EXCITING UPDATE FROM THE CABOT CIRCUS BLOG

We are pleased to announce that the Cabot Circus website has undergone a fabulous renovation. The new look site, which is now open, will have its very own blog – so we will be moving base!

But not to fear trusty followers, our brand new website will be bigger and better than ever, offering lots of exclusive content to cater for all fashionistas, including

–          Product of the week

–          New collection reviews

–          Film reviews

–          Latest offers and discounts

–          Trend reports…

… And so much more! So what are you waiting for, get your fashion fix today at www.cabotcircus.com

CC x

ENGLISH HERITAGE – AW12

With the return of the Barbour, the knitted polo neck and the Hunter welly, the catwalk and high-street alike are endorsing the English heritage trend. Spurred on by the Queen’s Jubilee and the triumph of Team GB, everyone is keen to celebrate Britain’s recent success and display their heritage wardrobe.

For anyone unsure on how to approach this trend: luxurious fabrics are a must. Country glamour can be ensured with fabrics like tweed and tartan, herringbone and check.  This structured Vivienne Westwood jacket (found in GarmentQuarter) is a perfect example of how to modernise the way you wear tartan:

Team with a pair of black skinny jeans and knee-high riding boots, or a slim fitting midi skirt, and you will have achieved the two Stella McCartney looks perfectly. And Stella isn’t the only celebrity designer ruling this trend. Victoria Beckham (GarmentQuarter) also has a selection of leather satchels and slouchy knit dresses to perfect the casual heritage style:

Accessorising this trend is simple. Brooches, leather gloves, waist-belts and fedora hats are all essentials and work effortlessly with the A/W season. This French Connection boater hat will add the final touch to any tweed-inspired outfit, and teamed with a Timney silk scarf (House of Fraser) you’ll be dressed for the most stylish of country dog-walks!

PRINT DOMINATION

Unless you’ve managed to escape every fashion magazine for the last few months, you’ll be well aware that big, bold prints are a massive trend for A/W. As a result of this, print is in all the stores right now and it can be tricky deciphering what to buy and how to wear it.

Printed jeans and trousers are a stylist favourite at the moment and are being fully endorsed by celebrities like Cherry Healey, Katie Holmes and Jessie J

Whether you go for the 1950’s floral print, the geometric pattern or the elegant baroque, the high street is offering something for everyone, and there will be something to suit your style.

 

Zara and H&M both have an enviable selection of printed trousers in subtle floral prints and monochrome colouring – perfect if the thought of prints covering your bottom half is slightly daunting! For a simple style that can easily be worn with a woolly knit, River Island are selling a pair of leggings featured here. Whilst those of you who are more daring, check out these eye-popping, digitally floral trousers by Ted Baker:

 

Mary Katrantzou, a British designer who hit high-street stardom with her range of printed dresses and t-shirts for Topshop, has made her mark by collaborating more printed pieces with Ted Baker. If you fancy standing out at the New Year’s party, head down to Quaker’s Friar for a range of dresses that allows you to boast the print, pastel and oriental trend all in one item!

Whether you go prefer the 1950’s floral print, the geometric pattern or the elegant baroque, the high street is offering something for everyone, and there will be something to suit your style.

It’s not essential to wear bold patterns for the print trend to work, but eye-popping styles and pattern clashing will no doubt have you maximising this trend to your best potential.. The question is, how will you wear your prints this autumn?

CELEBRITY CHEFS AND DELICIOUS TREATS AT CABOT CIRCUS FOOD FESTIVAL

Cabot Circus is set to host a two-day culinary extravaganza this weekend. Celebrity chefs Jean Christophe Novelli and Dean Edwards will take to the stage to showcase their culinary talents along with head chefs from restaurants within Cabot Circus.

The free event will see the celebrity chefs demonstrate their skills and reveal the secrets that have helped them achieve their successes. On Saturday Jean Christophe Novelli will share some of his culinary secrets with us and also judge the final of the Cookie Competition, where the winner will scoop £100 worth of Carluccios vouchers. The excitement continues on Sunday when Dean Edwards will teach the Bristol crowd some delicious and simple recipes. 

Jean Christophe Novelli said, “I am looking forward to being part of the Food Festival at Quakers Friars. Visitors to the event can expect to see wonderful dishes being prepared healthily, using local produce. The recipes will be full of flavours that some may find unusual to combine but the results will be fabulous I promise.”

Dean Edwards said: “I’m delighted to be appearing at the Closer to Food event at Cabot Circus in my hometown of Bristol. The city has a fantastic reputation for food and drink, a great range of restaurants and culinary talent. I’ll be cooking some exciting recipes at the event and look forward to welcoming the people of Bristol in August.”

As well as picking up some expert tips, visitors will be able to indulge in seasonal delicacies from a special local produce market, which includes a selection of cakes, artisan breads, locally-produced cheeses, chutneys, sausages and more.

There will also be a variety of stalls for visitors to explore, with Brasserie Blanc, Frankie & Benny’s and Harvey Nichols amongst those with produce and items on offer for shoppers.

Best of British!

Today is the day – unless you have been hibernating for the past year, you will no doubt be gripped with sporting fever, and Quakers Friars is celebrating the start of the games by showing all of the action for free on a giant screen – the perfect opportunity for soaking up the competitive atmosphere and cheering on Team GB!

If you didn’t manage to secure tickets to the sporting event of the year but still want to experience the excitement, then head to Quakers Friars for live open air screenings and follow the most hotly anticipated competitions.

And what perfect weather for it!

CC x

Festival trends

While there may be no Glastonbury; The Isle of Wight, Hackney, Leeds and Reading all make sure that that the British festival season gets in to full swing. Through the mud, mosh pits and dodgy glow sticks (please don’t try and drink out of them) some great fashion trends have emerged each festival season, and this year is no different. As Ted Hughes said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing”. Festivals inspire creativity and so we believe they are a great place to spy the latest trends and keep you one step ahead of the rest.

Festival Classics

There has been a lot of denim flying around this festival season and with it being so versatile, the celebrities have been rocking out denim jeans, shorts and jackets in all different shapes and sizes. We’re a big fan of these MOTO Gold Stud, bleach wash Denim Hotpants from Topshop. A classic festival item that can go with almost anything; from light frilly tops to heavy bomber jackets. We think it would look great with this rather neat flower girl garland adorning your locks, also from Topshop.

Go Hippy

Floral patterns have been extremely popular around all the festivals and again go great with a huge variety of items. Get back to your hippy roots and feel the music man with a great selection of cut off floral tops from River Island, top it off with a cropped leather jacket and you’ll be mixing with Alexa Cheung in no time.

Be a Lad, Go Bold

Festival fashion for men has embraced bold colours and patterns, so stand out this season by embracing all things vivid. However, if the thought of bright clothes isn’t for you, try teaming coloured bottoms with plain white t-shirts, or go for the more conservative nautical theme. Pastel colours have been tipped to be huge this summer and so festivals are the perfect place to try them out.

SW19 comes to Bristol!

Even if you didn’t get tickets this year don’t fret – as Wimbledon takes centre stage at Quakers Friars. With a big screen, relaxing deckchairs, classic lawn green games, Cabot Circus is the place to be to enjoy the tournament in quintessentially British fashion. Cheer on all your favourites (Murray!!) whilst choosing any number of delicious drinks and snacks on offer around Cabot Circus, with strawberries and cream being a must for that true Wimbledon experience. Between games don’t forget to indulge yourself in the latest fashions on offer around Quakers Friars and make yourself in to a style icon, Sharapova and Federer won’t know what’s hit them.

Sit Back and Relax

Let the players do the grunting and instead enjoy the tournament in true comfort and relaxation. Take a seat and revel in some great tennis, all shown on the big screen for pure sporting heaven. The only drama you’ll see here is on centre court

 

Join In the Action

Enjoy Cabot Circus in true British style with classic English lawn games, as well as some old favourites. Boules, rope toss and Giant Connect 4 guarantee entertainment for those of you who want to get involved in a bit of competition, without exerting yourself too much of course.

 

Classic Wimbledon

Forget the trophies; Wimbledon would be nothing without strawberries and cream, and at Cabot Circus this year same is true. Tuck in to the great British classic or stroll around and pick up some of the other delicious treats and snacks on offer, all of which are nearby so you don’t miss any of the action. We firmly believe that staying well fed and watered is the key to enjoying the tournament and is sure to keep you happy, even in the rain!

Daddy Cool!

Yes, it is that time of the year again when we “have no idea what to get for Father’s Day”. And no, don’t reach for predictable cards or ties like every single year, because dads deserve to be treated! We have rummaged through the retailers at Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars for you, and come up with gift ideas that would make your dad trendy and hip…you might not be able to recognise him!

Preppy classic

Would your dad raise his eyebrows if you get him anything fashionable? No worries, just opt for classic items with a small twist. We love the little boat shoes splattered across these shorts from Lacoste at House of Fraser, your dad’s casualwear will be updated nice and subtly.

Techno-dad

If your dad is always clutching his latest gadgets, check out the wide range of technology accessories that is out there. Get him something which he will be able to show off at work. This leather IPad case from Hugo Boss at Harvey Nichols is stylish and sleek.

Basic Needs

Socks, boxers…they may be boring but the truth is they are essentials. You can get al sorts of boxers and socka, whether they be comedy or snazzy! The luxurious box set from Ted Baker at House of Fraser adds that perfect something special, and dads can look dapper head to toe.

Rule Britannia!

The British theme has been everywhere this year, but you have seen nothing yet! Here comes the long-awaited Diamond Jubilee weekend, and the retailers have outdone themselves with super cool limited edition products for this special event. It’s time to forget the bad weather and embrace the bright colours of red white and blue!

Cheers!

What better way of celebrating four days off than getting sufficiently merry? The special Jubilee liquor bottles add that perfect touch of something special when we cheer for our beloved Queen. Even if you quickly finish the bottle – and we all know you would – you can use it as interior decoration to keep up the patriotic vibe. We love the edgy design from the classic brand Absolute Vodka, available at Harvey Nichols.

Nails

Wave your nails instead of flags! Get creative and try some Union Jack nail art at home. The perfect shades of red and blue can be found at Butter London from Harvey Nichols. Don’t forget to add that extra layer of glitter, you will no doubt stand out from the crowd. 

As posh as the Queen

Tea and scones anyone? Tea parties are the very stuff of our British culture, allowing us to be as classy as the Royals. Thank God for the iconic brand Radley bringing out its very first Home Collection just in time for the Jubilee. Expect ‘awws’ when you bring out their teacups and cake platters with cute Union Jack Terriers on them.

STREET FOOD FESTIVAL BRINGS POP-UP CUISINE AND LIVE MUSIC TO QUAKERS FRIARS

Quakers Friars is set to become a foodie paradise next month as the UK’s biggest street food festival comes to the historic piazza at Cabot Circus for the first time.

Taking place over three days from Friday 18^th to Sunday 20^th May, the free festival will feature some of the UK’s finest ‘food trucks’ offering a variety of delicious street cuisine – a new concept that has gained popularity over recent months in London’s Southbank.

Colston Hall will also host a live stage throughout the event which will showcase some of Bristol’s best new musical talent. Featuring a range of local bands playing folk, acoustic and world music, performances will take place every lunchtime, afternoon and evening during the three-day event. 

The street food festival will see Quakers Friars brought to life with festival-inspired food stalls and retailers and will offer the perfect opportunity for the whole family to come and enjoy tasty food, drink and free entertainment and music. Some of the vendors appearing include:

• The Swallow Bakery: boutique bakery offering speciality cupcakes and dessert pies
• The Hungry Gecko: A Masterchef finalist specialising in vegetarian Asian street food
• What the Dickens: iconic British dishes and revived vintage recipes
• Café Mor: seafood specialists from Pembrokeshire and winner of the British Street Food Award 2011
• Big Apple Hot Dogs: inspired by New York, made using only natural and free-range ingredients
• Byron Burgers: proper burgers and the ultimate in comfort food
• Churros Bros: chocolaty warm churros

“Street Food is the most important UK food trend in years” says Richard Johnson, the author of Street Food Revolution and the founder of the British Street Food Awards. “That’s why Heston is singing the praises of the street food revolution in the next issue of GQ. And Jamie has gone and got his own ice cream truck. Served out of the coolest vans, trucks and trailers, street food offers up an exciting way to eat that doesn’t break the bank. It’s throwing up a new generation of food heroes, and has given us the two most important new restaurant openings in living memory – Pitt Cue and Co and Meat Liquor. They both started out trading on the streets. The Cabot Circus event will be packed with new talent, and showcase some sure-fire contenders for the British Street Food Awards 2012 in September.”

The free event will take place from 11am to 8pm from Friday 18^th until and Sunday 20^th May, with the first bands playing at 12:00pm each day.

For more information on the free street food festival visit www.cabotcircus.com or find us on Facebook or twitter. Shops throughout Cabot Circus and Quakers Friars are open from 10am to 8pm, with restaurants open until late.