EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 342 / 23 JUNE – 7 JULY 2017

82 OUT ’N’ ABOUT

The best views, menus and atmospheres of the city’s al fresco dining spots

So that we can make the most of the glorious weather we’ve been having, we’ve dedicated much of this issue to getting outside in Bath and beyond. As such, we’ve been exploring a medley of our favourite open-air eateries – think rustic retreats, sun-trap courtyards and people-watching hotspots. The city’s best-known bread-maker, Richard Bertinet, is responsible for our freshly baked front cover, and on page 82 he talks about the joys of al fresco dining in the city. July also marks the beginning of Independent Retailer Month, which is as good an excuse as any to champion a snapshot of our brilliant indies, such a vibrant and important part of the fabric of our city, in a bid to encourage you to shop local. Turn to page 40 to discover more than 50 of the very best small businesses – from a lingerie boutique to a specialist magazine shop – which inject colour and personality into Bath. As I write this, I’m blissfully reminiscing about the Bath Boules – the one weekend of the year that everyone can let their hair down, indulge in a tipple or two and get seriously competitive, all for a great charitable cause. In this issue, there are six pages of photos from the event for you to flip through and relive the merriment, starting on page 16. See you in two weeks when we’ll share all the snaps from our annual Bath Life Summer Party! Lisa Evans, Editor Follow us on Twitter: @BathLifeMag Follow us on Instagram:@bathlifemag