Squarely: Summer Edit
The Squarely Team Summer Edit
Forwards Festival – Pascale Loftus
After reading the Bristol Sounds reviews from the team, I’ve started gearing up for Forwards Festival this August. Squarely enthusiasts will remember ourwrite-up from last year, and this year’s stacked line-up promises even more fun with massive names like Doechii and OliviaDean headlining. See you there!
How to Be a Gardener, Alan Titchmarsh – Lauren Mulhearn
Having recently moved to Fishponds, I’ve been lucky enough to get my own garden — and I’ve found a new hobby (slash obsession). As a complete novice, this book was the perfect starting point. I read it cover to cover, picking up tips on everything from soil and weeds to pruning and planting. It covers a bit of everything, and now I’m ready to dig in.
The Gaffe Comedy – Jess Fielding
Just off Castle Park, The Gaffe is Bristol’s only dedicated comedy club, and it’s fast become a favourite of mine. Whether it’s secret headliners or their £2 comedy night every second Tuesday of the month, there’s always something on. It’s walkable from loads of great bars and restaurants too – ideal if you fancy making an evening of it.
Merlin Bird ID – Sophie Yardley
With summer here, I’m soaking up as much time in nature as possible. Since lockdown, birdwatching has become a favourite pastime of mine, really helping me be present when I’m in the great outdoors. The Merlin Bird ID app helps identify birds by sound – just hit record and watch the results come in. I was thrilled to pick up a Spotted Flycatcher on my last walk!
Farleigh Hungerford – Evie Andrews
Around a 50 minute drive from Bristol, you’ll find one of the best wild swimming spots in the south west. For just £12, you can access the exceptionally well-maintained site with toilets and changing areas all summer. It’s less muddy than Warleigh Weir, and regularly has the cleanest river water within driving distance of Bristol.
Emberwood Bath – Laura Baker
Bath’s food scene just got a whole lot tastier with the launch of Emberwood — a must-visit this summer. The restaurant stands out for its focus on locality and flame-led cooking, with Executive Chef David Hazell working closely with nearby growers and suppliers to create a menu rooted in simplicity and substance. Expect crisp wines, seasonal dishes, and a lively, open-kitchen atmosphere. Sophie was lucky enough to visit Emberwood for one of their launches – read all about it below.
Emberwood - the New Restaurant in Bath Everyone's Talking About
by Sophie Yardley
A favourite day trip of mine is a visit to the historic city of Bath. In just under fifteen minutes by train from Bristol Temple Meads, you find yourself in the heart of this charming city. There’s something so delightful about meandering through its streets, browsing the boutiques, taking in the sights, and then settling down for a long, leisurely lunch.
This past weekend, I visited the highly anticipated new addition to Bath’s dining scene: Emberwood. Tucked away on the leafy Queen Square, it is a sophisticated sanctuary amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. From the moment you step inside, a sense of calm and understated luxury washes over you. Credit must go to Sharky Patterson, the restaurant’s General Manager, who has crafted something genuinely special.
Emberwood’s culinary philosophy centres on hearth cooking, showcased in a spectacular open kitchen that, I must add, is one of the calmest and civilised I’ve seen. The restaurant is committed to using the finest local, seasonal produce, allowing the natural flame to enhance the ingredients’ inherent flavours. The menu is a celebration of contemporary British cuisine, crafted by Executive Chef David Hazell. Each dish reflects his passion for sourcing the very best ingredients.
For starters, we enjoyed the coal-roasted Cornish scallops with garlic butter and gremolata, and picked Cornish crab with crab oil mayonnaise, tarragon and pickled lemon. The flavours were simply spectacular, with each dish light and refreshing on the palette.
Choosing mains from such a tempting menu was a delightful challenge. We settled on the beef shin and stout pie with cavolo nero and celeriac mash, and the red mullet in a delicate crab bisque, served with shellfish, charred sourdough and crab mayonnaise. We complemented the meal with a side of shredded cabbage, parmesan, and parsley salad. Each element was cooked to perfection – classic British dishes reimagined with contemporary flair, allowing the ingredients to shine. Portions were generous, and every dish was beautifully presented.
The open-kitchen concept adds a touch of theatre to Emberwood, as does the desert trolley, which is presented at your table. We indulged in a choux bun and chocolate mousse, both of which were divine.
The drinks offering is equally impressive. We trusted our server’s recommendation and selected a bottle of the Emberwood Reserve Petit Chablis – so exceptional, in fact, that it has become my new favourite white. Wines are available not only by the glass and bottle, but also carafe, which is a concept I love to see on a menu.
The warmth of Emberwood extends beyond its cooking. The service is exemplary – attentive, knowledgeable and genuinely welcoming. New guests are given a thoughtful introduction to the restaurant and menu, setting the scene for what was a truly memorable dining experience.
After a long, leisurely lunch, watching the world drift by from the restaurant’s serene interior, I felt the same sense of rejuvenation as if I had spent the afternoon at a spa.
There is no doubt that Emberwood will be my first stop the next time I find myself in Bath. I’ve heard their Sunday lunches are not to be missed, and with autumn approaching, who could resist another visit?