THE WO R C
SOCIAL ISSUE8
FA S H I O N . ST Y L E . E V E N T S . L I F E ST Y L E . B U S I N E S S . A DV I C E
WELCOME from the Editor
There’s nowhere I’d rather be at this magical time of year than Worcester. The Victorian Fayre brings fun and festivity to the city, and who doesn't enjoy strolling through a market, sipping mulled wine and hearing live music. That said, if the idea of a traditional Christmas in the Faithful City doesn’t fill you with the Festive spirit, we’ve included some last-minute holiday recommendations so you can escape from it all later in the magazine. If you are staying at home, be sure to enter our competition to win your Christmas dinner, with produce provided by the city's best butchers and grocers.
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As ever, we’re encouraging you to shop independent this Christmas. If every person in the county was bought a £10 gift from an independent local retailer instead of online or from a big supermarket, it would inject more than £1million into the city’s economy. And, thanks to our brilliant retailers, you’ll easily find that dream gift, promising plenty of smiles on Christmas morning.
Phoebe Dawson
Worcester Business Improvement District
CONTENTS 2
Welcome
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4
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre
Santa set to land at Crowngate
40
Celebrate in style
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Meet Your Neighbour
42
Worc Eat Sleep
10
Get on the Sauce
43
12
An Independent Christmas
Christmas, the time to sparkle
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Winner Winner Christmas Dinner!
44
Whats on
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Try a wrap, lose the fat
Get Involved
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2020 a year of mindfulness
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Winter getaways
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Worcester gift guide
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Deck the halls
To find out about how you could get involved with our next issue please call the Worcester BID team on 01905 731612 or email info@worcesterbid.com
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Pershore Patty review
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2020 start on the right foot with Skipton
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Christmas wine with Malpas Stallard
Contributors Sam McCarthy and Candice Pearson, CPPR
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A Very Victorian Fayre Hailed as the Midlands’ leading Victorian-themed street market, Worcester’s Christmas Fayre signals the start of the Festive season.
Don’t miss the community carol service
Taking place from Thursday, November 28 to Sunday, December 1, thousands of visitors will flock to the city centre to enjoy all the fun of the fayre.
be complete without street entertainers?
in the cathedral which launches the Christmas weekend, followed by a procession to the Cornmarket where the Mayor will officially open events. And, of course, what Victorian Fayre would There’ll be stilt walkers and jugglers making their way through the streets, and plenty of buskers to entertain.
More than 200 stalls
More than 200 stalls will pop up in the historic streets and many of the traders will be in costume as nineteenth century ladies and gents, not to mention a few urchins and chimney sweeps thrown into boot! This year sees a record number of food and drink producers take part, selling a variety of goods including warm roasted chestnuts, filled crepes and hot chocolate.
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Opening times Thur 28th NOV
Fri 29th NOV
Sat 30th NOV
Sun 1st DEC
12:00 – 21:00
10:00 – 20:00
11:00 – 21:00 11:00 – 17:00
SHOPS, BARS UNIQUE FINDS...
...EATERIES & MARKET STALLS
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TOP REASONS TO VISIT FESTIVE FLAVOURS Tantalise your tastebuds with traditional festive foods and local produce, or try a warming drink at the Victorian-themed bar.
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DICKENSIAN DECADENCE
ATMOSPHERE
Costumed characters will take you back
From traditional carols to a lively musical
in time - experience the sights, smells
parade, there’s plenty to keep people
and sounds of a Victorian Christmas.
of all ages smiling throughout the day.
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR
KEEP IT LOCAL
The Victorian Fayre wouldn’t be
Many of the Fayre’s 200 stalls are
complete without a vintage-style
local traders so you can complete
carousel and fun fair, complete
your shopping with unique handmade
with traditional barrel organ.
gifts and support local business.
What's on over the weekend King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
Victorian Craft Fair in the Guildhall
28 Nov, 7.30pm
28 Nov – 1 Dec 9am – 5pm A fabulous array of stalls selling locally made crafts and gifts, situated in the beautiful Guildhall.
Huntingdon Hall With more than 6500 performances in their 30 years of touring, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys are one of the greatest jump, jive and swing bands in the world.
The Total Who Show 29 Nov, 7.30pm Huntingdon Hall Get ready for two hours of The Who hits played by musicians who have performed with Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and John Entwistle from the band itself!
Tudor House Museum at Christmas 28 Nov –1 Dec Join us for the Friar Street Winter Beer Festival and the Cross Keys Gin Palace. Free entry to the museum throughout the Fayre weekend.
Peel for Advent 30 November, 10am Worcester Cathedral Bell ringing to mark the start of Advent
Lantern Making Workshops 30 Nov and 1 Dec, 11am-12pm & 1:30-2:30pm The Hive Children's Library Get ready for the famous lantern parade by crafting your very own festive lantern. £5 – willow lantern (ages 7+) | £2.5 – mini lanterns (all ages).
Christmas time at Greyfriars 28 Nov - 30 Nov 11am – 9pm. 1 Dec, open 11am – 4pm Experience the festive atmosphere, see our garden illuminated during special extended opening hours and the house wonderfully decorated to reflect the Victorian shops that once thrived here.
Turn Up For A Tour
Christmas Rat-a-tat tales
28, 29 & 30 Nov
30 November , 1 December
11am & 2.30pm Worcester Cathedral Join an expert guide to show you the highlights of this impressive historical building. Tickets £6 from the Cathedral shop.
11am and 2:45pm The Hive Children's Library All young children are welcome to our interactive rat-a-tat tales. Just stop by the Children's Library at The Hive to hear your favourite festive stories.
Lunchtime Recital 28 November 12.15pm – 12.55pm Worcester Cathedral Free recital, donations appreciated
Community Carol Service for the opening of the Fayre 28 November, 4.45pm – 5.15pm Worcester Cathedral All are invited to join us to celebrate the start of the event followed by the traditional procession to the Cornmarket carousel where the Fayre will be declared officially open by The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Allah Ditta.
Candlelit Advent Procession and Carol Service 1 December, 6.30pm Worcester Cathedral A moving act of worship in preparation for celebrating the Christmas season
Museum Shop Sunday 1st December , 1.30-5pm The Commandery, Sidbury Come and join us for wine tasting and Christmas special offers in The Commandery shop. Get your Christmas shopping complete with our unique and exclusive gifts.
Hopmarket Fringe Festival 30 November, 11am-5.30pm The Hopmarket Courtyard A day of festive activities and entertainment including children’s arts and crafts, meet the reindeer (2-5pm) and live entertainment.
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MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR David’s experiences of working on different projects from the RSC and the Lowry, to Liverpool City of Culture and the Olympic Opening Ceremony in 2012, have shaped his attitudes and ambitions for Worcester. He said: “I’ve witnessed what festivals can do for a city - they can be transformative. When exceptional artists work within communities, amazing and powerful things happen. It’s life-affirming stuff.” None of Worcester’s festivals will be traditional ‘sit and clap’ events, instead they will often be immersive, interactive, and always “interesting things in interesting places”.
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He hopes that in these fractious times, the festivals will help bring people together. “Collective cultural experiences create shared moments where you just smile and these moments of coming together are very positive for a town.” The Festivals will be a mix of large and small scale work, featuring both established and emerging artists, as well as local, national, and international work. The first of the four festivals is
Worcester Light Night on Thursday 16 January from 5.30 - 10pm. This festival will light up our city with illumination and live performances.
Atmosphere takes place on Saturday 25 April and is a day of discussions and performances all about our environment.
Disrupting the Norm 6 – 11 July is the third festival and features a mix of pop up events and accidental art making the everyday less ordinary.. The final festival is
Worcester’s International Story Festival, a ten-day feast of storytelling.
Visit www.severnarts.org.uk for more information on all the events
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GET ON THE SAUCE So why not treat friends to a hamper packed with the best local produce the county has to offer this Christmas? Whether they like to get on the sauce (literally if we’re talking Lea and Perrins!) you can hand pick their favourite food and drink to create the perfect present. Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, High Street
Pack It In Zero Waste Living, The Market
Mojito Cocktail Candy £3.99
Bora Bora Fruit infusion tea £3.92
Ichoc £3.00
Raw Chocolate Covered Almonds £5.81
Seed & Bean Chocolate £3.00
Jar of Mixed Nuts £3.49
Freeist £3.00 Sugar free hard boiled sweets bag £6.00
Worcester Tourist Information Centre, High Street
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Chocolate Deli, New Street
Lea and Perrins Apron £14.99
Broken Chocolate £3.95
Visit Worcester Travel Cup £7.99
6 Chocolate Truffles 2 boxes for £12.00
Worcestershire Honey £5.99
Chocolate cup filled with truffles £12.99
Biscuits Tin £4.50
Worcester is renowned for its abundant harvest, from appetising apples and perfect plums, to spa-town salt and world-famous spring water.
The Nest, Severn Street
Hoplords Tap Room and Bottle Shop, Pump Street
Apple Cider Vinegar £6.95
Deya Just A Glimmer £5.00
Emily’s Jams £2.50
Deya Steady Rolling Man £5.00
Red Wine and Black Pepper and Sea Salt £1.35
Deya Dropbox £7.00
M&M Meats, St Swithins Street
Francini Café de Colombia, Angel Place
Shropshire Spice Stuffing £1.49
Mellow Coffee £5.90
Red Currant Jelly £1.99
Strong Non Bitter Coffee £5.90
Chutney £2.29
Strong Bitter Coffee £5.90
Waylands Yard, Foregate Street
Bottles Wine Bar and Merchants, New Street
Glass Keep Cup £15.00
Astley Severn Vale £14.99
Method Roastery Expresso £7.00 Cookmate, Broad Street Piston Distillery, Seven Street
Picnic Hamper £76.99
Foret Noire Gin 70cl £43.00
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TH
5 AN INDEPENDENT DEC CHRISTMAS IN
4 PM8 PM
LATE NIGHT INDEPENDENT CHRISTMAS MARKET THE GUILDHALL, HIGH STREET ENJOY AN EXCLUSIVE LATE-NIGHT SHOPPING EVENT AND LIVE MUSIC AT WORCESTER’S GUILDHALL ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, WHILE ALSO SUPPORTING LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES AND HOMELESS CHARITY, WORCESTER CARES.
Phoebe Dawson, CEO of Worcester BID, said: “The Independent Christmas event is perfect to get you in the festive spiritthere’ll be fantastic shopping opportunities, not to mention food and drink available, as well as live music to enjoy. “This is a wonderful opportunity to shop local as well. Worcester is bucking national trends, boasting a flourishing high street when cities elsewhere are struggling and this is
Refreshments will be on offer and many of the city’s
in part because we have so many fantastic independents.”
foremost independent shops will have stalls, selling unique gifts that will delight even the hardest to please relative.
Expect to see stalls from Anja Potze Fine Jewellery, Arrange My Escape, The Cabin, Embrace Boutique, The Hat House, House of
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And, what’s more, if every person in the county was
Haby, Iapetus Gallery, The King’s Gallery, Mangojuice, Mr Simms,
bought a £10 gift from an independent local retailer
New England, Piston Gin, Sub Studio Photography, Tonic, Visit
instead of online or from a big supermarket, it would
Worcester, Wise Owl Toys, Worcester War Games, Hoplords,
inject more than £1million into the city’s economy.
Burgershop, Waylands Yard and Toys and Games of Worcester.
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Winner Winner, Christmas Dinner! One lucky reader of The Social can win their
veg from Housewives Choice on Church
Christmas dinner this year, courtesy of some
Street, and some baking essentials from
of the city’s favourite food suppliers.
Cookmate Cook Shop on Broad Street.
This is a literal ‘meal ticket’, with the prize
All you’ve have left to get is the
including a hamper from M&M meats
Christmas crackers! To enter, visit:
on St Swithuns Street, which is worth
www.worcesterbid.com/social-competition
£60 and includes a turkey crown for up
(T&Cs apply)
to 10 people, a selection of fruit and
M&M MEATS
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HOUSEWIVES CHOICE
COOKMATE COOK SHOP
T R Y A W R A P, L O S E T H E FAT Losing inches off your hips without even
It’s a detoxifying treatment scientifically proven to give
setting foot inside a gym might sound too
excellent inch loss that also helps to eliminate fluid.
good to be true, but a number of new beauty treatments claim to be able to do just that.
Alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle, the Wrap encourages confidence, positivity and
Infinity Beauty on Friar Street offers the
motivation, helping you to feel your best.
‘Universal Contour Wrap’ (£64 per treatment, thought a course of three is recommended for
Whether it’s through instant and lasting inch-
£155), which uses a sophisticated wrapping
loss, detoxification or cellulite reduction, it’s
technique to lift and shape the body.
designed to help you feel more body confident.
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Make 2020 the year of mindfulness With The Zen Shed Many of us operate on autopilot, our thoughts swinging between past problems and future possibilities. We exist with our minds separated from our bodies, not noticing what we are really experiencing. We can become anxious and depressed and often we self-medicate with caffeine, sugar, alcohol, or even by using social media.
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We asked Guy Thomas, yoga and mindfulness teacher from The Zen Shed, how to break the cycle:
“Mindfulness is about paying full attention to the now. About focusing on your actual life experience as it unfolds, without judgement or pretence. We become closer to the way things are, and explore how much of what we experience is okay, how much is unchangeable, and how much is self-generated. Focusing on the breath is a great place to start if you are new to Mindfulness.�
Try these top tips to find your zen
1. Find a quiet place, where you won’t be disturbed for a few minutes. Sit or lie down and close your eyes.
2. Relax all the muscles in your face, throat, hands and feet and belly.
3. Turn your mind inwards and start to observe the gentle movements of your body as you breath. Notice the rise and fall of the belly, the softness of the air gently moving into and out of your nostrils. Simply observe the sensations of breathing.
4. Do this for 5 – 10 minutes. If your mind starts to wander, don’t be frustrated; gently escort your mind back to the breath again and again.
5. When you are ready, come back to your day.
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Top Teas for Healthy Living by Revital
Give coffee the cold-shoulder this winter and brew one of these brilliant blends instead.
Wake-up! Kick start
Overindulged? Dragonfly
Feeling Festive? Enjoy
Fight the flu with
Get snug in your bed with
your day with Heath &
Herb Garden Digestif
a warming blend of
Pukka’s Elderberry &
Clipper Snore and Peace.
Heather’s Lemon and
makes is the perfect
honeybush, cinnamon,
Echinacea infusion. A
Following a bedtime
Ginger...a refreshingly
after dinner tea, with a
liquorice and orange
warming fruity blend of
routine such as taking a
zingy blend of ginger,
blend of peppermint,
peel with a steaming hot
elderberry, echinacea,
warm bath or enjoying
apple, lime and apple.
fennel, dandelion,
cup of Yogi Christmas
ginger and orange to
a comforting mug of
Perfect to shake off those
nettle and ginger to
Tea - a perfect stocking
help keep colds at bay.
Monday morning blues.
aid healthy digestion.
filler for tea fanatics.
herbal tea may help to support relaxation and sleep quality.
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A Strong Independent Spirit. Situated in The Painting House of the repurposed Royal Worcester Porcelain, Piston Distillery, perfectly aligns to the Bransford’s Trusts aspiration to incubate local businesses and raise the profile of craftmanship, through its unwavering attention to detail in creating and improving the Piston Gin product. A distinctive and delicious blend of aromatics and botanicals, independent spirit, Piston won Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medallions for its
The global recognition for outstanding
Pistons’ Gin School experience is an
quality, that the San Francisco Spirit
extremely fun way to be introduced
Awards afforded, triggered ambition
to the brand, running on a Friday and
within the Piston team and saw the range
a Saturday, with bespoke packages
grow to include the incredibly versatile,
also available. We let you take things
Forêt Noire Gin. A beautifully balanced,
at your own pace; though the truth
intensely flavoured black forest gin;
is, the occasional ‘meet the maker’ sessions can get more animated!
complex and distinct, with rich dark fruit, cherry, blackcurrant, myrtle,
A continuing process of
raspberry, strawberry and a very
refinement, the organic
subtle nod to chocolate, blended
evolution of Piston feels
with their signature London Dry.
effortless. Deserving to be explored and enjoyed,
full range of gins and distinctive bottle
Piston have added to their premium gift
design, with a sound engineered
never hurried, Piston Gin
collection a smaller 20cl bottle, allowing
cap, at the reputable 2019 San
has quickly established a
people to sample a trio of the range in
Francisco World Spirit Competition.
burgeoning, international
a beautifully branded gift box, priced at
reputation for excellence.
Establishing Piston's distillery, a little
£45.00, amongst other great gift offers. See www.pistongin.com
over a year ago, entrepreneur Nick,
Despite our global vision, we continue
originally founded Piston, as a passion
or call 01905 611293
to celebrate our surroundings and
project. A successful businessman,
#wearepistongin
relish working with the local Worcester
known for his work in real estate, Nick
community. Happily contributing
fell in love with the seductive art of
to the already incredibly strong
distilling gin, by chance, and went on
independent business consortium.
to produce Pistons uncompromising Distinguished London Dry.
G&TEA GINGERBREAD HOUSE Create your own winter wonderland with G&Tea's gingerbread recipe. It makes a wonderful centrepiece for parties, and children will love it.
For the gingerbread:
Method:
•
125g softened salted butter
1. Cream together the butter and sugar together until paler.
•
80g soft light brown sugar
•
1 egg
•
1 tbsp golden syrup
•
1tbsp treacle
•
4 tsp ground ginger
•
2 tsp ground cinnamon
•
280g plain flour
2. Add the egg, golden syrup and treacle. 3. Mix in the flour, ginger and cinnamon to form a stiff dough. 4. Remove from the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 mins. 5. Preheat the oven to 180 and cut out your template. 6. Remove dough from the fridge and flour your surface and rolling pin. Roll out your dough so it is approximately 1/2
For the royal icing:
centimetre thick. Keep turning the dough and flouring the
•
1 egg white
•
200g icing sugar
7. Place your templates over the dough and, using a knife, cut
surface as you go so it doesn't stick!
two of each of the shapes out and place them on your lined
Equipment: •
Rolling pin
•
Baking sheet lined with baking paper
•
Round cutter approx 10cm diameter
•
Piping bag
baking sheet. Don't forget to cut two bases out using your round cutter! 8. Put the tray in the fridge for 15 mins (or freezer for 5!) then bake for 10 mins or until golden. 9. While your biscuits are cooling, use a whisk or electric mixer to combine the icing sugar and the egg white. It should be very thick, if it isn't add a little icing sugar at a time to thicken it up. Put in the piping bag immediately so it doesn't dry out.
Visit G&Tea and indulge in their delicious cakes on Friar Street,
8. Using the guide, pipe your icing on to your cooled biscuits and decorate with your favourite sweets!
or buy one of their Gingerbread houses in the shop! 21
G&TEA G INGERBREA D HOUSE T EMPLATE
Winter Getaways
arrange MY Escape, an award-winning independent travel agency on Mealcheapen Street recommends their top winter destinations for alternative Christmas getaways.
See the awe-inspiring Northern Lights and feel at
one with nature, visiting one of the geo spas and the blue lagoon. To see the country’s most spectacular
natural attractions, try the Golden Circle tour which includes Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir and Skalholt. Prices start from ÂŁ475 per person
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New York is one city break that must be on everyone’s bucket list, and there’s no more
magical time to visit than at Christmas. Jump on a tour bus and see the famous sights including the Empire State Building, the Statue of
Liberty and Central Park. Prices starting from only £449 per person, travelling in January.
Festive cottage breaks If you want a cosy romantic weekend in the winter, nothing
Skiing and snowboarding in Bulgaria offers great
the home comforts you need. From Scotland to the south
snowsports. It’s a great opportunity for beginners to
New Year getaway with the extended family - choose one
an action-packed week, head to Bankso, Borovets or
beats a country cottage or log cabin furnished with all
value for money, with cheap après-ski and excellent
of England, lodge breaks are perfect for a Christmas and
learn to ski with English-speaking instructors. For
with a hot tub for a real treat! Prices start from only £299
Pamporovo. Prices start from only £289 per person
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THE ULTIMATE
WO RCESTER GIFT GUIDE #GIFTWORC
The High Street is bustling with shoppers, carols are playing in all the stores, fairy lights twinkle on all the trees, and you’ve switched your Americano for a gingerbread latte. Christmas is definitely on its way, which means it’s time to start your shopping and find those perfect presents for family and friends. From stocking fillers to show-stopping gifts, this handy shopping guide with solve all your winter wish list woes. Whether it's a romantic gift for a wife or girlfriend, something sophisticated for the in-laws, or a Secret Santa for a colleague, we’ve got presents for everyone. Happy shopping!
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FOR HER Find the perfect gift ideas for all the women in your life, from your fitness-bunny best friend to your super stylish mum.
3.
4.
2.
10. 6.
1.
1.
11.
9. 8.
5.
7.
FOR HER 1.Icepack jacket £150, Rohan • 2. Slipper Socks £15, M&S • 3. Earrings £55 Rock Lobster • 4. Claire woollen shawl £109.99, Iapetus 5. Sandringham Chocolate Boots £129, Hotter • 6. Long Faux Fur Coat £75, Fuel • 7. Radiant Rose Gift Set £30.50, Revital 8. Roxanne Bra and Full Brief £68, Embrace • 9. Gin and Tonic Candle £19.95, Cornucopia 10. Yellow Gold Vermeil Pearl Hook Earrings £295, Anja Potze • 11. Make your own felt robin £2.55, House of Haby
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FOR HIM 4.
3.
1.
2.
5.
2.
FOR HIM 1.Paul Smith Accessories Socks £18 Wallet £149, Pockets • 2. Piston Douglas Fir infused Dry Gin £45, Piston 3. Original Penguin Socks £10 ICE Menswear • 4. Barbour Travel Mug £10, Jingo 5. Clinique for Men Starter Kit £12, House of Fraser
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The Home 1. 3. 2.
6. 7. 4.
5.
FOR HOME 1.Photography Voucher Image 2019 £189, Sub Studio Photography • 2. Le Creuset £99, Cookmate 3. ACQUA DI PARMA Room Diffuser 180ml £60, Pockets • 4. 3D Message in a Bottle Christmas card £4.99, Iapetus 5. Christmas Double Oven Gloves £19.95, Joules • 6. Christmas Apron £21.95, Joules • 7. Jellycat Medium Liza Reindeer £31.95, Cornucopia
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1.
2.
5.
3.
4.
FOR KIDS 1.Christmas Skittles £14, Reindeer Baby Sleepsuit £17, JoJo Maman Bébé • 2. Dexter the Digger£34.99, Noah’s Ark Shape Sorter £25.99, Wise Owl Toys 3. Duplo Submarine Adventure £18, Lego Mars Exploration £25 Toys and Games • 4. Dobble £12.99, Wise Owl Toys 5. Reindeer Toy £14, M&S
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Deck the Halls D
ecorating your home is one of the most exciting parts of Christmas
and for many it’s steeped in as much tradition as the big day itself.
We’ve found the city’s best festive decor to help you achieve an enviably
stylish look, from tree toppers and ornaments to candles and garlands.
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C
F
E
P
ement Angel Small £5.99
E
mma Bridgewater HoHoHo half Pint Mug £19.95
mma Bridgewater Winter Animals Medium Oblong Plate £39.95
elt Christmas Tree Stocking £16.95
lum and Ashby Advent Scented Candle £23.95
M
ilners Lantern Small £13.95 Large £19.95
S
mall and Large Christmas tree decorations Small £7.99 Large £11.95
J
ellycat Medium Felicity Reindeer £23.95
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PERSHORE PATTY GLOBE Modern Bistro is a family owned independent restaurant and bar located on Friar Street in Worcester city centre. Proprietors Clare and Steve Bullock only opened the doors in January 2019 when they were certain that every detail had been perfected during months of restoration work the upmarket restaurant now boasts a 5 star rating, and is currently ranked the #1 restaurant in Worcester on TripAdvisor.
Our second visit to GLOBE was back
A side of padron peppers, seared
in the summer when we booked
with sea salt came with smoky
in for dinner on a busy Saturday
tomato ketchup (£5). All of the dishes
evening. The menu offered a good
were freshly cooked, the portion
selection of classic hearty dishes
sizes were very generous and we
alongside a more traditional French
felt that the pricing was on point.
style cuisine. The wine list appeared to be very well thought out with a fair
During our visit Steve was present in
range in price as well as highlighting
the restaurant talking to customers,
vegan and organic options.
and the waiting staff were very welcoming. The attention to detail
My starter choice of the twice baked
in the interior design makes
cheese & spring onion soufflé (£7)
the restaurant a very pleasant
was decadent, yet somehow seemed
and unique dining environment
surprisingly light, as well as being a
for Worcester city centre.
great gluten free option. Across the table were the pan fried duck livers
GLOBE works closely with suppliers
served with green leaves, smoked
to provide the finest, freshest,
bacon lardons, croutons, French
quality ingredients and offers an
dressing, and a soft poached egg (£8).
informal dining ‘rendezvous’. The changing menus are carefully created
To follow I opted for the Kedgeree
depending on the availability of
Fishcake (£16), and my dining partner
seasonal produce. A set menu is
chose the dry-aged Hereford sirloin
available on Thursday evening only,
steak which had been pan cooked with
and is also served on Friday and
rosemary, thyme & butter, and was
Saturday from 12 noon-3 pm (two
served with beer battered onion rings,
courses £18 / three courses £24).
hand cut fries & green salad (£28).
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WHY SKIPTON • 30 years’ experience in long-term financial planning • Affordable and accessible financial advice • Recommendations tailored to you • No pressure to act
S TA R T 2 0 2 0 O N T H E R I G H T F O O T GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER W I T H N O - O B L I G AT I O N A D V I C E .
We’re right here to help you feel more in control of your finances – and more importantly, your financial future. You don’t have to pay anything for an initial consultation. A charge will only apply if you choose a recommendation
There’s no better time to get organised than at the start of the
– and whether you take our advice is entirely up to you.
year. And if sorting through your finances is amongst your New Year’s resolutions, Skipton Building Society are here to help.
By investing with advice from Skipton, the aim is to grow your money by a greater extent than is available through
Through our simple, award-winning video service or an in-
cash savings accounts. Although funds are not like bank
branch appointment, you can chat to us about your financial
and building society savings accounts. It does mean placing
situation, and what you want from your money over the
your capital at risk, as its value can fall as well as rise
long-term. We’ll get you thinking about important financial
and you may get back less than you originally invest.
needs. Check your current savings and investments. And help you develop a financial plan that’s right for you.
For more information or if you’d like to arrange a review, call your local Worcester branch on 01905 29533
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WINE MERCHANTS
MALPAS STALLARD LIMITED SINCE 1807
Worcester’s Wine Merchants for Centuries.
THE CELLARS, FISH ST. WORCESTER WR1 2HN
We are an old-established family
Meursault to Macon
wine business with a loyal retail
Port to Puligny
and wholesale clientele, trading
Sauternes to Sauvignon
from our shop and cellars in the
Champagne to Chablis
centre of Worcester, with easy
Gin to Ginger
access and parking on site – a
Whisky to Water
friendly welcome awaits.
Malbec to Merlot
As well
as supplying parties and functions
Claret to Cointreau
on a Sale or Return basis, we have a
Chardonnay to Chenin
wide selection of wines and are well
Vintage to Viognier
known as vintage port specialists.
We have it all !
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set to land at Christmas is coming and Santa is set to park his sleigh at Worcester’s Crowngate Shopping Centre! Santa is coming to Worcester again and
returning to Crowngate Shopping Centre.
this Christmas You’ll have the chance to meet Santa
Don’t have the time to visit Crowngate?
as enjoy lots of free festive fun, every
Collect service so you can order online
and his helpers on Friary Walk, as well weekend in December and Monday
23 December. Visitors can also make
a wish at Crowngate’s Christmas tree wall and be in with chance to win a
special prize on their Wishmas Wagon. Whilst you’re there don’t forget to
pick up the perfect Christmas gift for
family, friends or a loved one. Whether it’s a stylish new outfit from House
of Fraser, an indulgent giftset from
Santa and his elves will officially arrive on
The Body Shop or the latest vinyl
make their way on a city-wide parade
something for everyone at Crowngate.
Saturday 30 November in Worcester and down High Street and into Crowngate’s
Chapel Walk, before heading onto Broad
Street and into Crowngate’s Friary Walk.
release from HMV, you’re sure to find
Round off the perfect day by treating the family to a delicious meal or
Christmas drinks at Bill’s, Wildwood, GBK or Anatolian Palace!
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Many of the stores offer a Click and
from the comfort of your home and pick up in store at a time that suits you.
For more information on Crowngate’s Christmas opening times, festive
offers and events please visit www.
crowngate-worcester.co.uk and to find us use WR1 3LX on your sat nav.
Search for Crowngate Worcester or visit Crowngate-worcester.co.uk
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CE L E BR ATE I N S TYL E CÔTE BRASSERIE
BOLERO BAR AND KITCHEN
Enjoy un bon repas at Côte Brasserie this Christmas. Serving
Bolero Bar and Kitchen on Worcester’s Foregate Street offers
to order with the freshest ingredients, diners can enjoy
beers, wines and champagnes, to cocktails and cognacs, in
a carefully selected range of authentic French fare, all made authentic gallic gastronomy at this High Street restaurant.
an unrivalled drinks menu, ranging from specially selected
a relaxed atmosphere. Its wines are all individually selected
Offering everything from quick breakfasts to lingering three-
from renowned vineyards and knowledgeable staff are at hand
and the famous french flare is unmistakable.
tastes or to accompany your meal, should you choose to dine.
course dinners, all of Côte Brasserie’s food is made with love
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to help you choose the right beverage to suit your drinking
THE DIGLIS HOUSE HOTEL Christmas is undoubtedly a time to meet up with old
friends, renew acquaintances and to enjoy the company
of family. At Diglis House Hotel, we offer you the chance to make these celebrations stress free. You can choose
to meet over one of our famous festive lunches or enjoy the fun of a party night, book a table for our relaxed
Christmas Day lunch or enjoy a sophisticated New Year’s Eve Gala Ball celebration in the Seymour Suite.
CENTENARY LOUNGE This Art Deco-inspired cafĂŠ-tearoom recaptures all the
glamour of the 1930s railways; the golden age of travel.
Housed in an elegant five storey Grade II listed Georgian building, Centenary Lounge on The Cross is a charming venue for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, or make a night of it with cocktails in the private party space.
VELVET AND TRAMPS NIGHTCLUBS Velvet and Tramps Nightclubs, Angel Place, have longbeen known as the destinations for late night dancing in Worcester, so where better a final destination for your Christmas party - especially if you take advantage of their VIP packages. If you want some food first, why not try their restaurant - Mode Sports Bar and Grill, also in Angel Place.
WORC EAT SLEEP Located on the banks of the River Severn you will find the stunning venue of Browns at the Quay, the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing festive break. Each of the hotel's 11 en-suite rooms have been tastefully decorated with a keen eye for detail, ensuring you have all you need to enjoy your stay at Browns. You will receive a glass of prosecco on arrival, and you are welcome to take advantage of their delicious รก la carte menu and dine in their accompanying restaurant, or simply enjoy your favourite drink at the bar.
ROOMS FROM ยฃ95 PER NIGHT 24 Quay St, Worcester WR1 2JN
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CHRISTMAS, THE TIME TO SPARKLE Find the perfect Christmas gift at Anja Potze Fine Jewellery in Friar Street. With a stunning choice of jewellery collections, you’ll be sure to bring an extra sprinkle of festive cheer to that special person in your life in the shape of a little blue box.
18ct White Gold FOPE Flex’It Prima Bracelet
£1,850
Yellow Gold Vermeil Pearl Hook Earrings
£295
18CT White Blue Topaz Drop Earrings, 10.99CTS
£1,695
Diamond Stud Earrings
£225
ANJAPOTZE.COM / FRIAR ST. WORCESTER 43
WHAT’S ON
There is so much to see and do in Worcester but here is a small selection of great events coming up...
Huntingdon Hall ST AGNES FOUNTAIN 3 December. 7.30pm Performing “rhythmed-up” carols and Christmas music, interspersed with laughter and spoken word. St Agnes Fountain bring sparkling musicianship, humour and heartfelt renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes. THE PETE BODDIS COUNTRY BAND – AND OUR LOVE WILL EXCEED IT ALL 7 December 7.30pm Join Top Midlands country songwriter Pete Boddis for a wonderful evening of music and entertainment. Prepare to hear lots of your favourites along with some new original songs!
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THE ALBION CHRISTMAS BAND 12 December, 7.30pm The Albion Christmas Show is a seasonal mixture of carols, spoken word, humorous readings and dance. It really is the perfect way to start your festivities. T.REXTASY 13 December, 7.30pm The world’s only official tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan and T.Rex. T.Rextasy recreates all the iconic hits totally live and with the energy and passion that all fans will enjoy!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL BY CHARLES DICKENS 19 December, 7.30pm Brought to life in a one-man performance by actor and writer Nick Wilkes, this dramatic and heart-warming adaptation of one of the most beloved Christmas tales is storytelling at its finest. JB’S 12TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FEATURING SPENCER JAMES AND FRIENDS 20 December, 7.30pm This festive concert, hosted by John Banner, will see Spencer and friends take to the stage for what promises to be a truly special evening of entertainment.
JAMIE KNIGHT & THE MANUKA BAND 21 December, 7.30pm Don’t miss Jamie and his band for their amazing Christmas show where they will be playing a mixture of popular Christmas songs plus a range of swing and pop classics! ENGLISH STRING ORCHESTRA 14 December, 7.30pm One of the UK's most popular violinists, ESO leader Zoë Beyers directs this festive concert featuring the evergreen works of the string orchestra repertoire by Corelli, Bach, Warlock and Vaughan Williams. BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST 18 December, 7.30pm Take traditional folk music, add some classical, pop and music hall, and top it off with lashings of wry humour and you have the celebrated Christmas show from Belshazzar’s Feast! MIKE SANCHEZ AND HIS BAND 5 December 7.30pm Singer and pianist Mike Sanchez is one of the most exciting performers of Rhythm & Blues and Rock 'n' Roll in the world today. Don’t miss this incredible evening of live music!
Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum CRAFTED FOR YOU 16 November – 4 January Monday – Saturday, 10.30am – 4.30pm, entry is free Featuring an exquisite array of jewellery, textiles, ceramics and other handmade craftsmanship, created by artists from across Worcestershire. WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ARTISTS 72ND ANNUAL EXHIBITION 7 December - 11 January Monday – Saturday, 10.30am – 4.30pm, entry is free Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum The Society of Artists exhibition is a great opportunity to see a fabulous and eclectic selection of art created by local artists. CRAFTED FOR YOU CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 7 December, 11am - 1pm Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum Join us for a festive drink and mince pie, get 10% off purchases all day in the Crafted for You exhibition and the Shop and enjoy the opening of the Worcester Society of Artist Exhibition.
POTS OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC 21 December , 11am – 3pm Join us to decorate a pot, roll a beeswax candle and wrap it in style – the perfect Christmas gift! No booking required, just £3 per person for materials.
The Commandery 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TRAIL THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Come and join the 12 Days of Christmas Scavenger Hunt. Free to join and a perfect way to explore The Commandery this December. MAKE AND CREATE FOR CHRISTMAS 7th, 8th, 21st & 22nd December, 10am – 5pm Friday – Saturday, 1pm – 5pm Sunday Free children’s craft activities, make a beautiful Christmas candle holder as a gift and design your own Christmas card too! EVENT NAME TWIXMAS CRAFT 27th - 29th December, 10am – 5pm Friday – Saturday, 1pm – 5pm Sunday Bring in your old Christmas wrapping paper to recycle into gift bows to use next year and wish that special someone a Happy New Year by creating a firework card.
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The Swan Theatre
The Guildhall
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
CHRISTMAS INDEPENDENT LATE NIGHT SHOPPING EVENT
2 December – 5 January, Various times Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to the Swan we go for another magical family pantomime! Packed full of panto treats galore, don’t miss this allsinging, all-dancing spectacular! A PICTURE OF ‘ELF 11 December – 21 st December (excl. Sunday 15th December), 7.45pm (Saturday Matinees 2.30pm) Vesta Tilley Studio, The Swan Theatre The Worcester Repertory Company presents this heartwarming holiday story that encourages us all to look after our mental ‘elf.
Cathedral Square
5 December, 4pm to 9pm Worcester BID is enhancing the customer experience of late night shopping by bringing Worcester’s well-loved independents to the High Street for an evening of Christmas shopping, live music and festive drinks. CRAFT FAIR 14 December and 21 December 09:00 – 17:00 Gifts for everyone, from cards to embroidery, paintings and beyond – all created by talented local craftspeople.
Heroes Bar ALTERNATIVE ARTIST’S MARKET
LANTERN PARADE Thurs 5 Dec, 5.30pm The Hive's Lantern Parade is a wonderful family event! Starting at Cathedral Square, the parade will make its way to The Hive spreading Christmas cheer along the way.
7 December, 3-7pm Showcasing local alternative artists and crafts people. Weird, wonderful, unique one offs and limited edition pieces. Prints, paintings, jewellery, ornamental art and beyond
The Hive TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS CRAFT ACTIVITY Sat 7 Dec, 11am-3pm The Hive Children's Library Children can create the Pomander, an authentic Elizabethan Christmas decoration to take home. Suitable for ages 6-12. Booking required. THE LOST PRESENT…A CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE! 7 Dec, 11:30am and 2pm, The Hive Studio Elva sets out on a journey to find her best friend on Christmas Eve. Written especially for children and brought to life using handmade puppets, original music and delightful storytelling, this family show is presented by Topsy Turvy Theatre and is suitable for ages 2-7 and families. Booking required. CHRISTMAS OPEN MIC NIGHT 12 December, 7pm Join the University of Worcester Creative Writing Department for a Christmas open mic event. Hosted by Dr Jack McGowan…sign up for a slot on the night. Suitable for ages 16+
Further details and booking information for all events can be found at: www.visitworcester.co.uk 46
The fairest pantomime of them all!
Direct from Hairspray and the West End’s Matilda The Musical
Oliver Brooks as Muddles
Ben Humphrey as Dame Ginny™ Geneviève Lowe as Snow White
Featuring Harry Potter’s
Imelda Staunton
as the voice of the Magic Mirror
WORCESTER REPERTORY COMPANY PRESENTS:
Charlie Ryan as Herman John-Robert the Henchman Partridge as Wicked Queen Grizelda
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www.visitworcester.co.uk
Visit Worcester