The Bristol Magazine May 2012

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£3.00 where sold

THE

ISSUE 95

I

MAY 2012

BRISTOL THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BRISTOL

MAGAZINE

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

FACE THE MUSIC Restaurateur Richard Fenton

Affordable

ART

RETURNS TO BRISTOL AAF founder Will Ramsay’s tips for starting your collection

THE CHEF’S TABLE Ronnie at The Muset

CITY RIOT The night they stormed Queen Square

PRIME LOCATION

LUBBLY JUBILEE

Preparing to Party–a city of celebration

A glimpse inside Bristol’s £4.5m mansion

The very best in local writing, what’s on, the arts, lifestyle, property and so much more in your guide to life and living in Bristol

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CONTENTS May:Layout 2 copy

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contents

2012

32

72 33

40 28 12

ZEITGEIST

32

Five essential things to do in May

14

TALK OF THE TOWN My Cultural Life profiles Jamie Eastman of the Arnolfini

15

BARTLEBY FACE THE MUSIC

37

MR BRISTOW

40 46

26

LONDON CALLING A myriad of reasons to visit the capital this summer (without going near an athlete)

28

SIXTIES SMOOTHIES A new photographic exhibition captures Eurovision hopeful Engelbert in his youth

30

TROUBLED PAST The 19th century riots of Queen Square

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

AFFORDABLE ART BEHIND THE SCENES Meet the artists who make the realistic props aboard ss Great Britain

48

We go inside the £4.5m mansion that’s on the market for the first time in decades

CITY GARDENING

78

Handy hints on how to make your borders sing with colour this summer

54

OUT & ABOUT Andrew Swift’s monthly walk takes in the skyline around Bath

58

FAMILY FUN Ideas to entertain the children this month

59

A round-up of some of Bristol’s finest homes, to sell or to rent THE

BRISTOL MAGAZINE

RESTAURANT REVIEW Award-winning food at The Muset, Clifton

56

PROPERTY

82

FOOD & DRINK Gourmet goodies delivered to your door plus Bristol’s newest cookery school opens its doors and we preview Vegfest

SUCCESS STORY James Russell meets the men behind Bristol ethical business Pukka Teas

PRIME SITE

72

A beginner’s guide to collecting

On why he’s happiest hiding in the wings

22

COMPETITION

How Vouchercloud widened its horizons

Win tickets to see Alfie Boe in concert

Restaurateur Richard Fenton of the Firehouse picks his favourite tunes

20

AN APP FOR ALL

62

From the Phantom to the big top – Bristol’s varied cultural offerings in May

Leaders need not be popular to succeed

18

WHAT’S ON

TBM can be viewed with the online edition on

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

ON THE COVER Images from the Affordable Art Fair which is being staged at Brunel’s Old Station 18 - 20 May

COMPETITION Win a day out on a romantic steam train May 2012

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The Bristol Magazine 3

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Knight Frank

Abbots Leigh A beautifully appointed family home, sitting at the end of a quiet lane in a parkland setting with rural views. 4 reception rooms, cinema/gymnasium, billiard room, office, crafts room and cellar.

7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. 2 bedroom flat, triple garage, swimming pool, hard tennis court, stables and outbuildings. Landscaped gardens, grounds and parkland including many fine specimen trees.

In all about 11.26 acres.

Guide £3,550,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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Knight Frank

Clifton A fine semi-detached period townhouse, with lovely views towards Clifton College to the rear and an off-street parking space to the front. Drawing room, sitting room, kitchen / breakfast room, study.

Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Five further bedrooms. Family bath & shower room, further shower room. Delightful southerly facing rear garden. Garden store. Off-street parking space.

Double garage available by separate negotiation.

Guide Price £1,200,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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Knight Frank

Clifton A fine Grade II Listed family house, with delightful views over Christchurch Green and a private double garage. Dining room, kitchen, elegant first floor drawing room and sitting room. Cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite bath & shower room. Guest suite. Three further double bedrooms sharing a shower room and separate bathroom. Lower ground floor office / playroom. Utility room. Private double garage. Rear terrace and fabulous roof terrace. In all circa 4741 sq. ft.

Guide Price £1,550,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com • 0117 3171999

KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

Clifton A rare chance to acquire an apartment in one of Clifton’s landmark properties, situated at the foot of Brunel’s famous suspension bridge with exceptional panoramic views. Lift access to the ground floor. Drawing room with stunning views, separate kitchen. Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Second double bedroom. Separate shower room. Study. Large store room. In all circa 1531 sq. ft. Private garden and further communal gardens with panoramic views. Gated residents off-street parking.

Guide Price £595,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com • 0117 3171999

KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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Knight Frank

Wraxall, North Somerset Elegant Grade II listed house with south facing views and originally forming part of the historic Tyntesfield Estate. 4 reception rooms, 2 kitchens, master bedroom suite with dressing room, 6/7 further bedrooms, 5 further bathrooms/shower rooms, cellars. Former racquets court with previous consent for swimming pool. Gardens, pasture land and woodland. In all about 220 acres.

Price on Application KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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Over 20 Years’ experience of designing and installing Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms including carpentry and joinery works.

BeautiFul C S K B • 400 GLOUCESTER ROAD • HORFIELD • BRISTOL BS7 8TR TEL: 0117 924 6165

DESIGNS FOR LIFE!

E: sales@cs-kitchens.co.uk www.chippingsodburykitchens.co.uk

Open: Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm. Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Custom Designed. Computer Imagery.

Total Project Management.

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EDITOR’Sletter

O

ne of the great things about the city of Bristol is that people don’t just sit around and wait for things to happen – they like to get out there and get things done.

We see this in all areas, for instance, with the city’s top chefs putting their commercial rivalry aside to create the foodie event, Eat Drink Bristol Fashion in Queen Square, and the campaigners who are laying on the Feeding the 5,000 day in College Green to highlight the amount of food we waste as individuals and as a nation. This spirit of go-getting enterprise can also be seen in Bristol’s businesses, many of which manage to retain their integrity and principles while at the same time running as successful commercial enterprises. This issue we highlight two of those, Pukka teas, now celebrating its tenth year, and Vouchercloud, which from modest beginnings has become one of the UK’s top business success stories.

We also take a look at a dark period in Bristol’s past, which I also think highlights its attitude to not taking life lying down. Tony Whitehead’s fascinating feature about the history of Queen Square (Page 30) tells the story of how this now tranquil spot was once the scene of violent rioting, with soldiers on horseback hacking down protestors with swords.

This month also sees preparations in full swing for the celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, with more than 60 street parties planned, along with many more informal celebrations in people’s homes and gardens – again, the people of Bristol showing their get-up-and-go attitude to life.

We like to think The Bristol Magazine echoes that spirit and that you’ll find lots within its pages to inspire you to get up and out in this lively city of ours.

GEORGETTE McCREADY All paper used to make this magazine is taken from good sustainable sources and we encourage our suppliers to join an accredited green scheme. Magazines are now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help to reduce waste and contribute to the six million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year.

Please recycle this magazine, but if you are not able to participate in a recycling scheme, then why not pass your magazine on to a friend or colleague.

CONTACT THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE: Editor Tel: Email:

Georgette McCready 01225 424592 georgette@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Deputy Editor Email:

Samantha Ewart sam@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Editorial assistant Email:

Rosie Parry rosie@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Contributors

Mick Ringham, Lindsey Harrad, Tony Whitehead, James Russell, Will Ramsay, Andrew Swift, Jane Moore

Production Manager Email: Commercial Production Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Catriona Stirling cat@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Publisher Tel: Email:

Steve Miklos 0117 974 2800 stevem@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Contact the Advertising Sales team on tel: 0117 974 2800 Advertising Sales Email:

Kathy Williams kathy@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Jodi Monelle jodi@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Email:

Sue Parker sue@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine, The Bath Magazine and West Country are published by MC Publishing Ltd and are completely independent of all other local publications.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

May 2012

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The Bristol Magazine 9

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ZEITGEIST

5

things to do in May

Book Pop princess Pixie Lott is topping the bill with a live gig at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway being held on Saturday 2 June, with gates open 4.30pm to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Thousands of fans are expected to attend the concert, which is free but tickets must be booked through The Mall, which is releasing tickets in phases. Everyone is invited to donate £1 per ticket, which will be donated to Life for a Cure, Ryan Bresnahan’s Meningitis Appeal, which is dedicated to help finding a vaccine for this killer disease. Pixie Lott will be supported by X Factor finalist Misha B and Young Kato, while Bristol comedian Joel Dommett will act as compere. To apply for one of the 10,000 free Jubilee Concert tickets visit: www.mallcribbs.com

Witness

There is expected to be a huge rush to attend Bristol’s official celebrations for the Olympic Torch Relay as the flame arrives in the city on Tuesday 22 May. An appropriate number of 2,012 ticket holders will be able to attend the event, which will be staged at the Lloyds amphitheatre at the Harbourside, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, where there will be live music. The historic flame itself is due to be brought on stage at 7.20pm. Tickets are free, but must be applied for in advance and will be allocated using a ballot system. Application forms are available now and must be returned before noon on 8 May. Visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/olympictorchcelebrations or pick up forms from the Tourist Information Centre and The Council House main reception.

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May 2012

Eat ● The first ever Eat Drink Bristol Fashion foodie festival continues in Queen Square until 7 May. This is a chance for us to sample cooking from some of the best chefs in Bristol and the south west. Book a table in a tipi and make the most of this unique collaboration between the top talents from the city’s restaurants to enjoy some really fine dining. ● A free event to highlight the amount of food wasted in this country, and globally, is being held in Bristol this month. The Feeding of the 5,000 event on Saturday 12 May at College Green is being organised

by Fare Share South West to raise awareness of waste in homes, shops and businesses. From 1pm to 5pm free meals will be cooked and served to anyone attending, while top chefs, the Fabulous Baker Brothers, Barney Haughton of The Square Food Foundation and Tom Hunt from Poco Lounge, will be giving cookery demonstrations.

Support

Get involved in helping fundraise for children’s hospices by taking part in Superhero Friday on 25 May, a day of hero inspired fundraising activities, including the chance to dress up as a superhero and make a donation to the Together for Short Lives campaign. For a fundraising pack and information visit www.childrenshospiceweek.org.uk for information on Superhero Friday.

Visit The Harbourside is THE cultural place to be in Bristol this month. From 5pm on Friday 4 May take the Bristol Ferry Boat as you visit new shows at Arnolfini, Spike Island, Picture This, Works|Projects and the Bristol Diving School – check their websites to see how long their shows are running. And on 18 May we’ll see ss Great Britain as we’ve never seen her before – floating on a sea of jelly as part of the national Museums at Night arts project.

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TALKofthe TOWN

Book of the month

My cultural life

Skagboys by Irvine Welsh Published by Jonathan Cape, hardback £12.99 Reviewed by Foyles bookshop

I

t has been 19 years since that indie zeitgeist novel Trainspotting and just ten years since its post-millennial comedown, Porno. Now Irvine Welsh once again regurgitates his Leith rogues-gallery of junkies and scoundrels, this time detailing their genesis and giddying descent into smack and larceny against the backdrop of blighting Thatcherism and its resultant working class dissent.

All the usual Welsh modus-operandi are present from his use of heavy (and often overwhelming) Scot’s dialect, multiple narrators, explicit misogyny and hilarious genital-based putdowns, but this pleasingly avoids being just another run out of Trainspotting cast-offs by adding a poignant depth of character and also an astute historical and social context.

Whilst not as succinct or icily witty as both its predecessors the author still manages to straddle that fine line between pop psychology and ladsown chaos that raises his prose above the trite episodes which appear on its surface. And whereas Trainspotting could be argued to trivialise or even glamorise its subject matter, as

we already know the crushing outcome of this tale, proceedings are often overshadowed by a darkly condemned air. Witnessing the zestful Renton and his friends in the beginning and then starkly contrasting this against their almost unavoidable fates makes this all the more heartrending.

Too meandering in places but not a wasted exercise at all, this is still as funny and piquant as a trip down the skag-den can be.

Brisfest launched with passion

NEWS IN BRIEF

A

Spring down on the farm

few years ago the much-loved Ashton Court festival dissolved, with many mourning its passing. But a new charity was set up to bring Brisfest to the people of the city and in September 2012 that festival returns to Ashton Court for what promises to be a highly entertaining weekend of music, theatre, comedy and merry making. At the festival’s launch recently, hosted by the Mercure Hotel and BUD PR, director Poppy Stephenson was quick to point out the vital role that tourism plays in Bristol’s economy. It is currently worth £750m to the local economy, bringing in 8m visitors and providing ten per cent of employment to the city.

Brisfest has now begun the business of recruiting the 6,000 volunteers to make this not-for-profit festival a roaring success. To get involved visit: www.brisfest.co.uk. Organisers are appealing for local angels to donate money to help support Brisfest 2012. The line-up of artists will, we’re told, be announced imminently.

The Bristol Magazine The Bristol Magazine 2 Princes Buildings George Street Bath BA1 2ED Telephone: 0117 974 2800 Fax: 01225 426677 editor@thebristolmagazine.co.uk sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2012 The Bristol Magazine is distributed free every month to over 24,000 homes and businesses throughout Bristol.

Published by MC Publishing Limited Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bristol Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

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May 2012

Windmill Hill City Farm has announced the line-up for its spring festival on Saturday 26 May. Local musicians and artists will take to the stage for the farm’s fifth annual event, which started as a fundraising event and promises to be bigger and better than ever. There are a number of bands playing this year, from bangra, to jazz, and dance to folk. Performers on the Thunderbolt stage this year include: Lenshead, The John E Vistic Band, RSVP, Dragonflies, Clumsy and Silent Theatre. There will also be market stalls, food areas including from the farm’s own café, children’s workshops and craftspeople to create a warm, community event.

Tickets are available on the door for £5 per adult and under 16’s go free.

Raise a glass to wine fest Lorna Knapman is fast becoming one of the most important names on the west country foodie scene and her latest venture is the Love Wine Festival, which is being staged at Paintworks in Bristol on 13 May. Lorna is the founder of the Love Food festivals. Love Wine will bring together more than 30 wine producers and merchants. Following the ethos of Love Food, the event will showcase local merchants.

Entry is £5 per ticket. For more details visit: www.lovefoodfestival .com/lovewine.html.

We ask Jamie Eastman, curator of performance at Arnolfini what he’s doing this month Which book are you reading?

I’m currently at various stages of the following, John Berger’s Ways of Seeing (based on the 70’s TV series of the same name), Owen Hatherley’s New Ruins of Modern Britain, Herbert Read’s The Meaning of Art and a Penguin published book entitled A Short History or Africa.

I’m not one for reading a single book at a time.

What’s on your iPod? My iPod is a sprawling mess of jazz CDs bought from Fopp.

Which local restaurant/café will you be visiting?

Arnolfini’s Café Bar, Spike Island’s Café Bar, those shacks by the M Shed and Acapella on the Wells Road.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting – any particular exhibitions you will make a point of seeing?

Marc Karlin at Picture This, ABANDON SHIP! (Part I) at Stapleton Road Tavern and Superpower: Africa in Science Fiction at Arnolfini from 5 May onwards.

What local outdoor activity/location will you be going to do or visit this month?

My lawn is unwell – hoping to nurse it.

Film or play? What will you be going to see this month?

I’m going to attempt to see every Mayfest performance, but before that Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard staged by the brilliant Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory.

Shopping habits – local market or big department store? Where do you most enjoy spending your cash?

I flit between The Tobacco Factory’s Sunday market and Asda, but I don’t enjoy spending cash at all – the world is too expensive.

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LEADERS NEED TO BE HAPPY TO BE HATED

S

hould Bristol have a Boris? I don’t mean literally. There is now and forever shall be only one Boris, and he is busy trying to hang on in London. No, the question is whether we should have an elected mayor, and this month we’re going to decide one way or another. By the time you read this, in fact, the people of Bristol may well have spoken.

We already have a Lord Mayor, of course, but that is a ceremonial sort of thing. I’ve met several of these chaps and shaken hands with a couple. If you’re launching something and you’re hoping to attract attention, then having the mayor come along to smile and shake hands is a good move.

However we don’t need a referendum for this. A Lord Mayor is a figurehead, but an elected mayor is an altogether more serious proposition, and I hope you’ve thought carefully about whether we should have one or not, because by now it may be too late.

As things stand, or stood, Bristol is run by a council made up of 70 elected councillors, and they in turn elect a leader. I’m sure the Vikings did something similar. The good thing about this system is that, while elected for a potential four-year term, the leader only retains power as long as he or she can command a majority. If the people of Bristol decide they’ve had enough of the leader’s party, then the leader will lose their majority and find themselves out on their ear. A bad or unpopular leader can, in other words, be removed from power pretty easily, which means they’re unlikely to become a power-crazed dictator.

❝

Once you’re elected you can annoy people as much as you want and they’re powerless to get rid of you

❞

The downside is that it’s very difficult for a leader to do things people don’t like. They can instigate policies that people don’t like very much – as happened when bin collections went fortnightly and we all started having to muck about with food waste – but they can’t tackle the really big problems.

Or, rather, the really big problem.

When a mayor is elected they get four years in power, whatever anyone thinks of them. This is what happened with Ken, and Boris. Once you’re elected you can annoy people as much as you want and they’re powerless to get rid of you. Once elected, you can get things done. You have to have your policies approved by a majority in the council, but your position isn’t under threat if the public don’t like your plans. You can be the most hated person and, so long as your skin is thick enough, it doesn’t matter a jot.

Which brings us to our really big problem: traffic. Those of you with lengthy memories may recall that one of the first, and most important, things Ken Livingstone did when he became Mayor of London was to introduce the congestion charge. How people hated it. How they ranted and raved. What an amazing and wonderful transformation it wrought on the centre of London.

The congestion charge is an example of a great plan that could never have been implemented by a council leader who had to remain popular to retain power. Nobody likes sitting in traffic jams, but nobody likes any of the alternatives either. The council has shilly-shallied for decades about trams and supertrams and bendy buses and all those acronymic transport systems that come and go. Meanwhile the traffic jams get worse. An elected mayor’s first job would be to sort out Bristol’s traffic, but what would they do? Would a congestion charge work here? It works in London because you can easily drive round the Zone if you’re going somewhere on the other side. Could you do that in Bristol? I don’t know, but I’m sure of one thing.

There are would-be Mayors out there with plans up their sleeve, waiting for their moment. ■ 16 The Bristol Magazine

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May 2012

Email: info@boutique33.co.uk Tel: 01179 739570 33 Regent St, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4HR

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Stay sophisticated, stylish and spring chic this season with all the latest trends at Clarks Village With the much-anticipated Great Gatsby remake hitting theatres soon and celebrities walking the Red Carpet in flapper-inspired gowns, the 1920s are roaring back into style. Opt for luxurious stylish separates with delicate twist on art deco chic. Team with a delicate sequin shawl for the ideal layering look. Adding a statement chignon in your hair is sure to complete this look, keep heels mid height for maximum elegance and in neutral colours.

Phase Eight dress was £140 now £108 Yumi sequin shawl was £29 now £8.99 Coast nude shoes was £95 now £45

Conquer the outdoors in the latest Country Casual Chic with equestrian items, such as quilted jackets and gilets in natural earthy colours and Jodhpur style trousers or jeans. Team staple white tee’s or vests and simply layer up to complete your look. Complement with coloured checked shirts and discover the countryside in style.

Perfect those Pretty Pastels with delicate soft candy colours such as rose petal pinks, pistachio greens or buttercup yellows, all of which look super sweet teamed with contrasting pastels in trousers, skirts or cardigans.

Add coloured accessories to achieve the perfect arm candy for any pastel ensemble. Don’t be afraid to mix and match the colour palette layering tones of the same colour, greens on greens are super key this season.

Be sure to shimmer in the sun with on trend Metallic this season, it can be silver, gold or even bronze in the form of maxi skirts, strapless dresses or flowing tops. The edgier the better with this trend. Continue through with statement metallic jewellery, large shining clutches and extra high wedges for the perfect look

Next Clearance white dress £16 Next Clearance blue jacket £40 Clarks Factory Shopping pink wedges was £39.99 now £23.99

Crew Clothing grey gilet was £128 now £65 Gap Outlet white skinny jeans £39.99 Crew Clothing checked shirt was £55 now £40

Clarks Village has over 90 stores and is open Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm, Saturday: 9am - 6pm, Sunday: 10am - 5pm, with late night shopping on Thursday until 8pm. For further information please telephone 01458 840064 or visit www.clarksvillage.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @clarksvillageuk & Facebook www.facebook.com/clarksvillageuk.

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CITYgardens FACE theMUSIC

A PINCH OF ROCK’N ROLL Restaurant owner and former chef to the stars Richard Fenton talks to Mick Ringham about music, his career turn around in the USA, and his ever expanding empire of eateries 18 The Bristol Magazine

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May 2012

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FACEtheMUSIC

FULL FLAVOUR: left to right, Frank Sinatra, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, The Police, Message in a Bottle, Jimi Hendrix, Crosstown Traffic

ENTREPRENEUR: main picture, Richard Fenton of The Firehouse Rotisserie PICTURE: courtesy of Matt Wyatt Design

I

t comes as no surprise that Richard Fenton is well acquainted with the local restaurant scene having, along with his partner, successfully established the Firehouse Rotisseries in Bristol and Bath. However, leaving aside the man’s gastronomic credentials he has over the years enjoyed a fascinating musical lifestyle.

After leaving catering school in the 1960s Richard headed for London, securing a post at the Grosvenor House Hotel. He says: “At that young age I was jack of all trades in many respects, but what I really enjoyed was being front of house.”

Dressed in black tails, bow tie and waistcoat, his long hair tucked discreetly into the back of his wing collar; he presided over the comings and goings of the great and the good.

Evenings off would find him at Soho’s Marquee club to see the top bands of the day. The temptation to get into the music business was too much and he decided to pick up sticks, becoming a drummer and playing in bands such as Savannah and Under the Sun. After a few years working the club scene, he got a call from a friend in California asking him to come to Los Angeles and form a new band. Richard said: “I didn’t have that much money at the time, but I could afford a one-way ticket with the old Laker Airlines and jumped at the chance.”

In time his newly formed LA band released an album, but the name Broken Edge was somewhat ominous as they split up soon after. It was at this point that Richard went back to his first love of catering, as a chef in a downtown restaurant.

Within a few months, itchy feet saw him working at a Sunset Strip hotel favoured by touring British bands. He was encouraged by guests to go into private catering and having rediscovered his passion, decided to take a chance in this lucrative market.

The idea was a great success and saw him and his team engaged for events and parties in mansions and homes of A-list celebrities. He found himself cooking for Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton and many more musical legends. He became personal assistant to Lol Creme from 10cc and Burt Bacharach asked him to become his personal chef.

Richard explains: “I had such a good relationship with Burt and his wife; they gave me free rein in the kitchen and a beautiful place to live.”

He stayed with them for five years and now with a young son, he and his wife moved back to the UK. They arrived in the west country in 1994 purchasing the lease of an old wool shop, which they transformed into The Firehouse. He then set his sights on Bristol and another jointly owned Firehouse at the Harbourside. A further two individual and successful ventures were to follow in Bath; The Hudson Steakhouse in Walcot and The Loft café, which in many respects just goes to show – you can’t keep an old rocker down.

● Jimi Hendrix – Crosstown Traffic He was so big in the 1960s and such a force to be reckoned with. I saw him at Tiles Club a few times with Mitch Mitchell, his brilliant and legendary drummer. This track has a New York influence; you can tell that it was recorded in just one take. So much energy at play here. ● Stephen Stills – Wooden Ships Crosby, Stills and Nash were a great influence on me, even before I lived in California. I went to see Stephen Stills in concert and realised that most of the great tracks on the first album are down to him. He gets a beautiful silvery sound on his guitar which I just love. ● Led Zeppelin – Ramble On I’ve been to quite a few festivals over the years, including the Isle of Wight and Reading. This track by Led Zep reminds me of Shepton Mallet. It’s easy to pick their big hits, but this track is just great and takes me back to those Somerset fields where I first saw them. ● The Beatles – Lovely Rita Not an obvious one to choose, but what I like about it is that it’s so beautifully crafted. When you listen carefully to this number, you find that every element has been thought through and engineered. Incredible to think that they recorded this 45 years ago. ● The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again I saw The Who many times particularly at the Marquee club. I was living in Notting Hill at the time – this was before it became trendy. They were such a thundering band, full of life and amazing power. Keith Moon is all over this piece and he was fantastic to watch. I can close my eyes and see him now. ● The Police – Message in a Bottle This takes me right back to that first year in the States. It was raining when I left Heathrow and within a week I was cruising through the streets of LA driving a Jeep, hands warm on the steering wheel, the sun on my back and this track coming through the speakers. ● Steely Dan – Aja I just love this record. I’ll admit that I haven’t a clue what they’re singing about. But I really do like the feeling it gives me.

Strangely I’ve never got around to seeing them, but I’m going to do something about that.

Richard’s top ten:

● Frank Sinatra – I’ve Got You Under My Skin These days I don’t really have much time to sit down and listen to music. Like most people I listen in the car. This is one of my favourite Sinatra songs, arranged by Nelson Riddle. The lyrics are simply wonderful, sexy and romantic. He also sings it like a gangster.

● The Small Faces – Lazy Sunday Afternoon This reminds me of when I first moved to London. I had a small bedsit in Portobello Road and this record was always being played on the radio. Steve Marriot along with Ronnie Lane had this cheeky element about them, they were real East End boys and their music was so right for that time.

● Peter Dvorsky – Recondita Armonia from Tosca Life has been quite hectic on the work front over the last few years. I’ve been getting into opera which I find paradoxically powerful and relaxing. I try and go a couple of times a year and like the mix of music, voice and theatre. It’s a fine art, like a beautiful painting or a great meal. ■

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Mr Bristow HAPPIEST IN THE WINGS

M

any people already know that in real life Mr B is the director of an international performing arts company.

I’ve actually only had two jobs in my adult career…a stint in a mortuary and my current employment. The other day the illustrious editor of this magazine asked me what I would have done if I hadn’t followed that particular course.

Well, the school careers officer suggested I should work in a bank. At the time a bank clerk’s wages were about £20 a week, which seemed a fortune to the young Mr B. However, I don’t think the fellow had done his research because I failed O-level maths three times. Chaos at the tills I feel.

Being an incredibly shy young man, I had no plans to become an actor.

In fact, the only time I was in a school play I was hidden inside a Punch and Judy booth. Even then the stress gave me a nosebleed. Luckily, operating glove puppets involves looking up. Little did the audience know that I was bleeding to death in there!

These days I’m happier behind a ❝ desk making other people face the hungry monster known as the audience ❞ I decided to qualify in stage design. But only because my best pal had the same thing in mind. We went to the interviews together. I doubt either of us would have braved it alone. We got in, but to my horror they made all the budding designers take part in plays so that we could feel ‘at one’ with the actors. I nearly left.

However, everyone said I was funny and had a stage presence. Who would have thought that years later I would be able to fearlessly step on stage in front of thousands? I even got reviews such as ‘massive assurance’ and ‘Britain’s next great pantomime dame’. I wasn’t too sure about that last one. From my more usual place backstage I’ve seen enough great dames knocking back the gin before going on. ‘Britain’s most reluctant actor’ more like. These days I’m happier behind a desk making other people face the hungry monster known as the audience.

What would I have done otherwise? In addition to acting, we learnt sewing (presumably to be ‘at one’ with the theatre seamstresses.) Budgets were limited, so we had to make one-third size hats. Consequently my stitches are impressively tiny – I could easily have become a plastic surgeon.

We also studied play analysis. This is working out things such as the distance from the house to the station in The Cherry Orchard or would the top of the piano be polished or dusty in John Gabriel Borkman, Ibsen’s play about a guilt-ridden recluse*. I was pretty good at that, so I reckon I could have been a detective. I was once burgled and I worked out in minutes that the intruder, having found nothing worth taking, had gone straight through the house pausing only to pick up my statue of the Queen Mother which he/she then used to smash the window of the house next door, eventually leaving via their back door with a load of jewellery. The detective in charge told me to mind my own business. But it turned out I was right.

Play analysis to scene of crime analysis is but a short step. *(By the way, the piano would have been shiny as every day a little girl comes and plays it to the weeping old man. And conveniently, for dramatic reasons, it reflects the clear Nordic light onto his face, thus negating the need for the set designer to include a cardboard mountain outside the window – I’m sure you knew that.) ■ 20 The Bristol Magazine

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CITYbusiness

THE OCCIDENTAL HERBALISTS James Russell meets the men behind a Bristol business which has managed to keep the twin principles of giving the customer a feel-good product while supporting ethical farming methods and fair trade

O

ne of the wonderful things about Bristol is the city’s extraordinary variety. A tremendous range of people live here, earning their crust in all sorts of imaginative ways. Indeed, Bristol seems to attract people who think – as they say – outside the box, from the world’s best animators to business people who view commerce as a tool for positive change. Among the latter are Sebastian Pole and Tim Westwell, who together run the delightful and progressive company Pukka Herbs.

Tim was brought up in Blackburn but came to Bristol 25 years ago and never left the city he describes as “green and compact and a lovely place to live.”

Initially he worked in the mainstream corporate world, but a desire to put something back into the world he was living in eventually led him to put an advert in a local magazine, asking ‘Do you want to grow business in a healthy way?’ He only had one response, but that was from Sebastian, a practitioner of herbal medicine and grower of herbs. That was in 2002, and today Pukka Herbs is a flourishing business with forty employees and a global network of suppliers and customers.

One secret of the company’s success lies in the name. Pukka is a Hindi word meaning ‘authentic’ or ‘genuine’, which has also come to be used widely to mean ‘top quality’. Think of Jamie Oliver enthusing over a dish. It was a stroke of genius on Tim and Sebastian’s part to come up with a name that was so familiar – down-to-earth and jaunty – and which at the same time described their business perfectly.

It was a stroke of genius . . . ❝ to come up with a name that was so familiar – down-to-earth and jaunty – and which at the same time described their business perfectly

❞

While it is not uncommon for people to claim that their products are the best going, the authenticity of Pukka Herbs is unusual. According to Tim Westwell, around 80 per cent of the herbs sold around the world are extracted from wild environments like rainforest in an unregulated trade that has little concern for the future. Pukka, on the other hand, buys all of its herbs from growers with whom the company has longterm relationships based on the principles of Fairtrade. Its products are all certified organic by the Soil Association and the United States Department of Agriculture.

In short, the herbs in Pukka teabags, herbal remedies or skincare products can be traced not only to a country, or a region, but to a particular field.

“We’ve been working with particular people in India for ten years,” Tim notes. “We have a botanist called Ben who lives in 22 The Bristol Magazine

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May 2012

the Himalayas much of the time, and he trains farmers in how to look after the land.”

A number of these farmers are featured on Pukka’s website, which is, like the company’s products, simply and elegantly packaged. Open the box, however, and the information comes bursting out. There is a Pukkapedia, which gives brief descriptions of herbs such as Ashwagandha: “Our Ashwagandha is grown in Karnataka in South India.

This region has very low annual rainfall and unusually alkaline soils, both of which are perfect for cultivation of Ashwagandha.”

Then there are photos not only of the herb itself but also of the farmers tending and harvesting it. Featured too are some of the products that contain the herb, so you can actually put a face to the cup of tea you’re drinking.

“We’re really on a mission,” Tim explains, “A big mission to connect people – producers, makers and consumers – and also to help people reconnect with plants, with nature.”

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CITYbusiness

FAIR TRADERS: main picture, Sebastian and Tim celebrate the business’s tenth birthday Left, the Pukka Ayurvedic organic skincare collection Right: the new Pukka packaging

The company’s products and philosophy are rooted in the ancient Indian art of health and wellbeing, known as Ayurveda.

This promotes balance in all things and encourages the use of herbs in the form of teas and remedies to aid – to take one example – a healthy digestion. Interestingly, Pukka’s success has come at a time when many businesses are struggling, and Tim believes that the world’s economic woes have encouraged people to start thinking differently about their lives and their health.

“People have realised over the past five years that you need to look after yourself and at yourself,” he explains, “and that you need to think about what you put in your body. I think people are waking up to the realisation that they are responsible for their own health.”

What this has meant for Tim and Sebastian is ten years of steady organic growth. There was no long-term business plan, no massive cash injection.

“I can remember the 100th invoice,” Tim says with a laugh, “and when we employed our first person.”

Recently Pukka launched into skincare, with ten products released last September. These are, as one would expect, made according to Ayurvedic principles and packaged with gorgeous simplicity. This is a company that understands its market and seeks growth and new customers like any other. Like any good businessman Tim wants to increase Pukka’s exports and one imagines an ideal scenario in which herbs grown in, say, India and made up in the UK – the teas are made in Gloucester – and are consumed not only here but also across Europe and the United States.

What makes Pukka different from most companies is that

there is a purpose behind this business activity which is as important as the profit motive. Essentially, Tim and Sebastian want their business to make the world better – both for consumers whose everyday lives are enhanced by the products and for growers who can farm profitably and sustainably.

There are battles to be fought, not least with EU bureaucrats who make it increasingly difficult for purveyors of herbal remedies to claim even the most tentative health benefits for their products. With fast food companies merrily exploiting the advertising opportunities offered by the Olympics the EU might seem to have the wrong people in its sights, but Tim does his best to be philosophical.

“We have a line we’d love to use,” he says, “Ayurveda and herbal medicines – tested on humans for 4,000 years.” ■ For more information, visit: www.pukkaherbs.com

Kemps Jewellers established 1881 9 CARLTON COURT, WESTBURY ON TRYM • 0117 950 5090

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May 2012

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JUBILEEcelebrations

HAVE A JOLLY GOOD JUBILEE You don’t have to be in London or glued to a television screen to be part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

With more than 60 local street parties planned, Rosie Parry rounds up the best events in Bristol and beyond The Big Jubilee Picnic, Saturday 26 May, 5.30pm The Queen by Cecil Beaton. Image use courtesy of the V&A museum

Westonbirt House and Gardens, Gloucestershire.

Tickets £10/£5. Tel: 01666 881333 or email: thebigjubileepicnic@westonbirt.org All guests are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy a programme of music and dancing that includes sessions by The Big Brunch Band and Swindon Brass as well as a dancing display by Swingbytes. The grand finale is a spectacular firework display at 10.30pm. Other attractions of the evening include a refreshment tent, an icecream bicycle, a classic car display and a chance to see the Italian garden in its seasonal prime.

Jubilee Garden Party, Thursday 31 May, 4pm Blackwell Common, Bristol and Bath Science Park, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 370 7700 As well as some fun science, families can take part in garden party games, enter a team in to a Jubilee pentathlon, open to all ages, and enjoy traditional summer fete activities.

Big Jubilee Party, Saturday 2 June, 11am – 4pm M Shed, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 352 6600 www.mshed.org Come along to M Shed’s street party to celebrate. Bring a picnic lunch and join in the fun with family activities, a fancy dress competition, singing workshops, lots of bunting and entertainment from the Bristol Chamber Choir.

Bristol Jubilee Concert, Saturday 2 June, Gates open 4.30pm The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. Details of how to get your free ticket at www.mallcribbs.com Starring Pixie Lott, Misha B and Young Kato and presented by comedian Joel Dommett. In aid of A Life for a Cure.

Downend Road Street Party, Sunday 3 June, 1pm – 5pm Downend Road, Horfield, Bristol.

Downend Road is having a street party along with Olveston Road and Purdown Road.

Starting with a barbecue and games for all the family and finishing with tea and cake.

Royal Freebie, Sunday 3 June At-Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol.

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www.at-bristol.org.uk To celebrate the Royal Jubilee, At-Bristol is offering all Elizabeths free entry. You can take a look at what was happening 60 years ago with the Earth timeline and never mind the twinkle of the Crown jewels, you can see the twinkle of the stars in the planetarium.

Big Screen Millennium Square, Sunday 3, Monday 4 & Tuesday 5 June, please see website for times.

Millennium Square, Bristol. www.bristol.gov.uk Bring a picnic and join in the atmosphere to celebrate. Some tables and chairs will be provided or you may wish to bring your own.

The big screen will be showing live coverage from BBC1 of the following events: The Diamond Jubilee Big Lunch and The Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant on Sunday 3 June, have lunch and watch thousands of boats on the River Thames with Bristol’s own The Matthew and the Pyronaut taking part; the Diamond Jubilee Concert on Monday 4 June, with live coverage of this star-studded event concert set against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace; the Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving on Tuesday 5 June, watch the Royal family attending the service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Diamond Jubilee Downs Day, Monday 4 June, 3pm – 10pm The Downs, Stoke Road, Durham Down, Bristol. www.bristol.gov.uk Head over to The Downs for an afternoon full of exciting activities and games for all the family to

enjoy. There will be children’s arts and crafts, hot air balloon rides (must be pre-booked), live music and crazy golf. A children’s lantern fancy dress procession is set to take place and the lighting of the Jubilee beacon, one of the 2,012 being lit around the world as part of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons.

Jubilee Tea in the Orangery, Monday 4 – Friday 8 June, noon – 2pm & 3pm – 5pm Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire.

For tickets tel: 0117 9371330 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park Enjoy the beautiful setting of the early 18th century orangery for these exclusive afternoon teas to celebrate the Jubilee. An assortment of freshly-made sandwiches, homemade cakes and cream teas will be on offer as well as smoked salmon canapes.

Ten Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci: a Diamond Jubilee Celebration Until 10 June Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Queen’s Road, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 922 3571 www.bristol.gov.uk View ten of Leonardo da Vinci’s finest drawings from the Royal Collection. The exhibition forms part of the Royal Collection exhibitions in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

These drawings have been selected from the holdings of the Royal library.

Ridgehill Street Party, Tuesday 5 June, noon – 10pm Ridgehill, Henleaze, Bristol.

This party is for residents of Ridgehill with plenty of family activities including a Jubilee quiz, treasure hunt for the children, face painting and competitions.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Gala Concert: Classic Women, Wednesday 6 June, 7.30pm Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol.

For tickets tel: 0117 922 3686 or book online at www.colstonhall.org Under the former English National Opera music director Sian Edwards are three instrumentalists, whose collective tiaras gleam with success at the Classical Brits and the BBC Young Musician of the Year. Sparkling alongside is a soprano equally at home gracing the operatic stage in an A-Z of roles from Adele to Zerlina as well as appearing on TV alongside Renée Fleming and Lily Savage.

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FLYING THE FLAG However you’re planning on celebrating the Jubilee be prepared for a party with these fun decorations and accessories

í˘ą Add a touch of celebratory spirit to your home with the TU heart Union Jack bunting, ÂŁ6, Sainsbury’s; í˘˛ celebrate all year round with the Culinary Concepts year to celebrate 2012 wine goblets, ÂŁ67 for two, John Lewis, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, tel: 0117 9591100, www.johnlewis.com; í˘ł sit pretty with the Soldier cushion, ÂŁ12, Next, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, tel: 0117 9509033, www.next.co.uk; í˘´ if you want a lasting memento from the Jubilee invest in a Royal Crown Derby Diamond Jubilee gadroon plate, ÂŁ145, John Lewis, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway; í˘ľ if the weather isn’t quite up to scratch come Jubilee weekend, keep warm with these Union Jack ladies gloves, ÂŁ99, Dents, Furnax Lane, Warminster, tel: 01985 212291, www.dents.co.uk; í˘ś pack all your beauty essentials for the Jubilee weekend in this large washbag, ÂŁ28, Cath Kidston, Park Street, Clifton, tel: 0117 9304722, www.cathkidston.co.uk; í˘ˇ make sure you are looking picture perfect on the day with the Jubilee compact mirror, ÂŁ12.50, Marks and Spencer, 78 Broadmead, Bristol, tel: 0117 9272000, www.marksandspencer.com; í˘¸ lay out your Jubilee picnic spread on this Union Jack throw, ÂŁ110, Debenhams, James Street, Bristol, tel: 0844 5616161, www.debenhams.com; í˘š get in the celebratory spirit with the limited edition Pommery Pop, Union Jack edition, 200ml, ÂŁ13.50, Harvey Nichols, Cabot Circus, Bristol, tel: 0117 9168888, www.harveynichols.com www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

May 2012

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LONDONbreak

Follow in the footsteps of all the ❝ Hollywood icons past and present – don your best dress and head to the glamorous American Bar

❞

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LONDONbreak

A CAPITAL IDEA Ahead of this year’s Olympic Games there are plenty of other reasons to visit London this summer – we’ve selected some of our favourite cultural high and lowlights

W

CULTURAL DIVERSITY: clockwise from top left; the V&A’s poster for the current British design show; Louboutin’s shoes; the Damien Hirst retrospective; Little Venice on Regent’s Canal; The London Underground map

by Henry Beck from 1931, and the Chelsea Flower Show

hile we are blessed in the west country with a myriad of festivals and cultural events, from time to time the eye can’t help but turn to London to find out what’s new and worth seeing. One inspirational website to browse is www.viewlondon.co.uk, where you’ll find something for every taste, from highbrow opera and theatre to the downright bizarre and a little bit naughty.

So, if you haven’t been for a while, or your memories of visiting London have been tainted by school trips or hanging around in the scrum that is Oxford Street, here is a cultural hotch-potch of what’s coming up in Town soon.

A celebration of British creative design talent has opened to great acclaim at the V&A Museum and runs until 12 August. It features design classics from 1948 to 2012, such as the Mini car, the Jaguar and the punk treatment of the Union Jack.

For a close-up view of one of the country’s one time enfant terrible of art, Damien Hirst, you might be advised to book in advance at his retrospective staged at Tate Modern and running until 9 September. Not one for the faint-hearted.

And if you missed the sell-out talk in Bath by Manolo Blahnik earlier this year, you can get your shoe fetish fix at the Design Museum (near London Bridge Tube station). It is staging an exhibition of work by French shoe designer – he of the red soles – Christian Louboutin, which runs until 8 July.

For those of an alternative, or demonstrative turn of thoughts, there’s London’s Naked Bike Ride to look forward to on 9 June.

This event, held to promote safe cycling and highlight the wanton waste of oil that goes on, attracts thousands of cyclists each year.

If you dare to bare, join them from 3pm in Hyde Park.

For those of a more modest persuasion, cycling around London is a great way to see the sights and explore some of the places off the main tourist tracks. The Boris Bikes are available to hire from most central areas from £1 for half an hour or £6 for two hours.

Green-fingered folk will certainly be heading to the capital for one of the top events on the London calendar – the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show which this year runs from 22 – 26 May at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. As well as offering a chance to see a wide range of gardens and spectacular floral exhibits, new for 2012 is an area that includes modern, inventive gardens and trade stands.

London is a great city for walks. You could pop down to Greenwich and make your own mind up about what you think of the revamped Cutty Stark with its new glass lifts and giant cradle.

Or, rather than get stuck in the crowds shopping at Camden Market, head off through Camden Lock along the canal path beside the Regent’s Canal. It’s surprisingly tranquil and green and

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passes along the back of London Zoo, with glimpses of the famous Snowdon Aviary birdcage above the canal.

The city’s parks are lovely places to cool down and rest on hot days and great for people watching too. Hyde Park with the water of the Serpentine glistening in the sunshine is a beautiful spot and perfect for taking time out for a picnic. If it’s really hot – and you’ve got your bathing costumes – the Serpentine Lido is an open air oasis for swimmers, while children can enjoy a dip in the paddling pool.

If you’ve ever admired the clever design concept of the London Underground map, you’ll want to head to the London Transport Museum to see a new exhibition about the inspiration, history and creativity behind London’s transport maps. Mind the Map: Inspiring art, design and cartography runs from 18 May – 28 October. It will explore the influence of the iconic London Tube map on cartography, art and the public imagination, as well as geographical and decorative transport maps.

For something to entertain the whole family, CS Lewis’s classic novel, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is being staged in Kensington Gardens in a big top this summer, from 8 May – 9 September. Design will be key to this major pop-up realisation of Lewis’s Narnia and the makers promise puppets, flying and a 360 degree moving set projected around the walls and created with animation film to bring the magical story to life right in front of your eyes.

If you’re around the Covent Garden area after seeing one of the West End shows, do make a stop at Bedford and Strand on Bedford Street. It’s a small bistro, wine bar and deli sunk down below the streets with a very French sophisticated look. A perfect place to catch up with friends, it serves fabulous cheese boards and there’s a great selection of fine wines available by glass, carafe or bottle.

Or if you fancy a drink somewhere a bit quirkier, around the corner in 47 Villiers Street, just up from Embankment tube station is Gordon’s Wine Bar, thought to be the oldest wine bar in London, established in 1890. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you enter the underground bar with old wooden walls covered in historical newspaper cuttings and memorabilia faded with age. Find a rickety candlelit table and enjoy a glass of one of the award-winning wines – the list is varied and full of interesting wines and sherries, madeiras and ports are served from the barrel.

If you are staying the night in the city then drinking cocktails at The Savoy is a real treat. Follow in the footsteps of all the Hollywood icons, past and present – don your best dress and head to the glamorous American Bar where you will be treated like a VIP while you sip on a classic American cocktail and listen to music from the pianist in sparkling luxurious surroundings. ■ May 2012

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PORTRAITshow

SHOOTING STARS IN THE 60s Britain’s Eurovision entrant, Engelbert Humperdinck is one of the stars in a new exhibition which opens in Bristol this month. Lindsey Harrad enjoys a sneak preview of Six Blokes and Six Chicks

I

n 1965, a young photographer got a call asking her to take some publicity shots of a new musical talent. At just 24 Angela Williams had already established a reputation as celebrity snapper following a tour of the USA with editor Jeremy Banks the previous year, on which they shot leading actors, musicians and politicians of the day, including Paul Newman, Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand and Robert Kennedy.

Excited by the prospect of photographing a new British rising star, Angela took part in the shoot on a houseboat in Richmond, and spent several hours with Gerry Dorsey, a young man on the brink of a hugely successful career in the music industry. Angela remembers that Dorsey was “excruciatingly handsome, but very gentle and unassuming, and at the same time slightly self aware of the power of his looks.”

Dorsey’s friend and new manager, Gordon Mills – also Tom Jones’ manager – suggested a rebrand for the struggling singer, who had so far failed to make a mark in the industry. He was renamed Engelbert Humperdinck, a name borrowed from a 19th century composer. A deal with Decca records was struck, and Humperdinck went on to achieve phenomenal success.

Renowned as a ballad singer, although he disdained the term ‘crooner’, his most famous hit, Release Me, in 1967, spent 56 weeks in the Top 50 and at one time sold 85,000 copies a day.

Humperdinck’s good looks in part originated from his AngloIndian heritage. He was dubbed the ‘king of romance’, and while Tom Jones gyrated his way through performances, Engelbert preferred to woo the affections of his female fan contingent (known as Humperdinckers) with a more old-fashioned, romantic stage persona – including, apparently, a young Princess Anne.

Angela already had experience in capturing the smouldering good looks of powerful young men on her US tour. “New York was great fun, we went to a lot of parties. I photographed the jazz musician and civil rights activist Charlie Mingus, and then went on to photograph Henry Fonda’s son Peter. He asked me if I’d like to go to LA to take photos of a film he was making about motorbikes. I declined – motorbikes did not appeal to me – and anyway, I had to return to London to cover Harold Wilson’s election campaign. With hindsight, this was a mistake, as the motorbike film turned out to be Easy Rider!”

But not all were so eager to be photographed, and getting the chance to shoot the notoriously publicity-shy Paul Newman was a real coup for a fledgling photographer. “He was known to be a very private person,” says Angela. “When we spoke on the telephone he was noncommittal, directing me to a plaza by the river. I realised he must be able to see me from his hotel window, so I waited for an hour, trying to look cool, calm and collected. It was quite a good feeling when he arrived – I must have passed the test – and said he had decided to give me 20 minutes of his time. We actually had coffee together afterwards. I was so starstruck that I honestly can’t remember a single word of our conversation today.”

So, how did Engelbert compare to the US stars? Angela remembers him being modest and committed throughout the shoot. “He worked hard for me and was trusting. There were some magic moments – I remember a cat jumped onto the boat and rubbed itself all over his legs. But at one point Gerry changed into a tuxedo with a natty evening bow and I guess he became more Engelbert at that moment.”

“We then went into the grounds of Chiswick House and he surprised me by his agility, jumping from standstill over the back 28 The Bristol Magazine

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May 2012

of a deckchair with his arms and legs akimbo. It was good fun and he was willing to experiment to get a great shot.”

With the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Azerbaijan only weeks away on 26 May, 75-yearold Engelbert is set to do what he has always done best, deliver a belting ballad – Love Will Set You Free. In contrast to younger stars hoping to make Eurovision their big break in previous years, the Hump as he’s affectionately known, already has chart success and legions of loyal fans, so he’s in the enviable position of having nothing to prove, and nothing to lose.

So, did Angela exchange numbers with the rising star after the shoot? “I didn’t see him again, sadly” she laughs. “He didn’t flirt – he knew he didn’t need to. But I enjoyed capturing his long smouldering ‘just for you’ looks and wasn’t surprised that he went on to become a star.” ■ Six Birds and Six Blokes at the Square Club, Berkeley Square, Bristol, runs from 17 May to 17 August. For information tel: 0117 921 0455 or visit: www.thesquareclub.com For information about Angela Williams visit: www.angelawilliamsarchive.com

GLAMOUR GUYS: top, Engelbert Humperdinck, and, below, Paul Newman PHOTOGRAPHS: Angela Williams

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TROUBLE ON THE SQUARE Tony Whitehead takes a look at the elegant heyday and the subsequent turbulent times of one of Bristol’s most picturesque historic squares

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t was one of the most romantic scenes in the latest series of the BBC drama Upstairs Downstairs. Lady Agnes and Sir Hallam were seen strolling back home to 165 Eaton Place in the early hours after an evening out with the Kennedys. The actor Ed Stoppard wore black tie, while Keeley Hawes, as Lady Agnes shimmered in trademark silk, and the elegant streets of Belgravia provided the stylish period backdrop. Except, as sharp-eyed Bristol viewers will have noticed, this was not Belgravia at all, but Queen Square, Bristol.

Chosen by the BBC as a ‘body double’ for the environs of London’s Eaton Place, the square’s TV appearance was testament to Bristol’s success in restoring this sometimes forgotten architectural gem. Its authentic atmosphere made it ideal for the part – ironic considering that in 1938, when the scene was set, Queen Square was in a sorry state.

In 1937 Bristol Corporation had approved the construction of a dual carriageway to run diagonally across the square – a move which involved demolishing properties at two corners and moving the statue of William III on horseback. The road destroyed the architectural unity of the square though, even before this, it had suffered a series of setbacks, most notably being substantially damaged during the Bristol riots of 1831.

The square began life as little more than a piece of wasteland known as Town Marsh, and during the 16th and early 17th centuries the area was used for tipping refuse, weapons training, bull-baiting and even hanging pirates. In 1622, however, a bowling green was created which, together with some tree planting, gave the neighbourhood a more recreational character.

The first homes were built around 1700 and, although often described as Georgian, the square was built mostly in the reign of Queen Anne, after whom it was named following her accession to the English throne in 1702.

In 1709 the square’s growing importance was underlined by the Corporation’s decision to build a substantial mansion for the use of city officials. A surviving plan dated 1710 shows the

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square almost complete, with a central area of grass lined by two rows of trees and fenced with timber posts and rails.

Among early residents was Woodes Rogers, the English seacaptain who rescued Alexander Selkirk, the real-life castaway who inspired Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Rogers’ house, and those around it, helped set the square apart from the rest of the city. When the poet Alexander Pope visited in 1732 he wrote of Bristol: “Nothing is fine in it but the Square, which is larger than Grosvenor Square & well-builded.”

In fact it was one of the largest landscaped squares in Europe, and its prestige was reflected by the commissioning of one of the country’s finest sculptors, Michael Rysbrack, to create the statue of King William III which was erected in 1736. Queen Square was now enjoying its heyday – almost 100 years as the city’s most desirable address. The good times were not to last, however.

First came competition from the newly-built Georgian terraces and squares of Clifton, Berkeley Square was built in 1790 and Royal York Crescent completed in 1820.

But it was the Bristol riots of 1831 which dealt the square its cruellest blow. Trouble flared when Sir Charles Wetherell, the Bristol Recorder, came to the city. He was unpopular due to his

SCENE OF A MASSACRE: main picture, Queen Square today is a peaceful place where students kick a ball and office workers picnic on the grass Inset, soldiers hacking down rioters with bayonets during the riots of 1831 Picture reproduced by kind permission of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

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MOB-HANDED: Muller’s painting The Burning of the Custom House, Queen Square

outspoken opposition to the Reform Bill which sought to improve the electoral system. On Saturday 29 October, Wetherell went to dine with the Mayor at the Mansion House at the north east corner of the square, and at once an angry crowd began to gather. The mayor read The Riot Act to the mob, which inflamed them further, and Wetherell had to escape by fleeing over the rooftops.

Troops dispersed the crowd but, finding the square undefended the next day, the mob attacked the Mansion House, broke into the cellars, and proceeded to drink the fine wines stored there. Fuelled by stolen liquor, the drunken multitude then set fire to around half the buildings on the square.

These were dark days for Bristol. Work on the Clifton Suspension Bridge was halted and Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself was sworn in as a special constable to help keep the peace. Troops returned to restore order to Queen Square, but

their commander, Colonel Brereton, refused to open fire on the crowd. Eventually he led the Dragoons into the square and commanded them to draw their swords on the mob. Hundreds were killed or severely wounded. Brereton’s hesitation brought him to court for negligence, but he shot himself through the heart before his trial was concluded. Brunel gave evidence at the court martial.

Much of Queen Square now lay in ruins and the damage was not repaired for a number of years. It became a cut-through for horse-drawn traffic, leaving the grounds rutted and unattractive, and it was not until 1838 that a petition from residents forced the city council to act and the square was partially rebuilt and restored.

By this time, however, Clifton was in the ascendant and Queen Square was abandoned by the great and good. Sundry commercial concerns moved in, and the fine houses were split into rented rooms. The opening of the diagonal road (Redcliffe Way) through the square in 1937 was a final indignity.

Thus the square languished during the post war years until, in 1992, Redcliffe Way was closed for a trial period and never reopened.

Further progress had to wait until lottery funding became available, but by 1999 work was underway to improve the grassed areas, reorganise parking, re-establish gravel walkways and reposition the Rysbrack statue. Further phases of restoration widened footpaths and replaced flagged pavements.

Unnecessary modern signage was removed and railings and gates on the listed buildings were replaced – exactly the kind of attention to detail that now enables the square to star in period television drama.

Now fully restored, roughly in accordance with its appearance as shown in an 1817 plan, the square is once again enjoying a central role in Bristol society – host to open-air cinema, theatre, and most currently the Eat Drink Bristol Fashion festival. ■

BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS FROM £10,000

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WHAT’Son THEATRE, DANCE & COMEDY – listed by venue Dara O’Briain: Craic Dealer, Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 May, 8pm

John Owen Jones as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera

Following 2010’s 150 date sell-out tour of the UK & Ireland and best selling DVD This is the Show, Irish funnyman Dara O’Briain hits the road again with a brand new show for 2012.

Dara is one of the most recognisable faces of British TV, hosting Mock The Week, The Apprentice – you’re Fired, Stargazing Live and starring in 3 Men in a Boat.

Derren Brown: Svengali, Thursday 17 – Saturday 19 May, 7.30pm Dubbed a ‘psychological illusionist’ by the press, Derren Brown is a performer who combines magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship in order to seemingly predict and control human behaviour, as well as performing mind-bending feats of mentalism.

The Phantom of the Opera, Wednesday 23 May – Saturday 30 June, 7.30pm; matinees: Thursday (excluding 24 May) & Saturday, 2.30pm

Love prevails

Cameron Makintosh’s spectacular new production starring John Owen Jones. Far beneath the majesty and splendour of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist.

A r nol fi ni A lm a Tave rn The at re Alma Tavern Theatre, 18-20 Alma Vale Road, Clifton, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 973 5171 www.almataverntheatre.co.uk

Disco Pigs, Knives in Hens, The Yalta Game, After the End, Tuesday 1 – Saturday 26 May, please contact the theatre for times and dates Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s Directing MA students are proud to present this season of four contemporary plays about love, produced from students in acting, design and technical theatre. In Disco Pigs, pig and runt are born only moments apart, twins in all but blood, they are one. But as they reach their 17th birthday the dangerous world they’ve inhabited all their young lives is on the verge of tragically imploding in this chaotic, funny and twisted story of young love, growing up, and growing apart. In Knives in Hens in a God-fearing rural village, a young woman begins to question the world around her and searches for a language that corresponds with her feelings. After a meeting with the local miller, a feared outsider, her journey results in lust, hate and murder. In The Yalta Game when friendship develops into a passionate love affair Anna is forced to return to her husband who has grown ill, will Anna and Dmitri restore the love they thought got away?

In After the End there is an explosion in a

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pub, Louise wakes up to find herself in Mark’s nuclear fallout shelter with everything he thinks they will need to survive – water, tinned chilli, Dungeons and Dragons. But with supplies running low, can either of them come through this unscathed?

B r i s t o l H i p p o d ro m e St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0844 847 2325 www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk

Stewart Lee, Sunday 6 May, 7.30pm Formerly stand-up’s youthful iconoclast, Stewart now gawps blankly at News 24 as Britain burns down around him, and blinks weirdly at the vast retail outlets during endless journeys to and from increasingly indistinct provincial theatres. Once he lived on the pleasure planet, now he’s trapped – so are you.

Calendar Girls, Monday 7 – Saturday 12 May, 7.30pm; matinees: Wednesday & Saturday, 2.30pm Starring the original Calendar Girl Lynda Bellingham. A group of ordinary women do something extraordinary and spark a global phenomenon when they persuade one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference. Based on an inspiring true story, Calendar Girls is quirky, poignant and hilarious.

Narrow Quay, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 917 2300/01 www.arnolfini.org.uk

Cathy Come Home, Thursday 10 May, 7.30pm When the BBC broadcast Ken Loach and Jeremy Sandford’s Cathy Come Home in 1966 it precipitated public outrage at the state of Britain’s housing provision; 46 years later, fear of homelessness is a very real concern for the young. Based on personal accounts from young homeless people in Bristol, Vex Dance Theatre incorporates dance, verbatim text, film and sound to re-tell and update the narrative of a young couple’s slide into homelessness. This production is supported by contributions from two young companies, KINESIS and Travelling Light Youth Theatre.

Moray Watson: Looking Back and Dropping Names, Tuesday 15 May, 7.30pm Friends of Bristol Eye Hospital present Moray Watson who shares his memories of interesting, amusing and brilliant people he has worked with during his career so far.

Moray recalls his journey from teenage, stagestruck youth, through national service, repertory theatre, to the West End and Broadway. Determined to play on stage, in film, on television and radio, he generally manages to see the funny side of life. Tickets £15, tel: 01761 463427.

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C ir c o m e d i a St Paul’s Church, Portland Square, Bristol. www.circomedia.com

Crossing Points, Friday 4 & Saturday 5 May, 7.30pm The internationally renowned Phoenix Dance Theatre makes its first visit to Bristol with a four-part bill offering two new works.

Choreographed by Ana Luján Sánchez and Kwesi Johnson, the return of a thrilling classic

by Henry Oguike and a chance to find out how the five dancers, a microphone and beatbox rhythms featured in Aletta Collins’s sassy Maybe Yes Maybe, Maybe No Maybe can set audiences of all ages laughing out loud.

Testing Ground, Wednesday 9 May, 7.30pm After an entertaining, stimulating and extremely well-received try-out last autumn, Circomedia and Theatre Bristol offer dancers and dance enthusiasts a place to explore works in progress and exchange ideas on how to make performances even better. It’s an unrivalled way to play an active part in developing the potential of dance in Bristol.

B ri stol Old Vic King Street, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 987 77877 www.bristololdvic.org.uk

A Kind of Alaska/Krapp’s Last Tape, Until Saturday 12 May, please contact theatre for times Two short plays by Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter in a rare pairing that brings together two of the most influential writers of the 20th century. In A Kind of Alaska, Deborah wakes after 29 comatose years to a reality she cannot accept, relationships she does not remember and a body she no longer knows. In this brief awakening, she begins to understand that she has spent the prime of her life like this, trapped within a waking sleep. In Krapp’s Last Tape, a 69 year-old Krapp listens to a recording of his younger self on his birthday. But, after a life of failure, withdrawal and physical decline, the youthful idealism that confronts him makes the passing of time even more acute.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Until Saturday 12 May, Wednesday, 2pm; Thursday & Friday, 9.30pm; Saturday, 5pm & 9.30pm Written and performed by Stu McLoughlin (Swallows and Amazons, Kneehigh’s The Wild Bride) and Howard Coggins (Treasure Island), this is an ill-researched lesson in cross-dressing Tudor history.

Word of Mouth: How to be a Leader, Monday 14 May, 8pm A new award-winning and critically acclaimed solo show by Tim Clare. Armed with generic frazzles, totally scientific diagrams and a water pistol, Tim explains how Willy Wonka www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

inspired the Jonestown Massacre and negotiates the purchase of a magic hat with an online mystic. Blistering lyricism and wit so sharp it could shave the stubble off a Cyberman.

Mayfest

The Tobac c o F ac tory The Tobacco Factory Theatre, Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 902 0344 www.tobaccofactory.com

Made in Heaven, (part of Mayfest) Friday 18 – Sunday 20 May, 7.30pm Following the critically acclaimed Love and War and Sea of Bones, the Mark Bruce Company presents its savagely beautiful dance theatre production. Merging ancient themes with the dystopia of contemporary life, Mark Bruce creates a surreal world ruled by a blinded cop and a malicious virgin, where a prairie girl dreams of other lives, and a chaingang dances on the edge of inferno.

Minsk, 2011: A Reply To Kathy Acker, (part of Mayfest) Monday 21 – Saturday 26 May, 7.30pm Fuel and Belarus Free Theatre presents a provocative and heart-breaking show from possibly the most important revolutionary theatre company in the world. Strip clubs, underground raves and gay pride parades pulse beneath the surface of a city where sexuality is twisted by oppression. A love letter to a home that exiles those willing to fight for it, Minsk 2011 celebrates and mourns a land that has lost its way. Performed in Russian with English surtitles.

Tom Stade (Tour Extension), Sunday 27 May, 8pm Co-star and co-writer of Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights (Ch4) and as seen on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1). Hugely talented Canadian émigré Tom Stade’s stage presence, irrepressible charm and first-class story-telling have established him as one of the most sought after performers on the UK and international circuit.

T h e Br e w er y T h e a t r e North Street, Southville, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0117 902 0344 www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com

Hitch, (part of Mayfest) Tuesday 22 – Thursday 24 May, 7.45pm On 8 July 2009, the leaders of the eight most powerful countries met in Italy to make plans for the future of our planet. Kieran Hurley hitched a lift from Glasgow, alone, to be there too. Hitch is an intimate piece of contemporary storytelling. It asks questions about the purpose of political protest and the possibility of change. Humorous, thought provoking and ultimately hopeful, Hitch is a story of global leaders, compassionate strangers and a young man.

Episode

Fast becoming one of the most talked about events in Bristol’s cultural calendar, Mayfest once again transforms the city into a theatrical playground from Thursday 17 – Sunday 27 May. Here are some of the highlights...

• Thursday 17 – Saturday 25 May: Bristol’s own Mercurial Wrestler is at the heart of this year’s Mayfest with Magna Mysteria, a show veiled in mystery which revisits the days of the great illusionists, and which culminates in a big top show next to Temple Meads Station.

• Thursday 17 May: Prohibition-era opening party with live music at Bristol Old Vic.

• Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 May: National Theatre Scotland roll in to town with The Strange Undoing of Prudentia Hart, a rousing modern folk tale best enjoyed with a full glass and in the company of friends, staged at the Trinity Centre in the historic Old Market.

• Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 May: Legs 11, Tom Marshman is mingling with fashionistas...but will his winning smile pull him through?

Performing at Arnofilni.

• Friday 25 & Saturday 26 May: Frauke Requardt returns with Episode, finely choreographed and drawing on our desire for safety and clarity. Performing at Arnolfini.

For ticket information and for a full programme visit: www.mayfestbristol.co.uk

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WHAT’Son MUS IC – listed by date Harmonia Sacra: Cherubim & Seraphim Concert, Saturday 12 May, 7.30pm St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol. Tickets on tel: 07817 807205 or visit: www.oxboffice.com A concert of ethereal and spine-tingling choral music, ranging from the high rococo opulence of the Italian composer Baldassare Galuppi, employee of Empress Catherine the Great, to the warmth and evocative intimacy of Grigory Lvovsky’s Cherubic Hymn. This concert features excerpts from nearly 200 years of choral works from the Russian Orthodox tradition as well as a selection of other choral favourites. The performance marks the release of Harmonia Sacra’s first CD and attendees are invited to join members of the choir for a drinks reception after the event.

Bath Choral Society, Saturday 12 May, 7.30pm Bath Abbey, Bath. Tickets from the Bath Box Office on tel: 01225 463362 or visit: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk Bath Choral Society is celebrating The Queen’s Jubilee with a concert for brass and voices called A Joyful Jubilee, conducted by Will Dawes and with music by Walton, Chilcott, Bliss, Stainer, Dove, Tavener, VaughanWilliams and Handel.

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Music At Night, Friday 18 May, 6.30pm – 9.30pm Tyntesfield, Wraxall, North Somerset. Booking essential, £20 per person. For tickets tel: 01275 461900 Enjoy drinks and canapés at Home Farm before going to the beautiful chapel to listen to the Mantuan String Quartet perform a programme of Mozart, Schulhoff and Dvorak.

John Moran: The Con Artist, (part of Mayfest) Friday 18 – Sunday 20 May, 9pm The Brewery Theatre, North Street, Southville, Bristol. Box office tel: 0117 902 0344 www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com New York composer/performer John Moran gives the premiere of a new solowork of music-theatre that combines his seamless mixture of movement, sound and a musical approach to realism.

Trio Mediaeval & Arve Henriksen, Thursday 24 May, 8pm St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Tickets on tel: 0845 40 24 001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Their first UK tour brings together the atmospheric sound of three female voices with Arve Henriksen’s haunting trumpet and electronics to perform early and contemporary

music, classical, folk and improvised in seven beautiful spaces across England.

Bob Geldof in Concert, Tuesday 29 May, 8pm St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol. Tickets on tel: 0845 40 24 001 or visit: www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk A rare live Bob Geldof show from media mogul, philanthropist, political activist and, first and foremost, compulsively driven singersongwriter Bob Geldof, supporting his first album in a decade, How To Compose Popular Songs That Will Sell.

Bringing wisdom and reflection to his old anger and burning indignation, the rejuvenated Sir Bob powers his way through an extensive and genre-hopping solo career catalogue and Boomtown Rats classics.

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WHAT’Son OTHER EVENTS – listed by date Fine Dining, Fashion and Frivolity, Saturday 12 May, 7.30pm & Sunday 13 May, 6.30pm Byzantium Restaurant, Portwall Lane, Bristol.

Tickets £25 per person. Tel: 0117 922 1883 or visit: www.byzantium.co.uk Two exclusive evenings of fine dining and couture fashion in Byzantium’s decadent surroundings. Gilly Woo visits since launching her label here five years ago.

Opera in Millennium Square: La Bohème, Thursday 17 May, 7pm – 10.30pm Millenium Square, Bristol. For more information visit: www.bristol.gov.uk.

Watch opera on the big screen live from the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. La Bohème is one of the world’s best-loved operas which brings 1830s Paris to the stage with authenticity and colour, telling the story of love and heartbreak. Bring a picnic and blanket.

Author Event: Stuart Maconie, Saturday 19 May, 7.30pm QEH Theatre, Berkeley Place, Bristol. Tickets £7 in advance from Stanfords on tel: 0117 9299966 A talk and book signing by author Stuart Maconie about his book Hope and Glory: The

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Days that Made Britain. Starting with the death of Queen Victoria, to the Battle of the Somme and the general strike, and on to the docking of the Empire Windrush and Bobby Moore raising the Jules Rimet trophy, he chooses a defining moment in the nation’s story from each decade of the last century and explores its legacy today.

The Vintage & Handmade Spring Fair, Saturday 26 May, 10am – 4pm

Summer Champagne and Cordials, Friday 25 May, 7pm – 9pm

Windmill Hill City Farm Spring Festival, Saturday 26 May, noon – 7pm

University of Bristol Botanic Garden, The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Bristol. Tickets £15, tel: 0117 331 4906 This evening workshop will take you through the practical steps of producing elderflower champagne and summer cordials from flowers and fruits in the countryside and your own garden. Herbalist Ann Freeman will give hands-on advice on what you need to make your own drinks at home.

Learn to make your own cordial champagne

Chipping Sodbury Town Hall, South Gloucestershire. For more information visit: www.vintageandhandmade.co.uk There will be many quality stalls selling a fine selection of vintage homewares and handmade fayre as well as a vintage tearoom.

Windmill Hill City Farm, Bedminster. Tel: 0117 963 3252 or visit: www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk Local musicians and artists will take to the stage for the farm’s fifth annual event.

Author Event: Robert Macfarlane, Thursday 21 June, 7pm Bristol Grammar School, University Road, Bristol. Tickets £7/£6 available from tel: 0117 933 9836 Bristol Grammar School and the Bristol Festival of Ideas in association with Penguin Books, presents author of Mountains of the Mind and The Wild Places, Robert MacFarlane talking to Andrew Kelly, director of the Bristol Festival of Ideas, about his new book, The Old Ways.

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COMPETITION

WIN TICKETS TO SEE ALFIE BOE lassically trained tenor Alfie Boe is the latest act to announce participation in this year’s Forestry Commission Live Music with a brace of concerts this summer. He has become well established as one of the country’s most popular artists with acclaimed, sell-out, live concerts and two top ten, platinum selling albums in the last 12 months.

Theatre-goers have witnessed sensational performances in shows such as Les Misérables in the West End and La Bohème on Broadway; and with his interpretation of the most revered and timeless songs has ensured an ever-growing fan base. Alfie’s forest debut will see him

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performing from his current albums as well as from classical and proms repertoire.

Locally, Alfie Boe plus orchestra and special guest Laura Wright, will be performing on Saturday 21 July at Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Commenting on the show, Alfie Boe said: “I am delighted to be asked to appear as part of Forestry Commission Live Music. It is going to be a real privilege to perform at such prestigious outdoor venues with beautiful trees as backdrops.”

Forestry Commission Live Music takes place each summer with an eclectic mix of acts performing in seven forest locations around the country. Woodland clearings are temporarily transformed into a concert arena creating a relaxed atmosphere, and income generated from ticket sales is spent on improving the local forest for both people and wildlife. For further information visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/music.

We are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets worth £35.50 each to see Alfie Boe perform at Westonbirt Arboretum on Saturday 21 July, 7.30pm.

To enter, just answer the following question: How many locations does the Forestry Commission Live Music take place at?

Send your answer on a postcard marked Alfie Boe Competition, with your full name, address and telephone number to: The Bristol Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED or email competitions@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Closing date: Friday 1 June. The usual terms and conditions apply.

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AFFORDABLEart

EVERYMAN’S GUIDE TO BUYING ART As the Affordable Art Fair once again visits Bristol with the biggest showcase of artwork in the south west, fair founder Will Ramsay offers his tips on buying and collecting art

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uying a piece of art work does not have to be a daunting and overwhelming experience. With the right preparation and knowledge, it can in fact be straightforward, enjoyable and exciting – whether you are wanting to buy an original piece purely because you like it (obviously the best reason for buying art) or whether you are looking for an investment, or want to start collecting. Of course there are lots of other reasons why you may be thinking of buying art: a statement piece can enhance your home or working space, and something original makes a wonderful and personal gift for a special occasion.

One of the best places to buy is the Affordable Art Fair.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary in Bristol in May the Affordable Art Fair (AAF) has secured its position as the artbuying destination in the south west with 55 galleries showcasing a huge selection of paintings, sculpture, photography and prints priced between £40 and £4,000.

Offering a range of art-inspired activities and workshops for the whole family, as well as the opportunity to see and snap up thousands of pieces of art under one roof, AAF Bristol has become a firm favourite in the south west art-buying calendar over the last decade. Since 2002, more than 60,000 locals have passed through the doors, spending £6.6 million on original art.

AAF Bristol was the first established regional fair outside of London for the now global brand that operates in 11 countries and four continents across the world.

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Held in the historic Brunel’s Old Station on 18-20 May, the fair features galleries from all around the UK, with a particularly strong representation of local south west artists, selling a wide range of art to suit all tastes.

Founder Will Ramsay explains why launching in Bristol made perfect sense: “We considered all the larger, more obvious cities across the country when looking for our first regional fair outside London, but kept coming back to Bristol with its huge arts and culture scene, and lots of talented artists showing in local galleries. It really was the ideal destination to attract a creative, art-loving crowd, and ten years on, it’s increasingly popular with thousands of local art-lovers looking to start their own collection.”

Since its UK launch in 1999 more than one million art-lovers have visited an Affordable Art Fair across the world, spending over £150 million. As well as Bristol and London, the fair takes place in Milan, Brussels, New York, Melbourne, Amsterdam and Singapore, with seven new fairs launching this year in LA, Hamburg, Stockholm, Mexico City, Rome, Seattle and Delhi.

Will believes it’s not just a hobby for the rich and famous however. “Art adds colour and inspiration to our world and daily lives. What better way to express your personality or enhance the mood of a room than with original art? Collecting art is a lot easier than you might think – you don’t need to be an art expert or a squillionaire to take part. I bought my first piece of art in Moscow when I was 19 and it all really sprang from there,” he says.

EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH ART: main picture, Affordable Art Fair Founder Will Ramsay; artwork, right, from clockwise, John Piper, Down from Gurnard’s Head; Adam Gale, Beetle I; Kate Noble, The Jubilee Wave; Catherine Rayner, Frazer

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AFFORDABLEart Will’s top tips for collecting art: ● Live, sleep, breathe art Looking at art is fun, usually free and a great way to meet people. The more art you see the more your knowledge will grow and you’ll start to develop your own personal taste. Since I bought my first piece, my eye has become more subtle and refined as I have come to appreciate true quality in art, and this was helped by visiting galleries, auctions and art fairs. ● Don’t follow the crowd The most important thing is your own individual response. Take your time, look carefully and see what you think. It doesn’t really matter what the artist/curator/critic says – however, it can be worth heeding their opinions. ● Join up Become a supporter of a public institution, like the Tate, or a membership organisation like the Contemporary Art Society, the UK’s leading society for contemporary collectors, which means they give expert advice and organise a whole range of events for collectors of all levels. Join gallery mailing lists that represent artists you’re interested in. They’ll keep you up-to-date with all their news and invite you to private views.

● Don’t worry If you make a mistake it’s not the end of the world. Art is a learning curve for everyone involved – artist, curator, critic, and now you, the budding collector. My favourite work is probably a 5ft tall fibreglass sculpture by Royal Academy graduate Maria von Kohler. It’s of Clarice from Silence of the Lambs cradling a lamb in a Madonna and child pose. Unfortunately my wife despises it so much that it’s banished to the garage. ● Express yourself You’ll find your own personal style, but don’t let this restrict you to collecting within genres. I look for good composition, originality and wit and my collection is now very eclectic and spontaneous.

Everyone has individual taste so everyone can collect art, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. To make art accessible and affordable to everyone, the Affordable Art Fair provides a relaxed, unstuffy environment so people feel confident to explore, learn about, and buy contemporary painting, sculpture, photography and original prints.

Happy purchasing. ■ For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.affordableartfair.com or tel: 020 8246 4848. Tickets £5 on the door or £4 in advance. Opening times: Friday 18, 11am – 8pm; Saturday 19, 11am – 6pm; Sunday 20, 11am – 5pm

● Slow down Don’t just buy the first thing you see – spend time looking, researching, reading and, most importantly, thinking. Of course if you totally fall in love with a work, then just go for it.

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CITY ARTSgardens &EXHIBITIONS Rose Sanderson, Guardian Angel

LIVING ECHO

Rachel Sokal, Living Echo 1

The Island Gallery The Blue Gate, Bridewell Street, Bristol. Tel: 07794 598 198 www.rachelsokal.com

17 – 31 May

▲ SPRING EXHIBITION

JULIA FINZEL & KATE NEWLYN

Innocent Fine Art 7a Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 973 2614 www.innocentfineart.co.uk

1 – 31 May A spring exhibition including work by new gallery artists; Rose Sanderson, Carl Melegari, Anthony Garratt, Teresa Pemberton, Heidi Koenig and Robert Pittam.

CRÉPE SUZETTE Spike Island 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 929 2266 www.spikeisland.org.uk

JOSEF HERMAN

Until 17 June

RWA Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 973 5129 www.rwa.org.uk Julia Finzel, Swan Etching

5 May – 8 July To honour the artist in his centenary year this exhibition Warsaw, Brussels, Glasgow, London, 1938–44 follows Josef’s tumultuous journey as he fled across these four cities in six dramatic years. Josef Herman, Portrait of unidentified man (with red Included are a series beard) of powerfully expressionist figurative works in oil, gouache and tempera, striking designs for a politically-themed masque and a ballet, and works on paper from the series Memory of Memories.

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Rachel Sokal exhibits her series of ephemeral chlorophyll prints, photos printed on to leaves using only sunlight. She explores the parallels between human and plant bodies, our place within changing ecologies and the effects of too much sun on living cells. This is a rare chance to see the leaves themselves, some of them so delicate they may only be shown once.

Coldharbour Framery & Gallery 111 Coldharbour Road, Westbury Park, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 944 6244 www.coldharbourgallery.co.uk

Daniel Dewar and Grégory Gicquel’s sculptural work and images reflect a physical reengagement with materials and processes. The exhibition includes animated films that capture huge amounts of clay in varied states.

8 May – 9 June A joint exhibition featuring work by artist and printmaker Julia Finzel, and sculptor Kate Newlyn. On show will be a selection of etchings and prints by Julia, inspired by folk tales and recent travels in Indonesia. Mythical creatures are also represented in bronze by Kate, as well as smaller more familiar animals in bronze resin.

The gallery also shows a wide range of work by local artists working in a variety of media.

Dewar & Gicquel, Ox (2012)

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Coldharbour Framery & Gallery

Julia Finzel & Kate Newlyn 8 May - 9 June

www.coldharbourgallery.co.uk 111 Coldharbour Road Bristol BS6 (0117) 944 6244

Affordable Art Fair Bristol, Stand A10

Appin Sunset by David Smith RSW

18th - 20th May

Tel 0117 929 2527

Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol BS8 4UB

www.limetreegallery.com www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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ARTS&EXHIBITIONS DRIVEN TO ABSTRACTION

MONOISTS

Peter Brisley, This Way

Graham Knight, wheel-thrown stoneware plate

Guild Gallery 68/70 Park Street, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 926 5548 www.bristolguild.co.uk

Until 12 May Abstract experimentation from five artists, Mark Alexander, Angela Baum, Graham Knight, Marguerite Knight and Barbara Norquoy – who have exhibited jointly many times – in painting, collage and ceramics.

This work shows an abiding interest in visual exploration. All work is for sale and the artists will be on hand to discuss their work.

MICHAEL REEVES

▲ 4 – 9 May A celebration of the art of monochrome photography presented by the Monoist group as part of the Bristol Festival of Photography.

A diverse selection of prints and projected images including travel and landscape, architectural and pictoral street scenes.

Rubicon Café Lounge Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 3294408 www.rubiconlounge.co.uk

PAUL BENNETT Paul Bennett, Sea Scape 21

1 – 31 May For his latest body of work, Stills from an Imagined Dream, fine art photographer Michael Reeves transforms the everyday into scenes from an imagined dream with hand–held long exposures and multiple exposures. Heavily influenced by dream sequences in films, Michael creates altered versions of reality, involving eerie lights and dissolving buildings.

Jane Ormes, Spring dog bitten off more...

Sky Blue Framing and Gallery 27 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 9733995 www.skybluefineart.com

Until 26 May

THE RACONTEURS ARENA View Art Gallery 159-161 Hotwell Road, Bristol.

Tel: 05603 116753. www.viewartgallery.co.uk

View Art Gallery at Harveys Cellars 12 Denmark Street, Bristol. Tel: 0117 9294812. www.viewartgallery.co.uk www.harveyscellars.co.uk

Original quirky images reflecting Jane’s take on the world, often involving animals in absurd situations.

The gallery also shows Quentin Blake, John Knapp Fisher, Susie Brooks and Sue Brown’s collagraphs plus Jane Reeves fused glass seascapes and contemporary jewellery.

ANNUAL OPEN WEEKEND

Until 5 June

Until 1 July The Raconteurs Arena is an exhibition that celebrates the storytelling of Bristol, from the Stokes Croft riots, to high society laughing gas parties and Hotwells giants, to name but a few. All the work for this exhibition is commissioned by View, challenging artists to express themselves, inspired from these reallife dramas, myths and fables.

44 The Bristol Magazine

JANE ORMES

Centrespace Gallery 6 Leonard Lane, Bristol. www.centrespacegallery.com

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May 2012

In this solo exhibition of abstract and expressional work, Paul Bennett’s captivating seascape and landscape paintings create a sense of intimacy and isolation while simultaneously leaving the subject open to interpretation. These dramatic representations of the uncontrollable aspects of weather, entwined with intense emotion are undeniably beautiful. By using rich textures, multiple layers and poured paint he endows his images with a tactile nature.

Spike Island 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 929 2266 www.spikeisland.org.uk

5 – 7 May Take a peek into the studios and offices of artists, designers, filmakers, photographers, animators and printmakers based here. See their work and have a chat with them about what they do.

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SETdesign

KNOWING THE ROPES Rosie Parry meets the talent behind the magic at Brunel’s ss Great Britain, Jude Holland and Lottie Sweeney, and discovers their secrets to transporting us to a Victorian world on the high seas

O

nce a luxury ocean liner, the world’s first in fact, Brunel’s ss Great Britain launched in 1843 and revolutionised travel. This year may be the ship’s 160th anniversary of her first voyage to Australia, but the true experience of being onboard this vessel can still be had today, thanks to the remarkable and on-going work of the tourist attraction’s team. From the real-life scene of a chef cooking in the kitchen, to a passenger vomiting, and from cabbages to horses, interpretation manager, Jude Holland, and interpretation specialist and artist Lottie Sweeney, have ensured the ship’s tales live on. What is obvious to behold is that every detail of the ship’s former interior and setting has been scaled with a fine-tooth-comb; dedication, vision, courage and passion from the team have collaborated to present the ship in its former glory and create a real multi-sensory experience. They not only maintain the ship, but they also mastermind different projects throughout the year to form new experiences for visitors, as well as reinvent earlier ones.

Jude Holland, who researches and project manages displays as well as overseeing the education side of the experience, says she has always been interested in maritime history. “I have a real fascination with what it would have been like to travel on board and when I’m researching I’m looking for a human story that will relate to people today. For every project we look at passenger diaries, the Brunel Institute archives, crew and passenger lists, historical evidence and prints from the National Maritime online.”

Jude discusses ideas she finds with Lottie, and says that many diaries have a huge sense of camaraderie and more social mixing than you would think – but admits they are not all fairy tales.

“There’s lots of mention of sea-sickness in diaries and we created the wet meat store after reading that passengers could hear the screams of the animals being slaughtered on board. We like to choose the stories that we can physically re-create which are the

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most intriguing.” This is perhaps why a bucket of fake vomit sits hazardously by the door of a cabin, not only does it look realistic but it also smells realistic. In fact, many aspects of the set have rather strong smells such as the horse manure, baked bread, coal fire and urine, all of which are provided by Dale Air and come from themed aroma dispensers; carefully hidden to make the scene as authentic as possible.

If people are constantly looking ❝ shocked, intrigued or screaming – then you know what you’ve done is a success

❞

After months of planning, these intriguing ideas are brought to physical life in just a few days by Lottie Sweeney who epitomises natural artistic talent and vision. While achieving a degree in geography, Lottie also studied her passion with an Open University course in art. She then worked as the studio assistant at Madame Tussauds in London, and has since run her own business. She now works full-time at the ss Great Britain after six years of being involved in projects. Her words, “I like a good project” and “I’m a bit of a perfectionist” rather sum up her commitment and attention to detail. Although Lottie has a workshop, which wonderfully embodies all of the aspects of an artist’s cluttered studio you would expect – paint and stuff everywhere – she also works on-board the ship much of the time.

“It’s the best way to gauge if my creations and the project is a success or not, because if people are constantly looking shocked, intrigued or screaming – then you know what you’ve done is a success.”

ARTISTIC TALENT: above, Lottie creates all of the props for the ss Great Britain, from animals to vegetables

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SETdesign

HERE’S SOME WE MADE EARLIER: left to right, Lottie’s favourite creation – the boiled calf’s head, Jude researches ideas for projects using the archive, and the set of Flash, Bang, Wallop! designed and put together by the whole team For further information about the ship and exhibits visit: www.ssgreatbritain. org

Many of Lottie’s props are made from clay or resin which she then paints. The most exciting part, she says, is using visual images to start a project and working out how to translate those to make things. Lottie makes a whole host of props including animals, fruit and vegetables, suitcases, pastry and cutlery, as well as painting the interior, to re-create scenes such as the inside of the cabins and a working kitchen. Her favourite piece however, is a boiled calf’s head on pastry surrounded by boiled eggs and parsley butter – a delicacy for first-class passengers. Jude had discovered the concoction in menus dated 1866 from the ship’s collection and Lottie made it from water-based jasminite, resin and an actual calf skull of clay, the parsley made from the fake trees seen in modelling shops. Lottie explains that there is a lot of experimenting involved. “The calf’s head was made and was supposed to look boiled and I was there, poised to pour over the resin for the parsley butter, knowing that if it didn’t work I would have to take it off and do quite a major repair work on the head.”

The scenes are helped by technical services manager, Paul Harrison, and his team, who are the handy men of the operation.

The ship’s latest exhibit is Flash, Bang, Wallop!, a Victorian

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

photographers studio with a backdrop of the ship in which visitors can dress up, hold onto the railing and have their photograph taken as if they were going on a voyage. Paul and the probation team found parts of drainpipe left from sewerage works to use as the backdrop’s roller as well as railings that they had had in the maintenance department for years. They throw away virtually nothing and transform spaces using it – it only adds to the ship’s authenticity. All of these aspects mean that everything on board the ship can be touched, smelled, worked or used, with detail down to the veins on cabbage leaves - it’s a truly unique and magical attraction.

Some 15,000 passengers emigrated to Australia and New Zealand on the ship, but would the team? Jude said keenly, “From diaries there were some amazing friendships formed and a lot of happy-ending stories such as honeymoon voyages.” Paul added, “For first-class passengers it was home-from-home and for third-class passengers, a life in Australia and the ship was more luxurious than the slums they were leaving behind.”

The next exhibit will see artists Bompas and Parr flood the glass plate surrounding the ship with jelly on 18 May. ■

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FOOD&DRINK

Chefs play starring role at new foodie theatre

A

converted church on the corner of Gloucester Road is set to become a hotspot destination for the city’s home cooks and foodies, with the launch of the 102 Cookery School. The state-of-the-art kitchens, tasting area and demonstration space have been set up on the first floor of the Nailsea Electrical showroom.

The cookery school is a joint project between Nailsea Electrical and Samsung and will be the venue for classes and courses, including demonstration and dine evenings led by some of Bristol and the south west’s top chefs. Many of these have won numerous accolades in the restaurant world and are members of the recently established Chefs’ Forum group.

Courses are designed to suit beginners as well as experienced cooks and will range from knife skills to bread master classes led by some of the region’s top bakers. All classes, courses and events involve tasting, so there’s a real chance to enjoy the fruits of the chefs’ labour, as well as your own.

The 102 Cookery School was launched with a celebratory party and future events will be led by leading chefs, including Michelin-starred Josh Eggleton of The Pony and Trap, Ronnie Faulkner of Ronnies of Thornbury and The Muset, Christopher Wicks of Bell’s Diner and

HANDS ON: at the opening party for 102 Cookery School there was plenty of opportunity to get involved

master forager and wild food expert Toby Gritten, who is also a chef.

Bookings have already begun for the new season of dine and demos. On 17 May Ronnie Faulkner will be sharing some of the secrets of his signature dishes with Cooking for Friends,

and on Saturday 26 May there will be a free food and wine festival all day at the cookery theatre, with chefs in action and wine tastings.

For more details visit: www.102cookeryschool.co.uk or call in at 102 Cookery School upstairs at Nailsea Electrical.

All aboard

The world’s biggest vegetarian event

■ The floating restaurant and bar, the Spyglass, which is moored in the harbour at Welshback, is about to enjoy its tenth summer season. It serves a barbecue style menu, overseen by executive chef Freddy Bird, who also oversees the menus at the Lido and Glassboat restaurants.

The new-look Spyglass has features including a crab tank and an open counter kitchen where diners can watch their salads being prepared.

The drinks list is unusual, being categorised under the headings ‘nice’ or ‘gert lush’.

Bristol’s Harbourside is to host the world’s largest vegetarian event later this month as Vegfest returns to the city centre for the tenth year running over the weekend of 25/26 and 27 May. This free festival of meat-free food and drink was attended last year by around 13,000 people, with a carnival atmosphere prevailing.

Along with 120 exhibitors, a Ready Steady Cook style competition and lots of vegetarian cookery demonstrations, there will be a comedy tent, walkabout performers and even the chance to play crazy golf. There are some big names lined up to play at this year’s Vegfest, including Neville Staple of The Specials, reggae star Johnny Clarke and local acts Talisman and Dub Mafia.

Tim Barford, Vegfest UK organiser, said: “As always at Vegfest we’ll have lots of veggie cookery demos, cookery workshops for the kids and loads of talks on nutrition, weight management and healthy living. The educational side of the event is really important.”

Hot stuff

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The festival is a family-friendly event, with plenty to keep children and adults amused.

Among those businesses exhibiting at Vegfest is Bristol Cider Shop, which has a shop on Christmas Steps. The people who run it are passionate about cider and only stock cider and perry made from 100 per cent juice, with all the ciders coming from within 50 miles of Bristol, from small independent producers. This is the first time the Cider Shop has attended Vegfest.

The shop is holding a cider and sausage festival over the weekend of 5/6 May. There will be vegetarian sausages, as well as meaty ones.

In June the Cider Shop is taking over The Milk Thistle Hotel in Colston Avenue for a gourmet cider tasting event offering every kind of cider from cider brandy to Champagne style ciders. Tickets for the event, which is on Thursday 14 June, are £20 from the Cider Shop.

For more information on Vegfest visit: wwwbristolvegfest.co.uk.

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FOOD&DRINK

Foodie bites GOURMET AT YOUR DOOR ■ Pieminister celebrates a great British summer with two special edition celebration pies. Dish up Pieminister’s Lovely Jubilee pie (270g, £2.99) available now and made with freerange British chicken in a delicately curried Coronation-style sauce laced with mango chutney, sweetcorn and coconut. If you’re looking for a pie with a bit of a kick then try The Sebastian Cow pie (270g, £2.99) made with British beef steak and beans slow-cooked in a chipotle chilli and tomato sauce, available from early June. Both can be bought from independent food shops and Pieminister outlets. To view the full range of award-winning pies visit: www.pieminister.co.uk

Celebrate the start of the summer barbecue season by getting the finest fresh ingredients delivered to your home. TBM looks at the south west experts who are taking the hassle out of food buying

■ Jacks Brasserie on the Harbourside is launching a weekly barbecue night every Thursday from 3 May. Enjoy mouth-watering homemade burgers, succulent steaks and free-range chicken legs. Set away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Jacks is a perfect location for summer alfresco dining with its enviable waterfront location. To book a table tel: 0117 9453990 or email: bristol@jacksbrasserie.co.uk

W

■ Andrew Cooper from the Bristol Beer Factory became one of the country’s first accredited beer sommelier’s after completing a course with the Beer Academy. Candidates had to demonstrate technical knowledge, communication skills and passion to inspire people to discover more about beer. Andrew has more than 10 years experience working in the industry with pubs, retailers and a brewery. He regularly hosts beer tastings and beer and food matching dinners for the Bristol Beer Factory.

Hot stuff

■ Farm Animal Week runs from 18 – 24 June and the RSPCA’s Freedom Food charity is encouraging people to think about farm animal welfare and the choices they make, not just when shopping but also when eating out.

The charity’s Simply Ask campaign has been launched to let peole know about restaurants which care about farm animal welfare when it comes to sourcing ingredients. None of them serve foie gras or white veal and their eggs are from cage-free hens. Many Bristol restaurants and pubs have signed up including Bordeaux Quay, The Greyhound in Clifton and The Bowl Inn in Almondsbury. There is a restaurant finder on the campaign website and you can nominate an ethical restaurant: www.freedomfood.co.uk/simplyask.

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hile there is pleasure to be had in visiting a good farm shop and picking out the finest, fresh ingredients to take home, sometimes time is too short and we would welcome the supplier who could bring all that wholesome food direct to our doorstep.

There are several food box and delivery services who do just that. Pipers Farm in Devon delivers sumptuous ethically sound meat boxes the next day into the Bristol area.

Will Greig of Pipers Farm said: “We believe in the importance of great quality food, that has been ethically reared by hand, giving you complete confidence in what you’re buying. We also believe that everyone should have access to great quality meat, which is why we set up our online shop. We have a dedicated team of personal shoppers who can talk through your exact requirements for a bespoke order, an easy check out system that remembers exactly what you ordered last time, and a great selection of meat boxes perfectly tailored to your requirements; whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a special dinner party. We even provide a free delivery service covering the whole of Bristol.”

Pipers Farm was started over 20 years ago by Peter and Henri Greig when their sons were very young. They take the utmost care in creating the best possible meat that comes from contented animals who have been reared responsibly using traditional methods of farming. Pipers Farm featured in the BBC television series Kill it, Cook it, Eat it, which followed animals from field to fork.

Rick Stein lists the Greigs family as one of his food heroes, they have won BBC best producer of the year, Times Newspaper best butcher and picked

PERFECT: sausage, steaks and burgers from Pipers Farm

up many Gold Great Taste Awards along the way.

Typical prices include a barbecue selection box, with 22 portions of 100 per cent steak burgers, for £34 including delivery.

For more information about Pipers Farm visit www.pipersfarm.com or tel: 01392 881 38.

Riverford has been delivering organic fruit and vegetable boxes to Bristol homes for some years.

The basic veg boxes for one or two peoplehouseholds are £10.35. Delivery includes potatoes, onions and carrots as basic, along with a range of field-fresh seasonal veg for the home cook to enjoy.

Newcomer to the foodie delivery service is Flavrbox, a Bristol-based enterprise which offers what it describes as a farmers’ market style of produce, locally and regionally sourced. Flavrbox offers an interesting challenge to home cooks with its monthly tasting box which contains an element of surprise. From £15 a month this brings a mixture of ingredients, includng some basics such as tea and coffee, to homes in the city.

If you want to show someone you really love them you could send them flowers – or how about a more original idea, handmade chocolates?

Maison Loulou delivers its beautiful chocolates anywhere in the world, but since it is based just outside Bristol, delivery in the local area is keeping the food miles low.

All the ingredients are of the finest quality, including Somerset cream, Javanese and Madagascan chocolate and unusual combinations such as ginger and fennel, sea salted caramel and jasmine flower. Mail order deliveries start at £20.

Real choccy fans can join Maison Loulou’s chocolate club, ensuring regular deliveries of their favourites.

Bath-based Great Western Wine’s team know how to choose the right wines for every occasion and will be happy to help customers choose what would suit them. For a family gathering this summer Great Western delivers a dozen bottles with no delivery charge to homes in the Bristol area.

And finally, to round off your home delivered meal, you’ll want to serve your guests the best cheese and accompanying savoury biscuits. The Fine Cheese Company has been awarded The Times’ best mail order cheese and biscuits and justly so. Like all the other suppliers on this page, the Fine Cheese Company is an expert in its area and can supply precisely the right cheese for the occasion. ■

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Artichoke filo pie

It’s interesting to note that more people in the UK are turning vegetarian than in any other country in the world at the moment. This month’s Vegfest in Bristol, which runs from 25 – 27 May at the Harbourside, will provide inspiration to meat eaters and vegetarians alike for new dishes to try and ingredients to enjoy tasting and cooking. This recipe for artichoke and butterbean pie is a unique combination of ingredients which creates a deliciously creamy yet textured and tangy pie. Any type of artichoke hearts/bottoms can be used: frozen; tinned in brine or marinated in oil. It can be made using oil spray to reduce the fat.

Serves: 4 – 6 Time: 50 – 60mins Diabetic friendly No nuts

Ingredients: 1 medium red onion, chopped, or little olive oil or oil spray to cook 2 tins butterbeans, rinsed and drained, or 480g home cooked beans 2 tbsp finely chopped flat leaf parsley plus more to taste 2 tbsp olive oil (or soya milk if making reduced-fat version) 4 tsp lemon juice ½ - 1 tsp salt, according to taste Black pepper ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 400g artichoke hearts or bottoms, drained or defrosted 4 tbsp chopped pitted kalamata or black olives 3 large sundried tomatoes, chopped very small with scissors Any type: in oil; dried that are rehydrated in hot water; slow roasted Filo pastry sheets (about a third of a pack) Oil or oil spray to coat the filo layers

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 200˚C/400 F/Gas Mark 6.

2. In a frying pan, wok or heavy-bottomed pan, heat a little olive oil/oil spray and sauté the onion until tender – add a little water if it starts to dry out.

3. Part-blend some of the butterbeans until smooth and creamy. Mash the rest gently with a potato masher – aim for some texture amongst the creamed beans. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt and cayenne. Mix in well.

4. Add the chopped artichoke hearts, olives and sundried tomatoes. Mix in gently. Taste the mixture and season as necessary.

5. Oil an 8 inch square baking dish – metal or ceramic. Line it with several overlapping layers of filo sheets, oiling each layer well. Make sure the sheets overhang the tray so they can be folded back on top of the bake.

6. Spoon half the filling smoothly and evenly on top of the filo base. Fold over some of the filo layers, add more oiled filo and repeat with the second part of the filling. Finish the process with more layers of oiled filo.

7. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven. Allow to cool a little before slicing into portions.

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Country Pub and Dining for menus and special offers visit

www.foodatthebell.co.uk 01285 760298 Halfway between Cirencester & Stroud, one mile off the A419

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10% discount for online & markets by quoting LOVEMAISONLOULOU

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May 2012

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The Muset 12– 16 Clifton Road, Clifton, BS8 1AF tel: 0117 973 7248

REVIEW

MODERN TAKE ON TRADITION

M

y working day, like so many people’s, is ruled over by two dictators – email and the phone. I communicate with many people, some of whom sound worth getting to know, but sadly we never get to meet or interact face-to-face.

So, when a useful sounding contact suggested we have a working lunch so we could share ideas and find out more about each other’s business needs, I welcomed the idea.

We chose a sunny little corner of Clifton where chef/owner Ron Faulkner, also known as Ronnie, has taken over the former Muset restaurant, expanding his empire from his already successful Ronnies at Thornbury establishment. The Muset is now Muset by Ronnie and it is where diners can enjoy contemporary British and European food in a relaxed but stylish environment.

Catherine and I had decided to opt for two courses for £16, a good lunchtime deal, but because we were happily chatting, we talked each other into a pudding. At three courses for £19 this seemed like a good idea. This fixed menu is available Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes and Tuesday to Thursday evenings.

The restaurant laid out for lunch on a bright spring day was full of light, its black tables pristine and welcoming with silver and simple napery, the walls hung with bright artwork by Clifton artist Karen Barber. Hanging lights create interesting pools of light and shade for evening diners and we were tempted by the idea of coming with friends for a tasting menu of five courses, with a different wine for each course.

Ronnie has cooked at Buckingham Palace, Downing Street and Highgrove, so I suspect he knows that diners like sometimes to eat unusual and inventive dishes, while on other occasions they want something homely and familiar. And so you’ll find on Ronnie’s menu recipes such as wild garlic pannacotta with goat curd and red miso cannelloni and candy beef (bet you wouldn’t make that for yourself at home!) or monkfish accompanied by lentils, king prawns, cauliflower and yogurt, to the more traditional sounding calves’ liver with bacon and onions or duck breast with dauphinoise potatoes.

With the set lunch menu there are three courses, each with three choices. Catherine chose to go off-piste with her starter, opting for one of Ronnie’s specialities, Cornish scallops with

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garlic puree, sage and pancetta (£11). The combination of creamy, perfectly cooked scallops and slightly salty, crispy pancetta bacon was pronounced perfect. I had opted for comfort food and enjoyed a bowl of hot, beautifully green leek and Caerphilly

he knows that diners like ❝ sometimes to eat unusual and

BRIGHT AND WELCOMING: every attention to detail has been paid at The Muset, from the gleaming interior to the marrying of fresh, seasonal ingredients for the menu

inventive dishes, while on other occasions they want something homely and familiar

❞

veloute style soup, which came with two gooey, golden, perfectly executed slices of Welsh rarebit. Finger licking good.

We were getting along very well, managing to chat and eat, exchange ideas and information, while enjoying some jazzy music.

For her main course Catherine chose one of Ronnie’s signature dishes, wild mushroom risotto, which was just as it should be, creamy but with the earthy tang of fungi. I enjoyed that most archetypal of British comfort foods, shepherd’s pie, made with neck of lamb rather than mince, for an authentic meaty taste. It was served in an individual dish topped with creamy mashed potato, the savoury juices bubbling piping hot through the mash, with carrots and pak choi to make up my five-a-day.

To finish our very satisfactory working lunch Catherine chose a light, creamy rhubarb and custard – a very modern take on an old favourite, as was the sticky toffee pudding I polished off. This came with a jug of toffee sauce and a serving of Chai tea ice cream, cutting through the sweetness with a subtle, slightly Reader offer smoky tang. On praising the ice cream I was told Ronnie Muset by Ronnie is and head chef Jethro Lawrence are very proud of the range offering readers of The of homemade flavours created in-house. And justly so.

Bristol Magazine 25% It was a real pleasure to do business like this, face-todiscount throughout face and fork-to-fork over some expertly prepared food.

May. Quote BMMAY2012 Starters range from £7.50 to £11, while main courses when booking to confirm are between £14 and £30 (that’s for a 35-day dry aged rib eye steak with fat chips and bearnaise sauce). ■

GMc

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ere are many reasons to dine at the

IndIan FIne dInIng

What’s yours!

Cocktails 2 for 1 6pm-7pm

The Mint Room Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EB 01225 446656 • www.themintroom.co.uk • Car parking available

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OUT&ABOUT

HEAD FOR THE SKYLINE Bristol’s neighbouring city Bath which nestles among the hills, is ideal for a day’s walking exploration.

Andrew Swift offers a route that takes in hidden valleys, some steep climbs and the chance to chart the changes the industrial revolution made on the landscape

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n exploration of the hills and valleys south of Bath, starting at the railway station and ending with a stroll along the canal, may not sound particularly strenuous, but this month’s walk is more demanding – and muddier – than many walks deep in the country. Much of it is through land owned by the National Trust. The Trust owns around 10 per cent of the land within the city boundaries, including woods carpeted with bluebells, wild garlic and dog mercury, hidden valleys, and downland with panoramic views. Stout footwear is essential, and, if you use walking poles, bring them along as well.

Leave Bath Spa station by the back exit, cross the footbridge over the river, carry on across two sets of pedestrian lights and turn right. Cross the bottom of Lyncombe Hill and go to the left of the Temperance Hall along St Mark’s Road. Past the former church, carry on along a footpath. Continue along a road which soon starts heading uphill. This is Holloway, one of the oldest roads in Bath. The old houses were replaced by those you see today in the 1960s.

Turn left along a footpath leading to Calton Walk. A little way along turn right up a flight of steps, before turning left up a path and another flight of steps a few metres along. Carry on up the steps to the edge of Beechen Cliff.

At the top, turn left uphill and carry on, with Alexandra Park – named after Edward VII’s queen – on your right. After passing a couple of benches with a panoramic view, the path starts to descend. At the end of the allotments, go through a kissing gate (KG) on the right and head diagonally down through the field.

Go through a KG at the end and turn left down a road. Turn right along Lyncombe Vale Road and at the bottom turn left along Lyncombe Vale. As you pass Lyncombe Vale Farm, keep to the right-hand pavement, alongside a millstream.

Carry on up to the main road, turn right, cross over and turn left down Church Street. Just past Little Orchard, turn right along a footpath. As the path bears left, look to the left to see an 18th-century dovecote amid a group of farm buildings.

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After climbing a short flight of steps, turn right along a lane.

Through the trees on the right, you can glimpse the Palladian bridge in Prior Park Gardens. At the end, turn left by Fishponds Cottage (ST761634) through a KG and head uphill through a field. Near the top of the field, ignore a KG on the right, but carry on through a KG straight ahead. At the top, go through a KG and turn left up a flight of steps (ST767633). Carry on past the entrance to Rainbow Wood House, following the Skyline waymark as the path bears left.

Carry on, following the Skyline waymarks. Just past a singlestorey building, turn left through a KG (ST767637) and follow the path downhill. At the bottom, cross the road with care and turn left downhill. After passing the last house in Macaulay Buildings, turn right through a KG, left through another KG and head across the field. In the far corner, go through a KG and turn sharp right down to a gate in the corner of the field (ST762641). Cross the lane and walk up the drive to Smallcombe Farm. Just past the farm, go up a flight of waymarked steps and carry on up a footpath.

At the top, carry on up to the road and turn right. After 600 metres, turn left up North Lane, but not before taking a look at the Apollo sunburst on Wood Hill Place, just past the turning.

At the top of North Lane, turn left. After passing Quarry Road, take a footpath on the right between Foxborough Cottage and Lindley (ST767644). Go through a gateway and carry on along a path leading to Sham Castle, built for Ralph Allen in 1762, and another superb view. Follow a path to the left, leading down from Sham Castle. Cross a drive, turn right alongside a fence, go down a flight of steps and carry on through woods riddled with old quarry workings.

When you come to a KG, don’t go through it but follow the Skyline waymark up to the right. A few metres further on, however, when another waymark points right, ignore it and carry straight on through the woods. As the path slowly dwindles, continue on as the path curves up to the right. Carry on and go through a KG. Turn left when you emerge into the

TRANSPORT LINKS: in the Limpley Stoke Valley, river, railway and canal have all been used over the centuries to carry people and goods

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OUT&ABOUT

UP HILL OVER DALE: left to right, an old postcard shows children in Lyncombe Vale; the nearest Bath comes to having a castle – the folly that is Sham Castle, and panoramic views over Bath as you emerge from Rainbow Woods

open, following the edge of the woodland.

Ignore a rough path heading downhill to the left. As you carry on, the way ahead is blocked by woods. Follow a sunken path heading downhill to the left of the woods, before crossing a stile on the right with a Skyline waymark (ST777655).

Follow the path through the woods until it crosses a path heading steeply downhill, following the course of an old quarry tramway (ST777654). Turn left down it, and, after passing some modern buildings, follow the footpath as it swings left. As you carry on, look to the right to see a bridge that carried the tramway over a packhorse road (ST780657). Continue down the footpath to the main road.

The tramway crossed this road on an arch demolished in 1958. Cross over, turn right and, when the pavement ends, turn left and follow a footpath through a gate to rejoin the old tramway, where there is a superb view up the Limpley Stoke valley. Carry on down to a canal wharf and cross a swing bridge. Here you have a choice. To head back to Bath along the canal, turn left, passing the George Inn at Bathampton. The

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canal eventually joins the Avon in Widcombe.

For a longer walk, turn right along the towpath, crossing the Avon by the impressive Dundas Aqueduct. The canal crosses over the river at Avoncliff, where there is the Cross Guns Inn as well as a station with an hourly train service to Bristol. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION Length of walk: 8 miles (returning to Bath) or 11 (if continuing to Avoncliff) ■ Approx time: four or five hours (depending on above route) ■ Map: OS Explorer 155 ■ Refreshment stops: The George at Bathampton or The Cross Guns at Avoncliff ■

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FAMILYfun

MAY FUN: left, take a walk with dinosaurs at Bristol Zoo Gardens; above, gaze at the stars and enjoy a summer night sky planetarium show at At-Bristol; right, snap your own great photographs of the wildlife around Slimbridge Wetland Centre with the parent and child wildlife photography workshop

MAGIC MOMENTS IN MAY The city has plenty of events and activities on offer for the family to enjoy this month; from walking with dinosaurs to photography and astronomy to music. Use our guide to help plan quality time with your little ones

Discover science Explore At-Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol.

Tel: 0845 345 1235 www.at-bristol.org.uk

Toddler Takeover: Come Rain or Shine, Friday 25 May, 10am – 4pm A toddler-friendly day of fun-packed activities.

Experience the wonders of the night sky in the Planetarium, join in with storytime, make a weather scene, dress up for the outdoors and make some stormy or drip-droppy sounds in this month’s takeover exploring wind, rain and shine.

Summer Night Sky Planetarium Show, Tuesday 29 May, please contact At-Bristol for times Enjoy a tour of the night sky with this presenterled planetarium show. Sit back and discover some of the amazing things we can see from our back gardens this summer, and the science behind them.

Summer serenade St George’s Bristol, Great George Street, Bristol.

Box office tel: 0845 40 24 001 www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Children’s Concert in the Round, Sunday 6 May, 10am (3 – 5 years) or 11.15am (5 – 8 years) ‘Spring into strings’ with the musicians of the 58 The Bristol Magazine

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Bristol Ensemble. What is a musical bow made from? Who was Mr Stradivarius and why did he worry all the cats in Italy? Here, Laura Tanner shares an insight into the world of the string family, while musicians from the top-class Bristol Ensemble turn their energy and enthusiasm to some of the most exquisite classical music. A uniquely relaxed setting for an up close live concert experience for children.

Prehistoric zoo Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 974 7300 or visit: www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Dinozoo, Opens Friday 25 May They ruled the Earth for millions of years and now dinosaurs are making a comeback at Bristol Zoo Gardens. For three months over the summer, 12 huge and incredibly life-like animatronic dinosaurs will be placed around the zoo. Visitors have the chance to get up close to amazing, roaring, moving, hissing and even water-spraying creatures they’ve only read about in books or seen in films.

Birds along the Avon, Friday 11 May, 7pm – 9pm & Saturday 12 May, 9.30am – 1pm On Friday, Ed Drewitt will give an illustrated talk about the birds you’re likely to see along the river. The next day he will take you on a guided

boat tour identifying birds along the way. Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609.

Wildlife photography Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. Tel: 01453 891900 or visit: www.wwt.org.uk

Parent and Child Wildlife Photography Workshop, Saturday 19 May, 10am – 4pm A practical and enjoyable day for budding young wildlife photographers (aged 8 or above) and their parents to learn how to get great shots of wildlife. Suitable for all skills levels and types of camera with plenty of time for one-toone tuition. Starting with an illustrated introductory session you will then head outside for a practical session of nature photography.

Fun on the tracks Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 963 9174 www.ashtoncourtestate.com

Miniature Railway Rides Monday 7 & Sunday 20 May, noon – 5.15pm Jump on board and enjoy a train ride on two tracks around the estate, for all the family.

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COMPETITION

WIN A STEAM TRIP TO THE SEASIDE trip down memory lane awaits those who board The Weymouth Seaside Express this summer. This steam train service will recreate the 1950s heyday of seaside excursions and you could win a nostalgic trip on board.

Complete with restored 1950s and 60s carriages hauled by historic steam locomotives, The Weymouth Seaside Express will depart from Bristol Temple Meads, Keynsham and Bath on eight Sundays during the summer starting on July 1.

Heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company has recruited two fine locomotives to haul these seaside specials.

Swindon-built, Castle class 5029 Nunney Castle dates back to 1934 making 1946-built West Country class Pacific 34046 Braunton a relative youngster.

With one of these powerful giants of steam at its head The Weymouth Seaside Express will travel southwards climbing through the Dorset Hills then race downhill and through Dorchester arriving in Weymouth around 12.30.

A stop of over four hours in this popular seaside resort will give passengers time to spend on the sandy beach or explore the Old Harbour before the homeward journey.

The Weymouth Seaside Express has first class and standard travel options with fares starting at £59 or £154 for a family of four. The service runs on Sundays, July 1, 8, 15, 22, on August 19 and 26 and on September 16 and 23.

Our competition offers the chance to win tickets on board The Weymouth Seaside Express on Sunday 8 July, 2012. First prize is a family first class ticket, including morning coffee with a Danish pastry and afternoon tea with a selection of finger sandwiches, scones, jam and cream, all served on board, worth £232, while

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second prize is a family standard ticket, including a reserved seat at a table for four, worth £154.

Simply answer this question: Weymouth will host the sailing events for which international sporting competition this summer?

The Railway Touring Company’s conditions of booking and travel apply. A family ticket is for two adults and two juniors (aged 15 and under).

Send your answers on a postcard marked Steam Trip Competition to The Bristol Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, Bath BA1 2ED or email: competitions@thebristolmagazine.co.uk, to arrive by noon on Friday 25 May. Don’t forget to include all your contact details, including your phone number. ■

To book tickets, contact the Railway Touring Company, tel: 01553 661500 or visit: www.railwaytouring.co.uk

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Department of modern languages Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Welsh

Do you want to learn a language?

We offer a variety of foreign language courses for all levels at our language centre close to the Clifton triangle.

Price per term is £145 for 12 x 90 min lessons Courses will run subject to minimum numbers, price may increase to run small classes.

IH Bristol is the only IELTS test centre in Bristol. If you are thinking about emigrating to Australia or Canada and need to take the IELTS test, then visit our website for further details and how to apply.

E-mail or call us today for further information

Telephone: 0117 9090911 www.ihbristol.com info@ihbristol.com 2 Queen’s, Ave, Bristol, BS8 1SE

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REVIEW

PRECIOUS SILVER Rosie Parry gets a taster of making a piece of jewellery from scratch

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pendant to be proud of – this is Workshop 22’s message and this was certainly the case after I enjoyed a three hour taster session in making my very own silver pendant. In fact, the entire group felt the same.

Workshop 22, located on Maudlin Street, is run by three women – Sarah, Jackie and Lucy – who not only make and sell their own jewellery, but have introduced courses and taster sessions catering for beginners, like myself, to those who are more advanced, giving them the chance to make their own pendant, ring or bracelet. With the price of silver rising, this is the perfect opportunity to save on the pounds but not the sentimentality.

After a lovely cup of tea we put on our aprons and began our session.

The small but perfectly formed workshop had everything we needed, from our own wooden work surfaces to sandpaper and tools and with an array of books and jewellery for design inspiration. The classes are small with a maximum of six people, so there is plenty of one-to-one tuition and the ability to pursue your own project. Our first task was to test out different textures on a piece of copper with a variety of different hammers – who knew they could be so different! The shaped heads created different effects and you held on to the one you liked.

Next we practised drawing a desired shape on to the copper, I chose a heart, and used a small saw to carve it out. It was delicate work, but with Sarah’s expert and patient guidance we had all managed to saw out a copper pendant. With confidence boosted we moved on to repeating the process with the silver. Time was taken to make sure everyone was happy with their chosen design before we began. With our silver pendants cut out we then filed them with special files and sandpaper to create a smooth finish, gave them a polish, and drilled a small hole for the ring to go on. It certainly made me appreciate the patience and skill that goes in to making jewellery.

We then soldered the ring together in the safe hands of Sarah and popped it in acid to set. There were different finishes to choose from; shiny, satin or frosted, I decided on a satin finish. We all had the chance to see our pendants before they were taken off to be tumbled for hardness. The delight and the feeling of creating something truly your own was clear in everyone’s faces. Tumbling the pendants is a slow process, so Sarah arranges a time for you to come and collect it. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Sarah regularly complimented everyone, aching hands meant that you knew you had worked hard but the satisfaction of seeing the pendant at the end of the session made it worthwhile. A taster session costs £45 and a six week beginner or progression course costs £150. Each session runs for 2.5 hours and you certainly feel you’ve got your money’s worth – after all you have made something that money can’t buy. Group workshops and hen do’s are also welcome. To book sessions pop in or tel: 0117 3290393. ■ www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE A SPARE ROOM? FRIENDLY HOSTS WANTED FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS We are looking for welcoming, hospitable hosts to accommodate our international students.

• Long and short stays available • Great experience • Great rates of pay For more information, please contact: Elaine Sawyer Accommodation Officer 27 Oakfield Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2AT Tel: 0117 909 0911 Fax: 0117 907 7181 Email: elaine@ihbristol.com Web: www.ihbristol.com

Study Travel Exams Holidays

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CITYgardens CITYbusiness

CRAVING SAVINGS Samantha Ewart talks to Greg Le Tocq, MD of top savings app, Vocuhercloud, which operates from its towers in Bedminster

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n 2 February 2010, the UK was offered hundreds of pounds in savings across many favourite activities, including going out, dining and shopping, all in the form of a mobile application called Vouchercloud. Everyone went mad for the free downloadable mobile phone app which delivers digital vouchers direct to the user’s screen to redeem at point of purchase – eradicating the need for paper vouchers. It transformed the way consumers saved money every day and achieved 150,000 downloads in the first week. Today, it’s one of the top ten most downloaded apps in the UK alongside Angry Birds and Facebook with 128,000 new users a month. It’s one of the UK’s biggest business success stories and it all operates from a small office in Bedminster with the hard work from its three founders, managing director Greg Le Tocq, CEO Scott Davidson and director Dougal Templeton.

Greg worked for some of the top London PR and marketing agencies before moving to Bristol to set up his own business, Chic, a highend corporate membership club offering digital incentives and benefits in leading bars, restaurants, clubs and retail outlets. The business was sold to the Invitation Group in 2007 and Greg joined Scott and Dougal to develop the company’s digital proposition, taking on full responsibility for the launch of eatout.co.uk before taking the lead role in the development of the Vouchercloud mobile application.

“I’d always dreamed of starting my own business,” says Greg, 29, “and I really believe that if you have an idea and believe in yourself, you can make anything happen.”

Greg explained: “We wanted to open up a new market and make vouchers sexy – and that’s exactly what we did. People are used to getting deals these days and Vouchercloud now brings the old paper discount vouchers bang up to date with state-of-the-art technology – no more cutting out bits of paper or bringing printed vouchers with you. It’s all delivered straight to your pocket wherever you are, seeking out the best deals to you in seconds.”

Available on all smartphones, the app allows consumers to browse the offers by

category, location or by map. Select from one of the categories including restaurants, bars and pubs, film and theatre, online shopping, days out, leisure and entertainment, health and beauty and home, garden and DIY and Vouchercloud finds the best deals nearest to the user and delivers them straight to their screen, listing them by distance to a setting of their choice. To redeem, users simply show the voucher on the phone screen to a member of staff who will make the discount.

And if you don’t have a smartphone, no fear – there is also an option to visit www.vouchercloud.com online and print offers or have vouchers sent by SMS to any mobile phone.

Vouchercloud can already be used in over 5,000 leading outlets across the country and exclusive new offers are added on a weekly basis and automatically updated ensuring users always have the very latest offers to hand.

“It’s really important to have differentiation with brands,” says Greg. “For example, with restaurants we try to feature as wide a range as possible from Michelin-starred to casual dining and with national brands alongside local companies so there’s something for everyone.

“We are here for every type of business looking to promote their wares through this great new digital technology, from the neighbourhood bike shop to the most iconic international brands.”

Vouchercloud’s success has sky-rocketed and the now multimillion pound company is currently in talks with with some of the world’s biggest businesses including Vodaphone, Google and Visa. Greg describes it as “phenomenal” and “an amazing journey.”

And the key to his success? “It all comes down to having the drive and ambition to follow your dreams and having people believe in you,” he says. “The most important thing is that you’ve got to enjoy it. I loved creating Vouchercloud and I still live, sleep and breathe it.”

It’s hard to believe that such a huge money-making company has its roots in Bristol, but Greg says there are no current plans to move out of the city: “It’s a fantastic place to be for creativity. We employ more than 60 people in the office in Bedminster and everyone works really hard and has great ideas.

It’s all about sharing the success – the business wouldn’t be a success without the employees behind it.”

At the moment Vouchercloud is only available in the UK but the company has plans to expand worldwide starting with Europe early next year. It is also in the process of launching other products along the same lines, including Dealcloud – a UK-based site for exclusive one-off deals.

“The key is to keep it fresh and brilliant,” says Greg. And that’s exactly what Vouchercloud does for people’s lives. ■

wanted to open up a ❝newWemarket and make vouchers sexy ❞

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SUCCESS STORY: above, the Vouchercloud app how it looks on a smartphone, and below left, Greg Le Tocq, MD of the company

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BUSINESSnews

News in brief ■ Staff, family and friends of Hollingdale Pooley Chartered Accountants took the plunge to raise £5,000 for Clic Sargent (for Children with cancer) by completing a sponsored swim of the equivalent of the English Channel. Between them they swam 21 miles at Churchill swimming pool.

■ A generous guest speaker at Bristol based Jelf’s annual sales conference has given £500 to Save the Children. More than 350 members of the insurance and financial planning consultancy from across the UK attended and keynote speaker Matt Crabtree, founder and principle partner of Positive Momentum, kindly offered to donate £500 from his fee to a charity of Jelf’s choosing.

Alex Alway, Jelf’s CEO commented: “Save the Children works closely with our Employee Benefits business and as such it is a pleasure to be able to donate such a fantastic amount of money to the organisation.”

■ The Bristol Energy Cooperative has made a promising start to its community energy share launch based on solar PV installations on two buildings in the city.

One week into the month-long share issue, more than 60 per cent of the required £88,000 has been pledged.

Andy O’Brien of the Co-op said: “Our first two projects are for Hamilton House in Stokes Croft, and Knowle West Media Centre. They do great things in Bristol, and our panels will help reduce their energy bills and save hundreds of tonnes of CO2. At the same time investors will receive an annual projected four per cent interest on their investment, and become a member of the co-op, where everyone receives one vote regardless of how much they invest.” The minimum investment is £50.

The share offer ends on 18 May, the full share offer document is available at www.bristolenergy.coop ■ Anyone needing models for fashion shows or shoots can now contact city centre men’s hairdresser, RSR Mens Hair, which has teamed up with casting and talent agency room3Agency to style models for photo shoots and portfolio shots. Room3agency represents talent in the entertainment industry, including models, actors, voice-overs, presenters, extras and supporting artists, in London, Bristol and Cardiff. RSR, in Baldwin Street, provided a team of stylists for Heart Breaker Club’s SS2011 fashion show and now wants to build on this side of the fashion business. Director at room3Agency, Kate Marshall, said “Any local charities looking for models for fashion shows and shoots can get in touch with us at www.room3agency.com.”

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London show Bristol mosaic artist Felicity Ball of Just Mosaics has been chosen as one of 30 designermakers to show her work at Handmade in Britain’s London: a Celebration at the Gallery@Oxo from 10 - 13 May. This craft and design selling exhibition celebrates British creativity in this Jubilee and Olympic year. Felicity is busy designing and making a London collection to show alongside her existing designs. She said: “I am thrilled to have been selected for this contemporary design

and craft show. It’s great that an artist from the west country has been selected; and I am the only mosaic artist in the show.”

Alongside selling ready made pieces for the home and garden, Felicity has recently been

Sign up for rock school

The Colston Hall is to host a rock and pop school for 7-18 year olds, in a partnership between The Rock Project and the Bristol Music Trust.

Weekly sessions will offer young people – from complete beginners to more advanced musicians – the chance to learn an instrument, form their own bands and build their confidence as performers.

Mijanou Blech, head of education at the Bristol Music Trust said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with The Rock Project and are looking forward to working together to promote the benefits of music education and performance to young people from all communities across our city.”

Matt Albon, director of The Rock Project Bristol said: “The Rock Project will provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn guitar, bass guitar, drums and vocals.”

The Rock Project is run weekly during school term time as a two-hour session. To find out more or to book a place, call 0800 084 2216 email: matt@therockproject.com or visit: www.therockproject.com.

Each two-hour session at the rock school costs £20 per student, per week.

commissioned by Fishers and Jamie’s Italian Bristol restaurants for tables and works of art, and so many of us will have seen and admired her work perhaps without realising it.

Boutique 33, of Regent Street, Clifton has been given a spring-summer makeover and re-opened by new owner Naomi Corkell. She worked with Bristol photographer Charlotte Stone to create a fresh looking Look Book, which features many designer names including Italian shoes by Lara France, Nomads and Bristol-based Harbourside handbags.

Recruitment expert appointed for £20m hospital Human resources manager Lucy Melling, pictured, has been appointed for the new £20m hospital being built in Clifton by healthcare charity Nuffield Health.

The new Chesterfield Hospital is due to open next year and Lucy, who is 44, will play a key role in ensuring the smooth transition from its existing St Mary’s site to the opening of the new hospital.

Her role will include the development of an organisational

structure to support the new Chesterfield Hospital and to lead to the recruitment and selection of both clinical and support staff.

Lucy has previously assisted with the opening of a private hospital in Cardiff for Vale Healthcare. She has always worked in the HR industry, beginning her career at Marks & Spencer and subsequently holding a number of senior HR roles, prior to joining the healthcare industry five years ago.

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Investing in your business Whether you are considering fresh investment in an established business or initial investment in a new enterprise it is important that your investment decisions are thoroughly appraised, timely, and in accordance with your overall personal and business strategy.

Business investments include such projects as: • Developing a new product or service • Entering a new market • Expanding territorially • Entering into a joint venture or strategic alliance • Planning a merger or acquisition.

Getting the balance right Besides avoiding potentially damaging underinvestment, it is equally important to avoid over investing and thereby placing undue stress on your financial resources, restricting your investment options further down the road, or limiting your flexibility to respond to future changes.

As with many business decisions, investment is a question of balance - and getting the balance right depends in large measure on applying appropriate appraisal techniques during the planning stage.

• Risks, Where possible, conduct sensitivity and risk analyses to assess how the investment might respond to different scenarios such; and • Non-financial factors, including regulatory factors, reputational, operating flexibility.

Conducting a financial appraisal The principal purpose of a financial appraisal is to assess the impact of an investment on your cashflow. It enables you in various ways to estimate the return on investment for a proposed project and to compare it with other possible courses of action.

Techniques that can be used include: • Calculating the payback period.

• Calculating the accounting rate of return.

• Consideration of the net present value of cashflows.

Appraising potential investments Investments of any significance should be subjected to a thorough appraisal, which ideally would include consideration of the following:

Tax considerations We are able to advise you on the tax considerations of any investment decision, including the availability of capital allowances and research and expenditure tax relief.

• Financial factors, appraise the financial viability of the project; • Alternatives, before locking onto a particular project, or a specific approach to that project, it can be worthwhile to consider alternatives.

• Timing

Contact us for help and advice If you would like advice in respect of a business investment opportunity, please contact either Mark Pooley or Phil Barry at our office on: enquiries@hollingdalepooley.co.uk or on 0117 9733377.

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FIT&FABULOUS

News in brief ● Ladies, you won’t want to miss out on the special

beauty event being held at Hotel du Vin on 18 May. You’ll be treated to Champagne on arrival, drinks throughout the evening, two 15 minute or one 30 minute treatment, luxury canapés and a personalised skin analysis from Dermalogica experts including customised samples based on your individual skin concerns. Plus there’s a beauty gift bag for every guest. Tickets cost £80 with £5 of every ticket donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. To book, tel: 07794 070 812 or email: thebeautyevent@gmail.com ● Clinical hypnotherapist and CBT counsellor

Rebecca Haisma is on the move. Her busy Bath practice is expanding to also offer services in Bristol, the move having been prompted by the increasing number of clients travelling from outside Bath to have treatment. The practice has been established in a purpose-designed complementary health facility in the heart of Clifton village where people can have treatments in the same comfortable, welcoming environment they are used to at the Bath clinic. “As always my priority has been to make sure that patients can access care easily and without stress in a private, professional space,” says Rebecca. “When I’m working with people in crisis what they want, as well as effective

PREP SKIN FOR THE SUMMER Now is the time to pamper your skin to get it looking soft, supple and fabulous ready to bare all as the weather warms up. Try the body scrub from Tom Ford’s new luxury Neroli Portofino collection (£50 from Harvey Nichols) for beautifully smooth skin. The enriching and exfoliating scrub removes dead skin cells and leaves skin soft and delicately scented.

To help reduce the appearance of dreaded cellulite, there’s a great new product on the market which detoxifies congested skin and kick-starts the circulatory system using a warming and stimulating blend of oils. Lubatti’s Essential Anti Cellulite Oil (£38, from Fenwick) is a beauty must-have this summer.

Warm in the hands and massage into areas of the body most needing attention when skin is damp and you’ll soon see a visible improvement.

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treatment, is a place to come which allows them to relax and know that the investment they are making in improving their health is being taken seriously”. Appointments in Bristol can be booked on tel: 01225 316670 or visit: www.rebeccahaisma.com. ● If you are having problems with dentures, help is at hand from Clinical Dental Technician Nicholas Rush at Changing Faces Denture Clinic based within Clifton Dental Studio, Bristol. Nick’s expertise with patients shows that people don’t have to live with visually poor and badly fitting dentures. The look of the Changing Faces dentures he creates are influenced by the patient’s age, personality and gender, an innovative approach called Denture Genics. Patients that require dentures but also suffer from gum disease, advanced tooth loss and have failing crowns and bridges, along with loose teeth can be seen by the clinic’s principle Dentist, Neil Gerrard. The clinic ensures that the world’s most innovative solutions are available by offering permanent teeth fixed to dental implants in just one day, a procedure made possible by combining Nick’s technical skills and Neil’s expertise in implant dentistry. For more information visit www.changingfacesdentures.co.uk or tel: 0117 973 1910.

Be pampered at Hotel du Vin’s beauty event

SKIN DEEP The latest health and beauty news and product reviews from Samantha Ewart

MAKEUP BAG ESSENTIALS: Above, the BM Beauty Dewy Perfection finishing powder (£12 from www.bmbeauty.com) adds a beautiful radiant glow to any skin type. Sweep over the entire face to diminish the appearance of blemishes, fine lines and imperfections to give you an air brushed finish and a fresh-faced dewy complexion. Right, the new bareMinerals READY eyeshadow duos (£19 from House of Fraser) feature complimentary blendable shades so you can colour match to your heart’s desire. Even better, they are silky soft and composed of nutrient-rich minerals and a non-drying formula that is kind to the skin

▲ GLOWING BEAUTY: Specifically for the face, Sisley’s Super Soin Autobronzant Hydratant Visage self-tanning moisturiser leaves an even and natural looking tan in just two hours for a beautiful sun-kissed look – with the added bonus of hydration, protection and comfort that you come to expect from any Sisley product.

Available from John Lewis and Harvey Nichols

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REVIEW

GREENER HAIR Samantha Ewart visits Hush Hairdressing to check out the latest hair-friendly products

T

his is a salon that Bristol should be grateful for. Chic and stylish in everything it offers, Hush Hairdressing is the place to come for top stylists, innovative salon designs and the very latest products – and it’s the salon’s belief in organic products that makes it stand out from the rest.

More than ever, people are aware that we need to watch what we are applying to our skin and the types of products we use, many preferring to opt for natural solutions to skincare and beauty needs, especially when you consider that 70 per cent of what is applied to the skin is absorbed into the blood stream. That’s why Hush Hairdressing is so passionate about its ethos towards natural haircare – as an organic and mineral-based salon, it combines a modern, caring approach with the latest skills and organic technology, achieving individual service while reducing the salon’s carbon footprint. The team uses only natural, plant-based products which are ammonia, sulphate and chemical-free and certified organic, paving the way towards a greener future of haircare.

The city centre location in Baldwin Street makes it brilliantly convenient, and means that it is at the cutting edge of the new trends and styles to emerge out of the heart of our vibrant city. It is owned by Mark Andres, formerly of Guy Fawkes salon, and business partner Glenn Homes, who has trained at one of the top ten salons in Melbourne, Australia and for the last 28 years has been colouring and cutting men’s and women’s hair, with an eye for creative, natural hair colouring. Prior to opening Hush Hairdressing Glenn was the colour specialist for the Organic and Mineral Research Institute and owned the only approved Organic and Mineral Colour Specialist salon in Ireland, and he brought his knowledge with him to Bristol. In addition to directors Mark and Glenn, there are four talented stylists, and two nail technicians, offering both gel and Shellac nails, in a stylish, relaxing environment.

My salon experience with Mark began with a consultation to determine the condition of my hair and the most suitable style to have. Having recently had bleach highlights, my hair was looking pretty damaged and dry so Mark suggested a conditioning treatment (£10) and for the style, lots of layers and volume to breathe life back into it. For me, the best thing about the salon is the comfy leather reclined chairs you get to relax on while you’re having your hair washed. I could literally lie back with my feet out in front of me and drift away while my hair was shampooed, conditioned and treated to a relaxing scalp massage. All the products smelt gorgeous, especially the conditioning treatment which was left in for five minutes and then washed out. The result was amazing, my hair looked healthy, shiny and had a wonderful ‘swish’ about it, just like in the adverts.

Even to touch, it felt smoother and more hydrated. It only lasted for a few days but there is the option of a smoothing treatment which lasts for months although it is more expensive.

Whether you are looking to reinvent your style or perhaps create an edgy runway look, the expert stylists provide a bespoke salon experience with the best possible care. As well as looking great, you’ll feel that you’ve given your hair a nurturing treat and the result speaks for itself. ■ Hush Hairdressing, 27-29 Baldwin Street, Bristol. Visit: www.hushhairbristol.co.uk. To book an appointment tel: 01179 300 350 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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May 2012

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THE

BRISTOL

MAGAZINE

We deliver to over 24,000 addresses every month. But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £25.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £50.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00

To subscribe just send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED or Telephone 0117 974 2800 for card payment

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

www.naturopathy-uk.com

Melting the Myths around Fat Fiona Campbell, CNHC and BANT registered Nutritionist and Lecturer for the College of Naturopathic Medicine, explores the truth behind “good” fats and “bad” fats.

Firstly, here’s a fact for you to consider: low-fat foods are not necessarily healthy, it’s the type of fat you eat that counts.

When food manufacturers take out fat, they often replace it with carbohydrates from sugar, refined grains, or starch. Many lowfat yoghurts follow this principle – have a look at the label on your favourite brand and you’ll see how many grams of sugar feature in proportion to grams of protein and fat.

The problem with this is that we digest refined carbohydrates very quickly, so our blood sugar and insulin levels spike and quickly dip as a result.

This causes hunger, weight gain and actually increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The key to a healthy diet is to choose foods that have more good fats than bad fats, and that don’t contain any trans fat.

“Good fats” are monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, and they lower disease risk. You can find these fats in vegetables, tropical fruit such as avocados, nuts, seeds, eggs and oily fish. The “bad fats” are the saturated fats, found in red meat and dairy products, as well as the trans fats found in processed foods.

as well as refined carbohydrates. The proportion of saturated fat in eggs is actually quite low, so eating 1-2 eggs each day is fine for most people.

Top tips for improving your relationship with fats Getting the ratio of good fats to bad fats right will support a healthy metabolism, reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease.

Here are some top tips to get you started: • Swap butter for extra virgin olive oil (you can refrigerate olive oil and use it as a spread).

• Swap steak for salmon, tuna, sardines, chicken, turkey or tofu. Turkey mince works really well in chilli, spaghetti bolognaise and cottage pie.

• Swap your sugary yoghurt for 2-3 oatcakes spread with almond butter or a piece of fruit with a small handful of almonds or walnuts.

• Eat at least one portion of food each day that is high in omega 3 fats.

Examples include salmon, tuna, sardines, nuts and seeds, and flaxseed oil (use it cold as a dressing only).

• Improve your ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fats further by swapping your breakfast cereal for porridge oats.

• Whilst coconut oil is higher in saturated fat than other oils, it boosts our levels of good cholesterol and is a safer fat to cook with. Use it in place of butter for roasting and stir-fries.

If you’d like to find out more about training for a new career as a Nutritional Therapist, come along

The sunny side of eggs

to CNM Bristol’s next free-to-attend Open Evening

Concerned about the cholesterol in eggs? The British Heart Foundation has recently reported that foods containing cholesterol do not usually contribute significantly to the level of cholesterol in your blood.

It’s much more important that you eat foods that are low in saturated fat

on Tuesday 29th May 6.30pm-8.30pm. Book your

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

place now, call Ami on 01342 410 505.

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Centre 4 Health

NEW CENTRE4HEALTH CLINIC At Whiteladies Health Centre with Susanna Priest

Lymphatic Management, uses a light medical massage to reduce oedema and stimulate the lymphatis system, this is called Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). For MLD Therapy patients often have, swollen limbs or ankles, lymphedema, Lipoedema, Pre and PostOperative Shoulder, Hip and Knee replacements, Cosmetic Surgery and the need to detox.

Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy combines MLD and specialist bandaging to reduce swelling and improve mobility and appearance. A Compression Hosiery fitting service if offered using attractive modern hosiery (no Norah Batty tights!) Before setting up our service in Bristol I was working in a major NHS London Hospital in the Lymphatic Departments.

ElectroMagnetic Stimulation (EMS), a gentle, effective therapy helping conditions like arthritis, back pain, joint pain, sports injuries, MS and fractures. 'M'Technique™, a hypnotic massage for stress and insomnia, which I practiced at NHS Cheltenham Hospital.

Bristol: Tuesday and Friday Whiteladies Health Centre, Whatley Road, Clifton, BS8 2PU Nailsworth: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Suite 2, 2 Market Street, Nailsworth, Stroud, Glos GL5 5AB. Free car parking.

FOR DETAILS AND TESTIMONIALS

www.centre4health.co.uk 70 The Bristol Magazine

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Tel: 07867 934677 / 01453 836230 susanna@centre4health.co.uk

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CITYproperty

COMMANDING ATTENTION An estate in one of the most enviable locations in Bristol has come on to the property market, inviting offers in excess of £4.5m. Georgette McCready joins those speculating about what lies in the future for Burwalls house and grounds

W

hen Victorian newspaper magnate Joseph Leech took possession of his newly built mansion in 1872, perched on the clifftop above Bristol, it is easy to imagine his pride as he stood at one of the huge windows looking down over the city.

Below him lay the factories, shops and houses where the readers of The Bristol Times had helped to make him a wealthy man.

That mansion, Burwalls, still stands proudly in its commanding position, among the woodlands next to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, but, like the parlous state of the local newspaper industry, it needs someone to come in and restore it to glory.

This is arguably the city’s prime residential plot. Burwalls has almost five acres of land right on the edge of Avon Gorge and within easy access of the city centre, while at the same time being unassailable on one side and sheltered by high walls on the other.

The agent for Burwalls, Jones Lang Lasalle, has put a guide price of offers in excess of £4.5m on the plot – which includes the land, the main house and various other buildings, consisting of a residential block, a squash court and a three bedroom lodge cottage. It is anyone’s guess what the new owners might want to do to develop the site.

It’s a fascinating place to visit. Joseph Leech was clearly in confident mood when he commissioned Bristol architects Foster and Wood to build the ornate house, with its oak panelled dining room and grand entrance hall where one can picture servants welcoming dinner guests by candlelight – or even the new fangled electric or gas lighting – as they strolled along the corridor, suitably in awe of the fortune that had been spent.

In the music room a procession of classical maidens, in arts and crafts style, still cavort their way around a frieze, but the house also shows signs of 20th century institutional life, with its 72 The Bristol Magazine

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heavy barred fire exit doors and disabled ramps.

Joseph Leech, whose initials are lovingly entwined with those of his wife, Adelaide, on the breakfast room fire surround, sold the house to George Alfred Wills of tobacco fame at the turn of the 20th century.

The Wills family lived here until the outbreak of the Second World War when, like many other sizable properties, it was commandeered by Ministry of Defence for the military. After the war ex-servicemen were de-mobbed at Burwalls to prepare them for civilian life.

one can picture servants ❝ welcoming dinner guests by candlelight . . . as they strolled along the corridor suitably in awe of the fortune that had been spent

❞

The University of Bristol acquired the property in 1948 and has owned it ever since. Its contribution has been to create a rather ugly lecture theatre in the house and to host conferences and training sessions beneath its walls – although in fairness, there is nothing institutional about the grounds which have been lovingly maintained and carefully planted. The lawns are underplanted with bluebells and primroses in drifts, mature trees and shrubs surround the house and there’s a walled garden down by the former stable block.

While some features, such as the impressive main staircase, remain untouched and unspoiled by time, others have been transformed by utilitarian uses. Bedrooms have become offices

PRIME POSITION: Burwalls, with its ornate stone facade, has wide-ranging views over the city below

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CITYproperty

STATELY: left to right, the grand entrance – one of two at Burwalls house – the oak panelled dining room, and the three bedroom lodge house

and meeting rooms, spaces have been divided by walls and the decor is, as you would expect, bland and corporate.

Whoever buys Burwalls will need to invest in re-development. It is possible that the whole site will become a commercial venture, with the mansion perhaps being divided into apartments and the outbuildings re-vamped with new buildings added.

The city is conveniently close and Clifton Village is literally just across the bridge, while there’s the vast expanse of 490 acres of woodland on the Leigh Woods side of the gorge, along with the National Trust owned Ashton Court Estate, giving plenty of peace and quiet right on the doorstep.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

It would be nice to think that a suitably monied individual could be found who would like nothing better than to painstakingly restore the house to become a private home again.

The principal rooms may be large but they’re not cavernous. A four by four might have trouble squeezing through the main gates to the estate, but once in the drawbridge could metaphorically be drawn up to give the occupants complete privacy from prying eyes – while at the same time, like Mr Joseph Leech, they could be keeping a proprietorial watch over the city. ■ Viewings will be held in May, tel: 0117 927 6691

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Interior notes The best interior accessories hitting the market this month SCRIBBLING: keep the kids entertained over supper with a slate top table that can be drawn on. Choose from antique, painted or contemporary light oak bases to suit your interiors scheme. White painted console table hand finished in any Farrow & Ball Estate Eggshell paint of your choice, £1,395, Slate Top Tables. Tel: 01404 850881. www.slatetoptables.com

BLINDED: the new collection of shutters from Hillarys features chic and contemporary designs in a range of finishes. Advisors are available locally for design consultations. The Henley Silk white shutter, £344 per square metre. Tel: 0800 9166524. www.hillarys.co.uk

WINE AND DINE: wine racks built in to suit, or free standing, in oak.

Prices on application. The Bristol Kitchen Company. 14 Redcross St, Bristol. Tel: 0117 9140340. www.thebristolkitchencompany.co.uk

CLOSE FIT: make the most of the space in your home with fitted alcove shelving, available in many styles and sizes to fit your space. Bath Bespoke Carpentry. Hartley Farm, Winsley. Tel: 01225 920900. www.bathbespokecarpentry.co.uk

CONVERTED: make the most of your extra space with a loft conversion or extension. Allied Welsh offer a complete service that guides you through the planning, application and installation process.

Tel: 0800 4583334. www.alliedwelsh.co.uk

RETRO: wool and oak chairs designed by H Petersen for Godtfred Petersen in 1958. They have been fully reupholstered and recovered to original specification. £1275 per chair. Orange and Brown, 121 St Georges Rd, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 9147973. www.orangeandbrown.co.uk

ON THE BENCH: a solid oak contemporary chaise longue by Whitewood Carpentry, with cushion designed and printed by Katy Chard a local Bristol designer. £699.

Whitewood Carpentry, 5 Glenwood Mansions, Weston-super-Mare. Tel: 01934 629826. www.whitewoodcarpentry.co.uk

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Bristol Bespoke Carpentry Bath/Bristol Bespoke Carpentry FINE WOODWORK AND DESIGN Superior woodwork for residential and commercial properties:

Bespoke Furniture • Bespoke Kitchens • Bespoke Joinery • Sash Windows • Fitted Furniture • Hardwood Flooring • 01225 920900 info@bathbespokecarpentry.co.uk Hartley Farm, Winsley, Bradford on Avon BA15 2JB.

www.bathbespokecarpentry.co.uk

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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AMAZING WORKTOP TRANSFORMATIONS

we go over the top to transform your kitchen!

Our beautiful granite finish surfaces are only 7mm thick and are expertly laid over your existing worktops to transform your kitchen in just one day Also in order to complete your transformation we offer a full range of sinks, taps and appliances too.

We offer a free home survey and no obligation quotation, contact us for more information.

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SOFA LIBRARY’S NEW OFFERINGS The Sofa Library is offering up a diverse new range of wardrobes. The range, made for Sofa Library in Germany, comes in a variety of sizes and designs to suit any space and taste, or alternatively there are similar ranges that can be made to measure exactly for your space.

The sleek modern lines, so characteristic of the wardrobe range, are echoed in matching ranges of cabinet furniture and beds and a discount is presently available of between 15 and 25 percent on all orders, depending on order value. This means that you can buy a 180 centimetre mirrored door wardrobe www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

from £350, and huge right angled combinations of wardrobes from about £1,200. Delivery takes between four to six weeks and an expert measuring up and fitting service is available if required, to ensure you get the best results.

Visit the Sofa Library showroom for the full range of furniture, with sofas hand-made at the factory in Bristol in any of the 10,000 fabrics available.

Sofa Library, 56/60 Whiteladies Road, Bristol, BS8 2PY. Tel: 0117 329 2746. www.thesofalibrary.co.uk May 2012

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From left: white lacquer and solid oak trim wardrobe with matching floating bed system; black and white glass doors wardrobe with matching high gloss finish bed and cabinets.

Wardrobes from £635 and bedsides from £110, post discounts

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CITYgardening

TURN UP THE HEAT Whatever the summer weather holds, make your garden sizzle with summer colour says Jane Moore as she starts picking the brightest blooms for pots and containers

A

lthough there’s still a chance of frost, as May begins I can’t wait to get the garden set up for summer which means refreshing pots and containers, window boxes and bare patches in borders. The garden centres are overflowing with lovely summer tender plants bedding plants: geraniums and marguerites; packs of violas, bacopa and petunias, and not forgetting glorious annuals like cosmos and snapdragons.

It’s time to come up with some exciting summer showstoppers.

With this summer full of Olympic and Jubilee fervour I fully expect council bedding displays to be themed around the traditional British colours of red, white and blue. Scarlet geraniums, white alyssum and blue lobelia will also be in high demand at garden centres for pots, boxes and borders of patriotic home-owners. Even that doyenne of good taste Sarah Raven features a striking bouquet of blue cornflowers, white cosmos and scarlet poppies in her current catalogue. Very classy although not very long-lasting, I should think.

They’re a riot of colour, and ❝ seem to be constantly covered in flowers ❞

And that’s what we want from our summer show – longevity.

Who knows when our summer is going to happen? We could be baking in June or we might have to wait until September. But our bedding plants have got to be looking good whenever the sun comes and the time is ripe for those lazy evenings of white wine sipping and barbecuing.

You can’t beat classics like geraniums and pansies for full-on colour all summer long but it’s how you use them that matters.

Try mixing up the colours yourself rather than simply picking up a mixed pack of violas and relying on the bedding growers’ idea of a good colour combination.

“You can have such fun creating lovely colour combinations 78 The Bristol Magazine

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with summer bedding plants,” says John Tucker, deputy manager at Bath’s Prior Park Garden Centre. “I go for all the jewel colours like magenta and amethyst purple.”

John’s favourite mix from last year was a magenta osteospermum combined with lime lysimachia and white petunias – very elegant. But he also has a passion for non-stop begonias, which I don’t share.

“Aren’t they a bit 1950’s?” I ask, snobbishly.

John says: “Not if you pack them in en masse, especially the orange ones. They’re a riot of colour and seem to be constantly covered in flowers. They look great on their own or combined with trailing surfinia petunias.”

We agree on the flower power of geraniums, although, as John points out, they are expensive for a large scheme. Instead geraniums should be used as focal points to a scheme, such as the single soft pink in my window box combined with heuchera and lavender.

“But scarlet geraniums are a bit run-of-the-mill,” says John.

“Oh I love the classic scarlet geranium in a terracotta pot perched on a wall or step – very Mediterranean,” I argue, although John still looks doubtful.

If you’re not sure what you’re doing when it comes to colour combinations then simplicity is the answer. Buy a selection of different bedding plants and plant them individually in interesting pots, then arrange them together. Try violas in old terracotta pots or even an old teapot, geraniums look great in olive oil tins and marguerites look good in anything. You can add interesting succulents, herbaceous plants and grasses and bamboos to the mix, or herbs and even a few vegetables. The beauty of this is that you can change the arrangement anytime you make a new purchase or a plant goes past its best – or when you just fancy a change.

It’s easy to work on your scheme at the garden centre when you’re actually buying the plants. You can wander around, matching things up and popping them

JEWEL BRIGHT: summer blooms gives gardeners licence to mix what might normally be seen as clashing colours – or go for the classically simple power of a single colour, such as scarlet geranium Below, the much maligned begonia

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CITYgardening Open gardens: May

Harptree Court at East Harptree, eight miles north of Wells (BS40 6AA) is open on the afternoon of Sunday 27 May. The gardens date back to the late 18th century and have ponds, a waterfall, pleached limes and heritage vegetables.

TO BOLDLY GO: the garden centres are bursting with a multitude of colour combinations – here lime green and deep purple are effectively teamed with white

In Axbridge, on the edge of the Somerset Levels, three gardens will be open for visitors on Sunday 6 May and Monday 7 May, 2 – 5.30pm. Old Chapel House, Badgers Acre and Greenfield House are distinctly different from each other and thereʼs the lure of teas at Greenfield.

PICTURE: courtesy of John Tucker

them in the trolley once you have a good combo.

The only trouble is that you can get a bit carried away and buy far more than you need. Make a list of all the key containers you have and buy plants only for these – the rest will take care of themselves with any leftovers.

All planting schemes look best with a mixture of flowers and foliage but it’s easy to forget that when it comes to bedding and just go for flowers all the way. I like to use herbaceous plants and even shrubs in some of my larger pots to provide the foliage interest – partly because it makes a change from all the bedding foliage plants like lysimachia but also because I can use them in the garden after they’ve served their time in a pot. Heucheras, lavender, ferns and grasses are all great for a season, as are thymes and erysimums. The recent surge in coloured heucheras has been a boon for my bedding schemes

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

as those rich purples and bright limes are brilliant for contrasting and combining with bedding.

Besides the non-stop begonias, John is a huge fan of bacopa, a small but vigorous trailing plant with usually white flowers. The flowers are small but they are a lovely clear white and there are plenty of them.

Last year Prior Park Garden Centre also stocked a lovely pale blue variety which I used for my window boxes at home and there’s also a white, large flowered variety which John recommends highly.

When it comes to lobelias, John is adamant that cutting raised lobelias are worth the extra money.

“They might cost more initially than seed raised lobelias in packs,” he says. “But they’re far tougher and less liable to dry out in a hot summer – when we get one!” ■ Jane Moore is the award-winning gardener at the Priory Hotel, Bath

On Sunday 27 May a pair of gardens in Coombe Dingle, West Bristol (BS9 2LR/2PY) are opening their gates for the National Gardens Scheme. Features include secret corners, climber covered archways and unusual artefacts.

Over the weekend 12/13 May half a dozen gardens in the pretty and historic Somerset village of Hinton St George will be open, with wheelchair access to four of the gardens. Open gardens include The Old Rectory and, at 40 High Street, an organic garden laid out in compartments.

For full details see the Yellow Book of NGS gardens open for charity, £9.99.

May 2012

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the directory Business Services

to advertise in this section call 0117 974 2800 House & Home

GOLD STAR PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Interior Decorating Exterior Painting / Kitchens Bathrooms / Tiling / Fencing

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Watercare Plumbers Plumbing - Tiling - Carpentry -

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Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

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Bathrooms from design to completion No Job Too Big or Too Small Free Estimates Address, 16 Camerton Road, Greenbank BS5 6HN

Mob: 07554572528 • Office: 0117 3390393 www.watercarebathrooms.co.uk

Advertise in the Bristol Magazine and reach an audience of over 80,000

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House & Home

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Furniture, door, wood and metal stripping.

Restoration techniques, unique non-toxic, non caustic System 2000. Suitable for both hard and soft wood. Non harmful.

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Call Maria on 01225 315541 • www.kwikstrip.biz 80 The Bristol Magazine

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May 2012

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Allied Irish Welsh fp MAY:Layout 4

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ALLIED WELSH THE LOFT CONVERSION SPECIALISTS ■ Free Design & Survey ■ Unique Staircase Solution ■ Over 2,600 Conversions Completed ■ Established 1989 ■ In-house Team Of Over 50 Loft Experts ■ All Work Including Planning and Building Regulation Approval

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May 2012

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BRISTOLproperty

K

ensington House is an exceptional 6 bed family house (4,400 sq ft) in Sneyd Park, built to the highest standards with state of the art features, private landscaped garden, double garage & automated gates. Arranged over 2 floors, this stunning family home has been finished to an exacting standard, with low maintenance in mind and meticulous attention to detail ensures light and space in every room. With emphasis on style and entertaining, the exquisite double height reception room has bi fold concertina doors and slate fireplace with bio ethanol fire, overlooked by the floating landing above. The contemporary kitchen and reception room open out to an illuminated garden with sandstone patio area, water feature and private decked courtyard. The generous proportions of the house include 2 additional living rooms and 6 double bedrooms, 3 with ensuite and two additional separate bathrooms. Features include under floor heating, spa baths, Porcelanosa fittings in shower/wet rooms, waterproof TV in master en-suite and oak staircase. The house is wired throughout for sound & media with high quality ceiling speakers. A dedicated central hub houses an IPod music dock.

There is double garage and gated parking. Viewing and full particulars are from agents Knight Frank.

Knight Frank, Regent House, 27A Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 317 1999

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May 2012

GOODEVE ROAD, SNEYD PARK BRISTOL • Architect designed • 6 bedrooms - 3 ensuite • 3 reception rooms • Spacious kitchen • 408.92 sqm • Integrated double garage • Extensive gardens • Freehold

Guide Price: £1,495,000

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BRISTOLproperty

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

May 2012

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BRISTOLpropertyNEWS

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE:

A rare opportunity to acquire a substantial gem in Clifton Clifton estate agent Knight Frank is soon to market one of the city’s finest Victorian properties

S

et in an enviable and very private plot of 0.75 of an acre, this is one of Bristol’s finest Victorian properties, and is situated at the end of its own sweeping and gated driveway. The extensive gardens are mostly laid to lawn, and there is extensive private parking, along with a further rear drive with more parking and a garage.

Inside, the proportions are splendid, with an elegant drawing room, dining room and family kitchen; complete with an open fire and Aga. As expected period features abound, and the house has a real country feel, upstairs are six excellent double bedrooms, with three en-suite bathrooms and a separate family bathroom. There is a separate self-contained two bedroom flat – ideal for letting or to accommodate an extended family. The house has its usual jumble of back rooms, such as the extensive utility, separate study and rear hall, and access to spacious, very dry, cellars.

Outside, the large, private gardens are south west facing and catch most of the day’s sun. There is also a pretty breakfast terrace leading out from the kitchen and plenty of scope to build a further garage – subject to the necessary consents. The current price guide is £2.85 million.

For more information contact Knight Frank, Regent House, 27A Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 317 1999

COMMERCIAL FOCUS:

Prime Clifton Restaurants available

A

prime restaurant/bar opportunity is currently available fronting on Whiteladies Road at the heart of the established and ever popular retailing/leisure area of Clifton; home to some of Bristol’s best bars and restaurants.

Whiteladies Road offers an eclectic mix of eating houses and drinking establishments, popular with students, professionals and the many residentsbased in the area.

The property at 96 Whiteladies Road benefits from full planning and an existing alcohol licence and offers a large trading area and ancillary

96 Whiteladies Road 84 The Bristol Magazine

space for kitchen/staff facilities in all totalling almost 3000 sq ft, with concertina opening frontage onto Whiteladies giving an alfresco style to maximise summer trade.

The unit is available by way of a new lease and no premium is sought, thus offering a new tenant a great opportunity to set up and build a valuable business asset.

Burston Cook has been recently instructed to remarket fully fitted restaurant premises at 50 Princess Victoria street at the heart of Clifton village, rarely do opportunities like this become available and the unit is fitted to a high standard to include catering kitchen and benefits from

existing planning and licensing for restaurant use.

This is an ideal opportunity for a restaurateur to easily walk in and start trading with ease and at minimum start up cost, the initial rent being just £26,500 pax and with full benefit of all the existing fittings to include restaurant furniture fitted kitchen etc at a cost of just £20,000, a fraction of the true cost of the fit out value.

For more information contact Burston Cook, commercial property specialists, Lewins House, Lewins Mead, Bristol. Tel: 0117 934 9977

The interior of 50 Princess Victoria Street

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Connells :1

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Southville £430,000 New 4 Bedroom Town House in Southville, Bristol 3 Reception Rooms • 4 Bedrooms • Family Bathroom with Master En-Suite

Its not often that a property such as this comes to the market in the ever popular Southville area of Bristol.

Planned for completion in May this new build home is unique being situated amongst the existing period properties giving the purchaser the best of both worlds with all the benefits of a house built to the latest standards within the fabric of a “Victorian” facade.

Arranged over four storey’s this end of terrace dwelling has three reception rooms, four double bedrooms, large family bathroom and master bedroom en-suite.

The kitchen/family room situated on the lower ground floor has direct access through full width bi-fold doors to the landscaped garden, the fully fitted kitchen finished in high gloss units has a selection of Bosch appliances for cooking with Porcelanosa flooring through out and feature lighting.

The ground floor accommodation includes a study/dining room. South facing lounge incorporating French doors opening on to a Juliet balcony, floors are finished throughout the ground floor in engineered oak flooring, complimented by “Vicaima” oak doors with contrasting cherry in-lay.

ocean

®

The four double bedrooms are accommodated over two floors together with the family bathroom at first floor level incorporating wall hung WC, shower bath with curved screen and “Porcelanosa” fully tiled walls and floors, full width mirrors and feature lighting complete the room to a high standard of finish.

The master bedroom on the second floor has its own en-suite with large walk in shower with rain head and hand held shower fittings, complimented by “Playa” wall hung WC and semi recessed hand basin.

The property is heated by a gas fired Worcester Bosh condensing boiler and has the added benefit of Photovoltaic roof panels to assist with generation of power for home use.

North Street only a short distance away and has a cosmopolitan flavour with a buzz and vibe of the ever popular Hen & Chicken comedy club and the renowned theatre/farmers market venue of the Tobacco Factory alongside a great mix of independent shops with small bars and cafes.

For schools Ashton Gate & Southville primaries have a good reputation.

There are also some great open spaces including Greville Smyth Park and Ashton Court nearby.

Offers in excess of £430,000 contact the selling agents

The Plaza, 275 North Street Southville, Bristol, BS3 1JN

0117 9231866 southvillesales@oceanhome.co.uk

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO RELOCATE OR ESTABLISH A NEW BUSINESS IN 2012 PLEASE PHONE THE BURSTON COOK TEAM FOR ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

(0117) 934 9977

HENLEAZE RD, HENLEAZE

RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT

Shop to let occupying an established and busy shopping location.

A large 4 bed maisonette, potential 5th bedroom or conversion to 2 flats situation in a very popular area close to Elm Leigh School.

- New lease at a rent of £16,950 per annum.

NO PREMIUM.

£175,000 (offers invited)

3, ALL SAINTS COURT, BRISTOL CITY CENTRE

THE MALL, CLIFTON VILLAGE

A most attractive freehold office at the heart of Bristol’s historic city centre - 1620 sq ft

Lock-up shop in the busy and popular Clifton Village retail area close to Cote Brasserie.

FREEHOLD FOR SALE.

New lease - rent only £13,950 PAX.

8-10 WHITELADIES ROAD, CLIFTON

OAKFIELD ROAD, CLIFTON

Prime office suite of circa 1,400 sq ft plus 4 car spaces.

Unique office opportunity – a Coach House of circa 910 sq ft with secure parking.

Undergoing full refurbishment.

Great space!

New flexible lease.

New lease available.

WHITELADIES ROAD, CLIFTON

CLIFTON VILLAGE, SHOP TO LET

Large open plan A3 unit with excellent trading position with concertina windows.

A prime retail unit of 486 sq ft + basement sales of c 312 sq ft.

GREAT RETAIL LOCATION.

New lease available and no ingoing premium.

New lease.

We can help you

• Sales • Lettings • • Valuations • Rent reviews • • Acquisitions advice • Investments • • Development advice • Landlord & tenant • For more about who we are... www.burstoncook.co.uk Julian Cook

Jayne Rixon

Andrew Oliver

David Ball

EGi Top 3 Regional agent based on regional transactions handled, encompassing Bristol, Bath and Swindon 2011.

Please telephone Julian Cook FRICS Jayne Rixon MRICS or Andrew Oliver MRICS or David Ball BA MSc (Hons) (0117) 934 9977 Burston Cook May.indd 1

Awards ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, ‘11 24/04/2012 11:52

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Stoke Bishop

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£599,000 Westbury on Trym

This five bedroom detached family home is tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Stoke Bishop. The property benefits from three reception rooms a modern kitchen with integrated double oven and dishwasher, separate utility room and cloakroom on the ground floor. Upstairs you will find the master bedroom with ensuite shower room along with a further four double bedrooms with built-in storage.

ocean Westbury on Trym

Henbury

wills and probate

£250,000

A beautiful chocolate box cottage situated on Stoke Lane in Westbury on Trym. This charming period home is larger than first impressions may suggest with extended accommodation to the ground floor and an additional loft/occasional bedroom.

Drawing room with feature fireplace then to the rear there is an 18'0 by14'0 open plan living/kitchen/diner with the family bathroom to the ground floor.

Westbury-on-trym 0117 962 973

westburysales@oceanhome.co.uk

£420,000

An attractive bay fronted semi detached home situated just a short distance to Westbury Village and many excellent local schools, comprises living room, separate drawing room, modern kitchen with granite counter tops and breakfast bar, downstairs w.c then four bedrooms (master en-suite) and family bathroom to the first floor. Driveway parking for several cars, single garage and a lovely c100' rear garden.

£310,000 Blaisedell, Blaise

Situated on the Southern fringes of Henbury close to Blaise Castle Estate is this well presented three bed house with separate living and dining room both of which over look a wonderfully private walled rear courtyard, dining room open to the kitchen and three bedrooms and family bathroom with all the bedrooms offering fitted wardrobes. There is a single garage, ground floor w.c, off street parking.

Westbury on Trym

®

£245,000 Westbury on Trym

Located on popular Northover road is this three storey modern townhouse which affords fantastic distant views and a lovely mature south facing garden. The property offers flexible accommodation and is currently arranged as a fourth bed/ reception and wet room on the ground floor then a generous living room which adjoins the kitchen/diner and then three bedrooms and family bathroom on the upper floor.

£315,000

Situated just moments from the School gates of Elmlea School this three bedroom semi detached house is situated on the popular 'Dell' in Westbury on Trym. The property is arranged as two separate reception rooms, modern fitted kitchen, large utility room and three bedrooms and family bathroom on the first floor. The property has off street parking a single garage and benefits from a west facing majority lawned rear garden.

£255,00

This beautifully presented four bedroom home is arranged principally over three floors and comprises living room with 'Juliette balcony, 'L' shaped kitchen/diner and cloakroom to the first floor, three bedrooms and bathroom to the second floor and then a lavish master bedroom suite to the top floor with ensuite shower room, walk in wardrobes and lovely open views to the front towards Wales. Landscaped rear garden.

European legal services

Shirehampton

£412,500

Fabulous family home offers four bedrooms (two en-suite), living room with open working fireplace, dining room with original floorboards and open fire, a magnificent kitchen/dining/family room with integrated appliances including coffee machine, micro oven and dishwasher. The property has a good size mature rear garden with a garage/workshop to the rear and a pretty lawned garden and pathway to the front.

Coombe Dingle

£199,950

A smart new build semi detached home situated in popular Coombe Dingle offering three bedrooms, living room, kitchen/dining room with french doors to the garden a downstairs w.c and family bathroom on the first floor. The house benefits from off street parking, lawned west facing garden, central heating, double glazing. The property is an ideal first time or investment purchase.

property lawyers

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Redland

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£157,500 Redland

A one bedroom apartment with far reaching views to the side and rear across Bristol. The property consists of a good sized living room with two windows to the rear, separate fitted kitchen with a window, shower room and bedroom with a window to the side, a communal car park to the front with parking available on a first come first served basis

ocean Bower Ashton

estate agents

£379,995

An impressive Garden apartment in Blenheim Rd in Westbury Pk. Occupying the whole of the hall floor this property offers accommodation including lounge with bay window, breakfast/ dining room, separate kitchen, two sizeable double bedrooms, two shower rooms, storage room and a utility room. Further benefitting from a garage, driveway and a wonderfully kept mature garden.

Clifton 0117 946 6007

cliftonsales@oceanhome.co.uk

£274,995

A stunning top floor apartment located on a highly popular street between Pembroke & Whiteladies Road. Accommodation comprises a 21ft living room, two generous double bedrooms all with oak flooring, a modern high gloss fitted kitchen and contemporary white bathr

£699,950 Clifton

A generous two bedroom top floor apartment situated in this substantial semi close to Clifton Village. The property benefits from a good sized living room with bi fold doors interconnecting to the 16' dining hall, a separate fitted kitchen, bathroom with a white suite and a shower over the bath. There are two good sized double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes.

Westbury Park

®

£600,000 Clifton

A four bedroom detached home set in its own mature gardens a short walk from Ashton Court. Benefits include three reception rooms including: a 20' lounge with fireplace and lovely views of the garden on three sides and a 20' master bedroom. There is also a detached garage and ample offstreet parking.

Cotham

£289,950

A generous three double bedroom first floor flat situated in this desirable road in Redland with off-street parking, living room with bay window, separate kitchen/breakfast room and bathroom with a white suite, shower over the bath and a window to the side. The property benefits from gas central heating and no onward chain.

£285,000

A generous two bedroom top floor apartment situated in this substantial semi close to Clifton Village. The property benefits from a good sized living room with bi fold doors interconnecting to the 16' dining hall, a separate fitted kitchen, bathroom with a white suite and a shower over the bath. There are two good sized double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes.

letting agents

surveyors

Hotwells

£399,99

Simply stunning grade II listed Georgian terraced home in an enviable position on the doorstep of the floating harbour. This property offers outstanding views of some of Bristol's most famous landmarks from both front and rear aspects. This beautiful home presents itself over four floors of stunning accommodation.

Redland

£232,500

Superb Garden flat in an equally superb location in close proximity of Whiteladies Road, St Johns primary and the Downs. This lovely apartment offers lounge/diner, modern kitchen/breakfast room, double bedroom, single bedroom and modern bathroom. Externally there is a pleasant private garden and a private entrance.

mortgage brokers

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43 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7PY

0117 973 5859 www.haighandsons.co.uk0 More properties urgently required throughout North Bristol. Free advice and valuation, comprehensive lettings and management service from friendly, professional family business.

We really are Moving People!

HENLEAZE – £399,950

A substantial family house, needing some updating, in a quiet corner location within walking distance of shops, including Waitrose, as well as the primary schools of Henleaze. The house, a 1950s-built semi, has had a two-storey full-length extension, and now includes 4 bedrooms (3 doubles), 2 bathrooms, 2 receptions, a conservatory, a cloakroom, a large integral garage and a south-easterly rear garden.

WESTBURY PARK – £1,950 pcm

Situated in a highly prized location close to the Downs and Westbury Park primary school, this is a lovely 5-bed Victorian terraced family home on 3 floors, offering 2 receptions, a large well-equipped kitchen/diner, a family bathroom, an en-suite shower room, and a secluded sunny garden. Available in early July, the house will be unfurnished.

HORFIELD – £176,950

On paper, this charming converted ground floor flat has just the one bedroom; it actually has more space than many flats that have two!

Retaining much original character, and with a really lovely feel about it, there’s a double bedroom of good size, two attractive receptions (one can be a spare bedroom when needed), a stylish bathroom and a cheerful kitchen. To the rear is a pleasant walled courtyard garden.

STOKE BISHOP – £1,200 pcm

A spacious apartment, approached by lift or stairs, forming part of a complex that includes a squash court, a gym and a swimming pool for the exclusive use of its residents. The accommodation includes three double bedrooms, a very large living room and two bathroms (one ensuite), plus two sunny balconies and a parking space. The property is available straight away and will be unfurnished.

Here to accommodate.

More homes needed to sell or rent: if you're thinking of moving please give us a call

Henleaze

Westbury-on-Trym

Westbury-on-Trym

Positioned on the popular Henleaze Avenue, this substantial Period semi-detached family home offers; 6 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

Central hallway with original dresser, stripped floors throughout, spacious lounge, full width kitchen/diner with access and views onto garden, utility room and downstairs shower room. 20m South facing garden, private integral garage and driveway.

Positioned adjacent to Westbury Village this Period family home offers 2 receptions, rear opening to conservatory and kitchen/diner; which leads to a raised veranda onto a West facing family garden. 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms including en-suite shower room to second bedroom. Garage, parking to rear, separate utility, downstairs cloakroom/WC, modern gas condensing boiler and marketed with a complete chain.

Well-presented detached bungalow with 2 receptions; living room with dual aspect including bay and French style door onto garden, dining room with bay to side.

Breakfast room with access to garden, separate utility/pantry, WC and 3 bedrooms.

Level access to shops and amenities, close to Stoke Lane shops and Westbury Village. GCH, DG, garage and driveway. Marketed with No Onward Chain.

£685,000

£450,000

£375,000

Bishopston

Bishopston

St. Andrews

Located on one of the more exclusive Bishopston locations, with such easy access to St. Andrews Park, Bishop Road Primary School and Sefton Park Infant and Junior School.

As well as three double bedrooms, a family bathroom, two receptions plus a kitchen diner, the property has an en suite and a rear extension allowing for an ample kitchen dining room and a conservatory.

Situated on one of the most sought after Bishopston roads, considerable thought and expense has been spent restoring or reintroducing period features wherever possible. The property is within walking distance to Sefton Park Infant and Junior School. Arranged over three storeys, boasting four bedrooms, two reception rooms and a kitchen breakfast room leading out to the landscaped rear garden

Located within close proximity to Gloucester Road and the historic St. Andrews Park, and offered with no onward chain. Arranged over three storeys, this attractive period end of terrace home has been cleverly separated into two self contained units; one being a family house with three bedrooms, two receptions and a family bathroom, and the other being a studio apartment

£400,000

CJ Hole May.indd 1

£460,000

£400,000

20/04/2012 13:12

www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 949 9000 60 Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HW

N

W IO NE UCT R T NS

I

Commercial Sales & Lettings

Self contained ground floor lock up shop/office unit (approx 875sqft) currently used as an Accountants benefiting from gas central heating and secure shutters to the front. Situated in a varied parade of shops and amenities. New lease available.

E AS D ED LE REE QUIR AG R RE ILA

SIM

Shop unit (approx 700sqft gross) benefiting from A3 cafe consent arranged over ground and basement levels. Situated just off Whiteladies Road. New lease available.

Rare opportunity to acquire this centrally located freehold investment property. Arranged as 2 commercial units and 5 self-contained five bedroom student flats above.

The property is fully let producing approx. ÂŁ121,500pa (subject to cafe lease). Ideal buy to let

Modern development comprising two very well presented 2 bedroom self contained flats with additional rear detached 2 bedroom mews house.

The properties are currently part tenanted.

R D DE RE UN FER QUI F O R RE

N

W IO NE UCT R T NS

ILA

I

SIM

Freehold shop with rear yard and self contained maisonette to the upper levels situated on North Street where freeholds rarely become available.

Benefits include a rear yard with vehicular access.

To be sold with vacant possession.

Large commercial property approximately 5,500sqft gross with additional large car park. Previously used as offices with industrial/food preparing area. Offered for sale with vacant possession, also available for let.

R D DE RE UN FER QUI OF R RE ILA

SIM

Spacious retail property of just under 1200sqft (net internal area) with A1/A3 use arranged over ground floor and basement levels. Situated in a prominent location fronting Baldwin Street, Bristol City Centre.

To be sold with vacant possession.

Estate Agents

Lettings & Management

Maggs & Allen May Commercial.indd 1

Auctioneers

A rare opportunity to purchase this freehold shop arranged over 3 levels (approx. 820sqft gross) situated in popular location on Park Row within walking distance to Clifton Triangle and Park Street.

To be sold with vacant possession. Early enquiries recommended.

Commercial/ Investment

Chartered Surveyors

Attractive 2 storey building (1750sqft internal area) arranged over 2 floors as ground floor shop with self contained first floor office suite, situated just off Whiteladies Road. Offered for sale with vacant possession. Early enquiries recommended.

Land/New Homes

Energy Assessors

23/04/2012 16:13

www.maggsandallen.co.uk

0117 949 9000 60 Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HW

UNDER OFFER

Bishopston

£715,000

An attractive and spacious Victorian semi detached family home situated on a popular road approx 0.2 miles from Redland School and approx 0.5 miles from Cotham school. The hallway still has the butlers pantry, ornate coving, ceiling rose and exposed stripped floorboards. The wide, bright sitting room at front has a wonderful open fireplace. The open plan dining room at the rear flows straight through to the kitchen with it’s homely Aga and integrated appliances. The second reception is currently dressed as a study, but could equally provide a play room, or library. The first floor offers a large family bathroom, the master bedroom matching the space and light of the sitting room, and a further two double bedrooms and shower room. The second floor offers the fourth double bedroom, and a fifth L-shaped bedroom in the eaves. On the approach to the front door you find a separate door to the one bedroom apartment that forms part of the house.

Redland

£550,000

Set in a corner position in the heart of Redland, this sizeable home offers an abundance of space set over three floors, but its views and garden will be the ‘jewel’ in this property’s crown setting it apart from average properties. On the ground floor there are two receptions opened through to make a large light convivial space, and the kitchen which was extended creates the family kitchen diner that so many people yearn for, accessed from the kitchen is the breakfast balcony taking advantage of its aspect and panoramic views. The first floor has three generous bedrooms and a large family bathroom. The surprise is the lower ground floor where there is a fourth double bedroom (or reception), an office room and several cellar rooms providing that welcome extra storage. Outside the property there is a larger than average and well stocked garden.

Estate Agents

Maggs & Allen May.indd 1

Lettings & Management

Auctioneers

Henleaze

SOLD WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS. SIMILAR REQUIRED

£625,000

This well presented 1930’s house offers buyers the chance to own a home in a prime Henleaze location with generous proportions, flowing layout and stunning views. The large sitting room runs from the front to the rear of the home, and provides further access to the dining room, which flows straight through to the kitchen with the utility beyond. The second sitting room provides the third reception that many families find so useful.

The first floor has four bedrooms and the modern family bathroom with separate shower cubicle, the second floor is where the master bedroom is located with its spacious en-suite. The rear garden is carefully tended and mature, Further benefits include garage with electric door, off street parking, close proximity to Henleaze Infants and Juniors, and easy access to the new Super Hospital, Bristol city centre.

Stoke Bishop

£599,950

A wonderfully spacious and cared for detached family house situated on the popular tree lined Bell Barn Road, which offers pleasant green and leafy surroundings. This attractive property has accommodation comprising: 4 good sized bedrooms, sitting room, dining room, breakfast room, fitted kitchen, downstairs cloakroom and upstairs bathroom with separate W.C. The property has attractive south/ easterly gardens to the rear and to the front is off street parking for several cars and an integrated garage. The location offers good access to excellent primary Schools and in nearby Clifton and Westbury On Trym there are notable private schools which include Redmaids, Badminton, Bristol Grammar School and Clifton College. Great access to nearby Canford Park, Stoke Lodge recreational playing fields,

Commercial/ Investment

Chartered Surveyors

Land/New Homes

Energy Assessors

23/04/2012 15:55

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Leese & Nagle Property in focus:PIF Full Page

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BRISTOLproperty

Old Sneed Park Stoke Bishop • On 1/3 acre plot • 3500 sq/ft • Electric gates • 5 double bedrooms • 3 Reception rooms • Conservatory • Professionally landscaped garden

Price: £000,000

S

tunning detached 1930’s family house set in a private plot on one third of an acre with 115 foot long south west facing rear garden in one of Bristol’s finest residential locations.

The attractively presented accommodation is arranged over three floors with the majority of the main rooms enjoying views over the gardens, thus enjoying a sunny aspect.

With accommodation amounting to circa 3500 sq/ft the house provides an ideal home environment for growing families.

Electric gates open to a sweeping brick paved parking area with garage off set to one side. The centrally positioned front door opens into a hall with stripped oak flooring and doors to the main reception rooms and kitchen which are all positioned towards to the rear of the property enjoying the south westerly aspect and outlook over the rear garden. The kitchen boasts solid Ash units with granite work surfaces and conveniently for dinner parties has a door through to the dining room. Upstairs the five double bedrooms are complemented by a bathroom and shower room.

The lower floor provides a more informal area with a family snug opening into a large heated conservatory which in turn opens onto the garden. The ground floor also provides a study, utility and store room/wine cellar.

The garden has been professionally landscaped and is well stocked with trees and shrubs including a magnificent Magnolia. The rear garden is particularly private due to the tree lined boundaries of neighbouring properties and is a riot of colour in autumn. The house is offered with no onward chain.

Leese & Nagle 61 Apsley Road, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 974 1741

96 The Bristol Magazine

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May 2012

Stoke Bishop £625,000

A stylish extended 1930s detached home arranged over 3 floors with south- westerly facing rear garden. Bright and airy accommodation comprises sitting room, cloakroom and useful large utility room. Open plan kitchen/ diner/ family area with doors onto the rear garden. First floor comprises 4 bedrooms, one with en-suite and family bathroom. Further bedroom and en-suite bathroom in the loft. No onward chain.

Stoke Bishop £475,000

A beautifully appointed detached 4/5 bedroom detached house with scope to accommodate a semi independent relative if desired in a popular Stoke Bishop location. To the side of the property an extension to the second reception room provides versatile accommodation, currently providing a sitting room, bedroom and shower room. Moving upstairs are 4 bedrooms (master en suite & dressing room).

Stoke Bishop £395,000

Well presented 3 bedroom 1950’s semi detached home in Westbury-On-Trym. Comprising entrance hall, lounge, dining room, fully fitted kitchen with breakfast area, 3 bedrooms, one with ensuite and family bathroom. Further features include, front and rear gardens, garage, off street parking, double glazing, gas central heating.

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Stoke Bishop £695,000

Dating from 1882 Cross Elms Cottage is a wonderful period detached house within a few minute’s walk of Elmlea Schools. The house will be of interest to those looking for character and an ability to entertain as the house retains a lovely formal reception room and at the rear a modern light filled open plan kitchen/diner/family area. Upstairs are 4 good sized bedrooms, the master with en suite and a family bathroom. Attractive cottage gardens to the front and rear. Garage and drive parking. No onward Chain.

Sneyd Park £750,000

A little bit of the countryside in the city. A detached five bedroom house with far reaching views, set in a plot of two thirds of an acre with circa 300ft long rear garden. Situated in a highly desirable secluded location overlooking Old Sneed Park nature reserve in a quiet culde-sac. Double garage, off street parking.

Westbury-on-Trym £330,000

A beautifully presented 3 bedroom semi detached house located in the heart of Westbury village. The ground floor comprises an entrance hall, lounge and a lovely kitchen/diner with French doors out to the patio and rear garden.The upper floor accommodation benefits from 3 bedrooms and a family bathroom. The delightful rear garden can be accessed to the side of the property and offers a patio, lawn and a landscaped decking area.

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Clifton £399,950

A beautifully presented spacious 3 double bedroom apartment (circa 2000 sq/ft) on Royal York Crescent with its own covered entrance and well proportioned versatile accommodation over 2 levels. The property has not only front and rear courtyard gardens but also a secure gated covered parking space in the original vaults. Drawing room overlooking the front courtyard, main bedroom with en suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms, and shower room.

Clifton £399,950

Stunning converted 3 bedroom garden maisonette arranged over the lower two floors of this early Victorian property within a minute’s walk of Clifton village. The accommodation is beautifully presented with good attention to detail including a c.20’x15’ sitting room, c.15’x14’ kitchen/diner, cloakroom, 3 bedrooms - 1 with en suite shower room and a stylish bathroom. 45’ enclosed garden with summer house.

Redland £325,000

Spacious two double bedroom first floor flat situated in prestigious Cambridge Park. The well proportioned accommodation briefly comprises circa 17ft hallway, large sitting room with sash windows, modern separate kitchen/breakfast room, two double bedrooms and bathroom. The property also has the added benefit of an allocated off street parking to the rear. Offered with no onward chain.

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Clifton Guide £425,000

A fabulous ground floor Clifton apartment with its own entrance, parking and delightful private garden in a magnificent Victorian building opposite Durdham Downs. The contemporary kitchen is newly fitted and benefits from a breakfast bar and under floor heating. The main reception room (27’6x15’10) has the wow factor with wood burner, bay and doors out to the rear garden. 2 spacious bedrooms, bathroom and shower room. Parking is to the rear of the building. Private rear garden offers an area for alfresco dining and a level lawn with greenhouse.

Clifton £375,000

Lovely spacious (circa 1100 sq/ft) three bedroom hall floor apartment with large garden and several off street parking spaces situated within a few minutes of Durdham Downs and Whiteladies Road. The apartment blends period elegance with modern contemporary fittings; High ceilings with ornate cornicing, decorative fireplaces and deep bay windows with working shutters. 23’ living room, 2 double and 1 single bedrooms, 60’x50’ garden with electric gates to the parking area.

Stoke Bishop £215,000

Spacious two double bedroom ground floor flat situated is a desirable development with views over Coombe Dingle sports fields. The apartment is larger than average with a open plan kitchen and lounge with adjoining dining are all overlooking the sports fields. Both bedrooms are also generous doubles with built in wardrobes. Garage and off street parking on site. Level access and offered with no onward chain.

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Redland £875,000

Stylishly refurbished six double bedroom Victorian house enjoying an enviable position overlooking Clyde Park. The house provides an extremely comfortable and inviting family home in this desirable location. Three reception rooms, lovely large kitchen/family area opening onto the rear garden. Master bedroom suite, three further bath/shower rooms. Off street parking and no onward chain.

Clifton Guide Price £825, 000

A charming late Georgian family house in a grade II listed terrace located only five minutes’ walk from Clifton Village.This substantial and imposing property retains many original features and offers spacious family orientated accommodation with the potential for a self contained flat. Good size west facing front garden, rear garden with garage.

Redland £675,000

A lovely example of a bath stone faced semi-detached house with some lovely retained period features. The house requires some modernization and is principally arranged over two floors, with a cellar storage area. Three reception rooms, spacious kitchen/breakfast room. On the upper floor there are four double bedrooms, one with en suite bathroom and a larger than average family bathroom. Well stocked rear garden with a westerly aspect.

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Clifton Guide Price £775, 000

A charming late Georgian family house in a grade II listed terrace located only five minutes’ walk from Clifton Village.This substantial and imposing property retains many original features and offers spacious family orientated accommodation with the potential for a self contained flat. Good size west facing front garden, rear garden with garage.

Redland Guide Price £700,000

A fine Victorian semi-detached townhouse full of character, benefitting from parking and delightful long rear garden in a convenient location. Accommodation is arranged over 4 floors and comprises entrance with 2 two spacious reception room. Kitchen on the lower floor overlooking the garden, further reception room/bedroom 6 & shower room. The upper 2 floors comprise 5 bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Redland £570,000

A most civilised and remarkably spacious Victorian town house located within within walking distance of Durdham Downs and Whiteladies Road. The property has been meticulously cared for and improved in recent years. The accommodation is very flexible indeed, being arranged over 4 floors - each with impressive room proportions. Briefly comprising: 2/3 reception rooms, 4/5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Outside you will find a modest sized, level town garden.

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