The Bristol Magazine December 2024 by MC Publishing Limited

GNOME IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!

SEIZE THE CLAY

We chat to Aardman’s Nick Park & Merlin Crossingham about the triumphant on-screen return of Wallace, Gromit... and a certain feathered fiend this Christmas Day

FROLIC

Serve some woodland magic alongside your festive feasts

THE

PRESENT

MOMENT

Give your loved ones the best gifts from local businesses

SCENE

Gold and black glamour so you can dress to impress

Step inside Wallace & Gromit’s wacky world of inventions

Stuck

Sculptures,

Andrew Swift goes on the hunt for the old city’s parish boundary marks

Places to dine out with your loved ones offering festive menus and more

Elly West picks out excellent books for green-ﬁngered gifts

How one brilliant Bristol-based business helped out a professional Santa

Embrace the whimsy and mystical magic of forest-themed feasts

Bushes to grow that’ll keep your feathered friends happy across the colder months

EDITOR from the

If you think seeing Christmas adverts and festive retail displays alongside Halloween is too early, try working in publishing. Years ago, working on a bakery magazine, to keep up with industry planning, our Christmas issues landed on doormats in July... July! In a similar fashion, we’ve been carefully curating your December magazine since the summer, and the end result is so good we might as well have gift-wrapped it for you, but that would have taken too long, and probably been a bit fiddly.

Despite having technically celebrated Christmas over and over for a few months already, there’s still a twinkle of tinsel in my eye. And it’s easy to see why – our pages are positively packed with presents from across the city to see you and your loved through to the end of 2024 (check out our bumper ‘what’s on’ section from page 28). There’s even a bionic Santa who can deliver presents thanks to a Bristol business.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the whole country has a real treat in store on 25 December, when the first feature-length Wallace & Gromit film in 16 whole years graces our screens via the BBC. I was lucky enough to have some time to talk with their wonderful creator Nick Park, and Vengeance Most Fowl’s incredible director Merlin Crossingham. You can read our chat about the new film on page 20. I was dying to know what their own Wallace-style inventions would look like. There wasn’t room to include them in the article, but Merlin dreams of having his own smart gnome to tackle his garden tasks, much like the franchise’s newest addition Norbot – more on him in the feature. It turned out Nick’s already found the perfect invention: his long, hand-held spider catcher (which, he joked, means he can easily pop the critters over the neighbour’s fence – watch out, number 46).

And while we’ve got films on the brain, what’s your favourite festive flick? We’ve dedicated an entire feature to the phenomenon (page 24) where we ponder questions like, ‘Is Die Hard really a Christmas film?’, bring you all the intel on new releases and get some local film industry heavyweights to tell us what they’ll be tuning into. I’ll be continuing my tradition of hanging decorations with Love Actually on in the background, pausing every now then to lament at how terribly the storylines have aged. It’s a real guilty pleasure; I love to hate it and hate to love it, actually.

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Editor Rosanna Spence

Tel: 0117 974 2800

Email: rosanna@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Assistant Editor/Web Editor Maria Robinson

Email: maria@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Isabelle Blakeney

Email: isabelle@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Production Manager Jeff Osborne

Email: production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales Liz Grey Email: liz@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

For advertising enquiries, please contact us on 0117 974 2800 Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine is published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent publisher.

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Rosanna Spence

The Little Mermaid swims into Bristol Old Vic this year (p.28)

5 things to do

Flock to the theatre

After last year’s record-breaking festive fun, Tobacco Factory Theatres’ FesTFTy season is back with an in-house co-production with New International Encounter (Hansel & Gretel) plus two fantastic shows (Little Angel Theatre’s Me... and Living Spit’s A Christmas Carol, pictured) that you won’t want to miss! And just to add some extra sparkle, the Factory Singers will be performing a merry mix of modern hits and classic holiday tunes to keep the festive vibes flowing. Grab tickets for yourself and your little ones, or buy a gift voucher to spread the holiday cheer with those you love. For listings and more details, visit tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Sort New Year’s Eve

There’s nothing worse than realising it’s 30 December and you still don’t know what you’re doing the next day for New Year’s Eve. Dial-up your New Year joy to 11 and party your way into 2025 at Bristol’s funkiest, friendliest New Year’s Eve House Party, Bristol Old Vic-style. There will be a mirror ball dance floor in the foyer with tonnes of music, food and drink (included in the ticket price) to see you into 2025 with a huge smile on your face. Book at bristololdvic.org.uk

Hear stories from Santa

Join Santa and his elves for an enchanting craft and story session at John Lewis in Cribbs Causeway. Create a beautiful Christmas keepsake to take home with you, then settle down for a festive tale read by Santa himself. You’ll receive a special gift to take away too. Relaxed sessions are available for anyone who might benefit from them, including disabled, neurodiverse or sensory sensitive children. Book your place via johnlewis.com/meetsanta

Get your tree collected

Without getting too ahead of ourselves, when it comes to decorations, what goes up must come down. Book your Christmas tree collection with St Peter’s Hospice nice and early, and you can feel extremely smug at how organised you are. The stress-free service takes place 10-12 January, and there’s a small suggested donation to a good cause. Every tree counts, so when you donate to recycle your tree, you'll support the hospice and the planet. Simply sign up, leave your tree outside and the team of helpful volunteers will do all the hard work for you. For more info and to book, visit stpetershospice.org

Treat yourself to something special

Lingerie, nightwear and swimwear specialist Juste Moi is gearing up to open a new store in Clifton Village. Sign up online to receive exclusive welcome offers and gifts to celebrate the opening. Juste Moi believes everyone deserves to feel good in every inch of their skin, and has a carefully-selected range of designer-led lingerie, swimwear, nightwear and loungewear (plus some upscale cheeky accessories). If you’re in need of an indulgent shopping experience, both in-store and online, keep your eye on this one.

Juste Moi, 21 The Mall, Clifton Village, BS8 4JG; justemoi.co.uk

Photo by Jon Craig

The City is t

MyBristol

Meet Marc Burridge, owner of Clevedon Salerooms, one of the longest-established ﬁne art auction houses in the South West

My biggest achievement at Clevedon Salerooms in the 50 years I’ve been here was joining the firm as an employee and going on to become the owner. My first job was with Bristol auctioneers Lalonde’s in 1969. It was very much a case of starting at the bottom, cleaning the silver and moving furniture, but I was learning on the job as I went along. Five years later I started at Clevedon as Saleroom Manager and in 1991, with my co-director, I bought the company, becoming sole owner in 2003. I’m proud to say we’re a family business. My wife is a director, as is my daughter Zoe.

The most memorable item I’ve ever sold here was in 2006, when I found a Regency drum table in a farmhouse in Dundry, which sold for £200,000. It was a pleasant surprise for everyone, myself included. I knew it was a good piece, but had no expectations of it selling for so much.

I’ve found and sold many objects connected to Bristol and the local area. But I particularly remember that back in 1999, I sold two very rare small paintings showing the burning of the Mansion House on Queen Square during the 1831 Bristol Riots by local artist W.J. Muller, which sold for £14,500.

I was born in Watford, but my parents moved to Stoke Bishop when I was two years old. My grandparents (a butcher and a baker) already lived in the city. When I got married in 1972, our first home was in Fishponds, we then moved to Henleaze before moving to Clevedon in 1981, where we’ve been ever since.

One of my favourite locations to spend time at in the city is Leigh Woods. It’s a lovely place where I often visit with my wife Marianne and our two whippets, Lulu and Ben.

My favourite fine artist who lived and painted in the city is Arthur Wilde Parsons (1854-1931) who was from Redland and was largely self-taught. The City Museum has a vast canvas by him in the entrance hall, which as a child I found absolutely awe-inspiring.

The biggest change I’ve seen in the city since I first started my career here in the ‘70s is the gentrification of areas like Clifton, Montpelier and Bedminster, and the huge increase in property prices.

I’m looking forward to a quiet Christmas Day at home with the family. Boxing Day will be lunch somewhere nice and, of course, a walk with the dogs.

For more information about Clevedon Salerooms, visit the website clevedonsalerooms.com. The business is located at The Auction Centre, Kenn Road, Kenn, Clevedon, BS21 6TT.

Giant elf leaves the shelf

Spot 'Brunelf' across Bristol this Christmas and be in with the chance to win a £500 Love Bristol gift card. Until 24 December, Brunelf – Bristol’s own 15-ft version of The Elf on the Shelf® – is spreading festive cheer by visiting some of the city’s most iconic locations.

Bristol’s giant ‘Scout Elf’ will embark on a Christmas adventure, delighting Bristolians with his larger-than-life presence, playful holiday antics and some new-for-2024 Christmas surprises.

Alongside Brunelf’s Christmas adventure, there’s an opportunity to participate in the new for 2024 ‘Elfie’ competition. Simply snap a selfie with Bristol’s Scout Elf and post it on Instagram using the hashtag #BristolElfie, while tagging @bristolbid and @redcliffeandtemplebid. Each post enters participants into a draw to win a £500 Love Bristol gift card.

Visit bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk/news to find out more information about where and when you can find the red-clad cheeky chappie around the city in the run up to Christmas.

Have your say in huge new artwork planned for Centre Promenade

Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Bristol Legacy Foundation and Bristol City Council have announced a new public art project as part of the revitalisation of the Centre Promenade. This large-scale artwork is set to be a centrepiece of the transformation of the space into a vibrant, inclusive hub.

This collaborative project, envisioned by Bristol-born multidisciplinary artist Oshii and in partnership with Bristol Legacy Foundation, will celebrate the city’s diverse heritage and communities. As part of the transformation, an engagement period will take place, inviting the community, key stakeholders, BID levy payers and local businesses to provide feedback and help shape the artwork’s final design.

The engagement events will be held, with a session taking place from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Friday 13 December at Bristol Beacon, to inform the final design of the artwork to reflect the values and aspirations of the local community, in line with the broader goals of the Centre Promenade’s revitalisation.

Visit bristol.gov.uk/centreprom for more information. The engagement session is open for the public to attend by registering via Eventbrite.

Local composer Dan Jones wins Ivor Novello Award

Composer Dan Jones, who is based in Bristol, scooped a major accolade recently at The Ivors Classical Awards, winning the Sound Art award for Each Tiny Drop, a sonic accompaniment to Risham Syed’s interactive water ritual on the banks of Greater Manchester’s River Medlock, commissioned by Factory International to open the Manchester International Festival and celebrate connections between the city and Pakistan.

The win marked Jones’ fourth Ivor Novello Award, having taken Best Original Film Score for Max in 2004, Best Television Soundtrack for Any Human Heart in 2011 and Best Television Soundtrack for The Miniaturist in 2018. The judges praised Dan’s sonic accompaniment saying: “The sound composition harmonises seamlessly with the various elements of this large scale artwork, utilising 64 loudspeakers to create a powerful sonic trail that weaves through Mayfield Park [in Manchester] for the ritual water walk... This poignant performance places migration at its core, celebrating Britain’s rich cultural diversity while highlighting the importance of our natural resources.” The Ivors Classical Awards, which took place in November, celebrates the most outstanding new classical music and sound art by British, Irish or UK resident composers.

Bristol-born multidisciplinary artist Oshii

Dan Jones

(credit: Hogan Media)

Bristol Downs League stars in new BBC Sounds podcast

A new BBC Sounds podcast explores the people, officials, and teams behind the unique, 120-year-old Bristol Downs League –where 'every game is played at home'.

Always at Home: Bristol’s Beautiful Game, produced by BBC Radio Bristol, showcases the league’s special history in the city, and the many famous faces that have laced up their boots to play. All four of the league’s divisions play on the same set of pitches every Saturday at 2pm on the Clifton Downs – meaning each match is played 'at home' – with over 41 teams, more than 1,500 players, and over 400 matches a season.

Listen to the podcast via bbc.co.uk/sounds

Cary Grant home gets national blue plaque

A national blue plaque celebrating the life and achievements of inspirational actor and film star Cary Grant (1904 – 1986) has been unveiled by Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant, Historic England Chief Executive Duncan Wilson and Cary Comes Home Film Festival Director Dr Charlotte Crofts at his early childhood home, 50 Berkeley Road, Bishopston. The family moved to 50 Berkeley Road in 1906 when Archie was four and lived there until 1909 or 1910. Archie resided at six different addresses in Bristol, probably due to precarious family finances which caused the family to move every few years, but he remembered his time at this house as positive. He recalled his years at 50 Berkeley Road were “the happiest days for the three of us” (Cary Grant, ‘Archie Leach’, Ladies’ Home Journal, 1963). This year marks the 120th anniversary Cary Grant’s birth.

historicengland.org.uk; image credit Bristol Live/BPM Media

‘Nature’s engineers’ return to Lawrence Weston

In a heartening scene straight out of The Wind in the Willows, water voles – known as ‘nature’s Engineers’ – are swimming back into waterways in the West of England after more than two decades of absence.

Thanks to a pioneering reintroduction initiative led by the West of England Nature Partnership in collaboration with Bristol Zoological Society, these beloved semi-aquatic mammals are re-establishing a foothold along the Severn Shoreline Levels and Moors. The Severn Shoreline, Levels and Moors project, now in its development phase, is focused on reviving critical intertidal habitats, wetlands, and peatlands. By enhancing watercourses, ditches, rhynes, and wet woodlands, the programme aims to restore the landscape not only for wildlife, but for people and climate resilience. Supported by £370,000 grant funding from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, the project has already laid out detailed plans to secure investment for salt marsh and peatland restoration, recognising these habitats' potential for carbon sequestration and climate mitigation. No water voles had been seen in the west of England for over 20 years – until now. This latest reintroduction marks the beginning of a hopeful comeback for the species.

The efforts are off to a promising start, with evidence that even juvenile water voles are breeding, signalling a strong adaptation to their new environment.

Image credit: Tom Marshall

The Golden Girls

Forget red and green this festive season. We’re all about the timeless opulence and sophistication that emanates from the classic combo of black and gold (with the occasional splash of red to spice it up a little). These chic outfits from Whistles can be easily mixed and matched to create a different look for every party. whistles.com

Misty Leopard Cleo Dress, £159.

Tenley Strappy.Heeled Sandal, £149

Black Double Ring0 Buckle Belt, £590

Gold Lucie,Metallic Shirt, £99, Black Leather A-Line Skirt, £170,

Black Wrap Velvet0 Jumpsuit, £1590

Black Myla Velvet0 Mini Dress, £1490

Gold Metallic Wrap. Front Dress. £189

Black Sword Sequin0 Mini Skirt, £1290

Dark Red Paloma Small Suede Bag (also in Black) £129

Gold Mini. Bead Curved Earring. £25

Velvet Bow Hair Clip, £350

Eden Block. Heel Sandal £149.

Albie Croc Knee High Boot0 £2990

Luz Studded. Mini Bag, £99.

Erica Snake Shoulder Bag. £119.

Mallory, 1 – 5 Bridge Street, Bath, BA2 4AP Tel: 01225 788800

mallory-jewellers.com

3. Rolex Sky-Dweller Oystersteel and 18ct yellow gold watch, £17,650.00 18ct white gold pear shaped diamond bracelet, £5895.00

6. Platinum oval cut natural fancy yellow diamond and diamond ring, £27,350.00

7. 18ct yellow gold hoop earrings, £2895.00

8. Omega Constellation 18ct yellow gold and steel watch, £10,200.00

9. Marco Bicego Jaipur 18ct yellow gold multicoloured gemstone bracelet, £1680.00

10. Fope Solo Flex’it 18ct white and yellow gold diamond bracelet, £3970.00

11. 18ct white gold pave set diamond stud earrings, £1995.00

12. 18ct white and yellow gold sapphire and diamond cluster stud earrings, £5995.00

13. Chopard Mille Miglia classic chronograph steel watch, £8420.00

Motiq 2 celebrated their ﬁrst year anniversary in the Clifton Arcade on 25th November and Michelle would like to thank regular customers who have kindly expressed their delight that the Motiq of 15 years on Boyces Ave has returned with its collections of fabulous fashion & accessories. The support & lovely compliments mean a lot and are hugely appreciated. Motiq 2 is now showing Autumn/Winter and Fabulous Festive Fashion collections. This WOW Faux Fur Rainbow Coat & Multi Colour Gilet are sure to ﬁnd their perfect owners.

Unit 10 Clifton Arcade | Boyces Ave | Clifton BS8 4AA Motiq2Clifton

Gnome improvements

Wallace & Gromit are back. And so is everyone’s favourite, deadly silent, feathered evil mastermind. Their creator Nick Park and Aardman creative director Merlin Crossingham spoke to Rosanna Spence ahead of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl crash landing on our screens on Christmas Day – the first feature ‐length film about the cheese‐loving inventor and his loyal pooch in 16 years…

Wallace & Gromit may technically reside in Wigan, Lancashire, but it’s safe to say that when it comes to their spiritual home, all roads lead to Bristol. We haven’t seen the pair – known worldwide for their ingenious (if a little clunky) inventions and resulting chaotic escapades – in a full-length feature ﬁlm for 16 whole years, since the 2008 release of Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death, which feels like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?

Not only has Wallace & Gromit taken over Cabot Circus with a special festive experience this year, the duo has also secured a place in many

Bristolians’ ‘must-watch’ list on Christmas Day, when Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl premieres. The duo may have taken a break from our screens, but they’ve been busy…. It turns out that after a recent crime wave of stolen garden goods from across the region, Wallace and his preprogrammed smart gnome, Norbot, are the main suspects. While Wallace proclaims his innocence, it’s up to Gromit once again to battle sinister forces. But who could possibly be behind such evil actions?! Rightfully behind bars for all this time, Feathers McGraw (who viewers haven’t seen since 1993’s BAFTA and Academy Award-winning short The Wrong Trousers) is back with a vengeance.

gives Feathers his clout. “Animators’ whole reason for being is making things move and bringing them to life,” says Merlin. “They had to ﬁnd a balance, where you had life and power oozing out of your penguin, but by moving him as little as possible. And when you do move him, moving in just the right amount so you understand what he's thinking. Quite often using music or using the camera, using cinematic techniques, is a big part of how feathers has his screen strength. And so as ﬁlmmakers we had to reacquaint ourselves with with that, and from the animation team, it was really a case of ‘less is more’.”

Fingers and thumbs

It’s long been known just how much work goes into an Aardman animation. And this latest project bloomed from an original 30-minute ﬁlm (the format many other Wallace & Gromit ventures have taken).

Nick and Merlin conﬁrmed that Vengeance Most Fowl took 15 months of ﬁlming with a crew of over 200 people; each of the 35 animators’ target was to create three-and-a-half seconds of footage per week, aiming for around a minute altogether.

“ We stand at the top of a very talented crew of people who all live and work in Bristol ”

Suspecting fowl play?

Wallace & Gromit’s creator Nick Park has said before that one of the questions fans have asked him in the past was regarding Feathers’ possible return to his universe. But why has his impact been remembered across four decades?

“I think we were caught a bit by surprise by how much he was loved,” says the new ﬁlm’s director Merlin Crossingham, who joins Nick for our interview. “I guess he’s a mysterious character. He just came out of nowhere and was powerful when we ﬁrst appeared in The Wrong Trousers. I must give a big shout out to Steve Box, who did most of his animation, as it really was a discovery of how subtle animation can be and yet be so riveting at the same time by doing so little. It was the power of nuance and a small, observational kind of humour.”

Nick agrees, adding: “Sometimes, just the right string sound of music played on his very deadpan face can make you, the audience, ﬁll in the gaps. They imagine the cogs are turning in his head; inciting some plan.”

It’s surprising that both Vengeance Most Fowl’s villain and hero (good old Gromit) are completely silent. Nick explains that really strong villains never really have to do very much, with their henchmen taking the brunt of the action. And it ’s this visual ‘inaction’ and silence that

The production is very much based in Bristol, with a “football pitchsized warehouse” in Aztec West, and the pair don’t hesitate to praise the talent of the entire team and the city’s reputation as a haven for visual media. “We’re lucky to have such a giant talent base to draw from in Bristol,” says Nick, to which Merlin adds: “We stand at the top of a very talented crew of people who all live and work in Bristol, and actually for us to be able to mine the talents that are in all our model makers, our art department, our lighting, camera operators and and all the support crews is quite brilliant.”

Many of these talented people leave their mark, quite literally, on the characters that appear on screen; seeing the faint ﬁngerprints appear in the iconic clay models is a warm reminder of the physical skill and sharp eye that takes so long to capture. So have any of the team’s techniques changed since the last feature-length release? “The core technique is exactly as it ever was,” Merlin explains. “The stopmotion and the way we bring the character's performance to the screen has not changed. We have puppets or models that are moved a little bit frame by frame.”

What has changed, he says, are the cameras. Curse of the Wererabbit (2005) was shot on 35mm ﬁlm, while A Matter of Loaf and Death “was the ﬁrst longer-form project that we did on high-end digital stills cameras with cine lenses attached.”

This is now the team’s go-to technology, with stills processed via digital pipeline that has streamlined the editing and post-production process; though Merlin admits “I do miss shooting on ﬁlm, as it’s such a wonderful medium to work with… but there is an efficiency, speed and quality that’s different and better with digital.”

Nick goes on to say that even though there’s more digital assistance than before, the animation techniques are as traditional as ever. “The digital helps us paint a bigger canvas to enhance what we give the animation, but you know the authenticity, the clay and the ﬁngerprints are always still there.”

From left to right, Wallace, Norbot and Gromit (credit: BBC/Aardman Animations/Richard Davies/Stuart Collis)

Gnome sweet gnome

Nick’s had the idea of a gnome-based story knocking around for a good few years – and when the familiar garden dwellers’ fair faces can sometimes feel as unsettling as some of the conversations arising out of our dependence on smart tech, marrying the two in Vengeance Most Fowl feels darkly comedic, and ever so timely.

Nick laughs when asked what it is exactly he’s found so fascinating about gnomes, saying “Well, they don’t get a fair representation in movies. But they’ve always actually been a part of the Wallace & Gromit world. It was really just a small step for Wallace to invent a smart gnome, Norbot, who is ultra-speedy and efficient about everything – and to get comedy from that.”

This is all much to poor Gromit’s disdain though, as Nick says: “There’s conﬂict for Gromit because he loves his gardening. And there’s a discussion about what Gromit represents here – humans versus tech –and this lends itself very much to comedy and drama as it has a certain depth and relevance to it as well.”

Inside No. 9 and The League of Gentlemen star Reece Shearsmith voices Norbot, an inspired casting, as Merlin notes “he is so very comfortable dipping into the weird and the slightly dark. And so it's wonderful to not be just out-and-out funny and silly, but also have an element of seriousness in there. And he ﬁnds that balance absolutely perfectly.” Nick adds that they wanted a gnome that ﬁtted the clichéd kitsch character from fairy tales-type stories, “but who also had a northern gravel in his voice, and very much a Wallace invention.”

Roll credits, please…

Joining Reece in the cast is Peter Kay, reprising his role from Curse of the Wererabbit as Chief Inspector – formerly PC – Mackintosh (Nick says “We’re lucky to have one of the greatest comics of our time on board; it’s a privilege and a thrill”) and Ben Whitehall taking on the mantle of Wallace from the late, great Peter Sallis (Nick and Merlin say that they’re incredibly proud of Ben, who had “big shoes to ﬁll” but “so much of himself and a new energy to the character”).

Merlin also mentions Lauren Patel (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Lloyd of the Flies) who plays new character PC Mukherjee: “She just has such a unique, bright energy to her voice. And she's really helped us ﬁnd

the character. That’s kind of more than you can ever ask for with a good voice artist.”

The new ﬁlm also features cameos from Diane Morgan (Afterlife, Motherland), Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton, Invictus), Muzz Khan (Brassic, Galavant) and Lenny Henry (Three Little Birds, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power). It is directed by Nick Park (creator of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep) and Merlin Crossingham (creative director, Wallace & Gromit and Animation Director, Early Man) with the story written by Nick Park and Mark Burton (Madagascar, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Shaun the Sheep Movie). The screenplay is by Mark Burton and the ﬁlm has been produced by Richard Beek. We absolutely cannot wait. n

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas. aardman.com; bbc.co.uk; netﬂix.com/gb

Feathers McGraw (credit: Aardman Animations)

Merlin Crossingham (left) and Nick Park (credit: Aardman Animations/Richard Davies)

Christmas on the silver screen...

Options for Yuletide viewings are vast. Whether you’re a self‐professed film buff or a lover of Hallmark‐ style flicks, watching with the whole family or looking for something a little more grown up, there are films to suit every preference.

And with all that choice, it can be hard to narrow them down – which is why we’ve collated a list of the best and brightest ﬁlms to watch this festive season, either cosied up for a night in or at one of the fabulous venues around town. And don’t just take our word for it – we’ve asked some of Bristol’s ﬁlm experts for their recommendations, too…

Love Actually, credit: Universal Pictures

Home Alone, ©20th Century Studios Courtesy of Everett Collection

It’s a Wonderful Life, credit: RKO Radio Pictures

What makes a good Christmas movie? Well, because this is a season steeped in tradition, let’s start with the classics. The golden oldies are wonderfully rewatchable year upon year, and in some cases they’ve been remade countless times, too. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, for instance, has been reproduced for the silver screen over 100 times since the book was published in 1843. The remakes range from the 1913 silent film Scrooge, starring Seymour Hicks, to The Muppet Christmas Carol (1994), which features Michael Caine playing Ebeneezer Scrooge like he’s “working with the Royal Shakespeare Company”, and not forgetting the animated A Christmas Carol (2009) with a star-studded cast including Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman and Colin Firth. Even the heart-warming, supernatural comedy drama It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), starring James Stewart and directed by Frank Capra, is loosely inspired by the classic tale.

Other classics include Miracle on 34th Street (1947), a musical comedy so loved that it was remade with Richard Attenborough and Mara Wilson in 1994, and White Christmas (1950), with an instantlyrecognisable titular tune emanating Christmas nostalgia.

Film buff Mark Kermode has said that a dark, anti-good cheer character is also a winning element: “A Christmas Carol has a dark secret, and it’s one that Dr Seuss understood when he created The Grinch; it’s that there’s something about Scrooge’s sheer refusal to ‘play nice’ at Christmas that makes him a refreshing character who is easy to relate to.”

This format can be seen again and again, from Frosty the Snowman (1969) and Gremlins (1984) to the gothic stop motion animated musical fantasy film, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). There are plenty of horror movies with a ‘festive’ theme, including Black Christmas (1974), Christmas Bloody Christmas (1992) and Red Snow (2021). Perhaps the appetite for festive horror is a development of the malign character brings drama format, but it’s more likely because so many of us just love a good fright.

Gamba Cole, actor

“My favourite Christmas films always bring a mix of laughter, heart, family and holiday cheer. Home Alone is a classic, absolutely timeless film, even though the concept might be a little far fetched (who would forget their child?!). Nevertheless, this film is an absolute must- watch. Friday After Next is a hilarious addition to the holiday season, the third instalment to the Friday films, this one is my favourite. It’s not a traditional Christmas film, but it is so funny I had to include it. This Christmas has the perfect mix of family drama and heartwarming moments; it reminds me of the joy that I have when I am with my family over Christmas. The Grinch – Jim Carrey’s performance in this film is underrated. The Grinch is missunderstood in my opinion. Honourable shout out to Jingle All the Way – I used to love watching that film when I was younger. Lastly, I would choose Boxing Day as I want to include a new, fresh, feel-good Christmas film that I really enjoyed, It’s a heartfelt film reflecting the culture that I come from. One day, I hope to star in a Christmas film myself, creating some of the same magic, humour, and joy that these classics have given me.”

A common trope comes in the form of a big challenge to achieve in the countdown to the big day. For example, in All I Want for Christmas (1991) Santa’s directive is to get a child’s divorced parents back together, and in Nativity (2009) Martin Freeman plays a teacher in a rag-tag school putting together a nativity play.

Naturally romantic alliances are a dominating factor in a good festive film experience. Take the multi-romantic strands of the star-studded Love Actually (2003), Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001), The Holiday with Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black, and While You Were Sleeping (1995) with Sandra Bullock. These deal with universal emotions, give us a comforting warm, fuzzy feeling, known in the trade as ‘experiential control’, where knowing that a happy ending is coming makes the watch restorative.

While children’s Christmas films are notably enjoyable at all ages, they’re perfect for popping on the TV and keeping the little ones occupied while you do some much-needed prep for the big day. Arthur Christmas (2011), Frozen (2013), and Dr Seuss’ The Grinch (2018) all feature captivating animations and joyous humour, and, in the case of Frozen, songs that will become the soundtrack to your holiday season.

At the time of its release the visuals of The Polar Express (2004) were undeniably groundbreaking, and its enchanting magic means that it still features regularly on Christmas cinema schedules; and the 2019 traditionally animated and multi award-winning Klaus’ retelling of Santa’s origin story similarly makes it a new favourite for kids and parents alike.

Images (top to bottom) Red One, credit: Amazon Prime; Klaus, credit: Netflix

New ﬁlm releases in 2024

Bringing things up to date, there are some brand-new blockbusters hitting our screens this Christmas season. Red One, starring JK Simmons, Dwayne Johnson and Lucy Liu, is an action-comedy about the search for a kidnapped Santa Claus, and is now showing at The Odeon. Christmas Eve at Miller’s Point is a comedy drama starring Michael Cera about a rambunctious extended family reuniting in their Long Island hometown for the holidays, and is showing at Watershed from 6-12 December. Or for a slightly different embrace of Christmas spirit, try Terrifier 3 at Showcase. Though be warned, it’s not for the faint hearted…

If you fancy a trip to the cinema but want a break from the festivities, there are a number of other highly anticipated films with an end-of-year release date: Gladiator II, Wicked and Paddington in Peru are all screening at various Bristol cinemas, as are Disney’s Mufasa and Moana 2.

And you can make an event even out of the more established festive favourites. Watch It’s a Wonderful Life with the Bristol Film Festival at Averys Wine Cellars on 19 and 20 December, and Die Hard at the same venue on 18, 21 and 23 December.

Steph Read, Cinema Programmer at Watershed

“Top of the list for me is alternative festive staple Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick’s final film starring thencouple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. It’s a sinisterly surreal meander through a maze of intrigue, jealousy and suspicion (and back on our screens just in time for Christmas). I’m looking forward to revisiting The Holdovers, which only came out back in January but already bears all the signs of a future Christmas classic – authentically heartfelt while also piercingly witty. We’re bringing it back for some shows here this December, and I have a feeling this might become a bit of a tradition. I also recommend catching American indie director Tyler Taormina’s enjoyably hazy Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point, which counts Marty’s daughter Francesca Scorsese among its sprawling Altman-like ensemble cast. A new, idiosyncratic reinvention of the cosy Christmas family reunion movie, it’s a quintessentially Italian-American affair (with all that implies!)”

Joe Sims, actor and broadcaster

“Hands down, Elf is my favourite Christmas film, as it’s a victory for innocence and kindness over sneery, worldweary cynicism. Christmas is always a timely reminder of that I think and Elf epitomises that in my view. I’ll always watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation too, as it harks back to my childhood and always puts a big smile on my face.”

Owen Franklin, Director of Bristol Film Festival

“My top three Christmas films haven’t changed in years (but don’t ask me to rank them, they’re joint favourites!). The Muppet Christmas Carol is perfect both to start the month off and also to enjoy on Christmas Eve; it’s one of Michael Caine’s finest performances, made all the better by the fact that he plays it so straight opposite his Muppet co-stars. The controversy over Die Hard’s ‘Christmassy’ status is mainly the realm of clickbait these days – it’s a holiday staple for me! Ultimately, it’s an uplifting story of a man battling to get home to his family and save Christmas from greedy bullies. With a body count. But arguably the biggest hero of the Christmas film canon is George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life (and his guardian angel Clarence, of course!). It’s a classic for a reason – it’s still funny, poignant, deeply moving and as heartwarming as it gets. It’s not Christmas without at least one viewing.”

Also on the Bristol Film Festival lineup are films for the whole family to enjoy, including The Muppet Christmas Carol at The Mount Without on 1 December; the first and second Harry Potter movies at Clifton College Chapel on 13 and 14 December; and Elf, The Snowman, The Polar Express, Home Alone, The Nightmare Before Christmas at Armada House on 22 December, followed by the Love Actually later in the evening – though that last one may be slightly less appropriate for kids...

For a unique cinema experience head out to Wonder Cinema’s Drive In in Keynsham and watch Elf and The Greatest Showman on 13 December or Home Alone and The Polar Express on 14 December, all preceeded by a mysteriously festive Christmas act.

Bristol Film Festival and The Cube Microplex are both screening The Holdovers on 1 and 8 December respectively, a comedy drama released earlier this year about a 1970s New England boarding school, a begrudging teacher and a group of students remaining on campus over the Christmas break.

The Cube is also showing the 2015 critically acclaimed comedydrama Tangerine on 11 December. Set on Christmas Eve, the story follows a transgender sex worker who discovers her boyfriend and pimp has been cheating on her. While definitely not a traditional holiday watch, the film has been lauded as a ‘stylistic tour de force’ (it was entirely shot on three iPhone 5S smartphones) and is a must-watch, regardless of the time of year; it’s also available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Be Kind Rewind Bristol Cinema Club is screening the ultimate cult holiday horror classic Christmas Evil (1980) on 12 December downstairs at the Ill Repute Pub in Old Market. The darkly festive thriller follows a troubled toymaker with a deep love for Christmas embarking on a yuletide rampage, delivering terror instead of toys.

The Muppet Christmas Carol , credit: Walt Disney Pictures

Amelia Bassett, University of Bristol Film Society

“When choosing a Christmas film, I usually look for something cosy and comforting, fitting for the most nostalgic time of the year…

The Holdovers (2023) is a new release that I can’t wait to return to this festive season, and one I think will be a future Christmas classic. It’s Dead Poets Society meets It’s A Wonderful Life, using its 70s look and vintage soundtrack to perfectly evoke that nostalgic, Christmassy feeling. And it’s a tearjerker! Another pick, while not technically a Christmas film, has to be Powell and Pressburger’s classic ballet drama, The Red Shoes (1948). Complete with gorgeous dance numbers, colours and costumes, this feels like an indulgent, festive feast for the eyes! A more obvious alternative is, of course, White Christmas (1954).

“Finally, for a more anti-Christmas option, I’d recommend Black Christmas (1974), a Canadian slasher film set during the holiday season. It’s full of suspense and at times outrageously macabre, but it might be a welcome antidote to the usual festive line-up!”

“For a slightly more iconoclastic and unconventional Christmas film I cannot speak highly enough about Sean Baker’s Tangerine (2015). It follows two transgender sex workers called Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor) from the streets of Hollywood; on Christmas Eve, Sin-Dee finds out that her boyfriend/pimp has been cheating on her and this sets the stage for the truly unbelievable, incandescent, kaleidoscopic night that they have ahead of them. Sean Baker has a deft touch when it comes to intersectional representation and his empathetic sensibilities as a filmmaker can be truly understood with Tangerine, and, recently, with Anora (2024) that released last month. His oeuvre is all about centring stories of characters which are, more often than not, relegated to the societal periphery.

“I would recommend Tangerine to anyone and everyone looking for a heart-warming, horizon-broadening film this Christmas.”

Streaming from home

If you’d rather a cosy night in, here are some films being released on streaming services this Christmas. Bristol’s very own Aardman brings Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl on BBC iPlayer this Christmas Day, and thereafter will be available to watch on Netflix; read more about this eagerly-anticipated new Christmas classic on page 20, where we chat to its creators Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham. Also on Netflix arrives the animated That Christmas directed by Richard Curtis, Our Little Secret starring Lindsay Lohan, and Hot Frosty about a woman who falls in love with a snowman.

Disney+ will premier a beautifully animated short film entitled An Almost Christmas Story, following Moon, a young owl who befriends a lost young girl named Luna as they try to escape New York.

Amazon Prime is doubling down on the classics, offering Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Scrooged (1988) Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) and Dolly Parton’s Unlikely Angel (1996).

On ITVX is 1984 Scottish comedy

Starring Bill Paterson as a radio disc jockey, the film follows his life as his girlfriend leaves him a few days before Christmas, resulting in a series of events in which he is led into the struggle between two Italian families over the ice cream market of Glasgow.

Making your choice

There is often heated debate around the festive relevance of films such as Edward Scissorhands, Lethal Weapon, Eyes Wide Shut and Die Hard. So why should these be included in the Christmas viewing mix? The best person to ask is Steven E. de Souza, Die Hard’s writer, who compares Die Hard to White Christmas. He notes that while White Christmas is only bookended by the holiday season, it is set entirely during a Christmas party; in fact, Die Hard also features double the Christmas songs as White Christmas. That’s that debate sorted then.

The real answer is that any viewing preference can be justified. Whether your go-to is Night, A Muppet Family Christmas, Holiday in Handcuffs, Edward Scissorhands, The Grinch Serendipity, it’s the watching at Christmas time, and on your own terms, that brings the magic.

Bailey Wood, UWE Film Society

Images: top right, Die Hard, credit: 20th Century Studios; middle left, The Holdovers, courtesy of Focus Features; bottom right, Elf, courtesy of Warner Bros

What’s On

Find that festive feeling across city with our pick of the best things to see and do, whether you’re adventuring out by yourself, with friends or the whole family

Christmas at Westonbirt

n Throughout December

Tetbury, GL8 8QS

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is hosting a brand-new festive light experience in Gloucestershire. Forestry England has teamed up with the award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers behind Christmas at Kew and Christmas at Blenheim to host a neverbefore-seen experience for all the family. To book tickets, visit forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/Christmas

Festive, family funky fun at the Christmas Spiegeltent n Throughout December

Christmas Spiegeltent, Harbourside Back for its 13th year, the the Christmas Spiegeltent’s bejewelled doors are open now, welcoming revellers, partygoers and bon vivants. The packed line-up includes familyfriendly cabaret and discos, a candle-lit orchestral evening playing everything from Mozart to Miley Cyrus, a full live show from The Allergies (guests include The Cuban Brothers and DJ Format), and a circus- and drag-filled cabaret Christmas ball. Arrive

overdressed and prepare to be mesmerised. christmasspiegeltent.co.uk

Hansel & Gretel

n On now, until 19 January 2025

Tobacco Factory Theatres

In the middle of the cold, dark forest, Hansel and Gretel are lost and hungry. As they sit, shivering, they glimpse a tiny cottage through the trees and across the woods… a cottage unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Its roof is made of gingerbread, the walls of chocolate cake, the door is made of boiled sweets and the windows a clear, crystalised sugary glaze. But what’s inside? tobaccofactorytheatres.com

RETRO-MEGA-MAS at Wake The Tiger

n On now, until 5 January 2025

Known for its innovative and immersive experiences, the art park will transport visitors through decades of Christmas memories, combining retro charm with mind bending, surrealism, incuding festive android robots created by artist Giles Walker singing acapella performances of holiday classics. wakethetiger.com

The Little Mermaid

n 5 December until 11 January 2025

Bristol Old Vic, BS1 4ED

The Little Mermaid loves swimming, dancing and spending time with her friends. She might be different to the other sea creatures, but they’re family and these waters are home. So when the sea starts to get warmer – the kelp wilting, the coral fading – she realises she has to act. The mermaid vows to protect their home and it seems a caring young man trying to restore the reef is just the person to help. But how much is she willing to sacrifice to find answers on land?

bristololdvic.org.uk

Family Christmas Magic & Song at Bristol 1904 Arts

n 7 December, 6.30pm-8.30pm

Bristol 1904 Arts, The Red Lodge, Park Row, BS1 5LJ

The Great Baldini, Magician Extraordinaire and the Women's Choir Vocalia have come together to present a magical Family Christmas Show of old favourites and glorious involving music for all the family and mysterious, uproarious befuddling, amazing conjuring from the “incredible” (BBC Arts) Emperor of Illusion. Join in and

The Little Mermaid swims into Bristol Old Vic

sing and be amazed! Members £12, nonmembers £15 and children £5. Doors 6pm. bristol1904arts.org

Victorian Christmas Weekend n 7-8 December

SS Great Britain

Brunel’s SS Great Britain will be transformed into a Dickensian winter wonderland – complete with guaranteed snow. Across the weekend, explorers can meet Old Father Christmas, hear magical stories of Christmases past, listen to a choral extravaganza, join in with tree decoration and card craft sessions, feast on mince pies and indulge in some delicious mulled wine. Festive two-course lunches in the opulent First Class Dining Saloon are also bookable on board the ship on selected dates. ssgreatbritain.org

Goldilocks and the Three Bears n 7 December until 5 January 2025 Bristol Hippodrome

Join comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley and star of stage and screen Brenda Edwards as the Hippodrome is transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen! Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang... atgtickets.com/bristol

City Voices Bristol: Step into Christmas n 8 December, 7pm

St George’s Bristol, BS1 5RR City Voices Bristol, a local community choir, returns to St Georges for its annual preChristmas concert Step into Christmas. The group guarantees a joyous evening of festive songs and carols with lots of opportunity to sing along with seasonal favourites. The programme spans from John Rutter to Elton John and many traditional carols. There is a charity collection for The Brightwell, a centre for neurological well being and physical recovery based in Bradley Stoke. Tickets from £12 via stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Exultate Singers: Carols by Candlelight n 11 December at 7.30pm & 14 December at 4.30pm St James Priory, Whitson Street, BS1 3NZ

Exultate Singers performs an exquisite programme of Christmas music, the perfect preparation for the festive season. Enjoy a wonderfully atmospheric evening in the

beautiful surroundings of Bristol’s oldest building, St James Priory. Tickets £13 to £22 available online at exultatesingers.org and by phone on 01275 373981 (9am to 5pm)

Harry Potter at Clifton College Chapel n 13 & 14 December, 4pm-11pm Clifton College Chapel, 31 College Road, Clifton, BS8 3JH

Join Bristol Film Festival in one of Bristol’s most beautiful venues, which feels like the city’s very own Hogwarts. Step through Memorial Arch on College Road and make your way into this magnificent space on Friday 13 December to join Harry as he embarks on his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone. Then on 14 December, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets sees him return to Hogwarts with his best friends Ron and Hermione. bristolfilmfestival.com/harry-potter

Bristol Bach Choir: Spirit of Christmas n 14 December, 7.30pm

St George’s Bristol, BS1 5RR

A very special and uplifting evening of Christmas Music with Bristol Bach Choir and Bristol Brass Consort, whose Christmas CD Festive Brass has featured on Classic FM. The repertoire will extend from the Venetian Renaissance to the present day, and in moods ranging from the contemplative to the utterly joyful. There will be the usual opportunity for a little audience participation in carols. A collection will be made in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Tickets are £25, £18, £12; £5 students/under-18s. bristolbach.org.uk

A Bristol Choral Christmas n 14 December, 7.30pm

Bristol Beacon

Tis the season of joy, love, and music!

Celebrate the festive season with a variety of Christmas music with Bristol Choral Society, children's choir and brass ensemble and a chance to sing some carols. A special performance curated exclusively for families, in Bristol Beacon, it will be a lovely way to start your celebrations! Conducted by Hilary Campbell. Tickets from £16. bristolchoral.co.uk

Dance with Doris

n 14, 15, 19, 20 & 21 December

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Join the gang for festive fun at an extraspecial silent disco in Bristol Museum with Doris the playful Pliosaur. Jump and dance under the museum’s Jurassic Friend for fun times in this unique party event. Wearing special glowing headphones, children (and adults!) can listen to all their favourite festive tunes, from classic Christmas hits to modern pop anthems. Headphones are £5 per set. bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museumfand-art-gallery

Fairfield’s Winter Gala: A Ceilidh Christmas

n 18 December, 6pm-8pm

Fairfield High School, BS7 9NL

Fairfield High School's Winter Gala: A Ceilidh Christmas is being held in memory of Languages teacher Vincent Le Goascoz, and will bring live performances, music and festive treats with positivity, warmth and enthusiasm. Those interested in running a stall should email admin@fairfield.excalibur.org.uk

Old Father Christmas at SS Great Britain

A Christmas Carol: The drone light show n 19-21 December

Seat Unique Stadium

Witness Charles Dickens’ timeless Christmas classic come to life in the night sky at Seat Unique Stadium in a captivating new animated drone light show featuring the voice of Matt Lucas. See towering elements create famous characters from the iconic story and enjoy a heart-warming, narrated journey through the timeless tale of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve, and his ghostly visitors who lead him to profound transformation. yuup.co/a-christmas-carol

A Baroque Christmas by Candlelight n 20 December, 7.30pm

St George’s Bristol, BS1 5RR

Soprano Hilary Cronin joins the professional musicians of the Bristol Ensemble for a magical Christmas concert of stunning baroque music including works by Vivaldi, Handel and Bach. Tickets available from St George’s box office on 0117 929 4929 or stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

The Snowman (plus The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child) performed by the Mozart Symphony Orchestra n 21 December, 3pm

Bristol Beacon

The Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns for an annual performance of timeless classics The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and The Snowman. Rather like Peter and the Wolf, each character in the tale is represented by a different instrument of the orchestra –can you guess what the Gruffalo will be? The Snowman will be shown on the big screen with a live symphony orchestra providing the soundtrack; 15-year-old Alice Mackenzie will sing the aria made so famous by Aled Jones: Walking in the Air. bristolbeacon.org

Christmas Screenings at Armada House by Bristol Film Festival n 22 December

Armada House, Telephone Avenue, BS1 4BQ

Join Bristol Film Festival in the beautiful setting of Armada House for the perfect start to Christmas week – a day of beloved festive favourites on the big screen. Six Christmas classics will be on the big screen, suitable for the whole family to enjoy! (Elf at 2pm, a double bill of The Snowman / The Snowman & The Snowdog at 2.30pm, The Polar Express at 4.15pm, Home Alone at 4.30pm, The Nightmare Before Christmas at 6.45pm and Love Actually at 7.15pm. bristolfilmfestival.com/armada-house

Children’s Christmas Carnival n 22 December, 2pm & 4pm

St George’s Bristol, BS1 5RR

A brilliantly entertaining family Christmas concert with the Bristol Ensemble, featuring Howard Blake's enchanting music from The Snowman. Tickets available from St George’s box office on 0117 929 4929 or stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

A Christmas Special by Candlelight n 22 December, 7pm

St George’s Bristol, BS1 5RR

The Military Wives join the Bristol Ensemble for an uplifting programme of Christmas classics that will get you singing and clapping along! Tickets available from St George’s box office on 0117 929 4929 or stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

A cracking Christmas!

Bristol’s favourite duo Wallace & Gromit are serving heaps of family fun and holiday cheer at Cabot Circus, where Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience, the one‐of‐a‐kind festive event full of invention, is in full swing

The Friary Building in Quakers Friars at Cabot Circus has been transformed into Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience, where fans can help Wallace save Christmas by getting his latest gadget – the Christmas-O-Matic – up and running in the St. Nick-of-time. With a sprinkling of festive spirit, a dash of Christmas-chaos and all the cheesy fun you’d expect from Bristol’s much-loved pair, A Cracking Christmas Experience should be at the top of any Christmas to-do list this holiday season. Once the mission is complete, the new-found Christmas heroes are welcomed into the Cracking Christmas Café. This pop-up festive café set in the stunning Friary building will be open to all, including man’s best friend, as the perfect pit-stop after your Christmas shopping to grab an essential cheese sandwich, cakes, a cracking cup of tea and delicious dog-treats and ‘puppuccinos’ for all furry companions.

Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience has been brought to life by local creative production company Bakehouse, and The Bristol Magazine caught up with the team there to get the inside scoop on the festive season’s must-see local attraction.

When did the idea of the Christmas experience ﬁrst come around, and how did you become involved in it?

Being based in Bristol, creating an interactive family experience with Aardman has seemed like a natural choice for Bakehouse for a long time. We have worked with Aardman before and we jumped at the chance to bring something extra special to Bristol this Christmas. It has been so much fun working alongside Aardman and the team at Cabot Circus to bring this idea to life in the heart of our home city!

What can visitors expect when they arrive?

Visitors are invited to imagine they’ve stepped into Wallace’s workshop, where he has been working on his latest cracking contraption. The machine itself is designed to make sure nothing is left to chance in preparation for the ideal festive season, but it’s not quite working! With the support of some of Bristol's ﬁnest workshop assistants, the children will complete puzzles and challenges, and test their families’ levels of joy, to get the machine up and running in time.

Wallace has been pretty keen to keep the Christmas-O-Matic well under wraps until it’s ready for testing, so we’re not at liberty to give away too much more info until you see it for yourselves.

All photos taken by Paul Box and provided courtesy of Bakehouse

Suffice to say that if you like to play and you have a great sense of imagination, you are sure to enjoy the way the performers carry visitors along a carefully crafted narrative that gives everyone the chance to get involved.

What is it about Wallace & Gromit’s world and their characters that makes them so popular here?

Aardman is synonymous with Bristol and the city is so proud to be home to such a powerhouse of animation. From Morph all the way to the eagerly-awaited new film, Bristolians connect most with its sense of fun as well as finding the heroic in the everyday. Creativity, wry humour and genius storytelling abound in Wallace & Gromit’s world. In a nutshell, Bristol identifies as a creative city that can laugh out loud at itself, qualities they find in buckets with Wallace & Gromit

What’s on offer at the café at The Friary Building?

The Friary Building is such an incredible venue – it really is a treat to behold for guests who haven't been inside before – and this beautiful eatery in this historic building was crying out to be part of this experience. We are absolutely thrilled that our friends and fellow Bristolians from the much-loved Bristol Loaf team have come on board to serve up some top class grub: from the quintessential to the quirky, their menu (with a slight emphasis on cheese-based dishes) adds an irresistible reason to stay and enjoy A Cracking Christmas for a little longer and offers a chance to pop in for a tasty treat even if you’re not visiting the Experience on the day.

Can you tell us more about the specially-adapted sessions?

All sessions will welcome families with diverse needs but we recognise that some families with children who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) might beneﬁt from there being fewer people in the space. We have set up nine dedicated Quieter Sessions for SEND visitors, in which the performers will deliver the same show to fewer families and will adapt as they go to meet their audience. The building has an accessible lift for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues as we hope everyone will want to come and enjoy the experience.

How does the experience appeal to kids and big kids alike?

It’s an interactive theatrical experience for all the family: families and groups of friends can enjoy quality time, with lots of laughter and play, working together to ﬁx the Christmas-O-Matic. Little kids will love loading snowballs into the Christmas machine, while big kids will enjoy stepping into the nostalgic world of Wallace & Gromit n

Tickets to Wallace & Gromit: A Cracking Christmas Experience are on sale now via EventBrite for £7.50 plus fees. The experience is on until Tuesday 24 December at The Friary Building, Broadmead, BS1 3DF. More information, and links to book tickets, can be found at cabotcircus.com.

Bakehouse is a multi-award-winning theatrical production company specialising in delivering interactive events. Its workshop in Bristol is now more than 18,000 sq ft and houses a design studio, costume department, carpentry, metalwork and scenic workshops, photography and tech studio, and a huge store of set, props, costumes and equipment to deliver hundreds of events each year. bakehousefactory.co.uk

WANTED - WE BUY GOLD

TURN YOUR UNWANTED JEWELLERY INTO CASH

Don’t send your jewellery in the post to online services. Visit our shop for a personal appraisal, and an instant cash quote

If you’re ready to sell, house calls are available by appointment

Terry Cox

Clifton Village Antiques

SPECIAL SEASONAL OFFER – ALL JEWELLERY SOLD AT 25% PROFIT MARGIN (PLUS VAT)

GIA Certiﬁcate included in price.

Recent example: One Carat GIA Cert, Colour: G, Clarity: VS2, with Platinum mount sold at £4,800. Average high street price £7,000

We only sell Natural Diamonds. GIA Certiﬁcated Diamonds always available

Present Sense

The festive season is upon us, so let’s express our love and appreciation to those who have been in our thoughts all year. Here’s a wondersome show of gift inspiration from the ﬁnest local ateliers, stores and online retailers. You know the drill, scan the QRs for pronto gifting...

BOTANIST'S GIN 6 O'CLOCK X SSGB

Brunel's SS Great Britain have collaborated with Bristolbased distillers 6 O'Clock Gin to produce this exclusive gin, inspired by the botany craze of the 19th Century.

This gin, infused with botanicals and fruit such as coriander seed, cardamom, orris root, orange and lemon peel, is perfect for a classic G&T. 37.5% ABV, 70c. £35

Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, BS1 6TY ssgreatbritain.org

‘FLOWERS

FROM THE LANE’ BY STEPHANIE AXTELL

Flowers From The Lane by Cornish artist Stephanie Axtell. An original framed oil painting, size: 38.5cm x 35cm. Price: £460. A new collection of Stephanie’s work is showing at Clifton Contemporary Art as part of its Christmas exhibition. Clifton Contemporary Art, 25 Portland Street, Clifton, BS8 4JB

cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk

LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE

Bringing modernity and style to instant photography, the SOFORT 2 Instant Camera (above) from Leica offers a fun and creative way to capture memories, and for only £349!

Or for seeasoned photographers, the top-of-the-range Leica Q3 43 Digital Camera (below) is £5,900. The 43mm focal length mirrors human vision, making it perfect for a variety of photography styles, from street photography to expressive portraits.

London Camera Exchange, 42 Park Street, BS1 5JG lcegroup.co.uk

GIVE THE GIFT OF SUSHI AT KIBOU

A KIBOU gift card makes the ideal Christmas present for any sushi-loving friend or family member. Choose from either a monetary gift card, or opt for an exclusive KIBOU experience – with gift cards now available for Afternoon Tea or sushi sharing platter with a flight of sake. Either purchase online as a digital or physical gift card, or pop into the restaurant to buy.

16 King’s Road, Clifton, BS8 4AB kibou.co.uk

DIANA PORTER JEWELLERY

Diana Porter signature Sibyls, in mini versions, made from Fairtrade gold and handcrafted in their Bristol workshop. £645

The RWA Art Pass offers year-round entry to exhibitions at the RWA Art Gallery for just £16. For £35, Friends membership includes additional benefits such as artist talks, discounts, and exclusive trips –ideal gifts for any art lover.

Royal West of England Academy, Queens Road, BS8 1PX rwa.org.uk

33 Park Street, BS1 5NH dianaporter.co.uk

RWA ART PASS

ROOM 212

Room 212 offers affordable art, jewellery & gifts by local artists. This popular calendar features fabulous images inspired by Bristol scenes & events by 13 different artists.

Visit the shop at 212 Gloucester Road, BS7 8NU or their website at: room212.co.uk

CLIFTON CERAMICS AND FINE JEWELLERY

Moorcroft Art Pottery, hand made in Stoke for over 100 years. In stock a selection of over 200 new first quality pieces to choose from. Prices from £99

Special Moorcroft lamp offer, free silk shade with all in stock lamps.

Clifton Ceramics and Fine Jewellery, 58 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4JG cliftonceramics.co.uk

EMMA AITCHISON JEWELLERY

Give a piece of the moon this Christmas with Emma Aitchison’s lunar jewellery, inspired by women and motherhood.

The Lunar Pendant, £395, is available as 100% Recycled Silver or Recycled 9ct Gold, and is hung on a ‘galactic style’ chain with a hand engraved pendant.

The Wild Woman Signet ring is £298. The romanesque shape and style nods to our collective past, and the face of the ring is available in 9ct gold or silver. emmaaitchison.com

JUSTE MOI

THE destination for exquisite gifts this Christmas, from luxurious lingerie and silk nightwear to stunning swimwear. The items featured are from Lise Charmel’s Splendeur Soie Ocean Bleu collection. For more inspiration, scan the QR code below to browse their gift guide. Otherwise, why not consider a gift voucher in whatever denomination works for you?

21 The Mall, Clifton Village, BS8 4JG justemoi.co.uk

STACKING RINGS

Clifton Rock’s signature stacking rings have been crafted in 9ct yellow gold. Set with traceable Canada Mark diamonds, they make a perfect Christmas gift. They’re also available in silver. £172 – £222

Clifton Rocks, 31 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4JG cliftonrocks.co.uk

FROM RAINMAKER GALLERY

Traditional Hopi Katsina doll from a selection handmade by celebrated carvers of the Hopi tribe, Arizona. Prices from £75

Rainmaker Gallery, 140 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2RS rainmakerart.co.uk

Ring: Necklace:

CLIFTON VILLAGE ANTIQUES

A wide selection of 9ct gold hoop earrings. Prices from £30

2 Clifton Arcade, Boyces Avenue, BS8 4AA

DENTS INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION

Hats, gloves and scarves from Dents International Collection. Shown here: the Heritage bold-check cashmere scarf with tassels in Blue. Meldon – Men's Abraham Moon-check tweed newsboy cap in blue. Bath – Men's three-point cashmere-lined leather gloves in navy. Heritage plaid-check cashmere scarf with tassels in cherry. Ginny – Women's single-point lined leather gloves in hot pink.

Dents Factory Shop, Furnax Lane, Warminster, BA12 8PE dentsgloves.com

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH THATCHER’S CIDER

Back by popular demand, the Thatchers Cider 12 Days of Christmas Calendar is now available to purchase online and in the Thatchers Shop at Myrtle Farm, Sandford.The Christmas cider calendar is the perfect present for any cider lover. This year, the collection includes some of Thatcher’s exclusive Cider Barn ciders, alongside some of their much-loved classics and surprise merchandise! £44.95 plus delivery.

Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, BS25 5RA thatcherscider.co.uk

THE BRISTOL SOAP COMPANY MINI GIFT TIN

Express your care with this charming gift set. Unveil the sweetness of a Sweet Orange Lip Balm, the soothing touch of a Sweet Orange and Lavender Soap, and the eco-friendly elegance of a Rami Soap Bag. It’s not just a set; it’s a curated expression of affection, proving that even the most modest gestures can show someone you truly care. £16

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road, BS8 1RL

bristolmuseums.org.uk

Cosy Christmas stocking fillers. Find the bestselling fingerless gloves handmade in Bristol. £24

Available online at: annafalcke.com

NICHOLAS WYLDE JEWELLERY

From Nicholas Wylde's new and exclusive Radiance collection; a beautiful range of interchangeable diamond jewellery that allows you mix and match different colour halo disks to suit your mood or wardrobe. Shown here: a Radiance pendant with a 1ct diamond – £POA

Find out more at: Nicholas Wylde, 6 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4DR nicholaswylde.com

The

Clifton Arcade at Christmas

Step away from your keyboard, bid farewell to the Amazon delivery man and head out to Clifton Arcade to find an eclectic mix of shopping opportunities, expert advice and recommendation and a warm welcome. We caught up with the independent business owners of this most Christmassy of destinations to find out exactly what’s on offer this year beneath the glass ceiling...

Terry Cox: Clifton Village Antiques

A Bristol treasure

Clifton Village Antiques been in the hands of jeweller Terry Cox for 22 years. At the age of 79, Terry has been in business for more than 40 years and has vowed to keep working until he drops! Terry’s focus is on offering quality and expertise but at exceptionally attractive prices which are reported to be some of the most competitive in Bristol. Both modern and antique pieces are available and Terry also undertakes commissions to design and manufacture to your requirements as well as repairs and remodelling of treasured pieces. GIA diamonds are also available – prices on request.

Max’s Brows

Enhancing natural beauty

Max is a multi award-winning permanent makeup artist. He’s been perfecting his signature natural nano technique since he started Max’s Brows in 2018. With it, he won first place in the PMU & Microblading UK Championship in 2024, and is representing the UK in the World Championships. He loves making people feel beautiful and more confident in themselves. | maxsbrows.com

Heron Books

Expert-recommended books

Elizabeth Moss achieved a lifelong dream in October 2022 when she opened her own bookshop having previously worked as a Classics teacher, at the University of Bristol and for Waterstones. All the books are carefully chosen by Elizabeth herself, the main criterion being excellence. From picture books, to children’s titles, to fiction, to non-fiction – she looks for well-written, intelligently crafted works. Heron also offers five monthly book groups, author events and tailored book subscriptions. | heronbooks.co.uk

Bees and Graves

An emporium of delights

Bees and Graves set up shop in the Clifton Arcade over 30 years ago, having moved from its initial premises in the longgone Antiques Market. In that time the range has been tweaked, now offering the widest selection of contemporary and antique jewellery in the region. Also on offer is an exciting mix of objects, from silver picture frames to decanters and a plethora of decorative items. The owners spend many hours seeking out the best pieces to offer for sale while keeping an eye on offering exceptional value for money.

Gallery Grace

Supporting local artists

Gallery Grace celebrates artwork created by local emerging artists; The team prides itself in showing original artwork and supporting the art community. As well as original paintings, the gallery stocks a supply of unique gifts and sculptures, some originals or limited edition. Visit this welcoming space and view the pre-Christmas exhibition in the stunning Clifton Arcade or visit the website. gallery-grace.co.uk; 07903849273

Fears

A timeless classic

Hermione Harbutt

Crowning glories and glittering accessories

Hermione Harbutt is a master artisan, creating contemporary and covetable accessories for weddings and events since 2008, and she has had her beautiful showroom at Clifton Arcade since 2011. Clients can expect a warm and personal approach from a consummate couturier and creator of accessory dreams. Hermione is known for her intricate headpieces, crowns, millinery, race wear and jewellery which is chosen and endorsed by some of the most prestigious international designers. | hermioneharbutt.com

Celebrate Christmas at Fears boutique in Clifton Arcade, home to one of Britain’s oldest family-run watch companies, proudly established in 1846. Discover the collection of timeless watches, where luxury meets a legacy of British craftsmanship and heritage. As you browse, enjoy a mince pie and a glass of English sparkling wine. Whether choosing a special gift or treating yourself, let the team help make your festive season truly special. | fearswatches.com

Waxﬂower Bridal

A luxury bridal boutique

Located upsatirs at the Arcade, Waxflower Bridal stocks gowns from Halfpenny London, Katy Britton, Bon Bridé, Suzanne Neville, Bowen Dryden and Unbridled. This exclusively-British collection also includes pieces from House of Ollichon, a completely dress-less bridal collection. Among the pink velvet sofas, plush furnishings and contemporary fittings, brides will discover rails of gowns, jumpsuits and two-pieces, expertly curated by Kathy Holdsworth. | waxflowerbridal.co.uk

One Cat Boutique

Sustainable fashion champion

One Cat Boutique has been proudly championing sustainable fashion since 2020. The curated collection features exquisite vintage wedding dresses, timeless kimonos, Y2K-inspired styles, preloved modern brands, and bespoke handmade gifts. Each piece is thoughtfully selected for its quality and uniqueness, reflecting a commitment to ethical practices, local sourcing, and environmental responsibility. Embrace timeless elegance while supporting a more sustainable future. | onecatboutique.com

New kids on the block

Sunshine Sketch Art is a new arrival in the Arcade having relocated from North Cornwall this year. Expect to find happy, positive, colourful, practical stationery and artist ranges that encourage a sunny creative mindset! Searching for a sketchbook and drawing pencils to capture the Suspension Bridge; notepads and presentation cards to revise; or colouring books to keep your little-uns entertained – Sunshine Sketch can help. | sunshinesketch.art

Jo’s Tea

Sensational, fresh bubble tea & fruit teas

Inspired by her son (who only takes fresh food!), Jo started her tea shop so that people could enjoy the most delicious fresh tea, fresh fruits, fresh milk and fresh desserts all in one place. The team prepares, brews, juices, and cooks everything on-site in front of the customers. No hiding or false claims. Visit Clifton Arcade to find out what makes this bubble tea so special, or plan ahead and view the website for an amazing range of sensational drinks. | jostea.com

Sunshine Sketch Art

Motiq 2

Chic boutique

Based in the Clifton Arcade, Motiq 2 reopened their doors in November 2023 after closing their store of 15 years on Boyces Avenue. Owner Michele Coss selects a range of pieces that are perfect for every occasion, whether it be holidays, special events or day to day wear. All items are carefully chosen from independent suppliers based in the UK, Spain, Italy and France.

Village

Independent gift and card shop

Established in 2001, Village has steadily built up a fab selection of greetings cards and quirky little gifts. You will find a gift for everyone, from Bristol merchandise, Roka Bags and woolley socks, to affordable sterling silver studs and hoops. And now the basement is open offering all things Christmas!

Fancy joining The Arcade community?

Retail and office units are available

From time to time, units become available at The Arcade. Currently there are three retail units, along with two office units which are situated in the upper gallery. For further information about taking space, please contact Moorpoint Ltd: cliftonarcade@gmail.com

Hidden Gallery

Enter the World of Art

Hidden first opened its doors in 2016, born out of a passion for art and a desire to make it accessible to all. The gallery specialises in original prints, drawings and works on paper by the world’s most acclaimed artists, with hand-signed artworks by Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Salvador Dali and Henri Matisse among its collection. Hidden offers museum-quality art in a relaxed and welcoming environment. | hiddengallery.co.uk

Also not to be missed at The Arcade!

Be sure to check out these other exciting businesses who call Clifton Arcade home....

Ralphs Barbershop

Ralph’s Hair and Barbering provides modern, inclusive barbering with a personal one-on-one service in an eco-friendly, welcoming, safe space. ralphsbarbershop.co.uk

Avril Nails

Full mani and pedi treatments are available at Avril Nail lounge at the far end of the Arcade.

Hot Mess Manicures

Head upstairs to this nail salon using vegan and cruelty-free gel polish and builder gel products to create dazzling nail art. instagram.com/hotmessmanicures

Gymset

Private mircogym space that can be rented by the hour, suitable for gym-goers, fitness newbies and personal trainers | thegymset.com

Kasia W Photography

An award winning Bristol based photographer specialising in maternity, newborn, children, family, fine art and beauty photography. | kasiawphotography.com

Select Visa Services

Offering a complete visa application solution, from the initial free assessment right the way through to keeping you updated on your visa status. | selectvisaservices.com

The Primrose Café

Clifton’s best-loved café

The Primrose Café has been under the same ownership for more than 30 years and has become one of Bristol’s busiest and best-loved cafes. The team takes the trouble to source locally, sustainably and ethically. In a perfectly-positioned suntrap at any time of year, the Primrose is the ideal place to watch the world go by. Keep an eye out for some delicious Christmas specials to fuel you while you shop. | primrosecafe.co.uk

Nook Deco

Inspiring interiors

Nook Deco is a leading UK retailer of unique contemporary and traditional restored oriental furniture. Some of the furniture is on display in the boutique shop in Clifton Arcade where you’ll also find lush houseplants, ceramics and other treasures. Furniture and ornaments can be delivered worldwide. | nookdeco.co.uk; 07854441528 or 07979725599

Expert opinion

From Chris Yeo, Valuer at Clevedon Salerooms and regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow

Table Talk

The festive season is once again upon us. With the first M&S Christmas advert, our minds turn with a mixture of excitement and dread to thoughts of entertaining. Friends, family, neighbours, come one come all, but if a party is worth doing it’s got to be done well. A bowl of Twiglets and a glass of warm Sauvignon Blanc is no use to man or beast, you have to go the extra mile with good food, drink and, increasingly it would seem, a tablescape. A what? I hear you ask. Allow me to explain.

Thanks to social media, these days having a well-laid table just isn’t good enough. For a table to really make the grade it has to be ‘scaped’ (as in landscaped) using accessories to set the stage for the culinary delights and sparkling conversation which doubtless lie ahead. Tablescaping is particularly popular among Gen Z-ers, with the result that the internet is awash with any number of influencers flexing their tablescaping muscles

ready to do for tables what Capability Brown did for 18th-century country estates.

This is, of course, nothing new. Edwardian dinner party etiquette dictated that you spoke to the person on your left for the first half of the meal and the person to your right for the second. On no account were you to speak to the person opposite, for the simple reason that you would not have been able to see them for the forest of candelabra, pyramids of fruit and vases of hothouse flowers which smothered the table.

Will any fashion-conscious influencers be making room for antiques on their Christmas table, I wonder? They really should. Large and very decorative services can be picked up for criminally low prices right now, and it’s a very sustainable choice to boot. For the ultimate in dramatic display, what about a Stilton dome? These gargantuan bell-shaped pieces of pottery were considered essential for the King of Cheeses and still pack a punch, being decorative and ensuring the vapours of even the ripest of fromage remains suitably sealed until the right moment. After all, Christmas is a celebration and there are another 364 days to be ordinary. ■ clevedonsalerooms.com; @chrisyeo_antiques (Instagram)

Late Victorian majolica cheese dish, sold for £300 at Clevedon Salerooms

ART and the galleries

171 Annual Open Exhibition at Royal West of England Academy, on until 5 January 2025

The RWA’s Annual Open Exhibition is now in its 171st year, showcasing a diverse array of contemporary art from both established and emerging artists. The exhibition also provides a significant opportunity for art lovers to purchase original works both online and in the gallery. Prices for the artwork range from £10 to several thousand, making this an accessible opportunity for both seasoned collectors and those new to acquiring art.This year, the exhibition received 4277 submissions, with 603 pieces selected for display by a panel of distinguished judges. The artworks span a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, mixed media, textile art, architecture, video and more. rwa.org.uk; RWA, Queen’s Road, BS8 1P Image credit: Alice Hendy Photography

Christmas at Clifton Contemporary Art, on until 24 December

This Christmas, Clifton Contemporary Art is celebrating originality, insight and individuality: the qualities that make its artists’ work inspiring and enduring, whether you’re looking for a uniquely special present or something to transform your home. Explore the raw, pure, elemental seascapes of Janette Kerr, the kinetic energy of Andrew Hood’s oil paintings, Chuck Elliot’s mesmeric, geometric prints, plus a new collection of Trevor Lillistone’s textured and elegant stoneware. New works by Stephanie Axtell are also being shown, which radiate a subtle sense of place and invite you into her enigmatic Cornish world. Also available is a whole range of painting, original print work, stone and bronze sculpture, ceramics and handmade jewellery.

25 Portland Street, Clifton, BS8 4JB cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk

Here Today, Here Tomorrow: works from Jerwood Collection Arnolfini, until 2 February 2025

A selection of 22 artworks from Jerwood Collection that draw upon themes of the cycles of life and our relationship to nature, place and the spaces that we inhabit. Works on display include quiet paintings of landscapes, still lifes and portraits, to bright and colourful screenprints that capture the textures of our everyday lives and the traces that humans leave behind.Open every Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 6pm. Free entry, donations welcome. Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA; arnolfini.org.uk

Image: Saturday Wait by Clare Woods, 2019

Image: Vox Linea by Chuck Elliott

Rainmaker Gallery’s Winter Showcase, on now until 31 January

Rainmaker Gallery’s Winter Showcase brings together the work of several Indigenous artists, including patterned canvases by Laguna Pueblo painter Marla Allison, bold Pacific Northwest Coast serigraphs by Tlingit artist Preston Singletary, modernist monochrome masterworks by Mvskoke painter Rick Grimster, and more. The gallery also carries a unique collection of Native American jewellery, sculpture and traditional Pendleton blankets. rainmakerart.co.uk; 140 Whiteladies Road, BS8 2RS

Image: Untitled, 2018, acrylic on paper by Rick Grimster

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 60, on until 27 April 2025

An unmissable exhibition at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery showcasing 100 stunning images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images shine a light on stories and species around the world and encourage a future of advocating for the planet. The world-renowned exhibition, now in its 60th year, is on loan from the Natural History Museum in London. Tickets from £5 to £10.

Buy now at bristolmuseums.org.uk

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road, BS8 1RL

Image: Jose

Grandío / Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Until 5 January 2025

Manuel

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SHOPPING

Barbour Marie Trench Showerproof Coat, Ancient Poplar, available at John Lewis

An elegant piece of outerwear, imagined in a matte showerproof fabric to provide extra protection from the elements when the forecast is unpredictable. Oversized epaulettes give it a premium look and feel, merging modern touches with time-honoured details like the belted waist, cuffed sleeves and welt pockets. johnlewis.com; The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5QU

MAGAZINE KIOSK

From Magalleria: curated by

Daniel McCabe

FOOD & DRINK

Jerk Chicken Curry

Shake up your cosy curry repertoire with this simple take on a classic Caribbean dish, laden with earthy spices and dynamic flavours. If you have any Jerk paste left over after making this dish, store it in the fridge and use it to spice up soups, casseroles and stews… or roll your spuds in it to put a unique twist on classic roast potatoes.

Ingredients (serves 4)

1kg chicken skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs

3 tbsp Jamaican Jerk paste

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 red pepper, deseeded and diced

1 heaped tsp medium strength curry powder

1 heaped tsp dried thyme

400g can chopped tomatoes

400ml can coconut milk

To serve: steamed rice; a large handful of fresh coriander, chopped

1. Lightly score the chicken thigh skin, tip into a large bowl and smother with 2 tbsp of the Jerk paste. Using clean hands, squidge the paste into all the nooks and crannies, cover with cling film and leave to marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour (or up to 6 hours).

CHEW is a charming new title from the publishers of marketleading children’s magazines

ANORAK and DOT that aims to reconnect kids aged 6+ and their families with the universal foods we take for granted, such as fruits, grains and vegetables. CHEW uses play, imagination and creativity to engage them in the idea that healthy foods are exciting rather than something to battle against. The first issue is all about the orange and how this humble fruit has become one of the most popular foods on our planet. store.magalleria.co.uk

2. Heat a little vegetable oil in a large frying pan and fry the chicken and onion over a medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is brown on both sides and the onion is starting to caramelise. Add the red pepper, curry powder, remaining Jerk paste and thyme and continue to cook for a further 2 minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes and coconut milk to the pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid from the pan and continue to simmer for a further 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is thoroughly cooked throughout.

4. Serve in warmed bowls accompanied by steamed rice and sprinkled with plenty of freshly-chopped coriander.

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Recipe by Melissa Blease

OUR FESTIVE FOOD & DRINK PICKS

INDULGE IN THE VERY BEST CULINARY DELIGHTS BRISTOL HAS TO OFFER THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Mowgli’s Christmas Feasting Menu is available now…

At £35 per person and running until 5 January, the Christmas Feasting Menu is perfect if you're planning a Christmas get-together or organising a festive meal with colleagues. The menu begins with a glass of bubbles or a cold beer at the table alongside the iconic Mowgli Chat Bombs. Street Chat & Meats includes the heady Fenugreek Kissed Fries, punchy Gunpowder Chicken, and the crowd-pleasing Himalayan Cheese on Toast with the wintry spiced ooze of strong cheddar. For the main event, there's a selection of towering tiffins of meat and vegetable curries with rice to share. These recipes are family heirlooms, freshly cooked each morning. To give you that real Indian home kitchen thrill, the dishes are chosen and curated by the chef-tiffin roulette is total pot luck, as it is in India. Your feast is rounded off with the indulgent Mowgli Chocolate Brownie with ice cream or Mango Sorbet served in waffle cones. The team will gladly adapt the menu for any vegan and gluten-free guests.

For tables of 6+ please book directly at bookings@mowglistreetfood.com or call 0117 990 3003; 35 Corn Street, BS1 1HT; mowglistreetfood.com

Festive dining at The River Grille

Experience festive dining this December at The River Grille, with all-day dining options bringing the seasons finest flavours to your table. Nestled along Bristol’s scenic waterfront, The River Grille offers a warm and elegant setting for festive gatherings, offering seasonal lunch and dinner menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Recently recognised with a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024, The River Grille promises a delightful festive experience that combines culinary delights with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Join the team to celebrate the season with thoughtfully created dishes, perfect for making lasting memories with loved ones. doylecollection.com/bristol

Boujon Bakery bursts onto the scene

Boujon Bakery has just opened a new premises on Gloucester Road, where the team is currently accepting pre-bookings and pre-orders only.

The bakery specialises in bespoke hand-iced biscuits and cakes for every occasion and has a range of products available such as set biscuit boxes, personalised biscuit boxes, corporate gifting and biscuit decorating masterclasses. The biscuits are posted UK-wide, so you can pre-order online and the team will do the rest for you.

Boujon Bakery is the only biscuit company in the UK to offer customers personalised biscuit boxes, which means you can choose whatever designs you'd like on a biscuit. Boujon Bakery can cater to dietary requirements and all its packaging is 100% recyclable or biodegradable.

267 Gloucester Road, BS7 8NY; boujonbakery.co.uk

The Most Wonderful Wines of the year

Christmas is a time for celebration, joy, and indulgence. As families gather around the table, the clinking of glasses ﬁlled with great wines only adds to the festive spirit. This year, make your Christmas extra special with a fantastic selection of wines recommended by Tom Bleathman, all on promotion from The Great Wine Co. this December | greatwine.co.uk

Brut Grande Réserve Premier Cru, Gobillard

This is the Champagne that every staff member will be drinking this Christmas. Gobillard is located just 5km outside the Champagne heartland of Épernay and with vineyards situated between Taittinger and Dom Pérignon, this champagne house certainly has the credentials. All the grapes come from Premier Cru sites guaranteeing complexity and depth, with flavours of ripe pear, toasted almonds, and a touch of honey. A perfect aperitif or a great match for smoked salmon blinis. Also, currently at a fantastic price and a great opportunity to stock up. £39.50

Crémant de Bourgogne Cuvée Excellence, Veuve Ambal

For those looking for an alternative to Champagne, look no further than the Veuve Ambal Crémant de Bourgogne Cuvée Excellence. Produced on the outskirts of Beaune, Burgundy, this sparkling wine offers a fine mousse and a bouquet of white flowers, green apples, and a hint of brioche. Serve chilled alongside light appetisers for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. £18.85

Picpoul de Pinet 2023, Roquemolière

My old man’s favourite! Produced in the Languedoc region of France, this wine is full of bright citrus fruit and has wonderfully refreshing minerality. This is a great option for those looking for an alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. Designed to be paired with seafood dishes, this makes an excellent choice for a Christmas Eve feast featuring oysters or shrimp cocktail. £12.95

intensity with notes of apricot, peach, and honeysuckle, with a rich, full-bodied palate. It’s an excellent match for turkey and all the trimmings. £25

Il Nero di Casanova 2020, La Spinetta

The GWC team and I tasted this last month, and we all knew we’d found a winner. Made by one of Italy’s iconic producers, La Spinetta, this oozes class. Made from 100% Sangiovese, it boasts flavours of ripe cherries, blackberries, and a touch of earthiness. This reminded us of Brunello at a fraction of the price. With smooth tannins and a long finish, this is the ideal red for Christmas day and will no doubt impress your guests. £22

Les Vignes d’à Côté Viognier 2022, Yves Cuilleron

Yves Cuilleron is one of the top producers of the Northern Rhone. Planted on neighbouring slopes to the extremely premium area of Condrieu, this wine represents fantastic value for money. Pure aromatic

Bordeaux Superieur 2022, Château Sainte Marie

I was fortunate to attend a blind Bordeaux tasting with a group of Bathbased wine enthusiasts recently. I took this as my entry, and it stood up incredibly well compared to wines that were up to four times its price. A classic blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a harmonious mix of dark fruit, cedar, and subtle spice. Its structured tannins and long finish make it an ideal pairing with roast beef, lamb, or a rich mushroom risotto. £14.95

LBV Port 2017, Quinta do Crasto

No Christmas is complete without a rich, velvety port to round off the evening. The LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) Port 2017 from Quinta do Crasto is a standout choice. This port offers intense aromas of blackberries, plums, and a hint of spice, followed by a luscious palate of dark fruit and chocolate. It’s perfect for sipping by the fire or pairing with a cheese board featuring blue cheese and aged cheddar. Its depth and sweetness also make it a great match for Christmas pudding or chocolate truffles. £25 n

Tare opens new Wapping Wharf bar

Michelin Guide-recognised eatery Tare has added a sister venue to its Bistro, opening a bar in the unit that formerly housed its Tasting Menu restaurant at Wapping Wharf. The new harbourside spot Tare Bar is open Wednesday through to Saturday evenings, offering moreish bar snacks and and an extensive drinks list.

Tare Bar is the brainchild of founder and chef, Matt Hampshire, who has spent the past year perfecting the concept that brings together his passion for sensational food and drink in a modern yet laid-back environment.

“We wanted to create a fun space that feels a little like home, but with the exceptional quality that you’d expect from Tare and everything we’re known for." he says. Tare Bar’s menu includes an inspiring wine list, each available by the glass and rotating regularly. It also features a selection of signature cocktails and drinks from many local distilleries and breweries, as well as a wide variety of no- and low- alcoholic alternatives. Highlights from the ever-changing bar food menu include glazed stuffed chicken wings, tempura oyster mushrooms and pork belly skewers. tarerestaurant.co.uk

A Japanese twist on Christmas at KIBOU

Throughout the festive season, KIBOU is offering a special festive set menu alongside its signature dishes and seasonal chef’s specials. Perfect for gatherings of friends, family, or colleagues, these menus are designed for groups of six or more and will be available until the end of the year. Enjoy platters of freshly prepared sushi and sashimi, paired with classics like tempura king prawns drizzled in a miso sweet chilli sauce, crispy cauliflower florets seasoned with sake and shichimi togarashi, and a range of mouthwatering bao buns.

For those seeking an extra touch of indulgence, KIBOU’s festive specials add a luxurious twist to your dining experience, featuring unique creations that will make this season even more memorable.

And what’s Christmas without a little cheer? Sip on chic festive cocktails or explore a Japanese whisky flight to add the perfect finish to your evening. With such delicious flavours on offer, sushi and Santa should definitely be at the top of your wish list this year!

KIBOU has crafted three distinct sharing menus to cater to every preference: the Classic, Vegetarian, and Tokujo (Special) Festive menus. Prices start from just £30 per person, excluding dessert. In addition, a KIBOU gift card could make the ideal Christmas present for any sushi-loving friend or family member.

Choose from either a monetary gift card, or opt for an exclusive KIBOU experience – with gift cards now available for Afternoon Tea or sushi sharing platter with a flight of sake.

Either purchase online as a digital or physical gift card, (available from gifts.kibou.co.uk) or pop into the restaurant to buy.

To view all the Festive Menus at KIBOU and to book your table visit kibou.co.uk/christmas2024; 16 King's Road, Clifton, BS8 4AB

Image credit: Nic Crilly-Hargrave

Toast this Christmas with a Japanese High Ball!

High balls have long been the tipple of choice in bars and izakaya’s across Japan, with many boasting their own signature serve as a twist to this simple cocktail.

KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar is carrying on the tradition this Christmas, and has created its own festive take on a High Ball for you to recreate at home –a deliciously simple festive cocktail to warm up any winter’s night. Kanpai!

The Jinjānattsu (Ginger Nut) Highball

Ingredients:

25ml Gin

20ml sweet/red vermouth

5ml lemon juice

2 dashes angostura bitters

Topped with ginger ale

Tall Glass: highball

Method: Build in glass

Garnish: lemon wedge and mint sprig

Stir all ingredients in glass, then garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint.

Or, to try out the real deal, just head to KIBOU this Christmas to sample one of its deliciously festive cocktails, and let the pros do all the work! We love the sound of the team’s Christmassy mulled wine Daquiri.

KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar, 16 King’s Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AB

To view the menu and to book, visit kibou.co.uk

Wilsons lowers set menu prices for winter

Michelin Green Star restaurant Wilsons has reduced its set menu pricing throughout December and January. Introducing a six-course menu, the Redland restaurant is offering an abbreviated version of its tasting menu at a lower price point, £58, alongside the standard eight courses for £73.

Available from Tuesday through to Friday dinner, the shortened menu borrows from a ‘pre-theatre’ format in order to reduce costs.

Encapsulating the restaurant’s strong farm-to-table ethos, the six-course menu offers a full taste of chef owner Jan Ostle’s creative, imaginative cooking, showcasing dishes that use all fruit, herbs and vegetables from the Wilsons Market Garden.

At lunchtime, a menu of snacks and three further courses chosen by the restaurant is being offered for £35, including a glass of lowintervention wine chosen by the restaurant’s co-founder Mary Wilson. Bookings for the set lunch menu can be made for Wednesday to Friday lunchtimes. wilsonsbristol.co.uk

Planting ideas

When it’s cold outside and the garden is dormant, it’s a great time to stay indoors and ﬁnd some inspiration from some of the latest books on oﬀer A book makes a great Christmas gift for someone who loves gardening, or why not treat yourself? Our gardening expert Elly West shares her top picks.... ellyswellies.co.uk

Collage the Botanical World, RHS/Frances Lincoln, £16.99

Anyone interested in having a go at collage will love this book, which contains more than 1,000 images from the Royal Horticultural Society’s archives. Choose from the vast variety of flowers, leaves, fruits, vegetables and fungi, plus some insects, birds and animals (and even a few garden gnomes for good measure) all with a nostalgic, vintage feel. Getting creative is made easy, with an introduction by Katy McNulty (@collage.garden) to guide you through the basics of how to collage, including an equipment list and helpful tips on scale, composition, colour and perspective. There’s a selection of beautiful full-page scenes to choose from as your background to begin creating.

Drawn to the Garden by Caroline Quentin, published by Frances Lincoln, £20

This warm and engaging gardening memoir by comedian and actor Caroline Quentin is full of personal anecdotes about her life and experiences in the garden. The overall message is that gardening should be fun, and that simple pleasures are to be had from planning and planting, harvesting and cooking. Included are recipes, practical tips, childhood stories and quotes, giving it the overall feel of a diary or journal, despite being organised by topic rather than timeline. Its informal tone is enhanced by the sketches and simple watercolour paintings throughout, all done by Caroline herself. Her approach to gardening is trial and error, rather than prescriptive rules, a method that she strongly advocates for gaining the most pleasure from the pastime.

A Garden A Day by Ruth Chivers, Batsford, £20

This chunky book is a visual feast and a real celebration of gardens, with each day of the year celebrating a different garden, along with an illustration or photograph. The reader is transported through history and around the globe, from the ancient Hanging Gardens of Babylon, to a vegetable plot on the International Space Station, to Queen Mary’s miniature dolls’ house garden, designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens. Through these gardens we discover poetry, literature, art, folklore, history, design and, of course, horticulture. It’s a beautiful book to dip in and out of, full of ideas for gardens to visit, as well as inspiration for our own gardens.

A Short History of Flowers, by Advolly Richmond, Frances Lincoln £16.99

Gardeners’ World presenter and plant historian Advolly Richmond explores the history of common garden plants, looking at the stories behind their introduction into cultivation. Advolly, who studied Garden History at the University of Bristol, makes us think further about the plants that we take for granted in our gardens, many of which were brought from far flung countries and continents, with journeys full of adventure, intrigue, piracy and even obsession and duplicity. She reveals the history and folklore of these plants, many of which were originally cultivated for their medicinal, rather than ornamental, properties, and delves into the origins of their common names. The book is beautifully illustrated by botanical artist Sarah Jane Humphrey.

The Good Slug Guide by

Jo Kirby, Gemini, £12.99

An ideal stocking filler for any gardener losing the battle with slugs and snails, particularly after the rain-filled year behind us, Jo Kirby gives simple and practical advice on how to transform your garden into a leafy, slug-resilient haven, without reaching for the chemicals. Through simple explanations of the science and ecology of the garden, traditional slug-beating advice is turned on its head and some surprising facts are revealed. Who knew that it is only the common garden snail that is a ‘pest’, while many other snails (and slugs) will actually eat the mollucs that are damaging our plants. She discusses other natural predators and how to encourage them, and debunks the myth that a tidy garden deters mollusc pests, as it also removes the food and shelter of the natural predators, leaving slugs and snails with no option but to eat healthy leaf matter over the decomposing material that they would prefer to munch on. A final appendix lists 75 natural enemies of slugs and snails that can be found in UK gardens.

Happy Indoor Garden by Miranda Janatka, Batsford, £20 Indoor gardening is very much on the increase, as we become more aware of both the physical and mental health benefits of surrounding ourselves with greenery. Happy Indoor Garden is aimed at anyone who loves growing houseplants, with essential information on what plants best suit different locations around the home. The first section deals with the fundamental variables of light, temperature and humidity, and how they affect our plants, while the following chapters focus on five room types: hallways and stairs, living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, with plant suggestions for each. The second half of the book is a useful directory of houseplants with care tips, as well as interior design ideas and colour schemes that will enhance the botanical display.

Bionic Santa

Father Christmas gets an upgrade: how professional Santa Mike Tindall from Tennessee is spreading even more festive cheer this year thanks to a Hero Arm from Bristol’s Open Bionics

Santa’s sleigh might be packed with presents, but this year, it’s Mike Tindall’s bionic arm that’s stealing the show. The 67year-old pro Santa from Tennessee is delivering more than just festive cheer this season – he’s doing it with a shiny, red, high-tech arm from Open Bionics, the innovative Bristolbased company that’s changing the game for amputees.

Mike’s story starts a bit like a Christmas movie. After a 22-year career in the US Navy, he suffered a workshop accident that led to the amputation of his left forearm. But Mike wasn’t about to let that stop him. With the support of his wife, who’s now always by his side as Mrs Claus, he reinvented himself as a professional Santa Claus – a gig he’s been loving ever since. The only problem? Being Santa comes with some tricky tasks, especially when it involves handing out gifts, accepting letters, and keeping that festive spirit ﬂowing.

“I’ve been looking for something that is easy to use and can help me when I’m handing out presents, accepting letters, and meeting families,” Mike explained. That’s when Mike found the Hero Arm, a multi-grip bionic arm that’s designed specifically for amputees. It’s 3D-printed, lightweight, and – best of all – it can be completely customised to fit its wearer. The arm uses sensors to detect muscle movements and translate them into bionic finger movements, which means Mike can grab, hold, and do everything with ease – perfect for his busy Santa schedule.

“When I ﬁrst saw the red design, I knew it was perfect – it matches my Santa suit!” Mike said. “I really appreciate the simplicity of controlling the arm. It’s lightweight and so much more comfortable than what I’ve used before. I love how easy it is to switch between grips without any hassle.”

After being ﬁtted at the Open Bionics clinic in Austin, Texas, Mike was up and running in no time. Just an hour after the ﬁtting, he was already getting into the Christmas spirit. First, he used his new arm to hold a cup of hot chocolate and dunk a cookie. Then it was time to check his naughty and nice list, and start unloading presents from his Santa sack.

When asked about the reaction he had from children, Mike recalls: “When the kids saw the light ﬂashing on my bionic arm, I told them it’s a Santa tracker for Mrs Claus, so she can see where I am. They thought it was so cool.”

For Open Bionics, helping Mike with his Santa duties has been a blast. Samantha Payne, co-founder of the comapny, expressed her excitement: “Getting to help Santa with his mission to deliver joy and merriment for children at the holidays has been so much fun. We’re so glad the Hero Arm has been able to help Santa with all his two-handed tasks and holiday preparations. Hopefully, we’re on the good list this year.”

What makes the Hero Arm so special isn’t just the tech – it’s how it changes lives. Open Bionics uses 3D printing and scanning to create a custom arm for each person, meaning every Hero Arm is bespoke and built to ﬁt. Plus, the design is sleek, comfortable, and, in Mike’s case, holiday-ready. It’s the perfect combo of form and function, and it’s making a big difference in Mike’s life. n

Upper limb amputees interested in getting a Hero Arm can register interest at openbionics.com/sign-up, where the team will determine eligibility and arrange an assessment.

Mike Tindall’s life as a professional Santa has been transformed thanks to his Hero Arm

Bristol at work

LOCAL BUSINESS, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATION UPDATES

Sidcot Leiths graduates launch pizza business

Two recent Old Scholars of Sidcot School have renovated a donated old truck to create a mobile wood-fired pizza business that covers events, festivals, and private bookings across the South West. After completing their A Level studies last summer, Chris and Wolfe decided to take a gap year to explore the world before they start university next September. As they considered ways to raise money for their travels, their Food Technology and Leiths Cookery course teacher, Mr Meredith, gifted them a dilapidated food truck. Throughout the summer, the boys worked hard to renovate the truck and have recently launched their own business, Left-Handed Pizza. lefthandedpizza.co.uk

Consultations underway for creation of landmark new Bristol BID

Bristol is set to enhance its business landscape and drive economic growth through a landmark new city-wide Business Improvement District (BID). The proposed Bristol BID aims to unite the existing Bristol City Centre BID, Redcliffe & Temple BID and Broadmead BID under one vision. By unifying the three BIDs and expanding the footprint, the proposed new Bristol BID will increase investment from £11 million to circa £17 million over five years, boosting the city’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects that drive business growth, enhance public spaces and elevate visitor experiences. This new approach unlocks over £500,000 in savings, creating a more efficient and cost-effective model to reinvest in city initiatives. The BID is consulting on two levy options of 1.75% and 1.9% and only those businesses with a rateable value of £30,000 or more will pay the levy. If approved by businesses, the new BID will officially launch in November 2025. bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk

Redmaids’ High students commemorate the schools’ founders

Redmaids’ High School in Bristol proudly marked its 390th anniversary this year, celebrating nearly four centuries as the oldest surviving independent girls’ school in the UK. This milestone will be commemorated on Friday 15 November, at the school’s annual Founders' Commemoration Day, steeped in history and tradition. Originally known as Founder’s Day, this celebration honours John Whitson, founder of the Red Maids’ School, whose visionary commitment to girls’ education began even before the School’s foundation in 1634. Following a 2016 merger with Redland High School for Girls, the occasion now also commemorates Reverends T.G. Rose and Urijah Thomas, who established Redland High in 1882. Each year, students don traditional red uniforms, echoing Whitson’s historic trade in red dye, and take part in a ceremony including a wreath-laying at Whitson’s tomb in St. Nicholas Church, followed by a service in Bristol Cathedral. The event draws together alumnae, families, and the school community, celebrating Redmaids’ High’s rich heritage of education and progress. redmaidshigh.co.uk

Discover six simple steps for designing and managing your budget

1. Clarify your net income

Your net income is your salary or earnings minus any tax deductions, pension contributions, or student loan repayments.

2. Assess your monthly expenses

List your fixed expenses, which are costs that are unlikely to change. You can then deduct them from your net income.

Next, look at variable expenses, which are those that change depending on your activity.

3. Set your savings goals

You can now set your savings goals as they relate to your longterm financial objectives. It can be a good idea to adjust your goals as your circumstances and priorities change.

4. Plan your spending

Review how much you’ve overspent in recent months and see what areas you could trim.

5. Review and update your budget as needed

Once you’ve designed your budget, it’s important to regularly review it to ensure it’s realistic and that you stay on track to achieve your goals.

6. Speak to a financial planner

A financial planner can help you design and implement a budget that ensures you achieve your ambitions while enjoying the journey toward them.

To speak to a financial planner, get in touch.

We are Independent Financial Advisers who specialise in retirement planning and estate planning

Get in touch

If you would like a review of your pensions and investments and whether you are on track to achieve your financial goals, please contact us for a free consultation.

Bristol at work

LOCAL BUSINESS, SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATION UPDATES

Harold Stephens awards ﬁrst community grants

Harold Stephens has announced the first recipients of its community fund grants, awarded to organisations making a difference to social isolation and loneliness in older residents in North-West Bristol. The grants, which are aimed at helping to foster social connections and enriching the lives of local older people, have been awarded to three standout initiatives. The first grant was awarded to Senior Footprints Group at Ebenezer Church (pictured below, top), a weekly term-time get together attended by an around of 35-45 people ranging from age 60 to 96. The group is open to all (carers included) and it provides a safe and accessible space for participants to enjoy talks, singing, film afternoons, meals together, quizzes and crafts. Another recipient is the BRACE Dementia Research Charity Carol Service, taking place Sunday 8 December, providing an opportunity for people to come together during the festive season. The service not only raises awareness but also provides much-needed support for BRACE, a charity working tirelessly to fund research into dementia, a condition affecting so many families. The third grant has been awarded to Singing to Remember, a structured group designed around the principles of music therapy and singing which is hosted at Trinity Henleaze United Reformed Church (pictured below, bottom). The group is supported by a team of volunteers and a paid facilitator and focuses on providing a non-judgmental, caring environment where singing has positive effects on cognition, behaviour and social interaction. The deadline for the current round of applications is 31 December. For full details about the Community Fund, see the website haroldstephens.co.uk/community-fund

Data scientists helping new generation enter careers in AI

Data scientists working at global security company Leonardo have pulled back the curtain on the fascinating world of AI, so that a new generation of local students can master new skills to advance their career prospects.

Hannah Alexander and Lila Rose (pictured above) who work at Leonardo’s Bristol site in its cyber and security business, want to attract more young people and particularly girls into cyber and data careers, since women are still underrepresented in this field.

Recent research into the UK cyber security labour market, carried out on behalf of the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, confirms that while the number of women working in cybersecurity has increased from 6,800 in 2021 to 11,400 in 2024, just 17% of the cyber workforce is female.

Both Hannah and Lila are keenly aware of this imbalance in the industry, so they created a special workshop for a group of girls at Rednock School in Dursley. The students learned how to apply machine learning by creating a music app that could understand and then predict users’ requirements.

Hannah believes that if girls knew more about data careers earlier on, they could avoid the often-circuitous path that women complete before pursuing careers in the field. uk.leonardo.com

Global Goals Centre wins award

Bristol-based education charity Global Goals Centre has won the Okayama Education for Sustainable Development Award, beating 267 submissions from 70 countries around the world. Global Goals Centre won the award for its work in Sparks Bristol which they run in partnership with local arts charity, Artspace Lifespace. Global Goals Centre also delivers workshops to schools, free school holiday workshops and green careers workshops. globalgoalscentre.org

Charlotte’s Mini Magic Cream

Bauble by Charlotte Tilbury, £23

Moisturise and prime in a single step with Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Mini Magic Cream Bauble, a travelsized Magic Cream packaged to hang on the festive tree. Working to extend the wear and luminosity of makeup, this moisturiser works to firm and hydrate skin in preparation for makeup. spacenk.com

AHA Botanical Body Soap by Mario Badescu, £9

Designed to leave skin feeling thoroughly clean and refreshed, Mario Badescu’s AHA Botanical Body Soap is formulated with an invigorating blend of fruit enzymes ginseng and linden to revitalise skin with every shower. harveynichols.com

Limited-Edition Etoile Scented

Candle by Diptyque, £40-£68

Artist Lucy Sparrow appropriates the symbols of winter and the icons of the Maison, transmuting reality into a magical, festive world. After nightfall, the Étoile (Star) candle fills the room with its floral, velvety notes. johnlewis.com

Liquid Love Eau de Parfum by Penhaligon’s, 100ml £195

A passionate eau de parfum to set hearts aflutter. Spicy rushes of pink pepper, ginger and turmeric lock in fiery embrace with chilli and musk. penhaligons.com

N°5 Eau de Parfum, Limited Edition by Chanel, £175

N°5 is cloaked in a soft dusting of snow for Christmas: a delicate veil of silk, applied by hand, drapes over the bottle's shoulders and cabochon. This floral bouquet, composed around rose and jasmine, features bright citrus top notes. Aldehydes give the fragrance a unique presence and a smooth touch of vanilla creates an incredibly sensual trail. chanel.com

Chic Mono Eyeshadow by Carolina Herrera, £28

An ultra-blendable formulation that effortlessly glides onto the skin, allowing for limitless looks and an abundance of room to experiment with different shades. harrods.com

The Beauty Edit

December is undeniably the month for indulging, and all those glam parties can leave your skin and hair in need of some TLC. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, here are a few of our favourite holiday beauty picks for you to buy from shops in Bristol and online...

Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked –Evil Eye by Hourglass, £90

This palette includes five new shades of blush, bronzer, and highlighter. Utilising groundbreaking Photoluminescent Technology, the powders filter out harsh light and enhance skin in any type of light. The shades can be used individually or layered together for a multidimensional, soft-glow finish. harveynichols.com

Your Hair Heroes Cracker by Space NK, £25

Time for tress treats. The gift of good hair awaits in this cracker… it’s a festive miracle! Set contains Living Proof Triple Bond Complex, 10ml; JVN Hair Complete Instant Recovery Serum, 25ml; Virtue Healing Oil, 20ml; OUAI Detox Shampoo, 30ml; and a Slip Rose Gold Leopard Skinny Scrunchie. spacenk.com

Les Mains Hermès Nail

Addict Lip Glow Oil by Dior, £33

A non-sticky, nourishing treatment comes courtesy of Dior Addict with its Lip Glow Oil. With long-lasting wear that brings out your natural colour, it provides the comfort and protection of an intense balm, with the all the added shine of a gloss. harrods.com

Enamel Limited Edition, Bleau Agate by Hermès, £48

The fluid texture leaves a fine, smooth film on the nail for a glossy, long-wear result. The formula contains at least 71% ingredients of natural origin and is made in France. johnlewis.com

Robotic surgery restores mobility

When pain prevents you from doing the activities you love, it’s a sign you should seek medical advice. For a keen traveller from North Somerset, this was what motivated her to undergo robotic‐arm assisted knee and hip replacement surgery at Nuﬃeld Health Bristol Hospital – and now she’s back on track to take on her next challenge.

When Angela, a retired banking regional operations manager from Langford, is asked to name her favourite holiday destination, her answer may surprise you. “Antarctica,” she says. “We’ve been lucky enough to go twice. It’s magical. Travel is our thing and I want to be fit and able enough, to carry on doing it for a few more years.”

Angela, 68, has always been relatively fit and healthy, but inherited a knee condition from her father. “I was diagnosed as having laterally tracking patellas about 25 years ago,” Angela says. “I nursed my knees along for a good 20 years or so, but when it got to the stage where I’d be out walking with my husband, Keith, and fall over because one of my knees would collapse, we realised I had to do something about it.”

Post COVID 19 delays to elective procedures within the NHS led Angela to explore the option of privately-funded treatment, booking an appointment with Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon, Mr Damian Clark, at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital in Clifton. Keen to regain and maintain as much functionality as possible, Angela opted to have a total knee replacement, and as a result of her own research, also chose the Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery offered by Nuffield Health.

This state-of-the-art technology from Stryker® brings patients a range of benefits, as Mr Clark explains: “The Mako robotics system permits an enhanced surgical plan with precise execution. A virtual model of the patient’s knee is created from their scan, which is used to make a plan for surgery. The surgeon can fine tune this during the operation, and the robot helps the surgeon to prepare the bone for implantation with extreme accuracy. The real world advantages for the patient, demonstrated by using this technology, include reduced pain and faster recovery.”

In October 2021, Angela underwent her first knee replacement. “That made a huge difference,” she says, “and although the other knee wasn’t as bad, I knew that it would soon need replacing too.” Impressed with the outcomes of the first knee operation, Angela consulted with Mr Clark to have her second knee replaced just 18-months later. However, by the end of the year, Angela’s physiotherapist recommended she make another appointment with Mr Clark because, although her initial recovery had been excellent, she was now experiencing some pain during her exercises.

Angela was surprised to learn from Mr Clark that this new pain was not related to her knees, but was instead her hip, and he referred her to his colleague, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Richard Baker, who specialises in hip surgery, as well as knees.

“I was really pleased with the results I had from my two knee operations in terms of the functionality, how quickly I healed, and the relative lack of pain,” Angela explains. “We love to travel and wanted to get on with life, so a quicker recovery was important to us. That’s why, when I found out I’d probably need a hip replacement, I asked Mr Baker if I could have the robotic-arm assisted surgery.”

Mr Baker says: “Similar to the knee replacement, the Mako robotic system uses a scan of the hip, which is analysed to optimise the implant position and size for each individual patient. The real beauty of this system is that there is enhanced planning that can be executed accurately during surgery to optimise the position of the implant and reconstruct the hip very accurately.”

Angela’s hip surgery was in July this year. “I’m amazed how quickly I managed to recover after my hip replacement,” she says. “The physiotherapists I saw at Nuffield Health for all

my post-op rehab were brilliant. I expected to be out of commission for much longer than I was, but within six weeks I was able to do some gentle gardening. Best of all, we can start planning more holidays.”

The next trip Angela and Keith are planning is to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan, which involves a five-hour trek through Himalayan terrain. “That was always my target,” Angela says, “and now, thanks to Nuffield Health, it’s achievable again.”

If you’ve been experiencing hip or knee pain and would like to book a consultation at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, call 0117 906 4870 – or scan the QR code to visit the website, where you can also book an appointment online.

Travel-loving Angela in Antarctica

We’ve been using MBST in Bristol for almost 8 years now and have treated over 2,000 patients.

The principles are the same as MRI, using the same energy and method to get energy into cells. Where it differs is that MRI uses a much higher dose and extracts 10% of the energy to form an image.

MBST however (using much lower doses over longer periods ) tunes the energy into damaged cells which has been proven to create an environment of resetting and re synchronisation of the abnormal and inﬂammator y functions of these stressed cells. This leads to cell healing, which leads to healthy cell production and tissue healing.

Here we have 2 examples of treatment for mild to moderate hip arthritis:

to us today : 0117 959 6531

Alan is currently mid way through the process of treatment. In 50% of cases it takes a few months for the healing to bring results, but in the other 50% people notice changes far more quickly. Here’s what he has to say.

“Half way through my course of MBST therapy, I am already noticing changes in my arthritic right hip as it starts to respond to the treatment in a number of ways. The dull ache has reduced and the joint feels more relaxed. Freedom of movement is better and the tell-tale limp is less pronounced. Even the simple act of putting on my socks is noticeably easier. I am so excited about the longer term beneﬁts this regenerative treatment is going to bring.”

At the other end of the treatment process: Jennifer came to me with an X-ray report showing mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the hips giving her 4-7 out of ten pain and was limiting her standing, getting in and out of the car and walking. It also hurt at night. I’ve just discharged her pain free 8 months after hip cartilage treatment. She’s been good for the last 5 months and doesn’t really think about her hips.

Over 90% of cases I take on respond like this. It deﬁnitely steers people away from more signiﬁcant interventions

Changes to Inheritance Tax –Labour’s First Budget

Richard Higgs, Chartered Independent Financial Planner

As we await further details on the recent Autumn Budget, here’s an overview of what we know so far about how it could impact later-life ﬁnancial planning. These changes could completely reshape estate planning strategies, especially for those with substantial pension savings and inheritance tax concerns.

From 6th April 2027, unused pension savings will no longer be exempt from IHT, potentially increasing the tax burden on estates with substantial pensions. This marks a shift from current rules, where pension plans are not usually considered part of the estate for IHT purposes. Those with signiﬁcant unused pensions may need to reconsider their strategies for passing wealth to future generations.

Additionally, Alternative Investment Market (AIM) ISAs, previously entirely exempt from IHT if held for at least two years, will now face a reduced IHT rate of 20%. This affects estates that had relied on AIM ISAs for tax-efficient inheritance planning.

For IHT-free investment plans in Business Property Relief (BPR) qualifying assets, which still offer 100% IHT relief if held for two years, a new cap of £1 million will be introduced. Any amount above this threshold will incur a 20% IHT rate.

Furthermore, the freeze on the standard nil rate band (£325,000) and residence nil rate band (£175,000) will continue until at least 2030. As property and asset prices increase, more estates will likely fall within the IHT threshold, heightening the tax burden on future generations.

To address these changes, Harold Stephens is hosting a seminar on Wednesday, 29th January, from 1:30–2:30 pm at Stoke Lodge, Shirehampton Road, Stoke Bishop BS9 1BN, focused on navigating the new IHT rules and other budget implications. Planning early can make a signiﬁcant difference, and this seminar offers valuable insights. To book a place, call 0117 3636 212 or email marketing@haroldstephens.co.uk.

We record regular video updates on a range of later life ﬁnancial topics - search ‘Harold Stephens IFA’ on YouTube.

High Street, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3DZ.

Beating the bounds

Tucked away across Bristol’s historic streets, hidden markers once defined parish boundaries – and still quietly trace its medieval past. Andrew Swift walks through the heart of the city to reveal these rare remnants, telling tales of ancient rates, civic life and a forgotten system of local governance

Heading into the city across Bristol Bridge, if you happen to stop partway across to admire the view downstream, you may notice a plate bearing a monogram and a couple of numbers attached to the balustrade. This is not, as you might suppose, a maker’s mark, but a parish boundary marker. Although something of a rarity today, there were once hundreds of these across the Bristol.

They performed an important function, for it was essential for people to know where one parish ended and another started, and with 10 parishes in the old walled city alone this could be very confusing. The reason they needed to know was because householders had to pay rates to the parish in which they lived. These paid for such things as street lighting, parish constables and poor relief. Naturally, people were as reluctant to pay these rates (as they are to pay taxes today) so, to ensure there could be no doubt as to which parish a particular house belonged, boundary markers were placed or carved on a convenient wall – or in this case on a bridge.

Annual perambulations were made, accompanied by beating of the bounds, along with junketings and libations to encourage participation. This ensured not only that parishioners knew where the boundaries lay but also that all the markers – most of which were numbered – were where they should be.

In the 1830s, however, parliamentary reform saw the responsibility for just about everything taken away from parishes, making parish boundary markers obsolete. Today, only a handful survive, in some of the obscurest corners of the city, yet a walk of just over two-thirds of a mile through a warren of medieval alleys – starting at Bristol Bridge – can take in most of them.

On your marks…

The marker on the bridge – SN 42 – marks the boundary of St Nicholas Parish. So it will come as no surprise that the church ahead is that of St Nicholas. If you head up past the church and turn left along St Nicholas Street, you will ﬁnd another marker – SN 5 – at the bottom of All Saints Lane, to the left of the entrance to the covered market.

Carry on and take the next right up Exchange Avenue, stopping when you come to Brookes Guesthouse on the left. To the right of the entrance is another marker – SN 12 (although the 1 is missing). On the other side of the avenue, a little further along, carved on a keystone over a doorway, is St N 11. To the left of it is the faint outline of another number – 13. This marked the boundary of the adjoining parish of St Werburghs, but any trace of its name has long vanished.

St Nicholas Market extends across three parishes, and if you go into the South Arcade – the entrance to which lies to your right – you will ﬁnd two sets of markers on the north side indicating the boundaries of St Nicholas, St Werburgh and All Saints parishes. To get an idea how small these parishes were, head back out and continue along Exchange Avenue. When your reach Corn Street, look to the right to see the dome and cupola of All Saints, and then look across to Dirty Martini on the west corner of Small Street, which stands on the site of St Werburghs. It was taken down in 1876 and rebuilt a mile and half away in a newlybuilt suburb which then became known as St Werburghs.

Head along Small Street, and, towards the end, look to the right to see, just beyond Urban Tandoor, St W carved in stone, with St L, much smaller, carved above it. This marks the boundary of St Werburgh’s and St Leonard’s parishes. Another marker for St Leonard’s, restored and remounted on the wall of a modern building, can be seen across the street.

At the end of Small Street, turn left, and, after passing the White Lion, look for another St Leonard’s marker on the right-hand side of the Milk Thistle. Follow the pavement as it curves left along St Stephen’s Street, and on the former Bristol Times & Mirror Building – now Bristol Backpackers – you’ll ﬁnd the fragmentary remains of two more St Leonard’s markers – one at either end. Carry on, passing St Stephen’s church on the right, and at the end of the street you come to the site of St Leonard’s church. It was built on the city wall and had a narrow gateway leading through it, so in 1771, when the street was widened, the church had to be demolished.

Turn left here and, after passing Stanford’s bookshop, turn left into an alleyway called Leonard Lane which ran inside the walls. After 50m, on the left, are two markers for St Leonard’s and St Stephen’s. A little further along on the right, just past the entrance to the Centrespace Gallery, is a St Leonard’s marker, whose unpolished style suggests it may be the oldest in the city. A little further on, remounted on a modern building, is yet another St Leonard’s marker.

After going through an archway, cross Small Street and head straight on, following the line of the walls along Bell Lane. A little way along on the left, set into a brick wall and encrusted with paint, is a marker for St Leonard’s alongside one for the Parish of St John the Baptist, whose church, with an archway which led through the city walls, is a little further on. Carry on past St John’s along the line of the walls and follow

the lane as it curves past the Rock & Bowl Hostel along Tower Lane. On the right, set into a wall, alongside another marker for St John the Baptist, is one for Christ Church, the church at the top of Broad Street.

If you retrace your steps to the Rock & Bowl Hostel, turn left along John Street and left at the end along Broad Street to Horts, you will see, on the right-hand side of the building, two more Christ Church markers, one carved and one cast in iron.

That is the end of this brief perambulation, but if you want to discover more, head down to King Street to see a metal and a carved St Leonard’s marker on the old library (now the Cathay Rendezvous) and a St Nicholas marker on the corner of the nearby Small Bar. Or head back across Bristol Bridge and turn left along Bath Street to see, towards the end of the Georgian terrace, markers for Temple Parish – whose church is now a gutted shell – and St Thomas – whose church lies in St Thomas Street. More doubtless await discovery, not only lurking in unfrequented corners of the city but also in Bristol’s out parishes, where, as in other rural areas, stones were set up by the roadside. But that, as they say, is another story… n

To find out more about Bristol’s medieval parishes, visit bafhs.org.uk, where you’ll find a dedicated section via the ‘resources’ tab. For more of Andrew Swift’s work, visit akemanpress.com

All images courtesy of Andrew Swift: 1. St John’s Gate; 2. The boundary of Christ Church and St John the Baptist’s Parishes in Tower Lane; 3. A St Leonard’s Parish boundary marker in Leonard Lane; 4. The St Nicholas Parish boundary marker on Bristol Bridge; 5. The boundary of St Leonard’s and St Stephen’s Parishes in Leonard Lane; 6. St Leonard’s Parish boundary markers on the Old Library in King Street; 7. Christ Church Parish boundary

in Broad Street; 8. St Werburghs

Forest dwellers

Spruce up your festive spread at home by evoking the elegance of a woodland glade this Christmas, welcoming natural tones and rustic charm with elegant tableware choices and decorations (plus a little DIY crafting and some locally‐sourced treats) that will never go out of fashion...

This year, we’re embracing the magic that comes with bringing the great outdoors inside for the festive season. Why not let wintry forests be your mystical muse for Christmas decorations and table settings? Think towering pines, fresh evergreens, and plenty of earthy charm. Whether you're planning a cosy family gathering or prefer dazzling in the limelight as the host with the most, using nature's bounty for inspiration is a lovely way to create a festive atmosphere that's both chic and sustainable. Plus, it’s fun to involve the whole family in the process. Here’s how to create a forest-themed wonderland this Christmas – without overloading on tinsel or too much plastic.

Turn over a new leaf

Blend elegant, forest-inspired elements with a touch of homemade charm to create a relaxed yet sophisticated look. Start by choosing a muted, earthy colour palette to echo the beauty of a winter woodland. Think deep greens, soft browns, winter whites, and pops of gold or copper. These hues mimic the colours you’d ﬁnd in a forest during winter; snow-dusted branches, mossy logs and golden pinecones.

A simple but effective way to bring this vision to life is through some easy crafts that everyone can enjoy. Get the kids involved by making your own Christmas crackers, painting them in soft neutral tones that tie into your overall theme (this could work with shop-bought crackers too, given a quick lick of paint). To add extra charm, wrap the crackers with twine, and top them with a small sprig of greenery, like rosemary or a tiny pine cone. For another DIY project, drying orange slices is a fantastic way to bring both colour and fragrance to your decorations. Simply slice oranges thinly, bake them at a low temperature until they’re crisp, and string them up with twine alongside ﬁr cones and cinnamon sticks.

If you’re lucky enough to live near one of our local woodlands, parks, or have access to a garden, consider foraging for seasonal foliage to create stunning displays. Look for branches of holly, ivy and pine – though anything works. These can easily be added to table centrepieces or placed in wreaths and garlands. If you're trimming back the garden for winter, those cuttings can become instant decorations, adding the extra bonus of sustainability to your festive prep.

Opposite page, ProCook tablescape featuring Iona Goblet Wine Glasses Set of 4 (£26), Savona Clear Ribbed Tumblers Set of 4 (£19), Oslo Coupe Stoneware Side Plate (£28), Chichester Cutlery Set, 16 Piece 4 Settings (£29), Jute Placemat Natural Rim (£4), Green Napkin 4 Piece (£4), Silver cones in small, medium and large (The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5DG; procook.co.uk); left, Christmas painting crafts with Annie Sloan: wall in Old White, table in White Wax, crackers in Old Ochre, potato printing in Pure (anniesloan.com)

Heavens above!

Local businesses often sell products that have been carefully crafted and sustainably made. Whether you’re shopping for hand-poured candles, bespoke ornaments, or artisan tableware, these pieces can give your home a little local flare (and offer something not seen in houses up and down the country). For instance, you could choose a pair of skyinspired decorations – like this iconic Bristol balloon and bohemian botanical crescent moon – to complement and contrast against the earthy tones of your forest-themed decorations.

Images: left, Papier Mache Moon Decoration,£7 from SS Great Britain (shop.ssgreatbritain.org); right, Bristol 3D Hot Air Balloon Decoration, £9.95 from Bristol Museum & Art Gallery (shop.bristolmuseums.org.uk)

Images:

Hangin’ out with John Lewis

Tired of being traditional? Here are alternative decorations positively bursting with personality to hang in your tree instead johnlewis.com

String of Chillies0

80 It’s easy being green

Christmas can sometimes feel like a time of excess. From disposable wrapping paper to single-use plastic decorations, the season can contribute to a lot of waste.

Opt for decorations that can be reused or repurposed year after year. When it comes to tableware, choose pieces that are not only beautiful but functional throughout the year. For example, simple ceramic or wooden dishes, bowls, and platters can easily become part of your everyday dinnerware collection. However, when dressed up with a sprig of holly or a ribbon tied around the handle or neck, they become the perfect ﬁt for your forest-inspired Christmas spread.

For table settings, linen napkins are a chic, sustainable choice, and they can be dressed up with seasonal foraged sprigs or twine.

With a little creativity, a touch of nature, and some support for local artisans, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s as sustainable as it is beautiful. Whether you're hosting a festive dinner or simply adding a bit of woodland magic to your home, these ideas will make your Christmas feel extra special (and extra green). n

Centre of attention...

This footed Antique Brass Wine Cooler from Cox & Cox is perfect for bringing some opulent country house sophistication to the table, complementing the green and neutral hues of your forest-themed festive feast. With plenty room to chill a clutch of bottles, it will be a real talking point.

Sugar & Spice Lucky Cat.

Trinket & Treasure0

Wisdom & Wonder0 Moon & Sun Tree Topper0

Wisdom & Wonder. Bubblegum Statue.

£8.

Dawn & Dusk0 Mushroom0

Wisdom & Wonder. Beaded Martini Glass. £8

Images left to right, top to bottom: VINTERFINT 15cm Green Glass Jar with Lid and Cork, £7 from IKEA (Eastgate Road, BS5 6XX; ikea.com); Ib Laursen Crochet String of Stars, £14.50 from Mon Pote (North Street, BS3 1JJ; monpote.co.uk); Ib Laursen Spruce Print Taper Candle, £1.50 from Mon Pote; (North Street, BS3 1JJ; monpote.co.uk); 1.5m Pre Lit Autumn & Christmas Garland, £89.99 from Lights4Fun (lights4fun.co.uk)

Image: Antique Brass Wine Cooler, £225 from Cox & Cox (coxandcox.co.uk)

www.skyinteriors.co.uk

E: enquiries@skyinteriors.co.uk T: 01225 707372 We

Soak up the sophistication

After a positive experience with the Gardiner Haskins kitchen design team, the business was delighted that loyal customer Gill returned for her bathroom refurbishment, writes Annabelle Grundy

Gill’s ﬂat, built in the early 2000s, still had its original bathroom, and she felt the time had come for an update. The existing layout did not make the most of the space and the ﬁttings were looking tired. “It had always seemed cramped and cluttered, as the WC, basin and bath were all right next to each other,” she says. “The shower cubicle felt quite enclosed and there was quite a big a step up to get into it.”

Having made the decision to upgrade the bathroom, Gill had no hesitation in contacting Gardiner Haskins.

“I’d had a new kitchen from Gardiner Haskins about two years ago,” she recalls. “Everything went really well, and I was very happy with the outcome, so it was an easy decision to go back and look at their bathroom options.” On her ﬁrst visit to the company’s showroom, Gill was greeted by Lorraine, who chatted over her situation before suggesting an appointment with bathroom specialist Olga. Gill had clear ideas of what she would like in her new bathroom, so on her second visit, she brought room dimensions, ideas and images along to start the discussion with Olga.

“I deﬁnitely had in mind a walk-in shower and a modern, freestanding oval bath with a tiled feature wall behind,” Gill says. “I wanted the room to have a natural feel and a bit of a luxury spa vibe.”

Meeting Gill’s ‘must-haves’

Over several meetings with Olga, the ﬁnal design that ticked Gill’s boxes was reached. During the process, John the installer also lent his expertise, visiting Gill’s home to assess and advise on technical issues posed by the room.

Among Gill’s ‘must-haves’ were stylish wall-mounted bath taps, a design detail that could have called for some radical structural work at ﬂoor level. Olga produced some disruption-minimising alternatives, using helpful computer images to illustrate each one and bring them to life.

Gill chose a simpler design solution, involving the creation of a raised area for the bath to stand on, with the shower alongside and the WC opposite. This allowed for the pipework to be concealed and more easily ﬁtted.

“I’d imagined there would be a separate shower tray, but Olga explained that the entire ﬂoor could be tiled and angled so it looked seamless and would drain efficiently,” says Gill. “She sourced the glass screen too, which is hinged, so it doesn’t protrude too much. I was a bit worried about how it would all work, and whether the shower might spray everywhere, but she and John had measured everything very precisely and just knew from experience exactly how much clearance to allow

New favourite features

The new layout left wall-space for the wash-stand and basin on the original, slightly lower ﬂoor level. Gill chose an oval basin to echo the curved shape of

All photos taken by Colin Poole (photoword.co.uk)

the bath and WC, and it sits on a contemporary, stone-effect wash-stand incorporating a deep storage drawer.

One of the most pleasing design elements is the recessed, mirrorfronted cabinet above the basin: “It’s very neat and doesn’t stick out,” says Gill. “I like its integral, touch-activated lighting, and there are electrical points inside too, for charging toothbrushes and so on.”

Other favourite features are the space-enhancing, wall-hung WC and the smart strip lights, which accentuate the step up to the raised area, and illuminate the tiled alcove beside the shower.

The complexity of the project meant it was some months before the design was ﬁnalised, and then, rather than change contractors, Gill opted to wait until John was available to carry out the installation personally. The work then took around three weeks to complete. Gill was impressed by John’s diligence and skill, especially when it came to ﬁtting the feature wall’s delicate herringbone tiles.

“It was ﬁddly and time-consuming, but he did a great job and I’m delighted with how it’s turned out,” she says.

Now that the bathroom is ﬁnished and in use, Gill could not be happier, nor more certain that she made the right decision in choosing us for her project. “Everyone at Gardiner Haskins has been super-helpful and the customer service has again been excellent. Olga was so patient. She had lots of ideas and the ﬁnal result is even more fantastic that I expected. I’m delighted.” n

gardinerhaskins.co.uk; visit the showroom at Brunel Rooms, Straight Street, BS2 0FQ

THE LOOK FROM GARDINER HASKINS

Designer: Olga Karpisz

Bathroom type: Modern

Bath: Adamsez Sorrento

WC, basin: RAK

Cabinetry: Blend Greystone

Bath filler, basin tap: Marflow Pava

Shower set: Aqualla Design Collection Glide

Towel warmer: Steyning

Mirrored cabinet: HiB Vanquish

Simply beautiful floors you’ll love for a lifetime

Winter berries

Feeling down about the prospect of a winter garden? Then plan ahead for next year as there are plenty of plants with winter berries to bring colour into the mix, and they will also help support our avian friends, writes Jessica Stokes

Winter berries bring welcome highlights of colour to a garden when so many other trees are bare. They are also a vital food source for birds and other wildlife during the coldest months of the year. Small birds especially struggle due to having a large surface area and relatively small volume. Here are ﬁve must-have trees and shrubs to bring interest to the garden and give welcome sustenance to our native birds. These will also offer resources for foraging to use in seasonal decorations and wreaths.

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

This is an obvious choice, but a sound one. Holly is evergreen, so won’t shed its leaves during autumn and winter, instead remaining green, glossy and abundant all year round. Holly works well in a shady area of the garden or one that needs extra screening or privacy. It provides a dense, leafy cover, giving birds a safe space to nest and shelter and provides an explosion of scarlet-red berries in winter, which birds will use as their winter larder. As a ﬂorist, a holly bush is always useful at this time of year, when I need foliage and greenery for wreath-making and to adorn my house for the festive period. The berries are an important food source for birds such as redwings, ﬁeldfares and mistle thrushes. Holly berries ripen in late autumn, typically in November or December and can last until February.

Sorbus (various species)

Every autumn I become besotted with my neighbour’s Sorbus tree, which overhangs the red brick wall just enough to display its clusters of vibrant pink berries and its foliage in shades of caramel, almost golden in the autumn sunshine. Commonly known as rowan, the berries become a hub for local birds where chattering blackbirds sit alongside hungry pigeons and robins. Rowan trees are some of the most colourful native trees in the landscape with their masses of scented spring blossom, followed by summer foliage and clusters of bright autumn berries throughout the winter. I recommend growing Sorbus hupehensis ‘Pink Pagoda’. Most bird species will eat rowan berries, but they’re a favourite of blackbirds, mistle thrushes, redstarts, redwings, song thrushes, ﬁeldfares and waxwings. Rowan berries can be seen developing in late summer, usually in August.

Rugosa rose/Japanese rose (Rosa Rugosa)

If you have a small space, and a tree is not a possibility, then I suggest growing a humble rose. Choose any rose from the Rugosa family, such as Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’ or a rambling rose such as R. rugosa ‘Rambling Rector’. Their delicate, open ﬂowers allow easy access for pollinators in the summer, and come the winter they will be laden with nutrient-rich rosehips. Orange to red berry-like hips form in small clusters, with each hip containing many hairy seeds. Liked by blackbirds, ﬁeldfares and mistle thrushes.

Images: top left, rosehips on a Rugosa rose; top right, cotoneaster berries; bottom left, hawthorn berries; bottom right, holly

Cotoneaster (various species)

Gardens with the humble twiggy shrub Cotoneaster attract birds like nothing else. While they might not be the first plant that you are drawn to, they are perfectly suited for covering a fence, or for cascading over a wall. They have either amber or scarlet-red berries, and are very easy to train, maintain and shape. Birds find them easy to perch on, and happily graze all day on their bright and beautiful, delicate sprays of berries. Cotoneaster is a valuable source of nectar for pollinating insects and the berries are highly attractive to blackbirds and other members of the thrush family. With over 300 species within this genus, cotoneasters vary greatly in size, leaf type, and flower and berry colour, offering a wide range of garden options. Note: Cotoneaster berries are toxic to both humans and household pets

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

If you have a hedge or boundary, I would encourage you to add hawthorn. These are fast-growing and easy to maintain. Come May the hedge will be thick with clouds of white scented blossom, which feeds pollinators, and vivid green foliage which attracts a plethora of caterpillars. In late summer and well into autumn/winter the hawthorn turns a gorgeous rusty shade and becomes laden with blood-red berries. The thorns make them a safe and protected environment for birds and the haws, rich in antioxidants, are eaten by migrating birds such as redwings and ﬁeldfares, as well as blackbirds. Berries will typically last from September to November if you’re planning ahead for nexr year.

These plants will all bring depth and texture to your winter garden as well as offering simple additions for rewilding your garden. By encouraging

these otherwise elusive bird species, you will have endless hours of watching and observing their ways. More practically, birds are nature’s way of dealing with common garden pests such as slugs and snails. If we can help them, they will be a gardener’s best friend. n

Tip: Another way to help winter birds is to supply them with sunﬂower seeds, peanuts, fruit, fat balls, breadcrumbs, cheese, rice and cereals, and a regular source of water.

Jessica Stokes, gardener and sustainable floral designer. Follow her on Instagram: @_flowerand land; flowerandland.com

Sorbus acuparia

PROPERTY NEWS

DISCOVER THE LATEST NEWS FROM BRISTOL’S PROPERTY EXPERTS

Choose the right School before the perfect Home

For many families the big draw to Bristol is the quality and diversity of the city’s independent schools. Given the close proximity between many of Bristol’s leading schools, parents are often in the fortunate position to be able to choose different schools for siblings that best caters for each child’s individual needs, without the hefty commute between schools.

Choosing the right school is one of the most critical factors for families buying a new home. Given the wide range of schools, my advice to families looking to buy a new home is to start with narrowing down the preferred school choices. Aside from the schools all offering something slightly different, so to do their locations and the Period and style of homes nearby to the school.

This month I had the pleasure to talk to Edward Borton, Managing Director and Co-Founder of ESB Consulting Ltd. As an education consultant specialising in the South West, Surrey and London, I put to Edward the key questions many parents ask: -

‘All-through’ or Prep/Junior?

When selecting an independent school, reflect on what matters most to you.

There are many excellent all-through schools in the city, where children join as a pre-schooler or in Reception and leave at the age of 18. Examples include, Badminton School, Bristol Grammar School, Clifton College, Clifton High School, and Collegiate School.

Free from the stresses of 7+, 11+ or 13+ exams – often a major attraction for London relocators – all-through schools provide a continuity of education and a long-term community of family friends.

Alternatively, there are some first-rate Preparatory and Junior school options in or near to Bristol. The Down’s Preparatory School provides an excellent springboard into the city’s senior schools and the country’s most sought-after 13+ boarding schools.

Whilst Junior schools, such as Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital and Redmaids’ High School follow a ‘state til 7’ model, enabling families to start their independent school journey in Year 3.

A single sex or co-educational school?

Whilst public exam data highlights an academic edge in single sex schools, parental preferences tend be a stronger factor when choosing a school. Fortunately, Bristol has a healthy mix of single sex and co-educational options.

A day or boarding school?

Bristol is home to two excellent boarding schools, Clifton College and Badminton School. For many local families, opting for the longer boarding school hours may ease pressure significantly on parents who travel frequently or who have longer working hours.

To walk or commute to school?

Home first or school first is a common debate amongst relocators. Consider, is living within walking distance of your children’s school a non-negotiable, or are you happy to travel from your dream home for the right school?

A return on your investment?

For some families, academic outcomes are of paramount importance; Redmaids’ High School and Bristol Grammar School both ranked within the ‘top 100 independent schools’ for public exam results in 2024.

For other families, SEN provision, the quality and breadth of sport and the arts, small class sizes, pastoral care, or even access to forest schools may be of greater importance.

Will fees be a consideration?

Whilst a sixth form day pupil’s fees can vary from £18K to £35K+ per child per annum in the city, Bristol is home to a number of schools with very generous bursary schemes, providing means-assessed fee-assistance up to 100% to capable, local children.

Is it now harder to choose a state school?

The recent removal of one-word Ofsted grades will create additional research for families (and those in the world of property) when it comes to considering their local state school options.

However, fears of a lack of transparency and accountability are overblown; Ofsted will now grade schools in the following four sub-areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

Separately, the decision to add VAT onto independent school fees could radically shift historically stable state school admissions boundaries. For families buying or renting a home with a specific state school in mind, this could create significant uncertainty.

Finding the right school in Bristol while purchasing a new home is a significant decision, but a well-informed approach can make it manageable. By defining your family’s priorities, understanding the school landscape, and connecting with the local community, you can find a school and home that will hopefully bring happiness to all.

Whatever stage you are at in the search for your perfect home or investment property, we’d love to chat.

Lili Oliver

Oliver

Roth

Property

Consultants

T: 0117 9877 828 | E: home@oliverroth.co.uk

PROVIDING AN EXQUISITE FAMILY HOME IN c13 ACRES

The main living accommodation is principally arranged over two floors and would ideally suit a growing family. The ground floor provides 4 beautiful reception rooms plus conservatory and kitchen / utility around a stunning central staircase leading to the first floor which provides 7 ensuite bedrooms, each with beautiful views over the grounds.

The second floor currently provides a further 2 ensuite bedrooms, which could be readily adapted for other uses within this family home. The property also benefits from a good sized basement, partially fitted out and ideal for a variety of ancillary uses.

The house is approached via a sweeping driveway and sits within approximately 13 acres, comprising front lawn, a rear private garden and surrounding paddocks. There is an outdoor swimming pool which can be readily recommissioned along with a former tennis court.

In addition, further outbuildings and three estate cottages can be purchased subject to separate negotiation.

Burston Cook Knight Frank

STAND OUT IN STYLE — AN ICONIC BUILDING FOR SALE

• Located in the Paintworks development which is now widely acknowledged as one of Bristol’s most successful and vibrant mixed use schemes

• Fitted out to a very high standard with roof terrace, passenger lift, purpose built auditorium and high quality M & E system

• On site parking

• The ‘virtual’ freehold is available to purchase

• Approximate NIA of 7,929 sq ft (736.6 sq m)

FOR SALE — MULLER HOUSE, COTHAM PARK, BRISTOL

A SUBSTANTIAL DETACHED PROPERTY IN APPROXIMATELY 1.3 ACRES

A substantial detached period property uniquely set in circa 1.3 acres and located on the much sought after and peaceful residential road of Cotham Park.

Muller House offers a fabulous opportunity to create a magnificent family home with generous proportions. The ground floor comprises four principal reception rooms off a stunning central entrance hallway plus a kitchen, dining room, utility and cloakroom facilities. The first and second floors offer well proportioned space to create bedrooms and bathrooms. There is also a usable basement which benefits from good head height and ample natural light. A private driveway leads to parking to the front with mature gardens and lawn to the side and rear.

There are additional outbuildings (former coach house / lodge and potting sheds) which are available by way of separate negotiation and offer redevelopment potential.

Guide price upon application

Further information can be obtained via the sole agent: Burston Cook:

tom@burstoncook.co.uk

FOR SALE - FREEHOLD

A prime and sought after residential location offering a peaceful and leafy environment within walking distance of Whiteladies Road, Bristol city centre, and Clifton’s Durdham Downs

Ashley Down House, 16 Cotham Park, Bristol

An impressive, Italianate style mansion set within a one acre plot accessed via gravelled drive and benefitting from landscaped gardens, a self-contained 2/3 bed annexe, and a range of additional outbuildings. The property totals approximately 12,700 sq ft dating back to c. 1850 and offers the potential for a fantastic home or a range of development options (subject to consents).

Freehold for sale—price on application.

10 Cotham Park, Bristol

A substantial home featuring a kitchen and four reception rooms on the ground floor, four bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, and additional bedrooms and bathrooms on the second floor. The lower ground floor includes a gym, laundry room, bathroom, and various ancillary rooms. Externally, there is a large walled garden at the rear plus an attractive front garden. The property provides for a beautiful family home following light refurbishment. Freehold for sale – Price on application.

PRIME BRISTOL OFFICES

FOR SALE TO LET

Broad Street, Bristol

3,437 – 8,880 sq ft (319 – 825 sq m)

Fantastic freehold opportunity in the heart of Bristol city centre currently fully fitted and finished as period office accommodation

Suitable for a wide variety of commercial uses. May suit residential conversion subject to the relevant consents.

St Thomas Street

10,465—24,660 (sq ft) 972—2,291 (sq m)

A self-contained HQ office available as a whole or floor by floor. Benefitting central atrium, 21 secure car parking spaces, and would suit other employment uses. Due to be refurbished.

Highly competitive quoting rent.

TO LET TO LET

Eagle House, BS1

5,565—11,840 sq ft (517—1,100 sq m)

Contemporary Grade A office accommodation providing open plan space with collaborative zones to include shared break out areas, auditorium, and bookable meeting rooms.

St Stephens House, BS1

6,554 sq ft (609.1 sq m)

St Stephens House has undergone a striking and innovative transformation to provide office accommodation finished to a high spec to create a sustainable and people centric workplace.

Tom Coyte

TO LET 32 Oxford Street, Totterdown, Bristol

893 sq ft (82.96 sq m)

Open plan ground floor retail premies positioned on Oxford Street in Totterdown with neighbouring national retailers and ample staff and customer parking on-site.

Quoting Rent £15,500 per annum, exclusive

Flexible lease terms available!

TO LET 14 St Mary Street, Thornbury, Bristol

905 sq ft (84.12 sq m)

An exceptional open plan bright and airy ground floor retail / office unit positioned at The St Mary’s Centre in Thornbury. Includes one allocated car parking space to the rear and ample customer / staff parking nearby.

Quoting Rent £15,000 per annum, exclusive

Flexible lease terms available!

Tom Coyte

BRISTOL & CLIFTON’S PREMIER COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS

Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

Colston Street, BS1 TO LET – £18.95 PSF

2,620 sq ft (243.4 sq m)

A modern, open plan floor plate which is due to be refurbished throughout to provide contemporary space. 2 parking spaces, passenger lift and bike storage are also available. Very competitive rent!

Central Park, Petherton Road TO LET - £15,000 pa exc

1,572 sq ft (146.03 sq m)

An industrial unit positioned within the popular Central Park Industrial Estate in Hengrove over ground and first floor with rear courtyard for storage. New lease available.

Paintworks, BS4 FOR SALE – POA

7,929 sq ft (736.6 sq m)

An iconic, landmark building in the heart of the Paintworks development, providing accommodation over ground and three upper floors. Finished to a very high specification,to include auditorium, lift, high quality M & E and 8 car parking spaces.

Dean Street Works, BS2 TO LET - POA

Approx 700 sq ft (65 sq m)

A ground floor commercial premises centrally located and available to let in the city centre. Due to be refurbished. Use Class E, therefore suitable for a wide variety of uses.

Etloe Road, BS6

TO LET – POA

1,273 sq ft (118.27 sq m)

A ground floor, self-contained “Class E” premises available to let in the popular suburb of Westbury Park. May suit a range of uses.

Oxford Street, BS3 TO LET - £15,500 pa

893 sq ft (82.96 sq m)

Positioned on a popular retail parade in Totterdown the premises is next to national retailers such as Tesco. This Use Class E premises offers space over ground floor with ample customer parking.

St Mary Street Thornbury TO LET – quoting £15,000 pa 905 sq ft (84.07 sq m)

Open plan ground floor retail premises in a prime position at the St Mary’s Centre. One allocated parking space to the rear and further benefiting from an external seating area to the front.

Griffin House, Clevedon TO LET / FOR SALE

5,176 – 10,351 sq ft (480.85 – 961.61 sq m)

A modern office providing accommodation over two floors. New lease available.Alternatively, the freehold is available to purchase with Vacant Possession.

Whiteladies Road, Clifton FOR SALE – POA

4,300 sq ft (399.47 sq m)

A rare freehold opportunity comprising high-quality office accommodation but with excellent potential foralternative commercial uses orresidential conversion. Benefiting from a large forecourt to the frontand courtyard garden to the rear.

St Thomas Street, BS1 TO LET - POA

10,907 – 26,945 sq ft (1,013 – 2,503 sq m)

HQ office building with secure parking for 21 cars. To lease as a whole or floor by floor. Would suit other commercial uses. Highly competitive quoting rent.

Tom Coyte

Merry Christmas IN 2024, BURSTON COOK DISPOSED OF MORE OFFICE AND RETAIL PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT BRISTOL THAN ANY OF OUR COMPETITORS! THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CLIENTS!

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Finola Ingham FRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Charlotte Bjoroy BArch Luke Dodge MRICS

Bristol | Guide Price £1,695,000

An exceptional semi-detached family residence of approximately 3,200 sq. ft, positioned on a quiet road and offering a wide lateral layout, private garden, off-street parking, and exquisitely appointed interiors.

Imposing semi-detached townhouse, covering approximately 3,200 sq. ft. | Finely crafted interiors arranged over four generous floors | Boasting a 33’ family kitchen/breakfast room and separate family room | Three reception rooms | Separate dining room, utility, and games rooms | Luxurious master suite | Four additional bedrooms with two further bath/shower rooms | Private, secure walled garden | Off-street parking for several vehicles | No onward chain In all circa 3173.8 sq. ft (294.9 sq.m) @rupertoliverproperty

Clifton,