5 YEARS OF
...BE HAPPY
admissions@warminsterschool.org.uk
The rain is pouring while we write this. Very typical of our English summers - not only is it Wimbledon week, but it is also Frome Hidden Gardens weekend - of course it’s going to rain! Recently, Frome has become very used to continuous sunny days - the town has felt very continental, and it hasn’t felt wildly optimistic to make plans for picnics, beach days, coffees in courtyards and pub gardens.
We at The List had the best Frome First Friday’s evening last week. We started off at The Gallery at the Station enjoying beer and food from Burrito Boi, Rye Bakery and Lungi Baba, in the evening warmth. The place was buzzing with people of all ages. Continuing towards town, popping in on various galleries and Frome Open Studios on the way, we ended up at Black Swan Arts where the fabulous Squint exhibition is currently on (go see it!) as well as one of the many fantastic Photo Frome exhibitions indoors and outdoors across the
town. We sampled gorgeous cocktails at the River House in the beautiful courtyard and were home by 10pm. What a great night!
Although the rain currently looks like it may not stop, we have high hopes for more sun over the school holidays. We love eking out those daylight hours and can’t quite believe that the longest day has been and gone – again, already! Luckily there’s still masses to look forward to this month,
Whether you are escaping abroad or staying closer to home, we hope you have a great summer - rain or shine.
Design: blackinkstudio.co.uk
Front
If you haven’t experienced Frome First Fridays yet, don’t miss the next one - first Friday of every month.
Phoebe Philips Icons in Retrograde: reimagining nostalgic curiosities
WHY Gallery, 19th August - 1st October
Private View: Fri 1st September, 6 - 8pm (Frome First Fridays)
Phoebe Phillips is an illustrator and screen printer based in Frome. Drawing on inspiration from pop culture - past and present - she reimagines nostalgic curiosities with an unmissable vibrancy through illustration and hand-crafted screen printing. Her love of the weird and wonderful shines through in this collection. Depicted in her distinctively retro illustration style, her works depict a series of familiar icons, from larger-thanlife pop stars to bite-sized penny sweets.
23 Bath Street, Fri 25th August, 9pm - 3:00am (Last entry midnight), £15
23 Bath Street, the heartbeat of Frome’s nightlife, proudly present an unmissable event for August Bank Holiday weekend that will send shockwaves through the town. Get ready to experience the exhilarating mastery of one of drum and bass music’s true pioneers, the legendary maestro himself, Ray Keith. With a legacy that stretches back through time, Ray Keith has carved his name into the very foundation of the genre. Renowned for his raw talent, unwavering passion, and undeniable charisma, he stands as a titan among DJs, a force to be reckoned with. And now, for one unforgettable evening, this icon of the turntables will grace the hallowed decks of 23 Bath Street.
Willow McKenzie, Maisie Mitchinson, Esme Godkin, Jess Revell, Lara Whatmough and Eleanor Powell.
12th - 28th August 2023
Preview Evening 12th August, 6 - 8pm, Free, drop in Round Tower Gallery, Black Swan Arts
‘I’m thinking of going home for a couple of days’ titles a small, student-led group connected by the transition from country life to overwhelming city life. The dynamic group is made up of six BA Fine Art students all studying at Central Saint Martins. The exhibition reveals a conversation and confrontation of uncertainty and excitement in developing a practice.
As the sun sets on the bank holiday horizon, prepare to be swept away on a sonic journey like no other. Ray Keith’s unparalleled ability to blend mind-bending drum patterns, earth-shattering basslines, and soul-stirring melodies will transport you to a realm where time and space are but distant memories. Prepare yourselves for an electrifying night of beats, basslines and boundless energy!
Silk Mill, 27th Aug, 1 - 11pm, Free
Fudeboy Kitchen, alongside the crews at Bloody Mary Janes and A Huevo Mexican bring you a day session full of tasty street food, fine drinks and local DJs to celebrate the end of Summer. The free party kicks off at 1pm and runs all day through to the evening. Food and drinks will be available all day so come down for some lunch or dinner with a cocktail and enjoy some solid tunes and good company.
The Sun Inn, Saturday nights, 9 – 11pm, Free
This local gem in the heart of Catherine Street hosts live music every Saturday. We know that the recent festival nights have been standing room only and hugely popular! Celebrating the best local bands, all types of music and a guaranteed great atmosphere, these are not to be missed. Local indie-pop band Lumley also have a special summer night here 8.30pm on Fri 11th August.
suninnfrome @thesuninn_frome
Active and In Touch is a local charity which supports people who feel lonely or are experiencing isolation in Frome and the surrounding villages. This is done by befriending, transporting people to appointments and hosting group sessions. The charity has recently taken charge of the cafe at Frome Medical Practice and currently have a pop-up bookshop on their premises at 22 Christchurch Street West.
Active and in Touch are always looking for volunteers for befriending, hosting groups, driving or working in the café, so get in touch if you have time to give to this important community group. enquiries@activeandintouch.org
07468 859453
Frome Community Education’s new term starts the week beginning 18th of September with courses in Arts and Crafts, Words and Literature, Culture, Health and Wellbeing and Pottery. There are day and evening courses, as well as a selection of one-day Saturday workshops.
On Saturday 23rd September, there is the opportunity to Make a Macramé Plant Hanger with Julia Blaker, and on Saturday 30th September, Julia Blaker is running a course on Collage ArtFlora and Fauna. For more information and to book, please visit www.fromecommed.org.uk
1st July - 10th Sept, Long Gallery, Black Swan Arts, until 10th September, Mon - Sun, 10am - 4pm, Free
This summer Black Swan Arts plays host to the immersive, unusual and dark sculptural world of ‘Squint’. Artists Shona Davies, David Monaghan and Jon Klein ask the viewer to immerse themselves in worlds inspired by reality but distorted through delicately dark puppeteering. These sensory sculpture works use controlled viewpoint to create individual, isolated viewpoints into uncanny spaces. With socio-political issues as a catalyst for their thematic influences, ‘Squint’ balances the reality of the stories these works tell with a powerful dark humour.
Merlin Theatre, 17th - 19th August, 7pm, £12
Tri.Art return with their award-winning Summer School, and this year they’ve gone back to the 80s! Our House tells the story of London lad Joe Casey who, on the night of his sixteenth birthday, takes Sarah, the girl of his dreams, out on their first date. Featuring a collection of Madness hits including House of Fun, Baggy Trousers, Driving in my Car, It Must Be Love and of course Our House, the show promises to be a huge hit!
Book tickets online via www.merlintheatre.co.uk
Gallery open Tuesday to Saturday 9am - 4pm and Sundays 10am - 4pm. Free.
Due to the incredible success of Photo Frome, the summer exhibitions have been extended until 3rd September. So there is more time for everyone to enjoy the stunning work by awardwinning photographer Arteh Odjidja, with his moving exhibition ’Rise for Bayelsa’ highlighting the campaign to stop oil spillages and other environmental degradation in the Nigerian delta area. The second stunning exhibition is by the amazing group UK Black Female Photographers. Their show ‘Living the Dream’ celebrates culture, creativity and womanhood through the lens of Black female photographers.
Thu
It’s finally here! Our favourite community bookshop has been running their own unique pre-publication review club (Proof Pudding Club) for four years but have never hosted a traditional book group of their own - until now. Starting this September, Hunting Raven staff will be selecting one fiction title and one non-fiction title per month and then gathering together to talk about the books. The shop will host a special launch evening to reveal the first books that the group will be reading. The first Hunting Raven Book Group will be held on Thursday 14th September (venue tbc). For more information about the launch evening and book group, email winstonebooks3@gmail.com.
“ the holy grail of face products”
“This is the best skin product I have ever purchased”
“This oil combined with the serum is honestly a miracle”
“I can’t recommend this oil highly enough!”
Palmer Street Bottle (PSB) specialise in craft beers, fine ciders, natural wine and spirits. They showcase the best in local producers as well as a range of UKbased and international makers and brewers. PSB boast 7 taps of ever-rotating craft beers and cider,
Somerset’s greatest littlest comedy festival
Thu 31st August to Sun 3rd September
Somerset’s greatest littlest comedy festival is back for a fourth year. Set in a beautiful Somerset field at Pitch Perfect Camping there are four days of side-splitting comedy to enjoy. Tickets are on sale for individual shows only, so book for one or more over the weekend. There is a fully stocked bar and food will be supplied by The Cross Keys in Rode with plenty of delicious choices, including vegetarian and vegan food.
A host of comedy performances are under canvas in a beautiful field. The line-up includes: Milton Jones, Ninia Benjamin, Jarred Christmas, Rosie Jones, Tom Davis, Suzi Ruffell, Ardal O’Hanlon, Marcus Brigstocke, Rachel Parris and many more, along with a daytime children’s show on Sunday.
their team are passionate about finding the perfect drink for your palette so don’t be afraid to tell them what you are looking for and ask for a taster!
Throughout the day visitors can enjoy the relaxed space perfect for a coffee or stay for lunch and enjoy one of their tasty Somerset sourdough toasties made with local Westcombe Cheddar or a vegan option.
As evening arrives the tunes are turned up, so expect more options on the drinks front with cocktails from their carefully curated menu and, true to their passion for cheese a selection of local artisan cheese or a sharing board, perfect for evening snacking.
The last Thursday of every month is Free Cheese Thursday - a complementary mini cheese board served with drinks.
August Bank Holiday - A brewery tap takeover to be revealed!
JACKMAN
THURSDAY 3 AUGUST – 7PM
FOLKSY THEATRE PRESENTS THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR
WEDNESDAY 2 AUGUST - 7PM OUR HOUSE
THU 17 / FRI 18 / SAT 19 AUGUST 7PM
For more information and to arrange a viewing please contact Sara by email rooklane@nvbarchitects.co.uk or call 01373 468040 between 10am and 3pm most weekdays.
www.rooklane.org.uk/weddings
@rook_lane_chapel Rook Lane Chapel
The people of Coop Kitchen are celebrating their fifth year in Frome. Previously based at the Griffin, they switched to a take-out service through the pandemic, and are now in the popular location of The Ship - last known as the Artisan, before the Olive Tree, and now back to its original name! The Ship is a family friendly pub in the heart of Badcox, on the corner of Christchurch Street West. The inside spaces have recently been renovated and refreshed, so there are many cosy corners to settle into. The long welcoming bar has plenty of space to perch and chat, the original fireplace has been restored, and the courtyard seating is one of Frome’s best hidden gems for sunny afternoons and outdoor evenings.
Back in 2018, Hannah Newman and Malc Evans had a dream of running a proper pub serving American style comfort food. They began work on their concept at The Railway in Ringwood, taking everything back to the basics. Their mission was to offer a truly unique pub experience which celebrates all that a proper pub should be: a home away from home, serving awesome food and drink to enjoy, with a personable service, in good company. It’s been a roaring success ever since.
Hannah and Malc are absolutely clear on their vision, which is to celebrate the culture of the Great British Pub in a modern way, serving exciting new food and drinks, delivering exceptional customer service, all in a comfortable laid-back environment.
The food is inspired by street food trucks which make international cuisine accessible and affordable, with funky and distinctive branding. It’s great tasting food, to be eaten with hands rather than knives and forks. The Korean BBQ is inspired by Kogi food trucks in LA, the Animal is a nod to the In N’ Out off-menu classic, Poutine comes from Hannah and Malc’s visits to Canada and is inspired by Mile One eating house. The Ship makes its gravy from scratch and uses Batchfarm Cheesemakers just a few miles away for their cheese curds so the Poutine is always authentic. Sauces are made from scratch, including the Korean, which is the most popular sauce on Korean fries and Korean fried chicken.
The hard work over the last five years has paid off. The business pivoted to accelerate their offer during the Covid lockdowns. Those takeout burgers quickly became a word-of-mouth sensation, keeping many customers going through
the long and lonely weeks. When hospitality was able to re-open safely, the business grew to include more specials inspired by their favourite chefs and travels to North America, including cocktails and proper American style wings.
The management team in Frome expanded at this point to meet the continued demand, and original employees Georgie Payne and Robert Hall were joined by Lesley Payne and Jordan Polkinghorne. To recognise the amount of blood, sweat and beers put in by the management team, Hannah and Malc made them co-owners of the business. They rebranded as Coop to acknowledge the rustic American nature of the offer and the collaborative ownership model. So whatever the Coop means to customers, for staff it’s their home from home, a creative place where they can indulge their passion for great-tasting street food.
The team are always adding and evolving the menu, bringing the finest food to accompany the fantastic cocktails and craft beers. There is a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian choices, as well as a kids’ menu, and delicious puddings such as Biscoff Doughnuts, Chocolate Oreo Sundae and Espresso Martinis.
Frome is lucky to have such a family-friendly pub in the heart of the community, where everyone is welcome. It’s a place to meet friends and family for a drink and enjoy a fantastic menu courtesy of Coop Kitchen.
“When we heard that The Ship (formerly the Artisan) was due to be converted to a managed pub, we jumped at the opportunity to move to a bigger venue with more space to grow and a bigger kitchen.
“We needed a bigger bar, a bigger seating area. We’re turning the tables over two, three times a night. Even on a Tuesday or Wednesday, a quiet night at the minute is around 100 covers. The move has been amazing, we couldn’t be happier to celebrate our 5th year in Frome!
Opening Hours
Mon - Thu: 4pm - 11pm
Friday: 4pm - 11:30pm
Saturday: 12pm - 11:30pm
Sunday: 12pm - 10pm
Last entry one hour before closing
Kitchen Last orders:
Sun - Thu: 9pm Fri & Sat: 9:30pm
Book tables & see menus online; @coopkitchenfrome coopkitchen.co.uk
01373 476592
info@coopkitchen.co.uk
The Ship, 6 Christchurch St West, Frome, BA11 1EQ
“Burgers are our thing, and even if we say it ourselves, they’re incredible!”
Tennis Club
Summer Camp
Selwood Tennis Club, 10am, £32
Jewellery Valuation Day
Cooper & Tanner, 9am - 4.30pm Free, by appointment
Our House Summer
School Skills week
Merlin Theatre, 10am - 12.30pm, £45
Pub Quiz
The Griffin, 8pm
Wind in the Willows
Ammerdown Centre, 3pm, From £9
Cacao Ceremony and Sister Circle Rook Lane, 7.30pm, £26
YMCA Summer Club
The Merry Wives of Windsor Merlin Theatre, 7pm, From £12
Art in the Park Victoria Park, 10.30-1.30, Free
Calamity Jane Memorial Theatre, 7pm, From £12
Travel Notes by Trio Paradis
Christ Church , 1.15pm, Free
Night River presents: Ivan Moult Hydeaway, 7.30pm, £11
NT Live: Oklahoma! Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £16
Nature Connection
Summer Sessions
Frome Folk Song Group
The Bennett Centre, 7.15pm, £7
YMCA Routes, Palmer St 6 - 9pm, Free TUE
Vallis Veg Farm, 7pm, Donation
Energy Advice Sessions
Frome Library, 10am, Free
Experiments For A Single Projector
The Bennet Centre, 7.30 - 9.30pm, £7
Johnny Marr Cheese and Grain, 7pm, £32
Summer Holiday Cricket for kids
Frome Cricket Club, 2pm, Free
Whittling and Metal work workshop
Vallis Farm, 7pm, Donation
Trad Jazz, New Academic Feetwarmers
Three Swans, 8 - 10pm, Free
Frome Memory Cafe Masonic Hall, 2pm, Free
Homewood Park Hotel, 6-9pm, Free
IG Free Football
Selwood Academy, 10am - 2pm, Free
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Ashton Court, Free
Dying Matters
The Good Heart, 7.30 - 9pm, Free
Tri Art presents: Our House Merlin Theatre, 7pm, From £10
Night River presents: Jazz Morley Hydeaway, 8.30pm, £11
Night River presents:
Jazz Morley Hydeaway, 7.30pm, £11
Rode Comedy Festival
Cheese Thursday Palmer Street Bottle, 7pm, Free
Frome First Fridays
Various venues, From 6pm
Drama for mental Wellbeing
Trinity Church, 1.45pm, Free
Frome At The Table Supper Club
The Three Swans, 7 - 10pm, £35
Flower Festival
Bishops Palace, Wells, 9.30am, £16
Lumley Live
The Sun, 8.30 - 11pm, free
Outdoor Cinema:
Dirty Dancing Warminster School, 8pm, £6
No Scrubs
23 Bath Street, 10pm, £5
Sing the Great Musicals weekend Jackdaws, 6.30pm, £335
Friday Supper Club
Iford Manor, 7.30pm, £60
Survival & Bushcraft weekend
Field 725 Camping, All weekend, £130
Frome At The Table Supper Club
The Three Swans, 7 - 10pm, £35
House Boutique Party Marston Park, 6pm, Various
Ray Keith
23 Bath Street, 9pm, £10
Bank Holiday Brewery
Tap Takeover
Palmer Street Bottle, Free
Lego Robot Wars
Frome Library, 10-12, £30
Glastonbury Extravaganza
Glastonbury Abbey, 5pm, Free
Frome Vegan Market
Cheese and Grain, From 9am
Foraging Walk
Frome, 1.30pm, From £20
Rock Solid
The Bell Inn, Leigh on Mendip 9pm, Free
Ghost Hunt Shepton Prison, 9pm, £59
The Fair Frome Tribe Victoria Park Bandstand 2 - 6pm, Free
I’m Thinking of Coming Home for a Couple of Days Black Swan Arts, 6 - 8pm, Free
Our House Merlin Theatre, 7pm, From £10
Isabella Dorta poetry tour
River House, 7pm, £15
World Vets Motocross
2023 weekend
Farleigh Castle, All weekend, From £25
Icons in Retrograde
The WHY Gallery, 10am - 4pm, Free
Cider Festival
Tuckers Grave, From 1pm, Free entry
All Floyd
Frome Memorial Theatre 7.30pm, £22.50
The Cleyhill Stompers
The Sun Inn, 9 - 11pm, Free
SUN
Community Bike Ride
Frome Victoria Park, 9am, Free
Frome Independent
Frome, 10am, Free
Magpie Market
Cheese and Grain, 10am, Free
Gypsy Jazz
Courtyard, French General Trading
From 12 noon, Free
Frome Flea Market and Craft Fair
West Woodlands Showground 9-3pm, Entry £1, Pitches £15
Luna Cinema Longleat, 7.45pm, £18.50
Ammerdown Cream Teas
Ammerdown Centre, 2pm, £6
Sunday Funday
23 Bath Street, 12pm, Free
Mid Somerset Show Mid Somerset Showground 9am, £20
Open Mic The Griffin, 5pm
Sound Bath RISE, 7.30pm, £20
End of Summer - Sunday Session
Silk Mill, 1pm, Free
Spotlight Talks:
GRUPPENAUSSTELLUNG
Hauser & Wirth, 11 - 11.30am Free, drop in
Homage to the Fromage 23 Bath Street, 10pm - 1.30am, £5
ISABELLA DORTA POETRY SAT 19
LEGO ROBOT WARS | SAT 5
Night River, founded by Frome-based songwriter, DG Solaris, create magically intimate micro concerts at HydeAway, Frome’s beautiful cocktail bar. This magical hidden venue quickly became a word of mouth sensation when it opened last year. The bar is a family run business that specialise in bespoke, hand-crafted cocktails.
Night River shows are home to some of the most moving and memorable musical experiences you’ll ever find. Frome is exceptionally fortunate to have this calibre of musicians in such a cosy and intimate setting, just nine tables. Specialising in the best of the songwriter/folk/indie/jazz scene of the UK, the musicianship is exceptional. There are often oneoff musical collaborations, the atmosphere is pindrop quiet and the drinks menu is fantastic.
‘Night River Presents’ is held on the first and third
‘Night River Presents’ is held on the first and third Thursday of the month at HydeAway tucked away in Eagle Lane. Doors open at 7pm, music starts at 8.30pm. There are only thirty seats and tickets usually sell out early, so book your seats now to avoid missing out!
NightRiver.net
Insta logo @nightriverpresents
“Incredible live music in a magical and intimate setting, Frome is so lucky!”
Not all veterinary practices are the same We are available to care for your pets, horses and animals 24/7
If your pet is overnight with us, they are never left alone Garston vets - a truly independent approach to animal care for over 100 years.
www.garstonvets.co.uk
Frome Film Club are delighted to announce Season 12 - nine hand-picked films showing from September 2023 to June 2024.
Films are shown at the Merlin Theatre, usually on the second Wednesday of every month at 8pm. There is a terrific atmosphere at these monthly evenings and the Merlin bar is open beforehand so arrive early for a drink and a chat before the film.
Membership costs £30 and buys all nine films. Membership is transferable – if you can’t make it on the night, you can pass your card to a friend –and members can also make use of a DVD library of films from past seasons or catch up on any missed during the season.
The season’s programme is chosen from recent releases and aims to show films that have not been shown locally or had wide exposure nationally. Films are selected from a shortlist that the organisers have watched through the year, via festivals, screenings and trips to independent cinemas.
Season 12 opens with Pedro Almodóvar’s film Parallel Mothers (‘an emotional bundle of joy’), which will be screened at the Merlin on Wednesday 13 September.
Dates, details and trailers for Season 12 are all on the website. So, get online and secure your membership now. Membership numbers are limited, so signing up early is recommended! www.fromefilm.co.uk/join
“You are simply the best and have provided seasons of films that have widened our experience of film makers from a global perspective.” Member review.
Having moved from Bristol nearly two years ago, Veronica now runs a small Pilates business called Re-stack Pilates. She has taught a range of classes, including pre- and postnatal sessions, private classes, Power Pilates and even Aerial Pilates.
Since moving and juggling two small children, along with another job and life in general, she decided to focus on her postnatal offering, for which she has extensive training. In partnership with the amazing Hakko Sushi, she runs a number of fun brunch clubs.
Veronica runs Mum & Baby Pilates classes on Mondays at Rise (1pm - 2pm) and welcomes mothers who have recently had a baby and would like to try Pilates. She also offers one-to-one classes open to anyone, and has a special offer of four one-hour private classes for just £100. “I love teaching and am passionate about helping people to move as freely and easily as possible - if you’d like to know more, I’d love to hear from you.”
restackpilates@gmail.com |
www.re-stackpilates.com
07853223871
Owned by local family events organisers Super Pirates, the vision of the Awesome Studio is to create a busy weekly schedule full of interesting and fun things to do in Frome for the whole community. Nestled in the heart of Station Approach, this new venture has lots planned for the next few months. On top of their popular Toddler Takeover sessions currently every Friday morning, the summer will see the launch of accessible sensory play sessions and a weekly evening for grown-ups called Retro Recess.
“The midweek playtime that grown-ups need. Rewind time and recharge with the old school entertainment that made your childhood awesome: Super Nintendo, Subbuteo, Mousetrap, Scalextrics and more. It’s the good old days - but now you can also do it with a beer and a burrito!”
Besides everything that Super Pirates are curating, it’s also a space to hire for all things awesome. Perfect for various classes, talks, meetings film screenings and more. Station Approach, Frome, BA11 1RE. Visit superpirates.co.uk to learn more.
NEW STUDIOSPACEFORHIRE atTheStation,Frome Anewhomeforyourworkshops,classes,talksandmore Qualitysoundsystem,4Kprojector,customisablelighting Seats100.Neighboursprovidingdeliciousfoodanddrinks Competetiverates.Booknowatsuperpirates.co.uk
BROUGHTTOYOUBY:
“If you want it, you’d better make it” was the straightforward instruction for Anna Fraenkel as a teenager. She has been a maker all her life, and for the last twenty years, specifically a window dressing maker. She was selftaught, learning as she went along whilst working for friends, and has now carved out a really successful independent career. For the last fifteen years she’s worked for interior designers, hotels, shops, houses and private commissions - a recent request was to parachute an interior therapy room!
Anna offers a wide range of services, anything from transforming a village hall into a beautiful wedding venue, a children’s playroom into a magical circus tent, something bespoke and unusual for an event, or simply some curtains, blinds or cushions for homes. Anna is also involved with the community clothing and textile collective, ‘Everyone needs Pockets’
“Hold onto what you love, ignore what leaves you cold and find the courage to change your surroundings to be individual and original . It’s what makes your home unique and the place you want to be. “ www.anna-design.uk 01373 473122 | 07779951691
Spotting trays of ripe apricots at farmer’s markets takes me back to France where this delicious stone fruit is consumed at every given opportunity. Confiture aux abricots with baguette and butter with sea salt crystals for breakfast. Bowls on the kitchen table devoured by kids after school, who line up their stones to see who has eaten the most. Countless pastry-based desserts in patisserie windows and on restaurant summer menus. I may be wrong, but it seems that it is less revered here as an ingredient. Historically, apricots were grown in the UK by the upper classes, in their walled gardens, and under glass. But today the industry is growing, particularly in the South-East and on the Isle of Wight. These ‘cheeky’ fruits are a great source of fibre, are packed with vitamin A and C (particularly good for eye health) and contain a lot less sugar than peaches.
I recommend celebrating the apricot this summer with this age-old, effortless yet sophisticated, dessert, best served in the sunshine with friends and crème fraiche.
Serves 4 - 8 (depending on who has seconds)
Ready Rolled Puff Pastry
4 apricots (larger ones are better for this)
3 tbsp ground almonds
2 tbsp sugar
2-4 tbsp icing sugar
Cut the pastry into two long rectangles, long enough to house 4 half apricots each. Score a border with a dinner knife around the edge, roughly 15mm in. This will allow the border to rise around the fruit.
Halve your apricots and cut off the backside so that they can sit flat on the pastry. Pop the cut discs into a small pan (you’ll need these to make a glaze). Sprinkle the ground almonds over the pastry inside the border and place your apricot halves on top. Sieve icing sugar over the fruit and put into a pre-heated oven (175 C). Check after 25 mins but don’t take out until the border is crispy and the apricots start to catch.
While your tart is baking, make a glaze. Add 75ml water and 2 tbsp sugar to your apricot discs in the pan and simmer until you have a jammy glaze. You can use a fork to crush the fruit so it stews down quicker. When your tart is ready, leave for 5 mins to cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze. Serve with crème fraiche, ice cream or single cream, and enjoy!
With many thanks to Katie for her inspirational recipies and long standing support for The List Frome
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@het_frome to receive weekly menu mailouts.
In the past couple of weeks, I have been returning to some of the very classic wines that we often overlook in the trade. Always in pursuit of exciting and new things to show you, the staple and (dare I say it) old fashioned regions sometimes disappear amongst the noise of innovative grapes and emerging regions, so this month is in praise of the classics!
Bordeaux is about as classic as it gets, with most wine drinkers familiar with the region. Estelle Roumage has been one of my go-to producers for years, always delivering delicious, elegant wines that I take everywhere and always know a crowd will enjoy. Her Chateau Lestrille Entre deux Mers white (£17.30) is fresh, zesty and super classy, with a touch of tropical fruit, for the summer months.
Another classic white is Gavi, and the very best of these wines deserve to be appreciated more than I often do! Contessa Gavi di Gavi (£16) (the name meaning it comes from the historical heart of the Gavi region, where the top wines are made) is packed full of ripe lemon peel flavours. I put this with a very simple pasta dish with garlic fried courgettes, lemon and ricotta last week, and it was among the best food and wine matches I’ve had in a while. So, cheers to your August and a glass of something classically delicious!
Marchbank Jewellery Design Ltd is a thriving goldsmith’s workshop, jewellery design business and independent retailer based in the heart of Frome, in Cheap Street, one of the oldest medieval shopping streets in the UK. Designer-goldsmith Stephen Thomas has been running his workshop in Frome for 23 years, but has over 40 years’ experience in jewellery design, restoration, remodelling and repair of fine jewellery and antiques.
Stephen trained in London in the 1970s at Sir John Cass College, and worked for prestige UK businesses such as Wakely and Wheeler, carrying out contract work for Asprey and Mappin and Webb before setting up his own jewellery design business. Stephen loves the variety of his work;
from setting diamonds in fine jewellery to working on antique Georgian silver, Stephen has built a busy and successful business with many happy customers. He is a member of the National Association of Jewellers and is a registered Fair Trade Goldsmith.
Nestled between Shepton Mallet and Frome, All Hallows is a one of a kind Prep School welcoming children ages 3 to 13.
We extend a warm invitation to you and your family to experience our engaging learning environment firsthand. Join us for our upcoming open morning, alternatively, if you prefer, you can also schedule a bespoke tour at a time that suits you best.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the exceptional education and nurturing community that All Hallows is proud to offer.
Please contact Jackie Truelove, All Hallows’ Registrar, to find out more, secure your place, or to arrange a bespoke tour.
I would recommend the River House for their fantastic breakfast menu, Bistro Lotte for steak frites and red wine, The High Pavement for amazing tapas, Hēt for the most delicious food with heat, The Crown and The Three Swans for a great friendly pub atmosphere.
As for shops, we are very lucky to have so many unique independents in Frome, and I know how hard all the owners work. I love the quality, variety and creativity there is in all their offerings. I applaud them all.
- NICK FRASERDesigner and Founder, Kobi & Teal
We moved to Frome ten years ago after our first daughter was born. Polly grew up in Somerset, and after visiting a few times we very quickly decided it was the place for us.
My favourite thing about Frome is the people and the community spirit.
Out of Frome, I love a new exhibition at Hauser & Wirth and then a walk down to Stourhead from King Alfred’s Tower.
I would love to see a ten pin bowling alley and a lido in Frome please!
My recommended walk would be to take the road between Maiden Bradley and Crockerton; about halfway along you can park up by the bridleway and walk up the hill into the woods and through to the Deverills. The woodland is magic during the wild garlic and bluebell season.
I love to sing and very much enjoy going to Utterance singing group at Makers Yard every Thursday...all welcome to join.
I’m really trying to get back in the studio again to create some new artwork I’ve been cooking in my head for too long. Kobi & Teal takes a lot of my time, but I really want to use the space more for my work as well as all the other artists, designers and makers we present.
Swimming in the sea makes me happy, partying with my friends at Glastonbury that I don’t see enough, and my family of course!
I feel very lucky to be able to run a business in my hometown. Thanks to all Kobi & Teal’s local customers for their support and encouragement, I really appreciate it.
ONLY THREE 2-BED APARTMENTS REMAINING from £270,000
4 BED HOUSES from £490,000
Located within walking distance of Frome town centre and train station, The Old Printworks has been designed with sustainability and wellbeing in mind. Discover your award-winning dream home today and save an average of £2,600* a year in energy bills.
• Energy-efficiency rated EPC B
• Triple glazing
• Energy-saving appliances and lighting
• Infrastructure for EV charger and solar panels
Don’t miss out - over 90% sold in Phase 2
The Old Printworks, Caxton Road, Frome BA11 1NE
The outdoor surroundings are stunning but we’ve also got a super place we call home with a contemporary style and impressive eco-credentials which are important to us.
- Sophie, The Old Printworks Resident