The Bristol Magazine August 2011

Bristol Cover aug v2:Layout 1

21/7/11

12:05

Page 1

THE

ISSUE 86

I

AUGUST 2011

BRISTOL THE MAGAZINE FOR THE CITY OF BRISTOL www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

MAGAZINE £3.00 where sold

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

CSKB f-P AUG v1:Layout 1

15/7/11

10:40

Page 1

BeautiFul

R LIFE! O F S N IG DES ry. uter Image ed. Comp n g si e D m Custo ment. ct Manage Total Proje

CSKB f-P AUG v1:Layout 1

15/7/11

10:41

Page 2

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

CSKB • 400 GLOUCESTER ROAD • HORFIELD • BRISTOL BS7 8TR TEL: 0117 924 6165

E: sales@cs-kitchens.co.uk www.chippingsodburykitchens.co.uk Open: Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm. Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Knight Frank August:full page

15/7/11

16:59

Page 4

Knight Frank

Harbourside A striking two double bedroom duplex apartment, with extensive harbour views and larger than average paved terrace. Arranged over the ground and first floor, with direct lift access to the underground car park. Drawing room, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Utility cupboard, cloakroom, further storage. Allocated underground parking. Large paved terrace & fabulous views.

Guide ÂŁ375,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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

Knight Frank August:full page

15/7/11

16:59

Page 5

Knight Frank

Nr. College Green A beautifully spacious, light and modern apartment with an extensive 31' south facing balcony / roof terrace and two allocated underground parking spaces. 36' open plan drawing room / dining room and kitchen. Master bedroom with en-suite bath and shower, guest bedroom with en-suite bathroom, third double bedroom, separate shower room, utility cupboard & further storage. Extensive roof terrace / balcony and two allocated underground parking spaces. In all circa 1585 sq. ft.

Guide ÂŁ495,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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

Knight Frank August:full page

15/7/11

16:59

Page 6

Knight Frank

Lower Failand Within a highly sought after village, just minutes from Clifton and enjoying spectacular views towards the Welsh Hills. Entrance hall, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room. 4 bedrooms, ensuite shower, family bathroom. Integral garage. Outbuildings. Gardens, pasture and woodland. In all about 1.7 acres.

Guide ÂŁ825,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/bristol bristol@knightfrank.com 0117 3171999

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

Knight Frank August:full page

18/7/11

14:39

Page 7

CONTENTS Aug:Layout 2 copy

19/7/11

16:32

Page 8

contents

u usT

A G 18 13 TALK OF THE TOWN News and views from the city

18 THE INTERVIEW Coast presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff talks about all creatures great and small

22 THE PLACE TO BE We celebrate the resurgence of Southville

23 MR BRISTOW How the recession took the biscuit

26 THE DECORATED CITY James Russell’s guide to Bristol’s public art

28 WHAT’S ON For details on where to find the best shows, comedy, concerts and festivals in Bristol and beyond

34 ART & EXHBITIONS Beryl Cook, Quentin Blake and many more – find out where your favourite artists are exhibiting

38 TAKE A BREAK The joys of walking the coastal path, visiting the Lost Gardens of Heligan and dolphin spotting in Cornwall 8 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

2011

28

60

56

50

40 ON THE 2ND FLOOR We sample the stylish offerings at Harvey Nichols chic restaurant

42 WASTE NOT WANT NOT Food writer Fiona Beckett on why she’s written a book on creative cooking without waste

44 DOING BUSINESS News and views from Bristol’s business scene

46 BROADEN YOUR MIND Sign up for an adult learning course this autumn and add another string to your bow

50 FAMILY FUN Tree climbing, workshops and theatre – inspired ways to hang out with the kids this summer

54 FIT & FAB A selection of the latest tried and tested health and beauty products

56 THE GREEN MILES Escape to the Cotswolds as Andrew Swift inspires us to take a good walk followed by a visit to a country pub

58 INTO THE BLUE Visit a Somerset lavender farm to enjoy the heady scent and healing products

60 CITY INTERIORS A Bristol home with a rainbow of colour

65 HOME SWEET HOME For the best property in Bristol THE

BRISTOL MAGAZINE

TBM can be viewed with the online edition on our website: www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

ON THE COVER A Bristol Poster by Susan Taylor, currently on show at The Grant Bradley Gallery. www.grantbradleygallery.co.uk

Sphere fp.indd 9

15/07/2011 13:37

Nicholas Wylde fp.indd 10

18/07/2011 15:59

Aug bristol ed letter:Layout 3

20/7/11

11:43

Page 11

EDITOR’Sletter

W

hen I was a kid the long school summer holidays were a mixed blessing. On the one hand, there was no enduring double maths on a Tuesday afternoon, but the downside was that I didn’t get to see all my friends every day for weeks on end, which would lead me to moan at my mother about how boring everything was.

These days there’s more for children to do and Bristol offers a whole host of familyfriendly activities to fend off boredom and that needn’t break the bank. Our busy What’s On (page 28) and Family Fun sections (page 50) will provide inspiration for ways to fill those long (hopefully) sunny days. I like the idea of the new set of Treasure Trails that have been launched for Bristol, which combine a healthy walk, the pleasure of hunting for clues, and the chance that you could win a £200 shopping spree. The trails have been devised by Destination Bristol and are a good way to get to know parts of the city you may have overlooked.

On the subject of exploring different neighbourhoods, deputy editor Samantha has long been singing the praises of Southville, so we persuaded her this month to share her enthusiasm for this vibrant, sociable cultural quarter that’s jokingly referred to as Lower Clifton. If you haven’t been down for a while, see page 22, as to why the area’s worth a visit.

We’ve squeezed a lot in this month, including an exclusive interview with Miranda Krestovnikoff, BBC Coast presenter, a review of Harvey Nichols’s chic The Second Floor restaurant and a chat with Bristol-based food writer Fiona Beckett who has written Frugal Food, a book that surely chimes with the times. James Russell celebrates our painted city, with a look at art on our streets, while Nichola Owen visits a Bristol home that’s bursting with colour on the inside. A bit like The Bristol Magazine this issue, we hope you’ll agree.

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

Contributors

Nichola Owen, Lindsey Harrad, Mick Ringham, James Russell, Richard Aldhous, Andrew Swift, Benjie Jackson

Production Manager Jeff Osborne Email: production@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:

Sue Parker sue@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

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

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 11

Natuzzi.indd 12

15/07/2011 13:36

August TOTT #37:Layout 11

19/7/11

15:04

Page 13

TALKofthe TOWN

My cultural life

BOOK OF THE MONTH Tippoo Sultan’s Incredible White-man Eating Tiger-toy Machine

by Saljit Nagra Published by Faber & Faber, £9.99 paperback Reviewed by Miriam Robinson of Foyles Four years on from his Forward prize-winning collection Look We Have Coming to Dover!, poet Daljit Nagra has created a volume both hugely intelligent and wildly creative, beginning in the days of British Empire and spanning the globe from North England to the Punjab. Calling on every form between the English sonnet and the monsoon love song, he casts his gaze over corner shops and living rooms, over race relations and cultural clashes, to bring us a collection both entertaining and thought-provoking.

NEWS IN BRIEF Da Vinci comes to museum

Long John Silver slays ‘em

T

he Bristol Old Vic production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale Treasure Island, which we previewed in The Bristol Magazine last month, has opened to rave reviews locally and nationally. Director Sally Cookson has used the front of the old theatre (currently closed during renovations) and the space in King Street to create the adventures of Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and Ben Gunn aboard the Hispaniola. This is a great way to introduce young people to live theatre, while adults will also enjoy the subtle emotional nuances behind the pirates’ bravado. Audiences are encouraged to come wearing their swash-buckling favourite pirate costumes to enter into the spirit of the occasion, but should bear in mind that the show is open to the weather – which will add an authentic element. Treasure Island runs until August 26.

To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen, next year, The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has been chosen to host ten of the royal collection’s drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. The exhibition will show some of the scope of da Vinci’s talent and interests, from painting and sculpture to mapmaking. The exhibition will run from 30 March to 10 June, 2012. For more information, visit: www.bristol.gov.uk/museums.

Auntie gives guided tours Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in TV and Radio studios? BBC Bristol – home of BBC Points West, BBC Radio Bristol, the Natural History Unit, Springwatch, Antiques Roadshow and others is now offering guided tours. Have a go at reading the news, presenting the weather or making radio sound effects.

Tours are suitable for anyone 10 years and over. Visit: www.bbc.co.uk/tours or tel: 0380 901 1227.

Learn to fly with the birds

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 2011 The Bristol Magazine is distributed free every month to over 24,000 homes and businesses throughout Bristol.

Printed by PCP Printers 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.

This summer Bristol Zoo is offering people the chance to learn about birds of prey with a hands-on experience run by a falconer. Taking place in South Gloucestershire the lessons range from a one-hour session, in which you fly a bird, to a full day, which will involve handling the birds and learning the basics of training. Booking can be made, tel: 0117 974 7342.

City centre’s in the pink To celebrate the musicals Legally Blonde and Dirty Dancing at the Hippodrome, the theatre has lit up its distinctive facade with pink lights and is encouraging other city centre venues to get in the pink this summer.

Bristol-based artist Rose Popay, also known as The Art Tart, exhibiting at the Upfest Gallery Which book are you reading?

Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman. Imagined stories about what might lie beyond death.

Which museum or gallery will you be visiting?

Beryl Cook is on at the Bristol City Museum and I’d like to go and see her show of cheeky ladies. I often think in terms of colour my work can be quite similar – I see my own alter ego, the Art Tart character as a Marilyn Monroe/Beryl Cook type figure.

What’s on your MP3 player?

I’m listening to a hypnotherapy session which helps you to be a non smoker.

What outdoor local activity will you be enjoying this month?

I’ve been using the cycle path a lot, which has been lovely. I’ll be outside at the Shambala Festival (held in Northamptonshire, 25– 28 August) doing a large collaborative painting with the guests, including my new laser drawing project.

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

I’d love to go and see my sister Daisy Douglas who plays Lilian in JB Priestley’s Eden End, which is touring with the English Touring Theatre

What are your passions?

I enjoy yoga, zumba, swimming and lounging at the Clifton Lido. I am always working on my twin passions of art and performing.

Rose’s exhibition runs from 2 August to 14 August at the Upfest Gallery in North Street Bedminster. The show includes some Art Tart classics, stencils and performance poses. Her Popayspectives are beguiling portraits of homes, people and festivals. Damien Hirst, who Rose used to work with, has one in his collection. see more, visit: www.rosepopay.co.uk

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 13

August TOTT #37:Layout 11

19/7/11

13:49

Page 14

TALKofthe TOWN

Treasure under our very noses . . .

A series of Treasure Trails has been launched this summer, giving visitors and locals the chance to explore the city while searching for clues and competing for prizes.

Destination Bristol has devised the family-friendly trails around different parts of the city, for example, there’s a walking murder mystery trail in the Old City and a treasure hunt around the Harbourside. Each Treasure Trail map, with clues, costs £5, from the Tourist Information Centre next to the Watershed. As an added incentive to get out and walking, there are prizes to be won, including a £200 shopping spree and family tickets for attractions such as ss Great Britain. Contact the TIC on 0906 711 2191 for more details or visit: www.visitbristol.co.uk.

14 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

Open gardens in August

Downhall Drive, has been created over 25 years and enjoys distant views of the Quantocks and will be open from 1pm on 7 and 14 August.

The garden at 4 Haytor Park on the edge of Coombe Dingle, pictured, is crammed with plants and sculptures. The visitor is invited to explore its twisting paths and hidden corners. The owners welcome pre-booked appointments: contact p.l.prior@gmail.com.

The owners of a steep terraced garden at Wembon, Bridgwater, provide inspiration for others owning hillside plots. This small, mature garden at Grove Rise,

More than 50 varieties of salva should be in bloom at Jasmine Cottage, Clevedon, where the pretty cottage garden is open every Thursday afternoon until 11 August. Features include a sweet pea tunnel and there are plants for sale.

The gardens at Tranby House, Norton Lane, Whitchurch, have been designed to attract wildlife. Visitors are welcome to explore the informal layout on Sunday 21 August from 2-5pm.

With a bank holiday coming up this month, find out about open gardens to visit at: www.ngs.org.uk

Park Furnishers fp.indd 15

15/07/2011 13:35

Granite Transformation fp August:Layout 4

19/7/11

12:06

Page 41

BARTLEBY Aug:Layout 4

19/7/11

17:31

Page 17

MUSING ON how

we see ourselves W

hat are art galleries and museums for? Now there’s a question.

Our oldest museums, like the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, seem to have been handed down to us by our forefathers; they have the gravitas of churches. Great stone buildings with classical pillars and vast halls, they seem eternal, yet they were established for a purpose, at a particular point in history.

It’s interesting to compare the processes that gave us the original City Museum with the inspiration that produced M Shed, the newest addition to our landscape of educational entertainment. We have to travel back in time to the 1820s when the Bristol Institution for the Advancement of Science and Art established the prototype of the museum in a building at the bottom of Park Street. The name says it all. This was an organisation devoted to the promotion of knowledge, both scientific and artistic, and it grew out of the tremendous rise of the sciences in the latter part of the previous century.

Through the 19th century, the museum’s collection grew, with artefacts arriving from all over the world. Trade between Bristol and farflung countries enabled adventurers to bring home everything from archaeological treasures to stuffed animals and birds. At the same time the growing fascination for archaeology gave us material from closer to home: the remains of dinosaurs and artefacts dug from prehistoric sites.

When the City Museum and Art Gallery opened on its present site, in a specially constructed building, in 1905, it presented to Bristol people a treasure trove of wonders from around the world – everything from Renaissance paintings to collections of unusual insects and rocks. It also presented to the world an image of Bristol as a wealthy and cultivated city, that could compete with any other provincial European city.

I wonder what it was like for someone visiting for the first time. In 1905 there were no websites loaded with information and pictures, and people did not own books in the way they do now. You could look at animals at the zoo in Clifton, but you couldn’t study all the forms of life as you can in a museum. It must have been astonishing to see great birds of prey and carnivores up close.

It presented to Bristol people a ❝ treasure trove of wonders from around the world ... it also presented to the world an image of Bristol as a wealthy and cultivated city

❞

Fast forward 100 years and the situation is very different. Except when Banksy worked his magic in 2009, the City Museum is an old-fashioned sort of place, almost a museum of how people used to look at the world.

Today you can learn anything you want to learn on the internet – although at a remove from the intimacy of the museum display. Here we are with a brand new institution on and a fine museum it is too. I’ve been impressed by the displays at M Shed, particularly the little details, like a diary turned to a particular page. But what is it trying to show us? If the City Museum sought to show Bristol the world beyond (or beneath) the city limits, what is M Shed trying to do?

The M Shed seems on first impression to be a kind of mirror, held up to Bristol people to show us who we are, what we’ve done and where we’ve been. It seems to be mostly concerned with the past, which isn’t surprising given that it is based around a collection of artefacts. But how long will we enjoy learning about ourselves? Will people come from far and wide to learn about us? Is what we see now all there is, or is it the starting point for a long and exciting journey of discovery? ■ www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 17

Interview:Layout 1

18/7/11

13:11

Page 18

THEinterview

Miranda’s wild ABOUT NATURE 18 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

Bristol based wildlife expert Miranda Krestovnikoff talks to Richard Aldhous about TV presenting and why the creatures in her own backyard are as fascinating as those who feature on film

Interview:Layout 1

18/7/11

13:08

Page 19

THEinterview

M

iranda Krestovnikoff is the undisputed darling of the BBC’s wildlife proposition – a passionate and perceptive devotee to the essence of the outdoors; a passion she has carried with her since childhood. Whether peering into a badger’s sett on The One Show, hotfooting around the UK on the lookout for saltwater shrimps on Coast, or even spending time nurturing a subsistence existence at the family home in Bristol, there are few of nature’s offerings the 38-year-old TV presenter and qualified zoologist won’t entertain.

“I was very lucky when growing up because my parents had a nice garden with trees aplenty,” she begins. “I used to spend a lot of time in the canopies – special places where I could play games or revise for my GCSEs. My dad built a rope ladder and it became my little private, magical place where I could sit and watch the world go by.

So that’s where it all started, I suppose; that and lots of local walks amongst beech and oak tree woodlands in our native Buckinghamshire. Oh and plenty of camping holidays too. It wasn’t until I was a teenager, where I needed to have my curling tongs and hairdryer at the ready, that other things started to draw my attention.”

The solution was university – a chance to combine wildlife studies with first-hand ‘wild life research’ so typical of many students. And so began her love affair with Bristol and, on graduating, the BBC. Miranda’s appeal is undoubtedly in her unrelenting enthusiasm. She draws viewers in by detailing the characteristics of animals and plants as if it were the first time she’d seen them

Inside the box were hundreds of ❝ little tiny boxes. In each one, if I opened a corner I’d spot a pair of eyes staring back at me

❞

DOWN TO EARTH: main picture, BBC Coast presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff on dry land, and top right, preparing to dive in search of underwater wildlife

– an infectious energy for the natural world that never tires.

“I suppose it was always at the back of my mind that I wanted to do something like this, but you need a lucky break.

For me, it came while I was on a course for television direction and production. They found themselves a presenter short, so I jumped in to help out. Luckily, I got noticed, and things really took off from there.”

One of Miranda’s first jobs – a stint working on the BBC’s Natural World show – involved looking after a shipment of frogs and toads brought across from South America. Upon collecting the box of amphibians she had to identify each one and monitor them for three months at home.

“Inside the box were hundreds of little tiny boxes,” she says.

“I could feel something moving in each one I picked up, and if I opened a corner I’d spot a pair of eyes staring back at me.

There was one box that seemed empty, so I opened it and out crawled these enormous black, hairy legs. I screamed and dropped it! It turned out to be a type of tarantula that makes a burrow, into which a species of frog lives in – they have quite a symbiotic relationship. But nobody had told me to expect that.”

Despite being someone who juggles TV, radio broadcasting and writing, Miranda’s home projects can be equally demanding.

“We live just on the edge of the city centre and are surrounded by fields and trees, so there’s so much to grab our attention.

We’ve renovated our property so it’s completely eco-friendly.

Our heating bills are minimal, there are solar panels which provide our hot water, and we generally try to conserve as much energy as possible because we felt that was very important.

I’ve always been a water baby, so we converted a sunken tennis court into a man-made pond, complete with ducks sitting by the side, dragonflies tussling over the surface, all manner of frogs and toads and even some newts this year. My daughter and

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

I will just plunge in there on a hot day – I think it’s very important for the children to understand about nature and the environment.”

Add in chickens, a passion for recycling – including turning old rubbish into ornaments and models – and life in the Krestovnikoff household appears to be one spent away from the television, ironically the object which has gained Miranda so much acclaim.

“I guess people look at what we’ve done and think it’s a bit The Good Life, but really, deep down, we’re just simple souls, my husband too. Kids these days seem to get so much materially.

It’s good to stick to the basics – go for walks, see what we can find in the pond – in essence try to keep a bit more in touch with reality, and keep life a little less complicated.

And that applies to the food as well, because I think that growing what you eat is great education. And everyone can grow something – even if it’s in the smallest window box, or plant on a window ledge.

When I have a plate of vegetables from the local supermarket, I don’t enjoy them as much as I would do my own. That’s because when you eat your own potatoes or carrots or spinach, it’s the end result of having put those seeds in the ground, nurtured them, weeded them, and watched them grow.

By the time you’ve picked and boiled them, and put them on a plate, you really feel you’ve really invested in them. And of course, you can also be assured that they’ve not come into contact with any chemicals. I like to know where everything has come from, and although that can be difficult to do in this day and age, it’s less difficult than it was a few years ago. We should all take encouragement from that.”

While the journey for Miranda’s crop of sugar snap peas might be coming to an end, you can’t help but feel that, in terms of her career, we’re merely in the early stages of cultivation.

Now into a fourth year on The One Show, another series of Coast is being filmed this summer, while there’s also work for The Travel Channel, namely in venturing to Canada in search of endangered breeds of bear.

“I’ve got some radio stuff coming up too, and I always say it’s good to have variety. I’m never doing the same thing two days running, which makes everything new and exciting. I am really incredibly lucky in that respect.

And we’re all fortunate in the sense that we have, on our doorsteps, one of the most diverse arrays of wildlife that can be found anywhere in the world. Getting out there just takes passion and energy, and there’s so much ready to be explored, although I’m happy to steer clear of the tarantulas!” ■

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 19

Bristol lovely things:Layout 1

20/7/11

13:06

Page 20

HIGHsummer

Outdoor swimming For instant refreshment, nothing beats diving into fresh, ice cold water.

Take advantage of the warm weather and escape outdoors to take an invigorating dip in a pond, a river or the sea. Locally, there are plenty of safe, clean rivers to swim in around Bath and there’s the Henleaze swimming club which uses the Henleaze Lake. And if wild swimming isn’t your thing, you can get the same benefit by swimming in the outdoor Clifton Lido. As you enter the cold water, you feel exhilarated and the shock to the system makes you feel alive. It’s not just the thrill of outdoor swimming that makes it so appealing, there are plenty of health benefits too. Swimming in cold water has been proven to boost immunity and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol too.

To discover your nearest outdoor swimming spot, visit: www.wildswimming.co.uk

▲

If you’re travelling around this month and need an instant moisture injection for dry, dehydrated skin, don’t forget to pack Clinique’s moisture surge facial spray, £18.50 for 125ml. Or for those with problem skin, try Tea Tree Water from Lush, £3.75 per 100g. With antibacterial and antifungal qualities, the Tea Tree tonal water helps tackle blemishes and keep future spots at bay whilst refreshing the skin.

KEEPING ▲

In this Sundaes and Splits recipe book by Hannah Miles (Ryland Peters and Small, £9.99), you’ll find a sundae to suit all tastes, whether it’s a fresh and fruity concoction or a rich dessert laden with sauce and nuts. There are also ideas for grown-up treats that allow you to take pure self-indulgence to new heights by adding a dash of your favourite tipple. Go on, spoil yourself.

chilled As the temperatures soar, take a break and chill out

▲

▲

▲

20 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

Keep cool and look stylish on the beach with these must-have accessories.

Above: keep sandwiches and drinks fresh in this Emma Bridgewater Union Jack cool bag from John Lewis, £18; left: take shade from the sun under this gold lurex floppy hat from Accessorize, £22

Farmer’s Cottage Rotating Sphere Seater, £6,495 from John Lewis This ultra-stylish rotating sphere seater is the latest must-have piece of garden furniture. It can accommodate seven people and has the advantage of rotation, to position the entrance into the sun or shade. The front canopy protects you from unwelcome draughts however the acrylic windows will still allows you to enjoy full panoramic views. A reflective stainless steel minimalistic cover goes over the roof, reducing heat and ensuring the interior temperature remains comfortable even on the warmest of days.

The Mall fp.indd 21

15/07/2011 13:34

SOUTHVILLE:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:47

Page 16

CITYcharms

ASPIRING LOWER clifton Over the past ten years, Southville has turned into a thriving cultural quarter of the city.

Samantha Ewart investigates all its offerings

U

ntil a decade ago, Southville was a run-down area with little business and nothing of interest to attract visitors.

But when visionary Bristol architect George Ferguson transformed the old Wills tobacco factory into a multi-purpose cultural centre, everything changed. The Tobacco Factory opened its doors in 2001 and has since been at the heart of the regeneration of the area. Not only has it become a cultural hub in the city, it brought the high street, North Street, to life and Southville now exists as a thriving area where you can enjoy fine dining, fresh, local food and a plethora of entertainment. It’s no wonder that it is sometimes referred to as the ‘aspiring lower Clifton’. Indeed, its charms are just as alluring.

ART

ENTERTAINMENT The Tobacco Factory is a model of urban regeneration. It boasts a café bar, restaurant, creative industry work space, loft apartments, performing arts schools, and one of the most exciting small theatre venues in the country which attracts hundreds of visitors every year. When the theatre opened, it quickly established itself as a favourite venue, garnering widespread critical acclaim and developing a national reputation for being dynamic and innovative. Audiences can sit in-the-round for intimate performances from a diverse and exciting programme. From international comedy acts to puppet festivals; children’s theatre to Shakespeare; contemporary theatre festivals to opera, there’s something for everyone. The Tobacco Factory aims to support established and emerging artists and this is especially true of the internationally renowned Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory theatre company which offers a Shakespeare double bill every spring at the theatre and attracts audiences from across the UK and beyond. But it doesn’t stop there – in 2009 the Brewery Theatre opened, just 150 metres down the road from the Tobacco Factory. Backing on to the Bristol Beer Factory, the Brewery comprises a 90-seat auditorium that shows comedy, theatre and music performances alongside the Tobacco Factory Theatre programme, giving audiences even more choice. And if all this wasn’t enough, you can have a good laugh at the Hen and Chicken Comedy Box just down the round from the Tobacco Factory where you can enjoy top live comedy acts every week.

FINE DINING You’re never stuck for a great place to eat in North Street. As you walk around you’ll always get a whiff of something tantalising on offer just around the corner. But two highly 22 The Bristol Magazine

recommended restaurants are Teoh’s Bistro and the Lounge café bar. You’ll find Teoh’s Bistro at the Tobacco Factory serving up a taste of the Far East. Sample traditional Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Malaysian food in a relaxed and friendly setting. It’s a great place to catch up with friends and family for an informal but delicious dining experience. Or for something a bit more private, the Lounge café bar is the place to go. With wooden tables and chairs, candles and excellent homemade food, it’s the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a cosy and cosmopolitan place to enjoy coffee and cake. And don’t forget to try one of the breakfasts – they’re truly satisfying.

|

August 2011

Being a cultural quarter in the city, it’s no wonder that many artists have moved to Southville. With a vibrant and diverse community, artists gain inspiration from their surroundings and consequently artists’ studios have been popping up all around the area. Just down the road in Bedminster you’ll find the Grant Bradley Gallery which showcases the work of local artists of all mediums and featured at the Affordable Art Fair this year. In Southville itself is the recently opened Upfest Gallery, which became established after the success of the annual urban paint festival, Upfest, held at the Tobacco Factory. With Banksy having paved the way for street artists in Bristol, the Upfest Gallery celebrates the work of urban and contemporary artists, exhibiting an eclectic mix from local and international talent.

LOCAL PRODUCE There’s nothing better than the taste of fresh homemade bread and we are lucky in Bristol to have lots of independent bakeries on our doorstop. But Mark’s Bread in North Street is one of the best. It’s a small artisan bakery that uses organic flour, slow fermentation and traditional methods to produce all types of bread, delicious cakes and fresh pastries. Pop in at any time of the day for a loaf straight out of the oven and you might even get to see baguettes being shaped or overnight doughs being mixed.

The smells alone will get your mouth watering even if the sight of the moist chocolate brownies doesn’t. You can also buy local produce from the Tobacco Factory’s Sunday market, a thriving community market that features around 30 food and craft stalls with a focus on ethical, eco-friendly, fair trade, and organic produce. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer. It easily rivals St Nick’s.

CULTURAL HUB: Southville has so much to offer in the way of local produce and entertainment.

Mark’s Bread in North Street, above left, offers fresh bread straight out the oven on a daily basis and the Tobacco Factory, above right, is at the heart of this cultural quarter of the city offering a range of entertainment to suit all tastes

bristow Aug:Layout 5

19/7/11

13:43

Page 23

Mr Bristow RECESSION

took the biscuit I

know it’s probably because the farmer is going bust, but isn’t it wonderful to see meadows full of wild flowers? When I was a kid, it was bomb sites that were crammed with buddleia and all manner of amazing floral exotica, with the accompanying clouds of butterflies. Out of bad comes good, as they say.

Nowadays you can get an asbo for picking them, but when I was a kid in our village it used to be positively encouraged. There was a class at the annual flower show for the most varieties of wild flowers in a vase. Living in a country cottage amidst winding lanes and rolling meadows we thought we had an advantage. We used to glean 50 varieties max but there was a townie boy called Richard who always won with a vast collection that totally overshadowed our efforts. There was stuff in his vase that nobody else knew existed.

I recall there was a variety of oxslip that only grew in our area.

Looking back, I reckon Richard must have had a hand in its demise, for I read recently that it is now extinct. I wonder what other rare botanical species met their end for the sake of the half a crown postal order that was the first prize that always seemed to go his way?

there was always the lingering scent ❝ of lilies about the place that made one feel that everything was all OK in the world of subsidised culture

❞

Flowers can be very powerful. Before austerity set in, I used to be on an Arts Council panel. There was an endless supply of biscuits at the meetings in their swish headquarters in London. And vases of sicklysmelling lilies in many of the meeting rooms. Wow, I thought, lilies in the meeting rooms!

The biscuits went first, but there was always the lingering scent of lilies about the place that made one feel that everything was all OK in the world of subsidised culture.

Meanwhile, back at home, where our board had banned biscuits years back in the name of economy, my organisation was having an in-depth Arts Council appraisal. It was a bit like the infamous Morton’s fork (Google it) If we gave them unlimited biscuits they’d think we didn’t need any money. If we didn’t, they might feel deprived and grumpy and give us a bad report.

Then I remembered the lilies. Being an impoverished arts company, we could only afford one measly bunch, but having an intimate knowledge of the complicated geography of the building I was able to nip down back staircases and up in the disabled lift, keeping just ahead of the inspection party. Thus every room they went into was furnished with a vase of gorgeous sweetly scented flowers.

At the final meeting at the end of the day I was just in time to plonk the blooms triumphantly in the centre of the big round board table. Though I had to sit on my hands throughout as they were covered in tell-tale orange pollen.

Needless to say, we emerged from the appraisal with a glowing report and a considerable increase in funding. Recently however, the appraisals have been more e-mail-centric. More to do with business plans, strategic goals and meeting criteria. You can’t really send a lily with an e-mail. Yes, you’ve guessed it, we’ve got a 100 per cent cut in our grant.

And have you seen the price of lilies in the shops? If those Arts Council bods ever turn up to re-appraise us, it will be a case of fingers crossed and out with the lavender air freshener. ■ www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 23

Brsitols Boutiques AUg:Layout 1

20/7/11

11:45

Page 24

BESTofBRISTOL

BRISTOL’S

BOUTIQUES

The story so far . . .

Over the last two months TBM has been exploring the streets of Bristol and discovering the best little boutiques and shops which offer something delightfully different.

Mimi Mackenzie enjoys a visit to some of her favourites

IOTA Savvy Bristolians have long known iota bristol to be ‘the shop where there’s a present waiting to happen’. With its philosophy of beautiful things at affordable prices, iota is a must-visit destination, stocking an ever-changing array of products ranging from covetable jewellery to retro homewares and quirky gifts, all based around owner Méibh O’Connor Morse’s magpie eye for irresistible loveliness and the very latest trends. And you can now also shop local from the comfort of your living room at iota’s fully stocked webshop (www.iotabristol.com). The website is not just aimed at those who live too far away to visit the Gloucester Road. Méibh points out: “If you’re local but want to send a present from iota to an girlfriend in Leeds, you no longer need to worry about buying it and then having to buy the packaging and queue in the post office. We can do all that for you.” Loyal iota fans can also share favoured items with others, ensuring that they get presents from their favourite shop even from people who live far from Bristol. iota bristol, 167 Gloucester Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 924 4911 www.iotabristol.com

RITZ BOUTIQUE With designer collections for casual wear and special occasions, from top houses from Milan, Paris and London. Ritz prides itself on its expertise, quality of service, and ability to source beautiful garments from jeans to eveningwear. Cutting edge designs from great labels such as Isabel de Pedro, Joseph Ribkoff, James Lakeland, and Bleu Blanc are absolutley timeless and if you want to look and feel a million dollars, then a visit to Ritz is an absolute must.

Ritz Boutique, 29 The Mall, Bristol. Tel: 0117 973 0095

MOTIQ This beautiful boutique continues to attract regular and new customers who are inspired by its unique collections of silver and fashion jewellery. The Motiq range has recently expanded to fashion clothing for all ages. Recent fashion shows at the Lido and Bizantium have been phenomenal successes and there’s talk of another Motiq show later this year.

Motiq, 8 Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 973 8868

VILLAGE Village can be found at the front of a Victorian shopping arcade, which was disused for many years but has now been restored.

As you enter the shop you will find an Aladdin’s cave of unusual and interesting gifts, and if that wasn't enough there’s a whole basement full of fashion too. Village has stocked Nomads Fair Trade boutique fashion for a number of years, and currently has gorgeous maxi dresses in store from this range. You will also find in stock Max C London, and this label is still going from strength to strength. Always looking for fresh ideas, the Frock and Frill is the latest collection, very romantic and summery, you will love it.

Village, 2a Botces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 908 0007

24 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

LIME Lime is a warm and welcoming boutique, with a great location on Regent Street. It is currently offering an exciting, brand new label from Belgium called Myrine and Me, there’s a real buzz about this new collection. The colour palette is all soft pastels and romantic design and the price point is excellent, along with the quality and style. Sandwich continues to excite with great styling, some interesting new colours include, cornflower blue and citrus yellow. Lime has a good and loyal following for the label ,which it has stocked for nine years. The look for Summer 2011 is feminine, with romantic dresses tunics teamed with cropped jeans or leggings, all with those all-important accessories, scarves, jewellery belts and bags. Make a date in your diary to visit Lime and enjoy its beautiful new collection.

Lime, 35 Regent Street, Bristol. Tel: 0117 317 9713

PIRATES & ROSES Pirates & Roses is certainly set for stardom. It’s a beautifully quirky mix of the unusual and eclectic. The boutique offers a ‘pirates plunder’ theme, which is great fun and a pleasant diversion from the humdrum norm. Every garment and item has a treasured feel and is from limited editions, so if you are looking for something very special, highly elegant, and with a sense of romance then Pirates and Roses should be marked with a big ‘X’ on your treasure map. Swashbuckle your way there for something gorgeous – plenty of handmade trinkets too. And finally, the long awaited arrival of their cyber vessel Piratesandroses.com has set sail on the wild waters of the world wide web.

Pirates and Roses, No 15 Portland Street, Clifton Village, Bristol. Tel: 0117 970 6282

A GEM: Ritz Boutique in The Mall, Clifton, stocks Joseph Ribkoff, Isabel De Pedro and James Lakeland among its designer labels

Brsitols Boutiques AUg:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:49

Page 25

BESTofBRISTOL SLOCOMBE & GRIFFITHS

BEAST

Slocombe & Griffiths Millinery in Clifton was created by Sue and Neville in 2009 when they realised there was a gap in the market for unique modern designer hats and accessories. They have used their experience in hair and textile design to bring together a stunning range of headwear from elegant hats to fantastic fascinators from Britain’s top designers.

They can also provide you with a bespoke service designing a unique hat or head piece using the finest materials of silks, sinamays and organzas, combining feathers, delicate flowers, bows or jewels to create a look all of your own.

Your visit to Slocombe & Griffiths is much more than simply trying on a hat. It’s a style experience with a warm and friendly service which involves a full consultation about your outfit, taking into account your appearance, face shape and colouring, helping you to achieve a fabulous contemporary look.

Slocombe & Griffiths, 14 Clifton Arcade, Clifton, Bristol, Tel: 0117 974 3220

This is a lovely little boutique with a unique and quirky blend of clothing and accessories, with a nice line in special gifts. From funky wellies and beautiful umbrellas to the world famous and witty range of Bristolian clothing which not only celebrates all that is best about the west country, but has become decidedly hip...Gert Lush, as they say!

Beast, 224 Cheltenham Road, Bristol Tel: 0117 942 8200 www.beastclothing.com

CHEQUERS Located within the heart of Clifton Village, Chequers can be found on The Mall. This warm and welcoming boutique hosts some of the most sought after designer labels such as Max Mara, Nicole Farhi, Sarah Pacini, Marc Aurel to name but a few. Whether you are looking for something for that special occasion, an impeccable piece of tailoring, or quite simply a stunning pair of jeans, Chequers has an unrivalled selection and provides a superb personal shopping experience from a friendly and knowledgable team.

Chequers, 23 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol Tel: 0117 973 8653

SWEET PEA Nestled in the heart of Coldharbour Road, Sweet Pea is a treasure trove of gorgeous clothing and accessories for little girls (from three years old) and big girls (no upper age limit).

With a large and varied collection, Sweet Pea provides a solution for even the most demanding fashionistas. Bringing you the latest trends from Yumi, Uttam Boutique, Stella and Influence, it’s the perfect place to head, whether you have a lavish night out ahead or simply need to update your wardrobe for the school run. Fear not if you are indecisive, as the prices are so reasonable you can have a lot of what you fancy without feeling guilty. Sweet Pea is a charming boutique and would not be out of place on the Kings Road in Chelsea. A warm welcome is guaranteed; both Emma and Gemma are passionate about fashion and keen to make your experience as pleasurable as possible. The contemporary décor allows the garments to be seen for what they really are – elegant and beautiful pieces at affordable prices.

Sweet Pea, 127 Coldharbour Road, Redland, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 924 5478 www.sweatpeafashion.co.uk

Available from The Gold & Platinum Studio

Gold & Platinum Studio 1 9 N o r th u m b e r l a n d P l a c e , B a t h B A 1 5 A R Tel: +44 (0)1225 462 300 www.goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk email: mike@goldandplatinumstudio.co.uk

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 25

The painted city:Layout 1

20/7/11

11:47

Page 26

BRISTOLliving

CELEBRATE OUR painted city James Russell encourages us to look up as he takes us on a tour, highlighting Bristol’s painted statues, colourful coats of arms and other curios of decorated art on our streets

F

or as long as it has been a city, Bristol has been decorated. Longer, even. Architects and designers, masons and painters have for centuries added colour and form to our everyday lives, lifting our spirits while passing on whatever message they were hired to convey. Churches weren’t decorated for fun, yet the statuary adorning the exterior of ecclesiastic edifices continues to give us pleasure.

I was watching a BBC programme recently about sculpture in Britain, which featured a section on Wells Cathedral. Using the latest computer wizardry the producers were able to return the astonishing west front of the building to its even more astonishing medieval glory, with statues and niches painted in dazzling colours. The cathedral must have been a wonder to behold, attracting not only the pious on pilgrimages across the country but also the curious.

It is hard for us to imagine today, but before the Reformation churches were not only filled with beautiful carvings in wood and stone but were also painted inside and out. Can we picture St Mary Redcliffe adorned with brightly coloured saints and worthies? We should try, and to make it easier we can always stand outside Christ Church at the top of Corn Street and watch the beautifully maintained quarter boys strike the quarter hours.

Other traces remain, here and there, of the churches’ former decoration, added and maintained to attract the attention of a mostly illiterate populace, and funded by merchants with an eye on the afterlife.

Mostly the paint has faded today, but some of the stonework survives. It’s interesting to compare the figures and gargoyles decorating St Mary Redcliffe and other churches with the stone carvings that must once have made Brunel’s original railway station at Temple Meads a true temple to the age of speed; his station is part café, part car park today, and the stone decorations have worn away practically to nothing.

Presumably the wrong sort of stone was used (at the tail end 26 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

of an expensive project), because generally speaking stone is chosen for its longevity and ease of maintenance. Corn Street in particular is decorated to an astonishing degree in stone, with great hordes of statues you have to crane your neck to see. These were monuments not to the glory of God but to the success of Bristol’s merchants, which perhaps explains why the sculptures are abundant and extravagant but not at all easy to look at.

Wood was also carved for decorative purposes, and visitors to M Shed might have seen the photograph of the Dutch House, a magnificent timber-framed building that stood on the High Street before falling prey to incendiary bombs during the Blitz; the museum displays a charred remnant of the rather alarming carved figures that used to adorn it, and which no doubt added a frisson of excitement for young shoppers.

For obvious reasons, exterior decorations do not tend to survive as long as those inside a building, particularly where pigments are involved. Here and there, though, some oddities

❝

These were monuments not to the glory of God but to the success of Bristol’s merchants which perhaps explains why the sculptures are abundant and extravagent but not at all easy to look at

❞

have been maintained over the years, and one of my favourites is the relief sculpture that decorates the wall of the Merchant Venturers Almshouses on King Street – only a cable length from the stage of Treasure Island. This is not the only representation of the Merchant Venturers’ coat of arms in the city – you can find another on the side of Cabot Tower, and one more at the Venturers’ Clifton HQ (in the dining room) – but none of the

CIVIC PRIDE: the boldly painted and embossed Bristol city coat of arms adorn the wrought iron gates of the Victorian Bristol Royal Infirmary

The painted city:Layout 1

19/7/11

16:25

Page 27

BRISTOLliving

KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN: left to right, a mermaid on the crest of the Merchant Venturers on the wall of the almshouses on King Street, part of the Art Nouveau facade of the Edward Everard printing works in Broad Street, and the tribute to the MV Miranda Guinness, the last ship to be built by Charles Hill & Sons, Bristol shipbuilders

others has the character of the King Street version. The male figure in particular looks as though he might leap down and go tearing off down the street at any moment.

Sights like this make city life more fun, but you have to keep your eyes open to spot them. Mostly you need to look up, which can be hazardous when trying to cross roads, avoid people who are texting, etc. Just up the road from the aforementioned almshouses, Broad Quay Houses is decorated with a terracotta frieze depicting scenes from and emblems of the city’s history.

The 15 panels are coloured, but not excessively, and if you’re not paying attention it’s easy to walk past without noticing.

The frieze was made by Philippa Threlfall and Kennedy Collings when Broad Quay House was built in the early 1980s, and its presence reflects the regeneration of Bristol after the closure of the city docks. Like the ornament of the past, contemporary decorations are designed to give a particular impression of the city – in this case that it is rich both in history and in culture, with a thriving community of artists. You can see more of Philippa Threlfall’s work on the the Friendly City building on Colston Street, just up the road from Colston Hall.

During the ‘80s and ‘90s Bristol’s graffiti artists were also hard at work in not-yet-regenerated parts of the city, and it would be a while before Banksy stopped being a thorn on the side of the city council and became Bristol’s favourite renegade son. These days the unofficial art of the streets has become semiofficial, but there also remain murals and other artworks that were commissioned during the difficult years between the closure of the docks and their reemergence as a tourist destination.

One poignant painting, just along the dock from M Shed, shows the launch of the MV Miranda Guinness. This was the last ship to be built by the Bristol firm of Charles Hill and Sons, which occupied Albion Dockyard for more than a century, and her launch in 1976 marked a turning point in the city’s history.

Curiously enough, she was also the world’s first specially commissioned beer tanker, capable of carrying almost 2 million pints. The trade in and out of the docks in Bristol paid for the decoration of churches, banks and civic buildings and made the city the diverse and interesting place it is. The end of that trade brought a new world, new opportunities, and a new style. ■

Don’t miss the boat!

Wednesday 10th August is the closing date for entries for Clevedon Salerooms next Quarterly Specialist Sale to be held on the 8th September.

Entries consigned to date include this fine Montague Dawson Watercolour of HMS Albion and also a large collection of antique firearms. Chinese works of art continue to achieve remarkable results and the market for silver and gold continues apace.

If you would like to take advantage of the current fair winds in these markets with the advantage of having your works of art viewed by bidders around the globe please contact us for a free no obligation valuation and let us put the wind in your sails.

If you have antiques & works of art that you may be thinking of selling bring them to

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Estimate

Clevedon Salerooms Free Valuation Days 8th 9th 10th August

£10,000 - £15,000

9am - 1pm & 2pm – 5.30pm

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers

The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn Clevedon, BS21 6TT

Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 27

WHATS ON AUGUST:Layout 1

20/7/11

11:56

Page 28

WHAT’Son TH EATRE, D AN CE & COMEDY – liste d by ve nue

Bristol Festival of Puppetry

CHATTY man

26 August – 4 September

Little Edie

Building on the success of the first Bristol Festival of Puppetry in 2009, Puppet Place is launching a second festival at the Tobacco Factory Theatre this month. Jampacked with shows, film, workshops and talks, the Bristol Festival of Puppetry showcases the talented and burgeoning puppetry scene in Bristol and beyond. This year it is expanding its international programme to host a special exhibition of animation too. In the programme you’ll find adult shows, family shows, Aardman and Harryhausen events, carnival and street shows and much, much more.

B r i s to l H i pp o dr o me

Highlights include: Little Edie (adult show) Friday 26 – Saturday 27 August, 8pm Inspired by the documentary Grey Gardens, this is a heart-warming journey full of fantasy, tragedy and unconventional love from Bristol’s award-winning Pickled Image. A world premiere.

The Enormous Turnip (family show) Friday 26 August, 12pm, 3pm & 6pm After enchanting festival audiences in 2009 with Across the Deep Blue Sea, Stuff & Nonsense Theatre Company returns to Bristol with its unique fusion of puppetry and live music in a re-potted version of this popular children’s story.

Morph vs Medusa (exhibition) Open daily 11am – 6pm This free exhibition will feature models made by Harryhausen for Clash of the Titans and Jason of the Argonauts alongside Aardman models and armatures and sets from Creature Comforts and Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave.

For a full programme of events and booking information, visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatre.com or tel: 0117 902 0344

28 The Bristol Magazine

Alan Carr comes to the Bristol Hippodrome

|

August 2011

St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol. Box office tel: 0844 847 2325 or visit: www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk

Legally Blonde the Musical, Tuesday 19 July – Saturday 6 August, 7.30pm; matinees: Wednesday & Saturday, 2.30pm For the first time ever, the West End and Broadway sensation and 2011 Olivier Award winner, Legally Blonde The Musical comes to Bristol. Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically acclaimed new musical is created by a top creative team, led

by Tony Award-winning director and Olivier Award-nominated choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray). The show follows college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods who, when dumped by her boyfriend for someone serious, heads for Harvard Law School. Legally Blonde The Musical is an all singing, all dancing, feel-good musical comedy that will take you from the social whirl of Californian campus life to Harvard’s Halls of Justice with the brightest heroine and her chihuahua, Bruiser.

Alan Carr, Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 August, 8pm Star of Channel 4’s Chatty Man returns to the road for his first UK tour in over four years.

Come and join Alan as he tries out new material.

Dirty Dancing, Thursday 1 September – Saturday 8 October, Monday – Thursday, 7.30pm; Friday, 5pm & 8.30pm; Saturday, 2.30pm & 7.30pm An explosive theatrical experience with heartpounding music, romance and dancing. Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and of course, I’ve Had The Time Of My Life.

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

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

Discombobulated, Until Saturday 13 August, 8.15pm Stop and search experts Malcolm McClosky and Esperanza Vallejo present their take on all matters of security, born out of a lifetime of patrolling airports and being shouted at. Using reconstruction, interpretive dance, tragedy, rock ‘n roll, magic and an incredible nonacrobatic number, they present an utterly stupid clown show. Directed by Aitor Basauri, developed and commissioned through Bristol Ferment at Bristol Old Vic.

WHATS ON AUGUST:Layout 1

15/7/11

16:50

Page 29

WHAT’Son M U S I C – li s t e d b y d a t e Leaves of Glass, Tuesday 16 – Saturday 20 August, 7.45pm

Bristol Cathedral Summer Festival

A work of staggering poetry and a fragile and haunting beauty by one of the world’s greatest living playwrights, Leaves of Glass explores the power of grief, loss and lies on one seemingly normal family.

Once again the atmospheric setting of Bristol Cathedral is host to free lunchtime recitals for its annual summer festival. Visit the cathedral on selected Tuesdays throughout August at 1.15pm to hear some beautiful pieces of music.

B r is tol Old Vic King Street, Bristol.

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

Treasure Island, Until Friday 26 August, 7pm; matinees: 2pm (please contact theatre for performance schedule) Bristol Old Vic is taking to the cobbles of King Street to present the world’s greatest pirate adventure, Treasure Island in an enormous outdoor arena directly outside Bristol Old Vic. Following the smash hit Swallows and Amazons, Bristol Old Vic invites you to join Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins as they set sail on the high seas in search of Captain Flint’s buried treasure. Will they be handed the black spot or will they find the golden loot?

Directed by Sally Cookson (Boing!, How Cold My Toes, Aesop’s Fables, Ali Baba) Treasure Island will be performed in the city that gave Robert Louis Stevenson inspiration for the story. Prepare to be whisked away on a seafaring adventure to exotic and perilous desert islands. Leave your cutlass at the door, hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail with us on a rip-roaring voyage of discovery.

W W T S lim br idge We tlan d C e n tre Slimbridge, Gloucestershire. To book, tel: 01453 891223 or email eleanor.wise@wwt.org.uk

Much Ado About Nothing, Sunday 7 August, 7.30pm Bring a picnic and enjoy this popular Shakespeare play performed in the beautiful natural setting at Slimbridge performed by local theatre group Rain or Shine.

T h e D a ir y G a r de n Blaise Castle Estate, Kings Weston Road, Bristol. For further information and to book tickets contact tel: 0117 3532266 or visit: www.seetickets.com

Snow White, Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 August, 6.30pm As part of the esteemed Chapterhouse Theatre Company's 12th season of open-air garden performances, it comes to Blaise Castle with with a new adaptation of Snow White set in the 1940s. Join the cast for an afternoon of entertainment in this family show – and don’t forget to turn up in fancy dress for the parade during the interval. Grounds open for picnics at 6pm.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Katherine Jenkins

Glastonbury Extravaganza Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 August Glastonbury Abbey. To book tickets contact tel: 01458 834596 or visit: www.glastonburyextravaganza.co.uk On Saturday headliners Status Quo return to the Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza following their sell-out performance in 2009.

Supporting them are the Bootleg Beatles performing the greatest hits of The Fab Four.

Sunday sees Katherine Jenkins perform for the first time at Glastonbury Abbey. Her special guest will be opera star Wynne Evans, probably best known as the incomparable moustachioed tenor on television advertisements. The National Symphony Orchestra will also be performing. Both nights will culminate in fantastic fireworks displays.

One Night at the Proms Sunday 14 August, 7.30pm Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol. Box office tel: 0844 847 2325 or visit: www.bristolhippodrome.org.uk The National Symphony Orchestra will bring all the pomp and circumstance of a very British occasion to the theatre. Accompanied by the UK’s finest singers from Covent Garden, they will perform a special two-hour concert including uplifting musical favourites The Dambusters March, Nessun Dorma, Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and many more.

The Bath Folk Festival Monday 8 – Sunday 14 August For further information and a full programme of events visit: www.bathfestival.org This is the second year of The Bath Folk Festival which will once again be host to a series of concerts, informal sessions and a summer school for people to learn traditional music. Take the opportunity to learn to play the fiddle, button accordion, guitar, flute, tin whistle, Celtic harp or join in some Irish singing. There will also be a four-day song writing course from singer and poet Aminah Hughes as well as storytelling and poetry events and workshops in English, French, Indian, and Senegalese music.

Rhys Williams

Tuesday 2 August Trio Sirventes perform Schubert and Spohr featuring Auleria Jonvaux as soprano; Shelley Ezra on clarinet and Jennifer Carter on piano.

Tuesday 9 August Ryhs Matthews gives a percussion performance. Sponsored by the Countess of Munster Trust.

Tuesday 16 August Noctus Wind Ensemble presents Mozart’s Piano and Wind Quartet and Poulenc’s Sextet.

Tuesday 23 August A performance by Bristol Rotary’s Young Musician of the Year 2010, Jacob Warn on recorder accompanied by guitarist Andy Warn.

Tuesday 30 August Roger Huckle, director of Bristol Ensemble, and Emil Huckle-Kleve perform music for two violins.

Also at the cathedral this month...

Music for a Summer Evening Thursday 18 August, 7.30pm The Bristol Cathedral Players directed by John Davenport with pianist Christopher Guild, present a programme including Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and Piano Concerto No 5, The Emperor, and Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll. Tickets £10 on the door or from tel: 0117 927 6536

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 29

WHATS ON AUGUST:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:01

Page 30

WHAT’Son O T H E R E V E N T S – li s t ed b y d a t e LOOKING AHEAD The National Gardening Show Friday 2 – Sunday 4 September Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet. For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.bathandwest.com Calling all gardening fans – The National Gardening Show showcases the finest in autumn gardening, with advice from experts and help on how to grow plants and vegetables. Highlights include a poultry show – ideal for those who are thinking about rearing hens – the National Dahlia Society Show, the UK National Giant Vegetables Championships, innovative gardening ideas, flower arranging, cider making in the showground’s apple orchards and a scarecrow competition for the kids.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta

The Festival of British Eventing Friday 5 – Sunday 7 August

Pink Masquerade Ball Friday 19 August, 7pm

Gatcombe Park, Gloucestershire. For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk or tel: 0843 208 7455 The Festival of British Eventing, presented by the British Equestrian Trade Association, takes place at Gatcombe Park, the spectacular home of HRH The Princess Royal. The festival incorporates the British Eventing Open Championship, the Smith & Williamson British Intermediate Championship and the Dodson & Horrell British Novice Championship. As well as a weekend of top class eventing, there is a packed programme of arena attractions and entertainment for all the family.

The DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House, Congresbury. Tickets £25 per person. To book tel: 01934 834343 Join in a night of glitz, glamour and all things pink. Don your best frock and create an air of mystery with a masquerade mask. The ticket includes a three-course dinner and live entertainment.

Goldney Garden Party Sunday 7 August, 1pm – 5.30pm Goldney Hall, Clifton. Entrance: £5.

Bristol Amnesty International’s popular garden party promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family in a beautiful setting.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 August Ashton Court, Bristol. For further information visit: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk Over 100 balloons of all shapes and sizes are expected at this year’s event. There will be mass hot air balloon ascents every morning and evening, and the popular nightglows on both Thursday and Saturday evenings. This year, for the first time, visitors will get to see how a hot air balloon is made as Cameron Balloons take on the challenge of constructing a passenger-carrying balloon on site in four days. Also on site will be arena and air displays, over 250 trade stands, caterers, and a variety of entertainment.

30 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

Treefest Friday 26 – Monday 29 August Westonbirt Arboretum. To book tickets visit: www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-treefest Four days of fun are set to take over Westonbirt Arboretum as part of the new Treefest which incorporates the best of Westonbirt’s previous signature summer event, the Festival of the Tree, but with exciting new elements including camping and creative workshops. Traditional favourites, including wood carving demonstrations and craft sales will complement local food stalls, unique art creations and a fantastic programme of live music

Learn Tango Throughout August Westmoreland Hall, Redland, Bristol. To book tel: 0117 9622710 or for further information visit: www.tango-y-tu.com/bristol Janet Vakis of Tango-y-Tu is holding a tango beginners’ course every Thursday night from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and absolute beginners are welcome every week to learn something new.

There will also be a Tango-licious Day on Sunday 21 August at Stoke Bishop Village Hall when guest dancer Nayla Vacca from Buenos Aires will visit to give classes in milonga and tango technique along with a presentation of tango dresses.

Relaxing at the National Gardening Show

Bristol International Festival Of Kites & Air Creations Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 September Ashton Court, Bristol. For further information visit: www.kite-festival.org.uk To celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary, an action-packed aerial extravaganza will be wowing visitors as international kite guests will be winging their way from as far as New Zealand, Kuwait and Thailand to join flyers and enthusiasts from across Europe. The arena programmes will feature spectacular flying displays, kite fighting battles, synchronised routines to music, power kites and ground-based inflatables and air sculptures of all shapes and sizes.

To add to the festive atmosphere there will also be play structures and children’s attractions, selected specialist kite traders, a licensed bar and an array of food and drink.

P31:Layout 23

19/7/11

17:47

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Page 31

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 31

P32:Layout 22

19/7/11

13:39

Page 32

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 Building, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED or Telephone 0117 974 2800 for card payment

Subscription FORM Mr/Mrs/Ms ................Forename ..............................................

Surname......................................................................................

Address.................................................................................... ..........................................Postcode..................................

Daytime telephone No..................................................................

32 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

P33:Layout 23

15/7/11

16:57

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Page 33

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 33

ARTS AND EXHIBITIONS AUGUST:Layout 2

20/7/11

12:09

Page 34

ARTS&EXHIBITIONS Beryl Cook: Larger Than Life Bristol’s City Museum and Art Gallery Queen’s Road, Bristol. Tel: 0117 922 3571

Until 29 August Don’t miss the opportunity to see this major exhibition of original paintings by Beryl Cook which capture British life with humour, affection and playfulness.

Flight The Glass Room Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol.

5 – 27 August Three Bristol-based illustrators have joined forces to create a stunning new selection of work celebrating the beauty of flight for this exhibition.

The collection of creations from Dave Bain, Lea Lloyd and Paul Farrell express energy, freedom, form and character of birds when in flight. Dave Bain, inspired by bird life and nature, has set out to capture dramatic moments in flight on a large scale, combining colour, texture and pattern.

Paul Farrell has always been interested in ornithology and his simple, graphic style highlights the beauty in bird flight, characterising form and energy. Screen printer Lea Lloyd combines her passion for birds and pattern for this exhibition in her bold, graphical prints with a strong pattern influence.

Scott Buchanan Barden

Scott Buchanan Barden Bristol Folk House 40a Park Street, Bristol. Tel: 0117 926 2987

5 August – 1 September Scott Buchanan Barden is a successful Bristol-based artist who creates expressionist oil paintings of cityscapes and towns; from the wattle and daub of Suffolk and Essex to the stone buildings of Bradford and Yorkshire. For this exhibition Scott embarked on a journey to capture the city views of Bristol with bright colour.

Flight of Swallows

HAEGUE YANG & FELIX GONZALEZ-TORRES: THE SEA WALL Arnolfini 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol. Tel: 0117 917 2300 www.arnolfini.org.uk

Until 4 September

Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Untitled (Water), 1995

34 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

The Sea Wall facilitates a conversation between the work of Felix Gonzalez-Torres and emerging artist Haegue Yang. The exhibition presents the affinities and contrasts in both artists’ practices, examining their approaches to intimacy and activism, private and public, inside and outside, presence and absence, as well as place and people, relevant for contemporary society in different cultural contexts.

Of particular significance in the exhibition is the idea of community, which is an integral subject in the work of these artists. Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ work, Untitled (Water), 1995, a beaded curtain work he created shortly before his untimely death, will be presented throughout the exhibition alongside a selection of works by Heague Yang from the last decade. The exhibition has been titled after the book The Sea Wall by writer Marguerite Duras, which depicts her life as a child growing up in colonial-era French Indochina during the 1930s, after the death of her father. Her mother is conned into buying a plot of land to live from, but which is flooded by the sea every year, ruining the harvest. It is a tale of family struggle, with the mother treated with disdain by the state authorities for being a foreigner and a woman.

ARTS AND EXHIBITIONS AUGUST:Layout 2

20/7/11

12:10

Page 35

ARTS&EXHIBITIONS See No Evil

HANNAH MCVICAR: BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONS

Nelson Street, Bristol.

18 – 20 August See No Evil is the collaboration of more than 20 internationally renowned urban artists that will be taking over the whole of Nelson Street in Bristol to paint the facades of 10 multi storey buildings. The result will be the transformation of this rundown street into an incredible work of art and one of Europe’s largest permanent urban art installations. Organisers are hoping that the project will not only highlight to the world what a cultural hotspot Bristol is but that it will also regenerate the area and create a unique tourist attraction. To celebrate the completion of the project, See No Evil is hosting a party on Saturday 20 August with live music and workshops for everyone.

Roger Hopkins The Bristol Gallery Building 8, Unit 2, Millennium Promenade, Harbourside, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 930 0005 www.thebristolgallery.com

M Shed Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol.

Until September

Until 5 August

Featuring in the gallery’s summer exhibition is new work by prolific digital artist Roger Hopkins. Roger works in different impressionist styles which evolve through colour, form and filtration until he is completely satisfied with the dynamics of the piece. For this exhibition, Roger is showing powerful and unusual images of the city of Bath alongside the first of his Conversations series.

M Shed has teamed up with Drawn in Bristol to showcase local illustrators throughout the year. The first illustrator featured is Hannah McVicar whose vibrant botanical drawings are influenced by her childhood growing up on a local herb farm. Hannah will be exhibiting her illustrations and screen prints.

Hannah McVicar, Chic and Cheerful

BURLESQUE LIFE DRAWING Bristol Folk House 40a Park Street, Bristol.

To book, contact tel: 0117 926 2987 www.bristolfolkhouse.co.uk

Wednesday 3 August, 6pm – 9pm A night of feathers, corsets, glitz and glamour awaits Bristol’s more adventurous drawers. Just bring your art materials and join in the experience. The burlesque life drawing class sold out in February so be sure to book early.

QUENTIN BLAKE SUMMER SHOW Sky Blue Framing and Gallery 27 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 9733995 www.skybluefineart.com Roger Hopkins, Conversations

Simon Hopkinson

Until 1 October Quentin Blake is one of Britain’s best loved and most successful children’s illustrators. His latest pictures have been published as signed limited editions and are being exhibited at the gallery this summer.

Grant Bradley Gallery Number One St Peter’s Court, Bedminster Parade, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 9637673 www.grantbradleygallery.co.uk

1 – 27 August This summer you’ll be able to see Simon’s work as part of a four-artist exhibition at the Grant Bradley Gallery. Presenting starkly lit, intriguing segments of city sights, his paintings bring an eerie sense of the unknown to familiar sights, reminding us that however well we know a place, there are always previously un-glimpsed views to seek out. “I like to walk through the city and photograph the things that strike me as uniquely beautiful, capture them and share them,” he says. “I have a fascination with certain types of scenery, and I aim to get across the mood that drew me to it.”

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Quentin Blake, All Join In

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 35

Project2:Layout 2

15/7/11

15:03

Page 3

ARTS&EXHIBITIONS Guo Wei

DAVID CONSTANTINE

The Clifton Fireplace Company 54 Princess Victoria Street, clifton, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 973 6474 www.cliftonfireplaces.co.uk

View Art Gallery 159-161 Hotwell Road, Bristol. Tel: 05603 116753. www.viewartgallery.co.uk

Ongoing

13 – 21 August

An opportunity to see unique and original contemporary and abstract paintings by Chinese artist Guo Wei. The pieces in her Life series reflect themes of love, marriage, reproduction and reflection.

BAS 2011 Centrespace Gallery 6 Leonard Lane, Bristol. www.centrespacegallery.com

7 – 20 August The Bristol Art Show is back after a two year absence. BAS is an open submission show where the only rule of entry is a BS postcode. Be prepared for eclectic and exciting pieces from the cream of the crop.

For the first time in ten years Bristol-based street photographer David Constantine is exhibiting his collection in London and Bristol. While travelling in Australia in 1982, a diving accident left David paralysed from the shoulders down and with no grip in his hands. Unable to pick up his camera, he gave up photography for a year, during which he began to think about how he could adapt his camera and wheelchair to enable him to carry on taking pictures. Through his work, the co-creation and successful running of the charity Motivation he has travelled all over the world establishing wheelchair workshops and introducing wheelchair designs to developing countries. These trips have enabled David to explore and he has beautifully documented the countries he’s visited and the people he’s encountered.

Richard T Walker Spike Island 133 Cumberland Road, Bristol.

Tel: 0117 929 2266

Until 4 September San Francisco based artist Richard T Walker works with photography, film, text and music to navigate the fault lines between our experience of the world and our ability to express it.

36 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

David Constantine, Desert Long View

P37:Layout 23

15/7/11

16:57

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Page 37

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 37

August travel:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:23

Page 38

SUMMERbreak

Georgette McCready enjoys a week in Mevagissey, a working Cornish fishing village which provides an ideal base for exploring and relaxing

TIME TO WALK, rest & play S itting in a traffic jam is near the top of my least favourite things to do on holiday, as is waiting around in airports, and being patted down by customs staff. So, when we planned a week’s holiday we decided we’d gamble on the weather and holiday in this country.

As my husband is strictly a fair weather camper, hiring a cottage for the week promised a practical and comfortable solution to where to stay. Farm and Cottage Holidays has an excellent website where you can browse from dozens of properties across the south west of England.

There are cosy cottages for two, rambling farmhouses that sleep 12, smart apartments overlooking harbours, and converted barns on working farms where children can learn about real country life. The website also has handy sections for dog-friendly properties and accommodation for large family gatherings.

The purpose of our holiday was to walk some of the coastal path, so we opted for Mevagissey, between the holiday hotspots of Looe and Polperro and the bustle of Falmouth. The Old Dairy, on one of Mevagissey’s tiny, twisting lanes, is a short stroll downhill to the harbour and perfectly placed for walking from the doorstep.

Farm and Cottage Holidays sent us detailed directions and the friendly caretaker explained over the phone how we would find the reserved car parking space. The car park was a few yards from the cottage, but because the location was so ideal, we only used the car twice in our week’s break.

If we weren’t fit when we arrived, the hills and footpaths of south Cornwall soon sorted that out. By the end of the week we had calf muscles like rocks.

From Mevagissey there’s a passenger ferry to Fowey which takes 35 minutes. A return ticket is £12 for an enjoyable sea journey with tanned, clear-eyed boatmen so charismatic that I convinced myself they are Shakespearean actors on their days off. We visited Fowey to pay tribute to Daphne du Maurier, pointing out to each other her former home at Menabilly as we sailed past and doing imitations of Laurence Oliver’s clipped upper class accent in Rebecca – “Can’t you tell, you stupid little fool, I’m asking you to marry me?” – as we explored the bustling streets of Fowey.

On another day we walked from Mevagissey a couple of miles up a beautiful wooded valley, in the shade of the trees, to the soundtrack of wood pigeons cooing, where we arrived

38 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

at the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

You don’t need to be a gardener or a plantswoman to spend several very happy hours at Heligan, exploring the woodland trail, the jungle palms and bamboos around the ponds or the immaculately preserved Victorian walled kitchen gardens. It was here until the outbreak of the First World War that the English country house lifestyle thrived, with its legions of servants and gardeners toiling away to provide the family in the big house with all their creature comforts. As the horrors of the war impinged themselves on this cosy world the men left their scythes and wheelbarrows at Heligan to take up arms and fight in the trenches of France. Most poignantly you can still see their signatures etched on the wall of the old privy – inevitably some never to return home.

I like walking the coastal path, partly because it’s almost impossible to get lost. The expanse of Pentewan sands are just a couple of miles in one direction from Mevagissey and worth the steep walk up, then down, for a cooling dip in the sea, while in the other direction, Gorran Haven (also with a sandy beach) is a morning’s stroll away. Buses in the area are good and you can use the internet to check timetables ahead.

We could have walked further, as others we met were doing, but sometimes on holiday you need to simply unwind, sit back in the sunshine and admire the view. It was while we were doing just that that we were treated to the sight of a couple of dolphins leaping gracefully across the bay.

Sometimes it pays just to do nothing. ■

Farm and Cottage Holidays has accommodation in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. The booking line is, tel: 01237 459888, or visit: www.holidaycottages.co.uk

REST AND RELAXATION: above, The Old Dairy at Mevagissey sleeps four and is equipped with freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and three televisions.

Below, the Mud Maid natural sculpture by Sue and Pete Hill on the woodland trail at the Lost Gardens of Heligan

P39:Layout 23

15/7/11

16:56

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Page 39

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 39

Food review August:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:12

Page 40

Second Floor at Harvey Nichols Quakers Friars, Bristol. Tel: 0117 916 8888 www.harveynichols.com

REVIEW

DINE IN H

style

arvey Nichols has taken pride of place in Quakers Friars for three years now, bringing the latest fashion, beauty and food from the world’s most prestigious brands to the people of Bristol. And it continues this luxury experience in the Second Floor Restaurant and Bar which is dedicated to providing stylish eating and drinking.

Open from morning until late at night, the Second Floor serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with cocktails in the bar until midnight on Tuesday to Saturday. The restaurant and bar can be accessed through the store during the day and via the exclusive lift on Penn Street in the evening when the store closes.

We arrived to a warm welcome and were shown to a table by the large glass windows that overlook the Quakers Friars area. It was a lovely evening so it was a beautful setting as the sunlight illuminated the buildings below and poured through the window.

Throughout the evening it became even more spectacular as the sun set and the shopping area lit up, while inside the restaurant it became intimate and romantic with candlelight on each table.

I really appreciated that the tables were far enough part to enjoy a private dinner. The restaurant was busy, even on the Wednesday night that we were there, but we did not feel crowded and noise was not disruptive – probably because the restaurant is quite spacious.

We were immediately struck by the sleek and plush decor.

Usually I find gold quite tacky, but here it is used on the chairs, walls and ceiling and looks suitably slick and stylish combined with the soft lighting and minimalist interior touches. The silver bejewelled bar is just as striking and together with the restaurant provides the ideal venue for a glamorous yet elegant dining experience.

Having heard great things about the Harvey Nichols own brand of wines, we opted for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc which arrived chilled and tasted refreshing and full of flavour. This went down very well with the sweet, sour dough and focaccia bread that we were offered warm and fresh while we perused the a la carte menu.

After ordering, we didn’t have to wait long for our starters to arrive, both extremely well presented. Nick’s organic chicken terrine with focaccia toast (£7) was really tasty and perfectly complemented by the raspberry and cornichon salsa which added a vibrant splash of colour to the plate. My seared monkfish with rose salt, aubergine salad, deep fried garlic yoghurt and harissa

40 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

dressing smelt mouth watering as it came out and tasted just as delicious. The monkfish was lovely and went well with the soft aubergine. I have a very small appetite and I surprised myself when I was left wanting more.

I didn’t have to pine for long though as my main dish of sweet soy glazed belly pork, seared scallops, bok choi, crisp ginger and chilli (£17.50) had me immediately absorbed. Scallops are one of my favourite foods and these were some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Sweet, plump and soft, they melted in my mouth and were a perfect accompaniment to the glazed belly pork, which was topped with a caramelised soy sauce and zingy ginger and chilli for a bit of a kick. Nick was very pleased with his daube of Dexter beef with potato, carrot and tomato broth (£13.50).

The restaurant sources the beef from the organic Stream Farm in the Quantock Hills, Somerset. The beef comes from a pedigree herd of Dexter which is a rare breed renowned for the quality, flavour and marbling of its meat. It was succulent and flavoursome and the broth warming and rich. We shared sides of crisp tempura courgettes which tasted deliciously naughty and some fresh green beans.

When it came to the dessert, it was a very tough choice. I couldn’t decide between the Champagne and raspberry jelly with elderflower sorbet (£5.50) and the pineapple tart tatin with black pepper ice cream (£5.50). Intrigued by the odd flavoured ice cream, I went for the latter. The tart was sweet and gooey and surprisingly the black pepper ice cream completed the dish with a hint of spice. The waitress told me it was a very popular choice.

Nick savoured every bite of his chocolate St Emilion with clotted cream – a fitting indulgent treat to end a fine dinner.

We were very impressed with the flavours and ingredients of each dish and it is head chef Louise McCrimmon who is responsible for bringing this luxury and style to the Bristol dining scene. Louise’s menus are based on classic techniques and indulgent world ingredients, with lots of imagination and originality, just like the designer wear in the floors below. ■ SE

Louise’s menus are based on ❝ classic techniques and indulgent world ingredients, with lots of imagination and originality

❞

Organic food fest:Layout 2

18/7/11

15:17

Page 41

GOOD FOOD: that’s

pure & simple As Bristol prepares to host Europe’s largest organic festival in September we take a sneak preview at what treats are in store for foodies and families

G

ood, live music, inspiration from professionals to inspire the home cook, hands-on activities for children, plus the chance to sample and buy from the west country’s top food and drink producers are all on offer at the 2011 Organic Food Festival being staged at the Bristol Harbourside over the weekend of 3/4 September.

In addition to dozens of stalls and pavilions selling everything from organic meat and cheese to beauty products and eco-friendly holidays, there will be a demo kitchen where expert chefs, including Sophie Grigson, Martin Blunos and Riverford’s Jane Baxter, will be cooking up dishes to fire the imagination, while the Sheep Show offers we city dwellers the chance to learn more about our woolly friends and to talk to farmers about sheep rearing. In the Organic Gardening Pavilion visitors can find everything they need to grow their own greens, including first hand advice from experienced gardeners on how to raise healthy fruit and veg without resorting to pesticides and chemicals. While, over in the Health, Beauty and Textiles Pavilion there are natural beauty products to try, along with innovations, such as bamboo clothing, which is not only soft and kind to the skin but an earth-friendly alternative to cotton.

The Kids Taste Experience tent will offer something for younger visitors, with the chance to have a go at butter making, bread baking and sowing seeds.

And for those who just want to sit in the sunshine and enjoy the atmosphere, a bar serving organic cider and a stage offering a line-up of local musical talent, may hit the right spot.

More than 20,000 visitors are expected to visit the organic food festival over the weekend – helping to build Bristol’s reputation as the UK’s greenest city. ■

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

INSPIRING: organic food is free from hydrogenated fats, additives and genetically modified ingredients. Left, food writer and cook Sophie Grigson will appear at the show

The Organic Food Festival, at Bristol Harbourside, Saturday 3 September and Sunday 4 September, is organised by Real Foods Festivals Ltd in association with the Soil Association. Tickets are £5 (free entry for children and members of the Soil Association). For more information visit: www.organicfoodfestival.co.uk

■ If you’re heading out of town this summer you may wish to call in at Taunton-based Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, which is hosting a charity event in aid of Parkinson’s UK on the weekend of 13/14 August. During both afternoons there will be live music from the Roly England Quartet and homemade high teas will be served at £5.99 per person. The garden centre also has a petting zone for animals, a craft centre and the new Pondside Café which sells Cornish pasties, freshly made sandwiches, teas and a wide selection of cakes. Tel: 01823 412381 for more details.

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 41

BRISTOL Aug Food:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:12

Page 42

FOOD&DRINK

WASTE NOT

want not

West Country food writer Fiona Beckett talks to Lindsey Harrad about her new book, which shows how cooks can be both frugal and creative in the kitchen

I

n these cash-strapped times everyone is feeling the squeeze.

With the prices of commodities such as petrol and food rising far faster than our pay cheques, most of us are keen to keep more of our hard-earned salaries in our pockets, and give away a little less to the supermarket giants.

In recent years, Bristol-based food writer Fiona Beckett has learnt a thing or two about saving money in the kitchen. Fiona, who has written 22 books on food and wine, is also a wine columnist for The Guardian. She’s been chronicling her attempts to become a more frugal cook in her blog (http://thefrugalcook.blogspot.com), and her research has culminated in the publication of The Frugal Cook.

Brought up in a household where leftovers were not discarded but stored in Tupperware boxes, Fiona says she has always been a ‘scavenger cook’, with a passion for whipping up a quick meal from storecupboard ingredients without going out to buy new food. In her blog, she promotes one No Food Shopping Day a week, when you resist the urge to buy new food and use up the existing contents of your fridge, freezer and cupboards instead. “I love that rather smug feeling you get when you can magic food up from apparently nothing,” she says.

“I’ve always had a passion for food, I suppose you could call it greed!” laughs Fiona. “But I was also interested in what chefs do in the kitchen, and how this could be adapted for the home cook.

Becoming a food writer really wasn’t about going to expensive posh restaurants. I had four children, and I was always looking for creative ways to feed the family more economically.”

Fiona suggests the easiest way to stop wasting money, is to stop wasting food. The average UK household with children loses around £50 a month by throwing away perfectly edible food (www.lovefoodhatewaste.com). To prevent food waste, Fiona recommends planning meals, ensuring recipes relate to each other so you can use up leftover ingredients; writing a shopping list and thinking ahead – but not too far ahead. “With today’s busy lifestyles, a week is a long time and plans change constantly,” she says. “I suggest buying in three to four day blocks.”

So, armed with your list, how do you then avoid tempting BOGOF offers? “Supermarkets also know we prize convenience,” says Fiona, “they seduce us with a 3 for 2 offer on some Italian fresh pasta, which may genuinely be a fantastic deal, then charge us £1 each for a cucumber – a product that would be 50p at the market down the road,” Fiona suggests a simple trolley review can help. “Before you get to the checkout, have a look through your trolley and take out anything you don’t really need.

Sensible substitutions can also save money. “Fashionable

Ten tips to help cut your food bill 햲 Try to have at least one No Food Shopping Day a week and use ingredients you have in the cupboards.

ingredients tend to have a higher price tag, so switch products like ricotta for cheaper cottage cheese,” recommends Fiona. “New food trends are often expensive, we see this with ‘posh’ ingredients like mozzarella. Budget ranges are always worth a try – with the exception of meat – many supermarket ‘value’ products can be quite good, ketchup, tinned tomatoes and so on.”

“You can adapt most recipes and replace obscure ingredients with things you use more regularly or products that are better value. For example, switch fashionable smoked piementon for Tabasco sauce or chilli flakes. The recipe won’t taste exactly the same, but you can discover some new flavours.”

One obvious way to avoid the supermarkets’ subliminal marketing is to do smaller shops, more regularly, at local retailers.

In Bristol, Fiona uses Hart’s Bakery off the Whiteladies Road for bread and St Nicholas Market for other produce, while in Bath she recommends Bath Farmers’ Market on a Saturday.

“I try to buy locally produced food sourced from identifiable producers rather than organic food.”■ The Frugal Cook by Fiona Beckett is published by Absolute Press, £9.99.

햵 Stop stockpiling – don’t buy excess food ‘in case’ visitors pop by as they might not and food will go to waste.

햳 Make a shopping list, check which ingredients you already have so you don’t end up duplicating them.

햶 Only buy perishable produce when you know you can eat it within 24 hours. This may involve more visits to the shop, but you will spend less time in the supermarket, which helps you resist impulse purchases.

햴 Avoid impulse buying – don’t get over-excited about new products and special offers you don’t need.

햷 Set leftovers aside before they reach the table. Instead of second helpings serve a pudding instead.

42 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

햸 Ban fridge raiding. 햹 Cut down on convenience food – you pay extra for someone to prewash your salad leaves, grate your cheese and make your pasta sauce. 햺 Don’t over-cater – it’s better to offer one really good cheese on your cheese board, for example, than five or six that may be leftover. 햻 Exercise portion control – most of us eat too much, get a reality check on recommended portion sizes at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

CREATIVE COOK: Fiona Beckett and her latest book which aims to help households save money and reduce the amount of food we throw away

BRISTOL Aug Food:Layout 1

18/7/11

12:57

Page 43

Peach and Blueberry Cobbler ITALIAN BAR & KITCHEN

2 for 1

Mondays: 6pm - 9pm PICTURE: Mike Cooper

offer on piz on Mon zas day nights

Tuesday to Saturday: 12 - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm

Ingredients: Serves 4

Closed Sundays

he

w

In The Frugal Cook by Fiona Beckett (published by Absolute Press, £9.99), she doesn’t sacrifice taste, as this recipe proves.

This is a perfect dessert to make in high summer when both peaches and blueberries are in season but can be made with frozen fruit at other times of year. The filling could be made with nectarines, apricots or plums or with berry fruits and apples. Anything you can put in a crumble you can put in a cobbler and if you buy blueberries when they’re in season and cheap you can freeze them and use them at other times of the year.

nd

rink is

bought

Daily lunchtime offer Tuesday to Friday

Any pasta or pizza for £6.95 a drink must be bought

If you would like to make a reservation please call 0117 973 0496 7 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7PT

4 ripe, but not overripe peaches 150g fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, taken out of the freezer half an hour before baking 1–2 tsp lemon juice, depending how ripe the peaches are 15–20g caster sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon For the cobbler topping 110g chilled butter 110g plain flour grated zest of half a lemon 45g caster sugar 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/8 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1/8 tsp salt 50–75g plain yoghurt (not low fat) You will also need a pie dish 18–20cm in diameter

®

Est. 1980

Highly recommended by food Guides and critics Recipient of

Method: 1 Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas 6. Peel and quarter the peaches and place them in a bowl, (if you don’t think they’ll peel easily blanch them in boiling water for 10 seconds). Mix the sugar with the cinnamon, sprinkle over the peaches and mix lightly. Set aside while you prepare the topping.

2 Cut the cold butter into small cubes. If you have a food processor sift the flour, raising agents and sugar into the processor and whizz with the lemon zest. Add the cubed butter and whizz again until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs (about 20–30 seconds). Otherwise, sift the dry ingredients together and rub the butter in by hand. Add the blueberries and lemon juice to the macerating peaches, mix gently, then transfer to a lightly greased pie dish.

3 Transfer the cobbler mixture to a bowl and fold in just enough yoghurt to bring the topping together (too much will result in a tough consistency). Using your hands, roughly shape the mixture into five flatish rounds and place them on top of the peaches, leaving some of the fruit showing.

4 Bake for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden and a skewer comes out clean when inserted. Serve the cobbler warm with Greek yoghurt or vanilla ice cream.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

www.rajpoot.com

for four consecutive years as the best in South West and one of the 10 best in Britain OPEN DAILY including Holidays 12-2.30pm and 6pm to 11pm Friday and Saturday till 11.30pm

SPECIAL LUNCH £8.25 (Monday to Friday)

4 Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BA Tel: 01225 466833 / 464758

www.rajpoot.com

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 43

BUS templat:Layout 1

15/7/11

16:53

Page 44

BUSINESSnews

Solar energy firm in the spotlight Solarsense, which is based at Backwell near Bristol, has won a major national envrionmental award for its work in promoting renewable energy in businesses, homes and public buildings.

The company won the Renewable Energy Association’s Company of the Year at the Renewable Energy Association’s gala dinner in Knightsbridge.

Solarsense was picked out of 280 nominations for the award and particularly impressed the judges for

its work in taking solar energy to the developing world with its regular charity work.

Solarsense was founded in 1994

by Stephen Barrett. Since then the firm has installed more than 4,500 solar photovaltic systems in the south west, saving its customers over 10,00 tonnes of Co2 each year.

Local projects include the Tobacco Factory, Clifton Lido and a privately owned solar system at Worthy Farm, home of Glastonbury Festival.

News in brief ■ Coutts in Bristol, one of the cosponsors of the current Jack Vettriano and Jeanette Jones exhibition at the Royal West of England Academy, helped to raise £7,000 for children’s charity the NSPCC at an exclusive preview of the show. The event included a charity auction and ballroom dancing display.

The exhibition, The Ballroom Spy, will be at the RWA until 31 August.

■ Around 100 business people, councillors and Conservative Party supporters attended a fundraising

evening at the Clifton Club. Guest of honour was Lord Waldegrave, pictured, with Kirsty and Graham GodwinPearson (Chairman, Bristol West Conservatives) and Chris Skidmore, MP. The former Cabinet member spoke about his time in Government and about the Coalition’s plans to reduce the deficit and help business. The Clifton Club event is intended to be a forerunner for a regular Bristol Business Club, which would allow businesses to meet Government ministers on a regular basis.

■ Online recruitment specialists eRecruit Solutions is jointly funding two Bristol University medical graduates, Victoria Wallace and Evelyn Cole, to work on a lifesaving hospital train that travels through some of the poorest parts of India. The Bristol business, which has recently moved to Tower House in Fairfax Street, has chosen to support the Lifeline Express as it has changed tens of thousands of people’s lives with its treatment, which includes surgery on cleft palates and for sight problems.

44 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

SUCCESS STORY: Solarsense founder and managing director Stephen Barrett with colleagues Jennifer Stanley Smith and Jack Daniells, receiving their award from Richard Nourse, one of the Renewable Energy Awards judges

LATEST BUZZ

Heroes need holidays too Soldiers needing precious relaxation time with their families after the horrors of active service, are being given free holidays, thanks to the charity Help for Heroes teaming up with business. Self-catering holiday firm Premier Cottages and Hotwell Road based Spark! Data Systems to offer an exclusive online booking system on selected properties. The site, developed for free by Spark! Data Systems, will be run by the Band of Sisters and will show eligible members of the armed forces which properties are available, and when.

BRISTOL BUSINESS news & views

A round up of achievements and events from the city’s business community

Up and away for fiesta sponsors Bristol’s world famous Balloon Fiesta takes place over the weekend of 11-14 August and is one of the most popular events on the city’s social calendar. But we all know it wouldn’t happen without its generous sponsors, and this year 100 city businesses entered the draw to be the headline sponsor.

The winner is Collett Transport Services, who saw its name drawn out of the hat at the Fiesta 100 Club big draw. This is the third time Collett Transport Services has been a member of the club and owner Andy and his wife Bridget are so passionate about ballooning that they’re training to become balloon pilots. The Colletts and their team will have the pleasure of seeing a hot air balloon bearing the company’s branding taking part in the fiesta, which is attended by around half a million people over its four days.

Bristol Marriott Hotel in the city centre was picked in the 100 Club draw to be the main sponsor of the Thursday Night Glow, while the patron of the spectacular Red Arrows display is the Spire Hospital, Bristol.

Muir Moffat, chairman of this year’s organising committee, said: “We are really pleased with the support we’ve received from businesses and we’re grateful for their contribution.”

Euro-MPs on fact-finding mission in city An entrepreneurial project in Bristol, funded to the tune of £1m by the European Regional Development Fund and Bristol City Council, received a visit from a delegation of six MEPs keen to find out more about its work.

Outset Bristol gives free training and support to people who want to start their own business in Bristol. It is run by award-winning economic development and business support agency YTKO, which has more than 30 years experience.

The MEPs had lunch with some of the clients and attended a workshop so they could see the learning and support offered to people with a wide range of business ideas and projects. Visit: www.outsetbristol.co.uk for more details.

NETWORKING: the MEPs arrive at Outset Bristol

P45:Layout 23

20/7/11

12:15

Page 45

“Getting in shape for Business” Tony Moore Director of AMD Solicitors says you should prepare for business as you would for the Bristol Half

T

he Downs are already starting to look more like an athletics track than Stratford. So with an improvement on last year’s time to beat, or even a first attempt looming, one thing is for sure, preparations will be key to a good run. The same can be said about business whether you are starting a business or ready to move to develop your business to new heights.

Would you run the Bristol half marathon without preparation and training? Of course not. Staying the course takes careful planning and commitment. Every successful business needs a ‘race plan’.

You may need to decide upon (or review) the structure of your business. Will you start from scratch or purchase an existing business? Does the idea of operating a franchise appeal? Should you be a sole trader/partnership/or a limited company? There are advantages and disadvantages to be considered for each, in the areas of liability, tax, management and administrative obligations and ease of disposal. A different structure may suit you best as your business grows and develops.

If your business requires commercial premises you will have to decide whether it is best to buy or lease. Professional advice as to the obligations and liabilities you are taking on is a must Preparation and planning are equally important to managing growth safely and efficiently. All businesses enter into contracts of sorts you may well need standard terms of business, advice upon your supplier’s contract conditions, licences, permits, intellectual property advice and, where there are employees, contracts of employment, written disciplinary procedures, equal opportunities and anti-discrimination procedures.

The commercial team at AMD Solicitors www.amdsolicitors.com tel 0117 9621460 are enthusiastic about helping SMEs and family owned businesses get in shape and fit for business. Private client solicitors at AMD also work closely with the commercial team to cover the personal angles of owning a business such as inheritance tax planning. AMD offer a free initial consultation on legal issues. © AMD Solicitors 2011

Advice Making a Difference

JUNIOR ADVERTISING SALES Basic + Great Commission = £ 18,000 OTE

Based in Bath. Full Time, excellent prospects THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE. THE BATH MAGAZINE We produce two of the UK’s finest city magazines and currently have a superb opportunity for a junior advertising sales person to join our team.

The ideal candidate will possess at least 6 months sales experience, preferably gained from a quality media publisher, however candidates from any sales environment where excellent customer service is paramount, coupled with a desire to learn media selling would be welcome.

Well educated, well spoken, you will be highly personable, enjoy selling, (telephone and occasional face to face) and have the ambition and confidence to succeed in a demanding but rewarding role.

You will also need to be well organised, have good admin and computer skills and be prepared to get involved in all aspects of the business.

At MC Publishing Ltd we love producing superb magazines and take enormous pride in what we do. If you feel you have what we are looking for and want to be part of our continued success then

Please send your CV and covering letter to:

Telephone us on (0117) 9621205 or visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Steve Miklos, The Bristol Magazine, MC Publishing Limited 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED email: director@thebristolmagazine.co.uk www. thebristolmagazine.co.uk

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 45

Bristol Master Class Aug11:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:18

Page 46

adultLIFElearning

Master

OPEN YOUR MIND WITH TBM’S GUIDE TO ADULT COURSES, CLUBS & ACTIVITIES. . . GET LEARNING LIFESTYLEpursuits Bristol hosts a vast and diverse range of courses. Whether you want to learn a new language, improve your fitness, learn a skill or add another ‘string to your bow’ to enhance your career then there is plenty to choose from

ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE: TEACHING FRENCH TO ALL Alliance Française offers a range of courses specifically designed for the individual student’s needs. The classes, all run in the homes of experienced teachers, are relaxed, friendly, flexible, personal, encouraging and fun. One student commented:“Learning with Alliance Française is an ideal way to build confidence and fluency.” Courses also take place at the Henleaze library, opposite Waitrose. Regular classes are running from the end of September for 30 sessions, once a week, 2 hours each session, daytime and evening. For more information tel: 0117 924 7809 / 924 3367

TEACHING DANCE THERAPY: DANCE VOICE Based in Bristol, Dance Voice is a pioneer of Dance Movement Therapy which uses movement and dance for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage creatively in a process to enhance their emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration. Dance Voice offers a range of courses in dance movement psychotherapy, allowing individuals to learn about dance therapy with a view to becoming senior qualified therapists/practitioners. Its highly acclaimed MA programme is interviewing throughout August for September intake.

Tel: 0117 953 2055. www.dancevoice.org.uk

BRISTOL LANGUAGE CENTRE: IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH Do you need to improve your English? The Bristol Language Centre provides a wide range of courses for speakers of English as a second 46 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

language. With evening courses to fit around your busy schedule, as well as a full daytime programme, there is something for everyone. You can choose General or Intensive English: a fun, practical course to improve communication, Business English: focusing on real-life business situations and vocabulary, or you can take a Cambridge or TOEIC exam for professional English, plus for university preparation we offer EAP, Foundation, TOEFL and IELTS. For more details, contact: enq@thebristollanguagecentre.co.uk or visit: www.thebristollanguagecentre.co.uk

WHO ARE YOU?: THE BATH & BRISTOL SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY The school’s course Philosophy for Living offers a fresh perspective on this sometimes troubled world of ours; you will begin to see the world afresh, beyond our (often self-imposed) limitations. Through systematic, practical exploration of questions about wisdom, truth, justice and beauty, students can find increased awareness, deeper meaning, harmony, contentment and a greater sense of the connectedness of all things in their lives. The Bath & Bristol School of Philosophy is a branch of the educational charity The School of Economic Science. For more information: Tel: 07873 230651. www.bathandbristolphilosophy.org or email: bathandbristolphilosophy@gmail.com

SAVING LIVES: ST JOHN AMBULANCE A feast of superb training courses including risk assessment, fire marshaling, moving and handling, and the ever popular first aid courses, St John Ambulance enables thousands of people to make a real difference in their workplace – and outside work – to protect their colleagues, family, friends, and members of the community. With regular courses in Bristol at Bedminster, Aztec West and Nailsea there’s always an opportunity to add a valuable and highly rated skill to your CV. Visit: www.sja.org.uk for all the details.

P47:Layout 23

15/7/11

16:56

Page 47

THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE THEBESTOFBRISTOL PERFECTLYCOVERED BRISTOLSBIGGESTMAGAZINE PERFECTLYDELIVERED TOADVERTISETEL: 0117 9742800

Bristol Libraries

Adult Learning Service

It’s good to learn something new!

Courses for adults in

Art and Crafts Music, Dance and Literature Languages Computers Cookery Gardening DIY Well Being And more!

At venues across Bristol www.bristol.gov.uk/adultlearning 0117 9038844 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 47

Bristol Master Class Aug11:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:19

Page 48

adultLIFElearning THE COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Nutritional therapy can be studied for a career, part time in Bristol, at The College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM), one of the UK’s leading training providers in a range of natural therapies. Additional subjects are taught at other CNM locations. Students come from all walks of life and are motivated by wanting to improve their own health and that of others, and by having a worthwhile and rewarding career which gives them a good income and enables them to work flexible hours. Based on naturopathic principles, the CNM diploma courses provides all students with a basic knowledge of herbal medicine, nutrition, first aid homeopathy and naturopathy in addition to high quality training in their own discipline, enabling them to build successful practices on graduation. To find out more, call 01342 410 505 to book your free place at CNM Bristol’s next open evening. www.naturopathy-uk.com

ARTSandCULTURE ART INSPIRATION: ARNOLFINI The Arnolfini offers informative courses, talks and lectures all year round.

Its summer programme includes Artists Moving Image classes and an Exploring Contemporary Art (Aug 17) course. On Sat 20 August there is an informal yet informative half-day course for anyone wanting to know more about contemporary art. Ways into Contemporary Art will examine the themes of the current exhibition, The Sea Wall, starting with an illustrated talk about contemporary art over the last 50 years. The course will ask questions related to the exhibition, in particular around identity politics, community, domesticity and the viewer. For more information visit: www.arnolfini.org.uk

FLORAL FLOURISH: THE BRISTOL FLORISTRY SCHOOL

Fancy taking up a new hobby that’ll unleash your creative skills? Floristry courses being held in Henleaze include Weekend Wedding Workshop, 6 and 7 August, for £150, will incorporate the latest techniques and methods to design contemporary corsages, buttonholes, church pedestal, stylish table designs and bridal bouquets with a twist. Fast Track Floristry, for the more serious minded, is a two week daytime course in August, or ten evenings starting in September, which costs £350. All materials, including vases and flowers will be provided. Beginners are welcome, but classes will feature fast-paced, hands-on, cutting edge floristry. The emphasis is on practical application, with little note taking. For details: www.bristolfloristryschool.co.uk email: bristolfloristryschool@gmail.com

LEARNINGcentres BRISTOL ADULT LEARNING SERVICE There is something for everyone at Bristol City Council’s Adult Learning Service. Whether you want to learn Swahili or Spanish, stone carving or woodwork, digital video editing or photo manipulation, the history of film or history of art, Indian dance or African dance, yoga or Tai Chi, to fix your bike, broken chair or dripping tap, this is the place for you. Courses are in the daytime, evening and on Saturdays, at Stoke Lodge, Stoke Bishop, St Paul’s Learning and Family Centre, and other venues. Pick up a course guide from your local library, visit: ww.bristol.gov.uk/adultlearning, or call 0117 9038844 to find out more.

48 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

dance dance movement

voice

therapy centre

BRISTOL B ASE D MAST E RS PROGRAMME IN DANCE MOVE ME NT PSYCHOT HE RAPY Validated by Canterbury Christ Church University INTERVIEWING NOW for October 2011 intake and NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN DANCE MOVEMENT and the THERAPEUTIC PROCESS (BTEC) 1 year programme starts September

Ffi: Dance Voice, Quaker Meeting House, Wedmore Vale, Bedminster, Bristol. BS3 5HX tel: 0117 953 2055 e-mail: admin@dancevoice.org.uk www.dancevoice.org.uk

P49:Layout 23

18/7/11

16:16

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Page 49

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 49

FAMILY FUN AUGUST:Layout 5

20/7/11

12:06

Page 50

FAMILYfun

MONKEYING

around activities and events for all the family to join in this month

l en t y T he re ar e p

c l i m b ed of t r e e s t o b e

Adventures in the woods

The National Trust’s Tyntesfield House and Gardens, Wraxall, North Somerset.

Tel: 01275 461900

Wind in the Willows outdoor theatre, Friday 12 August, 6pm – 8pm Enjoy live music and a comedy performance of this well loved tale. Have some fun with the actors and explore the wonderful world of Wind in the Willows through drama, movement and song in a workshop before the show. Adult £15, child £8. Booking required.

Tree Frogs Sunday 21 August, 10.30am – 5.30pm Join the tree frog climbing adventure team for a high and mighty time in the trees. The climb involves being fitted into a specially designed harness and using ropes and friction knots to safely get up into a tree – and back down again.

Get computer game creative

Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol. £3 per participant, please book. Tel: 0117 917 2315 www.arnolfini.org.uk

Mash Up! Sunday 7 August, 1pm – 5pm Imagine what would happen if you actually became part of a computer game. Arnolfini’s spaces will be rigged with 3D imaging technology to track your motion as you move, observe, play and dance. Using robotic technology, computing and physics, your movement will warp virtual forcefields and emerge as interactive visuals.

50 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

a t T y n te s fi e

ld

After hours mischief

C

atch S Bristo haun the Sheep l Hipp odrom ’s show at the e

Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton, Bristol. www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Sunset Special, Friday 5 August, 6.30pm – 10pm

Discover science

Find out what the animals get up to after hours as you stroll round the animal houses and exhibits. You can also enjoy great music plus animal feeding and displays. Book in advance.

Shaun the Sheep Championsheeps, 30 July – 31 August

Family show

Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustines Parade, Bristol. Box office tel: 0844 871 3012 www.bristolhippodrome.co.uk

Shaun’s Big Show, Wednesday 17 – Saturday 20 August, Wednesday, 7pm; Thursday, 11am & 5pm; Friday, 2pm & 7pm; Saturday, 11am, 5pm & 7pm Come and join Shaun and his friends in their very own live show. See all your favourite characters from the hit BBC series in this magical, fully choreographed music and dance extravaganza.

Fun on-board

Explore At-Bristol, Harbourside, Bristol.

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

Join Shaun the Sheep and friends as they host a sports day with a difference. There’s no room to be sheepish as you try your hand at welly boot throwing, dress up as a naughty pig and race your challengers, and race a sheep hopper while trying not to drop the piece of cake.

Make Your Own Robot, Monday 1 – Sunday 7 August, 10am – 5pm Drop in and reuse everyday materials to make your own recycled robot.

K’nex Challenge, Monday 22 August – Tuesday 6 September, 10am – 5pm Get creative with motors, gears and wheels to make marvellous moving objects.

ss Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Bristol. Tel: 0117 926 0680 or visit: www.ssgreatbritain.org

Party time

Crimean Troop Tucker, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 August, 11am – 4pm

35th Birthday Garden Party, Saturday 6 August

Meet re-enactors from the 19th Regiment of Foot, The Green Howards, and sample their gruel.

The farm is 35 this year and to celebrate it is hosting an afternoon of family fun with swingboat rides, donkeys, cream teas and music.

Windmill Hill City Farm, Bedminster, Bristol. www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

P51:Layout 23

19/7/11

12:37

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Page 51

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 51

Ladyzone dps:Layout 1

19/7/11

11:20

Page 52

Ladyzone dps:Layout 1

19/7/11

11:21

Page 53

fit and fab bristol August:Layout 1

18/7/11

09:46

Page 54

FIT&FABULOUS

Evening elegance As the summer evenings start to draw in, twilight elegance is a must. Already the top beauty brands have launched their autumn collections, with a trend of the seductive midnight blue shade. We love Dior’s collection in particular – called Blue Tie, it features striking eyeshadows, liner and nail varnish. It’s perfect for balmy August nights, creating a feminine, sensuous and ultra-glamorous look. The sultry smoky eye is reinvented in a new 3 Couleurs Smoky Eyeshadow compact (£32). The sliding lid of this innovative box reveals a mirror that glides out for easy application and inside is a soft base colour, a matte colour and an iridescent colour, allowing you to build up your desired look. Play with the hues to create a strong, densely smoky eye and then enhance the look further with the Diorshow Waterproof Liner (£17). Available in carbon and navy, it provides intense emphasis. For the finishing touch, decorate nails with Dior

It is possible to have gorgeous goddess locks thanks to the brand new Mythic Oil from L’Oreal (£11.95 from www.hair1direct.co.uk).

The blend of avocado oil and grape seed oil in this leave-in treatment easily absorbs into damp hair to add suppleness for styling, nourishment to moisturise damaged hair and anti-frizz protection to improve elasticity. It can also be used on dry hair for intense shine.

Vernis (£17.50) in Tuxedo Blue and Blue Denim. Deep and glossy, Tuxedo Blue is particularly alluring, adding a magnetic chicness to any outfit. Indulge in these sublime shades for a striking look that you can wear into autumn.

Available from 16 August in Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser and John Lewis.

Midnight blue is the ❝ only colour which can ever compete with black ❞ – Christian Dior

SKIN DEEP A selection of tried and tested health and beauty products that we love

❀ ❀

Feel and smell beautiful with Esteé Lauder’s seductive new fragrance, Sensuous Nude.

Feminine and elegant, it is a woody musk with creamy vanilla, luscious coconut water and fresh Sicilian bergamot. £47 for 50ml from House of Fraser and John Lewis.

❀

Sleep is wonderful for our body, as it gives it time to rest. However, when we are sleeping our skin is hard at work. Night time is when the skin’s metabolic rate is highest and to take advantage of our skin’s night time workout, Origins has introduced High Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-enriched Renewal Cream (£32 from House of Fraser). It helps renew skin overnight to reveal brighter, younger-looking skin in the morning, and you’ll definitely notice the difference. A time-released resurfacing ingredient helps dry, flaky layers of skin gently turn over while sleeping to leave smooth and richly replenished skin once awake. Not only that, it is formulated with vitamins, minerals and moisture which helps to keep skin protected during the day.

54 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

Firm up The effects of relaxing in the sun over the summer months can be extremely damaging to our skin, so it’s so important to use a moisturiser with an SPF and keep up a good skincare routine using nourishing and hydrating products. Dr.Hauschka products are some of the best to use to keep skin looking heathy and young.

The Firming Mask is one of our favourites – it’s a creamy intensive treatment to firm, regenerate and moisturise. Easily absorbed, it contains rose wax, rose water, rose essential oil and rose flower extract to provide nourishment and strength to restore elasticity. The mask can be used on the face and neck once or twice a week as part of your skincare routine.

Leave it on for 30 minutes, remove with warm water and you’ll immediately feel that your skin is smoother and firmer.

The Dr.Hauschka Firming Mask can be purchased from www.graceemmerson.com for £36.95. Grace Emmerson runs a Bristol-based skin treatment business from her own home, providing holistic skin and body treatments as well as a skin consultation service and mail order service for the Dr.Hauschka range.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY BRISTOL:Layout 1

19/7/11

13:24

Page 1

GET motivated

Bristol-based personal trainer Camilla Ayrton offers tips to increase motivation for exercise Buy any REDKEN shampoo and conditioner and get a free hair wax

W

hen you love exercise you reap the rewards of increased confidence, a better body and improved focus – be that at work, home or play. Finding that motivation can sometimes be difficult – we’ve all been there at the end of a long day with the intention to go to the gym but as the moment calls we do not answer and drive straight past the gym to our sofas. I want to pass on five tips that have helped my clients, friends and family maintain their motivation for exercise allowing them to reach their goals and become more confident in themselves.

햲

Write a personal mission statement.

This will be a constantly evolving paragraph that you have to hand every day detailing what you want to be. My clients keep it in their diaries, purses, bedside tables and on the fridge. Your personal mission statement may include information about work, home and most importantly your exercise and eating habits; what you want to do, how you are going to do it and why it’s your wish. For example, you may wish to state “I will exercise for 20 minutes everyday at a comfortable pace that suits me, whether I take a stroll at lunch or hit the gym or pool after work. This will increase my confidence resulting in a happier me.” Your mission statement will take some time to write and you may want to add to it constantly but it’s a great tool to keep you motivated.

CARLO &beauty hair

M

MOROCCANOIL ®

Stockists

Stockists

Main stockists of REDKEN

Tel: 0117 968 2663 • www.carlohairandbeauty.co.uk 6 Rockleaze Rd, Sneyd Park, Bristol BS9 1NF

햳 Spend five minutes each morning reading your mission statement.

By reading your mission statement once a day when you have five minutes to yourself (perhaps when you brush your teeth or are on the bus to work) you will keep in mind the reasons why you wish to go to the gym and how it will make you feel, making you more likely to commit to it.

햴 Play out, don’t work out.

Exercise should be fun and enjoyable – if it’s fun you are more likely to want to do it again after each session. Change your exercise each month – try something new, join a club or class or train for an event. Not only will you reap the benefits in your body from changing your workout, you will increase your confidence, meet new people and smile at the challenge.

햵 Write your gym appointments in your diary.

When you write an appointment down to see the dentist, for example, you don’t try to squeeze in extra work or simply forget; you go to the dentist.

The same process will work for your exercise – write it down, commit to it, then do it.

햶 Make appointments with your friends, trainers or groups to exercise.

This adds accountability and will leave you with no excuse but to attend your exercise session otherwise you will be letting others down around you.

Use these five tips for increasing your motivation to exercise and feel the benefits. Exercise increases concentration, learning ability, helps beat stress, reverses ageing, lifts your mood and helps you to lose weight, tone up and feel great about yourself. ■ Camilla is co-founder of Bristol-based health and fitness group, Reach to Fitness, and has a passion for movement, vitality and happiness and aims to give you the enthusiasm, advice and education to reach your goals. For further information, tips and recipes ideas, visit: www.reachtofitness.co.uk www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 55

Aug bristol walk:Layout 1

20/7/11

11:56

Page 56

OUT&ABOUT

THE GREEN miles A good walk ends with a visit to the pub. Andrew Swift has chosen an award winning country inn for the culmination of a walk in the cotswolds

P

ut your walking boots on and pack some water and a snack as this month’s trail is an eight-mile walk in the Cotswolds. The route takes you along green lanes, to the summit of a high hill, through beech woods and down an ancient hollow way to a traditional country inn. The train journey from Temple Meads to Cam & Dursley takes just over half an hour.

On leaving the station, turn left out of the car park, cross the road and after a few metres turn right along Halmore Lane.

Keep to the bridleway which follows the course of a green lane for the next 1500 metres.

At Pear Orchard Farm, follow the lane as it swings to the right, before crossing a scissor stile on the left (SO759006).

Walk across the playing field, go through a gate, cross the road and turn left along the pavement.

Ignore the first footpath on the right, but when the pavement ends, just past the last bungalow, cross a stile on the right (SO761003). Head towards the right-hand hedgerow and continue alongside it.

After 250 metres, another hedgerow comes in from the left.

Cross a stile in the hedgerow and head diagonally down the field to where a gap in the hedge leads to a bridge over a brook (ST759997). Climb up the other side, head through a wide gateway and make for a small gate in the corner of the next field. Instead of going through it, turn left alongside the hedge and walk up to a kissing gate (ST760993). Ignoring the stile on the right, carry on uphill and go through the next stile on the right.

Turn left uphill, heading toward a conical hill – known as Peaked Down – on the horizon. After going through a stile and a kissing gate you pass through a small wood before reaching the road.

Take a path (which does not appear on the OS map) from the car park to the summit of Peaked Down. The views from the top are, as you might expect, spectacular. From the summit, take the path leading eastward towards woodland. After about 175 metres, look for a Cotswold Way waymark and follow it to the right.

56 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

When you come to a signpost with a choice of five routes (ST769992), bear right along the Cotswold Way towards Dursley, following a track for a few metres before crossing a kissing gate on the left and walking down to a road.

Here you have a choice. If you want to cut short the walk, stay on the Cotswold Way and head down to Dursley. To carry on, however, cross the road and start to walk up the drive of Coldharbour Farm (ST770988). After a few metres, go through a gate on the left and follow a muddy track alongside the drive.

At the end of the track, turn left along the drive. When you reach the farm buildings go through a gate on the left. At the next gate, turn left and then cross a stile on the right. Head for a large building in the far corner of the field, cross a stile to the left of a metal gate (ST772983) and carry on along a path.

The path soon becomes a lane which you follow – ignoring a bridleway on the left – until you reach a busy road. Cross and go through the gateway to Sheephouse Farm (ST775977).

Almost immediately turn right, double back over a stile and walk alongside the hedge beside the road for 300 metres.

When you reach a metal gate, turn left up a green lane for 250 metres, cross a stile, turn right and follow the hedgerow to a stile in the corner of the field (ST769974).

Turn left up a track and, as you enter the woods, turn right up a steep path. When you reach a broad track, turn right along it, bearing right at a T junction.

When you reach a busy road (ST763970), cross over and walk up alongside the road for a few metres before turning right along a lane. Turn left up steps just before the gate and carry on uphill. After about 150 metres, the path begins to level out. Follow it as it curves right. This brings you to a road (ST762968).

The next section of the walk, through woodland, is the most difficult to follow, as there is a multiplicity of paths and tracks, with few landmarks. The following directions should enable you to stay on course, however. When you reach the road, head back into the woods along a bridleway. After a few metres, turn left and then right, staying close to the road, before swinging away from it along a broad track. When the track forks, bear

TRAFFIC FREE: a traditional green lane to be found along the Cotswold Way

Aug bristol walk:Layout 1

15/7/11

16:51

Page 57

OUT&ABOUT

THE UPS AND DOWNS: left to right, the Holloway down to Dursley, the view from the top of Peaked Down and, looking up to the summit of Peaked Down

left and then right, heading back up to the road. Follow the track as it curves back into the woods and after 50 metres turn left. Follow the track as it leads gently downhill and through a large clearing. Carry straight on here and at the next crosspath, before bearing right at the next fork.

After passing a scrapyard on your left, carry on until you reach a clearing with a choice of paths (ST755974). Turn right, following a path down a steep hollow way. When you come to Fort Lane, turn left along a footpath (ST757977). Carry on up the Slade and along another footpath to reach the Old Spot Inn (ST753980).

The Old Spot, a traditional pub famous for its beers and hearty meals, is the perfect place to end a Cotswold ramble.

From here, you have a choice. Cam & Dursley station is 2.5 miles to the north, and, while there is a choice of footpaths to take you there, all of them – as a glance at the map will reveal – pass through built-up or industrial areas.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

There is a bus which connects with trains to Bristol. To find the bus stop, turn left out of the Old Spot and follow the road past the library. At the traffic lights, carry straight on along the main road, following it as it curves to the right. The bus stop is opposite Sainsburys.

Level of difficulty: Two steep climbs and some muddy stretches, but generally straightforward. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION Length of walk: 8 miles Map: OS Explorer 167 ■ Approximate time: 3½ – 4 miles ■ The Old Spot is open 11am–11pm.

Lunch is served from noon – 3pm. Tel: 01453 542870, visit: www.oldspotinn.co.uk ■ ■

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 57

LAVENDER time:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:44

Page 58

FIELDofFLOWERS

Purple HAZE Lavender is renowned for its heady fragrance and relaxing, healing properties, but a visit to the Somerset Lavender is a tonic in itself, as Lindsey Harrad found out

T

ucked away down a quiet lane in the village of Faulkland, Somerset Lavender is a fragrant enclave, planted with row upon row of silvergreen lavender plants. By July, the distinctive scent is heavy on the breeze, there’s a gorgeous purple haze as far as the eye can see, and honeybees buzz purposefully in the sunshine, visiting the aromatic spikes before returning to nearby hives.

This idyllic spot was once home to a dairy farm, but as it became increasingly difficult to make a living from producing milk, third generation farmer Francis Green and his wife Judith had to make the incredibly tough decision to sell their cows.

“We considered everything from opening a B&B to making cheese,” says Judith. “But the idea to grow lavender came from my brother, after he showed us an article about a pick your own lavender business.”

Somerset isn’t generally known for lavender farming – Norfolk or Provence in France tend to be associated with commercial lavender growing – but Judith explains that it isn’t that difficult to cultivate, as long as you get the soil conditions right and plenty of sunshine.

“There aren’t many people doing this on a farm scale, and those who do tend to be quite secretive,” she laughs. “So we just had to figure it out for ourselves. The trick is pruning.

Most English varieties need to be pruned every year, straight after flowering. Cut back the plant by two thirds, but leave some green shoots below where you have pruned.”

Somerset Lavender has a 5.5 acre field of traditional English lavender plants – Angustifolia – which are mostly grown for essential oil. The couple have recently planted another five acres, including a later flowering variety – Grosso – which ensures visitors to the farm in August can still see plants in flower after the main harvest in late July.

A tour of the barn reveals what looks like a museum of antique farm equipment, but Judith explains that one of the machines is a cabbage planter, adapted by Francis to plant lavender plugs instead. “Planting is a slow process, but they

58 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

last ten years before they need replacing,” explains Judith. “We bought our harvester from France, it harvests and prunes the lavender at the same time. The lavender’s stems are cut cleanly and tied into a sheaf, and the sheaves are then collected by hand and air-dried before going into the still. We prefer to use a traditional harvester rather than a modern machine, which tends to just chop up all the lavender, because we find it produces a better quality oil.”

In the still, the steam rises through the dry lavender, capturing the essential oil, before going into a condenser. There it is cooled and the resulting hydrolat contains tiny molecules of essential oil suspended in water, which rise to the top.

“We syringe off the oil by hand and put in dark bottles, then lay it down for between six to nine months,” says Judith. On a good day, the still produces up to a litre of oil in one threehour run, although a quarter of a pint is a more typical outcome. The still runs about 50 times every season.

The oil is bottled and sold as pure essential oil, and it is also used to make Somerset Lavender’s beauty products, including hand cream and body lotion, which are all made with natural ingredients and contain no parabens or other nasties. The remaining lavender water does not go to waste and is used to make lavender soap.

So what makes a vintage year? An oil with a good scent is the most important factor, of course, but lavender essential oil can vary quite substantially, depending on factors such as the growing conditions, harvesting methods and the plant variety.

“French lavender is typically a hybrid variety, which produces oodles of oil, but we don’t think it’s as nice as the English lavender,” explains Judith. “The hybrid lavenders tend to produce a more astringent smelling oil, with a hint of camphor.

It’s still just as soothing to use, but the English lavender smells softer and more pleasant.”

In addition to the glorious scent and its relaxing properties, lavender is also known for its natural healing qualities, and Judith and Francis have discovered that growing lavender has healed some of the heartbreak of losing the family dairy

IT MAKES SCENTS: farmers Francis and Judith Green have switched from dairy to lavender to save the family business Top right, harvesting the lavender takes place this month

LAVENDER time:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:22

Page 59

FIELDofFLOWERS

How to use lavender

business. “If we hadn’t diversified, the farm wouldn’t have survived,” admits Judith. “But farming is in Francis’s blood and you can get very technical about what makes the best lavender oil, but he just has a natural feel for knowing when the time is right to harvest and what needs doing.”

“We’ve been growing lavender for five years now and we just hope that people will continue to visit and support the farm so we can keep producing this wonderful herb for many years to come.”

Somerset Lavender is open Wed –Sunday, 10am to5pm, until the end of September, plus bank holiday Monday.

Admission is free; there’s a café serving teas, homemade cakes and light lunches, all made with local produce; lavender products in the shop; plant sales; willow run and duck pond; and a fragrant rose arbour and healing herb garden. ■ Visit Somerset Lavender at Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, Somerset BA3 5WA. Tel: 01373 834893.Visit: www.somersetlavender.com.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

• Put a few drops of essential oil in your bath water to help you relax • Use a pillow mist on your bedding to aid sleep • Add to a carrier oil and use for massage • Keep it in your first aid kit – lavender’s natural antiseptic qualities heal insect bites and stings, just add a few drops to water to bathe minor wounds • Women can add a few drops to their bath to promote healing after childbirth, or use the Somerset Lavender sea salt and lavender oil bath soak • Add a few drops to an oil burner for a natural room fragrance • Bags of dried lavender are a natural moth repellent and keep your clothes smelling fresh • Drink lavender tea – try delicate white tea or black Ceylon tea with lavender in the farm café • Use lavender in cooking – it’s delicious in cakes, biscuits and ice cream. You can pick up the farm’s new recipe book at the café and buy bags of culinary lavender • Plant lavender in your garden to attract bees and other insects, and provide fragrance and colour

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 59

Aug Interiors:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:47

Page 60

INTERIORS

SHOW YOUR true

colours

The heaton family took a tired 1960s home and breathed life, colour and pattern into every room. Nichola Owen enjoys a tour of their contemporary, light and family-friendly home

P

eering through a local estate agent’s window eight years ago, Sarah Millmore found herself drawn to a small 1960’s built house in Westbury on Trym. So drawn that she went to see it straightaway. “I collected the details and whizzed there. I poked my head around the garden gate and although the house was dated and the garden overgrown I saw its potential immediately,” says Sarah.

Phil Heaton is a furniture designer and cabinet maker, while Sarah is a furniture designer and upholsterer, so the pair were well equiped to take on a new project and wanted to move.

“Our daughter, Phoebe, then eight, and now 16, was growing up and filling our house with friends and although Reuben (nine), was only a baby at the time we knew that our growing boy would soon outgrow our tiny garden. We wanted a project too. We wanted a place to put our own stamp on,” says Sarah.

The little 1960s house was perfect, explains Sarah: “It needed renovating and extending and although it is fairly central to Bristol it is set down a long driveway and feels secluded. It is like being in the countryside it is so quiet. We did look inside of course but we were already living there in our heads. We were so full of plans.”

The family quickly put their house up for sale and luck was with them as it sold within six weeks. The sale and purchase dovetailed and the family moved in.

60 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

“It was small and dated inside. The kitchen was a horror of pine. That was tough for Phil, who makes wonderful kitchens for clients. So he refreshed it adding new doors, worktops and a new hob.

“There was a tiny conservatory at the back that was falling down. The walls were nicotine stained and it was mustard carpets a go-go. But I was thrilled and started cleaning and painting.”

❝

Be bold and confident with colour.

Start with one room or one wall to try it. Painting with a bright colour is an easy way to take a dip into brightness so give it a go

❞

The family then spent the next few years making gradual improvements.

“We refurbished the bathroom. Out went the powder pink bathroom suite and in came the white fittings and bright green cabinetry. Phil made the cabinets and seeing the bathroom made over and popping with colour made me so happy. It was a taste of things to come,” Sarah remembers. The couple also redecorated the bedrooms and added storage wherever possible.

THE BRIGHT TOUCH: Sarah Millmore’s eye for colour combined with partner Phil Heaton’s cabinet making skills make a unique interior style PICTURES: Mark Bolton, visit: www.markbolton.co.uk

Aug Interiors:Layout 1

20/7/11

12:30

Page 61

INTERIORS

RETRO COLOURS: clockwise from top; Sarah’s choice of fabrics creates a cohesive look; the bathroom is an eyeopener for sleepy heads; Phil’s kitchen was completed on Christmas Eve, just in time to welcome 14 for Christmas dinner, and the Heatons enjoy creating storage in unlikely places, such as this space behind a bedroom door Phil and Sarah have also launched a vintage VW camper van hire business called Cool Classy Campers - the website is www.coolclassycamp ers.co.uk

Finally, after six years of living in the house Sarah and Phil decided to extend and completely remodel the downstairs living space.

Sarah runs Millson Moda, making and designing upholstery.

“I reached a point where my work was spreading over the house. I needed a workroom. I looked at renting a space but after big chats we decided to join the garage with the house and make that my workroom.”

At the same time they extended across the rear of the house, moved the kitchen into the extension, and created a family snug where the old kitchen was.

Sarah was keen to crack on with the improvements. “Our request for planning permission was refused on a technicality and I wanted to crack on so we started improving the garden.

We put in a pond and raised beds. It was bonkers because when the work started one month later, the diggers and workmen destroyed all our efforts when they were tearing down the house.”

But Sarah was not alone in her madness. “The builders left a digger in the garden and then constructed the frame for the Lshape of extension. When it was done they realised that they could not get the digger out of the garden because the exit was blocked. So it all came back down again.”

Eventually, the walls went up, folding doors were installed across the whole of the rear extension, Sarah’s workroom was complete and Phil set to building the kitchen.

“It is my favourite part of the house. It works perfectly and looks beautiful,”says Sarah.

The work took about four months to complete. Sarah says: “Phil promised me that it would be all done by Christmas and at 4pm on Christmas Eve the granite was put on the kitchen

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

worktops. It was fantastic. On Christmas Day we had 14 people round our table for lunch. It was a perfect day.”

Sarah says that she has learned some lessons from their experience and has these words of advice: “Live in your house before you do any major works. Then, once you have a firm idea, go for it, just crack on. We wanted our living area and garden to be one space and we created it by opening the whole of the back of the house.”

Phil’s comment for others is about using colour. “Be bold and confident with colour. Start with one room or one wall to try it.

Painting with a bright colour is an easy way to take a dip into brightness, so give it a go.”

Transforming the interior was a joint project. “Phil is a cabinetmaker and anything in our house that is wooden is made

by Phil. And anything you can see that is colourful is made by me. I am always recovering and reinventing pieces of furniture.

I love unexpected colour mixes, kitsch fabrics and crazy patterns. I am sure that colour is good for the soul.

“Phil is always creating more storage and because I spend my days sourcing fabrics for clients I am always looking to transform things.”

But for Sarah, it is a joy. “I am so grateful to live here. Even one year later when I come home I still have to pinch myself.

And then I realise that the kids and their pals have eaten every stick of food in the fridge and the dog has not been walked and I know that this is not a dream after all, this really is my home.”■ Phil’s website is www.philipheaton, while Sarah’s furniture designs for boxes, benches, footstools and fabric covered mirror frames can be seen at: www.millsonmoda.co.uk August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 61

P62:Layout 22

18/7/11

15:30

Page 62

'Solar PV systems offer a great way of making money, whilst saving the environment and protecting yourself against the soaring costs of electricity' Specialist industry knowledge Maximise your profits with SEG Solar Completely free consultations and advice Dedicated Team offering you the highest standards of quality in the industry Highly trained staff will Design, Install and Commission your bespoke PV system

Call Now 0117 329 0904 www.solarenergygen.co.uk

Accredited Companies Promise

62 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

Kitchens by Design fp August 2011:Layout 9

18/7/11

15:19

Page 63

Bristol Classified - August:Layout 4

20/7/11

12:32

Page 64

the directory

to advertise in this section call 0117 974 2800

Business Services

House & Home

The Furniture Care People.

Furniture, door, wood and metal stripping.

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

Our customers range from Home Owners to the V&A Museum

Recommended for Grade I Listed buildings

Franchise of the year award

Call Maria on 01225 315541 • www.kwikstrip.biz Advertise in the Bristol Magazine and reach an audience of over 80,000

Business Services Accommodation, catering, cleaning, financial, healthcare, security, transport & delivery, car services

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Call Kathy Williams on 0117 974 2800

www.splashernet.com

07503431850 info@splashernet.com

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing

Tested...tried...trusted

◆ 100% nutrition ◆ One to one support ◆ Programmes 408 to 1500 kcal a day ◆ Full maintenance ◆ Great flavours Phone 0117 9743166 for details

We help you get there - and stay there House & Home

the directory Classified advertising made easy Feature your Business in full colour and reach 80,000+ readers.

With our monthly shelf life The Bristol Magazine keeps working, and working, and working. Your ad will be seen by more people, and with our shelf life will last longer and keep working much harder.

Number of months

series of

series of

seriesof

£50

£45

3

6

12

£40

small ad 4cms x 1 column

per month

per month

per month

6cms x 1 column

med ad

per month

£75

per month

£65

per month

large ad 6cms x 2 column

per month

£120

per month

£100

per month

+ 1 FREE

+ 1 FREE

+ 1 FREE

+ 2 FREE

£55

+ 2 FREE

£80

+ 2 FREE

The Bristol Magazine, 2 Princes Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2ED Email: classified@thebristolmagazine.co.uk T: 0117 974 2800

64 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

KF PIF full Page June:PIF Full Page

15/7/11

14:32

Page 69

BRISTOLproperty

T

2 WINDSOR PLACE, CLIFTON, BRISTOL.

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

Guide Price: £795,000

his extremely pretty Georgian townhouse forms one half of a pair of attached houses believed to date back to the late 18th century. The property has been extensively refurbished and the majority of original features have been retained, both internally and externally. The accommodation is arranged over four floors and a great deal of attention to detail and sensitivity has been brought to the presentation. The layout is extremely flexible and currently laid out as follows: Ground floor: Entrance porch leading to guest cloakroom, entrance hall giving access to the dining room with superb period features and the bespoke kitchen handmade by a local cabinet maker. First floor: Drawing room running the full width of the house with glazed French doors onto the canopied balcony, study/bedroom three overlooking the garden. Second floor: Views out toward the harbour and beyond, generous master bedroom, fully fitted bathroom. Lower ground floor: Semi open plan bedroom suite with generous en suite shower room, utility room, staircase down to vaulted cellar providing a games room and wine store. Outside there is a flagstone terrace to the front of the house leading to a beautifully landscaped city garden at the rear. The house offers a particularly stylish and ‘grown up’ home in super location and viewing is highly recommended. Agents are Knight Frank.

www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk

August 2011

|

The Bristol Magazine 65

KF PIF full Page June:PIF Full Page

15/7/11

11:33

Page 69

PROPERTYinFOCUS

7 CLIFTON PARK, CLIFTON, BRISTOL.

Guide Price: ÂŁ1,200,000

T

his beautiful and substantial Grade II listed, semi detached Victorian house, occupies one of the most enviable locations on the edge of Clifton village as well as a most prestigious address.

Providing elegant accommodation on a grand scale, the house has outstanding principal rooms and a wealth of fascinating period detail. Arranged over four floors, the main house consists of two large reception rooms and seven double bedrooms with three bathrooms; a utility room; a study; a large store room and kitchen. The kitchen opens through to the drawing room, while the original French doors open onto a sunny balcony that overlooks the garden. The drawing room features a rear wall of custom-built, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with a sliding ladder giving easy access to one’s library. There are impressive floor-to-ceiling sash windows with working shutters; period fireplaces; elaborate ceiling cornices and mouldings; arched doorways and wooden floors, the main reception rooms are a joy to be in. The recently rebuilt entrance porch, reception hallway, cast iron and mahogany staircase and duel landing with its great stone mullion and transom window are all equally impressive features of this wonderful house. An added asset to the house is a large unconverted basement, which retains its original external access. This floor could either be integrated into the main house or converted into a separate luxury apartment, offering potential letting income or convenient living space for relatives. In recent years the property has undergone improvements including a new roof, rewiring, replacement gas boilers and a solar powered energy system providing hot water there is still potential for further upgrading and enhancement. There are so many special elements to the property to delight any purchaser looking for an authentic, well preserved, Victorian townhouse. All in all, this is an authentic, well preserved Victorian townhouse offering traditional English architecture, practicality and the flexibility to accommodate staff or relatives. It will appeal to those seeking both a well placed, centrally located home for a family and a property with exceptional architectural merit and historic significance.

Cliftons Estate Agents, 140 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 947 6363

66 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

Abode fp:Layout 3

20/7/11

12:33

Page 67

PIF full Page Aug Haigh:PIF Full Page

15/7/11

12:22

Page 69

PROPERTYinFOCUS

GUARDIAN COURT, BEAUFORT BUILDINGS, CLIFTON, BRISTOL.

Priced from: £140,000

68 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

F

or some people ‘of a certain age’, the idea of moving into somewhere less stressful can be very appealing. It would be nice to think that external maintenance and gardening need never be a problem again, that there is someone to talk to if any issues crop up with the building, and that a 24-hour emergency call system is in place should ever the need arise. Yet, at the same time, the thought of moving into somewhere ‘institutionalised’ may not sound so great. It’s nice to be able to keep one’s independence, even if you are getting a little older. This is where developments like Guardian Court become ideal. Specifically designed for the over sixties, but in no way resembling a nursing home environment, this converted church offers the best of both worlds: independence and peace of mind. Each flat is self-contained but has access to a communal garden, parking area and laundry room, and there is lift access to all floors. There are currently two apartments for sale: both with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. One flat, on the top floor, enjoys open westerly views over neighbouring rooftops towards Dundry in the distance; the other is a first floor apartment and happens to be one of the largest in the development, with ample storage and a potential study room. The agents, Haigh & Sons, are particularly experienced in the sale of this type of property, and would welcome any questions about these, or any other similar properties they are currently selling.

Haigh & Sons, 43 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol. Tel: 0117 973 5859

Haigh & Sons fp Aug:Layout 1

15/7/11

10:33

Page 87

43 North View, Westbury Park, Bristol BS6 7PY

0117 973 5859 www.haighandsons.co.uk 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!

WESTBURY PARK – £649,000

A particularly fine Edwardian terrace, presented in good order throughout, with five double bedrooms, three reception rooms (including a large conservatory that is open-plan to a spacious kitchen/breakfast room), and three bath/shower rooms. There is parking to the front, and a secluded family-size garden to the rear (plus, Bristol's biggest garden, Durdham Downs, just around the corner!).

STOKE BISHOP – £294,950

This is a spacious 1930s semi, of popular hall-to-hall design, offering scope for enlargement for a growing family. The house, which enjoys an open outlook, includes three bedrooms and two receptions, a fitted kitchen, a modern bathroom, a separate cloakroom and a downstairs wc, a large garage and a rear garden of good size.

WESTBURY ON TRYM – £249,950

A beautifully presented semi-detached home in a corner plot within walking distance of Westbury Village. More spacious than it might appear, the house includes a large living room and a kitchen/diner, a downstairs cloakroom, three bedrooms and a plush bathroom upstairs. There are secluded gardens to front and rear, and a southfacing patio to one side, ensuring the best of the day's sunshine.

WESTBURY PARK – £430,000

This spacious Victorian terrace, with accommodation over three floors, a sunny south-westerly garden and a garage, is currently let out as a ground floor flat and upper maisonette, but is to be sold with vacant possession. This offers buyers a number of choices: turn it back into a beautiful five-bedroom family home, continue to rent it out, or live in part and rent out the rest.

Here to accommodate.

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

P69:Layout 23

20/7/11

12:36

Page 70

Sell your property with a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPH Professional property photography speaks louder than words and a Bristol estate agent, is offering vendors a complimentary service

T

o celebrate the successful opening of The Apartment Company’s new office in Bristol earlier this year, the team is offering a complimentary professional photography service for vendors in the area as part of a special promotion from now until September. Apartment vendors are to be given the opportunity to present stunning photographs of their homes for free through individual glossy property brochures and advertising in local luxury consumer magazines in order to maximise their sale potential. The Apartment Company will also enter all vendors into a competition for the chance to win a Panasonic Lumix G2 camera (worth c. £400.00). The level of service expected from buyers and vendors today is exceptionally high, and property presentation plays a key role in the buying decision. The Apartment Company has noted the importance of focusing on one of the first things buyers look at when viewing a brochure, advertisement or website– the photographs. Consequently, it’s specialist photographers are highly trained to take professional interior and exterior photographs to promote vendors’ properties to the highest standard. Managing Director, Peter Greatorex says, “Presentation at every level, be it offline or online, is at the forefront of our company adding significant value to our service. In the current market it is important to bring our apartments to life through incredible photography and visually grab the attention of a buyer by standing out from the crowd. Stunning imagery goes a long way in guaranteeing a sale as it generates more viewings. For those sellers who enjoy photography as a hobby, there is also the opportunity to win a fantastic Panasonic camera – to photograph their new home perhaps?”

For more information please contact The Apartment Company on Tel: 0117 900 1617 or visit theapartmentcompany.co.uk

‘from HOME to HOME...’

D

own what must be one of the least travelled roads in BS9 is Cote House, a majestic period building converted into 12 distinctive and charmingly individual single and double retirement apartments each with its own lounge, bedroom, kitchenette and en-suite bathroom.

Situated just off The Downs in Westbury-on-Trym, the location and lifestyle is simply perfect for the discerning resident who values independence, quality and peace of mind.

Included within the single monthly accommodation and utilities fee, friendly and highly experienced staff offer a three-course home cooked meal 7 days a week. Importantly, a 24-hour call system comes as standard with a hairdresser, chiropodist, vicar, mobile library and various health professionals all making regular visits.

A key feature of life in the House is the hugely popular programme of activities available which includes frequent visits to places of interest in addition to in-house exercise classes and events for those who wish to participate.

The magnificent 17th Century building stands in beautiful open surroundings with peaceful, secluded and uplifting gardens bringing the sound of nature and great views to residents’ doorsteps. No wonder residents feel they have come ‘from home to home...’

Cote House, Cote Drive, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3UP Visit: www.cotecharity.co.uk e-mail: info@cotecharity.co.uk telephone: 0117 987 0105 Registered Charity No: 257237 70 The Bristol Magazine

|

August 2011

Blenheims offers the full range of block management services and excels in delivering outstanding service with a personal touch.

We work closely with our clients to devise an approach that works for their building and the way in which they would like it to be run.

• Professional property management for blocks of flats of all sizes • • Outstanding Accounts support for collecting and managing service charges • • ARMA members • 28 Chandos Road, Redland, BS6 6PF T: 0117 933 9560 E: Bristol@blenheims.co.uk W: www.blenheims.co.uk

Clifton fp August:Layout 1

15/7/11

17:00

Page 71

W NE

Clifton

£1,200,000 7 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

Stone Porch

Kitchen Breakfast Room Solar and Gas Heating

Parking for Numerous Vehicles

Study and Utility Room

In Need Of General Refurbishment Private Garden

£320,000 Johns Carr Terrace, Cliftonwood Two Double Bedrooms

Stylish & Contemporary finish Beautiful Kitchen

Dining Room

Basement Apartment with separate entrance in need of development

Flat 3, Elm Lane, Redland Underground Secure Parking

Drawing Room

Two Bathrooms Balcony

Terraced House Kitchen Diner

£320,000

4 Double Bedrooms Bathroom

Lounge

Sunny Garden

CJ Hole August.indd 72

15/07/2011 12:52

Untitled-3 73

15/07/2011 15:31

6 1 A P S L E Y ROA D C L I F TO N B R I S TO L B S 8 2 S W

0117 974 1741

LEESE NAGLE E S TAT E A G E N T S

www.leeseandnagle.co.uk

Redland £689,950

A substantial Victorian bay fronted semi-detached house arranged over 4 floors. The accommodation briefly comprises: an entrance vestibule, 2 generous rooms to the front where the main sitting room has period features, formal dining room/study, lovely kitchen/ breakfast room with an Aga, utility room, basement room, 5 bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Outside there is a rear garden and an integral garage.

Stoke Bishop £650,000

Superb 5 double bedroom detached 1930’s house with 150ft long south facing rear garden.

Set back from the road the part lawned front garden provides parking for 2 cars, access to the integrated garage and entrance porch which opens into the central hallway. Both reception rooms are generously proportioned; kitchen, cloakroom and 4 double bedrooms and bathroom. The master bedroom is provided by way a large loft conversion with ensuite.

Westbury on Trym £399,950

Situated in popular Abbey Road this comfortable family home benefits from well-proportioned accommodation benefiting from a garage, beautifully landscaped garden and parking. The ground floor comprises entrance hallway, sitting room, extended kitchen/breakfast room and a family/dining room with doors out onto the stunning rear garden. The first floor benefits from 3 bedrooms and family bathroom.

Westbury on Trym £330,000

Occupying an impressive position and enjoying a stunning view, this is a beautifully presented 3 bedroom semi detached house. The accommodation has been modernised and tastefully decorated to a high standard by the current owners. The ground floor comprises an entrance hall, lounge, lovely kitchen/diner with French doors out to the rear garden. The upper floor benefits from 3 bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Redland £300,000

A beautiful example of a period hall floor garden flat set within the heart of Redland. The accommodation boasts an impressive lounge with bay window and many period features including a fireplace. The property offers two double bedrooms, fully fitted kitchen off the dining room, cellar storage accessed internally, private front and rear gardens. Additionally the property comes with an allocated parking space to the rear.

Clifton £525,000

Stunning refurbished 1970 built mews house that has been professionally updated throughout by its interior designer owner. The accommodation briefly comprises: a wonderful light filled extended kitchen/dining area with French doors opening onto the courtyard garden, living room benefits from a huge amount of natural light having full length opening windows, 3 bedrooms, stylish bathroom with contemporary suite and parking for one car.

Here to accommodate.

Leese & Nagle August.indd 74

15/07/2011 12:50

6 1 A P S L E Y ROA D C L I F TO N B R I S TO L B S 8 2 S W

0117 974 1741

LEESE NAGLE E S TAT E A G E N T S

www.leeseandnagle.co.uk

Redland £925,000

This stunning semi detached family house boasts a 115ft long rear garden, spacious family orientated accommodation approaching 3000 sq/ft arranged over 3 floors.The accommodation is primarily arranged over 2 floors; the hall floor offers an elegant hallway providing access to 3 reception rooms and the kitchen, breakfast/garden room. The upper floor provides 4 good sized bedrooms (master with ensuite) and family bathroom.

Redland £220,000

A spacious and light 2 double bedroom ground floor flat with allocated parking space, situated in an attractive Georgian residence. The accommodation comprises entrance hallway, utility cupboards, lounge with high ceilings, cornicing, polished floorboards, sash windows with working wooden shutters and feature fireplace, open plan fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms and shower room.

Stoke Bishop £665,000

This is a magnificent architect designed contemporary detached house of unusual character.

Internally the entrance hall gives way to the main reception which is a fabulous size being 30’ x 16’ max, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, conservatory, 5 bedrooms (master bedroom with ensuite shower room), and a family bathroom. Outside there is a rear garden, large double integral garage with parking.

Clifton £275,000

An light and elegant period 2 bedroom second floor apartment situated in an elegant Grade II listed building, situated in one of Bristol’s finest period squares. This flat boasts well proportioned, bright, contemporary accommodation with a wealth of period features.

The generous accommodation comprises of two bedrooms, open plan living room, fitted kitchen and bathroom.

Clifton £429,950

A quality apartment of immense style located in this world renowned Georgian crescent in the heart of arguably the most desirable part of Bristol - Clifton Village. The accommodation comprises: hallway, bright sitting room, fitted kitchen, sunken bath and contemporary suite, separate shower room, 2 generous double bedrooms and boasting a beautiful 80’ rear garden.

Stoke Bishop £595,000

An extended detached family residence in a prestigious location superbly presented throughout. Accommodation comprises welcoming entrance hall, sitting room opening to reception 2/dining room, study, cloakroom and separate utility room, stunning bespoke kitchen, stylish garden room, family bathroom, 5 bedrooms, master bedroom and en-suite shower room, integrated double garage and delightful rear garden.

Here to accommodate.

Leese & Nagle August.indd 75

15/07/2011 12:51

Sofa Workshop Bristol.indd 76

15/07/2011 13:38