businessmen had stopped, it looked like they had run out of ambition… or energy. The cogs had stopped whirring and everything had come to a halt. This became a new funny, but also powerful, image.
We worked on how to break from the freeze. I gave the direction that these characters had now run out of reasons to comply, the business people were breaking out of their routine and their repression – the scream had become a yelp of joy! A moment of freedom! The characters would then realise what they had done… stepped too far from their comfort zone. They look around at the general public, feeling embarrassed… “I am so sorry… I do apologise… I don’t know what came over me”. With a sigh of reluctant inevitability, they get back into their line and march off back in time, back to their office and back to their routine.
One of the classic, brilliant visual ideas from the Natural Theatre Company’s archives had a new context and a new life. And in a world divided between people working in the office and people working from home, it becomes amusingly provocative!
You see, that is what is brilliant about a good, simple idea; it can find new contexts and new stories and carry on being vibrant and relevant. naturaltheatre.co.uk
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The reverend crime writer
From chorister to the Communards, from rock star to reverend and classical music to crime writing, the Rev Richard Coles has lived a life of extreme variety. Emma Clegg finds an appropriate diary slot on Good Friday to ask him about some of the highlights ahead of his appearance at the Bath Literature Festival in May.
Ithink my CV looks like the work of a fantasist, actually. But it did happen, and I don’t know why.”
This quote from Rev Richard Coles sums it all up really. Let’s run through the edited highlights of his biography. Born in Kettering, Richard Coles was a chorister at school; learnt to play the saxophone, clarinet and keyboards; moved to London in 1980 (mainly to escape the difficulties of being homosexual in Kettering); met Jimmy Somerville and formed The Communards, playing piano/ keyboards.The band had three UK top 10 hits over three years; and Richard was prominently involved in the lesbian and gay movement, as attitudes changed dramatically through the eighties in the face of HIV and Aids. The Communards broke up; Richard went to Ibiza and took ecstasy for months; then studied Theology at King’s College, London (that’s a dramatic transition) and later became an Anglican priest (that too). He was also the inspiration for the character ‘Tom’ in the Bridget Jones novels; he became an Honorary Chaplain for the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers (random?); and found a groove as a presenter and broadcaster on shows including Nightwaves on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 4’s Saturday Live. He has written many books, including five (and counting) in the Canon Clement Mystery series; won the BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind in 2014 (specialist subject the Mapp and Lucia novels of E. F. Benson); did Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 (although was the second to be eliminated for a shocking Paso
Doble) and I’m a Celebrity in 2024, coming third. Most recently he’s been touring his Borderline National Trinket show and on 25 May he is appearing at The Bath Literature Festival.
I spoke to the Reverend on Good Friday (I do admit that this felt pretty epic), a slot agreed to fit with his incredibly busy schedule. Even on this Holy Day, after our conversation he was being interviewed for a podcast, then appearing on The One Show and then going up to Scotland on the sleeper train for a wilderness adventure with his partner Dickie Cant.
Referring to the potted summary of his life outlined in paragraph two, I suggest to Richard that becoming a member of a very famous band was less of a lifelong dream and more of a life stage. “Indeed, it was never something I longed for or planned for”, he says, “I was just fortunate that I ran away to London and ran into Jimmy Somerville, who had also run away to London, and he turned out to have a spectacular gift, and I was lucky to switch my wagon to him, really.”
Pop music, soul music, gospel music and religious music are all very related. I think you can sometimes anticipate in song the life you want to lead, but can’t yet
With hits including Don’t Leave Me This Way (the classic soundtrack of the eighties), You Are My World and Never Can Say Goodbye, The Communards were a pop duo, with Somerville up front with his soaring falsetto singing style and Richard energetically pulsing the rhythms on the keyboard. “Jimmy and I had about four years altogether, but in pop music you are practically a veteran after three years, and you’re a golden oldie after four, so it was quite a long career by pop standards. But in terms of life, it was merely a blink. Actually, it was so long ago now, that sometimes I can’t believe that it was me doing it really.”
Jimmy and Richard had both ‘run away’ to London to embrace a ‘liveable’ life where they could feel comfortable with their sexuality and find a grounded sense of who they were and wanted to be. Attitudes around homosexuality changed dramatically while they were in London in the eighties, as the gay community dealt with the harsh reality of AIDS and HIV. “It was the best of times, the worst of times”, says Richard.
“I grew up in Kettering, a little town in middle England, and it wasn’t a place where I thought a liveable life could happen. So I ran away to London, which is rather contrar y to my rather timid and conventional nature. I just knew I had to. Then there was this wonderful feeling of liberation, meeting other people and the lives we had and the loves we had, and then all of a sudden that was devastated when AIDS came along and we just dealt with the reality of people getting terribly ill and dying. It was terrifying. I realise now, 35 years later, that we dealt with it as best we could, one bit at a time, really. Looking back with 30 years of distance, those of us still left realise it’s something we haven’t really talked about
Photograph
by Natalie Dawkins
much, because it was just too difficult.
“I think if I were to permit an expression of pride in what I've done, it is to have been part of that movement that really did see attitudes, especially to lesbian and gay people, change so hugely in the 1980s.”
Post Communards – they split up in 1988 – brought a lack of direction and a fair bit of soul-searching. “It was like anyone who has been in a pop band, especially in the eighties when it was so turbo charged – it was very dynamic and exciting, and it changed your life in an instant. And all that stuff needs a bit of handling. Just like lots of people that go through turbulence, I started looking for something which I felt was steady. I was never religious when I was a kid, but I was in the chapel a lot, singing the music and I knew the words, but what I remembered of it was just this feeling of steadiness and calm, and I wanted to connect with that again, so I stepped through a church door, and then everything changed.
“Before that I had a sort of hands-together, eyes-closed view of Christianity. And what I discovered was something much more challenging and much richer and deeper. So I went and studied theology at Kings College London, which was absolutely wonderful. Pretty quickly, the idea that ordination could be ahead of me came into focus, but it was 10 years before I finally did it.”
Richard draws interesting parallels between his time as a popular musician, his experience in the gay community in the 1980s and his role as a priest. “I think that the job of a vicar, which I loved, is to support the good functioning of a community of people, helping to solve their problems and giving a community its confidence and its heartbeat. And I learned the basics of that in the gay community in London in the 1980s. The other thing is that I’ve always liked singing about stuff that offers you the possibility of transformation, and pop music does that. Pop music, soul music, gospel music and religious music are all very related. I think you can sometimes anticipate in song the life you want to lead, but can’t yet.”
Moved by this, I detect the lyrics of You Are My World rising like an eighties phoenix in my head.
Richard has certainly taken on a fair few different lives, but alongside this has always connected meaningfully as a friend and as a priest with the lives of those around him. Richard’s long-term partner and fellow priest David Oldham died in 2019 from complications of alcoholic liver disease and he is open about the pain of this loss. “Yesterday I was in the car and a piece of music came on that was important to me and David, and I felt the sort of grief at his loss as keenly as I did when he died. So it’s just there – it is an absence in my life that can never be filled or forgotten.”
Now Richard shares his life with actor Dickie Cant (who for children of the sixties and seventies, like me, is the son of iconic children’s and Play School presenter Brian Cant). “We have a great life together and we’re discovering every day what that looks like. We’ve both been around the block in life, and we are just off for a week in the wilderness of Scotland.”
The reason Richard is visiting Bath in May as part of the Literature Festival is to talk to the Radio 2 Book Club producer Joe Haddow about the latest and fifth book in his best-selling Canon Clement Mystery Series, A Death on Location. Despite not featuring in his early career, writing has come easily to him.
“I've always written from when I was very young – Sherlock Holmes was my first love – and I worked in journalism, and then as a vicar you’re constantly writing. I started writing non-fiction a few years ago, and then two things came together; one was the prospect of retirement and having the freedom to do something new, and the second was wanting to create a place with people. I wanted to create a world, and that’s been continuously really fascinating. When I was a kid, the notion of the priest is ex officio detective, because you always try
to figure out why people do things, and so it’s not such a big jump.”
As a writer Richard specialises in exploring the motivations and backstories of all the characters, including the villainous ones. He explains, “I think it just comes with the territory really – you learn in pastoral ministry that nobody is all goody or all baddy, and often when people behave in ways that we find challenging and difficult, it's because they have been warped by circumstances in their life that they have no control over. Graham Greene used to talk about the ‘tender murderer’, and it’s the sort of mix of light and shade in people and their attempts to find a life that fascinates me. And also, you know, my job as a priest was to be the mediator of God’s grace.”
Moving from crime writer to a celebrity reality show, Richard made another jump when he appeared in I’m a Celebrity last year, and made unexpectedly close friends with social media star GK Barry. “I thought I might find a bromance, but I didn’t think it would be GK, this 25-yearold lesbian influencer!
“It was much tougher in the jungle than I thought it would be. I kind of thought that there would be a nice shower and a loo, just off camera, but there isn’t. I mean, you really do camp out, but the challenge, of course, is what makes it so enjoyable. It was such a nice group and we had fun and we enjoyed each other's company. I loved being in the jungle; I loved sleeping under the stars.”
So are there any more plans for character reinventions? “No!” is Richard’s uncompromising reply. “I’ve done enough reinventing really –now my reinventions go into the characters in my books.” n
Rev Richard Coles, Sunday 25 May, 4–5pm, The Guildhall, Bath, £25 including book/£15; bathfestivals.org.uk
A Death On Location, The Reverend Richard Coles, W&N, £9.99
What’s on
LIVE MUSIC AT GREEN PARK BRASSERIE
n Green Park Brasserie, Green Park Road
Soak up live music alongside world class pizza, cocktails and craft beer every Weds, Thurs, Fri and Sat nights. Bookings and walk-ups available. greenparkbrasserie.com
BATH DRAMA: UNCLE VANYA
Until 3 May, 7.30pm
n Rondo Theatre, Bath BA1 6RT
An adaptation of Chekov’s play by Conor McPherson, with Bath Drama. Sonya and her Uncle Vanya have managed a Russian estate for years on behalf of Sonya’s father. His arrival with his young wife is the catalyst for change and upset. This is Chekhov's great play of quiet desperation, unrequited love and frustrated lives, but also of the importance of belonging. Directed by Andy Cork. £13-£17. rondotheatre.co.uk
AUSTEN AT THE ABBEY
Until 27 September
n Bath Abbey
Step into the world of Jane Austen at Bath Abbey, celebrating her timeless legacy, with an exhibition, exciting talks, special tours, family activity days, film and music events and an unforgettable atmosphere. bathabbey.org/austen
PETRIFICATION: FOSSILS & THE REVELATION OF DEEP TIME
Until 11 October
n BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Squar, Bath
Fossils are the evidence that there was life on earth before humans and BRLSI is displaying a selection of the best from the depths of their amazing collections, with fossils from across 505 million years of the history of life. brlsi.org
AN DANNSA DUB – FUTURE DUB FROM ANCIENT SCOTLAND
9 May, 8pm-10.30pm n Chapel Arts, St James's Memorial Hall, Lower Borough Walls, Bath Music is one big conversation. And few bands live at the heart of it like An Dannsa Dub. Born from a love of traditional Scottish folk, dub reggae and dance music, they summon the joyous, communal energy of a cèilidh and a sound system session. A standing gig with chairs down both sides of the auditorium. £16.50/£18. chapelarts.org
IFORD MANOR SUPPER CLUBS
9 and 23 May, 7.30pm
n Iford Manor Kitchen, Iford Manor, Iford, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 2BAh
Book your table for a fantastic foodie experience, with expertly crafted food and drink largely sourced and made on the Iford Manor Estate. The evening kicks off with a welcome drink and dinner is served at 8pm. £65pp to include the six-course tasting menu, a welcome drink, tea and coffee with homemade petit fours and live music. ifordmanor.digitickets.co.uk
SOMETHING OF THE NIGHTWITH MUSICKE IN THE AYRE
10 May, 3pm-4pm
n St Mary the Virgin, Darlington Street, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4EB
Sopranos Jane Hunt and Alysha Paterson with lutenist Din Ghani take you on a musical exploration of the delights (and the despair) of the dark of night. They’ll illuminate the darkness with early Baroque gems from England, France and Italy with a range of styles from the lute songs of Dowland to operatic arias from Carissimi and Handel. Refreshments available. Tickets £12 at the door, or £10 from: tinyurl.com/mitaSOTN
ULTIMATE SOUL – VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR
10 May, 7.30pm-10pm
n Bath Pavilion, North Parade Road, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4EU
Vocal Works Gospel Choir presents their electrifying new show. Featuring 50+ powerful voices, the group’s repertoire includes hits from Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. A dynamic blend of rhythm, passion, and unforgettable melodies – bringing the best of 60s, 70s and 80s soul to life, from Dancing In The Street to Knock On Wood. VWGC have
performed and recorded with some of the worlds top artists. vwgc.co.uk
HOLBURNE PLANT & CRAFT SALE
11 May, 10.30am-2.30pm
n Holburne Museum
The work of local artists and makers for sale alongside plants, with expert advice and gardening tips, books, a display of local bees and honey, and a tea-room. Stalls will include The Urban Garden, The Blooming Wild Plant Nursery, Triffids Nursery and Buriton Nursery. Free entry. holburne.org
CANTAMUS CHAMBER CHOIR: THE PASSING OF THE YEAR
11 May, 4pm
n Holy Trinity Church, Church Street, Bradford-on-Avon
Music inspired by time, space and changing seasons by Jonathan Dove, Howard Skempton and Daniel Elder with Mike Daniels conductor and Steven Hollas piano. Tickets £15/£5 students + under 18s. wiltshiremusic.org.uk; cantamuschamberchoir.co.uk
THE ARTS SOCIETY: ART BEHIND BARS
12 May, 11.30am
n Widcombe Social Club, Bath BA2 6AA
Understanding the minds, lives and challenges of offenders and the role of the Arts in rehabilitation, with Angela Findlay. Non member: £10 (£7 Zoom), book by mail by Friday 9 May. email: bath@theartssociety.org. theartssociety.com
ALDRIDGES OF BATH AUCTION
13 May, 10am (viewing Sat 10 May)
n Online
Decorative and household sale, including Victorian, Edwardian, 20th-century and modern household furniture and furnishings, decorative china and glass, pictures and prints, mirrors and rugs. aldridgesofbath.com
Vocal Works Gospel Choir at Bath Pavilion
SUE STUART-SMITH IN CONVERSATION WITH MARCHELLE FARROW
14 May, 7.30pm-9pm
n University of Bath Gardening Club, Room 1 Level 1, East Building, East Car Park, University of Bath, Claverton Down Sue and Marchelle will be talking about the transformative power of gardens and gardening, focusing on their award-winning books, The Well Gardened Mind and Uprooting. Open to all, Annual membership £25, Visitors £8. ubgc.org
RUH WALK OF LIFE
17 May, 7.30am-8pm
n Different starting points
The Walk of Life takes you on a scenic journey down the Kennet & Avon canal towpath. The three distance options are 26.2 miles, 16 miles and 10 miles. ruhx.org.uk/events
BATH LITERATURE FESTIVAL AND BATH MUSIC FESTIVAL
17–25 May
n Various locations
Bath Literature Festival celebrates its 30th birthday with a line-up including Ruth
Jones, Ben Okri, Carol Klein, Jeremy Vine, David Baddiel, Martin Clunes, Robert Macfarlane, Rev Richard Coles, Jojo Moyes, Ivo Graham and Mike Tindall. Bath Music Festival’s stellar programme includes The Marian Consort, Stile Antico, Marmen Quartet, cellist Guy Johnston, guitarist Sean Shibe, tenor Ben Johnson, and pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason bathfestivals.org.uk
THE DARIUS BRUBECK QUARTET
17 May, 7.30pm
n Wiltshire Music Centre, Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1DZ
American pianist Darius Brubeck, son of the legendary Dave Brubeck, performs with his band, The Darius Brubeck Quartet. Their acoustic sound is melodic, spontaneous, rhythmic and engaging and there is always a freshness about their performances. wiltshiremusic.org.uk
SULIS HOSPITAL PRESENTS –UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE: INSIGHTS FROM EXPERT CONSULTANT IN GERIATRIC AND GENERAL MEDICINE
20 May, 6.30pm-8pm (arrive from 6.15pm)
n The Oak Room, Combe Grove, Brassknocker Hill, Bath BA2 7HS
Join Sulis Hospital for an informative and engaging event and explore the complexities of Dementia and Parkinson’s disease – two of the most pressing neurological conditions. Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, family member, or simply looking to better understand these conditions, this free educational event offers a valuable opportunity to gain expert medical insight. Pre-booking essential. Tel: 01761 422288. sulishospital.com/about-us/events /patient-events
MILES MORGAN TRAVEL
22 May, 2.30pm
n 8–9 New Bond Street Place, Bath Join Marie and her team as they welcome Michelle from Titan Travel. From the moment you book an escorted holiday with Titan, they’ll be with you every step of the way as home pick up is always included. They offer over 170 exceptional itineraries across seven continents. Availability is limited so reserve your space today by emailing bath@milesmorgantravel.co.uk or call 01225 486800. milesmorgantravel.co.uk
SHINDIG FESTIVAL
22–25 May
n Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire Dubbed a pint-sized Glastonbury and
EVENTS AT BRLSI, FROM THE WORLD OF JANE AUSTEN SERIES
TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS WITH RACHEL BYNOT
12 May, 7.30pm-9pm
The 18th century ball was a dynamic space, a social whirl of dancing, cards, talking… and judgement. Rachel Bynoth’s talk will focus on the hidden trials and tribulations that women needed to navigate to survive a ball.
THE WORLD OF JANE
AUSTEN: ALL-DAY SYMPOSIUM
24 May, 10.30am-4.30pm
A full day of talks and discussion as part of BRLSI's World of Jane Austen series, with speakers including Cathryn Spence, Curator & Archivist at Bath Abbey; Elisabeth Murray, Senior Curator, Fashion Museum; and writer, editor and curator Anna McNay.
WHAT ABOUT WAR IN JANE AUSTEN’S NOVELS?
26 May, 7.30pm-9pm
Public events are largely absent in Jane Austen’s novels, even though Austen and Napoleon were near contemporaries. Why don’t we notice the war in her novels, asks Kathryn Sutherland?
Tickets from £4, or £40 for the full series.
n BRLSI, 16 Queen Square, Bath brlsi.org
recommended by Emily Eavis, the festival will be held at the Charlton Park Estate.
The line-up includes: Gilles Peterson, Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 and Moonchild Sanelly, Asian Dub Foundation, Ibibio Sound Machine, Artwork and Gentleman’s Dub Club. Bringing a healthy dose of footstomping funk and a packed programme for all ages, Shindig Festival offers relaxation and revelry in equal measures. Tickets £205, available from shindigfestival.co.uk
WEST END MAGIC
24 May, 1.30pm
n Komedia, 22-23 Westgate Street, Bath London’s longest-running theatre magic show presents some of the most exciting names in magic & variety in the UK. An exciting, family-friendly show offering an
Continued page 26 ➲
Eleanor Urioste (above right) at the Bath Music Festival and Jason Reynolds (above left), Nicki Chapman and Jeremy Vine at the Bath Literature Festival
amazing mixture of magic, comedy and variety acts, featuring British Champion of Magic Oliver Tabor, magical compere Wayne Trice plus special guest acts. £20/£15. komediabath.co.uk
BATH & COUNTY CLUB EVENTS
Join the Bath & County Club as a member and you and your guests will enjoy a relaxed, friendly ambiance and the opportunity to meet, eat and drink in the centre of Bath. bathandcountyclub.com.
FUN WINE QUIZ
Tuesday 6 May
6.30pm for 7pm. Wines and Hot Fork Buffet included. £37
SUNDAY CARVERY
Sunday 11 May
Choice of meats, dessert/cheese, coffee and mints. 12.30pm for 1pm. £32
MILITARY BRAT: TALK WITH PASTRIES AND COFFEE
Friday 16 May
Coffee from 10.30am for 11am. Talk on life as a military family’s daughter by Penny Lewis. £15
EVENING TALK WITH JIM ROBERTSON
Friday 23 May, 6pm-6.30pm
A talk about living and working in India as CEO of Cadburys. Twocourse dinner to follow, with coffee/mints. £29
SALMON AND ASPARAGUS WINE LUNCH
Thursday 29 May. 12.30pm for 1.15pm All wines generously included, threecourse menu, with coffee/mints. £57
FILM MATINEE: THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Friday 30 May, bar lunches available from noon. 2pm start of film. Ice-cream available in interval. £8
Rooms also for hire. Event venue: Queens Parade, Bath BA1 2NJ. Booking essential, by email: secretary@bathandcountyclub.com or telephone 01225 423732.
REVEREND AND THE MAKERS
26 May, 7pm n Komedia, 22-23 Westgate Street, Bath Fusing indie rock melody and attitude with dance rhythm, Reverend And The Makers is the brainchild of Sheffield musician Jon McClure, who recorded the original RATM demos with members of the Arctic Monkeys and Bromheads Jacket. Presented by Party in the City. Tickets £30. komediabath.co.uk
QUEER BATH 2025
26 May - 30 June n Various locations
The rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ lives, stories and creativity in Bath will be celebrated during five weeks of activity in a citywide campaign as iconic venues and cultural institutions join forces for Queer Bath 2025. Highlights include the Rainbow Family Community Day at the American Museum & Gardens (26 May); ‘Queer Georgians’ talk by Dr Tim Moore at BRLSI (2 June); and The Pride NOT Prejudice Ball, a spectacular drag cabaret celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday at the Roman Baths & Pump Room on 6 June. queerbath.co.uk
AQUASANA IN THE ROOFTOP POOL
26 May, 8am–11am n Thermae Bath Spa, Hot Bath Street, Bath
Explore mind, body and soul with Bex Bridgford for Aquasana in the Rooftop Pool, followed by a two-hour spa session. Aquasana includes classic yoga postures combined with gentle tai chi and invigorating karate moves in the spa’s mineral-enriched waters. This class harnesses the healing properties of the waters, leaving you feeling cleansed, and rejuvenated. £50. eventbrite.co.uk
FOUR-COURSE MEAL WITH INMAN WINERY CALIFORNIA
28 May, 7.30pm n La Terra, 2 John Street, Bath Simon and Kathleen from Inman Winery return after last year's dinner. Kathleen Inman is the owner, winemaker and general manager of Inman Family Wines and Olivet Grange Vineyard in Sonoma County, California, an estate in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Inman produce wines that are naturally low in alcohol, high in acid, and food friendly. Arrival drink 7.30pm and a four-course meal. Matching wine flight. £98 per person. laterra.co.uk
THE CRACK’D VISAGE: CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
2 June, 11.30am
n Widcombe Social Club, Bath
From The Arts Society, a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the work of Sarah Cove, a modern accredited conservation restorer, specialising in British portraiture. Free for members, £10 for non-members (£7 on Zoom). Book by email by Friday 9 May: bath@theartssociety.org; theartssocietybath.com
MAGNIFICENT WOMEN AND FLYING MACHINES
5 June, 10.30am
n The Pavilion, North Parade, Bath
This talk by Sally Smith covers the entertaining and often exciting personal stories of British women who have achieved real firsts in aviation including the first woman to fly over London in a balloon in 1785. u3ainbath.uk
LANSDOWN OPEN GARDENS
8 June, 2pm-5.30pm
n St Stephens Millennium Green, Richmond Road, Bath
Enjoy an afternoon out by exploring six new gardens open across Lansdown within walking distance of St Stephen’s Millennium Green. There will also be a locally sourced and well stocked plant sale and teas and homemade cakes. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of The Millennium Green, a community garden and open space. Tickets £6 (children free). Purchase on the day or in advance at millenniumgreen.org.uk/events
THE GARBAREK PROJECT
14 June, 3.30pm-5.30pm
n St Luke's Church, Wellsway, Bath BA2 2BD
Paragon Singers, conducted by Sarah Latto, bring a unique concert inspired by the work of Jan Garbarek and The Hilliard Ensemble – choral music accompanied by improvised soprano saxophone, played by Marc Horobin. Palestrina, Hildegard, Purcell, Will Todd, Morales, Stanford, James MacMillan. Summer refreshments in the garden afterwards. bathboxoffice.org.uk; paragonsingers.co.uk n
Beastly Bath
When the first Horrible Histories book was published in 1993, writer Terry Deary and illustrator Martin Brown couldn’t have imagined that it would grow into the best‐selling children’s book series that it is today. But with their mix of comedic wit, weird and wonderful facts,and hilarious cartoons, they captured the hearts and minds of kids, teachers and parents alike. Their latest book is all about Bath, from the ‘Rotten Romans’ to the ‘Terrible Twentieth Century’. Isabelle Blakeney catches up with Martin ahead of his visit to Bath this month...
Rotten Romans, Stormin’ Normans, Gorgeous Georgians… these are just some of the figures who have traversed (and built!) Bath’s streets over the course of its history. And while Bathonians like to think of the city in all its magnificent architectural glory, the reality of its past is a bit more, well… gory. In Horrible Historiess: Bath, Martin Brown and Terry Deary turn their wit and wisdom to the myths, legends and both well and lesserknown facts that make up Bath’s history, from Bladud and his leprosy-curing pigs to Queen Victoria’s supposed quibble with the city.
“I can’t believe it’s taken us so long to write about Bath!” Martin exclaims when we chat. “I’ve been coming to Bath for more years than I’d like to count, taking part in the utterly brilliant Bath Children’s Literature Festival. It’s such an obvious city – it’s got a marvellous history, and it’s so beautiful. If you’re going to write a book about a city’s time passing, it’s a great choice.”
Born and raised in Melbourne, the cartoonist moved to London in his twenties and started illustrating for educational books publisher Scholastic. After working on the Coping With… series, he was paired up with writer Terry Deary to work on the first ever Horrible Histories books in 1993. Over 30 years later, this has grown into countless books, magazines, attractions, exhibitions, stage shows, a TV series and even a feature film.
The Bath ‘guide book’ starts right at the beginning of the city’s story with the formation of the hot springs, and traces its history all the way up to World War II. But where most books about Bath focus on its beauty and elegance, Horrible Histories peels back the architectural facades to reveal the grubbier bits underneath…
Martin explains the concept: “They say history is written by the winners. The books are always about the elegant and the wealthy, but then you see the mere mortals, the people like us, who just got on with their lives. And like with all these beautiful things, you look closer and you find that they’re not quite as perfect as we might have thought.
“With the Roman Baths, for example, you dig a little bit deeper and you find that in fact, rather than
the glamour of all these Romans lying around bathing, the Baths probably actually gave you gangrene – even the Emperor Marcus Aurelius thought that bathing in the water was probably disgusting and full of the most hideous things.”
But while the focus is indeed on Bath’s horrible bits, the city did get some special illustrative treatment…
“Bath was particular because I felt that I had to get the architecture right,” Martin explains. “When you’re a cartoonist like I am, a building is a building. But here, with the Crescent and some of the buildings on Queen Square, for example, you couldn't just do any old building, because everyone in Bath would know exactly where you went wrong! In fact, we don’t always draw the beautiful bits – we’re Horrible Histories, so we’re all about the icky bits, the nasty bits of history… but with Bath, how could you not?”
We’re accompanied on our journey through Bath’s history by two ‘narrators’: one a school-aged boy, and the other one of Bladud’s legendary pigs. “Carrying a story from the earliest origins right through to contemporary times with both a historical character and a school kid works, because they can bounce conflicting ideas off each other. It allows for the opinions and the stories of the past to be reflected against the attitudes of today.”
Martin describes himself as a cartoonist rather than an illustrator. Inspired by editorial cartoonists such as Jeff MacNelly, Johnny Hart and Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes), their influence is evident in his work. Martin’s illustrations, rather than being patronising, are sharp and witty, and the humour is
intergenerational.
“The books were aimed at Key Stage Two (ages 7–11), but right from the start we were writing jokes about topics that probably went right over the kids’ heads. But that’s fine, because kids are really aspirational”, Martin explains.
“No one likes being talked down to, or being spoken to in baby language. So if you introduce them to something, whether it’s with a joke or with something a bit disgusting, you spark this flame of interest. And then they start digging. They want to know more. And then it blooms into something, into a fascination.”
The landscape for children’s entertainment has undoubtedly changed over the last 30 years, with many platforms re-evaluating what is deemed to be appropriate. Has Martin’s work felt this shift?
“Attitudes have always changed – some things you could have said 30 years ago certainly wouldn’t be acceptable now, and rightly so. There’s a bit of a trope among old farts in the entertainment industry that everything has become a bit safe, people are scared of saying the wrong thing – but on the other hand, we are more aware of other people’s feelings, which is absolutely appropriate. You know, the nature of Horrible Histories is slightly gruesome and disrespectful and bloody and irreverent, but you never want to be insulting, or to upset people. But I do think that the Horrible Histories have stayed pretty true to themselves.”
Despite the success of their long working relationship, Martin has admitted that he and Terry don’t see each other much. “We’re remarkably collaborative, even though we don’t sit in the same room and pore over each other’s work. Terry is a very generous writer, and we’ve become so symbiotic that he knows what I can do and I know what he can do, so he’s writing gags for my cartoons in a way. I do write my own jokes, and that’s fine, because we’re a team. We can’t always see where the join is- if there’s a terrible pun, I sometimes can’t tell if it’s his or mine!”
Each manuscript that Martin receives from Terry offers a whole new landscape for learning, and having grown up in Australia, Bath wasn’t a subject he had known much about. So after absorbing all that new knowledge, what’s his favourite Bath fact?
“I didn’t know that William Herschel and his sister Caroline discovered the planet Uranus in Bath – that’s an impressive claim, as there aren’t many planets to discover! In fact, I think it should have been called ‘Batheus’. Also, his sister didn’t get a lot of credit at the time, but times change and she’s now included in that discovery, which is kind of cool.”
On top of illustrating Horrible Histories, Martin is the author of several books himself: Nell and the Cave Bear and its sequel and Lesser Spotted Animals, which he was inspired to write after seeing that only the ‘cute’ animals got any attention. “Why is it only the famous people, the pretty people, the rich people in history that get all the attention? Why is it always the glamorous? Why the tigers and the gorgeous, bigeyed seal babies? We don’t want to go around clubbing seals, of course, but what about the ugly things?”
“Beau Nash had to stand out in the crowds, so he dressed in velvet coats with golden lace and ruffles.”
“Jane Austen wrote novels. People think she loved the city, but did she? In 1808 she wrote to a friend, ‘It is two years since we left Bath ... such happy feelings of escape.’ “
I'm really a cartoonist - I love the writing. I love the gag-smithing and the cartoons and trying to come up with a twist
His Horrible Histories work is all about rooting for the underdog, too. “It’s easy to like the kings and queens and the Cleopatras and the Georgians with their flamboyance and their hair, but I really like the peasants. Not just because they’re easy to draw, but because they matter. When Beau Nash was having these parties, the slaves of Roman Bath were having to muck out all these horrible, icky places, and that’s where most of us would have been. But if I was going to the Dark Ages, I think I’d want to take a dentist with me!”
It seems there’s no sign of this creative team slowing down.
“The series is definitely successful, and it still has its spark. It’s fun to read about the history. Every time I get a new manuscript, I get so excited. I love the writing, I love the gagsmithing and the cartoons, and trying to come up with a twist. And if I ever stop liking that, then I’ll have to stop. But that’s not happening any time soon.”
Horrible Histories: Bath by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown is out now (Scholastic). Book tickets for Martin Brown’s Horrible Histories: Bath family show and book signing on Thursday 29 May at St Swithin’s Church toppingbooks.co.uk/events/bath/ martin-brown
From compiling dictionaries at Oxford University Press to a 30+ year residency on Channel 4’s Countdown (and its 8 out of 10 Cats spin‐off ), Susie Dent’s career has been anything but traditional.
Known as ‘Britain’s most famous lexicographer’ and ‘the Queen of Countdown’, her idiosyncratic CV includes several books on etymology, a role as presenter of the podcast Something Rhymes with Purple with Gyles Brandreth, and now her latest project and debut novel, Guilty By Definition, which she’ll be discussing at the Bath Literature Festival this month.
We asked Susie about her new book, her surprising media career, and her love of words, ahead of her visit to the city…
Q. You’ve written several books before, but your latest is your first work of fiction. What made you want to write it?
When I was around eight or nine, I entered a short story competition at school. I can’t remember too much about it, but I know that it involved a breathless chase through a dark forest by something monstrous and unknown, and that I called it Pursuit It ended up being included in the school magazine: something my parents were particularly proud of! But that was to be my last attempt at fiction for decades, because soon after I became hopelessly lost in the magic and the drama of the dictionary. I may have stayed there forever were it not for my editor Kelly, who convinced me that fiction might be calling again. Coming back to storytelling now reminds me of the pleasure I took in being lost in a different world, with the freedom to decide how I wanted it to evolve.
Q. Guilty By Definition is a murder mystery. Were there any parallels between the puzzle-solving nature of lexicography and etymology and your story?
Lexicographers and etymologists speak of gathering ‘evidence’ and looking for ‘clues’ as to the origins of words and phrases, so I’ve always been struck by the parallels between word detection and the criminal kind. In each job we are digging below the surface, sifting through layers to arrive at the truth. There is also the truth
that even the most innocent of words may have a dark side – take the word ‘thrill’, which originally meant to ‘pierce with a sword’ before it moved to mean piercing with excitement. I thought it might be interesting to explore the dark side of the people that chart those words, too. What if their own stories are as deeply buried as those of the words they describe? It was this theme of secret lives which really drew me to the idea of writing a linguistic mystery.
Q. The story is about a group of lexicographers, like you. Is there a typical dynamic between lexicographers? Do you see yourself in your characters?
Lexicographers are of course united by one thing: an intense curiosity for the words around us and how they are used. We look at the words that are bubbling under, those that have broken through and are enjoying their moment in the sun, and those that are drifting out of use. It’s always fun to discuss these topics with colleagues, though of course a lot of dictionary-making is done in silence! Much of our work involves studying electronic evidence of language in use, so sometimes the only sound you can hear is the insistent humming of computers. But get a group of lexicographers together and you will have as broad a cross-section of life – and as animated a conversation – as you would get anywhere.
“ Whenever I am introduced as ‘our favourite lexicographer’ I always respond with ‘How many do you know?!’ ”
Q. What is it about language and lexicons that is so fascinating? I’ve loved vocabulary books and dictionaries since I was very little, immersing myself in French and German glossaries and finding them as exciting as any novel! They offer endless possibilities for the imagination. I’ve also become pretty adept at eavesdropping: tuning in to conversations and picking up new words or the latest slang which I will jot down in my notebook. Sometimes you can pick up on hilarious mistakes too, as I did at a business conference conversation in which one person referred to another as ‘the head poncho’. And of course lexicography is all about defining things. Definition is such an important factor in our lives: we are each constantly defining and redefining ourselves, just as dictionaries define our words.
Q. You are known as ‘Britain’s most famous lexicographer’. When you started doing Countdown, did you expect to become a public figure and how do you feel about being so recognisable?
Whenever I am introduced as ‘our favourite lexicographer’ or similar I always respond with ‘How many do you know?!’. But I am thrilled to have been able to bring our love of language into focus: we all care passionately about our words, even if we don’t realise it until someone asks you for your favourite one, or better still, your least favourite. As for being recognisable, as long as I remain tethered to words and knowledge, then I’m happy. I have always been very content floating around beneath the radar.
Q. You did the Something Rhymes with Purple podcast with Gyles Brandreth, the chattiest man in the world. How did the idea come about, and why did the format work?
The podcast was an absolute joy, particularly during lockdown when Gyles and I met over Zoom and forgot the outside world for a bit. I think it worked because we are both passionate about the English language, which enabled us to travel down so many different avenues, and no doubt because our listeners wanted to hear exactly which new famous person Gyles had met during the past week!
Q. What are your feelings about how language evolves? How significantly has the way we use language changed in your own working life?
The role of a lexicographer is to embrace change and to chart it as objectively as possible. Gone are the days of Samuel Johnson when he could dismiss a new piece of slang as a ‘vile word’ that shouldn’t exist: we describe language, and never prescribe how it should be used. We might of course have our personal bugbears (‘like’ as a filler, anyone?), but at the same time we appreciate they are a snapshot of language change in action. Today I think we have a very strong sense of how quickly change can happen because we are exposed to it on so many different platforms, which enable a new word to travel across the globe in seconds. It’s a fascinating watch.
8
Q. What plans do you have and are there books in the pipeline? I have a new children’s book coming out this autumn, The Roots We Share, designed to sprinkle a bit of positivity over our lives. I also have a new non-fiction book coming out called Words for Life. And my next novel will be out next year: Death Writ Large In terms of TV, I will keep doing Countdown and 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown , of course: Dictionary Corner is my second home and I love it every bit as much as I did at the beginning. And I have a new series coming out with Alan Carr in which we aim to discover the hidden geniuses of Britain: those whose friends know they are supremely bright, but who have never been recognised for it. All of which mean it’s going to be a very busy and exciting year!
Q. Your Word of the Day series is immensely popular on social media. In light of you coming to Bath, a city known for its Roman heritage, can you give us your favourite Latin idiom?
My favourite Latin idiom has to be the motto of the city of Paris: Fluctuat nec mergitur: ‘She is tossed by the waves but doesn’t sink’. It embodies the idea of vitality and resilience, and of perpetuity and celebration. I think it’s a beautiful one for life more generally – and indeed for Bath, a city with the deepest of roots. I can’t wait to be back. n
Susie Dent is appearing at The Guildhall on 24 May at 4pm as part of the Bath Literature Festival. Tickets: £16 bathfestivals.org.uk
Guilty by Definition is published by Zaffre, £16.99
Curtains open on If Opera’s new season
If Opera was created to offer beautiful musical experiences in diverse spaces. Today, If Opera’s 2025 season is set against the uniquely serene backdrop of Church Farm in Wingfield and invites audiences to immerse themselves in a characteristically dynamic line ‐up of operatic excellence.
From the courts of a Renaissance tragedy to the heroics of a Baroque battlefield, with a pitstop in the Underworld and an appearance from Radio 2’s Clare Teal, If Opera’s 2025 season stays true to the organisation’s goal to present operas from different repertories within the same programme. Similarly, the programme’s ensemble, complete with familiar faces and exciting new talent, speaks to the company’s commitment to provide stable employment to performers and crew.
Yet this year’s summer of music will have a slightly different backdrop. Church Farm, the home of two of If Opera’s longeststanding patrons, has hosted the organisation’s pre-season launch for the past few years. Now, its secluded and peaceful position in the vale of the Westbury White Horse offers If Opera a remarkable new space to work with. The company’s purpose-built Saddlespan theatre will be constructed within Church Farm’s grounds, and as usual audience seating will surround the main stage, providing an immersive experience and improved acoustics.
If Opera’s 2025 programme promises to enchant first-time visitors and lifelong opera fans alike. Here, we take a closer look at what’s in store.
Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto: 7, 9, 14, 16 August, 7pm
We begin in the shadowy corners of the corrupt royal court with Verdi’s masterpiece Rigoletto, which, since its triumphant premiere in 1851, has remained at the very heart of the operatic repertoire.
The story revolves around Rigoletto, the court jester to the morally corrupt Duke of Mantua, who is tormented by the Duke’s lecherous behaviour and vows to protect his daughter, Gilda. However, the Duke has already set his sights on the innocent girl, and Rigoletto
unknowingly facilitates the seduction, with devastating consequences.
Renowned for its powerful arias, including Gilda’s exquisite idealisation of her new lover in Caro nome, and the Duke’s carefree La donna è mobile reflecting on the fickle nature of women, we are offered two deeply contrasting perspectives on love and relationships.
If Opera’s Rigoletto is directed by Nina Brazier and conducted by the highly regarded Oliver Gooch, who illustrates the grand emotional climaxes of Rigoletto’s internal struggle with command and fluidity. The cast of If Opera will be joined by the Bristol Ensemble, delivering the highest calibre of live music with specialist musicians based in the South West.
Jacques
Offenbach’s
Orpheus in the Underworld
: 8, 12, 15 August, 7pm
Orpheus in the Underworld features a visit to Hell, but this second production by If Opera in fact moves from the darker side of the opera spectrum seen in Rigoletto to one of celebration and high action and musical energy.
Offenbach’s production scandalized and delighted 19th-century Paris – no one was safe and nothing was sacred as he cut a gleeful swathe through political, musical and moral peccadilloes with a dazzlingly tuneful score that embraced both the Can-Can and the Marseillaise.
Dubbed by Rossini “the Mozart of the Champs Elysées”, Offenbach pokes hilarious fun at po-faced classical opera in general and Gluck in particular as Orpheus is dragged to Hell to rescue an unwilling wife, accompanied by the Gods, in search of Bacchanalian joy.
A dab hand with adapting operatic satire and comedy, ‘national treasure’ (BBC Music Magazine) Simon Butteriss is the director of this outrageously joyous version of Offenbach’s irrepressible masterpiece, which will be conducted by Michael Waldron.
Baroque Double Bill
Picnic Prom with Claire Teal: 10 August, 5.30pm
Just as Orpheus wields music to move the gods, award-winning jazz vocalist and long-time Radio 2 and Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal harnesses the power of rhythm to create fabulous musical arrangements interspersed with warm and witty storytelling.
Clare, who has lived in Bath for more than a decade, will be providing the If Opera programme with a welcome dose of swing, covering songs by artists as diverse as Sam Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, and Radiohead.
To complete this relaxed Sunday afternoon of music, The Bristol Ensemble will be bringing the music of Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton to life in a stunning candlelit concert.
Baroque Double Bill: 17 August, 3pm and 6pm
The magic of music will envelop the entirety of the If Opera’s new grounds this summer, with even Church Farm’s medieval parish church, St Mary’s, being transformed into a place of performance.
If Opera’s Baroque Double Bill features the early Baroque master, Giacomo Carissimi and his oratorio, Historia Jonae in the story of Jonah and the whale. This will be immediately followed by a semi-staging of Monteverdi’s Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda , written for the Venetian carnival season of 1624 and adapted from an episode in Tasso’s epic about the First Crusade. The Christian knight, Tancredi, challenges a Saracen to fight to the death, only to discover his vanquished opponent is the woman he loves.
These performances will be presented on early instruments by ZAREKtrio, providing a blend of relaxed ambience, unique sound, and masterful musicianship in this most intimate of venues.
New to the If Opera experience this year is a fresh restaurant concept:
The Cowshed by Homewood, which is a partnership with Homewood Bath. The restaurant offers a Mediterranean-inspired VIP dining experience using locally sourced produce.
For those hoping to get even closer to the magic, If Opera also offers memberships. Members enjoy member pricing and priority bookings along with a range of other benefits designed to give opera-lovers an insight into the If Opera creative process.
If Opera, Church Farm, Wingfield BA14 9LE; ifopera.com n
Church Farm, Wingfield
Arts & exhibitions
Lotta Teale, throughout May, Beaux Arts, 12-13 York Street, Bath
Beaux Arts take us into summer with a debut solo exhibition of Lotta Teale’s figurative oil paintings, inspired by early 20th-century painters such as the Scottish Colourists and William Nicholson. Alongside Lotta’s work is the figurative sculpture of Roger Hardy, made using found elements from high tides and estuary-worn wood. Roger uses the natural processes in the degradation of his materials, which lends his human forms, abraded by the elements, a timeless quality. Thrown porcelain ceramics are by Robyn Hardyman. beauxartsbath.co.uk
Impressions in Watercolour: Turner and his Contemporaries, 23 May – 14 September, The Holburne Museum, Great Pulteney Street, Bath
The exhibition will showcase Turner at his most experimental and gestural, and is a rare opportunity to see some of Turner’s finest watercolours from a private collection in the 250th anniversary year since his birth. The selection of works will also place him among notable contemporaries including Thomas Girtin and John Sell Cotman, to highlight the era of exciting developments in watercolour in which they worked.
holburne.org
The Midday Sun at Midnight: a celebration of the cult film, The Wicker Man (1973) 7–31 May, Sandra Higgins Art, Unit 11, 41 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DN
Using collage and montage, artist and President of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers David Ferry RE explores the film’s unsettling ability to twist the ordinary into the extraordinary and become a juxtaposition of everyday settings with surreal disorientating elements. The body of work consists of highly colourful panels which blend bold imagery with both humour and subversion to confront the viewer with a saccharine, accessible façade that conceals critically charged messages of dissent. Open Tues–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun 11am–4pm. A selection of artists’ work curated by Sandra can also be seen at The Empire, Grand Parade, Bath – with viewing by appointment only (email sandra@sandrahiggins.com). sandrahiggins.art
Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair, Sunday 11 May, 10am–5pm Green Park Station, Green Park Road, Bath
Modern ArtBuyer Spring Pop-Up 17–18 May, 10am-4.30pm, 1 Cliffe Drive, Limpley Stoke Bath
Bath-based gallery and consultancy Modern ArtBuyer’s Spring Pop-Up gallery in Limpley Stoke, will showcase a contemporary collection of original paintings, limited edition prints and a selection of ceramics. Throughout the weekend, the team will be on hand to offer advice around artwork selection, as well as framing and hanging. Pop in and enjoy a coffee or a glass of bubbles while browsing the show. modernartbuyer.com
The award-winning monthly Bath Contemporary Artists’ Fair (BCAF) is committed to bringing the best of contemporary art to the heart of Bath. It has created a regular space where artists can network, share ideas, connect with the public, and where the public can connect with art. Visitors can see the works of local artists and admire fine art, photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and much more, all under the vaulted glass roof of Green Park Station. For updates and exhibiting artists visit bcaf.co.uk
Far Horizons, found wood, earth pigment, by Roger Hardy
In A Blaze Of Light You Wandered Off by Tina Peacock
After Winter, Elaine Jones
'A Low Sun', J M W Turner, c.1835-40
The Lucky March Hares, David Ferry
Bear Flat Artists Open Studios & Art Trail, 24–26 May, 11am–5pm, Bear Flat
The Bear Flat Artists open their studio doors through the late May Bank Holiday weekend. Visitors will see a host of art forms from 28 artists including painting, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, printmaking, photography, woodturning, illustration, and mosaic. Meet artists, discover the processes involved, watch a demonstration and browse or buy original artwork. With this year’s event bringing three new exhibitors and an art workshop for children, you will discover a hive of creativity, all within walking distance, and just ten minutes’ walk from Bath city centre. bearflatartists.co.uk
Pictured above, clockwise from top left: Richard Gardiner, Emily Slinger, Agnes Pollock, Yvonne Elston
Harry Simmonds – New Paintings, throughout May, le fou de bassan, 4-5 Green Street, Bath BA1 2JY
Harry Simmonds’ paintings depict people who sit for him in his studio, exploring different ways of seeing and representing his subjects. Working exclusively in black and white, he translates what he sees and feels into expressive, dynamic paintings. His work seeks to evoke the sitter’s presence while also provoking an emotional or visceral response. Simmonds has exhibited widely across the UK and internationally, and has been shortlisted for various prizes. This solo exhibition presents a series of new paintings alongside selected works from previous periods, offering insight into the development of his practice. harrysimmonds.com | lefoudebassan.com
First Impressions: Printers’ Proofs of Works by Great 20th Century Artists, 2 May-6 July, Victoria Art Gallery, Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AT
In First Impressions: Printers’ Proofs of Works by Great 20th Century Artists, Victoria Art Gallery lifts the lid on the mysteries of printmaking and look at the painstaking process of creating etchings and screenprints. This new exhibition includes proofs by Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Peter Blake and Frank Auerbach among other 20th Century greats. It sheds light on the contribution made by the expert printers who work closely with artists and undertake the immensely skilled process of inking the printing plates and putting them through a printing press.
Newbridge Arts Trail, 17-18 May, 10.30am-5pm, Newbridge
This year marks the 15th year of the Newbridge Arts Trail, an arts event offering a creative destination for local people as well as a brilliant way to support the artisan community. Work by 25 artists will be shown in 10 homes and public venues, and this year Bath Spa University is presenting a series of exhibits across its Locksbrook campus. Learn about different styles of art and talk with artists about their techniques and influences, with some artists offering demonstrations.
Check opening times on newbridgeartstrail.org; Instagram: @newbridgeartstrail
Philip Lyons, throughout May, Gallery Nine, 9B Margaret's Buildings, Bath
Hana, collagraph, Polly Gough
As part of Philip Lyons’ painting process, the surface is often sanded, scraped back, and repainted. In doing this, things happen that are unexpected. Colours and shapes appear that are kept and encouraged to grow. Another theme of the paintings is still life: the aim of these paintings has been to create a feeling of quiet, stillness. The objects, such as bowls, are part of the things that surround Philip at home. Philip went to art college in Bristol in the 1970s, where he studied fine art-painting, and has lived and worked in Cornwall since the 1980s. galleryninebath.com
Shaun 1, ink and acrylic on paper, Harry Simmonds
3 Bowls on Pink, acrylic on board, Philip Lyons
SModern Christening Gifts
BY RON & CYNTHIA Beau Nash Antiques
ilver has long been the material of choice for christening gifts, and for good reason. Historically, silver was believed to have protective properties — even thought to ward off illness — making it a meaningful and practical gift for newborns. Its durability and beauty also made it a symbol of wealth, purity, and longevity. Over time, giving silver became a way to offer a child a keepsake that could be treasured for life, often passed down through generations. .
Delicate Christening mugs, children’s spoons, and baby rattles have long been the traditional choices, and these remain as lovely and meaningful as ever.
However, today’s gift givers are thinking a little differently. We see a growing trend toward choosing gifts that aren’t just sentimental, but also practical — pieces that a child can grow into and enjoy well into adulthood. It’s not about turning away from tradition, but rather about expanding the possibilities.
Silver photo frames are an enduring favourite — you simply can’t go wrong with them. They’re elegant, timeless, and endlessly useful. From baby photos to graduation portraits, wedding snapshots to family milestones, a silver frame remains relevant and cherished through every stage of life. It’s a gift that not only holds memories but becomes part of them.
There’s also a noticeable rise in popularity of more “grown-up” items, like silver wine coasters, keepsake boxes, and even engraved silver beer mugs. After all, when that baby turns 18, let’s be honest — that tiny christening cup isn’t going to hold much of a pint!
Silver spoons are still very much in demand, especially when they carry a personal touch like an engraved name or date. Napkin rings with the child’s initials are also making a stylish comeback — elegant, useful, and forever personal.
What’s clear is that people want their gifts to last. Many are thinking ahead, choosing pieces that will remain relevant and appreciated through the years, rather than outgrown or packed away. The rise of these practical-yet-personal gifts reflects a thoughtful shift: the desire to give something that grows with the child.
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to christening gifts. Whether you choose a classic silver mug, a traditional rattle, or a silver piece designed for life’s later chapters, the sentiment behind it is the same.
A gift made of silver carries a quiet elegance — and just like the love it represents, its beauty and sentiment endure a lifetime.
A remarkable set of medals awarded to Marsie Taylor, a WWII heroine who played a crucial role in both the Blitz rescue efforts and the D-Day landings, will be auctioned in May as part of Lawrences Auctioneers Militaria Sale. This historically significant lot includes her British Empire Medal (BEM) for gallantry, her R.N. Auxiliary Service Long Service Medal, and other wartime awards.
Taylor, a London-born member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS), was honoured for her bravery during the Blitz in 1940, when she helped rescue civilians trapped in the Morley College air raid shelter after it was destroyed by a high-explosive bomb. She worked tirelessly for over 10 hours, knowing the building could collapse at any moment. For her actions, she was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).
Her wartime service continued as she was later assigned to work on Operation Husky (the invasion of Sicily) and Operation Overlord (D-Day), serving under General Eisenhower’s staff in a top-secret role. In 2016, the French government awarded her the Legion d’Honneur, making her the first woman to receive the honour from the French ambassador for her role in the liberation of France.
Taylor’s medal set is a rare and exceptional piece of WWII history, highlighting the often-overlooked role of women in wartime service. Lawrences Auctioneers expects significant interest from collectors and historians alike.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of history belonging to a true wartime trailblazer,” said Matthew Denney, Lawrences’ Militaria Specialist. “Marsie Taylor’s service was remarkable. Not only for her gallantry during the Blitz but also for her critical contributions to planning the Allied invasion of Normandy.”
The lot is estimated at: £400-£600. The May Militaria Auction will be held over two days, 14th & 15th May, with worldwide bidding available online. For more information or to register to bid, visit www.lawrences.co.uk
Lawrences are welcoming consignments for their forthcoming Fine Art sales to include:
May has finally arrived and Spring is in full bloom. To celebrate this vibrant time of year, The Great Wine Company are hosting our Annual ‘Great Spring Tasting’ and we would love for you to join us. The tasting will showcase 40 different wines that we believe are perfect for the spring and summer months. This includes exciting new discoveries, hidden gems, and of course, some of our all-time favourites. This event will take place in the recently refurbished Treetop Café on Thursday the 8th of May, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Tickets are £20 and are available either through the QR code below or on The Great Wine Company website.
The wines that are available at this tasting are also on offer throughout May. Here are three of my standouts:
2020 Alta Langa Limited Edition, Fontanafredda
A sparkling wine that’s made in the Champagne method and produced by one of Italy’s oldest and most renowned producers, Fontanafredda. Made using a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this is made in a light, refreshing style providing notes of citrus, apple and baking bread.
£29.50 to £24.50
2023 Pinot Noir Rosé, Viña Leyda
Viña Leyda are one of The Great Wine Company’s iconic producers and have been making a variety of outstanding wines for many years.
This Pinot Noir Rosé is expressive, bursting with raspberries and cranberries on the nose. The palate is crisp and tangy, complemented by a creamy texture. You can almost taste the sunshine.
£15.50 to £12.50
2016 Gran Reserva, Sierra Cantabria
Sierra Cantabria are regarded as one of Spain’s top wineries and their expert hand means it’s a one-way ticket to deliciousness! The nose is brimming with figs, dark chocolate and vanilla bean and the palate has super-soft tannins, crammed with pronounced flavours of dates, seasoned wood and liquorice. Perfect for a special occasion and an essential in any collector’s cellar. £44 to £36.50
Vino? Can do!
From unusual grape varieties to classical wine regions and rustic styles to more refined examples, the Canned Wine Company aspire to engage with its customers and ignite a sense of discovery through their high‐ spec canned wines. Here are three of its classic selections...
Grenache Rosé 2023 | 250ml | £15.30 for 3 cans
A crisp, dry rosé from just outside of Lirac in the Pays d’Oc, France.
Winemaker: Thierry Boudinaud
Sparkling
Chardonnay 2022 |
200ml | £15.30 for 3 cans
Naturally sparkling Blanc de Blancs with aromas of grapefruit, lemon and pastry. It has gentle bubbles, with a fresh and light finish. From Piedmont, Italy.
Winemaker: Tre Secoli
Meet the Crew Discovery Pack | 200ml x 3 | £10.50
Fiano – fruity, almost tropical, leading with blossom aromas. Rosato – a fruit‐forward bright wine with an alluring floral nose. Negroamaro – clas ‐sic, deeply coloured with a ruby hue. Rich and velvety but fresh to finish.
cannedwine.co
The Circus Restaurant
The Circus Restaurant blends Georgian elegance with modern charm. With seasonal fare, a warm service, and a welcoming buzz, it’s a beloved local gastro gem, says Emma Clegg.
Tucked between two of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, The Circus and The Royal Crescent, The Circus Restaurant enjoys one of the city’s most enviable spots on Brock Street. It’s the kind of place that captures the charm of its Georgian surroundings without a hint of pretension.
Set over two floors in a beautiful period building, the restaurant offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with classic English decor, high ceilings, wooden parquet floors and a low-key buzz that makes it an authentic and refined refuge. Whether you’re visiting Bath for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, The Circus draws you in with its thoughtful, seasonal menu – five starters, seven mains and a supportive handful of sides, all focused on quality.
The Circus has become something of a Bath institution. Originally run by the Golden family, it was taken over in 2021 by the Lisanti brothers – Matthew Lisanti was previously the head chef – and since then the restaurant has only grown in reputation, continuing to serve a modern European menu built around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The passion in the kitchen clearly translates to the table: the food is beautifully prepared, the service is warm, and the vibe is effortless and comfortable. It’s the kind of place where lunch might just turn into dinner, and no one would blame you for booking in twice.
As John Wood the Elder knew only too well, in Ancient Rome the ‘Circus’ was a circular arena surrounded by tiers of seats in which public entertainments were held. In its role as a place of gastronomic entertainment, you could conceive of this place as having a connection to this ancient history (a melange, if you like, of the entertainment provided by Roman gladiators and of luxurious Roman banquets designed to impress its guests).
We were not gladiators or part of a raucous, baying crowd, but we were an audience looking for a food spectacle, and The Circus did not disappoint. The dishes were outstandingly beautiful and the starters
were served on delectable textured and coloured bowls and plates. The Leek and Potato Soup with garlic zeppola was a smooth, substantial and comforting taste experience, combined with a selection of delicate, airy breads including charcoal and turmeric bread. My choice, Carrot and Courgette Fritters with sumac aubergine dip, pomegranate and pickles, was a welcome option for a low-carb preference, with its crispy vegetable packages served with a zing of pickle and the uplifting freshness of pomegranate. Both gave visual flair to dishes that also delivered generously on flavour, and didn’t spoil the appetite.
If we had been citizens in Ancient Rome (or Aquae Sulis, just for authenticity), those versions of ourselves would have enjoyed the medium rare pan-fried Flat Iron Steak served with chimichurri, crispy shallots and watercress, just as much as our modern personas.
The Fish of the Day was hake with a mild curry on a bed of swede champ (the latter an optional swap suggested by our waitress, for the saltbaked new potatoes). For dessert, seasonal cheeses brought Somerset Solstice (semi-soft), Barbers 1833 vintage Cheddar and the sweet and punchy Devon Blue, served with delicate, just crumbly enough crackers. The Dark Chocolate Fondant delivered on a more sweetly indulgent level with its banoffee ganache, Chantilly sauce, oat crumb and glazed banana.
The confidence and colourful lure of the dishes and the delicate textures and delectable flavours we encountered were testament to an accomplished gastronomic team who know how to deliver dishes with finesse and flair. No gladiatorial fighting; just gastro experts on top of their game.
Circus Restaurant, 34 Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LN; open Mon to Fri 10am-11pm; Sat 10am-12am (closed Sun); thecircusrestaurant.co.uk
During Bath Restaurant Week (3–11 May) The Circus are offering a 3-course set menu, served with canapés, £40 for Lunch and Dinner from Mon to Sat.
Miso Pesto Pasta Salad with Chilli Crisp
Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes
FROM KENJI MORIMOTO’S FERMENT COOKBOOK
This recipe is extracted from the recently published Ferment by Kenji Morimoto (Macmillan, £22). Signed copies of Kenji’s book are available at Topping & Co. Booksellers in Bath toppingbooks.co.uk
This quick weeknight meal is a feast of layered umami: not only from the miso in the pesto but also from the tomatoes, slow roasted in a sticky and sweet balsamic and chilli crisp dressing. Both elements can be made independently – the pesto is a super‐ quick vegan version – but the addition of the tomatoes elevates this dish. It’s also great at room temperature, so a perfect meal for picnics or to prepare for weekday work lunches. For additional freshness, throw in rocket, watercress or chopped kale (massaged with a bit of salt and extra virgin olive oil).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients (serves 4)
• 10g cashews
• 300–350g pasta (my favourites are casarecce, penne or fusilli)
• salt and pepper
• handful of fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, to garnish
• lemon wedges, to serve
For the pesto
• 40g cashews
• 70g basil
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled
• 1 tbsp red miso
• 60ml extra virgin olive oil
For the chilli crisp balsamic roasted tomatoes
• 500g cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chilli crisp or chilli oil (Laoganma is my favourite brand)
• 2 tbsp white sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Method
1. To make the pesto, put all the ingredients into a food processor and blitz to your desired consistency. I prefer a rough-textured pesto that is not too pureed. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste – but additional seasoning will come from the tomatoes.
2. To make the chilli crisp balsamic roasted tomatoes, preheat the oven to 230°C (fan 220°C/gas mark 8) and line a baking tray with baking paper. Put all of the ingredients for the tomatoes on the lined baking tray and roast for 15 minutes. Give the tray an occasional shake and after 7–8 minutes, use a wooden spoon to smash some of the tomatoes – the beginning of a jammy sauce. Once the tomatoes are done, use a metal spatula to scrape off all of the residual bits from the paper and mix them back into the sauce.
3. While the tomatoes are roasting, toast the cashews in a dry pan over a low heat until lightly browned, around 3 minutes. Roughly crush the cashews – rugged is best. If you do not have a pestle and mortar, crush them on a cutting board, using the bottom of a pan.
4. Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions. Drain, reserving 120ml of the pasta cooking water.
5. Return the drained pasta to the pan, add the pesto and mix until fully combined. You may need to add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it. Dollop the roasted tomatoes on top of the pasta, followed by the crushed cashews, sliced basil and a lemon wedge.
Bath Restaurant Week
Bath is serving up something rather special this month! From 3–11 May, Bath Restaurant Week celebrates the city’s vibrant food scene with exclusive menus, drinks, cocktails and a selection of deals at top venues across town. We’ve included just a sampling of the special offers across the city on these pages. Check out the Bath Restaurant Week website to see them all!
It’s time to celebrate the many places in Bath that source, prepare and serve us food and drinks to suit every taste, and offer the atmosphere and entertainment to fit with every tête a tête or group occasion. Yes, the Bath Business Improvement District (Bath BID) is launching the city’s first ever Bath Restaurant Week from 3–11 May, with sponsorship from Italian Beer, Angelo Poretti, and with Hospitality Action as its charity partner.
Bath BID – an independent, not for profit, business-led initiative working to create the environment for businesses in Bath to succeed – was eager to find a way to recognise and support hospitality businesses in the city, and so Alex Peters, Director at Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie, developed the idea of running a Bath-specific restaurant week.
Bath Pizza Company, Green Park
Establishments across Bath have listed their offerings on the Bath Restaurant Week website for customers to access during the nine-day event. Bath BID has designed the campaign to be flexible and bespoke, encouraging participants to use it in the way which best suits their business model and gives them the opportunity to showcase their brand to new and existing customers.
The Restaurant Week Campaign will be as diverse as the food offerings in the city, inviting customers to find new favourites, share a treat with friends, discover the newest arrivals and make the most of the longer evenings as the days lengthen and get warmer.
From tasting menus and new dishes to signature cocktails and special offers, options include Fisherman’s Lunch at the Scallop Shell AA Rosette fish restaurant (a choice of three mains with a cup of Yorkshire tea for £12.50); a glass of complimentary champagne if you have a four-course tasting menu prepared by award-winning head chef Martin Blake at Montagu’s Mews; and a free house cocktail at Flute with every main course from the à la carte menu. Lunch at Clayton’s Kitchen – where chef patron Robert Clayton specialises in Mediterranean and modern French cuisine – offers two courses from Wednesday to Saturday for £32 or three for £38, or enjoy 15% off when you dine in at Sepoy Club, which brings the rich flavours of India to its menu. Alternatively, take advantage of Aperol Hour at Green Park Brasserie from 5-6pm with a £5 Aperol Spritz, or upgrade your sourdough pizza at Dough to any of their speciality doughs, including multigrain, hemp and five types of gluten free, with no extra charge.
These are just a few examples from the full offering from Bath Restaurant Week from 3– 11 May. n bathrestaurantweek.com
Plate at The Bird Summer Social – from Mon to Fri, 2pm–6 pm, sip on handcrafted cocktails and savour small plates at a 30% reduction. thebirdbath.co.uk
Amarone Kitchen
Enjoy any pasta + any dessert + 1 Espresso for £24, on Fri and Sat lunchtime. amaroneristorante.co.uk
Clayton’s Kitchen
2 Courses for £32 or 3 Courses for £38, Weds–Sat lunch. claytonskitchen.com
Bath Pizza Co.
Margherita Madness grab an award-winning Margherita Pizza for just £5. bathpizzaco.com
Walcot House
Guests can enjoy an Italicus Spritz (Italicus, Creme de Peche, lemon and Prosecco) for just £7! From 5–9 May. walcothousebath.com
The view from Haresfield Beacon
Flute
Enjoy a tasty free house cocktail with every main course from the à la carte menu. flute-bath.com
Montagu’s Mews
at The Royal Crescent Hotel
Treat yourself to a 4-course tasting menu and receive a glass of complimentary Champagne, from 5–8 May. royalcrescent.co.uk
Bandook
25% off your food bill, from Sun–Thurs (one discount per table).
bandookkitchen.com
Corkage
Early Bird Offer – choose four plates from a choice of seven, for £30, from –6.30pm. corkagebath.com
The Elder
Complimentary Champagne or non-alcoholic alternative with afternoon tea. Tables of over 6 will also receive an additional 10% discount. theelder.co.uk
Baba’s Mezze
Free baklava and tea after your meal when you spend £25 per person. babasmezzebath.uk
Robun
Order a 5-course set menu and have an introductory sake flight for £55 per person, Sun–Fri. robun.co.uk
Brasserie Beau
Book a table of 6 or more and receive a complimentary bottle of bubbles per 6 guests! brasseriebeau.co.uk
The Beckford Bottle Shop
Enjoy three special dishes, plus an optional wine pairing, lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. beckfordbottleshop.com
The Scallop Shell
Fisherman's Lunch – choose from three mains of the day, all served with a mug of Yorkshire tea for £15 (Mon–Fri, 12pm–2.30pm).
thescallopshell.co.uk
Chez Dominique
Tuck into a bowl of mussels and pommes frites for just £19.50 (Mon to Fri lunchtimes 12pm–3pm chezdominique.co.uk
Woods
Celebrating Fish Specials –2 courses for £25 or 2 courses with a glass of wine or non-alcoholic cocktail for £30. woodsrestaurant.com
Beckford Canteen
The Canteen’s much-loved confit potatoes will be served all week (usually saved for Sunday lunch!), from 3–11 May. beckfordcanteen.com
Bath business
LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATION UPDATES
NEW RESTAURANT IN FRANCIS HOTEL
The iconic Frances Hotel has undergone a £14 million renovation, spotlighting it as one of the hottest hotel reopenings of 2025. The refurbishment celebrates the architectural heritage of the building and Bath’s Georgian flavour, adding world-class spa facilities, and a brandnew signature restaurant: Emberwood. Emberwood is set to ignite Bath's flourishing culinary scene. Formerly of Michelin-starred Paco Tapas and Bristol’s Clifton Lido, head chef David Hazell brings his signature ingredient-led style to Emberwood, with a meticulously crafted seasonal menu. With a dramatic open kitchen and charcoal-fired hearth, his menu will celebrate the rich agricultural bounty of Somerset and the South West. Hazell's commitment to sourcing the finest local produce is reflected in Emberwood's signature dishes, including West Country bavette with anchovy butter, green chilli, and Koffman fries, charred courgette and wild garlic cacio e pepe and hake with caramelised fennel, samphire and charred potatoes. emberwoodbath.com
NEW BATH PRESS DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHES
Award-winning housebuilder City & Country has launched its brand-new Bath Press development on the former site of the Pitman Press on Lower Bristol Road.
The careful redevelopment of the site includes the preservation of part of the former print work’s Classical and Art Deco façade, and modern retail spaces will occupy the ground floor of the building facing Lower Bristol Road. Once complete, Bath Press will offer a selection of craft-built apartments and townhouses, with the first one, two and three-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom town houses now available to purchase. This collection of new-build homes has been designed to a luxury specification with touches of wood and stone flowing throughout the design. The distinctive façades subtly reflect Bath’s beautiful Georgian buildings as each home promotes a natural, warm, and timeless appeal. cityandcountry.co.uk; savills.co.uk
ACCOUNTANT BECOMES PARTNER AT PEARSON MAY
Helen Draper FCA, a specialist in the Private Client Department at Pearson May, has been promoted to Partner. Helen, who has been an integral part of the firm since 2007, joined Pearson May after earning a firstclass degree in Mathematics from the University of Bath. She has built an impressive career, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2010 and specialising in tax planning and compliance for individuals and trustees. Helen said: “I am honoured to become a Partner at Pearson May, a firm with such a rich history and strong reputation. As an ICAEW training firm, Pearson May has been instrumental in my development, and I look forward to supporting and mentoring the next generation of professionals, just as Jacqui [Bowden] did for me.” pearsonmay.co.uk
NEW GALLERY OPENING ON BARTON STREET
Founded by local artist Agnes Pollock and her husband Robert, The Barton Gallery is Barton Street’s new creative space, incorporating the couple’s holistic approach to creativity and wellbeing. With plans to open in mid-May, the right side of the property will showcase beautifully curated art including oil paintings, ceramics, jewellery and textiles, while the left side of the building will house The Barton Rooms: three peaceful therapy rooms, decorated with the calm and uplifting art of The Barton Gallery. Owner Agnes said: “We have fully renovated this wonderful Georgian building and we’re really pleased we managed to preserve its charm and character. It will be a warm and welcoming space, perfect for showcasing both local and international talent and for celebrating the handmade and the unique.” Instagram: @thebartongallery
GAIL’S BAKERY IN BATH
Bakery chain Gail’s has opened its doors in Bath, serving residents and visitors their fresh artisan sourdough, pastries, sandwiches and cakes. The opening comes after the launch of two sites in Bristol in the last year, the first sites in the South West. Residing in what was the Soho Coffee building at 12-13 Union Street, the upmarket cafe and bakery, which first opened in Hampstead in 2005, will also offer deliveries and catering options. gails.com
The new installation at Royal Victoria Park
1:1 MENTORING
(online sessions which last 45mins)
AGE RANGE FOR WHICH IT IS APPROPRIATE (10 – 18-YEAR-OLDS)
KNOWLEDGE, ASPIRATIONS, SKILLS
CREATING LIFELONG LEARNERS
EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS
INSPIRING PERSONAL GROWTH
BUILDING CONFIDENCE, MOTIVATION & RESILIENCE
COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC SUPPORT
SPORTS MENTORING
ORGANISATION & TIME MANAGEMENT
GOAL SETTING
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
PERSON-CENTRED APPROACH
SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Simon Rollings and Ben Franks
Photograph by Joe Short, an award-winning photographer based in Bath. joeshort.com
Unlimited minds
Ben Franks and Simon Rollings, co-founders of Canned Wine Group
Two British entrepreneurs, Ben Franks and Simon Rollings, found some white space in the wine market that needed filling. They did this with their business Canned Wine Group, delivering quality premium European wines in a format made for convenience. Canned Wine Group has recently joined Bath Unlimited, who represent world‐class businesses based in the region, and this interview continues our series of conversations with its outstanding companies. Words by Emma Clegg.
In a world where convenience often trumps quality, two entrepreneurs decided not to compromise. Ben Franks and Simon Rollings, co-founders of the Canned Wine Group, have carved out a unique space in the drinks industry – offering premium wines in cans without sacrificing character, craft or credibility.
“When we set up our business, it was about the wine drinker,” says Ben. “We saw it as white space because no one was in that market. Everyone was coming in at the cheap end, and we thought, actually there’s a whole market here of people who want something better.”
Their vision was to make genuinely excellent wine more accessible, in packaging that suits today’s pace and lifestyle, whether it’s a picnic in the park, a glass at the theatre, or a choice from the shelves of an upscale retailer like Harrods. But instead of competing with bottled wines, Ben and Simon are out to create a new niche, with each 250ml can giving two small glasses or one large glass of wine. “We never set out to get rid of the bottle,” Ben explains. “Some of our competitors talk about bottles as the enemy, because of carbon arguments or sustainability, but we’ve always said the bottle still has a place – it’s perfect when you’re sharing with friends and that won’t change.”
Instead, their focus is on how cans complement the traditional bottle, solving real-world frustrations for drinkers. “How many times have you had a bad glass of wine at a theatre?” Ben asks. “Or ordered wine at a pub that’s gone off and you’ve got the dregs? Or been somewhere beer-led like a stadium, and they don’t even offer wine?”
The solution is a format that reduces waste, improves freshness and opens up new occasions for wine enjoyment. “The can does a really good job of fixing the wastage in hospitality, which is really high,” Ben says. “It’s easier to store, faster to chill and you can fit more cans on a pallet than with bottles. The cans are also infinitely recyclable.”
We ask buyers to pour what they already offer by the glass, side-by-side with our can. When they taste both, that’s the moment the conversation changes
That shift in packaging, however, called for a completely different approach to the product itself. “With canned wines you have to do all the breathing of a bottle before it goes into the can,” Ben says. “That means working with winemakers to get the wine to its perfect drinking point before it’s even packaged. We capture that moment, and then seal it.”
Take their Old Vine Garnacha: “We work with a winemaker in Spain who ages it in oak and concrete tanks for two years,” Ben says. “Then it rests until it’s just right to drink, and only then do we can it.”
The company’s story began at an uncertain time, in early 2020. With their initial strategy focused on events and in-person tastings, when lockdown struck, they had to reassess. “We pivoted pretty quickly,” Simon says. “Wine shops, delis and farm shops were classified as essential businesses, so we started selling into these premium retail areas.”
That pivot allowed them not only to stay afloat, but also to gather real insight. “We were able to understand how the wines performed in cans and relaunch with a more refined range in the summer of 2020.”
The product line included a Grenache Rosé and their now-signature Old Vine Garnacha. And it wasn’t long before the wine itself started to speak louder than the format. “Our most convincing piece of sales material is the wine. We ask buyers to pour what they already offer by the glass, side-by-side with our can. When they taste them both, that’s the moment the conversation changes”, says Ben.
The partnership between Ben and Simon is core to the company’s strength. “We bring different things to the table,” Simon says. “And five years in, we’ve yet to fall out, which I think is pretty impressive.”
“Simon’s got the business brain,” Ben adds. “This is his first venture; it’s my second or third. So you get this nice blend – Simon brings the MBA theory and I bring the real-world wine trade experience.”
Together, they’ve built not just a product, but a company with depth: “Great policies, great HR, environmental certifications and proper product development”, Simon rattles off. “You can make thousands of mistakes, and we’ve made our fair share, but we’ve tried to shorten that gap.”
Their technical expertise is equally refined. Wines are canned either in Norfolk or Northern Italy, depending on the style. Sparkling Chardonnay, for instance, is produced in Asti, Italy, a hub of sparkling production. “That expertise is really important,” Simon says. “You can’t call it Italian sparkling wine if you bring it to the UK first.”
Most of the canning is now done in Norfolk, so the tanks are filled and brought over – the best for the environment – and are then canned for distribution. While cans are considered fizzy drink vessels, wine requires a different kind of finesse. “We add liquid nitrogen at the point of packing, put the cap on, and as that turns from liquid nitrogen to gas, it makes the can rigid but the wine stays still”, Simon explains.
From the beginning, the team made a bold decision to steer clear of mass-market varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. “We knew that Sauvignon was the most drunk wine in the UK, but it contains thiols, compounds that don’t play well with can linings,” Ben says.
So they took a risk, focusing on interesting and unusual varieties that suit the can format, and this has paid off. “We put Grüner Veltliner, our Austrian wine, in that white wine space,” Ben says. “It’s zesty, vibrant and a bit unexpected and it gave us something fresh, interesting and premium.”
Their wines come from top regions across Europe, Austria, Spain, Italy and France, and every one is carefully vetted. “We partnered with wine industry consultant Jennifer Bond early on,” Ben says. “She brought packaging know-how and helped us understand what wines worked technically in cans.”
Today, that work is led by Rachael Curry, their technical manager. “We run weekly shelf-life testing, measuring everything from sulphur content to pH levels and heavy metal content. It’s really analytical chemistry around the wines and working out the best kind of specification to get great shelf life and quality”, says Ben. “I want to can what I love and Rachael tells us what we should can. But that discussion creates something of high quality.”
Today, there is an offering of six wines under the Canned Wine Co. label and four under The Copper Crew, their more casual, scaled-down brand. “Copper Crew is about focused simplicity, but doing it really, really well. That’s white, rosé, red and sparkling, one of each,” Ben explains.
Canned Wine Co., by contrast, is all about choice and character. “It’s about the wine drinker with a preference for a grape variety, someone looking for a premium piece, and a huge part of that is choice – we make sure that choice is always there”, says Ben.
The packaging reflects this individuality. Each can is illustrated by Neil Tully, a Master of Wine in Bath, based on Ben’s tasting notes. “You know what that Viognier might taste like just by looking at it,” Ben says. “It’s designed to be as informative as it is beautiful. And the Verdejo and the Gamay, stocked in Waitrose, come with loads of colour on the shelf like a painting, whereas the competition has lots of white space on the can.
Their cans are also stocked in Harrods, the National Trust and independent shops around the country. Online, they offer ‘build-yourown’ boxes and gift packs. “It’s like a chocolate selection,” Ben says. “A five-pack selection, so you can taste them and pick your favourites.”
The company’s UK focus remains strong, but they’re eyeing growth overseas. Distribution has already expanded into the Netherlands, France,
Unlimited Minds
Canned Wine Group: Ben Franks and Simon Rollings
What are your ambitions?
The leaders in future formats in the wine business, our ambition is to fundamentally change the way in which people think about and consume wine. We want to elevate the experience of single-serve wine available across hospitality and retail, so that there are options beyond buying a bottle of wine, and when you only want one glass of wine, it's the very best possible.
How do you innovate?
Our business is about changing the way in which a product has been served, made, stored and distributed. We innovate by ensuring technical quality with the best-in-class shelf life across our range of cans, sourced from the finest winemakers in Europe. We have a beautiful can design that ensures when you're looking for a great single serve wine, we're an easy option for you to choose.
Malta and Greece, with Ireland on the near horizon. In time they hope to grow across Europe and into Scandinavia, the next major market for expansion outside the UK, and the long-term plan is Canada and the US.
They’re taking a smart approach to entering new markets. “Our export director is a Frenchman from Châteauneuf-du-Pape,” Simon says. “He’s been in the industry for over 40 years and he knows everyone.”
They also work closely with the UK’s Department for International Trade, who help them navigate everything from tariffs to recycling laws in other countries. Despite more competition in the market, Ben and Simon remain confident. “I don’t think anyone has come in and done the premium range in cans like we have”, says Simon.
The business edge comes from knowing the technical and cultural terrain. “Some of Europe’s absolute best winemakers make our wine, and we’ve gone wine-first in everything we do,” Ben says. “That’s what gives us stickiness; that’s why customers stay.”
From identifying a niche in the market to securing shelf space in Harrods, the journey of Canned Wine Group is as carefully crafted as the products they sell. And for Ben and Simon, the mission remains rooted in something deeper than market share.
“There’s a saying in the wine business,” Ben says, “once you’re in, you never leave. It’s such a wonderful trade – the people, the stories, the travel, the food, and it all comes together.”
And while the format may be modern, the ethos is old-school: quality first, drinker in mind and a product built to last. Whether it’s their sixvarietal flagship line-up or the streamlined Copper Crew, they are living proof that great wine doesn't have to come with a corkscrew. cannedwine.co; coppercrew.com
Can do in a can...
How do you connect with the local community?
We have a revolving internship programme through the University of Bath, and we have recruited multiple people from the university into the business. We also have partnered with Bath Rugby Foundation and Every Can Counts, a national programme to promote recycling. Recently, we’ve helped with tree planting in the local community.
How do you motivate?
We offer our staff the opportunity to study the formal WSET wine training. We promote internally, provide training, and support graduates from local universities. We have strategy days and team-building exercises, and we engage staff by connecting them with customers and suppliers through winery trips and sampling sessions. We also have an Enterprise Management Incentive scheme as a staff option.
Verdejo 2022 – Rueda | 3 cans £15.30 Notes of lemon, tangerine and orchard fruit.
Winemaker: Javier Sanz Style: Vibrant and Zesty
Gamay 2021 – Loire Valley | 3 cans £15.30 Strawberries, cherries and spice. Winemaker: Lionel Gosseaume Style: Bright and Juicy
Reviving the past for the future
Over the past two years, the National Trust has been carefully planning the future of Bath’s iconic Assembly Rooms. Through consultation, creative events and conservation work, a bold vision is taking shape. We asked Tom Boden what’s been happening behind the scenes, and what visitors can expect when the building reopens in 2027.
What has taken place during the two years of planning and consulting around the future of the Assembly Rooms?
Over the last two years we’ve opened Bath Assembly Rooms as much as possible. During this time, we’ve tried a number of different ways to open – from hosting third party events, guided tours for small groups, crafting events for families during school holidays and dancing with the Fancy Ball, and we even opened with a Ball Room full of grass for Forest of Imagination in 2023. Each event helped us test how the building came to life in different ways and how people engaged with the Rooms. It was interesting to observe how the acoustics changed with the various events, we even tested the lighting with different bulbs in the chandeliers. All feedback and observations have been shared with the team to help shape the new visitor offer in 2027. We’re confident that we’ll deliver an intriguing new attraction to Bath, while also enabling the building to come alive with more events through our partners and for the community.
What is the conservation and construction work taking place?
Bath Assembly Rooms is over 250-years old, so we’re conserving the original material of the building – from the ten Georgian chandeliers to the uncovered Cold Bath, along with the original vaults and flooring revealed in the basement.The building was significantly damaged in World War II, so we’re looking to restore some of the Georgian splendour it lost, through improvements such as the main doors and flooring.
How will the new immersive Georgian experience bring history to life?
We’re setting the new Georgian visitor experience in the 1790s – a time when balls were frequently held and where the Rooms were a place for people to meet partners and do business. History will be brought to life through 11 fictional characters, all of whom are composites of research into real people of Bath at the time. There are tickets to be printed, chandeliers to be cleaned, dresses to be made and deals to be had – all before visitors get to the ball themselves. Projection, audio and even smells
are being explored to bring the characters to life and transport visitors back to the atmospheric whirl of a Georgian ball.
What role will the fictional characters play?
Two characters – the Master of Ceremonies and Pearl, a servant girl, will welcome visitors to the Assembly Rooms and set the scene, while the other nine characters stories play out as visitors explore. Our curators and a team of volunteers have been researching all aspects of people from Bath in the 18th century. They’ve uncovered details of over 100 people in Bath at the time, which paints an incredibly diverse and vibrant picture of the city. This is being used to create the characters so that they’re representative of people in Georgian times. Beau Nash doesn’t feature as sadly he died before the Upper Rooms opened; however, visitors may spot some similarities in the Master of Ceremonies character.
‘Visitors will get a sense of every aspect from the grit to the glamour’. How will both of these be reflected?
In developing the characters and researching the role of Bath Assembly Rooms at the time, it was clear we wouldn’t be telling the story accurately if we didn’t show all sides. Bath was a city of opportunity and new beginnings in the 18th century and Bath Assembly Rooms had a part to play. Delivering a ball involved many trades, different people and skills, and preparation would be key. We’ll be sharing the stories from day to night to give a true sense of what was involved in putting on a Georgian ball. And the characters will represent people from across this spectrum to tell an accurate account of what it would have been like.
The Assembly Rooms will have air source heat pumps installed. Was this sustainable aspect key to the project?
Yes, taking such a large, historic property and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels is a key aspect of the project. We’ve been working with architects Connolly Wellingham and sustainability specialists Max Fordham LLP, who in turn have worked with specialists, such as
Historic England, for advice on how to retro fit a Grade I listed building to make it fit for the future. We’re really pleased with how many improvements we’ve managed to make without impacting the significance of such a precious historic building.
Tell us about the new Georgian inspired modern staircase. The new staircase is Georgian-inspired and will replace three staircases added in the 1960s. The new stairs will be accompanied by a lift to all floors to ensure the whole building is accessible.
How will the four main rooms look?
These rooms will be refreshed and restored. The floors will be replaced in the Ball Room and Tea Room to give a more authentic Georgian feel, and each room will be painted. The chandeliers will be returned having undergone essential conservation, rewiring and repair. The new experience will unfold in these rooms using technology and objects that are easy to pack away so that the building can be used for other purposes outside the core opening times.
The budget for this project is estimated at £17 million, and you are still fundraising. How will you achieve this?
We’re hoping to raise £3.2 million as part of this project. The Luminaries launched in February to support this goal. It’s based loosely on the original subscriber model that funded the building in 1771. For those that donate £250 and join the Luminaries, they’ll receive an exclusive set of benefits in return. A welcome pack, set of postcards, regular updates of the progress and two tickets to see the new experience when we reopen. A generous local benefactor has offered to match-fund all donations in 2025, up to the value of £250,000.
What are the key goals of the Reconnecting the Rooms project?
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Reconnecting the Rooms aims to bring people together to share the history of the Rooms through ‘Rooms on the Road’, demonstrate how this is relevant today to communities in and around Bath, and help shape the future use of this historic space – with aims to reduce loneliness, improve connection with the city’s heritage and widen skills development opportunities.
What is the timeline for the different stages of the work?
A lot of the work is happening in tandem. So, the chandeliers are offsite being restored, while construction work is happening on site. Once building work is complete, we can install the new visitor experience, and begin recruiting and training new team members.
How do you feel about the next phase for the Assembly Rooms?
John Wood the Elder had a vision for Bath Assembly Rooms and said “rank began to be laid aside, and all degrees of people…united in society with one another. [Thus, a bigger, more] capacious and convenient structure for people to assemble is highly necessary.”
The project aims to bring Bath Assembly Rooms back into the heart of the city and create a space for 21st-century assembly in all forms, for everyone. The Georgian experience is just one element of this – a big one, of course – and this will help to make the property a focal point for the city, somewhere people can come to experience an assembly of the past. Our ambition is that the rooms will also thrive as a venue for modern assembly through programming, partner events and community activity. When we reopen, it’ll be around two-years since visitors came to an event here. And we’re already extremely excited. n
Assembly Rooms, Bennett St, Bath BA1 2QH. Find out more about The Luminaries on nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/bathbristol/bath-assembly-rooms/luminaries
Education matters
NEWS FROM THE CITY’S LEARNERS AND LEADERS
KES WINS SCHOOL RUGBY CUP
King Edward's School has taken on and stunned the world of school rugby by winning the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens Under 18 Vase: the largest school rugby tournament in the world and the pinnacle of the sport. It was an extraordinary achievement to lift the trophy and a testament to the team of boys and what has been building inside the rugby programme at KES for years. The achievement rounded off an incredible year in which the same team ranked in the top 20 UK schools in the Daily Mail U18 Rugby Trophy. As official commentators at Rosslyn Park Sevens, NextGenXV, applauded the team’s efforts over two days: “It is a rare thing to be able to make people that don’t know you proud, but that was the overwhelming sensation from the touchlines –particularly in the final against Cheltenham College – as this group of young men showed tremendous skill and wonderful play, and also immense bravery, determination, and passion.” kesbath.com
UNIVERSITY OF BATH SCHOLARS WIN SILVER MEDALS IN SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Silvers for sporting scholars Matthew Ward and Joshua Gammon were among eight medals won by University of Bath-based swimmers at the 2025 Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in London last month.
Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering student Ward was runner-up in the men’s 200m individual medley, the Bill Whiteley Scholar overhauling Evan Jones and Charlie Hutchison in the closing stages of a thrilling final.
There were more fireworks in the men’s 50m butterfly final where Alumni Fund Scholar Gammon and Aquatics GB Bath Performance Centre team-mate Jacob Peters both touched the wall in 23.44 to finish joint second to former University of Bath Swimming Club member Ben Proud. Peters and Gammon had finished third and fourth respectively in the 100m final earlier in the week. Find out more at teambath.com
Image: GeorgiaUpton/RosslynPark National Schools Sevens
Image: Morgan Harlow for Aquatics GB
Discover...
This month, Bath is welcoming a whole host of literary, musical, and comedic talent to the city. Here’s a little taste of the brilliant events on offer
Faust (1926) + Live Score, 13 May, 6.30pm, The Little Theatre Bath
Join Hugo Max as he accompanies F. W. Murnau’s epic Faust live on solo viola.
In Faust, the demon Mephisto wagers dominion over Earth with an archangel.He beguiles an old alchemist into selling his soul to him, leading a despairing Faust into a downward spiral.
Following the success of his 2024 UK Tour, Max will improvise the score, breathing new life into Murnau’s expressionistic imagery with his vivid performance. Tickets £10.25-£14.25 picturehouses.com
Marmen String Quartet, 18 May, 2.30pm, St Swithin’s Church
Marmen String Quartet is one of today’s most exciting young ensembles, and will be peforming three timeless masterpieces: Haydn String Quartet Op 33 No 2 in E flat ‘Joke’, Ravel String Quartet, and Mozart String Quartet in C major K465 ‘Dissonance’. Tickets: £10-£35. bathfestivals.org
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason 23 May, 7.30pm, The Forum
A member of the extraordinary Kanneh-Mason family, Jeneba made her debut on the international scene at the BBC Proms, performing the Florence Price Concerto and was much heralded by the press. Jeneba will be performing a fantastic programme of piano music, including Bach’s Partita No. 5, Beethoven’s Sonata No. 17 in D minor ‘Tempest’, Chopin’s Nocturnes Nos 7 and 8, and Debussy’s La fille aux cheveux de lin. Tickets £11-£41. bathfestivals.org
Sayeeda Warsi: The Anatomy Of Prejudice, 24 May, 11am, The Guildhall Sayeeda Warsi, Britain’s first Muslim Cabinet Minister, uses her experience in government and in Muslim communities to reflect on the rising tide of Islamophobia. In Muslims Don’t Matter, Baroness Warsi looks at the far-right riots that broke out in 2024, at Muslim-directed hatred during the war on Gaza, and at how the media continue to fuel an anti-Muslim narrative and she urges us to unite against it. Baroness Warsi will be in conversation with documentary filmmaker Marion Milne. Tickets £14. bathfestivals.org
An Audience with Ruth Jones, 24 May, 7.30pm, The Forum What’s occurin’? Actress, comedian, screenwriter, novelist and all round national treasure Ruth Jones, best known for her unforgettable role as Nessa Jenkins in Gavin and Stacey is coming to The Forum to talk about her latest novel By Your Side – and lots more! Bursting with all the heart and humour that has made Ruth’s name as a screenwriter and author, By Your Side is about finding joy in the most unlikely connections, and the importance of holding onto friendship, love and community – especially when life gets messy.
Tickets £35 with book / £25 without. bathfestivals.org
Danny Baker: Aye Aye! Ahoy Hoy!
29 May, 7.30pm, Komedia
Broadcaster, journalist and podcaster Danny Baker returns to the stage with his exciting new tour, Aye Aye! Ahoy Hoy!, as he celebrates 50 years afloat the showbiz seas. Dead men tell no tales – so might as well get em’ all told now! As seen on BBC1, BBC2, BBC4, and virtually every radio station in the known world, (even pirate ones), all aboard for Danny Baker’s positively final voyage. Tickets £27.50. komediabath.co.uk
Nuturing Care in a serene and stunning landscape
Ivybank House provides Residential, Dementia and Respite Care, situated in beautiful grounds with stunning views over Bath City.
in for a cup of tea and a tour today - no appointment necessary!
“The whole team are fantastic. They have made my mother very welcome. The staff are so very kind. I felt very safe knowing they are looking after my mum. My mother enjoys the food, she loves her room and the surroundings are beautiful too. The whole place is very tidy and kept clean I am very happy that my mum was found such a lovely home.”
S M (Daughter of Resident), March 2025
“Ivybank stood out as having friendly, caring staff and a homely and welcoming feel. Everyone really supported mum during the transition period. She really loves her room, which staff helped us make her own. She says, “It feels really safe here. All the staff are so caring and helpful. It’s homely, warm, the meals are delicious, and I love joining in the activities. We all have a great laugh.” Mandy W (Daughter of Resident) December 2024
Great British getaways
From scenic walks and bike rides to refreshing swims, indulgent food experiences, tranquil spa escapes and magical nights under the stars, a UK holiday offers endless ways to unwind, explore, and be inspired. It’s not just a break away from every day life; it’s a chance to rediscover the beauty close to home while giving a boost to local businesses. We’ve picked four great, British getaways that prove staying closer to home can sometimes be the most extraordinary destination of all...
SEVEN HILLS HIDEAWAY
Nestled in 50 acres of rolling countryside overlooking the Brecon Beacons, Seven Hills Hideaway offers luxury glamping with a sense of adventure.
Perfect for families and couples, the spacious safari tents – each with a private bathroom, fully equipped kitchen and outdoor tub – blend the comforts of home with the magic of the great outdoors. Spend your days exploring scenic walking trails in the nearby National Park or indulging in the award-winning artisan food spots of Abergavenny, before unwinding in your hot tub beneath the stars. Rediscover your adventurous spirit in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. sevenhillshideaway.co.uk
SOUTH WEST LAKES TRUST
Whether your passion is watersports, angling, walking, cycling or simply enjoying nature with loved ones, you’ll find the perfect escape at South West Lakes Trust’s picturesque campsites in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.
Book your spring getaway now at one of South West Lakes Trust’s five lakeside campsites. Choose between the majestic Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor and the idyllic Roadford Lake on the edge of Dartmoor, or experience a different view of Cornwall at Tamar Lakes near Bude (pictured), Siblyback Lake near Liskeard or Stithians Lake near Redruth. All the lakes have footpaths and cycle trails, woodlands, play areas, watersports and cafes. swlakestrust.org.uk/activities
Image by Gareth Williams Photography
THE WATERSMEET HOTEL
The Watersmeet Hotel in Woolacombe, North Devon has recently won in the Best Waterside Hotel category in the UK and Ireland Conde Nast and Johansen’s awards for excellence. The luxury four star boutique hotel has one of the finest coastal locations in the whole of the West Country, with stunning sea views across the waters of Woolacombe Bay. The hotel overlooks Combesgate Beach and North Devon's rugged coastline with its own private steps down to the sandy beach. With an array of facilities such as an award winning two-AA rosette restaurant, informal bistro restaurant, indoor and outdoor pool with spa facilities, it is the perfect choice for couples, families or groups alike. watersmeethotel.co.uk | 01271 870333
SHARPHAM HOUSE
The Sharpham Trust’s new retreat programme for Autumn Winter is now available to book online. Nestled on the tranquil banks of the River Dart, near Totnes, South Devon, this internationally-recognised centre combines mindfulness retreats with nature immersion in various venues on the beautiful Sharpham Estate.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by modern life’s demands or longing to reconnect with your authentic self, Sharpham provides guided meditations, relaxation and quiet contemplation within stunning natural surroundings. With 40+ years of experience, Sharpham creates a safe, nurturing space to discover transformative tools to support your mental and emotional health. sharphamtrust.org/whatson
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Destination Dunsdon Barn
There’s a new interior retail initiative just north of Bath. Here you’ll find three independents working collaboratively to create an integrated showroom experience for visitors. It’s a convenient way of engaging with the options for high‐quality kitchens, flooring and electrical appliances.
Bath has always prided itself on its variety of independent retailers. Its legendary pull as a heritage destination city is given added traction for visitors through its indie shops, which provide character, individual and diverse shopping experiences, unique products and a focus on the local community. These businesses contribute to the vibrancy of the local economy and allow customers to be diverted by the one-of-a-kind local businesses and invest in them meaningfully.
But Bath is also a city for its residents. Bathonians, too, are looking for personal and unique shopping experiences, options outside of the branded chains that we see on every high street. Those living in the city also need to buy food and clothes, buy personal gifts and experiences, maintain and upgrade their homes, organise extensions, buy goods and products, and invest in their lives in both practical and aesthetic ways. We all know that our city is well set up on all these fronts. Those in the know engage with the independents, recommend them to others when their experience is good, and love to try out new things in the constantly shifting retail landscape.
When it comes to larger-scale purchases, however, and with space at a premium in the city centre, it’s not always possible to access the options in the centre of town, and even if you can, convenient parking is not always possible. There is also the consideration that when planning building work, extensions and dramatic interior updates, you have to flit flexibly from one outlet and showroom to another, to assess your options, evaluate your preferences and consult with different specialists about the vision you have and get input on the decisions you are making.
Each company brings its expertise to bear on the client’s showroom experience and on the process of research, right through to the logistics of planning and installation
Dunsdon Barn in West Littleton, just 10 miles outside Bath, located off the A46 near Dyrham Park and an easy drive from Bristol, has smoothed out this experience, creating a new series of lifestyle and interior design showrooms with three independent businesses working collaboratively to make the research around kitchen and interior design and understanding of appliances both easy and convenient. Each company brings its expertise to bear on the c lient’s showroom experience and on the process of research right through to the logistics of planning and installation.
The footprint of Dunsdon Barn follows a U shape, with retail showrooms each side and a large central barn space used for workshops and warehousing. Coopers Home Appliances (also based in Walcot Street) show a beautiful range of quality kitchen and laundry appliances, designed for functional and stylish everyday living from brands such as AGA, Everhot, La Cornue and Lacanche, Miele and Fisher and Paykel to name but a few, giving you the chance to see (and feel) the quality and range of options available. Ben Argent Kitchens, a small independent company run by Ben and Emi Argent, design and handcraft bespoke kitchens, offering a totally personalised
service. Ben’s skills in furniture design and making and Emi’s architecture and project management skills – combined with their creative flair and technical understanding – are all invested in the design of timeless, individual kitchens. Boniti Flooring, run by brothers Giles and Simon Lunt, is a high-quality and well-established interiors and exteriors flooring business. The showroom includes all types of flooring, including natural stone, porcelain and decorative tiles and a large range of timber planks.
Dunsdon Barn has been the home of Ben Argent Kitchens and Boniti for a number of years, operating previously as two separate businesses with a natural crossover that has benefitted them, but now with the arrival of Coopers, Dunsdon Barn has become a first-class destination and this unison will support each other and most importantly, their visiting clients.
People can either drop in or book an appointment, and while doing the latter will ensure that the right specialist is there to guide you through the options, each business is invested in the value that each of them brings and will be well versed in the practical explanation of their products. Emi Argent says, “What we have created here is designed to be really helpful for our clients. We understand that it’s a complex process for people, researching all the different elements of their dream space, having to deal with three separate businesses, and often more. What we are offering is all that knowledge and expertise in one cohesive space where you can engage with all the elements.”
Darrin Christan of Coopers, has always loved to work collaboratively with other independents. He says, “We have already seen examples where clients have come in looking at flooring and have ended up buying one of our range cookers or engaging with the finesse of the kitchens that Ben and Emi produce. If you are looking for a new floor, it’s very likely that what the other two businesses specialise in will also be of interest, and it gives convincing context to what we are displaying.”
Boniti Flooring are used to dealing with large-scale projects as much as individual ones – one of their previous projects includes the entire renovation of Bath Rugby’s Farleigh House in Farleigh
The great thing is we have all the samples here, so you don’t need to go back to a flooring company and ask for a sample and then take it to match it to one of our kitchens. Everything is here throughout the whole design process
Hungerford. Giles Lunt says, “If someone has pulled a plot, or knocked a house down, Boniti can be there to do the whole thing, including the installation. We have fitting teams to make the process easier, so we avoid the problems that arise with outside contractors or builders where they are not invested in our projects in the same way –we ensure we get the right tradesmen to do the right jobs.”
The three businesses can get involved at any stage of a renovation journey. Emi explains, “Sometimes clients start with the floor, and then we would help them to pick the kitchen palette to work with it. Others start with the kitchen, and then you can help them choose the right floor. The great thing is that we’ve got all the samples here, so you don't need to go back to a flooring company and ask for a sample and then take it to match it to one of our kitchens. Everything is here throughout the whole design process.”
Boniti, Ben Argent Kitchens and Coopers all offer products of quality along with a high-end experience. The quality of the products on offer and the immaculate standards of installation are reinforced by the personal service and support both during and after initial engagement, consideration, purchase and installation, and the convenience of the client journey that this collaborative experience creates. There are also plenty of options at a wide range of price points. Individual parts of the new showrooms will focus on affordable choices as well as premium ones in all areas – offering a flexible vocabulary for each customer to create their own interior vision.
The site of Dunsdon was a settlement in Domesday Book, in the Hundred of Black Torrington, one of 32 ancient administrative units in what was then Devon. So you can drive to this site, park next to the showroom and connect with the grounded footprint of the past as you invest in your dreams for the future n
Dunsdon Barn, Dunsdown Lane, West Littleton, Wiltshire SN14 8JA; dunsdonbarn.com
The showrooms are located off the A46 near Dyrham Park; free parking available.
When it comes to renovating, extending, or building an entirely new home, flooring plays an integral part within any space, binding all design choices together. Here are a selection of on‐trend ideas from a selection of our local specialists.
Talwin Rug, Design Discoveries Collection
The Design Discoveries Collection sees Agnella by Brintons and the V&A come together to celebrate design, craftsmanship and manufacturing. From tapa cloths to Art Deco prints to Sidney Mawson textile designs, the eclectic collection of 32 wool-rich rugs has been inspired directly by individual artefacts from the archives of the V&A. Available in five sizes. TR Hayes; trhayes.co.uk
Brit Stone Pennant Porcelain Paving
An external natural stone effect porcelain, featuring soft mid-grey tones and matte finish. Also available in a matching internal option. Boniti Flooring; boniti.com
Karndean (luxury vinyl), Palazzo Marble
Developed from Calacatta marble sourced in the Apuan Alps, Palazzo Marble features the stunning variation of white tones found in natural marble with the distinctive silver veining that graces palaces and cathedrals throughout Italy. Full of style, the bold veining found in Palazzo Marble also naturally varies between tiles to replicate an authentic marble look.
Bath Carpets and Flooring; carpetsandflooringbath.co.uk
Furrow Engineered Oak Herringbone
Engineered oak flooring with light, warm tones and a brushed, hardened oil finish. Offered in plank, herringbone and chevron styles for versatile design options. Boniti Flooring; boniti.com
Karndean (luxury vinyl), Glacier Oak
Glacier Oak offers the beauty of traditional French oak in a palette of on-trend glacial greys. With subtle hints of pinks and beige to warm the overall effect, tailor your room design to complement the pastels, or contrast with darker furniture and accessories. This 18 x 3in parquet format can be laid in a herringbone style, or used with larger planks for a more striking look.
Bath Carpets and Flooring; carpetsandflooringbath.co.uk
Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Aspect
Luxury vinyl tiles, or ‘LVT’, provide all the texture and detail of natural flooring materials at a more affordable cost. Available as planks or tiles, they’re very hardwearing and look and feel amazing. These Aspect Skyline tiles from Victoria Design Floors: Distinctive Flooring are fitted in brickwork fashion, with Twilight coloured feature strips to add contrast and catch the eye.
Avonvale; avonvalecarpets.co.uk
Luxury Vinyl Tiles, Victorian Treasure
This LVT flooring in charcoal from Invictus Carpet and Flooring are modelled on real Victorian tiles, meaning that there are slight variations in symmetry across the tiles which adds to the authenticity of the design.
Bringing a touch of Victorian opulence to your everyday life,this rug design pays homage to the rich textile tradition of paisley, a fashion statement embraced by royalty and trendsetters alike in the 19th century.
TR Hayes; trhayes.co.uk
Warren Striped Handwoven Wool Rug
The Warren Rug features a textured weave in a simple striped pattern, and is handmade by skilled artisans on a pit loom. Due to its handwoven nature there will be slight variations in the appearance of each piece. Handwoven rugs typically feature a zero-pile design without knots, offering a flatter foundation that’s soft underfoot. Suitable for high-traffic areas and a rug pad is recommended to prevent slippage and protect your floor. Three sizes/£328–£628.
Anthropologie; anthropologie.com
In July 1798, while on a walking tour of the Wye Valley, William Wordsworth was inspired to write what is regarded as his first great poem. Although forever associated with Tintern Abbey, its title makes it clear that it was written a few miles upstream, while certain details, such as the panoramic view described in such detail and the ‘sounding cataract’, pinpoint the location as Cleddon Shoots, a rocky cascade which tumbles down a wooded ravine to the village of Llandogo.
Cleddon Shoots is just as rugged and untamed as it was in Wordsworth’s day, and a perfect choice for an inspiring if challenging spring walk. Although only four and a half miles long, the walk suggested here is not for the faint hearted. I last walked the precipitous slopes above Llandogo a few years ago, but when I visited this spring I discovered that last winter’s gales had taken a terrible toll, uprooting trees and blocking paths. This meant not only that I had to reroute part of the walk, but also that one relatively easy section had been transformed into a tricky scramble by a fallen tree.
For those reluctant to tackle the trickier sections, there is the option of following a two-mile route with relatively easy access through woods carpeted with bluebells, and taking in three spectacular viewpoints as well as the falls at the top of Cleddon Shoots. If you are tempted to go for the longer version, however, the views and the ravine down which Cleddon Shoots flows should make the challenges well worthwhile.
*The starting point is 38 miles drive from Bath. To get there, head west from Bath on the M4, branch off onto the M48 and, immediately after crossing the Severn Bridge, turn off to head north along the A466 for 7 miles. After passing Tintern Abbey, carry on for another three-quarters of mile before turning left to follow a sign for Catbrook. After a mile and a half, when you come to a T junction, carry straight on to follow a forest road to Whitestone car park (SO525029; NP25 4PN).
At the far end of the car park is an information board. Follow the trail markers beside it to head north along a broad drive into Bargain Wood, which, after 150m, leads to the first viewpoint. The second is 300m further on, while the third – and finest – is another 250m.
Here the drive bears left to a T junction, where you turn right (SO521034). Carry straight on, following signs for the Wye Valley Walk, and after 400m the sound of rushing water heralds your approach to
Cleddon Shoots and Falls
Upstream from Tintern Abbey there is a panoramic view from a rocky cascade called Cleddon Shoots, described by Wordsworth as a ‘sounding cataract’. Andrew Swift takes a walk and revels in the vistas.
If you’ve opted for the easier access route, this is where you retrace your steps to the car park. For the full version, after crossing the top of the falls, turn right – not down the steps, but along the ‘Wordsworth Walk’ (from which you can make a short diversion, along a path with an unguarded cliff edge, to the Falls Viewpoint). After 200m, just after crossing a boardwalk, turn right as the path commences a series of zigzags down the hillside. Mossy boulders, birdsong, tall trees and springs flowing across the path make this an awesome but enchanting spot.
Eventually, you come to a point where the path downhill is blocked by a fallen tree. Here, you need to bear right to follow a path which, after 250m, leads back to Cleddon Shoots, which you have to pick your way across on boulders – one of which appears to have come from a cider press (SO522040).
Carry on along a path on the edge of the ravine. After 100m, it swings right and a view down the Wye Valley opens up. A few metres further on, bear left down a path signposted to the A466. When you come to a lane, with Bank Cottage straight ahead, turn left and follow a footpath sign down past Cleddon Stile. When you come to a road turn left (SO524040), and after 200m turn right down a footpath by an old cider press.
At the bottom, cross the main road to the Sloop Inn. St Oudoceus’s Church is also worth a visit, not least for some superb wall paintings. Turn right past the back of the Sloop (where you can see a datestone for
Viewpoint in Bargain Wood
Ship Inn, LLandogo, c. 1910
1707) and then left to follow a footpath beside the Cleddon Brook. After going through a kissing gate, you come to a handgate, beyond which lay the trackbed of the Wye Valley Railway, closed to passengers in 1959 and to all traffic five years later. Continue through another handgate and follow a waymark diagonally across a meadow.
Cross a footbridge over the brook and continue alongside the Wye before another gate leads back onto the old trackbed. As you go through a gate on the right a little further on, you will see the Old Ship Inn ahead (SO525038). Its name, like that of the Sloop, is a reminder of the time when trows and sloops tied up at a nearby quay. The Wye is tidal as far as Llandogo and was once busy with craft plying down to Chepstow and across to Bristol – which is how Bristol’s Llandoger Trow got its name.
Turn right uphill. At the road turn right for 50m before crossing by Rosebank Cottage and heading up steps. Carry on past Orchard House, up a footpath signposted to Cleddon. After climbing steps to a lane, cross and continue up another footpath.
At the next lane, turn right. Just past Misty Cottage, 30m along on the left, a sign for the Top of Cleddon Falls indicates the final – and most serious – part of the climb (SO523038). Further up, however, a tree has fallen across the path, requiring a serious scramble to negotiate its enormous rootball. If you want to avoid it, carry on along the lane to rejoin the zigzag footpath you came down earlier and retrace your steps from there.
If you do decide to turn up by Misty Cottage, once you have got past the fallen tree you will come to some large boulders, known as the Bread and Cheese Stones (SO521037). The view from here of the sylvan Wye far below should be some compensation for all that climbing, and, according to legend, is the precise spot where Wordsworth was inspired to write his poem.
Be that as it may, here the path turns right. A little further on, it turns right again beside a wall, at the end of which is the Wye Valley Walk, where a left turn leads you back to the starting point.
Andrew Swift has written books such as On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks around a World Heritage City (akemanpress.com).
Starting point: Whitestone free car park SO525029; NP25 4PN
Distance: 4.5 miles (full walk); 2 miles (easier access walk)
Challenge: From the car park to the top of Cleddon Shoots the going is easy; thereafter it is steep, rough and slippery, with numerous steps.
Refreshments: Sloop Inn, open lunchtimes Wednesday to Friday, and all day Sat, Sun and bank holidays. (thesloopinn.co.uk)
family of roofers in Bath since 1920’s
“I could cry with happiness! From the moment I spoke to you I knew I was in safe hands and you have made the journey so much better, the team were brilliant and showed photographs at every stage”
“Fantastic professionals who completed impressive work, the team worked extremely hard and gave me honest advise”
View from above the rooftops
It’s showtime!
Garden designer Elly West thinks there’s something very special about visiting a horticultural show. This month, just in time for the start of the 2025 show season, she writes about how these events help to inspire ideas for her next project.
If you love gardens and gardening, there’s something special about visiting a horticultural show, whether it’s a world-renowned event such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show, or a local garden fair. This month marks the start of the gardening show season, when green-fingered enthusiasts come together to buy, sell and display all things gardening. Shows are the perfect place to celebrate the joys of the great outdoors, pick up expert advice and shop for unique garden finds.
I am always on the lookout for new products, colour combinations and plants that I can use in my designs, and the show gardens at the larger events never cease to amaze me with what is possible in a small space. RHS Chelsea Flower Show, taking place from 20–24 May, was launched in 1862 from a tent in Kensington, and is now the most famous gardening event in the world, showcasing cutting-edge design, and attracting more than 150,000 visitors each year and 500 exhibitors from around the world. The show gardens here are the main highlight and can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to build.
Full-grown trees are brought in, rocky landscapes and waterfalls created and buildings erected, all for the less-than-a-week-long event, then dismantled in the five days following. The most expensive show garden ever was David Domoney’s Ace of Diamonds garden in 2010, which included £20 million worth of diamonds.
These are generally very much stage sets and show pieces, rather than actual feasible or sustainable gardens. The number of plants per square metre is phenomenal and breaks all the rules – there’s no following the labels guidelines here – they’re crammed in much more densely than you would ever plant in a permanent garden border, and everything is chosen
to look perfect in the moment. But they are great places to gain inspiration, whether it’s colour schemes and plant combination, interesting materials for hard landscaping, or other elements such as water features or garden statuary.
I also love browsing the nursery stands and plant marquees, where rare and unusual varieties can often be found. It’s a great opportunity to chat to the growers, pick up some tips and share in their passion. And the chance to shop and seek out a bargain is always a bonus. As well as beautiful plants, there are often exclusive show deals to be found on everything from sheds and hot tubs to furniture and sculptures.
The first of the season’s big shows is Malvern Spring Festival, from 8–11 May. This year’s theme is ‘Plants and People’, exploring the way plants impact our lives, and how they can benefit our mental and physical wellbeing. Indoor gardening is a key feature, with the first ever RHSjudged Indoor Plant Gardens, as part of the show’s Festival of Houseplants, which was newly introduced last year.
Upcoming shows
RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Three Counties Showground, Malvern: 8–11 May
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London: 20–24 May Gardeners’ World Live, NEC, Birmingham: 12–15 June
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, East Molesey: 1–6 July
Closer to home, and at the end of the season, one I’m looking forward to is Yeo Valley Organic Garden’s first ever festival, from 18–20 September. Television faces Arit Anderson, Alys Fowler and Frances Tophill will be among the gardening experts attending to give talks and share their knowledge, and the overall message will be to get greener in the garden. Tickets are on sale at yeovalley.co.uk/events.
Tips for visiting a show include going early (or late!) when it’s likely to be quieter. Bigger discounts are also sometimes offered at the end of the day. Wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing and footwear, and expect to do a lot of walking. Take a notebook or use your phone to record plant names and images that you can use as inspiration in your own garden. Plan ahead and check the timings for particular exhibitors or talks and demonstrations that you want to see, and chat to the experts who will be more than happy to share their advice.
One of the huge benefits of visiting a show is having this access to professional growers, designers and horticulturists.
A visit to a horticultural show doesn’t have to end when you leave the venue. It’s a chance to take your new knowledge, inspiration and purchases home to help transform (or just improve!) your garden.
Many shows have online resources, so you can revisit favourite exhibits and learn more about the plants and designers featured, or get hold of the full plant lists for the show gardens.
Even if you’ve only got a small plot, container planting, vertical gardening and small-space solutions are often prominent features at shows, offering ideas that can be recreated at home. Many events also highlight organic practices, wildlifefriendly gardening or growing your own produce, with easily transferable ideas. n ellyswellies.co.uk
Image opposite: RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024: Suzy Dean and Isabel Delaney’s Grand Appeal Garden that raised money for the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Plant of the month: Dicentra
My first garden (owned as an adult) when I lived in London introduced me to the beautiful late-spring and early summer bloomer, Dicentra spectabilis (recently renamed by those with the power as Lamprocapnos spectabilis, for reasons unknown).
I didn’t know what it was when it first pushed its way through the ground around March time. It looked slightly fleshy, pale and alien-like, but definitely something of interest.
I kept my eye on it as it grew, unfurling from its somewhat lumpy start to a graceful and elegant plant with arching stems and feathery leaves. From the stems hang beautiful heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red-pink or white, giving it the common name of bleeding heart.
In the wild it’s found in moist soils on the edges of woodland, so will grow in sun or partial shade, and mixes well in woodland or cottage-garden schemes. The leaves yellow and go tatty by mid-summer, so grow it among later bloomers such as hardy geraniums and the shade-tolerant foliage of hostas, ferns and hellebores, which will take over as the dicentra fades. Plants die back to nothing over winter, but will reappear in spring.
This is an attractive Grade II listed town house retaining a wealth of period details and of lovely proportions. The accommodation has been comprehensively refurbished and benefits from being tastefully presented throughout, with flexible family spaces arranged over 3 floors.
On the ground floor there is an impressive, sympathetically extended, Shaker style kitchen/breakfast room to the rear which leads out through wall to wall glazed sliding doors onto a raised decked sun terrace. To the front there is a charming formal dining room with a period fireplace, working shutters and log burner, which overlooks the pretty garden and sun terrace. In addition, there is a guest cloakroom and under stairs storage area.
The formal sitting room is on the first floor and enjoys wonderful westerly far-reaching views to the front and has a beautiful period fireplace and a wood-burning stove with bespoke fitted cupboards and shelves to either side. To the rear there is a further pretty bedroom which is currently being used as an at home office space. There are 2 further lovely light and airy double bedrooms on the top floor along with an attractive bath and shower room with contemporary mosaic and bistro tiles.
Externally to the rear there is a lovely secluded raised and decked sun terrace and to the front there is a pretty westerly level lawned and gated garden with mature borders and a charming sun terrace that spans the width of the property.
37 Market Street, Bradford on Avon; Tel: 01225 866111
Camden, Bath
• 3/4 bedrooms
• Family bathroom
• Guest WC
• 1/2 reception rooms
• Beautifully appointed kitchen breakfast room
• Raised decked sun terrace to rear
• Level walled garden and sun terrace to the front
OIEO £899,000
Bradford Road, Rode
£1,500,000
An exquisite, fully restored detached former rectory, offering an abundance of elegantly proportioned living spaces, meticulously renovated to the highest standard. This remarkable residence combines timeless charm with contemporary sophistication
• Detached former rectory
• Multiple well-proportioned reception rooms and 5 bedrooms
• No onward chain
• Superb refurbishment to high specification
• Picturesque surrounding views
• Wealth of character
Widcombe, Bath
£595,000
A delightful 2 bedroom Grade II listed artisan cottage with a beautiful garden, enjoying stunning views, located in an idyllic position on the edge of open countryside and yet within 10 minutes’ walk of Bath city centre and Prior Park National Trust Gardens.
• 2 double bedrooms
• Charming open plan split level living/kitchen/dining
• Bathroom and separate guest WC
• Plenty of built in storage
• Beautiful gardens with stunning views
01225 333332 | 01225 866111
Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire
Leigh Road, Bradford on Avon
High quality care in Bath
At Rush Hill Mews care home in Bath, our highly trained teams are experts in providing high quality care from residential, nursing and dementia care, to short term care. Our purpose-built home offers luxurious facilities, including a coffee shop, hair salon, library and beautiful landscaped gardens.
A lifestyle tailored to you
At our ‘good’ CQC rated home we’ll support you to continue living your life the way you choose. We’ll learn all about your interests and preferences so we can create a fully personalised lifestyle plan that you’ll enjoy whether it’s gardening, cheese and wine socials or playing chess.
Trust us to care
Rush Hill Mews care home in Bath is part of Care UK, the country’s most awarded large care provider. We’ve been delivering high-quality, person-centred care for over 40 years.
In our recent relative survey, 93% of families were impressed with how the staff treated their relative with kindness, dignity and respect and 91% were happy that the staff appear to be trained in latest procedures to keep residents safe at all times*.
To find out more about Rush Hill Mews call 01225 808 843
Spring in the Air, Strength in the Market: Bath’s Property Market Blossoms
As blossom lines the Georgian crescents and sunshine finally floods through sandstone streets, Bath is stepping into spring — and so too is its housing market. With renewed buyer interest, gentle price growth, and surging rental demand, 2025’s spring season has brought more than warmer weather. It has brought optimism.
While national conversations have focused on economic tightening and rate fluctuations, Bath and North East Somerset have quietly bucked the trend. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the average house price in the area rose to £404,000 in February 2025, up 2.0% year-on-year. Though modest, this growth is noteworthy for its stability, especially in a period where market confidence had dipped.
What makes this particularly interesting is that Bath now holds the second-highest average house price in the South West, well above the regional average of £308,000. For detached homes, the average price soared to £704,000, while semi-detached homes now average £437,000.
In the rental sector, the story is even more striking. Rents in Bath have jumped 12.5% year-on-year, reaching an average of £1,734 per month—significantly higher than the regional rise of just 5.4%. Demand is especially high for one- and two-bedroom properties, suggesting ongoing appetite from young professionals and relocating families.
There is certainly a renewed sense of confidence in Bath’s property market this spring. Activity is rising, buyers are re-engaging, and wellpresented homes are generating strong interest. Notably, properties in central and city locations are seeing stronger sales momentum compared to rural or country homes, where decision-making remains a little slower and buyers are more cautious.
Even with economic uncertainty still a factor, spring reliably brings out the most motivated movers. It is a season when people tend to act with purpose—whether they are chasing lifestyle changes, planning for school catchments, or responding to improving mortgage options.
Bath remains consistently popular with:
• London leavers looking for lifestyle without sacrificing connectivity
• Local up-sizers seeking more space in character-filled homes
• Investors eyeing the strong rental yields and capital growth
The city’s mix of culture, schooling, and countryside proximity continues to be a huge draw. But increasingly, the outskirts and surrounding villages are gaining appeal. Well-connected rural areas are seeing more enquiries this spring, driven by demand for lifestyle properties that offer space, scenery, and value alongside good access to the city.
As mortgage rates begin to settle and inflationary pressures ease, confidence is returning. For sellers, spring remains the golden window to launch. For buyers, the message is simple: act decisively, especially when the right home presents itself.
So, while the cherry trees bloom, Bath’s housing market is blossoming too. Steady growth, resilient demand, and a fresh influx of listings make 2025’s spring market a season to watch — and perhaps, to join.
Peter Greatorex. Managing Director of Peter Greatorex Unique Homes
Notton, Lacock
OIEO £2,500,000
A charming Grade II listed Cotswold stone house, recently refurbished and offering exceptional period character occupying a quiet position in the hamlet of Notton, on the edge of the historic Wiltshire village of Lacock.
• 2 reception rooms and study
• 5 bedrooms and study/nursery
• Separate converted coach house
• 5 acres including garden, orchard, field suitable for a pony & woodland
• Swimming pool & tennis court
• Garage, car port, workshop storage, gym and tractor shed
Bradford Road, Combe Down
OIEO £1,250,000
A distinguished double-fronted, 5 bedroom detached period home in the heart of Combe Down, Bath.
• With spacious layout and large, flat rear garden
• Immaculately presented and recently refurbished
• Separate garage and annex
• Planning permission granted to extend
• Tax band G, EPC Rating E
A magnificent one-bedroom, first-floor apartment situated within one of Bath’s most prestigious crescents. It beautifully combines period charm with modern elegance, in an enviable location.
• First floor with stunning views
• Prestigious location in Lansdown Crescent
• Over 400 sq ft
• Ornate high ceilings and impressive feature fireplace
• Tax band D, EPC rating D
OIEO £700,000
• Significant loft storage in entrance hallway
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Marshfield • Guide Price £650,000
A beautifully presented three-bedroom detached cottage, nestled on the sought-after Sheepfair Lane in the picturesque village of Marshfield. Open plan living/dining room/kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms. Terraced garden. Off road parking for one vehicle. Freehold. Council tax band D. EPC rating D.
Biddestone • Guide Price £640,000
A beautifully presented Grade II listed, three bedroom cottage in the heart of Biddestone village, showcasing a perfect blend of period features and contemporary design. The property boasts a pretty rear enclosed garden. No onward chain. Freehold. Council tax band E.
We know Bath.
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Norton St Philip • Guide Price £975,000
A charming four bedroom detached family home surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenic countryside. Detached outside home office, off road parking for multiple vehicles and additional paddock, totaling 2.5 acres of land. Freehold. EPC rating D. Council tax band G.
Bailbrook Lane, Bath • Guide Price £780,000
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A beautifully presented four bedroom family home situated in an elevated location on Bailbrook Lane, with stunning lawned gardens to the front and rear with potential for self-contained annexe. Freehold, EPC rating D, Council tax band E.. Larkhall • 2 Bed, 1 Bath £1,850p/m
Immaculately finished home in a quiet, soughtafter area, exuding luxury and charm throughout, with exquisite detailing and a warm, elegant atmosphere. Bathampton • 4 Bed, 1 Bath £2,250p/m
A wonderful detached family home with garage in this sought-after village, featuring light-filled rooms, and enclosed rear garden with stunning views Corsham • 3 Bed, 2 Bath, £1,400p/m
Tucked in a peaceful spot of this beloved town, this spacious, charming family home offers comfort, warmth, and a truly pleasant lifestyle.
