New fun bike event in Ballater

A new fun and inclusive bike festival for all ages and abilities will be taking place in Ballater between Friday 23rd and Sunday 25th September.

The inaugural Thrive Bike is a weekend for mountain and road bikers, as well as non-bikers, to come and enjoy different trails, try out cycles from top brands and test their navigation skills in the Ballater Dash and Reliability Rides. Music and local food are among other highlights including children’s activities and a talk from storyteller and bike adventurer Lee Craigie of The Adventure Syndicate.

The Thrive Bike Team – Andy Lewis, Ben Allum, Richard Watts, Kate Stewart and Susan Allum – wanted to create a festival where everyone could enjoy the benefits of the local environment whilst reflecting the values of responsible tourism. Susan said:

Biking is such an accessible sport, whatever your age or fitness level, and in Scotland, and particularly around us here in the Cairngorms, we have the most stunning trails. Thrive Bike is very much welcoming everyone, bikers and non-bikers, families and those of all abilities, to come and enjoy this beautiful area and a fun weekend full of activities. All of us behind this event know ourselves how good the natural environment is for our wellbeing, and we want to showcase the fantastic trails and scenery we have here but also the local food, hospitality and other brilliant businesses that make Ballater and the East Cairngorms such a great destination.”

The weekend’s activities include guided and self-guided rides, on road, gravel and trails and a chance to demo new bikes from top brands. Test your navigation and route planning skills in the Dash or take the Reliability Ride (26 or 125km) at your own pace, which the elite Alba Development Road Team will be joining, stopping for coffee and cake on the way, before relaxing at the end of the day with the film night or inspiring presentation from Lee Craigie of The Adventure Syndicate.

As well as a children’s play area, climbing wall, stunt show and disco; you can recharge from local food trucks on the greens; learn how to improve your health and wellness from a range of coaches, from foundation and personal training to breathing your way to better health and sports performance; and explore with Grampian Disability Sports how their bikes can open up biking for all abilities.

Learn too about how we can all enjoy the benefits of our outdoor space at the same time protecting the environment for future generations by chatting to Nature Scot and Forestry and Land Scotland.

Entry to Thrive Bike Festival is free, with tickets available for purchase for specific activities. Advance booking is necessary for certain events; demo bikes, guided rides, the talk and film night (full details at www.thriveballater.com). Bike hire will be available, but visitors are advised to bring their own where possible.

The Thrive Team’s aspiration is to – over time – build a recognised event of a world class standard, which balances our responsibilities towards the land, landowners, users, flora and fauna, while at the same time aiding the development of mountain biking in the area and protecting the environment for the benefit of current and future generations.

“This is Thrive Bike’s first year,” explains Susan, “And will be the foundation upon which to improve year on year.”

Profits from Thrive Bike will be invested in the local trail network, working with landowners, the Aberdeenshire Trail Association and existing, sanctioned projects. 

Keen mountain biker Andy Lewis, who will also be at the event with his wellbeing business, Highland Breathwork, said:   

This event is exciting as not only is it, genuinely, inclusive, giving everyone at every level a chance to try new trails, bikes and meet like-minded people, but the profits are going back into local bike trails. The better we can make the trail network, the more we can all enjoy being in the outdoors, and make it work for bikers, landowners and locals for all to benefit and enjoy. The fact that the whole event is filled by people and businesses from Aberdeenshire or a connection with Ballater, is what makes it special, as well as knowing that it is so brilliantly run with the environment, community and local growth so front and centre.” 

The event aims to bring adventure tourism back and away from its more common association with extreme adventure races, to allow people of all fitness and ages to enjoy the holistic benefits of being in the outdoors, as well as working Cairngorm National Park and Scottish Disability Sport, to open up the magic and value of the landscapes to different abilities.

janecraigie.com

Spirit of Summer comes back to London

Olympia London from 23-26 June

The Spirit of Summer Fair returns this June 23-26, reimagined as an exciting pop-up event at the iconic Olympia London venue. This must-attend event showcases the finest accessories in home interiors and beauty & fashion, in addition to artisan food & drink. Everything visitors need to refresh the look and feel of their living spaces with elegance and discover beautiful new pieces for their wardrobes in one place.

Discover unique pieces from hundreds of independent brands and boutiques for stylish summer living. The Fair brings together an enviably curated collection of businesses for four days only; championing brands that are British made, ethically minded, and sustainably run. We are proud to support independent businesses and the wonderful people behind them and invite visitors to look beyond the mainstream to invest in well-made, long-lasting, and timeless products.

Be the first to uncover fabulous fashion, stylish soft furnishings, authentic accessories, and delicious delicacies. Pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones, elevate a home décor and dazzle at social soirées.

Fair Director, Mary Claire Boyd, comments “After two years, we’re really excited to be bringing back the summer edition of this premium shopping event. We are proud to continue to support creative, small independent businesses, and enable visitors to once again source desirable pieces for summer from this unique seasonal offering. Products are selected for their style and quality, and all approved by House & Garden, so visitors will only find the very best, new collections at the Fair.”

A day out to enjoy with friends, visitors can browse a selection of boutiques, enjoy a sumptuous dining experience at the Summer Bistro and sip a glass of bubbly – or two – at the Louis Roederer Champagne Bar. There will also be a selection of interactive workshops designed to help visitors get the most out of summer living. These have previously included indulging in champagne tasting and getting creative with flower arranging.

Tickets to the Spirit of Summer Fair also permit entry to the co-located and much acclaimed Art & Antiques Fair Olympia. Here, visitors will discover a cornucopia of art, antique pieces and design spanning centuries, cultural movements, and continents. Timeless art and antiques meet mid-century modernism and contemporary design-thinking as our roster of dealers and exhibitors bring their finest treasures for showcase and sale.

Fair Highlights:
● Discover independent brands and boutiques
● Support sustainable and ethical businesses
● Enjoy a sociable day out with friends
● Louis Roederer Champagne Bar and Summer Bistro
● Interactive, complimentary workshops
● The Arts & Antiques Fair Olympia

Tickets start from £18 when booked online in advance.
Opening Times:
● Thursday-Saturday: 10:30am – 6:00pm
● Sunday: 10:30am – 5:00pm

spiritofsummerfair.co.uk

Antillean Launches Pan-Caribbean Brunch

Antillean has announced that it’s launching a new Brunch Menu, available every Saturday to help kick-start guests’ weekends. Chef Patron Michael Hanbury’s three-course set menu welcomes diners to his restaurant inspired by the idyllic islands of the Antilles on London’s Blackfriars Road, with a bright new menu of refreshingly delicious dishes sure to kick-start the weekend.

The Pan-Caribbean menu reflects the heritage and vibrant multi-cultural influences of the Antilles.

The menu starts with a choice of sharing platters, including Mackerel Escovitch and Julienne Pickled Vegetables and Watermelon & Heritage Beetroot Salad.

Individual main courses are a variety of signature seafood, meat, vegetarian and plant-based recipes, including Ribeye Steak with Mojo Dressing and Yuca Fries and Grilled Aubergine with stir-fried Ackee.
Chef’s indulgent desserts feature a sharing selection of sweet treats such as Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Guinness Punch Ice-Cream.

For hungrier guests, supplement delicacies include Grilled Octopus with Mango, Cucumber, Mint and a Scotch Bonnet Emulsion and a selection of Ceviche such as Mojito Cured Grouper with Mint, Lime and Rum.

Antillean’s white coastal chic with its sleek interiors and high ceilings offer a cool welcome for guests seeking brunch in a clean and bright space in London’s SE1 postcode. And brunch here is about more than just the imaginative food. The restaurant hosts a resident DJ on the decks, and on select weekends, he is joined by the Caribbean jazz vibes of a live saxophonist, while a percussionist will also join in April.

After a welcome cocktail, keep the drinks flowing, with the bar serving an extensive selection of over 100 distinctive types of rum from around the world. Alternatively, choose another colourful cocktail from the exciting list, specially created to complement the dazzling dishes flying out of the kitchen.

Antillean sits proudly in a stunning listed 18th-century coaching house just minutes from Southwark and Waterloo stations.

antillean.co.uk

Brunch is coming to Ducie Street

Ducie Street Warehouse presents a brand-new disco brunch series, with a new menu and DJs every Saturday, and an impressive finale brunch party hosted on the last Saturday of every month. The disco brunch will launch on Saturday 26th February, featuring a new menu curated by Head Chef Andrew Green, which includes both savoury and sweet dishes.

Saturday is disco brunch time at Ducie Street Warehouse – and on the last Saturday of the month, the warehouse will present an elevated disco experience with a themed party paying homage to disco culture around the world; with inspired entertainment, alongside exceptional cocktails that will be exclusive to the party. The restaurant will be transformed into beautiful surroundings with sounds from the finest DJs from 1pm until 4pm, before the decks are moved back into the lounge where the party will continue.

February’s end-of-the-month disco brunch, and first of the party series, on Saturday 26th, is a nod to New York City’s glamorous brunch party scene, with a vogue performance from The Ghetto Collective, music from DJs Danielle Moore, Rebecca Never Becky and a live trumpet plus a special host. The warehouse will serve guests with exclusive NYC-inspired dishes, including a special Steak n Eggs, plus bottomless Cosmopolitan and New York Sours.

Launching at the party brunch later this month and taking pride of place on the menu thereafter, the savoury menu includes Tofu Scramble on Sourdough; Shakshuka; a signature Tower Stack complete with Grandad’s sausages, crisp dry cured bacon, Burford brown egg, melted American cheese and potato cake; Halloumi & Potato Cake Stack; Steak n Eggs; a special Rainbow Bagel, plus a variety of Eggs Benedict dishes and On Toast options which range from mushrooms, avocado, feta & chilli through to Burford Brown poached eggs with crushed avocado and sumac.

Sweet options include the evolutionary and Ducie Street Warehouse’s signature Gochujang Fried Chicken Waffles with maple sauce, peanuts, and sesame; Homemade thick pancake stack with maple syrup, blueberries, crushed pecans and lemon zest; Brioche French Toast and special Knickerbocker Glory with Northern bloc ice cream, Gooey cookie pieces, poached plums, whipped cream, cherries and wafers.

DSW disco brunch party is hosted at the restaurant every Saturday – with a selection from the menu available to order from the lounge. And on the last Saturday of every month, the warehouse will host an elevated themed brunch party with special entertainment. The brunch menu is available from 11am until 4pm, priced at £40 per person, which includes bottomless Cosmopolitan or New York Sours, and a delicious brunch dish. The disco ambience will continue into the night, on Saturdays, with DJs playing all evening in the lounge.

duciestreet.com

Nature Valley Gone Wild Festival 2022 Launch Announcement

Nature Valley Gone Wild, the ultimate fun family festival, will return to Powderham Castle in Devon in August 2022. Created in partnership with Bear Grylls, the festival promises experiences families will never forget. Visitors will get the chance to dance to live music performed by The Script, All Saints and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, see famous explorers such as Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and participate in many exciting outdoor activities.

The festival, sponsored by Nature Valley, raises money for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, proudly supporting serving and former Royal Marines and their families. It will be even bigger and better than the 2021 event, which saw 6000 people enjoy a weekend of music, activities and adventure. Last year’s highlights included a spectacular arrival from the skies by the legendary Red Devils, a new World Record being set by hundreds of people taking part in a Be Military Fit workout led by Nicola Adams and Bear Grylls, and even a proposal on a paddleboard!

Nature Valley Gone Wild Festival 2022 headline music acts will include;
The Script – With six UK number one albums under their belt, frontman Danny O’Donoghue (also known for his role as a judge on BBC1’s The Voice) will be joined by band members Mark Sheehan and Glen Power for this appearance in the middle of their Greatest Hits Tour.
All Saints – All Saints became one of the most successful pop groups of the 1990s, with two multi-platinum albums and record sales in excess of 12 million worldwide.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Bringing the Kitchen Disco to the main stage, Sophie Ellis-Bextor will get everyone dancing with her mix of disco, 80’s electronica and pop.
Reef – Known for their catchy rock hit ‘Place Your Hands’, Reef will bring some 90s nostalgia to the stage along with their new music.

What sets Nature Valley Gone Wild apart from other festivals is the spirit of adventure. The weekend offers once in a lifetime chances to see amazing people who have been to all corners of the world, hear their unique stories and learn from their legendary experiences.

Image courtesy of Nature Valley Gone Wild Festival

Explorers and adventurers appearing at the festival will include;
Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE – “The World’s Greatest Living Explorer” according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Ranulph Fiennes is the only man alive ever to have travelled around the Earth’s circumpolar surface (more people have been to the moon!).

Ed Stafford – The first human ever to walk the length of the Amazon River, Ed Stafford holds a Guinness World Record and hosts on the Discovery Channel. He has taken part in multiple challenges, documented on TV and in his own books, in which he was marooned and left to survive on an uninhabited tropical island for months at a time.

Laura Bingham – An adventurer who led the world’s first descent of the Essequibo River in Guyana, South America. Laura also travelled all the way across South America by bike, cycling 7000 km over 164 days, taking only the equipment she could carry.

Sean Conway – the first person to cycle, swim, and run the length of Great Britain, from Land’s End to John o’Groats. In 2016 completed the world’s longest triathlon, a 4,200-mile journey around the coast of Britain.

Bear Grylls: “It was amazing to see so many families having fun all together at our first-ever Nature Valley Gone Wild Festival last year. I saw countless smiles on kids’ faces as they tried many of the epic adventure activities and loved being part of the crowd as awesome bands rocked the festival. I’m very proud that we are doing it all again, and I’m honoured that explorers and adventurers that inspire so many have agreed to join us – I can’t wait to share who else we’ve also got lined up!”

The festival program will be packed with fun activities, with something for everyone. Local outdoor adventure companies will run activities such as kayaking, axe throwing, archery and battle archery, while Be Military Fit will lead group workouts. Those looking for a more restful weekend can enjoy a leisurely programme of sunrise yoga, paddleboarding, talks and workshops. As well as learning bushcraft with Bear Grylls Survival Academy, guests will be able to enjoy food from a range of local suppliers and relax at the pop-up pub overlooking Powderham Lake.

gonewildfestival.com

Coppa Club Welcomes Winter With New Design of Signature Igloos In Partnership with Champagne Laurent-Perrier

Now Available at Five Coppa Locations

Coppa Club has announced that their signature igloos are now available to book for the autumn and winter season in partnership with Champagne Laurent-Perrier. The igloos are available at five Coppa locations, including Tower Bridge – renowned for its panoramic London views, Sonning-on-Thames’ with its riverside setting, Cobham Village’s rooftop terrace and Brighton Square’s boutique location in the heart of The Lanes. The seasonal igloos will also be available at Coppa Club’s brand-new location, Putney, which is opening right on Putney’s riverside on 2nd November, featuring three iconic igloos.

Image courtesy of Coppa Club

Offering a unique twist on festive interiors this year, the igloos will feature a new and unseen, pastel design of green and pink florals & lanterns. The design evokes a vintage feel, with a gentle tone and warm, subtle lighting. Coppa Club’s igloos are the ideal destination for a celebratory get together this winter– perfect for friends, family, and work parties alike.

Each Coppa igloo will be serving a special menu – perfect for a bit of ‘igloo indulgence’ and paired with a glass of Champagne Laurent-Perrier– an exciting new partner for the Coppa brand. Specials include the truffled wagyu burger and decadent, warm chocolate fondant with caramelised white chocolate and salted caramel ice cream. A special Christmas menu will also be introduced towards the start of the festive season, where you can expect to find all your favourites – so keep your eyes peeled!

Image courtesy of Coppa Club

As part of Coppa’s home-from-home ethos, it offers the very best elements of a café, bar, restaurant and lounge – all combined into one setting that provides something for everyone. With nine separate locations currently found in the South-East & West of England, the brand has a private members’ club feel, without any members club fees. Each venue reflects its individual location and celebrates Britishness, alongside offering an informal, welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere.

Current Coppa locations include Tower Bridge, Clifton Village, which opened earlier this year, Cobham Village, Henley-On-Thames, Maidenhead, Brighton, as well as Streatley-on-Thames and Sonning-On-Thames, which both offer riverside hotel bedrooms. Coppa’s newest site, Putney, will be opening on 2nd November 2021, which will also feature three riverside igloos.

Now available to book at the brand new Putney location, as well as Tower Bridge, Sonning, Brighton and Cobham, Coppa Club igloos can be reserved in two hours slots, Monday to Sunday, 11 am until close for a maximum of eight guests. Christmas day igloo bookings at Sonning, Streatley & Cobham will go live on 20th October. Minimum spend applies.

coppaclub.co.uk

Museum of the Moon

Artwork by Luke Jerram as part of the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival

Today is the last day to see the stunning Museum of the Moon at Tunbridge Wells, Calverley Grounds. This free event runs from noon- 9pm as part of a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, the moon features 120 dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,00, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface.

The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones. This will be played on the hour every hour and twice between 8-9 pm.

Ronnie Scott’s launches comedy brunches

Launching on Saturday 17 July with co-host of hit ‘Off Menu’ podcast: Ed Gamble

This month Soho institution, Ronnie Scott’s, is doing something a little different.

Launching the inaugural Saturday Comedy Brunch at Ronnie Scott’s, where for the month of July, audiences can start their day with full bellies and belly laughs. Famed for unrivalled entertainment, good times aplenty, and the very best UK artistry – Ronnie’s is the place to get your cultural fix this month. 

New for July 2021, the Saturday Comedy Brunches kick off with the one and only stand-up comedian Ed Gamble (17 July). Supported by BBC New Comedy Award winner Janine Harouni and the BBC Comedy Award shortlisted Chloe Petts. In the intimate jazz setting, with low-lighting and ambience abound, Ronnie’s is hosting some of the funniest quipsters in town, entertaining audiences alongside a full cocktail brunch. Tickets include two courses from the delicious brunch menu as well as two cocktails from Ronnie Scott’s renowned cocktail list – think Mimosas, Bloody Marys and more. Tickets start from £55, and guests are invited to book for sips and giggles each Saturday in July, with headliners on 24 and 31 July to be announced!

Ronnie Scott’s Saturday Comedy Brunches will be held every other month, alternating with All That Jazz! Saturday Cabaret Brunches – featuring star performers of the West End shows performing everyone’s favourite theatre and jazz standards in the heart of Soho. 

And for the night-owls, Ronnie Scott’s continue their evening shows, playing host to some of the UK’s finest musical talent: from jazz and soul to funk, Afrobeat and more. July’s headliners include the likes of the James Taylor Quartet and Horn Culture costing just a tenner a ticket! There’s truly something for everyone. For those who can’t make it down to Soho, fear-not – they’re collaborating with DICE.FM, live streaming the very best shows to audiences globally, for a fraction of the ticket price.

Cirque Berserk! Back in the West End

Britain’s biggest theatre-circus spectacular, Cirque Berserk!, brings its record-breaking show back to London’s West End, at The Garrick Theatre from 25 August – 11 September 2021.

The hair-raising and hilarious Cirque Berserk! celebrates its return to the stage, following the cancellation of its performances in March last year due to lockdown restrictions. Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, the 2021 show features audiences’ favourite Berserk! acts from around the world plus some thrilling new ones. 

A unique collaboration between classical circus artists, some from tenth generation circus families, and a theatrical creative team, Cirque Berserk! is the UK’s biggest and most diverse full-scale circus production created especially for proscenium-arch theatres.

This astoundingly talented international troupe features over thirty acrobats, aerialists and daredevil stuntmen showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, including the legendary high-speed motorcycle ‘Globe of Death’. 

The company has performed throughout the UK and internationally and is a regular must-see at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it has established itself as the Fringe’s best-selling show of all time. 

Martin ‘Zippo’ Burton, Cirque Berserk! Founder and Producer said :  

“We are so pleased to be bringing Cirque Berserk! back to the West End this August. It has been a challenging time for most arts organisations, including ours, so we’re pleased to be back on stage doing what we do best – entertaining audiences through ‘hold your breath’ moments and the sheer joy of witnessing the unimaginable. We are so excited to welcome back our audiences to enjoy the slice of culture we offer, but also to welcome new ones! The circus attracts a lot of first-time theatre goers, establishing someone’s love and hunger for live entertainment, which is essential during these times.” 

Cirque Berserk! is entirely non-verbal, and appeals to audiences of all ages. 

Performance includes loud noises, flashing lights, smoke effects and real motorbikes. 

CREATIVE TEAM: 

Martin ‘Zippo’ Burton                      Founder and Producer 

Beau Denning                                    Production Director 

Julius Green                                       Creative Director 

Dede McGarrity                                Movement Director 

Sean Cavanagh                                  Set Design  

Dianne Kelly                                      Costume Design 

Mike Robertson                                Lighting Design 

Matthew Bugg                                   Sound Design 

Tickets can be purchased via their box office > Cirque Berserk! The Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0HH, 0330 333 4811 website: https://www.cirqueberserk.co.uk/ https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/

Main image courtesy of Cirque Berserk!

Rockliffe Hall announces new spa restaurant and dining concept, ‘Nu Sana’ to open in August

The leading North East luxury resort reveals a brand-new restaurant will launch in August named ‘Nu Sana’ – ‘Nourish the Soul’- encapsulating the best of spa cuisine to accompany the award winning spa

Main image: Rockliffe Hall – Photography by Stan Seaton

Rockliffe Hall has announced a brand-new restaurant and dining concept will be launched in August named ‘Nu Sana’ (‘Nourish the Soul’), a casual eatery situated above the hotel’s award-winning spa. Nu Sana will offer a dining menu consisting of healthy, nutrition-led menu items such as superfood salads, smoothies, fresh juices alongside nourishing dishes and buddha bowls. In addition, there will be more indulgent choices to give guests the option of ‘everything in moderation’. With a strong emphasis on garden-to-plate, many of the dishes use ingredients from the estate or are grown within the kitchen garden.

Image courtesy of Rockliffe Hall

The design of the new spa restaurant focuses on celebrating the light-filled space, with attention to materials such as marble, timber and botanical essences. Whether dining indoors or on the alfresco terrace overlooking 375 acres of beautiful grounds, guests and spa day visitors will be welcome to dine ‘in robes’ to allow for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Nu Sana will be accompanied by the launch of new Spa Day experiences, which will also be available from 2nd August.

“We are delighted to share the news of our latest culinary outlet with our guests, Nu Sana will be a most welcome addition to our much-loved spa and an important part of the wellness journey we offer at the hotel. The menus will showcase something for everyone, and there will be an emphasis both on healthy, nourishing dishes in addition to appealing to those after something different to our already established restaurant options,” said Jason Adams, Managing Director of Rockliffe Hall.

The reimagined spa dining experience will further complement the recent elevated culinary options of the 3AA Rosette Orangery Restaurant and The Clubhouse – helmed by Executive Chef Ian Matfin. Born in Newcastle, Matfin is making a welcome return to his North East roots. With over 20 years of restaurant experience at Britain’s most distinguished culinary destinations, including Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and Aubergine in Chelsea, alongside Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford.

Image courtesy of Rockliffe Hall

Breakfast and brunch menu highlights include Sautéed Wild Mushroom on Bruschetta with Sultanas, Seeds, Onion Purée and Nut-Free Pesto; Seven & Wye Smoked Salmon with Soft Poached Hen’s Eggs, Hollandaise & Brioche; and Buttermilk Pancakes with Summer Berry Compote, Greek Yoghurt and Manuka Honey.

Sample dishes on the all-day-dining menu include a selection of small plates such as Asparagus, Romanesco Sauce, Egg Yolk Dressing & Sorrel; and Laverstoke Park Buffalo Mozzarella, Plum Vine Tomatoes and Basil dressed in Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The signature Buddha Bowls provide an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians; meanwhile, some large plates include Grilled Sea Bream, Shiitake Mushroom, Beansprout and Mangetout; Flat Iron Steak with Confit Tomato and Chimichurri; and Poached Salmon Salad Niçoise.

Nu Sana will be open for members, hotel guests and locals, with reservations systems opening at the end of June.

Food will be served all day from 8 am until 5.30 pm, plus 7 pm – 9.30 pm on Friday & Saturday evenings.

rockliffehall.com

A New Exhibition showcases the best of Bristol Street Art

Vanguard Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement

Vanguard in partnership with Vans presents Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement – an exhibition exploring the instrumental role of Bristol’s creatives in the development of British Street Art, from the 1980s to the present day. 

Immersive installations, many works not seen for many years and new street art works from world famous artists feature in the exhibition. This is a unique chance to see seminal British and Bristol street art works.

Story

The seminal works, notable moments, key events and extraordinary artists belonging to Bristol’s dynamic history are highlighted in this comprehensive and compelling exhibition, which examines the creative response of the city’s pioneering underground scene throughout the UK’s turbulent social and political history and considers the drive for social change underpinning the work of many of today’s street artists.

From anarchist origins in the ‘80s and ‘90s through to the explosion of the scene in the early ‘00s, the exhibition brings together one of the largest collections of original works and memorabilia ever seen in the UK. 

Beyond Bristol, Vanguard explores the evolving disciplines of British and Irish artists moving from the street art conversation to bridge contemporary fields by fusing traditional techniques with new technologies. The exhibition also reflects on how a new generation of global creatives are advocating for social and environmental awareness through art on the streets. 

From bronze sculptures to immersive displays, Vanguard reveals a host of new original pieces, as well as rare and unseen works, including bespoke edits from the iconic filmmakers and photographers who documented the unfolding scene. 

As part of the exhibition, Vanguard will also launch a series of exclusive releases from some of Bristol’s finest creatives, including:

  • An accompanying book featuring worldwide academics, film directors, writers, artists, creatives and specialists reflecting on the evolving momentum of the movement
  • An exclusive album featuring some of the tracks which formed the roots of the world-famous Bristol Sound
  • Artist led merchandise from various artists featured in the exhibition

Outside of the exhibition, Vanguard has partnered with Vans to launch an exciting city-wide, community-based outreach programme running throughout the duration, aligning with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The outreach programme hopes to promote discussion and participation at the intersection of culture and sustainable action and will include art activations, workshops, panels and film screenings.

Exhibition Highlights 

New and unique works by Bristolian, British and international artists include:

  • New and original works from Adam Neate, Andy Council, Antony Micallef, Bill Posters, China Mike, Conor Harrington, Dale VMN Collins (formerly known as Dale Marshall), Dicy, Eko, Feek, Filthy Luker, Inkie, Lucas Price, Lucy McLauchlan, Matt Small, Mau Mau, Mr Jago, Paris, Rowdy, Sickboy, Swoon, Will Barras and Xenz
  • A life-size bronze sculpture of an old favourite from Nick Walker 
  • Kineta Hill and Karen Dew’s photographic projections, Watching Paint Dry, female documenters of Bristol’s scene
  • Iconic photographs of the 80s from Beezer
  • A bespoke five-minute edit of the film Wild Style by Charlie Ahearn
  • A bespoke seven-minute film by Scottish filmmaker Doug Gillen of Fifth Wall TV with an original score by drum and bass producer and DJ Krust 
  • Matthew Smith’s rare images of the 90s – the time of rave and the Criminal Justice Bill
  • Carrie Hitchcock and Yan Saunders’ unseen photographic archive 
  • Legendary photographer Henry Chalfant’s unseen photographs of his time in Bristol for Spraycan Art

Further details on the Vanguard book, album, outreach events and artist releases will be released shortly.

Vanguard Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement is kindly supported by Vans. 

Vanguard | Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement

M Shed, Bristol, BS1 4RN

Saturday 26 June 2021 – Sunday 31 October 2021

Admission £8 adult* / £7 concession* (*Tickets include £1 voluntary donation to Bristol Museums Development Trust)

W: www.vanguardstreetart.com | IG: @vanguardstreetart | FB: /vanguardstreetart

AIRE Ancient Baths London, set to open near Covent Garden this summer

AIRE Ancient Baths reveals the launch of its first property in London, centrally located near to Covent Garden in summer 2021, in time for when the UK restrictions are lifted and a sense of freedom returns.

Inspired by the tradition of bathing in Ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman civilisations, AIRE Ancient Baths London reimagines the classic tradition of the thermal baths in a contemporary fashion. AIRE offers unique relaxation experiences, providing massages and luxurious rituals all whilst maintaining the essence of its original wellness concept.

AIRE experiences are world-renowned and take place in restored historical buildings in outstanding cities and locations across the globe such as New York, Barcelona, and now London.

The space: a historic location from the XVIII century

AIRE Ancient Baths London will be a tranquil oasis for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London life, situated within a few minutes’ walk of some of London’s greatest landmarks, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden.

The company has chosen an emblematic historic building in no 2-3 Robert Street. Between the Strand, Victoria Embankment Garden and Charing Cross lies Adelphi, where Robert Street is located. The area as we know it today is the legacy of the XVIII century’s most renowned architect siblings, the Adam brothers. The name ‘Adelphi’ is Greek for ‘siblings’ and is indicative of the brothers’ collaboration in designing the new area. Famed for their elegant, neoclassical influenced constructions that were inspired by the Grand Tour travels of Robert Adam, their work defined the riverside area making Adelphi an ideal setting.

As time went on, the building became the place where Scottish novelist and playwright J.M. Barrie would live, best remembered as writer of Peter Pan.

Image courtesy of AIRE Ancient Baths

Wellness experiences: a luxurious temple dedicated to relaxation with signature rituals

AIRE Ancient Baths is inspired by the Greek, Roman and Ottoman legacy of baths and relaxation through the water. Visitors can look forward to unwinding in various thermal baths with varying temperatures, massages, and exceptional wellness experiences.

The temple has been designed with the sole purpose of creating absolute ease, calm and balance of both body and mind with 14.000 sq. ft (1.300m2) of area. Guests will embark on an unforgettable journey of sensations through the contrasts between the warm water bath of the Tepidarium (36o), the Caldarium (40o) and the cold of the Frigidarium (14o) besides the mythical steam bath or Vaporium, the bath of thousand jets or Balneum and the glorious salt bath or Flotarium; the best place to truly let go and submit to the magical feeling of floating. All massage treatments include the experience in the Ancient thermal baths.

Pure silence, the dim light of dozens of candles and the velvety whisper of soothing melodies that can even be heard under the water are key elements of the AIRE Experience, as well as its exclusive relaxing body massages and sophisticated rituals. Signature experiences that will be offered in the London property include:

The Himalayan Salt Experience

The Himalayan Salt Experience is a rejuvenating body treatment. This three-hour signature experience combines the Ancient Thermal Bath circuit, the Himalayan body scrub and a relaxing 60-min body massage with hot Himalayan salt stones. The pure pink salt has detoxifying, energising and stress-relieving properties and is created in the remote Himalayan mountains. Prices from £270 pp.

The Wine Ritual

The Wine Ritual is a unique relaxing experience where visitors are completely submerged in the antioxidant properties of the Spanish Ribera del Duero red grapes. The three-hour experience includes a private immersion into red wine in a historical tub, a grape seed oil massage and the Ancient Thermal Bath Experience. Prices from £450 pp.

The story: a company with international presence and Spanish roots

As soon as guests enter AIRE Ancient Baths London, they are met with the beautiful scent of orange blossom to transport them to the heart of Andalucía. The first location for the company was the city of Sevilla in 2004 and AIRE’s founders aim to connect visitors with these Spanish roots.

Amadeo Serra, CEO of AIRE Ancient Baths: “The idea to create AIRE Ancient Baths was born in Sevilla almost twenty years ago with the objective of recuperating an ancient tradition that had been lost throughout the centuries. We are very excited about opening a new AIRE in London, one of the leading cities in the world. We believe we have found the perfect location, right in the heart of central London, an area recognised on a worldwide scale for its culture, architecture, and history. We are confident that AIRE Ancient Baths London will add a new proposition for Londoners and visitors to UK capital, and become a place of reference for those seeking luxury indulgence, rest and relaxation”.

The company has an international presence with seven established spa centres and the soon-to-open London property in summer 2021.

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