You coming in? Love your nails” say the crowd of smiling drag queens ushering us past the giant glitter ball hanging outside the pub. We’re strolling along the canal on a gorgeous spring evening. We feel underdressed by some margin, full of admiration and slightly envious of the freedom of styling it up in the city’s iconic gay village. We smile and walk on, sad to leave Manchester so soon.
Is there anything better than listening to the chatter and laughter of people having a good time? Public houses are a home for everyone. Brilliant staff know our names, our families, our lives. It doesn’t matter what kind of day you’ve had, what your friends think of your latest partner, the difficult conversations you’ve had with your counsellor or bank manager this week. It’s somewhere to escape from the world, play skittles, read a book, dance into the darkness.
Almost 400 pubs in England and Wales closed their doors in 2022 as landlords struggled with rising energy costs and food prices. We can’t have a town with no pubs!
Frome is fortunate to have new life breathed into old institutions. From the Flow Bar to the Lamb & Fountain, the Ship to the South Parade Club, there is something for everyone. You can play poker at the Football Club, dance till 2.30am at 23 Bath Street and sing karaoke at the Blue Boar. The Granary is hosting a Film Festival, you can watch the footie at Palmer Street, the six nations at the Rugby Club, discover new bands at the Tree House, take home locally brewed beers from the Griffin and indulge in boozy brunches at the Crown. Village pubs are really upping their game too, with live music, quiz nights and more community events. Have you reserved your table at the Three Horseshoes in Batcombe yet?
So, here’s to our magnificent pubs. They all need your support, now more than ever. Bank holidays are here. Get your DIY done, tidy your garden, invite your neighbours to toast our new King and then get yourselves down your local pub!
Design: blackinkstudio.co.uk Front
The theme of this year’s nine-day extravaganza is Woven in Time, reflecting the town’s early prosperity through its connection to the woollen industry. The Festival will include themed workshops, guided walks, open days and talks, along with highlighting other aspects of the town’s history and the surrounding area. There will be events during the week representing other features of the town’s history, including a play about wartime evacuees, a local history charity quiz night and a heritage café. More info: Facebook/Frome Local History Festival
Horsepond Farm, Faulkland BA3 5WA
Wednesdays - Sundays, 10am - 5pm, incl all May Bank holidays, Free
This beautiful working lavender farm is a local gem in the heart of Somerset. You are free to roam through acres of landscaped purple lavender fields and enjoy the farm shop and delicious café. Lots of different varieties of lavender and many other interesting plants and hanging baskets are available to buy. Donations help with the upkeep and future development of the farm and its facilities for visitors. www.somersetlavender.com
Silk Mill, 1st May, 5.45am - 10am, Free
Welcome Spring with a mass singing event in Saxonvale to symbolise new beginnings. Singing at dawn on May Day is a tradition that dates back over 500 years, an experience that is definitely worth getting out of bed for! This beautiful celebration will be followed by other traditional May activities including Morris dancing, garland making, refreshments, music, and other May merriment. Everyone is welcome - come on your own, or as a group. www.maydaysaxonvale.co.uk/dawn
George Hotel & Granary, 13th May, 11am - 11pm, Free
The Climates is in its second year and has attracted over thirty-five entries from more than six countries. The festival provides wonderfully diverse, engaging and thought-provoking films, as well as workshops, an art exhibition, awards ceremony and evening party. The award-winning films will be showcased at the Little Theatre in Bath on the 20th May, a red carpet event for the award-winning directors, family, friends and the public. www.climatefilmfestival.co.uk
May Bank Holiday Opening:
Monday 1st May CLOSED
Monday 8th May
Monday 29th May OPEN
9-10 Cheap St. 01373 473111 https://shop .winstonebooks.co.uk
BOX OFFICE
01373 455420
BUFFALO GALS PRESENT BLUEGRASS STRING-BAND SUNDAY SOCIAL SUNDAY 14 MAY - 2PM (FOOD+BAR FROM 1PM)
ILLYRIA PRESENTS ROBIN HOOD
SUNDAY 21 MAY - 4PM
OCTOPUS DREAM THEATRE PRESENTS I LOVE YOU, MUM – I PROMISE I WON’T DIE
THURSDAY 25 MAY - 7PM
01373 465949 merlintheatre.co.uk
Bath Rd . Frome . BA11 2HG
HOTHOUSE FLOWERS
THURSDAY 4TH MAY £39 ADV (+ SC)
JAH WOBBLE & THE INVADERS OF THE HEART SATURDAY 6TH MAY £22 ADV (+ SC)
THE PRETENDERS
TUESDAY 16TH MAY SOLD OUT!
KATE RUSBY
WEDNESDAY 17TH MAY £31.50 ADV (+ SC)
THE SOUTH
FRIDAY 19TH MAY £26.50 ADV (+ SC)
BIG COUNTRY & SPEAR OF DESTINY
SATURDAY 20TH MAY £33.50 ADV (+ SC)
LINDISFARNE
SATURDAY 27TH MAY £27.50 ADV (+ SC)
MONO
MONDAY 29TH MAY £17.50 ADV (+SC)
26th - 28th May, various venues, tickets from £9
The Wells Comedy Festival returns for a seventh year, bringing a weekend-long comedy jamboree with dozens of comedians descending on the city across the bank holiday weekend. Shows this year include a live recording of Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, Never Mind the Buzzcocks regular Jamali Maddix, triple threat Rosie Jones and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Nabil Abdulrashid.
Memorial Theatre, 2nd - 6th May
7.00pm, £18
Based on the hilarious hit movie, this musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band – sensationally performed live by the production’s young actors every night with roofraising energy!
Wednesdays 7.30pm and Sundays 5.30pm, Free
Bar Lotte hosts an incredible array of free music and boasts an impressive line-up, including some of Britain’s finest musicians. With regular gigs from renowned British saxophonist, Ian Ballamy, to some of England’s best singer-songwriters including Izzie Yardley, Alan Power and Blues outfit Rosco Shakes. On the menu is fine French cooking and an amazing selection of cocktails from the bar. If you’ve not been yet…you should.
WED 3 MA POLAINE
SUN 7 MADLOX
WED 10 IAIN BALLAMY
SUN 14 ALAN POWER
WED 17 ROSCO SHAKES
SUN 21 MĀSA
WED 24 IAIN BALLAMY
SUN 28 IZZIE YARDLEY’S SONG CLUB
WED 31 MARK LEWIS HEAVENOR
SPRING SUPPER CLUB
SAT 20 MAY | FROM 6:15PM
THE CLOISTERS AT THE BENNETT CENTRE, VICARAGE ST. FROME
FRI 28 & SAT 29 JULY
FROM 6:15PM
IRON MILL COTTAGE, OLDFORD
5 COURSES & A GLASS OF SOMERSET POMONA
£55 PER PERSON
TO BOOK CALL LUCY ON 07500484845
OR: POMONASUPPERCLUB@YAHOO.COM
Friday 7th - Sunday 16th July
Frome will come alive with music, art and culture as the Frome Festival returns for its 22nd year. With over 200 events taking place across ten days, the Festival aims to celebrate the best of Frome, with events and activities happening in many places and spaces across the town - from venues and galleries to pubs and parks.
Early headliners will include a stellar comedy lineup starring Miles Jupp and Sophie Duker, big music acts including Asian Dub Foundation and Newton Faulkner, and fascinating talks by John Hegley, who presents Biscuits of Destiny, and celebrated historian William Dalrymple, who will give this year’s annual Bob Morris lecture. Alongside regular fixtures of the Festival such as the Food Feast, Hidden Gardens and Open Art Trail, this year’s programme celebrates the creative life of local poet Crysse Morrison with the inaugural Festival Poetry Competition, presented by world renowned stand-up poet and comedian Elvis McGonagall.
Frome has a long history as a market town, proudly continued by all our present-day markets, but have you ever wanted to know a bit more? From this month, visitors to the Frome Independent can join free guided walks led by Frome Heritage. Learn a brief history of the town, discover more about some of our historic buildings and the people who’ve shaped our town. thefromeindependent.org.uk
At the heart of the Festival is a programme of free and low-cost events generously supported by the National Lottery Community Fund. With accessible activities taking place every day of the Festival, more people than ever before will be able to experience the joys of live music, art, literature and theatre, as well as a busy programme for families and younger children.
Cheese & Grain, 17th May, 7pm, £31.50 adv
Currently celebrating 30 years of touring, Kate is England’s best-selling female folk artist and enjoys a wide and mainstream appeal. Her new album 30: Happy Returns reached number 1 in the Official Folk Chart and is a joyous celebration of her impressive career featuring artists such as Richard Hawley, KT Tunstall, Darlingside, Sarah Jarosz, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Sam Kelly and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION/ Newton Faulkner
Miles Jupp/Sophie
Duker/John Hegley/ London Gala
Orchestra/ Clare
Hammond/ Ian
Ballamy/William Dalrymple
Music / Theatre / Dance
Comedy / Spoken Word & Literature / Exhibitions
Visual Arts and Crafts
Family Friendly Activities
Walks / Talks and Lectures
Late Night EVENTS + so much more
www.fromefestival.co.uk
SCULPTURE
CERAMICS
TEXTILES
INSTALLATION
GILDING
PRINTMAKING
RECYCLED ART
PAINTING
JEWELLERY
MOSAIC
LEATHER
PHOTOGRAPHY
WOOD
ILLUSTRATION
DIGITAL ART
ARTIST’S BOOKS
FURNITURE
METALWORK
GLASS
MIXED MEDIA
DRAWING
wvat.co.uk
Sat 29 April - Mon 8 May
73 VENUES / 240+ ARTISTS EXHIBITIONS / OPEN STUDIOS WORKSHOPS / GALLERIES
WYLYE VALLEY ART TRAIL 29 April - 8 May
A celebration of visual art in south west Wiltshire
Free trail brochures available at tourist information centres, libraries, arts centres & lots of other places from mid- March. Download the App at wvat.co.uk
#WVAT’23
Frome’s award-winning independent bookshop
Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books is located in the medieval heart of Frome, on beautiful Cheap Street. Established over 30 years ago, our marvellous bookshop was the 2020 winner of British Independent Bookshop of the Year for the South West. With thousands of titles in stock, and a further half-a-million titles available to order overnight (for orders placed before 5pm), there truly is something for everyone. Literary events run throughout the year, with lots of new exciting things coming soon, such as subscription services, more book groups and bookish experiences and also a monthly pre-publication book review club called the Proof Pudding Club. t: 01373 473111 | www.winstonebooks.co.uk
Local artists Mel Day and Aliss Vaas are working with the Town Council and community groups to design and make beautiful flags. They will be hung across the town centre this month in place of bunting and be a welcome and colourful addition to the town during the Coronation. On Monday 8th May members of the public are also invited to take part in The Big Help Out. This will encourage people to try volunteering and to celebrate the amazing impact of volunteers in our town.
National Theatre Live at Merlin Theatre, 18th May, 7pm, £16
David Harewood (Homeland) and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) play feuding political rivals in James Graham’s (Sherwood) multiple award-winning new drama. In 1968 America, as two men fight to become the next president, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunningly conservative William F. Buckley Jr., and the unruly liberal Gore Vidal. As beliefs are challenged and slurs slung, a new frontier in American politics is opening and television news is about to be transformed forever.
Black Swan Arts, 5th May, 6-8pm, Free
Frome is long-overdue a regular date to explore our fabulous venues after hours. Art galleries often host late night openings and private views, but it can sometimes be intimidating walking into an unknown space. As Frome’s community arts centre, Black Swan Arts wanted to throw open its doors to everyone in a friendly, fun and informal way. The awesome River House café will have a wide selection of soft and alcoholic drinks available, all the craft studios and the shop will open late too - and future months will see more venues join in with food, music and drinks along the walking trail throughout town.
recipes have been passed down through generations of Renata’s Japanese ancestors, reignited with a modern British touch....
Frome’s favourite Japanese restaurant Hakkō House goes from pop-up to permanence at Marston Park.
Born in their home town of Frome in the summer of ‘21, Renata and James started their Japanese popup, Hakkō House, creating food that is beautiful to see, delicious to eat, and kind to the body!
Their Hakkō House ethos has always been to make authentic Japanese food with love, care and only the best local ingredients, with a focus on fermentation, using ancient Japanese methods to ensure that their food supports your microbiome.
Renata’s Japanese heritage and upbringing in a home filled with incredible Japanese food (cooked by her mother, a private chef) ignited her ikigai (life’s passion). Many of the recipes have been passed down through generations of Renata’s Japanese ancestors, reignited with a modern British touch as they develop and put their own twists on these recipes.
Passionate about being part of their Frome community, they initially launched as a Friday night takeaway offering, which quickly progressed into pop-ups, a market and festival offering - getting a slot
at Frome’s sought-after Independent market and local festival Shindig. They have steadily created such a great name for themselves, that it was only a matter of time before they found their more permanent home.
Approached to become the onsite restaurant at the wonderful location of Marston Park, Renata and James are thrilled to be part of such an exciting and dynamic venue. The brand new Hakkō House restaurant is set in a converted shipping container nestled in the beautiful woodlands, with stunning views overlooking the lake. Dinein is recommended for the full intimate dining experience and for the full menu.
with beautiful ingredients including sustainably sourced salmon, wild linecaught bass and local smoked trout.
The restaurant menu will be seasonally focused, and they will continue to serve their well-loved variety of sushi - with beautiful ingredients including sustainably sourced salmon, wild line-caught bass
and local smoked trout. Alongside the sushi, they will serve many other wonderful Japanese dishes including the beautifully succulent fried chicken and tofu karaage, handmade gyoza with a chilli vegetable dipping sauce, wakame & cucumber salad and delicious puddings including matcha tirimasu and yuzu sorbet. Additionally, there will be a smaller takeaway menu that you can eat onsite wherever you like! This menu will include their market favourites Ōkī maki rolls, and frozen sake cocktails!
Alongside the restaurant, Hakkō House will also be running the onsite café offering Japanese-inspired cakes and biscuits from Frome’s favourite Hoolee’s Goodies, beautiful teas from the thoughtful beings at Comins Tea House, and coffee perfection from Clifton Coffee.
Dine in for the full menu and experience (booking advised) or Takeaway small plates.
Summer opening hours – May to October
Thursday to Saturday – 5.30pm to 10pm
Both the restaurant & café are open to everyone and whilst booking is recommended for the restaurant, the café is open daily so just drop in. And remember, there are no admission fees to pay to visit Marston Park so you can pop by anytime!
Hot and cold drinks with light bites
Based in and around the terrace.
Summer opening hours – May to October
Monday to Sunday – 8am to 4pm
Mayday Dawning
Silk Mill, 6am, Free
The Naff Art Club!
The Three Swans, 7.30pm, Free
Artist Gatherings: Making things happen Terrestrial @ Makers Yard, 5.30 - 7.30pm, Free
FMTC present:
School of Rock
Memorial Theatre, 7pm, £18
Frome Stitch Club
Black Swan Arts, 7 - 10pm, £4
Trudoxhill Session
The White Hart, 7.30pm
Belt making course
Badger House Leather @ Black Swan Arts, 6-9pm, £65
Paul Young: Behind the Lens Memorial Theatre, 7.30pm, £30
Iain Ballamy
Bar Lotte, 7.30pm, Free
Great Freedom Frome Film Club @ Merlin Theatre 8pm, £6.50
Heritage Café
Cheese & Grain, 11am - 12.30pm, Free
DramaKarma presents:
Two Thousand Days
Frome History Festival @ Rook Lane
7.30pm, £8
Memoir Writing Workshop
Bath Festival @ American Museum 10.30am -12.30pm, £15-£40
Film screening: Mayor Friends of Palestine Holy Trinity Church Hall
7.30pm, £4
Kate Rusby Cheese & Grain, 7pm, £31.50 adv
Rosco Shakes Bar Lotte, 7.30pm, Free
Pop Quiz The Three Swans, 8pm, £1 p/p
Trio Paradis: Fantasies, Serenades & Scherzos
Christ Church, 1.15 - 2pm, Free
Spotlight Talks: Rodney Graham Hauser & Wirth Somerset, 2 - 2.30pm, Free
Shared Garden Showcase, plant swap Gardening Together @ Pure Moves, 6.30 - 7.30pm, Free
Hothouse Flowers
Cheese & Grain, 7pm, £39 adv
Potent Plants & Altered States
42 Acres, 10.30am, £42
DIY hot sauce & fermented condiments workshop Get Pickled @ Lo Rapitenc, 6pm, £45
Dying Matters
The Good Heart, 7.30 - 9pm, Free
Wildlife by Water
Frome Town Council @ Vallis Vale 2.30 - 3.30pm, Free
A Greek Tragedy: Wine Tasting
Eight Stony Street, 7 -9.30pm, £35
National Theatre Live: Best of Enemies Merlin Theatre, Thu, 18, 7pm, £16
Garden of Madness, Pete the Temp & friends 23 Bath Street, 7pm, £10
A-Z of Frome: illustrated talk by David Lassman Avanti School, 6 - 7.30pm, Free
Iain Ballamy Bar Lotte, 7.30pm, Free
Super Club with Bita Fallah The Talbot Inn, Mells, 7pm £45
Trad Jazz, New Academic Feetwarmers The Three Swans, 8pm, Free
Mark Lewis Heavenor Bar Lotte, 7.30pm, Free
Food as Medicine
42 Acres, Thu25, 10.30am - 3pm, £100
I love you MumI promise I won’t die Merlin Theatre, 7pm, £15
FRI
Mojo Moves RISE Frome, 9.30 - 10.15am, £7.50
Frome First Fridays Black Swan Arts, 6 - 8pm, Free
Roller Disco (Over 18’s)
Cheese & Grain, 8 - 11pm, £15 (incl skates)
Froome Freak 2
The Loft @ 23 Bath Street, 8pm - 1am £7.50 adv
Alfie Moore: Fair Cop Unleashed Merlin Theatre, 7.30pm, £18
Gary Davies: BBC Sound of the 80s Live Cheese & Grain, 8pm, £25
Sour Apple
The Crown, Keyford, 8.30pm, Free
Preview Evening: Lotte Scott Long Gallery @ Black Swan Arts, 6 - 8pm, Free
Folk & Roots Open Mic
The Vaults @ Bennett Centre 7.30 -10.30pm, £3
The Dusk-Eyed Queen:
Kamilla Arku Cooper Hall, 8pm, £15
The South Cheese & Grain, 8pm, £26.50 adv
Rhys James: Spilt Milk
Wells Comedy Festival weekend 7pm, £16
The Urban Voodoo Machine & Kristeen Young
The Tree House, 7pm, £16
LGBTQ monthly social Flow Bar, 7.30pm, Free
Marti Pellow - Pellow Talk Memorial Theatre, 7.30pm, £30
SUN 21
Coronation of King Charles
Lawless: Freewriting and art journaling
The Write Place @ Black Swan Arts 10am - 1pm, £35
WHY Tea Party (fundraising packs), Various hosts
Jah Wobble & the Invaders of the Heart Cheese & Grain, 7.30pm, £22 adv
Open Day Memorial Theatre, 10am - 1pm, Free
Frome International Climate Film Festival
The Granary @ George Hotel 11am - 11pm, Free
Live Poetry & Open Mic Night with Isabella Dorta River House café @ Black Swan Arts
6.30pm, £10.99
Open Road
The Sun, 8.30pm, Free
Local History Day Frome Library, 10am - 3pm, Free
Children’s Art & Craft classes
Jo Joof @ Black Swan Arts, 11am -12pm, £5
Pomona Supper Club Bennett Centre, 6.15 - 11pm, £60
That’ll Be The Day Memorial Theatre, 7.30pm
Plant Sale: Frome Selwood Horticulture Society Selwood School, 27, 9.30am
Forage & Ferment (wild flowers) Get Pickled @ Redford House 10.30am - 3.30pm, £80
Lindisfarne
Cheese & Grain, 7.30pm, £27.50 adv
Night River presents: The Burning Hell
The Treehouse, 7.30pm £13.50
STREET PARTIES | SAT 6
Magpie Market
Cheese & Grain, 9am - 2pm
The Frome Independent Town Centre, 10am - 3pm, Free
Spotlight Talks: The New Bend Hauser & Wirth Somerset, 2 - 2.30pm, Free
Madlox Bar Lotte, 5.30pm, Free
Pilgrimage to Bath Abbey Focus Frome (start), 8am - 4pm
Flea Market & Craft Fair Frome Showground, West Woodlands, 9am - 3pm, £1
Buffalo Gals: Bluegrass string-band Sunday Social Merlin Theatre, 2pm, £14
Alan Power Bar Lotte, 5.30pm, Free
Open Water Weekend (PADI) Vobster Quay Inland Diving Centre, 7am - 4pm, various
Dip Your Toe In Farleigh Hungerford Wild Swimming Club, 9.30 - 10.30am, £30
Rare Plant Fair
American Museum, 10am - 5pm, £7.50
Illyria presents: Robin Hood Merlin Theatre, 4pm, £18
Masa Bar Lotte, 5.30pm, Free
Frome Spring Vegan Fair
Cheese & Grain, 10am -3pm, £2
Richard Herring
Cedars Hall, Wells Comedy Festival 1pm & 5pm, £18 / £12
Summer Wine & Cheese Fair Eight Stony Street, 3 - 8pm, £15
Open Gardens
Nunney, 11am - 5pm, £10 (charity)
Lilly Dixon joined the family home maintenance company in 2014. Coming into an industry dominated by men, the main thing holding her back was an assumption that she would be treated as less because she was a woman. What she actually found, on the whole, was huge respect, massive support and generous guidance from the men she came across.
When Lilly’s dad retired from the company, it made sense for her to offer a safe platform for other women to experience what she had experienced and to bring this natural and productive balance into the industry. This was not about fighting to earn their place as women,
but more about becoming empowered to take the place that is already there.
Lillypads, while a female-led decorating company, is not exclusively female, and they work closely with male-run companies. Lilly believes that ‘the best harmony is when the two are balanced. We work better, together’. Having been lucky enough to learn her trade amongst family, she now carries this value into Lillypads. Encouraging more women into the industry continues to bring things into balance and she is very proud to be a part of this: ‘I only hope that someone now designs a steel toe-capped boot smaller than a size 7 and in colours other than pink.’
E&E Aesthetics, was one of the first salons in the town offering bespoke beauty treatments focussing on the face, such as microblading and brow treatments. They are passionate about using locally made, locally sourced cruelty-free and vegan skincare in their treatments, such as sweet bee organics, cbd-infused massage oils, teas and chocolates by ganjika holistics.
Emmy, who opened the salon, originally flew to Papua New Guinea with BBC Three to explore the palm oil industry within the beauty
industry (YouTube: Makeup’s Big Secret) and feels that sustainability and ethically-sourced products are at the core of the salon’s ethos. The salon was fortunate to survive lockdown and possible closure for health reasons, but it has now expanded and moved to the beautiful new location in Badcox last October. The staff are now celebrating their 5th birthday since opening, a real achievement given the recent turbulent times that many businesses have experienced.
E&E is now offering more services such as laser hair removal, cbd body massage, nail care services and specialist facials including collagen lift, dermaplaning and micro needling. Microblading and semi-permanent make-up are one of the salon’s most well-known treatments, with free consultations to discuss your needs.
@eandesalonfrome
07980 747700
Booksy Booking: eandesalon.booksy.com
TUESDAY 18.45
CHEESE & GRAIN | £7.50 PAYG
FRIDAY 09.30
RISE FROME | £7.50 PAYG
Seated - For adults with long term health conditions.
WEDNESDAY 11.00 via ZOOM | FREE
For other service information, private bookings and all enquiries please email cheryl@mojomoves.co.uk
Welcoming new patients
Dental Care Plan
GBT certified practice
3D and CBCT Scanners
Implantology
Orthodontics
Zoom Whitening
Airflow Hygiene
Composite bonding
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm 2 Fromefield, Frome BA11 2HA
01373 465212
catherinecourtdentistry.co.uk
After nearly five years transforming the Griffin as the go-to burger and craft beer spot in Frome, the original founders, Hannah and Malc, are welcoming the core management team onto the board as co-owners in acknowledgement for all their awesome hard work post Covid to help drive the business forward. Jordan is running the kitchen, Georgie leading the bar and Rob and Lesley sharing the role of General Manager.
To celebrate the new collaborative nature of the business, they have rebranded to Coop Kitchen with one eye on festivals and pop-ups (you can find them at Bristol’s Wing Fest) and another on new horizons. From festival tent dining to veg box and weekly changing burger specials delivered to the door over lockdown, the brand has grown to a whole new level and outgrown the small kitchen at the Griffin.
After exploring several kitchen expansion options in-house, they took over the keys to the Artisan and have started transforming the premises to become the new home of Coop Kitchen.
Opening from the first bank holiday weekend, the Artisan will be taken back to its original name of The Ship, and transformed from gastro pub to a very special place fitting its location at the top of Catherine Street and Badcox. The venue may be different but everything else will remain the same, with all the team moving to the new location, the food Frome loves, just a little bit easier to grab a table indoors and outdoors. Lucky Frome!
...they took over the keys to the Artisan and have started transforming the premises to become the new home of Coop Kitchen...
after five years at the Griffin find us at our new home from May 4th 2023
6 Christchurch St West, Badcox, Frome previously known as the Artisan and the Olive Tree
@coopkitchenfrome
We have long weekends a-plenty coming our way, and with any luck some springtime sunshine to go with them. I will be taking every opportunity to soak in the sun outside, and these wines are top of my list for the first barbeques and picnics of the year.
Spain £17
For the beginning of barbeque season, I love this Mencia from Ribera Sacra in Northern Galicia. Mencia has a wonderful silky texture not too dissimilar from Pinot Noir, with gorgeous floral notes and a touch of spice. I love this with anything smokey from the barbeque and Middle Eastern inspired salads. If you like Pinot and Grenache for their elegance and juicy fruit, this is one to try.
Dorset £31
Bride Valley Cremant from Dorset is one of my favourite English wines, the wines lovingly crafted by the incredible wine industry pioneer, the late Steven Spurrier. This Cremant, made at a slightly lower pressure, means it has a beautiful creamy texture with delicate bubbles and bright red apple fruit taste in plentiful supply. A bottle of this in your picnic basket couldn’t get much better.
Owner Rik Lyall is pleased to be taking charge of the pub he owns after 5 years concentrating on his brewery; Frome Brewing Co Ltd which is located on the Commerce Park. Rik has owned the pub since 1999.
We are deep into leafy green season - the ultimate time to follow age-old advice and pack as many greens into our diet as possible. Spinach, rocket, spring greens, sorrel, kale and watercress are all superbly versatile and nutrient-abundant, offering many health benefits.
This simple curry takes minutes to put together and will take any leafy green you have.
Spring Green Curry
5 cloves of garlic, sliced
1 red onion, finely sliced
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 chillies, sliced Greens for two; spinach, spring greens, kale, chard...
250 ml coconut milk
150 ml water
Salt to taste
A lime
Over a medium heat, in a wide pan, cook garlic and onion in a splash of veg oil until soft and starting to colour. Stir in turmeric, cumin seeds and chillies, cooking for a further minute.
Slice your greens of choice, add to pan and coat with onion and spices, before adding coconut milk, water and salt. Cover and simmer for around 6 minutes, or until your greens are cooked the way you want them.
Serve hot with plain basmati rice or soft naan, and a squeeze of lime.
Katie runs hēt – a Frome-based takeaway serving up tasty food with heat.
Follow on Instagram @het_frome or email SIGN ME UP to hetfrome@gmail.com to receive weekly menu mailouts.
Asimple tented camp in a hidden corner of Africa, the fresh track of a Bengal tiger in the jungles of Central India, a team of huskies pulling your sledge through a Swedish Arctic forest, a trek with Berber guides whose family have walked High Atlas paths for generations; Natural High Travel, based just outside Shaftesbury, is defined by such wilderness experiences.
The team at Natural High travel extensively and know their destinations intimately, often having worked and lived in the country. Their expertise is in organising bespoke travel, be it a family holiday, a break for a couple, a multi generational group or a solo traveller wishing to join a group. They work with each enquiry, aiming to match dreams with budgets. They have worked with many of their guides and partners since they started out 30 years
ago, and bring this collective knowledge to bear when it comes to planning all trips.
Organising holidays all over Africa, Central and South America, India, Nepal and Bhutan, Arctic Sweden and Finland, Alaska, Fiji, Morocco and Egypt.
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
After walking through Willow Vale on a Friday evening, Esther and I make a beeline for Bar Lotte for an early drink and giant pretzels. It’s great to watch all the young people heading off for a night on the town.
I was a paramedic for 20 years and I’ve recently started working at Frome fire station. Just need to join the police to get the full emergency hat-trick.
We made Frome our home in 2006. We found the town to be friendly and charming. There seems to be a positive attitude tied to Frome, everyone is welcome.
My favourite day would involve food, drink, friends, a dog and roller skating.
My top tip for a day out near Frome is a cycle ride with the family to Palette and Pasture for ice cream.
Frome could be improved by a much needed rejuvenated and bigger skate park; and roller rink, a space for everyone.
I love the walk to Mells along the river, and then to the walled garden for a pizza. Sam the owner has now taken over running the café in the park. Hooray!
I try to get to Amsterdam regularly to skate with es quint. I love watching videos uploaded by Brian Swami B Bfunk, a truly accessible, relatable and inspiring roller skater. More than just skating, Brian has made his work into his life philosophy. He’s a joy to be around. Inspiring.
I am currently working on a youth worker-led project, looking at the needs of our local young people, developing better relationships between them and local people.
Roller skating makes me happy. Middle aged men shouldn’t skate, apparently; turns out this one does, and I feel better for it.
Support our weekly roller disco at the Cheese & Grain. We are a non-profit community organisation and have recently changed our name to Eleven Roller Disco as we are now operating beyond Frome!
To see all our upcoming events, head to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ elevenrollercic
www.elevenrollerdisco.org/home/
Nestled in the heart of rural Somerset, All Hallows is a traditional prep school with a modern approach.
With Dr Richards at the helm, a qualified Educational Psychologist as well as an educationalist, it is a school which is doing things differently and distinctively: Children’s happiness and wellbeing underpin our whole approach and pupils feel they truly belong.
This, together with inspirational teaching and an innovative and flexible curriculum, enables the children to thrive.
All Hallows is an independent prep school with children moving on to their chosen senior school confident in who they are and ready to make the most of the opportunities that await.
www.allhallowsschool.co.uk
