17 minute read
FARM TO FORK
Farm tofork
As more of us adopt habits to help protect our health – and the health of the planet – one forkful at a time, we take a closer look at one of Bristol’s finest restaurants, which was awarded a Michelin Green Star in 2022. We caught up with co-owner and head chef Jan Ostle to learn more about the inner workings of Wilsons…
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Jan Ostle and Mary Wilson
Awarded a Michelin Green Star for its exceptionally high ethical and environmental standards, Wilsons is currently at the forefront of the industry when it comes to its sustainable practices. Offering a dining experience that combines culinary excellence with outstanding ecofriendly commitments, the Chandos Road bistro is one to admire.
Opened in 2016 by head chef Jan Ostle and Mary Wilson, the husband-and-wife team have placed sustainability at the heart of everything they do, working with and supporting producers, growers and traders that use ethical and low impact methods. Making sure to consider the provenance of their ingredients, the use of seasonal produce, their environmental footprint, food waste systems, general waste disposal, recycling and much more, Wilsons is a role model in Bristol and beyond.
Jan has spent his career working in some of the country’s most acclaimed kitchens including London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant The Clove Club and with Tom Kerridge, while Mary has a background in biodynamic agriculture and grew up in her family restaurant in London, which went by the same name. When asked about what inspired the decision to open a restaurant that has such a strong commitment to sustainable gastronomy, Jan explained that “it happened organically.”
“Mary has loads of experience in farming and growing. I grew up with my parents growing all of the vegetables that we ate so it seemed normal. We wanted the restaurant to feel like a home, and home for me was food from the allotment.”
The Michelin Green Star award was first revealed in 2020 and introduced into several of the 2021 editions of the Michelin Guide across the world. The annual award highlights those who are making a difference and Wilsons is doing exactly that. Growing its own menu every season means nature very much dictates what and how the team cook on a daily basis. “I love the challenge,” Jan says. “Trying to write a whole menu based around what we grow is not easy, things are constantly changing, getting swapped around or running out. It keeps it exciting and produces things like celeriac ice cream.”
The restaurant has its own market garden where the team grow much of the produce used in the restaurant, including vegetables, herbs, and edible and ornamental flowers, all of which are set in a two-acre field in Barrow Gurney, just 20 minutes away from the restaurant. The wine list is also short and frequently changing. Jan and Mary source wines from small scale producers using organic, biodynamic and low intervention techniques. When renowned food critic Jay Rayner arrived in Bristol, he described the restaurant’s dishes as being “big and bold, but also thoughtful,” adding: “It is a bunch of good things treated very well. It’s all extremely beguiling; hating Wilsons would be like hating Una Stubbs or kittens.”
The city’s easily accessible leafy green surroundings must also allow restaurants, traders, producers and growers like Wilsons to uphold their green values with relative ease. But what other benefits does Bristol bring? “There would be no food scene in Bristol without the people of Bristol. That sounds pretty obvious but it’s more nuance than it sounds. Bristol folk are generous with their support and encourage each other to take risks, do things differently and challenge the status quo. They support people who are different and are doing what they love to do. I don’t think Wilson’s could exist anywhere else.”
Although proud of their sustainable practices, Jan also states: “It’s important to realise that we are incredibly fortunate to be able to grow our own and that by no means is it the right path for everyone. But there are lots of small changes that you can make to your day-today. A big thing we’ve done is to build sustainability in to a key requirement for how we work. Most restaurants ask: is it delicious, is it profitable and is it possible? All we do is add as much importance to the sustainability as you would to whether something is delicious. You wouldn’t serve something that’s disgusting but profitable.”
During the winter months, the restaurant’s allotment must endure the weather at its harshest, where natural food sources are scarce. Despite a battle with the elements, however, the Wilsons menu never ceases to impress, for it is a work of imagination executed with great skill. “We’ve been storing vegetables, pickling and preserving them so we can get through the ‘hungry gap’ [which typically lasts from December to March],” Jan explains. “We also invested in another poly tunnel so we will have some super fresh stuff as well as the preserved.”
As more people look for ways to stop negatively impacting our natural world and support and invest in those that are taking action to address some of society’s most critical challenges, restaurants like Wilsons are paving the way for a greener tomorrow. “I’m super happy doing what I’m doing,” concludes Jan. “I just want to keep on growing, figuratively and literally.” n • wilsonsbristol.co.uk; guide.michelin.com/gb/en
BRISTOL UPDATES
Bristol company keeping UK homes warm
Across the UK, it’s predicted that one in four households will not be able to eat, heat and pay the rent this winter. The UK has the most energy-inefficient homes in Europe, and government attempts to improve this have stalled. The government claims it costs £25,000 to retrofit a house, but an award-winning thermal-imaging scheme started in Bristol seven years ago can show exactly where the energy escapes so that with DIY and £100 you can keep warm, save money, and help save the planet.
In 2014, the not-for-profit CHEESE Project (Cold Homes Energy Efficiency Survey Experts) was founded by Mike Andrews a former TV Executive Producer/Director with the BBC Natural History Unit, and Jeremy Birch, who founded Friends of the Earth in Bristol and who has decades of experience in software and silicone chip design. Drawing on experience from around the world, they developed a brand new thermal camera, software, and an enhanced thermal imaging system and used it inside homes to perfect a lowcost grass-roots community solution to energy conservation in the home. Mike Andrews says: “What we offer is the difference between £300 and £25k to start making your home energy-efficient.”
Now Mike and his team are beginning to replicate this model across the UK by launching First Thermal Ltd as a Social Franchisor. Community groups will receive all they require to run a valuable social service while building a financially sustainable business: the equipment, software, training and a self sustaining business model that can keep running once grants and funding pots dry up. No matter where householders are in the UK they can expect the same high standard of results from every First Thermal Survey.
• For more information, visit: cheeseproject.co.uk
Calling all carers
Carers Support Centre for Bristol and South Gloucestershire has announced new Walk and Talks for unpaid carers and the people they care for. Walk and Talks are popular, easy walks around local green areas where carers are given a chance to enjoy a break from their responsibilities in the company of other carers. One of the charity’s friendly support workers leads the walk, offering a listening ear and providing information to support walkers in their caring role.
The groups take place once a week over six weeks, and there are a mixture of groups, including ones for carers on their own; for carers and those they care for; and for age-specific carers, for example, young adult carers. It is free to take part and all are welcome.
Carers Support Centre’s aim is to make the walks as inclusive as possible. So, whatever your background, whatever your walking ability, Carers Support Centre want you to come and join them on a Walk and Talk. The new walks are scheduled to take place in the new year in Bradley Stoke, Horfield and Winterbourne, with more planned for later in the year.
Image credit: Broni Lloyd-Edwards
Avon Wildlife Trust taking action for nature
Avon Wildlife Trust has received a grant of over £235,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help establish a network of Wildlife Champions across the region. These Wildlife Champions will facilitate a movement of community action for nature, based on peer-led advice and training. This is part of Avon Wildlife Trust’s aim to see one in four people in Avon taking action for nature by 2030. By reaching this social tipping point, we’ll see more people change their habits to help nature recover. An initial network of 12 volunteer Wildlife Champions will co-design work with their local community, focusing on priority areas of social and nature deprivation within the Avon region (Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset). These Champions will work with residents to establish what they need to create more space for nature and improve biodiversity in their area, and then tailor training and resources to help achieve the community’s goals. Julie Doherty, Head of Communities and Engagement at Avon Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re delighted to have received this support for our Wildlife Champions project, thanks to the National Lottery players. “This project is designed to resource and connect community-led activity, and champion nature in our everyday lives. We’ll be providing a free ecological advice for residents across Avon, and supporting local champions to help create a wilder, nature-rich future for all. “At Avon Wildlife Trust, we’ve got ambitious goals we want to achieve for nature – one in four people taking action works out as 250,000 people in the West of England. That’s why we need more people on nature’s side, being part of Team Wilder and making space for wildlife where they live.”
• For more information, visit: avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
BRISTOL UPDATES
Bristol not-for-profit sustainable lifestyle store up for national award
A shop that showcases work by 150 sustainable designers in Bristol city centre has been nominated in a nationwide search to find the UK’s favourite local business. Prior, which is a registered living wage employer, an advocate for the Good Employment Charter and a Bristol Sustainable Impact Champion, was set up by Beck Prior in 2019 and is located in Cabot Circus.
Speaking about the nomination, Beck said: “I’m speechless at being nominated for this award. I still get goosebumps when I look around and see what our team has created. I’m so proud that others see Prior as a welcoming, comfortable community space in Bristol.
“I’m a maker myself, and after studying fine art and visual culture in Bristol, I started my own business in set and prop design, alongside working in art technician, education and outreach roles. However, in 2010, when I was 26, I was diagnosed with leukaemia. In the three years that I was ill, I couldn’t have a regular job but started doing markets on a Sunday as a way to still work and be creative. It grew and grew. In 2018, an opportunity came up to take on a shop in Old Market. I thought it would be a workshop space but once I had the keys and opened the doors, I saw it as an opportunity to bring people together in a creative way. I reached out to some other designers and Prior was born in 2019.”
Vicky Lee, Head of Bristol City Centre BID, adds: “Beck’s story is inspirational, an individual who has poured her passion and creativity into a shop and community hub that is a positive force in our community.”
UWE welcomes founder of Plimsoll Productions
Grant Mansfield, CEO and Founder of Plimsoll Productions, an ITV Studios company, has been appointed a Visiting Professor for the College of Arts, Technology and Environment at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). In his new role Mansfield will be working with the University to help inspire the next generation of programme makers. He said: “UWE Bristol is a wonderful University where it’s my privilege to serve as a Board Member and now a Visiting Professor. Under Professor West’s leadership, links with employers have been significantly strengthened, benefiting students as they seek employment: in my new role, I hope to highlight pathways, opportunities and the skills required for a career in the creative sector.”
Mansfield founded Plimsoll in 2013 and the company has grown rapidly since with a total workforce of more than 400 across its officers in Los Angeles, Bristol and Cardiff. Plimsoll’s BAFTA, Academy and Emmy Award-winning team specialise in wildlife, documentary, live and factual entertainment shows and is a global leader in natural-history programmes. Before launching the company, Mansfield spent three years in Los Angeles as CEO of Zodiak USA. Previously, as Managing Director of RDF and, before that, Director of Programmes at Granada TV, Mansfield was the creative lead for two of the UK’s most successful production companies.
Osborne Clarke partners with UK community groups
As part of its partnership with UK Youth, Osborne Clarke has announced that it has chosen 20 community groups that will receive multi-year grants to address the lack of digital skills and resources for young people over the next three years. According to the European Union, demand for digital skills is expected to increase more than any other area by 2030, with many hopes pinned on young people to lead the ‘digital jobs of the future’. But a recent 2021 report finds 42% –or six million young people – don’t have access to either a suitable device or home broadband. The long-term grants will be distributed over the next three years to support the community groups in addressing local needs. Most of the successful grantees are based in the communities where Osborne Clarke operates – with 15 youth organisations across London, Bristol and Reading receiving funding. The funding has also been targeted at the most concerning digital cold spots across the country where digital skills and resources are most in need, and the firm will also support five youth organisations in and around Manchester, Birmingham and Middlesborough. As further sign of the firm’s commitment to boosting digital skills, Osborne Clarke is supporting the successful community groups with pro bono and volunteering support where it can. The funding will be used in a myriad of ways including for skills development (both for young people and staff), additional resources, hardware equipment, creation of digital resources, software, wifi/data and impact evaluation. In Bristol, the firm will support: Work out of the Pod, which is based at the local skate park, offering a café and a youth zone. The Open Blue Trust, which looks to build community for those struggling with rural poverty and isolation; and Youth Moves, a youth charity providing a wide range of services to young people in South Bristol aged eight to 18.
• osborneclarke.com
EDUCATION NEWS
NEWS FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
Redmaids’ High named as one of top independent schools in South West
Redmaids’ High has been named by The Sunday Times as one of the top independent schools in the South West in the latest Parent Power league table. The Parent Power table ranks all state and independent schools based on their GCSE, A Level, and IB Diploma results from the previous summer.
Within the national rankings for independent schools, Redmaids’ High is listed 79th and is the only Bristol school to be included in the top 100. Regionally, they have placed fifth for the South West.
The recognition by the Sunday Times Parent Power table comes after Redmaids’ High achieved the highest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) grade possible of ‘excellent’ in all areas by ISI Inspectors earlier this year. The report stated that “the success of the pupils reflects their high aspirations as individuals which is a key aim of the school. Pupils are supported in their learning by focused teaching which represents an understanding of pupils' strengths and how to help them achieve their potential.”
Head of Redmaids’ High, Paul Dwyer, expressed his delight at the newly released data stating: “I am thrilled Redmaids’ High has been recognised in this way. To rank as highly as we have on a national basis, as well as being the only independent school in Bristol listed in the top 100 is an achievement everyone at Redmaids' High can be extremely proud of.”
• redmaidshigh.co.uk
Badminton welcomes Wild Pioneers
There’s an exciting, adventurous, creative and curious new club in Bristol for girls aged seven and eight. Introducing Wild Pioneers.
Being a Wild Pioneer is about trying lots of exciting activities that allow children to explore nature and all its curiosities while learning how to make a contribution to their community and a difference in the world. Through an expertly constructed programme of activities, Wild Pioneers will develop life skills and knowledge through handson experiences to help them become people that can change the future. A team of specialist leaders will run weekly sessions that will be centred around outdoor activities and creative projects promoting sustainable practices through hands-on experiences.
There will be a focus on personal wellbeing and consideration for others in a supportive, friendly and fun environment. A collection of achievement badges will be worked towards and awarded for outstanding effort both in and outside the club. An opportunity to be adventurous and build resilience is delivered through new experiences and an optional overnight trip in the local area at the end of the year.
Wild Pioneers meet every Monday between 4.45 – 5.45pm during term time in The Hub at Badminton School in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. Membership costs £30 per term, which covers badges, resources, specialist instructor activities and subsidises the cost of a camp at the end of the year. Refreshments and a snack will be provided every week. The number of places is limited and can be booked by emailing wildpioneers@badmintonschool.co.uk or calling 0117 905 5200.
Ukranian students make their mark at Millfield
Two Ukrainian students have spoken about their experiences of being welcomed into Millfield after fleeing their country. Ana Sandalova, a 17-year-old pianist, guitarist, singer and songwriter, has found solace in Millfield’s music department, performing in multiple concerts, and 16-year-old Vitalii Klymenko has set up a water polo team to pursue his passion for the sport and has already entered the National Championships. As a result of the conflict in Ukraine, Millfield offered 10 free Ukrainian student places to enable children affected to safely continue with their education.
Ana and her family left their home in Kyiv at the start of the conflict, moving to Montenegro. She travelled to the UK on her own and her parents and younger sister Eva stayed in Montenegro, her guardian who lived locally heard about Millfield’s offer of places and Ana started in June. Ana is studying BTEC music, with aspirations of a career in music and the dream of one day singing at Wembley Stadium.
Vitalii quickly settled into Millfield after leaving Ukraine’s capital
Kyiv and moving to Italy at first. His mum, dad and younger sister remain in Kyiv. Missing his sporting passion, he asked Millfield’s Director of Swimming Euan Dale, if he could set up a water polo team, which Vitalii now coaches three times a week in the school’s 50m pool. Ana said: “All I want is to be in a safe place and continue my education. Millfield gave me lots of support when I joined the school, the teachers have helped me a lot with my language barrier and the
Millfield community has helped me to continue to make my dreams come true.”
Vitalii added: “I found my transition to Millfield quite easy because of the relationships between teachers and other students, which are all very friendly. I have received lots of support from them.”
• millfieldschool.com
Local tutoring service joins Greenhouse Learning
Education Provider Greenhouse Learning is pleased to announce the acquisition of local tutoring company Bristol Tutors Ltd. With this acquisition, Greenhouse Learning expands its reach and offerings, providing even more high-quality tutoring services to students in the greater Bristol area. Founded in 2009, Bristol Tutors Ltd has built a strong and longstanding reputation for its dedication to student success. The acquisition will be seamless for Bristol Tutors’ clients, as they will continue to receive the same high-quality tutoring services they have come to expect. Greenhouse Learning looks forward to working with the incoming team to ensure a smooth transition and continued success for all students.
• For more information about Greenhouse Learning and its services, visit: greenhouselearning.co.uk
