Epigram 341 - The Croft

Wellbeing The perfect plants to power your health | p. 8

Food An honest review of burgers | p.11

Style Shelby style to get you suited and booted | p.14

Travel Staycation tips for weekends in Bristol | p.20

the croft

Millennial Purple Our guide to the AW19 trend that’s bound to turn heads

the croft issue 2 | october 14 2019

Editor Daisy Farrow Deputy Editor Hendrike Rahtz Digital Editor Emma Holding

the croft editor’s no tes

W

Lilac dreams - Style anticipates the colour that will take this season by storm on pg.17

ith Freshers’ Week behind us, a daily routine of lectures, readings, and weekends at the pub has gradually crept back into my life. I love this routine, but I also love trying something new - which lead me to become Digital Editor of The Croft this year. Just beginning my final year at university, I am aware more than ever of all the possibilities our wonderful little city has to offer.

Each year I have tried new things, whether it’s simply trying out a new food spot in the city, a new hairstyle, or something larger like trying out a new sport - or joining the Epigram editorial team. Each year, and each new thing I’ve done, I’ve learnt a little more about myself. One thing being that I do not like sport enough to train on cold winter evenings!

I hope that this issue of The Croft inspires someone to try something new as well. Over the next few pages you will find help to decide which society to join (actually join, not just be on one of the many mailing lists you signed up to at Freshers’ Fair), looks from Tokyo World in Style to inspire a new term wardrobe addition, and Travel take a look at biweekly bilingualism - ever thought about learning a language?

One of the most important things I have got involved with since starting uni is student activism. There are so many things in the world which need to be set straight, and when better to start than now? And where better to start than bustling Bristol? Coming from a small and sleepy seaside town, it was harder to find people who shared my views and values, and opportunities to express them - but here the possibilities are endless.

Rosie Brandreth - Food interviews the Bake-Off star on pg.10

2

Christmas Steps- Curl up with a copy of The Croft after a wet and windy start to the academic year

Plants- Wellbeing reviews the top 5 plants to have a healthier bedroom on pg.8

On page 4 our Subeditor Rosa tells you all about the Reclaim the Night campaign in Bristol, an important time for women to come together against inequality and sexual violence. There will also be lots on in Bristol this October for Black History Month, around the city and on campus with events held by the BME network.

So, although routine can be a comfortable retreat in a busy and overwhelming student lifestyle, don’t get too comfortable. It is important to step out of your comfort zone, and into new communities and new responsibilities, like getting involved with student activism. Or if this seems like too much, start small - the Food section has a great new recipe this issue.

Emma Holding The Croft Digital Editor

Mauritius - Discover beautiful film sets with Travel on pg.21

Dear

consult

“

‘Condom PTSD’

I don’t use condoms. Why, you ask? Well, for a start I’m on the pill. Secondly, because of this event. Last week I hooked up with a guy from bumble (no shame), but for some reason when it came to getting down and dirty he couldn’t get a condom on. Not because he was too big (a problem which would be nice to have) but because he was too... small? Or soft? Either way, they kept coming off and I assumed they had fallen on the floor or got tangled in the sheets. Cut to the next morning, I get up and shower. Feeling a little uncomfortable “down there”. I have a rummage... and find a condom got STUCK IN ME. I had gone to sleep with a used condom in me.

Thankfully I found it before something seriously bacterial started happening down there. Now, I’m sworn off condoms for life. I have condom PTSD.

“ Epigram/ Daisy Farrow

“

‘Cuckold kink’

I am not kink shaming, but some things are just not for me. I met this guy the other night from a dating app and we had the most amazing - and weird - sex ever. Like it was crazy, the type where it has you imagining your wedding day together. But the entire time we were doing it he would only say ‘oh yeah baby’ monotonously, like an adult version of one of the dolls where you pull a string and it says a catchphrase.

But then it got worse. The next day he messaged asking if I wanted round two - and of course I said yes, because, weird dirty talk aside, the sex was good. Until he then told me that by round two, he meant that he wanted me to have sex with his best friend while he watched. Needless to say, I said no.

Moral of the story: crazy sex can sometimes be too crazy, no matter how good.

thecroft...

I’m going into third year now and I’m already panicking about next year… I don’t get on well with my family and really don’t want to move home when I graduate. What should I do?

Think of it this way, you have a whole year to figure it out. You have time to discover other options than living at home, right now it is too soon to be worrying about that! Try to focus on your degree for your final year. You may find you want to do a masters, which means moving somewhere else or even staying in Bristol. Or, actively look for job opportunities that are not based near your family home so you live away from them by default.

Rent is expensive, yes, but it is becoming easier and easier to find flatmates wherever you are. For now, I would try to enjoy your final year at university, but if you are really worried about moving home, don’t sit around worrying about it - make changes that would actively help it.

I’m 22 and a virgin… and no one knows. But I feel like a freak.

There is no ‘set age’ to lose your virginity, nor is there a deadline by which you should have lost it. At uni there exists a huge sex culture which is hard to ignore, but I think you should definitely not feel like a freak because it doesn’t make you one! There are more people out there than you think who also aren’t admitting they haven’t had sex either. If you haven’t told anyone because you are worried about their reaction, then they are not very good friends. People’s opinions on your own body are irrelevant - and it is better to not be having sex than be having unwanted sex because you feel like you have to.

Love, your Editors x

“

Have a story to submit to Bristol in Bed? Or a burning question for Consult the Croft? We are taking submissions by anonymous Google Forms, available on The Croft’s Facebook Writers’ Group.

3

A woman’s walk

However, the calls, stares, and advances that myself and my friends receive leaving clubs and making our way home forever reminds me that when walking alone at night I am a target. Walking in the march with many like-minded people who have

experienced similar feelings shows me that there is much solidarity in this experience. One way to increase the feelings of safety of women is for allies to speak out when they notice catcalling, intimidation, and men following women home. More allies need to attend the march to hear the voices of the people that experience this intimidation. The march is an amazing way for people who have experienced fear walking home to connect and share stories. But unless more allies attend and get involved, women will continue to face harassment and fear walking alone. Allies desperately need to get involved to drive change.

A Woman’s Walk

by Rosa Stevens

I notice how men walk.

I don’t notice how women walk.

Men walk Stalking.

Watching eyes Assessing for weaknesses Keep together, stay in a group Walking alone is your fault I listen for the steps Quickening, closer I notice how men walk.

U

Bristol S

4

“

The march felt like an amazing ‘fuck you’ to all the men that leer at me when I’m walking alone

“

marched with Reclaim the Night for the first time 2 years ago.

You’ve probably heard countless female friends talking about how they’re getting home and making sure no girl is going off on their own. Travelling in groups, uber-ing, or catching the last bus is always seen as the safer option.

Reclaim the Night first made me feel safe in Bristol, a city that was completely new to me. The march felt like an amazing ‘fuck you’ to all the men that leer at me when I’m walking alone in the dark. A massive middle finger to the guys that turn and stare, or shout across the road at me at 2am. The most crucial part of the march is the diverse groups of people that all want to feel safer walking alone in the dark. It’s mostly women that attend, but of course all other genders are represented as well.

The electric atmosphere of the march, complete with banners

and feminist messages, literally makes it feel you’re literally reclaiming the streets of Bristol for yourself.

Walking alone at night makes me very aware of being a young woman, a feeling I’m sure is shared by many other groups. The shame associated with woman walking alone at night places the full blame on the woman for not getting home ‘safely’. There have been many times where I haven’t wanted or been able to pay for a taxi. I shouldn’t have to pay to get home, just because of how other people might act late at night.

After doing the march each year, I do feel far more confident walking at night, especially as my knowledge of Bristol increases.

Epigram / Hendrike Rahtz

I

Unsplash / Roya Ann Miller

Rosa Stevens reflects on her experience at previous Reclaim the Night marches in anticipation of the upcoming 2019 campaign

Halls to house: what to expect o you’ve flown the nest (again), waved goodbye to halls and moved into your house. Sure, student accommodation serves a purpose, but having a more homely place to live with people you’ve actually chosen to live with is a wonderful thing. A house provides you with liberties unavailable to you before, however there are also more responsibilities.

Cleaning inspections are a thing of the past, which means standards now depend solely on the cleanliness of you and your housemates - I hope you chose wisely. Generally, the kitchen will be a borderline biohazard, with the hob being covered in a thick layer of grease that even Mr Muscle can’t hack, and the sink still clogged with last month’s takeaway leftovers. The rose-tinted lens through which you chose your house will soon fade as your quirky Redland flat falls into a constant state of disrepair, resulting in your landlord becoming your most frequent phone contact.

Oh and almost forgot (ironically), don’t forget the bins! Otherwise the kitchen and front garden will soon become a wasteland of takeaway boxes and empty cans. This will probably attract you a few new housemates: mice. Once you see a mouse in the kitchen you’ll probably wish that cleaning rota your housemate wrote at the start of the year was still tacked neatly to the fridge.

Your living room is a sacred space which will soon be (if it isn’t already) covered in bunting and fairy lights. Movie nights and binge-watching TV shows will be a weekly, if not daily, occurrence.

The living room is a place of many possibilities: relaxing, eating, drinking tea, drinking alcohol, passing out after a long day at uni or a long night at Lounge. But naturally, the living room and/or kitchen will also be a hotspot for messy house parties; making you feel like an underaged teen again, minus the WKD’s but not the angry neighbours.

Over the course of the next year, you and your housemates will often resemble an imperfect, dysfunctional modern family. This family will be complete with unresolved passive aggressive arguments, which often stem from petty issues such as cleaning debates and irritating living habits. But mostly you will put up with each other’s annoying ways for the greater good.

A ‘head of the family’ will also emerge; a leader who bravely takes charge of bills and other formalities such as complaining to the landlord, much to everyone else’s relief. And at the end of it all, hopefully no one will need a divorce.

Epigram / Leah Martindale

S

Claudia Dupé walks you through second year living expectations

Which society should you join?

As there are so many societies to choose from, the prospect of finding one to suit you can be daunting! Take this quiz to discover which group will be your best fit Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

As a team!

Alone!

Do you consider yourself athletic?

Do you want something low commitment?

Yes

Would you consider a sports society?

I don’t mind

Not my thing

Are you looking for something relaxing?

Solo work but with a group?

Soothe me!

Not necessarily

I’d say yes Definitely not

Hell yeah Do you have any strong passions?

Something

Something

competitive?

new?

Academics

The environment

You got...

You got...

You got...

The Natural Health Society

The NERF Society

The Conservation Group

The Knitting Society

The Capoeira Society

Roots Gardening Society

The Pottery society

The Quidditch Society

The Caving Society

You got...

The Baking Society The Wine Society The Wild Swimming Society

You got...

You got...

The Boxing Society

The Politics Society

The Cheerleading Society

The Debating Union

The Fencing Society

The Free Speech Society

5

Wellbeing

Editor Bethany Harris Deputy Editor Rosie Angel-Clark Digital Editor Diana Toma

A letter to ‘the lost creatives’: the benefits of art for happiness

W

hen I came to Uni one of my priorities was to keep some form of creativity in my life, having done Art all throughout school at GCSE and A-level. Especially in first year – which at times can be stressful, lonely and confusing – I found it invaluable to set aside a time each week for what I consider practical mindfulness.

In my first term I discovered the 8x8 course, run by local artist Ella Bryant, through the art society. Each week we learnt a new technique ranging from watercolours and badgemaking to sculpture and natural light photography in a relaxed yet informative environment. I came to view 8x8 as my own personal art therapy which gave me the opportunity to work practically with my hands, shutting my brain off and escaping from the intensity of first year.

I enjoyed 8x8 so much that I continued to do it in second term, working with yet more new materials and meeting new creatively likeminded people. When I speak about creatively minded people, however, I don’t just mean people who are good at fine art; this is why we have recently changed our name from UOB Fine Art Society to the simple UOB Art Society because we believe all the arts should be celebrated.

I want to stress the fact that you do not need to be ‘good’ at art to take part in any of the courses we have to offer.

Students taking part range from engineers to historians: what they have in common is the practical urge to inspire their otherwise stagnantly academic minds through art. I recommend this practice of creative mindfulness to anyone who needs more relaxation in their life – it is guaranteed to improve your happiness and therefore your productiveness.

In second year I decided to branch out a bit more and try something different; namely Art School, run through the society. At first I was hesitant, purely because the name sounded like a little too much extra work. However, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made since coming to Uni. I was still able to have the practical creative outlet for four of the eight weeks of the course, where a different local artist did a workshop with us in the style of their own practice. On top of that they gave an informal talk on their life as an artist which was inspiring, especially since universities don’t always give us the insight into feasible art careers besides marketing. Furthermore, it is fundamental to our personal development (and therefore our wellbeing) to listen to others’ life experiences which in turn contribute to our own.

However, the best part of Art School was the student

6

UOB Art Society / Phoebe Rodway

Phoebe Rodway shares how creative mindfulness can provide calm

organised exhibition we put on at the end of term at The Arts House Café in Stokes Croft. The intimate venue, in a living room-like basement, was the perfect opportunity to mix and mingle with our friends from both in and outside the course, but most importantly, to experience the sense of pride gained from seeing our own art on the wall. This feeling of pride contributed to my sense of life fulfilment and nourishment of my mental health, especially since it was a low stress event to curate. As a result, this year the Art Society courses will be coming together for a larger scale exhibition in collaboration with Nightline where anybody is welcome to sign up and put their work on the wall too – member or not!

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of the course this year!

Now, as president of the Art Society, it is important for me to share the knowledge of the benefits of creative mindfulness and wellbeing, and to reach all the lost creatives at the University of Bristol. It is important for everybody, ‘arty’ or not, to set aside time to be practical and innovative in order to have good mental health. This is why I want to set up an Open Studio, which will be a drop-in session, without the commitment of an 8 week course, where anybody is welcome to come and have access to materials which are too expensive for the average student to buy themselves, and to create, surrounded by like-minded people.

I want to build a creative community for our university, which was not necessarily present in my first year, in which everybody is welcome. So like our Facebook page to be the first to know about upcoming news and instalments from the Art Society! @artsocUOB

Life after university: graduate blues Isaac Haigh reveals that for some, life after graduation is not always easy

T

hroughout life many transitions take place: from a new job, to moving to a new city and starting a family. These transitions offer many new opportunities for growth and development, but they can also be a great challenge. One of the key transitions talked about at university surrounds the move to university: alone in a new city and a completely alien way of doing things. Much has been spoken about this key transition stage in regards to mental health, and rightly so, but there is another key

transition: life after university.

After three, four or even five years at a university people naturally start to gain a sense of belonging to their new found city, they build up a support network and develop habits that go with the university lifestyle. Graduation day is a day of great achievement, pride and celebration but those feelings quickly make way for what comes next. People can have very different experiences depending on whether they have anything lined up next.

Recent graduates of chemistry give their experiences to Epigram Harry spoke to Epigram about how he felt on graduation day: ‘Surreal, this is it, this is what I’ve been working for. All the photos and your gown. I always had an image of what graduation is like and then real life starts. Seeing everyone again, seeing everyone get their degrees, everyone worked so hard. Felt strange saying goodbye to Bristol’ Harry told Epigram about moving back home after four years away, saying it was a ‘strange’ experience. ‘Partly feels like a step backwards. So lucky I can move back home and I don’t have to pay rent. Feel like I shouldn’t be relying on my parents. Been applying for jobs. Looking for jobs online [...] is so demoralising.[...] Feel like you’ve been to uni, you’ve done really well and you think you’re going to walk into a job. But it’s really competitive.

It’s not easy to get on a grad scheme.

I’m in a big city but there’s not endless jobs.’

However, some feel like graduate schemes can be very helpful.

Sarah, now on a graduate scheme for a large company, spoke to Epigram about her wellbeing support.

‘They encourage you to talk. They promote doing your hours but taking regular breaks and there is very much a team culture. They really encourage collaboration, they want you to help each other out. I know if I’m struggling I can turn to someone.’

Jen graduated last year and has since had a gap year. ‘It was like being released like a wild animal into the world. I had a plan that I would take a gap year and my life would fall into place but that didn’t happen.’

Whilst graduate schemes are a popular choice for graduates to go into, Fran, another chemistry graduate, spoke about how she’s looking for jobs now.

Fran described the job search as ‘disheartening’. However, she felt the break had ‘given her time to think.’ She went on to say, ‘At the beginning of the year everyone’s applying to grad schemes because everyone else is and that’s the thing to do.

Now I don’t think they’re for me.’

Should the University do more to help ease the transition?

All who were interviewed said that if something could be done they were not sure what that could be and whether it’s the university’s responsibility.

‘They could but I’m not sure if it’s their problem. We pay them for an education. We’re not in school anymore. It’s a business transaction. It would be nice but I’m not sure they’re responsible. [...] I don’t know at what point [students] should take responsibility and become adults,’ Jen told Epigram.

7

Top five plants for a healthier bedroom Bethany Harris reveals there’s more to plants than beauty

Valerian

With beautiful pink and white flowers and lush green leaves, Valerian is guaranteed to turn your room from drab to fab, and if sleep is a struggle then this is the plant for you. For many years, Valerian has been used as a cure for insomnia.

However, in recent years, studies have revealed that the scent of Valerian root actually enhances sleep.

Lavender

Unsplash / Joyce Toh

Whilst lavender looks and smells great, it may be better suited to those with a green thumb as it is slightly more difficult to care for, requiring direct light and warmth. The benefits, however, are definitely worth the added care.

It’s well known that lavender scent is a great relaxing agent, however it is also a great stress reducer. This is because it lowers heart rate and blood pressure. Lavender is, therefore, an amazing bedroom plant to encourage deeper sleep.

8

Air purifiers

Aloe vera has many uses. Not only does it make a great face mask and treatment for burns but it’s also one of the best plants for air purification.

This is because it carries out a type of photosynthesis known as CAM photosynthesis which allows it to carry out the majority of gas exchange at night. Therefore, it removes the carbon dioxide in your breath from the air at night whilst you sleep. Upon exposure to light, these plants will then release oxygen back into the air again, improving the air quality. However, the plant power of aloe vera doesn’t end there - it’s also great at removing harmful volatile organic compounds from its surroundings. On top of all that, aloe plants look great and give a room a real clean, fresh aesthetic.

Unsplash / Stephanie Harvey

Sleep improvers

Aloe Vera

Peace Lily

Peace lilies have elegant white flowers and are incredibly easy to take care of as they require relatively little light and water - great for a student bedroom. Like aloe vera, peace lilies are also amazing air cleaners. More specifically, these plants increase the a i r humidity of any room that they are kept in. This isw perfect for a bedroom as increased humidity will greatly increase the quality of your sleep.

Higher humidity reduces the amount of moisture that evaporates from the skin, helping to prevent dry skin and hair.

Spider Plant

Epigram

D

oes your bedroom need a splash of colour?

Houseplants may not only be the solution to a dull interior but could also provide you with a range of health benefits. However, knowing which plants to go for can be a tricky decision. Here are five beautiful plants to add to your shopping list for a healthier and happier bedroom.

Spider plants are a great choice for those with limited lighting. The resilience of these plants means that they will thrive in almost any bedroom and not only this, but they also look great in pots so can really personalize a room. Their main benefit, however, is their ability to purify the air by producing oxygen and removing carbon monoxide, xylene and formaldehyde – a common component in hairspray!

Overall, spider plants are great for wellbeing and are said to increase productivity and decrease stress. So, if you study in your bedroom, this plant may be a good choice for you.

Wellbeing Network

The University’s Wellbeing Network tells us what they’re here to do for you What to look out for in the coming term 10 October •

1. Promote good wellbeing

Organising events and campaigns to raise awareness of different mental health problems. These include speaker events, giveaways, social activities, challenges, social media promotions, pub quizzes, showcases, gigs, demonstrations… get in touch if you or your society would like to hold an event as we would be very happy to support you!

November

2. Improve the processes and services that affect student wellbeing and mental health

• • • • • •

3. Increase awareness of different mental health services available within and outside the university

• • •

We encourage all students to share their experiences and suggestions.

If you have used a service outside the university which you think other students might find helpful, we would love to hear from you.

Get in touch

Me nt a

lh

e

International Stress Awareness Week Stress at work talk – Friska Alcohol Awareness Week Panel event Nightline Awareness Week Gratitude Happiness Hub – Friska

December

Happy Holidays LGBT+ Wellbeing Workshop Nightline Active Listening Workshop

All term

• •

Email: wellbeingnetworkbristol@gmail.com Social media: Bristol SU Wellbeing Network

World Mental Health Day #helloyellow for the charity Young Minds. Wear something yellow to show your support of our campaign. Start conversations and tell people why you’re wearing yellow. Share a photo of your outfit and tag us! Come and find us in the SU Living Room to get yourself some yellow cakes and other merchandise, and to donate.

Free weekly yoga sessions at the Botanic Garden.

Regular open forums to discuss current issues and take feedback to the University. The first will be run at the end of October.

Useful numbers and websites to bookmark! s e ic v r h se Samaritans alt Students Health Service 0117 3302 720

116 123 / 0117 983 1000 / jo@samaritans.org

Mind infoline 0300 123 3393 Bristol MindLine 0808 8080330

E BM

Bristol SU BME Network The BME Collective

Bristol SU Wellbeing Network Disability Services

Bristol Nightline 01179 266 266

Muslim Youth Helpline 0808 808 2008

Bristol SU Disabled Students’ Network

Bristol Mental Health Crisis Line 0300 555 0334

Bristol SU LGBT+ Network

Big White Wall digital support service

LGBT Bristol

Papyrus HopeLine 0800 068 4141, text 07786209697 / pat@papyrus-uk.org

Bristol Mind LGBT Support

VitaMinds 0333 200 1893

For victims of rape and sexual assault The Bridge 0117 342 6999

For victims of violence and abuse Bristol Against Violence and Abuse (BAVA)

Service s

Bristol SU Trans Network Bristol Mind Trans+ Support MindLine Trans+ 0300 330 5468 Crossroads Transgender Support Group

Serv ices

What are the aims?

LG BT +

T

he Wellbeing Network works to ensure that students’ wellbeing needs are met by the university, as well as to raise awareness of mental health through campaigns and events.

9

Food

Editor Virginia Campbell Deputy Editor Emma Bayley-Melendez Digital Editor Hannah Ross

Bake it ‘til you make it: An interview with Rosie Brandreth

Virginia Campbell gets to know the Somerset based vet-turned-baker

b eb

Rosie’s baking passions began when she was given a children’s baking book aged Cha five. She grew up in a small town in Oxfordshire, studied at Cambridge, and now nne l4 /D lives in Somerset with her childhood-sweetheart husband and many animals. un ca When Rosie’s not treating drunken hedgehogs, performing spleen surgery n W on dogs, or on call, she’ll be baking through the night to unwind and keep the practice nurses well-fed. With a love of patisserie, a little box of mixed pastries is Rosie’s ‘go-to’ bake. Her baking is inspired by her rural surroundings, from the orchards next door, to the fresh eggs laid by her ducks and chickens.

Who encouraged you to fill out the application form to be on The Great British Bake Off? My husband! He threatened to fill it out himself if I didn’t!

What’s it like having made it into the tent?

When I heard I was accepted, the only word I can describe it as is ecstatic!

What age or time in your life did you start baking and who has inspired you?

I started baking as a small child - my grandmothers had both baked but were too old to really teach me, but their love of baking inspired me.

What is your signature bake that your family or friends love, or expect for a special occasion?

When I A big multi-tiered, multi-layered rich chocolate cake with salted caramel Italian meringue buttercream and a chocolate drip. heard I was If you were a cake – what would it be and why? accepted, the only A lemon drizzle because it doesn’t always have to be super sweet! word I can describe Which judge did you want to impress the most, and did you find Sandi and Noel a support to get you through? it as is ecstatic!

I wanted Paul to say I made good bread if I made it to bread week but I really wanted to impress Prue – she’s such a sweet person and you felt you didn’t want to let her down! Sandi and Noel were amazing – they were so friendly and genuinely caring both on and off camera!

What do you feel that you will take away from your experience on Bake Off? Cha So many cake tins! Lots of new skills and techniques and the confidence that I really can nne l4 /D bake! Also so many new friends, not just the bakers but the whole crew were so so lovely. un ca How will you watch the first episode - who will you be with and will you have made a n W cake to eat with it?

I will watch the show with family, going to have to bake for it, not the ones from the show – definitely something fresh and not judgeable!

I will be making biscuits for my dogs to enjoy/be busy with during the show each week too.

Sweet or savoury – what is your preference and why? And do you have a special name for your [sourdough]‘starter’ dough?

I prefer making sweet things – for the decorative finishes. But nothing smells as good as bread baking and eating the savoury bakes is even better! My starter is called Sammy starter and has a January birthday!

Favourite bake to make… and what would be your Desert Island Dish?

Croissants – but savoury with chilli and manchego cheese in the dough.

“

“

b eb

10

Interview courtesy of LOVE PRODUCTIONS/Shelagh Pymm

Emma Bayley-Melendez shares her opinions on Honest Burgers Super Sides

Onion Rings, £4

Honest Burgers

have to be honest when I say that with freshers coming to a close it’s natural for your culinary impulses to crave junk food. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a McDonald’s every now and then,I much prefer spending my overdraft on eateries that have locally sourced ingredients.

Slightly out of the main university area, Honest Burger is found on Broad Street, the perfect distance from Harbourside if you fancy drinks somewhere afterwards.

If the quality of their food wasn’t enough to convince you to visit, then their efforts to give back to local communities should definitely be reason enough.

If you want to associate one word with the experience you will have at Honest Burgers, then it should be: quality. Sourcing quality British beef that is distributed to each chain, the food company tries as hard as possible to make the food they serve as locally sourced as possible. From the chips you eat to the sauces you dip them in much of the food is made on site which is often such a rarity with modern eateries.

Honest Burgers balances old classics with quirkier burgers and also sources the Beyond Burger for vegans!

“

If you want to associate one word with the experience you will have at Honest Burgers, then it should be: quality.

“

I

You should honestly try these burgers

Honest Burgers

Burgers under the spotlight The Bristol Burger, £12.50 For those interested in expanding their culinary palette and sampling more local produce, ‘The Bristol’ should be your first choice. All Honest Burgers restaurants feature a local burger choice which I think massively adds to their character and desire to make your eating experience that bit more special.

This addition consists of: a beef and bacon burger with smoked cheddar & cheese curds, shoestring fries, cider and bacon gravy, onion and pickles.

Honest Burgers

This burger is the child of the Karma Cola collaboration with Honest. It consists of: beef, Karma Cola candied bacon, double American cheese, shoestring fries, Karma bacon gravy, red onions and pickles.

A pound from every sale is donated to the Karma Cola Foundation, a company who ethically source their ingredients from Sierra Leone and supports growers, farmers and their families.

Photo courtesy of Honest Burgers

Good Karma, £12.50

The Bristol Burger

The ‘Good Karma’ Burger

Ask anyone what they would eat a burger with, and most people would probably say onion rings. You can’t really go wrong but they tend to be a little boring at most restaurants.

Taking classics and putting a quirky twist on them is something that Honest Burgers prides itself on. I never would have thought to add aniseed to an onion ring - since my flavouring comfort zone is very much mixed italian herbs or salt and pepper - however, despite being slightly skeptical, I was pleasantly surprised and would recommend this unusual fusion to anyone. These were £4 for a portion and were gigantic!

White cabbage, kholrabi, carrot and pumpkin seed slaw, £3.50 Wanting to try another side that took a quirky twist on a classic we tried the white cabbage, kholrabi, carrot and pumpkin seed slaw- £3.50 for a hearty portion. This was definitely a different take on the normally vibrant and zesty classic! Whilst I didn’t totally dislike it I was slightly disappointed that it didn’t have the same punchy flavour that I am familiar with. However, it was still great to sample a wider range of food even if I wouldn’t pick this again.

A final verdict If like me you tend to be cash strapped for most of the academic year due to one too many nights at Lounge then don’t fear. Honest Burgers do a 30% student discount from Monday to Sunday 11:30 – 17:30 all you have to do is bring a valid student ID. Equally, if your restaurant options are normally limited due to dietary requirements then Honest Burgers will come as a welcome relief as they have vegan options and are entirely gluten free which is great for anyone who is a coeliac.

So what are you waiting for? With quality food options and fantastic discounts, you now have the perfect opportunity to spend your loan guilt free!

11

Recipe: Greek yogurt and cream cheese chocolate cake Hannah Ross gives us her take on a Great British Bake Off challenge

With this year’s Great British Bake Off in full swing, it seemed very fitting to make something with a GBBO theme. Baking and sharing cakes can really bring flatmates together, and watching the GBBO can provide plenty of creative inspiration. This cake is based on this year’s ‘Dairy Week’, using yogurt to make the bake beautifully moist and well-risen. Enjoy!

E

pi

gr

am

n an /H s Ros ah

Method: 1.

Grease a medium cake tin and line with baking paper.

Preheat the oven to 180˚C.

2. For the cake, mix together the flour, baking powder, cocoa and sugar in a medium bowl.

3. Beat the eggs, yogurt and milk together in a separate bowl until smooth.

4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.

5. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until an inserted fork comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for ten minutes, then on a rack until completely cooled.

6. Meanwhile, for the icing, beat together the butter and sugar until combined, then gradually add the cream cheese and beat. Be careful not to overbeat the icing.

Epigram / Hannah Ross

7. Once the cake is cool, spread the icing over evenly.

8. If preferred, scatter grated chocolate on top!

12

Dairy - including yoghurt - contains healthy probitics which are good for gut health, so you can have your cake and eat it too!

Ingredients For the cake:

1 ½ cups plain flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup milk ¾ cup cocoa ¾ cups caster sugar 2 eggs ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt For the icing: • 1 ½ cups cream cheese • ¾ cup butter • ¼ cup sugar • Grated chocolate (optional)

TIP: You can tell if the cream cheese mixture is overbeaten as it will go lumpy.

Not so nice rice: Aunt Sorrel responds

D

Agony Aunt Sorrel helps out some students in a sticky situation

“

A few drops of lemon juice can act well to separate the grains

“

This is a classic problem, and I think I’ve been guilty of just giving up and eating the rice when this happens, but there are ways to remedy it.

In terms of the rice itself, certain types are starchier than others meaning they are more likely to form clumps.

Basmati is less starchy, so it is a good rice to use as a base for stir fries or curries.

However, all rice has at least some starch content, meaning further action can be taken to reduce the starch clump-

Epigram / Virginia Campbell

ear Auntie, I’ve been having an annoying problem when cooking rice for curry or stir fries – it keeps sticking together in clumps after cooking. Is there a way to prevent this?

ing together. For instance, it is always a good idea to rinse or soak the rice in cold water before cooking, as this is a for-sure method to remove some of the starch.

When the rice is on the hob, a few drops of lemon juice can act well to separate the grains – for some reason, to tell the truth I’m not sure why –and you won’t taste the lemon afterwards. But, if the rice has already been cooked and is still sticking together, not much can be done if it is incredibly sticky. If the rice sticks only slightly however, rinsing it under cold water and separating it with a fork can be surprisingly effective!

Have you been having trouble in the kitchen and don’t know who to turn to? Contact Aunt Sorrel via our Facebook page: Epigram Food Writers 2019/20

We’re looking for submissions!

Do you have a problem you need Aunt Sorrel to solve? Or a recipe you think could win Masterchef ? If so, get in touch!

Find our Agony Aunt Sorrel submission form on our Facebook group: Epigram Food Writers 2019/20 You’ll also find opportunities to review, pitch and take commissions here!

am igr Ep

/

n rto Ho n e og Im

Alternatively you can email the Food Editors at: food.epigram@gmail. com

13

Style​

Editor Orin Carlin Digital Editor Laura Mallinson Deputy Editor Lilly Hill

Dress like a Shelby

I

Ryan Welsh transforms your warbrobe from Park Street to Small Heath

f you’ve seen Peaky Blinders (2013-) and are so restrained that you haven’t thought about joining a criminal gang and becoming a Shelby, then fair enough. It seems pretty terrifying. If you, however, have thought to yourself, ‘I’d look well fit in that’ regarding the pristine outfits worn by the Shelby family, then you better read on.

NAVY TWEED SUIT, £159.99 | CAVANI Birmingham isn’t the warmest of places. You may opt for a threepiece which includes a waistcoat but make sure it’s a dark colour like navy, brown, black or grey as the Shelbys don’t give off summer vibes.

IMDb / BBC

When I searched ‘Peaky Blinders style suits’ into Google, I was disappointed. All I saw was a bunch of brands stealing the good name of the Peaky Blinders and advertising their suits as rip-off ones from the show. However, you’re a student and therefore poor so you’ll have to settle with being a BTEC Cillian Murphy.

BLUE PENNY COLLAR SHIRT, £49 | HOCKERTY No forward point or button down collars here, only penny-collar shirts for the Shelbys.

These are such lovely shirts and should be worn more often but are now considered out-of-date. This is the lightest-coloured thing the Shelbys wear so don’t get blood on them. Sweat stains are also a no-no.

BAKER BOY HAT, £35 | WOOLOVERS Any Peaky Blinders fanboy cannot be without a flat cap. You’ll need something to keep your skin-faded head a bit covered. Ask your sweet wee gran to sew on some razor blades to the back. I know 5 blade technology sounds menacing, but Gillette PROGLIDE just won’t do.

BOOTS, £65 | ASOS If you’re thinking of running around and burning some poor old bookkeeper’s betting licenses, I’d suggest a comfy pair of boots. If you’re watching the horses from the stands then a smarter look will be necessary. Might I suggest a clean pair of chelsea boots or brogues? Not oxfords. Don’t listen to Colin Firth. Fine, listen to Colin Firth but not in Kingsman, super average film.

14

OVERCOAT, £75 | ASOS If you’re going to Cheltenham, it’ll still be cold in March so you’ll want a jacket. The Shelbys opt for black overcoats, as should you.

Lucky for you, overcoats can go with many different outfits, unless you want to look like a Shelby every day.

Which you obviously do.

Post-WW1 Britain didn’t quite have the same amount of icy threads as we do now, but a stylish person back then would at least have had a well-fitted suit. But you don’t want some regular old suit to blend in with the rest of the crowd. You want to stand out, you want to look like a Shelby.

Seasonal style: AW19 Manon William shares some top tips for acing the new season’s trends

A

s the summer season comes to a close, everyone needs an outfit change – as represented by new AW19 collections. Flexible fashion defines this season, but which direction will you take?

CALL FOR COLOUR Regardless of the outfit you’re wearing, the colours determine the mood and ambience. Embrace them, just as Armani did by piling red on red.

‘BORING’ BEIGE Although beige might seem dull, it is ideal for days when you don’t feel like screaming for attention- conveying both comfort and sophistication.

Stella McCartney’s asymmetric knit skirt exhibits a cosy elegance.

Neutrally-coloured deconstructed knitwear is also featured by Burberry this season.

As the days become colder and darker, there will be a call for a particular colour– yolk yellow.

This Fendi oversized raincoat understands our desperation to cling onto the summer sun; persuading audiences to believe in the harmony of practicality and boldness.

POWER PUFF GIRLS Delicately entering the autumn and winter months are inflated shoulders, reminiscent of 1980s power dressing. An iconic retro-inspired outfit can be such fun, evident in Jonathan Simkhai’s creation which combines smooth silk with pastel pink.

FLUTTERY FEATHERS

This puff sleeve denim playsuit is made from 100 per cent ecologically grown cotton.

This is a more casual way to wear a very romantic and exaggerated trend.

ram / Laura Mallins Epig on

Decorating the runways themselves were fallen feathers from adorned necklines and hems. Peter Pilotto opted for simple outlines of coats whereas Michael Kors showcased voluminous feather boas. Feathers are a fun addition to an outfit but equally can be styled to look elegant.

15

SPOTTED: Tokyo World Lilly Hill eyes up some of the best outfits from Bristol’s favourite festival

D

How to wash your face

idn’t make it to Tokyo World or simply trying to keep the memory alive as your cold finally subsides? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered- here are some of the freshest festival ‘fits, guaranteed to transport you back to the lawless land that is Eastville Park.

c

s.g

ila @s

@h

Editor Orin Carlin

_blaxill ollie

Please bear with me. If you can ace this step I promise the results will be gratifying.

ofi @ melina.s

Traditional face wash can often be too stripping and leave your skin feeling dry, instead I would urge you to opt for either a cleansing oil, cream or balm. I personally love Superfacialist’s Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil. It effortlessly gets rid of makeup and is often on special offer.

ahliabas aterin @k

a bh mo

oreh ead

@jake.c.lynch

oi @a

CLEANSING OIL £12 | SUPERFACIALIST

Firmly massage the product into your face and then for removal I heartily advocate the unfashionable flannel. Rinse it under the hot tap, wring it out and then gently buff the product off your skin.

Repeat as many times as necessary. Stock up on flannels and simply throw them in the washing machine.

yo u

sp

ot m e?

FLANNEL, £1 | WILKO

16

Io d di pte s df l are or som e velvet f

This is an ecologically-friendly, costeffective alternative to wipes. If you can help it, wipes should really be only used in extreme circumstances à la skincare expert Caroline Hirons’ strict guidelines: fannies, flights and festivals.

And no, ‘falling over drunk’ is not equally permissible.

The Purple Reign: Millennial lilac storms through

Laura Mallinson gives her take on the AW19 trend which is bound to turn heads

M

ove over millennial pink, there’s a new trend colour in town. Lilac is often thought of as tricky to wear or ‘old lady-ish’.

This season that mentality is binned. Up and down both the catwalk and the highstreet, vibrant lilac tones have been making their impact. Letting the purple shower over our wardrobes is an exciting and accessible trend this season– and it doesn’t mean dressing head to toe in parmaviolet!

Sprucing up your nail varnish and accessories with a purple hue is an easy and effective way of staying on point. For bolder fashion pieces, millennial purple is a colour which lends itself perfectly to the current trend of satin. The colour elegantly dances through this luscious material, making lilac satin or silk slip dresses and midi skirts a fashion favourite for this decadent season. Updating your colour palette has never been so sought after, so let’s dance in the millennial purple rain!

FLORAL PRINT FLARES £29.99 | ZARA GO WILD-ER-NESS

LEOPARD PRINT UMBRELLA £7.99 | NEW LOOK

TIE MIDI SLIP DRESS £49 | &OTHERSTORIES

RIMMEL NAIL POLISH £2.99 | SUPERDRUG

‘ASPHYXIA’ EYESHADOW £15 | URBAN DECAY

PUFFER JACKER £90 | WEEKDAY

RESIN HOOP EARRINGS £14 | URBAN OUTFITTERS

editors’ picks L /

ill yH ill

dit or

a

nson alli M a

Deputy E

L

ur

Digital E di to r/

Ed i tor /

O

in

r

n rli Ca

ila hii @r

BLOODY MARYS CAMOMILE SUMPTUOUS CLEANSING BIODEGRADABLE GLITTER ‘I can’t stand raw tomatoes, and yet BUTTER, £10 | THE BODY SHOP £4 | ECOGLITTERFUN bizarrely I have recently both discovered ‘This unctuous cleanser will make you ‘Want to add a bit of sparkle to your and fallen in love with Bloody Marys. The excited to take the day off as it leaves your makeup routine? This glitter gives all strange ingredients shouldn’t work, but skin feeling gorgeous. Revel in its make- the dazzle without all the environmental somehow they absolutely do. Delicious, up removing magic as even stubborn damage- even its packaging is plasticrefreshing and perfect if you hate the taste waterproof mascara melts away. Easy, free! The ‘Lollipop Blend’ is my personal of vodka - it is positively undectectable.’ gentle and astonishingly effective!’ favourite. ‘

17

The Iguazu Falls on the Brazil-Argentina border are Co-Editor-in-Chief Patrick’s top tip for chasing waterfalls on your travels: far more to explore than Niagara Falls!

Travel

Editor Lily Donnelly Deputy Editor Emma Loubser Digital Editor Will Holmes

Thomas Cook: 1841-2019

Thomas Cook Archive

“

178 years of trading culminated in 150,000 stranded Britons awaiting rescue planes and 20,000 left without a job.

Wikimedia Commons

rom national to international, Thomas Cook grew into the most prominent British company of its kind, boasting branded airbuses, package holidays across the globe, and a narrow escape from financial collapse during the crisis of 2011. Thomas Cook himself, the father of the tourism giant, humbly began the business with a day-long train-trip from Leicester to Loughborough. Ten years later, he organised an excursion to the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park - the first in the series of World Fairs - for 150,000 people, soon venturing to destinations overseas following his roaring success.

But on September 23rd, 178 years of trading culminated in 150,000 stranded Britons awaiting rescue planes, more holidaymakers forced to forget their plans, and another 20,000 left without a job. This became the largest-scale repatriation in peacetime history.

Unbeknownst to most of the public, the European Union guarentees, ‘money back and repatriation in case of bankruptcy’, according to the package travel directive.

Mass media is largely eluding this scheme from public discourse, so as to not further undermine our Prime Minister.

Amidst the Supreme Court ruling his prorogation of parliament unlawful, Boris Johnson is falling rapidly into the cesspit of the Brexit crisis, and cannot afford - or is frankly refusing - to propel pro-remain propaganda into the public sphere. Johnson also refused the Thomas Cook Group the £150m bail-out they requested, justifying the decision as a preventative measure against the ‘moral hazard’ of other businesses going into administration expecting the same portion of tax payer’s money.

Regardless, it is this money being used for sending government officials and rescue planes to retrieve lost travellers from across the globe.

“

F

Lily Donnelly takes a look at what tourism is leaving behind

The ongoing collapse and decline of long-standing household names such as Peacocks, House of Fraser, BHS, HMV, Homebase and Thomas Cook itself, only emboldens the dark colours of the dystopia casting a shadow over Britain today. And for this, civilians are paying the cost.

The debacle hardly ends here.

From Tunisia to Tenerife, hotels are demanding that their guests cough up the outstanding balance of their package holidays, largely without the means to do so. Hardly surprising, as customers embarked upon their trips in the knowledge that they had already paid off their upcoming adventures. An adventure is what they indeed received, whereby according to accounts published in the press, families are too scared to leave their hotel rooms without the funds to pay their way back into it. In Cuba, both customers and crew were held as hostages by security guards until the hotels were instructed by the British Ambassador to let them walk free.

Whilst holidaymakers and hotels are losing out, Peter Fankhausser - the company’s last Chief Executive - has pocketed £8.3m since assuming the position in 2014; a quarter of which came from bonuses that he can use for his own luxurious holidays. It is always the biggest hands that are easily washed of the blame, and the smallest left to catch the consequences.

A witness of the tourist revolution and the first to fly the pleasure-plane in 1919, the closure of Cook marks the opening of a new chapter of travel. The popularisation of Air BnB, slow travel and taking charge of your own plans has diverted travel trends, and diminished the trust put in the big man. From now on, perhaps we are better off being our own travel moguls.

Luckily, Epigram Travel is here to help you with that.

19

Staycation: Bristol edition Will Holmes tells you how to be a tour guide for family and friends

se ub Lo ma Em r of tol

ris

tB

i Vis

Clifton Suspension Bridge – This iconic landmark is Epigram’s very own logo. Thousands of visitors have come to enjoy the spectacular views of the Avon Gorge, yet Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel never lived to see his project completed.

SS Great Britain – Another of Brunel’s greatest feats is the UK’s first great ocean liner. In 2017, it was Bristol’s top attraction and ranked in the top 10 museums in the country. A particular highlight is the unique view you get as visitors; head ‘underwater’ to wonder at the ship’s scale from beneath the ‘glass sea’. Definitely one for all the crew!

Aerospace Bristol – Bristol’s engineering history is not just dominated by Brunel. Aerospace Bristol walks you through all of the UK’s greatest aviation projects with the famous Concorde taking the limelight in the display.

For sports fans

eC Th D ily t/L rof lly ne on

20

esy urt

Bristol Zoo – Dare to venture on the wild side of Bristol! Animal-lovers can enjoy marvelling at seals, penguins and meerkats amongst the 400 species of animals at the zoo. Special highlights include a rare 203kg gorilla and the award-winning botanical gardens.

Bristol Aquarium – If you prefer sea creatures, then head to the Bristol Aquarium, aptly situated at Harbourside.

The aquarium takes visitors to the tropical underwater gardens of the Mediterranean. Whilst you definitely

cannot miss a life-size recreation of a sunken ship, keep an eye out for the spectacular seahorse display.

Wild Place Project – Get up close and personal with wolves, lynxes and bears! If you prefer a more authentic experience with some of the UK’s wildest beasts, then this 40-acre woodland could be for you. If that isn't enough already then there is also the outdoor climbing adventure, aptly named The Leap of Faith!

For engineering enthusiasts

Co

For animal-lovers

t/ rof

rafitti – Stokes Croft is a treasure trove of Bristolian - and often politically charged - street art. The home of Banksy has sprouted a host of other daring murals. Amongst the most striking are Jody Thomas’s fifteenmetre-high mural of the Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg, and a mural that recreates the iconic artwork of Leonid Brezhnev, the former Soviet leader, and Eric Honecker, East Germany’s leader, kissing next to Donald Trump and Boris Johnson.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery – If you are a fan of art history, Bristol Museum boasts works from Italian Renaissance masters like Giovanni Bellini, the great English landscape painter John Constable and a selection of breathtaking ceramic treasures from China and Japan. You can take a step even further back in time by visiting the Egyptian archaeological remains and the best-preserved dinosaurs in Britain.

Watershed – Film fanatics must visit the cultural hub that is the highly popular Watershed. Watershed plays host to dozens of cutting edge film festivals that have cemented its status as one of the best indie cinemas in the UK. Bristol Hippodrome – If you are a fan of musical theatre, opera or just a good panto, then the Bristol Hippodrome is definitely worth a visit. There is a large offering from the high-end performances by former Britain’s Got Talent star Susan Boyle in March, Rhod Gilbert and Frank Skinner, as well as popular musicals such as The Lion King.

eC Th

G

For art lovers

Ashton Gate Stadium – The stadium hosts the Bristol Bears - the premiership rugby team, and Bristol City from the championship. It has witnessed victories over Manchester United and Crystal Palace. Bristol City hopes to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Bristol Bears continued to go from strength to strength in rugby union’s top division, following their promotion to the top flight in 2018. They are now bidding to earn a spot in European competitions, and have succesfully signed big names such as the All Blacks Charles Piutau and England player Nathan Hughes. If you become part of the varsity rugby team then you might play in the 27,000 capacity stadium yourself!

From film to flight

Emma Loubser pinpoints your next holiday destination according to film

The Croft/Emma Loubser

Unsplash/Yoosun Won

Unsplash/Greg Wilson

F

ilms, much like flights, have the ability to transport Frances on an assortment of adventures and is an easy walk you elsewhere for a couple of hours while you from Cortona. When she first meets gorgeous Marcello, this sit back, snack, and gaze at rolling scenery and is in fact at Via dei Cappellari in Rome. amusing characters. So why not make that onHowever, much of Marcello and Frances’ whirlwind love screen holiday a reality? affair was filmed in Positano, with the Hotel California As many of you will know, Downton Abbey posing as his home, and the iconic terraced (2019), has recently taken over British buildings that emerge from the cliffs Laidback cinemas. The iconic Highclere Castle, providing a romantic backdrop. To bring destinations which with its lavish interior and entertaining the magic of the movie to life, Villa Laura is give holidaymakers residents, returns to our screens and is not available for holiday rentals, and the Hotel the first place one might think to go and California is open for bookings. both an authentic stay.

Transport yourself to fictitious, experience as well as However, Lord and Lady Carnarvon Caribbean Plymouth Island in Serenity the flavour of luxury - the owners of Highclere Castle - have (2019), a thriller starring the likes of Anne which so many teamed up with Airbnb to offer fans the Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey. seek... competition of a lifetime; a stay for two The location, however, couldn’t be much at the abbey this November, including further from where it was actually filmed cocktails and a traditional dinner with the aristocrats in the in Mauritius, a small island in south-east Africa just off the State Dining Room. The winners will also have exclusive coast of Madagascar. Shots of dreamy sparkling seas and access to many of the grand rooms featured in the palm-fronted beaches are in fact located north of series and film, as well as a magnificent enMauritius on the shores of Trou aux Biches suite bedroom to stay in for the night. The and Pereybere, as well as some of the smaller competition opens on the October 1 and, islands just off the coast, including one if you didn’t think it could get better, with an abandoned lighthouse. The Airbnb will also make a donation to The movie was mostly filmed in Grand International Federation of Red Cross & Baie and Pamplemousses, laidback Red Crescent Societies to celebrate the destinations which give holidaymakers collaboration. both an authentic experience of what Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) sees Diane it’s like to eat and live like a local, as well Lane take on the role of Frances Mayes, as the flavour of luxury which so many an American who lives in San Francisco seek when going on a holiday like this. and is gifted an unexpected holiday to While there are flashy five-star resorts, there Italy when things go awry with her husband. is also an abundance of local restaurants and The romantic comedy is predominantly based in beachside shacks selling everything from branches the sprawling piazzas of charming Cortona in Tuscany, of lychees, to fresh seafood and soft roti flatbread filled but also features coastal Positano and brief snippets of with an assortment of curried vegetables. To sail the same Rome. Villa Bramasole - Villa Laura in real life - leads seas as McConaughey, this is the destination for you.

“

“

plash / Ethan Uns oov

H

er

21

Cuisine and country: India

Travel editor, Lily Donnelly, takes a look at how meaning travels through languages from across the globe.

Turn over a new leaf To start afresh and leave the past behind, just as the green leaves of summer are shed whilst autumn prepares for the winter ahead.

French Tourner la page (turn the page) Italian Voltare pagina (turn the page) Cambiare vita (a fresh start) Spanish Pasar Pagina (turn the page) Hacer borron y cuenta nueva (wipe the slate clean) Portuguese Virar uma nova pagina (turn over a new page) Ter uma vida nova (a fresh start) German Vergangenes vergangen sein lassen (Let bygones be bygones) Ein neues Kapitel aufschlagen (open a new chapter) Polish Co było to było (let bygones be bygones) Zacząć od nowa (start from the beginning) Dutch Het verleden laten rusten (let bygones be bygones) Veranderen (change) Chinese Guò qù de shì jiù ràng tā guò qù ba (let bygones be bygones)

22

An important date in the Hindu calendar is fast approaching - namely Diwali which, for those who don’t know, is a festival of light celebrated by millions worldwide. The five-day long affair is affiliated with the goddess of prosperity, Lakshimi, celebrating good fortune. It also exalts the triumphing of good over evil, evoking Lord Rama’s defeat of King Ravana through beautiful lights and fireworks, just as he marked his victorious return home with thousands of ‘diyas’ (oil lamps) – it’s clear to see how the festival got its name. So, why not follow this meal plan to eat delicious Indian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner for one day.

The celebrations start October 27th!

Breakfast – Mango Lassi: for those who enjoy a smoothie in the morning, the Mango Lassi is a glass of sunshine (it is quite literally bright yellow) on rainy autumn mornings. Throw together some mango, plain yoghurt, milk, cardamom and some natural sweetener (honey or agave) in a blender and voilà, an Indian-influenced breakfast is served. Render this dairy-free with milk-free alternatives, if that’s your style.

Unsplash/Alexander Mils

Unsplash/Kiwihug

Biweekly bilingualism

Why not try eating like a local for a day?

Lily Donnelly shows you how...

Lunch - Roti Wrap: as mentioned by Emma, swapping a traditional wrap for an indian roti is a great way of bringing the essence of India into your lunchbox whilst still being feasible for students on the go.

It's a great way of using up leftovers from your frivolous freshers food order...

Dinner - Goan fish curry: this looks a lot more complicated than the actual recipe.

From the coastline of Goa, this curry incorporates coriander and cumin seeds with turmeric, garlic, chili, ginger and coconut milk in a creamy yet fiery sauce for a white fish of your choice. Using tofu would make this a plant-based day, perfect for Mondays and respectful of/in-keeping with the traditional vegetarianism followed by Hinduism.

the croft how to con tribu te

Different from the outside sleeve of the paper, The Croft is a widely creative outlet for students to get involved with. As, if not more, important than the words themselves are the photography and visuals which support the articles in the print edition. If you are an artistic individual who wants to build a portfolio of photography or artwork - graphics or hand-drawn - then get touch with Daisy, Emma, Hendrike, or any of the section editors via our communication channels below.

Wellbeing Advice on how to support a friend in need | p. 8

Food Bristol hotspots for all meals of the day | p.11

Style A homeware guide for halls and uni life | p.14

Travel How green travel can be achieved | p.20

the croft

Away to Marseille

Students share their summer stories

the croft issue 1 | september 27 2019

We’re always looking for new student voices to write articles as well and the Facebook writers’ groups, such as The Croft Writers’ Group 2019/20, offer plenty of opportunities. We also want to hear your own ideas so don’t hesitate to message the editors!

The Croft is also at the dawn of its new digital identity and hopefully you’re following our Instagram account for your regular dose of Bristol lifestyle.

It’s an opportunity to work on an exciting, new project with other students - let us know if you’re interested!

thecroft.epigram@gmail.com

@thecroftmagazine__

23

A rainy Freshers’ Fair A few snaps taken by the Epigram ediorial team at this year’s Freshers’ Fair.

Style digital editor Laura Mallinson papped Ellie Haston, first year Chemistry, rocking a versatile skirt from Brandy Melville.

The society mascots dance on the stage, including our very own Epigram elephant.

Co-Editor-in-Chief, Patrick Sullivan, shares a snap with Ellie, the Epigram elephant .

Laura Mallinson also spotted Sophie Cherry, first year Theatre with Innovation, wearing trousers made by her friend.

Have any good photos of Bristol or student life? Submit them to thecroft.epigram@gmail.com for a chance of featuring on the back page!