Bristol Life – Issue 367

A PLACE FOR US

BRISTOL’S TOP VENUES FOR SHINDIGS

AWARDS 2025 WINNERS REVEALED!

+A DAY TRIP TO BRUTON / MICHELIN DINING AT OSIP / IDENTICAL TWINS AT DARESHACK / SOFT POWER AT RWA / A HOUSE PARTY AT BOV / WORKING WITH ARCHITECTS / DREAMSCAPE HEROES / ANY COLOUR AS LONG AS IT’S GREEN

You know what Chaucer said about April. Something about shoures soote piercing the drought of March, bathing every veyne in swich licour, of which vertu engendred is t e our, etc – the gist of it being that at this time of year, with buds optimistically bursting out everywhere, when smale foweles maken melodye – that’ll be birdsong, then – thanne longen folkto goon on pilgrimages

And we did; we made a pilgrimage to Bruton. Admittedly it was more of a day trip, and instead of the hooly blisful martir for to seke we’d come to worship at the secular altar of art, food and drink, but that’s hardly our fault given that so many of Bruton’s formerly sacred chapels have been repurposed as galleries and restaurants. Anyway, I reckon the Wife of Bath would have approved.

If you fancy popping down too, our feature starting on page 10 tells you how to get the best out of a visit. Admire the art, spend a few quid in the shops and restaurants, but please don’t be tempted to buy one of those darling little cottages as a ‘bolthole’; Bruton has been comprehensively invaded by the wealthy London set in recent years, and rocketing house prices are forcing the locals out.

Back in town – at least, mostly – we’ve put together a handy guide for anyone looking to host a small, medium or large event. As well as all the classic corporate options we’ve found plenty of quirkier ones, although how anyone manages to focus on a PowerPoint presentation when wolves are prowling just outside the window is beyond me; turn to page to find out what I’m talking about. Whichever venue you choose, the skilled teams will be on hand to make your shindig go with a swing – or to lapse back into Old English, you’ll be esed atte beste.

OK, enough of all the Second-Class nglish degree showing off. I hope you’re loving April, whatever your shrine.

DERI ROBINS

Bristol Life editor @BristolLifeMag

Issue 367 / April 2025 ON THE COVER

The crypt at The Mount Without; see feature page 65

OUT OF TOWN

BRUTON We heard it was nice, so we headed down

ARTS

19 ART Girl power

20 WHAT’S ON Spring is springing in the cultural scene

28 THEATRE It’s Strindberg, but not as you know it 34 BRISTOL HEROES Dream on, Bristol

39 BOOKS Doing it for the kids

FOOD & DRINK

42 RESTAURANT Dining high on the Michelin hog

44 THE HAPPY PEAR Irish twins at Dareshack 47 FOOD & DRINK NEWS Tasty bites

53 CAFÉ SOCIETY Stan: man of mystery

55 WINE Make ours an orange

LIFESTYLE

56 ED’S CHOICE It’s easy being green

58 INTERIORS Architects and interior designers: a match made in heaven, if you’re doing it right

61 NEW! BENCHMARKS It’s the other Andy Hamilton! Our favourite one!

NETWORK

65 MEET, GREET, AND SOMETIMES EAT Venues for your next big or small event 77 BUSINESS NEWS White-collar snippets PROPERTY

SHOWCASE The very pineapple of perfection

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore, Storysmith Books, Charlie Taylor Commercial manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Tony Robinson tony.robinson@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Charlotte Mace-Pettittcharlotte.mace-pettitt@mediaclash.co.uk Production/operations manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bristol Life MediaClash, Media House, 1 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk.

@The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

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SPOTLIGHT

Theatre STAGE RIGHT

In February 2000, a new theatre company opened in the thenunfashionable Bristol area of Bedminster. It’s title – Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory – clearly set out its intentions, but few could have guessed that not only would it thrive for almost two decades, but that its director Andrew Hilton would become famed worldwide for his innovative, clear and accessible interpretations of Shakespeare and other classic plays. Through emphasising the language and dramatic power of the texts, making them engaging and relevant to contemporary audiences, SATF put Bristol and the Tobacco Factory on the global map.

In his new book Staging the Word, Andrew gives us his personal account of the company he co-founded 25 years ago. Along with a production-by-production history, he reflects on the crisis in Shakespeare production now, and the seismic changes he’s seen in theatre practice over the last half-century. A treat for theatre nostalgists and Bard buffs alike.

The book can be bought directly from Andrew for £24.50 post & packaging: email apmhilton@gmail.com

Neighbourhoods SOME LIKE IT HOTWELLS

Well, The Sunday Times clearly does, because along with Cliftonwood they’ve named it one of the best places to live in the South West.

“Head to Hotwells, the hottest address in one of the hottest housing markets in the UK”, it says, before laying into the city in general.

“Bristol has issues”, it observes sternly. Public transport is patchy, the traffic is terrible and proposed council cuts threaten the reputation for creativity that has been one of the city’s greatest strengths.”

OK, it’s hard to argue with the above; but fortunately there’s an ‘and yet’ on its way.

“And yet it remains one of the hottest addresses – and housing markets – in the UK,” it continues. There are few cities that offer such an intoxicating combination of friendly

people, walkability and an abundance of culture and innovation. Best of all, Bristol is a city that works for all ages: nightlife and a buzzy atmosphere for the young, good schools for families and an amazing arts and food scene for downsizers with a bit of disposable income.

“The former port city has two special centres of gravity the regenerated floating Harbourside and Clifton with its Georgian architecture, treelined s uares, coffee shops and students: so why not live in-between?

“The steep warren of Victorian streets in Hotwells and liftonwood offer a nice mix of houses, not too much passing traffic – as long as you steer well clear of Hotwell Road – and a lively and active community.”

However, for the best place to live in the South West, you’ll need to hit Brunel’s Way

and drive south to the Chew Valley, a “rural idyll [which] comes with a keen cutting edge in this bucolic hunk of countryside of orchards, burbling streams and picture-perfect russet-hued villages. The report praises the “impressive selection of forward-thinking, super-sustainable rural businesses”, from Yeo Valley to Limeburn Hill, the Pony Chew Valley restaurant and kitchen, and sustainable, family-friendly Valley Fest.

“Jar’s deli and the Lazy Lobster restaurant help to boost Chew Magna’s reputation as the largest and swankiest of the villages”, it says, adding “Being close to Bristol is just a bonus.”

Well, we’d say it’s a pretty big bonus to be honest, though we’re probably biased.

www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-live

Andrew Hilton. Bedminster should probably put up a statue

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

It’s five years since lockdown. Five years since the city became a ghost town, with high streets, malls, pubs and parks all standing eerily empty, like film sets waiting for some unseen director to call ‘action!’. Here’s a memory of the weirdness; keep the page to show to your greatgrandkids, if we’re all still around in a few decades time

ET TU, BRUTON

Why is everyone flocking to this tiny Somerset town?

Words

by Deri Robins

There’s been a flurry of features about Bruton in the nationals these days, most of them marvelling at the way this tiny corner of Somerset manages to punch so far above its weight in terms of food, fashion, art and all-round loveliness. ealthy out-of-towners are said to be flocking here to purchase a bolthole, pushing house prices out of the reach of local folk. The papers, with reductive inevitability, have taken to calling it the new otting Hill’. Parking, we learn, has become a bit of a nightmare.

The town is ancient, of course, with that magical vibe so peculiar to Somerset – a county of kings and ueens, mysticism and superstition which has stirred the soul since the legends of Arthur began. Like many est ountry towns it has a winning combination of undulating green countryside and charming historic architecture, with a smattering of small independent businesses however it also it possesses a uirky, unlikely uni ueness all of its own. Think ate Moss meets ate Middleton meets ate Bush, and you’re halfway there.

Set along the narrow High Street, the Hamstone cottages and specialist shops are no less covetable for the fact that they open directly onto the pavement. There are farm-to-table Michelin restaurants, artisan stores with makers in residence, and worldrenowned contemporary galleries. Old and new co-exist in the most satisfying fashion. The town’s biggest art gallery, Hauser and irth, occupies an old farmhouse, there’s a restaurant which was formerly an ironmonger, a wine bar in an old pharmacy, and a restaurant created within a Grade II-listed chapel.

The iver Brue winds through the middle of the town, while the open landscape surrounding Bruton is punctuated by ecclesiastical monuments. ohn Steinbeck, a surprising one-time resident of Bruton, once wrote of the landscape I wish you could feel this place. There’s goodness here something that clears your eyes”. ith that in mind, here’s our pick of what to see and do, shop and eat in Bruton.

“The national press, with reductive inevitability, have taken to calling Bruton ‘the new Notting Hill’”

RIGHT: The High Street: little wonder that the homes here are being snapped up

OPPOSITE: Smiljan Radic’s bean-shaped pavilion at Hauser & Wirth

STUFF TO DO AND SEE

1If you have even the slightest interest in contemporary art you absolutely have to visit Hauser & Wirth. This globally famous gallery based at urslade arm has an ever-changing indoor programme, while outside you can drift around Piet Oudolf’s gorgeous landscaped garden and visit Smil an adi ’s famous beanshaped pavilion at the end of the meadow.

ancy taking some art home Make Hauser irth sells contemporary ob ects from the functional to the sculptural. And check out the gallery’s farm shop, for edible fare from the grounds and local growers, farmers and artisans. ou can eat and drink here too – turn to page 1 for the lowdown.

2

Sticking with the art theme, new-ish gallery Bo Lee and Workman is ust of the High Street, showing work by emerging artists within a lovely whitewashed former chapel.

3

If you climb up from Hauser irth to Bruton’s famous Grade-II Dovecote, your efforts will be rewarded with fabulous views. It’s kind of Bruton’s answer to Glastonbury’s Tor – not that the Tor ever asked – and is thought to have been built in the 1 th century as a watchtower for Bruton Abbey.

It was later converted into a dovecote in the 1 th century don’t tell the otting Hill pigeons, whatever you do.

4

And if old, tall edifices are your thing, check out King Alfred’s Tower at nearby Stourhead. A folly built in 1 2 to commemorate the end of the Seven ears’ ar, it’s believed to mark the site where ing Alfred rallied his troops in A . ou can climb up to the top via the 20 steps inside if you’re hard enough.

5

After something even more active heck out the family-run, not- for-profit, educational and environmental organisation Mill on the Brue. Set over 2 acres, it offers 0 different activities that promote team building, resilience, communication and most of all, fun. ou can stay over, too.

THINGS TO BUY

1

amed for its flagship cheddar – a tangy, nutty cheese aged for 12-1 months – Westcombe has been an artisan dairy since the early 20th century and is now run by cheesemaker Tom alver. As well as traditional est ountry cheeses they sell small batches of their own charcuterie.

2

Another must-visit for turophiles is the Godminster shop for hampers of their signature cheeses, many using age-old recipes.

3

As you’d expect from such a gentrified pocket, you won’t struggle for bou ie interiors, fashion and anti ues shops. Swan Vintage sells beautiful vintage clothes and uirky accessories, while New Romantic does roughly the same thing for interiors and yes, we know, from the names you’d assume it was the other way round.

4

Meet the maker at Rag of Colts, old saddle leather is repurposed into stylish bags, while Hole & Corner from the maga ine team of the same name, which celebrates craftsmanship and heritage , sells a curated collection of homeware, apanese ceramics and furniture, along with have-a-go-yourself craft kits.

5

The Flower Shop on the High Street has beautiful posies and dried flowers, while nearby Lunaria sells floral designs from a 1 th-century converted stable. It’s run by former London-based interior architect eborah Bain, with an emphasis on sustainable, seasonal flowers, making it 21st-century Bruton on a stick.

“As you’d expect from such a gentrified pocket, you won’t struggle for boujie interiors, fashion and antiques shops”

ABOVE: The Wes Andersonesque pastel symmetry of The Newt’s Creamery at Castle Cary

LEFT: King Alfred’s Tower, Stourhead, eight miles south of town

OPPOSITECLOCKWISE: Humans (and dogs) of Bruton; Caroline Strecker of Rag of Colts, with furry friend; Tom Carver of Westcombe Dairy; Merlin Labron-Johnson of Osip; Deborah Bain of Lunaria

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

1

Osip, the Michelin-starred farm-to-table restaurant run by Merlin Labron-Johnson, has recently moved from its original home at No 1 Bruton into a 300-year old coaching inn outside town (see page 42). Merlin also owns The Old Pharmacy, below.

2

At The Chapel is a bakery, restaurant and b&b set within a 17th-century Grade-II chapel in the middle of the High Street. The double-height dining room with its original arched windows, soaring ceilings and cascading glass chandelier by Bruce Munro is a beauty. Come for breakfast, lunch or an Italian-inspired dinner, pick up picnic foods, or stay over in one of the lovely rooms.

3

The walls of Roth Bar & Grill, in a former cowshed within Hauser & Wirth, are lined with food-focused artwork from the owners’ private collection. Even the junkyard-inspired bar, in which lights flash when the revolving door spins, is piece of art in itself, piled high with scavenged items. The kitchen cooks seasonal veg from its own walled garden and meat from the farm, dry-aged in the restaurant’s own salt room. Also on the H&W site is the Da Costa restaurant, serving pasta, risotto and Italian-style grills.

4

On the High Street, at Matt’s Kitchen, the self-taught eponymous chef serves dinner from the living room of his Georgian cottage. The diverse Friday and Saturday night menu changes weekly, serving seasonal food in an intimate setting.

5

Also on the High Street, in a 500-year-old building, the wine bar, bistro and deli The Old Pharmacy teams French and Italian

farmhouse-inspired small plates with a carefully curated organic wine list. From its shop next door you can buy fresh produce, local cider, and coffee from Roundhill Roastery.

6

Inside a former ironmongers’ shop, No 1 Bruton has 12 immensely chic rooms, along with the highly rated restaurant Briar, where chef Sam Lomas crafts menus from – you guessed it –seasonal produce.

AND THEN, OF COURSE, THERE’S THE NEWT...

You can’t say the Newt is ‘in’ Bruton, exactly; it’s three miles away, and at 900 acres it’s practically a village in itself.

Named South West England’s Hotel of the Year 2025 by The Sunday Times and The Times, this vast estate with its gardens and farmland is home to Hadspen, a 17th-century mansion built from limestone the colour of burnt honey. Luxuriously remodelled as a hotel, it now offers 2 playfully designed bedrooms, The Botanical Rooms restaurant, drawing rooms, spa and bar.

Just beyond the cyder orchards, half a mile from Hadspen, is The armyard, the former dairy of the estate, now offering 1 rooms, a pool, bar, snug and all-day kitchen.

Its newest venture is The Creamery, next to Castle Cary station; a world away from your standard Great Western concessions, it makes its own milk, butter and yoghurt from The ewt’s own buffalo, and sells toothsome treats both in the café and for takeaway.

“At 900 acres, The Newt is practically a village in itself”

TOPRIGHT: The Old Pharmacy; BELOW: The Farmyard at The Newt

ASK THE LOCALS

But never mind our hot take on Bruton; what do the residents think about it all? (We’re still waiting for Damien Lewis, Stella McCartney and Aaron Taylor-Johnson to get back to us...)

Ed Workman, CEO of The Newt in Somerset www.thenewtinsomerset.com

“You can feel the long history of this old market town in its architecture and narrow streets. It’s full of interesting people from all walks of life; a city-meets-town-meets-country place which attracts lots of visitors, and is building a reputation as a food and cultural destination, of which we’re happy to be part. In recent times it’s become more eclectic and boho, with the arrival of mega galleries and starry restaurants. My favourite restaurant in town is the Old Pharmacy, and, despite my obvious bias [Ed’s wife, Alice Workman, is a co-director], the Bo Lee and Workman gallery is a must-visit.

“One of my favourite aspects of Bruton is the view from The Dovecote, and my secret spot here is the energy lines.”

Jemma Hickman, co-director of the contemporary art gallery

Bo Lee and Workman; www.boleeworkman.com

“We live in a little hamlet called Redlynch, just on the outskirts of town, and the walk into Bruton across the fields is the most wonderful commute to work.

“Bruton has an amazing spirit and a quiet beauty. It’s small, but the people who have gravitated here over the last two decades have contributed to making it a hive of activity. You can be walking through the countryside one minute and be looking at blue-chip art the next. Bruton has so much to offer, including good cheese

“We are surrounded by talented designers, makers and creative industries, so there is so much potential for collaboration. When we aren’t welcoming visitors to the gallery, we get involved in the many events the town has to offer, from talks programmes at At The Chapel to networking and guest chefs at Osip and The Three Horseshoes.

“The Old Pharmacy is my go-to for lunch, and I love to pop into New Romantics and see what little gems they have sourced.”

Abbie Long and Francesca Watson, founders of Otters Home Search; www.ottershomesearch.com

“What Bruton does really well is position itself as appealing to both those who want a down-to-earth lifestyle and a release of the pressure valve, and those looking for a lively vibe. Destination venues include The Newt’s modern take on the country estate, complete with traditional cider-tasting, and cultural hub Hauser & Wirth, home not just to the gallery but the Roth Bar.

TOPLEFT: The Farmyard at The Newt offers informal dining within the old dairy

TOPRIGHT: Bruce Munro’s cascading chandlier in At The Chapel – as much an art installation as a light source

BOTTOMRIGHT The Briar holds a Bib Gourmand and was listed by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the UK’s best new restaurants

BOTTOMLEFT: The divine exhibition space at Bo Lee and Workman gallery

“It’s still very much a working market town, with tractors rumbling up the high street”

“It’s part of a tapestry of Somerset market towns, such as Glastonbury, rome and Somerton, with defined yet adaptable identities, and an artisan atmosphere which attract innovative and pioneering local businesses. The variety of local activities reflects the broad interests of Bruton residents and the sense that regional by no means needs to be parochial.”

Jessica Kimber-Holloway, organic cheese makers Godminster; www.godminster.com

“We’re proud to say that our heart belongs in Bruton, and that this is where it all began; as guardians of our patch of the Somerset countryside, we know that organic farming brings so much to the local environs. I’m obviously biased, but the Godminster Shop is a treasure trove of treats, from chocolate to cheese, including the world-famous Bruton Beauty. There’s also Kimber’s Farm Shop, which is just on the outskirts of Bruton – it does the best breakfast around.

“The footpath that goes from the ford at Tolbury towards Creech Hill is a favourite in our office for when we need to stretch our legs. One moment you’re in the heart of town, the next moment you’re out in the beautiful countryside.”

Chloe Hallam, general manager of At the Chapel; www.atthechapel.co.uk

“Bruton is a beautiful place. Tucked away in the Somerset hills, it has an outpost of an international art gallery, award-winning restaurants, luxury hotels, a reputation for contemporary art and outstanding food. But, best of all, it’s still very much a working market town with tractors rumbling up the high street, and it’s surrounded by lush countryside.

“The Newt’s award-winning gardens are just a few miles out of town, and there’s fantastic local produce all year round. Try hyperseasonal farm-to-table dining at Merlin Labron-Johnson’s Michelinstarred gem, Osip, or tuck into rabbit pie at Margot Henderson’s The Three Horseshoes in nearby Batcombe – and keep an eye open for the local celebs.

“Rose & Lyons lifestyle boutique is directly opposite us, selling fabulous clothes and gifts. The thriving art scene includes the Hauser irth and Bo Lee and orkman galleries you can find much of their artists’ work on our walls. There’s also Smouk interiors for beautiful Moroccan rugs, textiles and furniture.

“One of my favourite places to embrace the great outdoors is in the woodland surrounding Alfred’s Tower on the Stourhead estate. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 205 steps for the breathtaking views from the top. intage coffee caravan Alpine offee o is waiting for you when you’re back on the ground with its excellent brews and delicious cakes.” n

THE ARTS

SNAPSHOTS OF BRISTOL’S CULTURAL LIFE

GIRL POWER

Throughout history, textiles have been used as a medium for recording memories, hopes and dreams, from large-scale woven tapestries to intimate samplers stitched by long-forgotten women and girls. Some tell personal histories many address themes of longing, loss, love, conflict and ambition.

That’s the idea behind the international exhibition Soft Power: Lives Told Through Textile Art, which lands at RWA next month. Interwoven through the works by 26 female artists are portraiture and storytelling, themes of identity shaped by migration, the hidden lives of marginalised individuals, and transformative personal narratives, forging connections between peoples across cultures and celebrating the power of cloth to convey universal stories.

Among the pieces will be Alice Kettle’s monumental embroidered works; Erin M Riley’s hand-woven tapestries addressing such contemporary issues as sexuality, trauma and social media; pieces by Susie MacMurray, who incorporates unconventional materials, and Enam Gbewonyo’s explorations of identity, womanhood and the Black experience. Plenty more where those came from, too.

Opening on 17 May 2025, Soft Power will occupy the RWA’s four main galleries.

WHAT’S ON

4-25 April 2025

Amplifier: they claim to be a duo, but this pic suggests otherwise

EXHIBITIONS

Until 27 April

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

The NHM’s touring exhibition of award-winning, thought-provoking images, at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery; bristolmuseums.org.uk

PAPER WORKS

RWA’s biennial exhibition celebrates paper as a surface for drawing and printmaking and as a sculptural material; rwa.org.uk

PAULE VÉZELAY: LIVING LINES

Clifton’s forgotten art pioneer, one of the ’s first abstract artists, is celebrated in a major retrospective at RWA; rwa.org.uk

Until 11 May

DANIELLE DEAN: THIS COULD ALL BE YOURS! Danielle draws on archival records, film and advertising to interrogate the way in which individuals are shaped by commercial narratives. At Spike Island; spikeisland.org.uk

DAN GUTHRIE: EMPTY ALCOVE / ROTTING FIGURE

Dan works primarily with moving image to explore presentations

and misrepresentations of Black Britishness, particularly in rural areas. Spike Island; spikeisland.org.uk

Until 25 May

BARBARA WALKER: BEING HERE

Intensely observed and empathetic figurative work which creates space for Black power and belonging. At Arnolfini rnolfini org uk

Until 22 June

JON TONKS: A FISH CALLED JULIE

Oceans have nourished us for thousands of years, but the bounties of our blue planet are ebbing. To highlight the issue, MPF is collaborating with photographer Jon Tonks and We Feed The UK to share stories of those trying to fish sustainably At MP martinparrfoundation.org

Until 31 August

PANDEMIC REFLECTIONS

Are we celebrating’ the five-year anniversary of lockdown? Maybe ‘marking’ is a better word. Anyway, there’s a thoughtful photographic exhibition at Southmead Hospital on the subject. Have to admit, those empty streets look super-peaceful; lightstreams.net

SHOWS

Until 5 April ROMEO & JULIET

The usual Verona shizzle – rich, feuding families, intense, forbidden passion, the violence that tears young love apart – but with rap, soul and R&B. BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

8 April

AFTER ALL

In a show directed and performed by Paris-born dancer Solène Weinachte, leading Bristol dance company Impermanence takes the concept of grief and turns it into an equally comic and poignant outlet for all the emotions and difficult conversations; at The Mount Without, impermanence.co.uk

8-9 April

SH!T THEATRE: OR WHAT’S LEFT OF US

The Fringe legends are back. And they’re totally fine Actually all things considered, they’re OK. Feeling alright. Thriving, even. That’s all we know – oh and the fact that they’re at BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

8-26 April

THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL

Tina didn’t just break the rules,

she rewrote them: now the life of the 12 Grammy Award-winner is celebrated in a new musical at Bristol Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

9-12 April

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT TYPHOID MARY

Irish immigrant. Cook. Amiable host. Killer? In1906 New York City, Mary Mallon takes a job preparing meals for high society families who begin to fall ill and die. Coincidence? Mary thinks so.She’s cooking three courses for a special guest tonight: you... it’s Living Spit, of course, at TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

14 & 20 April

MILK POETRY

Milk Poetry selects the finest, freshest poets from the UK and beyond to produce the most nourishing and eclectic spoken-word bonanza you could ever hope for. Up for the 14th it’s Henry Madd and Kaycee Hill, while John Hegley’s in on the 20th for a collab with Chuckle Busters. Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

15-17 April

DO NOT PLAY THIS PIANO

An Edinburgh hit about a young musician’s passion for piano-playing, their joy in breaking the mould, and

how music can transcend time. May contain the actual ghost of Mozart. At TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

19 April

JAMES PHELAN: THE MAN WHO WAS MAGIC

Not sure why the past tense ‘was’ as opposed to the present tense is’, but the amusing magic man is definitely still coming to edgrave redgravetheatre.com

22-23 April

IMAGINARY FRIENDS

After a personal tragedy, a floundering T comic finds comfort in his imaginary friends. They’re terrible people and he knows it. But the ideas they’re coming up with for his failing show are terrific. The results are controversial – but in the attention economy, that’s rocket fuel And isn’t it O to go to extremes, so long as you’re on the right side of history aniel Bye’s first solo show for seven years comes to TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

23 April-3 May

THE HOUSE PARTY

It’s Strindberg’s Miss ulie, but as interpreted by Headlong and Frantic Assembly in a fresh new interpretation; see page 28. At BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

24-26 April

THE MAN WHO THOUGHT HE KNEW TOO MUCH

Wes Anderson meets Hitchcock and Spaghetti westerns in this multiaward-winning, intercontinental, inter-genre, cinematic caper of accusations, accidents, and accents from the Lecoq-trained physical theatre company, at T T tobaccofactorytheatres.com

WILT

Nadia and Elliott are returning home after the funeral of Nadia’s father. The pair don’t know how to cope with the loss, and so we watch their relationship go through the five stages of grief. They uncover each other’s secrets and wrongdoings as we learn that Nadia may be losing her father for a second time… At TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

BRAIN PLAY

hen Mia’s dad suffers a traumatic brain injury and struggles to leave the house, she makes it her mission to find the cure for his symptoms. Performed by BO TS as part of T onnections 202 , at BO bristololdvic.org.uk

COMEDY

Ongoing

CLOSER EACH DAY

The world’s longest-running improvised comedy soap continues at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

BRISTOL IMPROV THEATRE For the full programme see improvtheatre.co.uk

Until 30 May

BRISTOL COMEDY CAVE aces off the telly, local legends, club classics and big names play Basement 45 in the city centre; thebristolcomedyclub.com

3-5 April

ROSALIE MINNITT: CLEMENTINE

Lady Clementine is seeking The One. With neither sense nor sensibility, will our romantic heroine find love Bridgerton-meets-Gen- ane-Austen-on-Adderall”, chortled Fringebiscuit. Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

4 April

PAUL CHOWDHRY: ENGLANDIA

Renowned as the most successful British Indian stand-up comedian in British history, though probably best not say that in the hearing of Nish umar, Paul brings a new tour full of LOLs to Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

5 April

INSTANT WIT

The improv OGs, back at Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

6 April

JENNY ECLAIR: JOKES JOKES JOKES LIVE!

enny’s at BO , celebrating her memoir of the same name; join her as she looks back at what she can remember before she forgets everything. bristololdvic.org.uk

LAUREN PATTISON: BIG GIRL PANTS

The two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee is back, and she’s decided she wants to return bigger, braver and maybe blonder… either way it’s time to put her big girl pants on. At The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

ANDY ZALTZMAN: THE ZALTGEIST

With the 3rd millennium almost 2. complete, Andy assesses the state of Earth and its most

Joel, it’s your week to do the laundry: Two Strangers at Watershed

: May contain traces of Mozart: Do Not Play this Piano at TFT

: See the show, then visit the Death Café: Impermanence at TMW

TOP: Ellie Taylor: just thrilled to be out of the house, to be honest MIDDLE: One guy named Moe: Gilligan at Beacon BOTTOM: On a role (all four of them): Steve Coogan in Dr Strangelove

controversial species – us. At TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

10 April

KIELL SMITH-BYNOE & FRIENDS: KOOL STORY BRO

The improv comedy show that spins unscripted sketches out of the audience’s weirdest and wildest anecdotes while Keill attempts to wrangle them into some kind of order. BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

11 April

MO GILLIGAN: IN THE MOMENT WORLD TOUR 2025

The triple BAFTA-winning stand-up known for his observational LOLs comes to Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

12 April

THE COMEDY STORE

The hugely influential comedy club comes to Redgrave; it’s the perfect place to catch tomorrow’s stars on the ascendance. redgravetheatre.com

13 April

JAMALI MADDIX: ASTON

“One of the most anarchic Taskmaster contestants the show has ever seen” brings his trademark, brutally honest and unflinching perspectives on the world to BOV. bristololdvic.org.uk

18 April

HUGE DAVIES: ALBUM FOR MY ANCESTORS (DEAD) Featuring Huge’s personalised

wearable keyboard, intricate deadpan style of humour and crowd participation, all in an attempt to honour his incredible ancestors which include Batman, Ash Ketchum, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, Rachel, Chandler and Ross. Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

19 April

DEE ALLUM: DEADNAME

She’s here! She’s queer! Her parents are sort of used to it! Fresh, exciting, and overall just happy to be here, Dee is the greatest transgender comedian her small village has ever produced. Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

JUSTIN MOORHOUSE: THE GREATEST PERFORMANCE OF MY LIFE

More than just a series of jokes; a heartfelt journey through the joys, sorrows, and hilarity of life, delivered with charisma and warmth by Justin at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

23 April MANIC

Raina Greifer presents a funny and brutal look at consent, filled with poetry, puppets, and PowerPoint presentations. At Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

24 April

ELLIE TAYLOR: PALAVERING!

Covering everything from how to keep the spark alive in marriage, her new life with almost double the amount of kids and her stint as nation’s sweetheart on Strictly (very much her own words); Ellie’s here to put a spring in your step and a laugh in your mouth, which is almost certainly not a phrase. Come along to watch her over-share because she’s thrilled to be out the house. Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

MUSIC

Ongoing

BRISTOL BEACON

Daily gigs, encompassing orchestral, folk, world, indie, jazz and less easily classifiable shi le for full programme see bristolbeacon.org

ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL

Classical, world, folk, talks, more, at St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

5 April

AMPLIFIER

“We continue our run of small intimate shows with the first time we

WHAT’S ON

have played at The Louisiana. There is some disagreement about this”, say the prog rock duo; thelouisiana.net

LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

For Bristol Beacon’s 2024/25 Orchestral Season, LSO brings The Festive Overture, composed by Shostakovich in both revolutionary and jollier mood, alongside a MacMillan Concerto; Nicola Benedetti performs. bristolbeacon.org

6 April

OLLY ALEXANDER

He won a BAFTA nomination for It’s a Sin, represented the UK at Eurovision 2024 and has worked with Elton John and Kylie; see how Olly’s solo career is panning out at Beacon, bristolbeacon.org

9 April

OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

OCS lit up the Britpop party, chalking up three top five albums and nine successive Top 20 singles. Come and witness their trademark communal outpourings of hope and joy at Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

10 April

MIKE AND THE MECHANICS

Originally formed in 1985 as a Genesis side project, the English rock supergroup are reviving the magic with their much-anticipated, Looking Back – Living the Years tour; it’s coming to Beacon, bristolbeacon.org

11-12 April

RDG X SILVERBACK

The hardtrance legends come together again to put on a night they hope you will struggle to forget. At Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk

12 April OUTER TOWN FESTIVAL

The multi-venue extravaganza is back for the fourth year to support independent venues and artists in Old Market; 50+ bands have been lined up for your aural pleasure. trinitybristol.org.uk

16 April

MARY COUGHLAN

Mary blends her whisky-blurred, smoke-seared, husky notes with the laconic wit of Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee; if that sounds good, head to Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk

17 April

SEA POWER

Previously known as British Air

Come and join our friendly and inclusive woodwork and furniture making classes –midweek daytime, evening and weekend options available!

CULTURE CLUB with Saikat Ahamed

Bristol writer and actor Saikat brings In Search of Goldoni to Bristol Old Vic between 1-3 May. The solo comedy show finds Saikat busily dragging his family around the winding cobbled streets of Venice, eating every flavour of gelato, serenading gondoliers, and obsessively thinking about a bloke called Carlo Goldoni, some Venetian twins and the death of his dad.

A film I could watch over and over again

Die Hard, but that seems like cheating because it’s a Christmas tradition. Staying away from festive fare, Little Miss Sunshine is a true modern classic – it gets me every time, and that ending: pure unadulterated joy.

A painting that means something to me

Van Gogh’s The Starry Night is staggering to me. Not just the painting of it, but the thought behind it, for someone to conceptualise the world in such a unique way is truly inspiring.

Best TV show ever… Avatar, the children’s cartoon. I watched it as an adult a few years ago and I think it has some of the best character development I’ve ever seen. Also some really cool world-building. Everyone should watch it, young and old.

My favourite binge watch Slow Horses is a show that I’ve been absolutely loving, everyone is brilliant in it and the tone, shifting between tension, drama and humour is fantastic.

The book that changed my life

The Greek Myths by Robert Graves; this is how I fell in love with stories and storytelling. Mythology has been a lifelong obsession and although I’ve read so many different versions of myths from around the world since then, this book is where it all started for me.

The book I could happily re-read

Every ten years or so I read the Belgariad saga by David Eddings. I first read the five books as a teenager. They transport me both to a fantastical world and also back to being young Saikat and the escapism that I found in paperbacks.

My desert island disc

So, this a very personal one. Grand Union Orchestra are an amazing collective in London who bring together musicians from around the world. They have a track called Nadir Srote Ektaratir which I used in my first solo show, The Tiger and the Moustache The lyrics were written by my dad. After my dad died I was honoured to write lyrics for Grand Union. It felt like a real full-circle moment. That track always makes me think of my dad.

My dance floor/karaoke banger

Surely you can’t beat Rapper’s Delight by The Sugarhill Gang? Say up jump the boogie to bangbang boogie. What’s not to love?

Podcast pick

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge superhero fan. I listen regularly to a podcast called Marvelling at Marvel’s Marvels If you need to know your Moon Knight from your Moondragon, it’s the place to go.

Best app

Teleprompter has been superuseful for poetry videos that I’ve posted. Unfortunately, I can’t use it for audition tapes, as staring into the camera is often seen as offputting for casting directors.

Guilty pleasure

Ice-cream. Or if it’s available, gelato. When I was in Venice I was like a kid in candy store but the candy store was all gelatos. Did someone say stracciatella??

For more: www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Powers, then British Sea Power, but still doing their alt-rock thing. At Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk

21 April

SAM OUTLAW

Tell us a better name for an American country singer-songwriter: we’ll wait. Expect everything from ’ 0s Bakersfield honky-tonk to ’ 0s Laurel Canyon troubadour pop, at the Hen & Chicken, henandchicken.com

24 April

NIALL MCCABE

Trad-folk fusion from the Co. Mayo singer-songwriter; Hen & Chicken, henandchicken.com

OTHER

Ongoing

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL

The year-round fest continues; bristolfil festi l co

5 April

TWO STRANGERS TRYING NOT TO KILL EACH OTHER Watershed x Martin Parr Foundation bring the renowned US street photographer Joel Meyerowitz and his wife, English artist/ writer

Maggie Barrett to Bristol for a special screening of a brave and intimate documentary exploring their complicated, yet loving and creatively rich, relationship. There’s also a q&a, watershed.co.uk

THE GREAT BRISTOL WINE FEST

No sophistry in that title; it does what it says on the tin. At Paintworks; more info on page 44. threewinemen.co.uk

12 April

BRISTOL VEGAN FAYRE

At Document; see p 44. egfest co uk

18 April

NTLIVE: DR. STRANGELOVE

Another major London theatre hit; this time it’s Steve Coogan playing multiple roles in Stanley Kubrick’s black comedy about the Bomb; at Redgrave; redgr et e tre co

22 April

SCEPTICS IN THE THEATRE

Bristol Skeptics Society are back to delight and inspire, and maybe help us understand our complex world a little better; At Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com n

Well howdy, cowboy: ‘Merican country from the fantastically named Sam Outlaw – and no, it’s not made up, it’s his mother’s maiden name

FRESH THINKING OVER A FINE LUNCH

Unique social business occasion: live interview with LaToyah McAllister-Jones, St Pauls Carnival Tuesday 29 April at Harbour Hotel Bristol

CLASS ACT

It’s Strindberg’s Miss Julie, but not as you know it

Words by Ursula Cole

August Strindberg’s Miss Julie has been

director Holly ace oughan and writer Laura Lomas approached the story they decided to create a radical new version for modern audiences. hereas the original tells

of the fallout following a brief moment of passion across the class divide, relationships between three teenagers – ulie, her friend hristine, and hristine’s boyfriend on – and how one night changed their lives forever.

Holly says the aim was to speak to modern audiences, allowing them to hear this classic afresh.

As a production company we are interested in making a version in which you feel first for the characters before you think about them. The genius thing about both Strindberg’s and Laura’s version is that it’s so balanced, you can’t really come down on one side. ho is the victim and who the perpetrator ach page slides you back round the drama triangle.”

The team decided to give the play its new name to signify its differences from the original.

At Headlong, I’m really interested in estranging audiences from works they think they know really well in order to allow them a contemporary experience of hearing the stories for the first time,” says Holly.

The different title is partly to acknowledge that this is uite a radical new interpretation. It’s so exciting when you don’t know what’s going to happen next when you’re sitting in the theatre. If it’s called based on Miss Julie you know the playground it’s in, but you don’t really know what’s going to happen next. That allows us to create an experience that feels more like a modern-day thriller.”

I think Miss Julie is one of the best plays ever written about the intersection between the personal and the political,” she says. But I re-read it and realised we needed a new version, with more about the psychology and humanity of the characters. Laura was the right person to contemporise it but also complicate it.

The House Party explores the The House Party and is

When the show premièred at hichester in May 202 , one of the great oys for the creative team

was seeing how it appealed to all ages, but especially young people. e were uite knocked out by the reaction from different generations,” says Holly. The dialogue comes out of the mouths of 1 -year-olds, but it’s an intergenerational theatrical experience.

Headlong’s place in the theatre ecology is in part, I believe, to be a gateway drug, so what really excites me, along with playing to brilliant and loyal core audiences, is playing to first-timers. hat Laura has written is such a tense, exciting show that if it’s your first time going to the theatre you’re going to want to come back.”

In writing

The House Party Laura was keen to retain the original play at the heart but adapt it to give it relevance and resonance.

“Strindberg is so immediate; dramatically it grabs you by the throat and never stops,” she says. The challenge in trying to make it contemporary is

“Strindberg is so immediate; itdramatically grabs you by the throat and never stops”

“It’s about Julie’s experience of being sexually shamed online, so it’s also about misogyny”

being able to update it, and also hold onto that propulsive drama and make it authentic when the context of today is very different. It’s very emotional and there’s something uite teenage and hormonal about that. And so the idea of setting it in a teenage house party arose. Along with that came the idea of making this party really vibrant and anarchic.

I think it’s a play about friendship and class and it’s about three teenagers who don’t fully understand the external pressures that are bearing down on them and the destructive force of that. So in some ways it’s an awakening or a coming of age for them. But I have also written humour into it so it’s funny and entertaining.”

As you might expect from a play set in the 2020s, the characters face the power of such external pressures as social media.

It’s about ulie’s experience of being sexually shamed online so it’s also about misogyny,” says Laura. There is a sense that ulie is a bit of a femme fatale in the original, and I really wanted to address that in this updating. I wanted us to find a way of understanding ulie as someone who is also marginalised and ob ectified, and acting out of the social violence she has experienced by being told that her only worth is her sexual currency.

There are so many big intersections in all of the characters’ race, gender and class, but there are also smaller intersections which hopefully mean that different people will hook into different things with

each of these characters. There’s so much going on in the knot between them that your sympathies will shift, but hopefully within that journey you will understand them all.”

The success of The House Party would not have been possible without the collaboration of the three producing partners, says Holly.

The production really is a love child of the dynamic movement of rantic Assembly, Headlong’s commitment to vivid robust thrilling new writing and hichester estival Theatre’s yes we can’ attitude to producing,” she says. All three of us felt deeply proud of the show last year and felt we had surpassed what we could do without each other.” n

The House Party comes to Bristol Old Vic 23 April-3 May www.bristololdvic.org.uk

WHAT’S THE STORY?

It’s about a wild party. A friendship. And one night that changes everything

It’s Julie’s 18th birthday, and she’s throwing a party in her father’s posh town house. Her boyfriend has just dumped her, and her long-suffering best friend Christine is trying to pick up the pieces.

As the revellers pile into the booze, down in the kitchen Christine and her boyfriend Jon – the son of Julie’s cleaner – clear up and dare to dream of the future. But as the volume goes up and the shots go down, Julie concocts a twisted cocktail of entitlement, desire and destruction.

Written by Laura Lomas, The House Party spins Strindberg’s Miss Julie into intense, fizzing life for today’s generation, exploring themes of class, power, and privilege with raw intensity. It’s directed by Headlong’s artistic director Holly Race Roughan with movement from Frantic Assembly.

DREAMSCAPES

Bristol – if it didn’t exist, you’d have to visit it in your dreams

Words and pics by Colin Moody

“See, the thing is, if we stop worrying about our cup then shazam! – one day our cup could runneth over”

Why am I still here? Living in this city called Bristol, I mean. I think I can tell you why. Normally, every seven years or so, I up sticks and move somewhere else – shift my job, change the fashion of my life – but in this city there are things that happen to make you realise that

Bristol can be a place quite literally of your dreams.

Here are eight examples.

1

Some people think their glass is half-full. Some people think it’s half-empty.

Some people want to live in a city where, when it gets to that stage, someone leans over and offers you a top up.

See, the thing is, if we stop worrying about our cup then shazam! – one day our cup could runneth over.

2

Some old black gaffer tape marking greasy marks half-left on the wall by posters, then reapplied as more and more were added over weeks and months, can become a beautiful piece of artwork, that tells you if you could just take that wall and hang in the Tate Moderm, then maybe someone might come along and say wow! I’m gonna call it Dream of a Gig Poster Removed Time and Time Again by the Kebab Shop Owner

2

BRISTOL HEROES

3

Chef, week one of lockdown, took all the food out of his fridges, cooked it and gave it all away to the people who needed to eat. That’s how Bristol dreams.

4

On the right misty night, and with just the right blend of urine-yellow street lighting, and the whiff of half-finished kebabs, Trenchard Street car park looks like the place for the season finale of some gritty urban crime drama mixed with a fever dream. Even Brutalism has a place in this dreamscape.

5

ind the city of your dreams, where life can flip between David Lynch dystopia and beautiful dreamscape. The trick is to have a little flavour of each, in every day.

6

And one day you might take a long train away from Bristol, and you might get to the coast, and you might see a new kind of life for yourself, one free from some of the stress and mess, but you will always be remembering Bristol as a special place where you could grow, and make new tribes who took you as you were, and didn’t try to mould you into cul-de-sac thinking. So hang on to that return ticket, yeah?

4

3

“Even Brutalism has a place in this dreamscape”

7When you know a place where you get good service, and the price is not too high, that you keep coming back to, that’s a place of your dreams. ould be a place you get your hair cut, or a hot coffee where the bottom line is a friendly greeting every time.

Accept no substitute.

8You don’t need to always have a merch stand, and a premium bar, or VIP access. A city which can thrive in a messy way after dark is my kind of utopia. here bass notes bounce off the black walls and resonate with that feeling of freedom that made you walk through the door in the first place.

Colin Moody: content creation, online images Twitter @moodycolin; Instagram @colinmoodyphotography www.colinmoodyphotography.wordpress.com

EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS

Picture this: three of the best in the latest crop of books for kids

As we write this issue’s column, the dust is settling on another monumentally busy World Book Day.

To any adults who managed to get a costume sorted for their kids, no matter how last-minute or bodged in concept, we salute you. For our part, we found ourselves, as we do every year, frenetically traversing the city to deliver books and authors to different schools, all in the name of getting those books into the hands of kids who really need them. It’s an exhausting but wonderful time of the bookselling year, and we always end up brimming with enthusiasm and awe for the unending stream of incredible new books in the shop – so we thought it might be a good time to walk you through

some of them, specifically our very favourite new picture books.

We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang

Anyone who read X. Fang’s last book, Dim Sum Palace, will be familiar with her bold and brush-y style of illustration and knack for eking out universal stories from odd situations. e re efinitely u n might just be our favourite of her books yet. Three neon-blue aliens crash-land in Mr Li’s front yard, and they are immediately very keen to reassure everyone that they are definitely human. Mr Li doesn’t mind, though, and nor do his family, although the dog has his suspicions. A beautiful ode to helping out anyone who finds themselves in a fix, it’s also surprisingly quotable–- we’ve

found ourselves yelling “I play sportsball!” across the shop at each other, which won’t make sense unless you read it, which you very much should.

Brenda’s Revenge by Sarah Tagholm & Laurie Stansfield

We’re supremely fortunate to be surrounded in our local area by some wonderfully talented illustrators, and Laurie Stansfield is one of them. Her newest project is rend ’s e enge, a joyous tale written by Sarah Tagholm and brought to life with Laurie’s perfectly-judged grumpy cat heroine (the titular Brenda).

If you happen to be walking past the shop in the coming weeks, you might also notice that Brenda herself is currently adorning our front window in all her irascible feline glory. Perfect for any small person who might be getting used to the concept of boundaries, rend ’s e enge is a wickedly funny but gently told reminder that sometimes not everyone wants to go along with your plans…

esides being t e ulti te e ple of no in ti e deter inis , Mariajollustr jo is one of our f ourite illustr tors

opus, resplendent with washy backgrounds and a brilliantly unlikely dynamic duo at its heart: Mr Rabbit and – obviously – a talking carrot plucked straight from his vegetable patch. In a story that will help anyone getting to grips with new friendships and the way different people respond to different kinds of attention, , rrots is a delight. Equally delightful to us is the news that Mariajo herself will be dropping into the shop in May to daub our front window with giant images of Mr Rabbit and his new friend, and to read the story itself for some very lucky local kids.

Our picture books section continues to be one of the most universally beloved areas of the shop and, if you look at the misalphabetised state of chaos it’s in by closing time on a Sunday, it’s with good reason.

Oh, Carrots! by Mariajo Illustrajo

Besides being perhaps the ultimate example of nominative determinism, Mariajo Illustrajo is also one of our favourite… well, illustrators. , rrots is her latest

Something about the synthesis of text and image, the precision of its execution and the effect of its combination will always be inspiring to us as booksellers, just as much as it is for their target audience. Especially if you can throw in a blue alien, a grumpy cat, or a talking carrot.

isit torys it t ort treet, ed inster www storys it books co

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE

ABBEYFIELD BRISTOL AND KEYNSHAM provides support for those wanting to move later in life

As we get older, life can change, and at times we can feel alone. However, a change in living circumstance can help with those feelings of loneliness, and can offer a new lease of life, with new friends and opportunities you weren’t expecting. That’s exactly what you get at an Abbeyfield House; a place where you can live independently while enjoying the beautiful community created within the houses.

Richard Carr-Gomm established the first Abbeyfield House in 1956 after recognising a lot of older people were living alone and feeling isolated in their communities. He wanted to provide them with a safe and secure home where they could find friendship and support; and Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham has been doing just that across their four houses in Keynsham, Hanham, Henleaze and Redland for almost 60 years.

Moving later in life and the changes that come with it can be overwhelming. That’s why Abbeyfield offers support every step of the way. Before choosing to move into one of their houses, new potential residents can enjoy coffees and lunches with the residents and even bring along family to see their new home. Abbeyfield always wants people in later life to feel their houses are the right place for them before committing.

SO, WHY WOULD YOU MAKE THE MOVE TO AN ABBEYFIELD HOUSE?

Lindy recently made that leap and moved into Abbeyfield House, Keynsham. Following a lifechanging event Lindy wanted to find somewhere she felt safe, and still being very independent, “supported housing was the perfect fit”. Not only does it allow her to enjoy the location and amenities Keynsham offers but having her “own apartment” gives her a place to call her own again and after enjoying several activities in the

house, getting to know the other residents, she now feels at home with the people she refers to as her “extended family”. n

TRIAL OFFER!

As part of Abbeyfield’s offer, all new residents enjoy a trial month to experience life in the house and make sure Abbeyfield is the right place for them. For a limited time, Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham are offering 50% off the trial month for all new residents who move in before 1 June 2025.

Abbey eld supported housing can offer independence in later life with the security of all-inclusive bills included three daily meals. If you or someone you know would like to nd out more about Abbey eld Bristol and Keynsham visit www.abbey eld-bristol.co.uk or call 0117 973 6997 to book a house viewing.

OSIP

When in Bruton, dine as the Brutonians do – if they’re very lucky

Words by Deri Robins

Posh is a bit of a love-hate thing, isn’t it?” mused The Telegraph in a recent piece about Bruton. “Most of us, the lesser-privileged masses, nurture an envious dislike for those who get to live in a whirl of Michelin stars, Barbour jackets, cashmere, Krug and organic everything.”

Parking the irony of the UK’s poshest paper implying it never indulges in the above on the regular, are these things really so far beyond the grasp of us plebs? Despite earning less than the median gross annual salary, I happen to own a Barbour (admittedly bought from eBay) and a cashmere jumper (a Christmas present); we mostly buy organic and have often splurged on a Michelin meal. It’s not a ‘whirl’ of luxury, exactly – we don’t pop open the Krug every evening when the sun sets over the yard arm – but there’s wriggle room for the occasional treat.

And Osip, a Michelin restaurant near Bruton, is undeniably a treat. It’s reflected in the faces of our fellow diners as we bid each other good evening, our eyes acknowledging our great good luck at being here.

‘Here’ is the tiny hamlet of Hardway. Given that we’re in deepest Somerset, mystical county of Arthurian legend, it seems wholly appropriate that Osip’s chef-patron should be called Merlin. Merlin Labron-Johnson, to give him his full moniker, who at the age of 24, while cheffing at London’s Portland, became the youngest UK chef to gain a Michelin star.

happy to surrender to its magic. Once inside there’s a friendly welcome; service comes without a shred of pretension, even though all the staff are all deeply invested in Planet Osip. Merlin adopts a holistic approach, and those who wait at table also pick veg at the farm; during one course, featuring Osip’s own honey, our delightful server Carla shows us a frame from a hive. We coo in admiration, of course. Who doesn’t love bees?

The evening menu costs £125, with the option of a few add-on extras. These can also act as alternatives to dishes on the menu, if you prefer; you’ll need your server to talk you through this, because all you’ve been given at this point is a teaser of the menu featuring words like ‘pollen’.

You’re here to be spoiled, and the spoiling begins pre-dinner with cocktails in the lounge. First impressions count, and snacks of earthy mushroom macarons and super-fresh-tasting trout and apple rolls get everything off to a flying start.

The flawlessness continues in the dining room. Served on wonky plates, some with plinths, every dish is a tiny work of art but not too nerdily tweezered. Each course succeeds the previous one in good order, while commentaries from the servers are mercifully succinct; Michelin or no Michelin, most diners want to spend more time eating than listening to ingredients being rattled off like grocery lists.

DINING DETAILS

Osip, 25 Kingsettle Hill, Hardway, Bruton, 01749 987277; www.osiprestaurant.com

Opening hours Tuesday-Sunday for dinner; Thursday – Sunday: lunch

In 2019 Merlin opened his first Osip, on Bruton High Street, where his creative, field-to-fork cooking won him his star. Osip 1.0, or I guess just ‘Osip’ as it was back then, thrived, and Merlin needed more space. Last year he moved the crew, including head chef Ciaran Brennan, a few miles out of town into a 300-year-old coaching inn. Its non-listed status has allowed him to add on the modern glass extension which houses the dramatic open kitchen – cheffery as theatre – and frames views of bosomy hills beyond. The rest of the dining room is stripped back to minimal neutral basics.

Price Osip menu £125, lunch menu £95, vegetarian menu £125

Veggie? See above, a full menu option Service Friendly, slick and knowledgeable Atmosphere Cool but laidback

It’s as self-sufficient and sustainable as a restaurant can realistically be – it also holds a Green Michelin – with 85% of the produce grown on its own organic farm; the drinks list favours small-scale producers and low-intervention wines. Merlin is clearly aiming at ‘destination’ here, the website inviting guests to “stay the night, explore the gardens, take a tour of the kitchen and relax fireside for an after-dinner drink”. There’s no menu, just the suggestion that we put our faith in the kitchen.

This we do, with the relief particular to travellers who have reached their journey’s end. After bumping down dark country lanes, rapidly losing our last shred of faith in Google Maps, the white building emerging from the mist seems to possess a fairytale quality, and we’re

As we often find with tasting menus, the earliest courses are our favourites. A root vegetable tea topped with a slick of wild garlic oil is deeply flavoursome, as is a memorable fermented potato brioche with whisper-light kefir cream. Slivers of smoked eel with preserved cucumber slip down a treat in a taco-like cradle made from baby gem.

We adore a zesty salad of winter citrus and ricotta, and we must have really enjoyed our grilled pied de moutin and pig’s ear – chef’s also a fan of nose-totail, so if chicken hearts on skewers aren’t your thing, maybe choose the veggie menu – because I forget to take its photo. Charcoal cooking is big here too; a hot trout is smoky over a confit of pink fir, as is the lobster, which comes two ways, the tail simply grilled, the rest in a rich bouillabaisse-like sauce.

The showiest dish references a Merlin signature: a pithivier-like Devon Gold chicken and perigord truffle en croute. It’s presented as a whole, so that we can admire its beautiful golden crust, flanked by pine sprigs and cones on a silver platter, then whisked away before returning in slices, with sweet Banyuls Grand Cru jus ceremoniously poured at the table. Having run out of space – and anyway, who, in all honesty, is so sober by the end of a meal that they’re really concentrating? – I can merely report back on ‘the excellent puddings’.

Apparently Osip is a big favourite among those local celebs The Telegraph seems so keen for us to resent. They probably pop in on a weekly basis, whereas for us, of course, it’s an occasional treat – but the posh people will never guess, because I’m wearing my Barbour.

TALKING ’BOUT A REVOLUTION

… a plant-based one, that is: that’s the mission of identical twins STEVE AND DAVE FLYNN, who came to Dareshack last month to launch their new book: The Happy Pear 20

It all began with a tiny vegetable shop in Co. Wicklow and a dream of helping people to eat more plant-based food. Now, 20 years later, Steve and Dave Flynn, aka The Happy Pear, have added a café and bakery, 80 plantbased food products, over 15 online courses, seven cookbooks, two farms and a coffee roastery to the mix. Steve and Dave came to Dareshack last month to launch their new book The Happy Pear 20, a collection of reimagined old classics and favourites along with stories and lessons learnt during two decades in the food industry. We caught them on their way out . . .

Over to you, lads. Tell us who you are... We’re Dave and Steve, identical twins. I (Dave) am right-handed and right-footed, and Steve is left-handed and left-footed. We call ourselves ‘plant-pushers’ and have spent the last 20 years trying to inspire people to eat more plants and live healthier, happier lives.

What did you do before forming The Happy Pear?

After finishing school in 199 , we went to university to study business—not out of any deep passion, but because our dad suggested it was ‘general enough’ to be useful. Post-college, we knew one thing we definitely didn’t want a ‘real’ job. We took on whatever we could to fund our travels — working in restaurants,

BEETROOT WALNUT AND FETA BURGERS

Serves: 4

“When we wrote our first book this was one of the standout recipes. Here is an even better version that is quicker to make and packed full of flavour”

60g cashew nuts

140g walnuts

400g raw beetroot

10 scallions (or 6 spring onions)

80g vegan cheddarstyle cheese

pubs, golf clubs, video shops, petrol stations, and even a hospital. We also managed to get fired from most of them not out of rebellion, just sheer absent-mindedness.

What was your childhood like in Co. Wicklow?

We were the eldest of four boys, and went to all-boys schools, so everything was a competition — sport, eating, even who could get to the dinner table first. ood, for us, was purely fuel. We played every sport under the sun, from rugby to golf and even baseball for Ireland. It wasn’t until much later that food became something more than ust a way to fill up before the next match.

What first sparked your interest in food?

In 2002, we both set off traveling to see if there was more to life than just getting a job. We went separately — Steve headed to Whistler in Canada, to become a snowboard instructor, while I went to South Africa to train as a golf pro. Somewhere along the way, we both had a massive awakening around food. We got obsessed with plant-based eating—not just for personal health but for the planet too. It felt like we had stumbled upon something that made complete sense.

How did The Happy Pear come about? We’ve always been a pair – inseparable, always up to something together. And when we

chopped scallions and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring regularly. Transfer to a large bowl to cool.

opened a fruit and veg shop, the pun was too good to resist: The Happy Pear / Pair! At its core, The Happy Pear was about sharing what had changed our lives. We’d shifted to a plant-based diet and felt amazing. We saw how food could improve our health, the environment, and even how we felt emotionally. We wanted to create something that would inspire as many people as possible to eat more veg and experience those benefits for themselves.

How did the folk back home react when you first opened the shop?

They thought we’d lost the plot! Before we went traveling, we had this reputation as ‘the Flynn twins who were going places’ –ambitious, career-driven lads. Then we came back two years later, opening a veg shop and preaching about the joys of broccoli. We had long hair, dressed like hippies, and were all about spreading positivity and eating whole foods. People were definitely suspicious at first.

How has the business grown over the past 20 years?

From that little veg shop, The Happy Pear has grown into something we never could have imagined. We’ve sold over 20 million food products across Ireland; our seven cookbooks have sold over 500,000 copies worldwide; we now have two organic farms, a four-acre regenerative farm and a microgreens farm, and our recipe app and online courses have helped over 100,000 people eat more whole, plant-based foods .

Every arm of the business is centred around one mission: helping people eat more veg and live healthier, happier lives.

3 tbsp oil

4 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped (about 20g)

100g breadcrumbs

1 lemon

150g hummus

Salt and black pepper

1. Soak the cashews: place the cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 10 minutes.

2. Toast the walnuts: preheat the oven to 180°C. Roughly chop the walnuts, spread them on a baking tray, and toast in the oven for 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the vegetables and cheese: peel the beetroot and grate it. Finely chop the scallions. Grate the vegan cheddar-style cheese. Pick and finely chop the mint leaves.

4. Cook the beetroot and scallions: heat a frying pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil, then the grated beetroot,

5. Process the cashew mixture: drain the soaked cashews. In a blender (an immersion blender can be used for this) or food processor, combine the cashews with 2 tablespoons of oil, the juice of half the lemon, quarter tsp of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Blend until smooth.

6. Mix the burgers: to the large bowl with the cooked beetroot and scallions, add the processed cashew mixture, grated vegan cheese, toasted walnuts, breadcrumbs, juice of the remaining half lemon, chopped mint, and another half teaspoon of salt and quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to taste.

7. Shape the burgers: divide the mixture into four equal portions, about 170g each. Shape into burger patties and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

8. Bake the burgers: bake the patties in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they are firm and golden.

Serve: Remove the burgers from the oven. Top each one with a generous dollop of hummus and serve immediately.

You’ve been traveling around the UK promoting the book. Any standout cities for plant-based food?

Bristol was our favourite. The independent food scene there is buzzing, with loads of vibrant, creative plant-based cafés and restaurants.

Finally, why should people eat more plantbased food?

Because it’s the single most impactful thing you can do – for your health, for the planet, and for your overall energy and wellbeing. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing: start small. Switch cornflakes for porridge, add chickpeas to your curry, or make a simple homemade veg soup. The little changes add up, and your body (and the planet) will thank you for it. n

Follow Dave and Steve at @thehappypear

The Happy Pear 20 by David and Stephen Flynn is published by Gill Books at £23.99

FOOD & DRINK

TASTY BITES FROM ACROSS THE CITY

BRISTOL’S EVER-EXPANDING

Loungers group has acquired one of the city’s favourite bar/restaurants: Bocabar, which opened in Paintworks 21 years ago. As Miro Lounge, the bar will open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks.

It feels a good fit for the group ust like Loungers, the Bocabar aesthetic is cheerfully mismatched vintage furniture, a laidback vibe and an all-day casual dining philosophy.

“It means a lot to us that our regulars will be able to continue to en oy the space as a daytime café and evening bar/ restaurant with affordable drink and food menus,” said Bocabar’s Mel and Paul Eavis. “It also makes us happy that all our lovely team have the opportunity of working at Miro Lounge when it opens, so our customers will see some

WOULD YOU LIKE a side-order of murder with that?

Dial M For Menu, a new collaboration between Old Market Assembly and improv ninjas Closer Each Day, serves you an immersive mystery-comedy along with a threecourse meal.

You’ll be transported to 1950s downtown LA, where Detective Azdawls (see what you did there) is solving crimes late into the night. Can you help him solve the mystery? Sure you can!

Runs 17 April and 23 May; £55 for a three-course meal with vegan, vegetarian and meat options. www.oldmarketassembly.co.uk

familiar faces and feel at home.”

e’ve got big boots to fill but we’re looking forward to opening the doors of Miro in June”, said Loungers head of community, John English.

“We share many of the values Mel and Paul of Bocabar hold so dear, including a strong sense of community, excellent food and drink and a passion for topnotch hospitality, so we’re sure Miro Lounge will be well received by locals and visitors.”

And dry your eyes, all you Bocabar mates: the Finzels Reach site will remain and continue to serve its famous pizzas.

“Having the one Bocabar at Finzels Reach will be easier to manage”, say Mel and Paul. “We are very excited about having more time to focus on developing [it further].” www.bristol.bocabar.co.uk

VEGFESTUK’S Bristol Vegan Fayre – no, no idea why they use the olde-English spelling for an event that began in 2003 – arrives at Document in St Jude’s on 12 April, for a day full of plant-based goodness, performers and stallholders along with “outstanding guests”. That claim seems fair/fayre, we’ve all heard of Peter Egan.

VegfestUK is a pioneer in the vegan movement, and is Bristol-based.

The food is terrific’ state the organisers enthusiastically, promising “Everything from seitan kebabs to exotic cream cakes, ice cream, savouries, pokes, Greek, Turkish, Italian dishes, mac and cheese, burgers and fries”.

There’s a kids’ area, but you can’t bring the dog. They probably wouldn’t want to come anyway, what with the lack of meat and everything. Tickets £6 in advance, £8 on the gate. www.vegfest.co.uk

Happy healthy vegans

CONGRATULATIONS TO NORTH STREET restaurant

COR, due to open its second site Ragu in Cargo this month. It’s something of a homecoming for chef-owner Mark Chapman, who previously headed up Gambas at the Wharf. Ragu was set to be named Luca, after Mark and Kaz’s son, but they had to recalibrate when a London restaurant of the same name threatened legal action. Boo! Still, Ragu has a great ring to it, and we know that their “small and welcoming share-plates Italian restaurant, focused on quality ingredients, prepared simply, with love” concept will be amazing. www.ragurestaurant.com

“I said no Ubering tonight, we’re going to OMA”

Bocabar, as was

Egan the Vegan

Mark and Kaz

HOT PLATES

AMUSES BOUCHES

The Three Wine Men are back on 5 April for annual vino extravaganza The Great Bristol Wine Fest. Hosted by renowned experts Oz Clarke and Susy Atkins, the festival brings a line-up of global producers eager to showcase their finest selections though a diverse range of wines. www.eventbrite.co.uk

Tare Bistro, the latest in a series of ventures from the Tare team at Cargo, has closed suddenly, nearly a year after the original Tare fine-dining restaurant closed. obody likes to hear of a great restaurant shutting up shop, so take this as your regular reminder to use your favourites or lose them. We wish the talented Matt Hampshire and his team all the very best for future projects. www.tarerestaurant.co.uk

Proving you don’t need to reinvent the culinary wheel to succeed, you just need tried-and-tested methods and great ingredients, family-run traditional Italian Taste of Napoli has opened a second restaurant and café on Park Street. Expect the usual delights: pi as, arancini, focaccia, coffee, panini, calzoni, lasagne, ice-cream, cannoli, tiramisu etc. Close your eyes and you could be in aff Gambrinus. www.tasteofnapoli.co.uk

This will either have you rolling your eyes theatrically or racing up to Horfield. ew dog-friendly caf o La has opened at 22 Gloucester oad it’s the tenth in a smallish chain which began in ales hence coffi’ as the brainchild of Labrador owner ames Shapland hence lab’ . Paw us a latte, co l b

AS MENTIONED IN our last round-up,

its first fixed

location, at

Gurt ings was founded in 201 by Gurty ames , a devotee of proper US-style fried chicken and wings. Unimpressed by the lack of high-quality options in the UK, he took to making his own, initially setting up a gazebo and fryer to trade part-time.

As demand grew, Gurty and his wife Lisa-Marie gave up the day job and took up Gurt ings full-time, investing in a prep kitchen and food truck. Seven years on, Gurt ings has taken the next big step with its permanent

THIS EVENT HAS SINCE PASSED, and anyway, it took place in London’s Paddington, not Bristol, but it sounds too bonkers for us not to give it a passing mention.

We’re talking about Aardman x Bisto’s daft pop-up restaurant, which served gravy cocktails on a floating boat for £15 a head – not bad value given that after your ‘cocktail’ you got to enjoy a hearty roast dinner. With gravy. And for pudding? Pudding in a sweet gravy sauce! What, no cheese, Gromit? Incidentally, this isn’t an April Fool – we’ve missed the (gravy) boat for that by several days.

Cargo site, serving chicken with beers, ciders, and cocktails plans are also afoot to expand into fried chicken burgers, a brunch offering and even wing challenges.

“Bristol is where it all began, and the support we’ve had here has been incredible”, said Gurty. ow we finally have a permanent spot to serve up our award-winning chicken to the city we love, surrounded by so many brilliant independent brands. The shipping container setup fits perfectly with our street food roots.”

Gurt ings are at nit 2 , argo 2 www.gurtwings.co.uk

THE LATEST NEWS from Lu Stri e, the much-loved East Street café-restaurant which sort-of closed last summer and has been hosting pop-ups ever since, is that while Tomo o amen has finished its popular residency, Strike owner Tom Montgomery will carry on serving ramen, along with other Japanese delights such as chicken katsu curry and gyo u he’s also serving their classic brunch menu on Saturdays and will be hosting one-off pop-ups. Their news seems to be changing all the time, so best just follow them on Instagram for updates, at @luckystrike.uk

Gurt Wings has opened

Bristol

Wapping Wharf.

That’s Gurty, on the left

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Life is a mystery

…just gotta bite it. This issue’s column is just like Where’s Wally, but with Stan and cake

Awhile back I decided to spend some time revisiting caf s I’ve reviewed in the past.

To relive old memories, catch up with old friends, see how they’re doing in the crazy world of 2025.

All of which is why I headed into town recently. To meet up with an old colleague I first met when we worked together at The Bristol Post.

Normally at this point in proceedings, I would give the caf ’s name and where it is well, in this issue, it’s going to be different. Because I’ve decided

“ The thick toasted slices had that wonderful shiny, butter-glazed, mouth-popping, crunchy-crust thing going on”

to make things mysterious. With a no names, no postcode sort of approach. In short, this issue’s coffee shop is a mystery caf .

Things got off to a good start when we walked in the door and saw an entire wall lined with some lovely, Scandi-fresh, pop-up plywood type of shelves. Filled with fine foods and fine things to improve your life. And your mood, too, no doubt.

Things got even better when we scanned the sweet treats on offer. There were several superblooking snacks to choose from. However, and here’s a hefty clue, there weren’t many places to sit on the ground floor, so we started off by ordering a couple of coffees and heading downstairs to the comfy basement.

Must admit, when the coffees arrived, my heart sank ever so slightly. Regular readers might remember the S crew have a problem with coffee cups which are wide-mouthed monsters. The sort that could happily fit half a grapefruit inside without trying. And before you say anything, I know, I know, this may be the ultimate first-world problem. But still. It lets the liquid cool down too quickly and I’m not a fan.

Undeterred, my mate and I sat, drank our slightly-too-coldcoffee, and chatted away merrily. Just as I was about to suggest we move on elsewhere to find

something to eat, one of the staff came downstairs to deliver a toastie to a nearby table.

Not going to lie, it looked good, smelt good and from the speed it was consumed, must have tasted pretty damn fine too. So, being easily persuaded and simple souls to boot, we ordered a couple of ham and cheese duplicates.

Reader, what can I say? They arrived, they were photographed and they were gratefully guzzled. And they were truly scrumptious. The thick toasted slices had that wonderful shiny, butter-glazed, mouth-popping, crunchy-crust thing going on. The filling featured pickled something, mustard whatnot and a creamy sauciness, reminiscent of ravishing cauliflower cheese.

Quite simply, the world went from zero to hero in the twinkling of a toastie. All thoughts of cup size and shape were forgotten, forgiven and filed under, “irrelevant.”

Btw, if you care to find out more, here’s some clues. It’s only a couple of minutes stroll from where my mate and I used to work and the name is a number with a letter. Happy hunting! n

Former The Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer; @stancullimore on instagram Google up Stan’s daily substack blog: Diary of an Urban Grandad

CHARLIE TAYLOR KASK WINE

The future’s bright; the future’s orange

Sparkling. White.

Rosé. Red. The classic structure of a restaurant’s wine list. But in many of Bristol’s best spots, you may have noticed a new category creeping in: orange wine.

It’s beloved by hipster progressive bars, from Dalston to Brooklyn, though wine lovers with a more classical taste can be guilty of snootiness. “A fad.” “The Emperor’s new clothes.” “A TikTok trend.” Or, as a customer once put it, “They all taste of farmy s***”.

New the term may be (coined by a British importer in the early 2000s), but the style is as old as wine itself. Before diving into history, let’s start with a definition orange wine is white wine made like a red. Or, to flip it on its head, a red wine made with white grapes. Instead of pressing grapes and discarding the skins – standard practice for white wine – the juice is fermented with skins left in the barrel or tank. This gives orange wine’s deeper colour, texture, tannins, and layers of flavour. Think dried fruit, nuts, herbs, and spice, along with more ‘standard’ fruit flavours. Sometimes funky, sometimes elegant. Always something to talk about.

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

Originally, all white wine was made this way. The technology to remove skins didn’t exist. While Neanderthals likely plucked grapes and let them ferment into some sort of proto-wine, the first real winemaking happened in Georgia around 8000 years ago. Everything – skins, seeds, stems – was thrown into clay vessels (qvevri), buried underground to ferment.

Most Georgian wine is still made this way. But elsewhere, winemakers sought lighter, clearer styles. Early pressing techniques (think foot-treading) helped minimise skin contact. Over time, more advanced mechanical presses improved efficiency, making it possible to create the crisp white wines we know today. By the time modern filtration and refrigeration developed, orange wine was mostly forgotten outside Georgia.

THE REVIVAL: A TALE OF TWO WINEMAKERS

Well, until the 1990s. In the tiny village of Oslavia, nestled in Fruiuli-Collio on the Italy-Slovenia border, two winemakers didn’t just rediscover the method – they redefined it.

Josko Gravner, one of Italy’s top modern white wine producers, became disillusioned with what he

saw as soulless winemaking. After traveling to Georgia and falling in love with its ancient clay qvevri, he decided to bring them home –armed guards, broken pots and all. His new wines were wild: long skin contact, oxidative aging, no additives. The industry recoiled. Critics turned their backs. Fans walked away.

But Gravner held firm. So did his neighbour and collaborator, Stanko Radikon. Stanko took a slightly different route, eschewing qvevri but going all-in on skin contact and natural processes. o filtering. o sulphites. Bottled in distinctive half-litre formats to encourage sharing and conversation. His wines were intense, challenging, alive. At first, people thought they were mad. Now? They’re cult heroes. Their wines are expensive, rare, and revered. And their influence is everywhere, from Friuli to California, Australia to Bristol.

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Here’s why orange wine is worth your time:

• It’s a conversation starter. Looks like a white, drinks like a red, tastes like something else entirely.

• It creates food pairing magic. Perfect with spicy dishes (Thai, Middle Eastern, North African), funky cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, smoky seafood.

• It ages well. Those tannins that dry out your tongue and cheeks? They come from the skins and stems. It’s why we don’t get tannins in a white wine. Tannins act as a natural preservative. It brings new flavours to the table. Bored with Sauv Blanc? Orange wine is a bold new world.

• It’s (often) more natural – Many orange wines are low-intervention with fewer additives.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Orange wine isn’t a trend. It’s a return to winemaking’s roots. Whether you love it or aren’t quite sure what to make of it yet, it’s worth exploring. And with plenty of places across Bristol now serving it, there’s no better time to dive in. We always have at least three open at KASK.

Proving that they don’t all “taste of farmy s***”, here are three to try:

Mtsvane Qveveri ’23, Marina

If you’re going to try an orange wine, there’s no better place to start than its birthplace. Marina Kurtanidze runs Georgia’s first female-founded winery. The wine is made from native varietal Mtsvane and is deep and structured with notes of apricot, citrus peel, almond, honey and camomile tea.

Sketta Grecanico ’23, Marilina Paterna

From Syracuse in the south east of Sicily, this is textured and fresh, with notes of apricot, citrus zest and golden apple, and a delicious saline finish that comes from the vineyard being a grape’s throw from the sea.

Brisat Vermell ‘22, Entre Vinyes

Husband and wife Pep and Maria restore old vineyards once farmed by Pep’s family in Penedes near Barcelona. Brisat is the Catalan term for skin-contact wine, and the grape. The wine is delicate and fruity, with notes of orange, citrus and peach and a lovely herbal, saline finish.

Visit KASK Wine at 51 North Street 07522 198081 www.kaskwine.co.uk

LOEWE SUNGLASSES, £310

Sun’s out, sunnies out, though in fact you’ll want to wear these whatever the weather

From Harvey Nichols, 41 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com

LEAF IT OUT

EMERALD AND 9CT FAIRTRADE PENDANT, £790

Green in both senses of the word: the shimmering emerald is set in etched airtrade yellow gold on a fine Fairminded gold curb chain

From Diana Porter, 33 Park Street www.dianaporter.co.uk

Inspired by the burgeoning spring foliage all around us, we find ourselves in a verdant frame of mind

BLOOMINGVILLE HEIKKI STONEWARE SERVING BOWL, £58

Handpainted and full of rustic charm. Ideal for serving up healthful spring salads, but also has no objection to crisps

From Mon Pote, 217a North Street; www.monpote.co.uk

WIKHOLMFORM NOELIA GLASS VASE, £37

MUNTHE JAKETTA BLAZER £146.70 (FROM £489)

Boxy ’80s silhouettes are hot once again, and this oversized blazer in 100% silk ticks the box so emphatically that you may find yourself spontaneously bursting into Burning Down the House

From Grace & Mabel 32 The Mall www.graceandmabel.co.uk

This milky glass vase could be vintage 1930s; luckily it’s not, so it’s more affordable From Mon Pote, 217a North Street; www.monpote.co.uk

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ALEA CREPE DRESS, £186 (FROM £620)

Demure or sexy, depending on the footwear

From Harvey Nichols 41 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com

SENSI STUDIO CANASTA FRINGED WOVEN TOTE, £165 (FROM £330)

No, we’ve never seen a pricier straw tote, either. But ain’t it pretty?

From Harvey Nichols, 41 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com

TIMELESS PEARLY

MALACHITE 24KT GOLDPLATED NECKLACE, £390

Add a kaftan, a raffia bag and the Loewe sunglasses on page 56, and you’re basically White Lotusing

From Harvey Nichols 41 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com

HOFF KATHMANDU CITY TRAINERS, £110

IB LAURSEN SALT AND PEPPER GRINDERS, £16.99 EACH

To elevate the everyday

From Mon Pote 217a North Street www.monpote.co.uk

ALICE + OLIVIA CHARITY EMBELLISHED SKIRT, £1,850

Ideal for exploring new cities and rooftop drinks”, we read. e’re en oying how randomly specific the second suggestion is From Grace & Mabel, 32 The Mall; www.graceandmabel.co.uk

GREEN BUTTON JUMPER, £99

When the colour says “spring is here!” but the barometer says “not so fast”

From Mint Velvet 44 Regent Street www.mintvelvet.com

NALI SHOP IRINA GREEN BERET, £38

“For your go-to Parisian chic look”, they say, though if you wear it in Paris you may as well hang a sign reading ‘tourist’ around your neck. Ideal anywhere else, though From Fox + Feather, 41 Gloucester Road www.foxandfeather.co.uk

Who said “my favourite charity is myself?”

And were they possibly referring to a beaded skirt?

From Harvey Nichols 41 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com

GEO 300 LAMP, £154

Handmade from sustainable and responsibly sourced plywood, with a choice of 16 colours of braided cables. 16!!

From Prior Made, 23 Philadelphia Street www.priormade.store

ESSENTIEL ANTWERP FAUX-LEATHER SHOPPER, £190

With bags of space for, well, essentials, in a lustrous crinkle-effect faux-leather guaranteed to add a touch of da le to any outfit

From Grace & Mabel, 32 The Mall www.graceandmabel.co.uk

TEAM WORK

Architects and interior designers walk hand-in-hand, each shaping high-end residential design – but they bump heads occasionally too. Here’s how to make sure they don’t…

By Kirsty Lake

THE BIG TIP

A great extension is a thing of beauty, bringing light, life and space to a home – but, equally, a poorly considered one can feel clunky and out-of-sync. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you by maintaining material consistency (think flooring, wall finishes and trim details that align with the existing style of your home); by using dominant colours from the original space as a foundation for the new one; and by treasuring natural light not just for its own pleasures, but to reduce boundaries and enhance the visual flow from new to old. Mirrors, skylights and light-coloured finishes can all help with this, bouncing light from the extension deeper into the house.

MAINPIC: The kitchen from Hill.Reading’s latest rural project

OPPOSITEPAGE: The architects of this extension were keen to make the most of natural light. Kirsty’s brief was to keep things as simple and classic as possible, while allowing for plenty of low-key individuality from classic mid-century wishbone chairs to Go Modern’s Pelleossa Italian breakfast bar stools. She used Dulux’s subtle Garden Grey paint for the walls, Mylands’ Alderman for the kitchen units, and Farrow and Ball’s Strong White for ceilings and doors. Tectonic oak flooring from Chaunceys adds to the Scandi/Shaker feel; the natural birch Octo pendants are from Holloways of Ludlow

I’ve been thinking a lot about extensions lately: there’s the badly-considered town house add-on we’re almost certainly going to have to rip out, entirely replacing it with a new one on the same footprint (but complete with a roof terrace this time: much better!) And then there’s the huge glass contemporary extension designed to maximise views from a country home, in striking juxtaposition to the very classic original building (think: Louvre pyramid, but a little less pointy). To make a success of both, we’re all – architects, builders, and, yes, me – going to have to be on top of our games, working together like a well-oiled, or at least not dysfunctional, machine.

To get some tips on how architects, interior designers and clients can all do their best work together, I got to chatting with Oliver Hill of Hill. eading Architects, a local firm specialising in residential developments and home extensions across the South West, as well as the occasional restaurant fit-out – Bambalan in Colston Tower, for instance, is one of theirs. I know what the architect x interior designer experience is like from my side, but what about his? Here’s how the other half thinks…

Perhaps we should kick off with you telling me a little about your latest project, by the Chew Valley in Clutton. How’d that go?

Swimmingly, I think: it’s one where we were appointed very early in the process – just as the client was purchasing the property, in fact –which is perfect for us. And it helped that they’d a clear vision of the style they wanted and the space required too. Even better, these guys were committed to using high-quality materials throughout, helping the whole project read as one cohesive development.

Sounds perfect…

Oh, nothing’s ever perfect! For instance, there was unexpected ambiguity over which should be considered the front and principal elevation, since the site was actually sandwiched between two roads. As it wasn’t immediately clear, the danger was we’d be talking at cross purposes all the time…

What did you consider to be your chief role on the project?

Same as it always is: to interpret the client’s brief, and then provide a solution that’s feasible in three ways. It had to be physically possible within the site’s constraints; it had to be something likely to be supported by the Parish Council and Local Authority Planning Department; and, of course, it had to come in on (or close to) budget.

With the Clutton project, once we had the final design our next ob was to take it through the planning process, and prepare detailed drawings with key collaborators – like English Oak Buildings – which would meet with current building regs.

Building a project team can be quite an undertaking, I find. It might involve half-a-dozen companies, from builders and interior designers to a whole raft of specialist professionals Absolutely: and the client is a key part of the team too. With so many of us involved, putting proper effort into the design stage up front almost always pays dividends. It’s crucial to make sure everyone really understands the brief too, though it might be expressed through all sorts of different mediums found images, original drawings, fabric samples, or simply precedents discovered elsewhere.

In an ideal world, at what stage in a project do you like to be appointed? As early as possible. Not only do we need time to get the design right with the client and the interior designer, but there will always be

WANT THE LOOK?

Kirsty’s interiors edit for April

unforeseen external factors that need to be managed. I also think it’s best to involve the interior designer really early too: it helps us all understand how the client expects the finished building to look and feel, and will often impact on the architecture of the space.

And if there’s no interior designer…?

Then we’ll likely need a more detailed initial brief from the client, helping us understand how they live and occupy a space. We’ll need to talk about lighting, clutter, storage, usage at different times of the day, entertaining, views, privacy Both architecture and interior design often revolve around how a client can best express their personality through a space, but they need to reconcile this desire with day-today living too.

Finally, any trends you’ve spotted lately among the client requests you’ve had in Bristol and around?

Open-plan living is still popular, but often with the addition of smaller snug-style sitting rooms, where you can create a cosy atmosphere through darker, richer colours. Smaller, more utilitarian ancillary spaces – such as workfrom-home areas that can be closed off and hidden – are popular too, as are boot rooms, utility rooms and pantries, as they all allow you to tuck things away and keep the bright, openplan living spaces clear of clutter. Increasingly, people are interested in fully visualising their space at an early stage, and really thinking about using the building fabric as part of the design – music to my ears!

Hill.Reading Architects recently won Best Residential Extension at the National LABC Awards; for more about them, go to www.hillreading.co.uk Kirsty Lake is creative director at The Curator’s House 01225 696996 www.thecuratorshouse.co.uk birch

1. Octo pendant small light natural birch by Holloways of Ludlow, £790; www.hollowaysofludlow.com

2. CH24 Wishbone Chair in oak by Carl Hansen & Son, £979 (cheaper copies are available!); www.hollowaysofludlow.com

3. Pelleossa bar stool by Francesco Faccin (oak stained walnut w/ traditional straw seat) from Miniforms, £785; www.gomodern.co.uk

BENCHMARKS ANDY HAMILTON

In the first of a limited series (unless we can persuade him to stick around), ANDY HAMILTON shares the view from a few Bristol benches.

First up is Shirehampton’s Nurseryman’s cottage bench – “the worst bench in Bristol”

Daddy, you always seem stressed when you sit there why don’t you start writing in notepads outside ”

My daughter has always been a mixture of compassionate and observant, and is wise beyond her years. I took her advice and have been trying to do ust that, penning much of my work on benches. This short column is a result of those trips.

It’s a strange feeling being excited about sitting on a bench, but that’s how today started. I’d read about the infamous Shirehampton bench. atched as a small story grew into a media storm which dubbed it the worst bench in Bristol. The bench, apparently, is in the wrong place, and is facing the wrong way, opposite a derelict building –an old villa that once acted as a shop, and its accompanying greenhouses.

rong is a matter of opinion, I thought. Most places and people have some merit, beauty even,

view”. I think of the woman, the wagtails and the drama of the winter sky above.

particularly if you approach them with the intention of finding it. or those who don’t know Shirehampton, it’s a district on the edge of the city which still has the feel of a small village. ollow the Avon out past the Gorge along the muddy bird-lined banks, heading out to sea, and you can’t miss it.

I sat on the bench and got my flask out, ready for the long haul. Two wagtails came to greet me as I sat down, their tails bobbing up and down in a delightful dance. The white expanse of the winter sky and the et-black of fresh tarmac complemented their black-and-white plumage perfectly. I felt as if they had put on the correct feathers for that morning ust for me.

A woman in her seventies walked past, I’ve found a nice spot”, I proffer, gauging the local feeling for the bench. Oh you have”, her eyes sparkle with an appreciation shared.

It’s soon shattered by a man whose shoulders gra e his ears, his eyes and mouth narrow as he informs me, ot much of

I pour myself a tea and glance over my shoulder. I see a big white van obscuring the view of a betting shop while a man with dead eyes sucks the life out of a puffstick. As the tea warms me, I wonder how it would feel to lock my eyes with puffstick van man while sipping on the tea. As I do so I take in my view, and a flock of goldfinches fly above with their characteristic heart-warming light trill. I look at the red stone villa, and the crow perched on the ornate chimney pots on the roof.

neighbours the site. He tells me how the nursery supplied the flowers for both his parents’ funerals. How he’d buy flowers for the house from the side window when he was a small boy. His eyes gla e into the middle distance as he oyfully recalls the nursery in its heyday.

“The bench, apparently, is in the wrong place, and is facing the wrong way”

He’s nodding up and down cawing as if he’s taking the piss out of the amorous pigeons on the neighbouring roof.

My eyes move to the greenhouses, where a great steelrimmed glassless window has been left open. I imagine the life of the person who last propped it up in the 19 0s. I almost feel their blissful sigh in the air as a slower, bygone age floats by. I think of the simply oy of growing plants from seed, then watching as they are given on first dates, or held as wedding posies.

Soon I’m chatting to ay, an -year-old chap whose home

Is that the issue, then ”, I ask. ”It’s more that the bench feels like it ridicules treasured memories rather than being the wrong way around I mean, a betting shop and a white van are not any better.” Before I have a chance to carry on this line of thought his wife appears there is shopping to get home, so we say our goodbyes and wish each other a good day. I finish my tea and make my way to the station, happy to have sat on Bristol’s worst bench and to have met some of the good people of Shirehampton. n

Andy Hamilton is the author of several books including New Wild Order, The First Time Forager and Booze For Free. He has coached many ut ors to public tion nd o ers one to one tuition fro per our

For more details visit www.andyhamiltonauthor.com

ALL ABOUT THE SPACE NETWORK

LOOKING FOR A MEMORABLE VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT BUSINESS MEETING, CONFERENCE OR PARTY? BIG OR SMALL, BRISTOL HAS THEM ALL

MEET, GREET (AND OCCASIONALLY, EAT)

Organising a meeting for a small and intimate crowd,? A party for hundreds of people? A straightup business event or something a little more left-of-field? Whatever the style of event you’re throwing, from the corporate to the quirky, Bristol has the perfect space

BRISTOL BEACON

Located right in the city centre, Bristol Beacon’s once-in-a-generation transformation offers spectacular new spaces ready for your event. You can host a high-tech conference in Beacon Hall, dazzle guests with dinner in the beautiful Lantern Hall, or take over the quirky Cellars for an intimate and atmospheric get together – with a bespoke personal service to match One of the best and most accessible venues in Europe, the Beacon is also committed to environmental sustainability and is working towards being the ’s first net-zero concert hall by 2030. What else makes it special?

The Beacon is a music charity and educational hub, so booking your event helps to support its programme of creative learning. reaching over 30,000 young people every year. It offers emerging artists and industry professionals the tools they need for a successful career in the music industry, and collaborates with Bristol’s diverse communities on projects to ensure music is at the heart of our city. Trenchard Street; www.bristolbeacon.org

BRISTOL OLD VIC

The beautifully renovated theatre and ancillary rooms offer almost endless possibilities; the theatre works with a variety of local caterers, which means they can tailor the menu to your bespoke experience.

The Foyer has a capacity of 500, with exclusive use of the bar area, the dias and the balconies. Or head inside to the Grade-I Georgian auditorium, once described by Peter O’Toole as “the loveliest theatre in the world”; with a capacity of 550 and a stage which can seat 180 diners, this is a truly unique venue. With its high ceilings and huge over-arch windows, the elegant Grade-I Coopers’ Hall provides a sophisticated backdrop for up to 120 formally seated guests and 200 for canapés and drinks receptions. Down below, the Weston Studio is a large new space in the oldest part of Bristol Old Vic, the

“THE GRADE-I AUDITORIUM WAS DESCRIBED BY PETER O’TOOLE AS ‘THE LOVELIEST THEATRE IN THE WORLD’”

barrel cellars of Coopers’ Hall. The doubleheight studio has a central open area which lends itself perfectly to informal, standing receptions such as drinks and bowl food events for up to 0 guests, while the flexible seating is also ideal for large presentations and conferences of up to 148.

Finally, the Foyle Room is an intimate, richly decorate space with comfy upholstered chairs, perfect for meetings and private dining for up to 12 guests.

What else makes it special?

It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in Bristol, and also a charity which means you’ll be supporting one of our cultural treasures. King Street; www.bristololdvic.org.uk

BRISTOL ZOO PROJECT

Within the ancient woodland of Bristol Zoo Project lies the Bear Wood event space – a venue with windows directly facing the wolf habitat. ith capacity from 1 - 0, it offers a 100-inch screen with laptop connectivity, a variety of catering options and – a unique USP – access to the zoo. What else makes it special?

Did we mention the wolves? Also, your booking will support the oo’s efforts to prevent extinction at home and abroad. Blackhorse Hill; www.bristolzoo.org.uk/venue-hire

THE CLIFTON CLUB

In the heart of lifton illage, the club offers an elegant setting for any occasion, from intimate dinners to lively drinks receptions, weddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries and corporate functions

What else makes it special?

A private members’ club, it offers an exclusive calendar of social events, including black-tie galas, themed soirées and garden parties. 22 The Mall; www.thecliftonclub.co.uk

MAINIMAGEANDTOPINSET: There are sexy venues, and then there’s The Mount Without; BELOW: Let’s get this party started at Bristol Old Vic

THE DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

When you also need to sleep and dine: the 206 bedrooms, 11 meeting rooms, 118 car park spaces and the Kiln restaurant make the hotel ideal for meetings, events, conferences, celebrations, Christmas parties etc.

Whether staying for business or leisure, every check-in starts with a famous DoubleTree cookie, and with the Hilton Honors loyalty program, every penny spent earns points towards your next event or stay. What else makes it special?

The Kiln Restaurant is a historic and unique dining space within an original 17th-century glass kiln – a listed building transformed into an atmospheric dining area. edcli e y, www ilton co

EVERARDS FARM

A renovated 17th-century 18-acre private estate located in the Mendip Hills, 30 minutes from Bristol, this high-end venue offers exclusive accommodation, pool, gym and spa, a wedding venue and events space. Ideal for corporate events, automotive shows and luxury escapes, verards arm can tailor specific packages to fit your re uirements. What else makes it special?

Surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, the tran uil estate offers a retreat from everyday life while the super-fast site-wide broadband allows you to stay as connected as you need to be. edge ne, dstock www e er rdsf r co

FUTURE INN

Right opposite Cabot Circus, with modern, versatile spaces fully equipped for all attendees; there’s free WiFi, natural daylight (or, alternatively, blackout facilities) and data pro ection, flipcharts and pens and customisable catering options – ideal for corporate meetings, training seminars or networking events. You can hire a room or opt for day delegate packages, which can be customised to accommodate varying budgets. What else makes it special?

The rooftop event suites offer a uni ue setting

MAINIMAGE: It’s OK, this table at Bristol Zoo Project isn’t within the actual wolf enclosure; INSETTOP: You won’t struggle to get guests to attend an event at Lucknam Park once they’ve spied the spa; RIGHT: “How was the conference?” “Umm, all I remember is the wine...” - Hotel du Vin

for all kinds of gatherings, from Christmas celebrations to corporate summer parties and award ceremonies. ond treet www futureinns co uk

THE GRANARY

Housed in one of Bristol’s landmark buildings, The Granary is a place where history, flavour, and good times come together.

“LUCKNAM PARK: YOU WON’T STRUGGLE TO GET DELEGATES TO ATTEND ONCE THEY’VE SPOTTED THE SPA”

Upstairs, the modern British restaurant celebrates the best of seasonal, sustainable ingredients. The chefs cook Mediterraneanand Persian-flavoured dishes, inspired by the global trade routes which shaped Bristol, over an open fire with room for up to 120 it’s a place to savour great food, warm hospitality, and the stories which make this city special.

Downstairs, the cosy basement Granary lub offers an intimate and atmospheric escape for up to 100 guests,. The cocktail bar has been restored using upcycled materials and the craftsmanship of local artisans.

This place has seen it all, from legendary music performances – ric lapton, Thin Li ie, Genesis, Slade etc – to one of T ’s most famous comedy moments this is the bar el Boy fell through in Only Fools and Horses. 32 Welsh Back; www.granarybristol.com

HARBOUR HOUSE

ight on Bristol’s floating harbour, Harbour House is all about good times, great food and a proper warm welcome. ith the biggest outdoor terrace on the harbourside and views over to edcliffe’s colourful houses, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the city’s energy, especially on a sunny day.

e believe in good food, great wine, and making people feel special,” they say. Our menu is all about incredible seafood, and we’re big fans of nglish wines. hether you’re here for a laidback lunch, a special dinner or a big celebration up to 2 0 guests , you’ll come for the food, stay for the views, and leave feeling like a friend.” What else makes it special?

The building is packed with history. Originally a transit shed designed by Brunel, it hosted

Banksy’s first-ever exhibition back in 2000 when it was known as Seven Shed. Brunel, Banksy and boats a true Bristol institution. The Grove; www.hhbristol.com

HOTEL DU VIN

Hotel du in brings a touch of class to your business events. Tucked away in a Grade-II former sugar warehouse, it transports you from Bristol to Paris the moment you step into the idyllic courtyard. ith four meetings and event spaces, the hotel offers newly renovated rooms for events of all si es, including private dining, ban uets, meetings, conferences, from six to 0 guests.

As well as corporate functions, the spaces can also be used for parties, drinks receptions or weddings, with a full event team on hand to ensure you’re well looked after.

What else makes it special?

The entire space has recently had a multimillion pound refurb, making it the perfect spot to wow your guests. A post-event glass of something delicious in their beautiful bar is practically mandatory.

The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead www.hotelduvin.com

NO.4 CLIFTON VILLAGE

A beautiful Georgian town house offering elegant meeting and conference spaces for up to 0 guests, with flexible setups, modern amenities, and all-day catering options. What else makes it special?

The Meet at package covers everything from room hire and refreshments to a post-work fine-dining experience. Onsite accommodation at The odney Hotel is available for business stays.

4 Rodney Place; www.no4cliftonvillage.co.uk

LUCKNAM PARK

ant the glamour factor Set within in 00 acres of parkland, Lucknam Park offers an allencompassing setting for meetings and events, whether teams re uire a seamless day meeting or an unforgettable overnight retreat.

Accommodation includes 2 beautifully appointed rooms and suites and nine standalone country cottages for a more exclusive retreat.

our beautifully designed meeting rooms with high-speed i- i provide the perfect setting for productive meetings. Between sessions, guests can unwind in the hotel’s award-winning spa, while for a more active escape, the grounds offer outdoor countryside pursuits and team-building activities

What else makes it special?

ulinary excellence awaits you, with Michelin-starred fine-dining at estaurant Hywel ones, as well as more a relaxed, seasonal offering in the new alled Garden estaurant.

ou really won’t struggle getting your guests and delegates to turn up here. Chippenham; www.lucknamepark.co.uk

THE MOUNT WITHOUT

One of the loveliest venues in town, TMW is ideal for public and private events, from networking to exhibitions, music, weddings, conferences and more. There are two venues, the Main Hall and the Crypt; you can hire just one or have exclusive use of the building. What else makes it special?

Mixing 900 years of history with dance, art, music and celebration, this breathtaking venue gives the sense of being an ethereal abandoned church, with all the warmth and delight of a beautifully modern creative space. Upper Church Lane; www.themounthwithout.co.uk

ORIGIN WORKSPACE

By day, Origin is a dynamic workspace for Bristol professionals; by evening, it transforms into a versatile venue for events of all kinds, from panel discussions to networking meetups, workshops, indoor markets, and more, offering endless possibilities to bring your event to life.

Adjacent to the main event space are eight contemporary meeting rooms – perfect for breakout sessions. The team go above and beyond to ensure members and clients feel welcomed and supported, from seamless event planning to everyday workspace support, they take pride in delivering an outstanding experience tailored to your needs.

What else makes it special?

The beautifully designed building showcases Bristol artwork; there are two rooftop terraces and an onsite wellbeing centre to host your next wellness or gym class.

40 Berkeley Square; www.originworkspace.co.uk

RACKS BAR & KITCHEN

acks offers flexible meeting and event spaces with a relaxed yet professional atmosphere, high-quality catering, AV facilities and tailored packages. The private rooms for small meetings include The Engine Room for up to eight and The Top Table for 14, as well as The Playroom, which can host conferences and networking events for up to 40 guests.

What else makes it special?

acks offers more than ust a meeting space –after a productive day, guests can unwind with

“EVERARDS FARM OFFERS A TRANQUIL RETREAT FROM EVERYDAY LIFE, WHILE SUPER-FAST BROADBAND MEANS YOU CAN STAY AS CONNECTED AS YOU WANT TO BE”

TOP: Why stick indoors when it’s sunny? Origin’s terrace, and (INSET) the one at Square Works; BELOW: Everards Farm

Mamma Mia! Greek Night in Bristol

Saturday 17 May 2025 | From 7pm

2-course Greek-themed buffet

Live entertainment with songs from ABBA

Resident party DJ. £39 per person

their party packages, enjoy a drink or a meal.

“Our mix of historic charm, modern facilities, and exceptional hospitality makes Racks the perfect spot for business events with a social twist”, they say.

St Paul’s Road; www.racks-bristol.co.uk

“SOMEWHERE UP THERE, ISAMBARD KINGDOM BRUNEL IS GIVING YOUR EVENT HIS BLESSING”

SQUARE WORKS

An award-winning workspace and private members club which combines elegant Georgian architecture with modern interiors in a unique and inspiring working environment.

As well as flexible membership options there’s a range of meeting rooms and conference suites equipped with conference phones, whiteboards, Panasonic HD TVs and complimentary refreshments. The large presentation spaces include 4k projection, surround sound and video conferencing facilities, while the catering option means you can use the Square Club app to order freshly prepared food straight from the renowned Square Kitchen to your desk.

above: Harbour House, within Brunel’s old boatshed; somewhere up there, IKB is silently giving your event his blessing; below: Wow guests at the cavernous, glamorous Beacon Hall; inset: Lightbulb moments guaranteed at Racks

What else makes it special?

It’s the only workspace in the city with a private members’ club, giving access to a network of over 1000 like-minded individuals. 60-plus years in the hospitality biz means you’re in the best hands for your event; from group conferences to intimate client meetings, a five-star experience is guaranteed. 17-19 Berkeley Square; www.squareworksbristol.com

WHATLEY MANOR

Tucked away in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside, the luxurious country house hotel offers a blend of traditional charm and contemporary comforts, with beautifully appointed rooms and spa if you’re lucky enough to stay over

Its sophisticated event spaces cater to weddings, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations in absolute peace and quiet. The boardroom, in a converted detached stable, is filled with character and natural daylight.

What else makes it special?

Your guests can tuck into Ricki Weston’s Michelin-starred cuisine at The Dining Room, enjoy rejuvenating treatments at the luxurious spa, or explore the meticulously landscaped 12-acre country gardens. n Easton Grey, Malmesbury; www.whatleymanor.com

PARK LIFE

Should Park Street be closed to traffic, or will the proposals, in the words of onservative councillor ohn Goulandris, sound the death knell for many of the shops” nder the plan, access to Park Street would remain from St George’s oad, while through traffic would be redirected to Park ow or Anchor oad.

CREATING SPACE

German space company OHB is investing millions in the , creating up to 0 specialist obs in Bristol. This move supports the government’s Plan for hange, driving skilled employment and economic growth.

Industry Minister Sarah ones announced the investment at the arnborough International Space Show, calling it a ma or win for Bristol’s world-leading aerospace and tech industry.” OHB’s new subsidiary at Bristol Bath Science Park will develop cutting-edge satellite and spacecraft technology.

OHB O Marco uchs praised Bristol’s hightech cluster, saying it offers a great environment” for innovation. est of ngland Mayor an orris welcomed the news as a real rocket boost” for the space sector.

The ’s space industry generates 1 .9 billion annually and employs over 0,000 people. ith

Banning cars will make traffic evaporate” according to Green councillors who have approved the scheme. espite opposition from some business owners, only 1 people have signed a petition against the changes, and work on the 1 -million scheme, which includes widening pavements and installing bike lanes, and changing the big roundabout at the bottom of hiteladies oad into a smaller unction, is due to start this October

For more: www.bristol.gov.uk

WORDS OF PRAISE

Big congratulations to our esteemed columnists Storysmith Books, recently named the South est Independent Bookshop of the ear at this year’s British Book Awards.

ot gonna Adrien Brody this situation any further,” they say phew , so for now we’ll ust say thank you to our ama ing booksellers and customers who have, between us all, cultivated an approach best described as reading non-crap books and forcibly telling people to buy them’, which in terms of a professional environment is something we neither take lightly nor for granted.

To be listed alongside such wonderful colleagues up and down the country and especially here in Bristol, truly the hottest city for readers is also incredibly meaningful, and we do not underestimate it.”

For more: www.ohb.de

ACQUISITIONS

The £5.4bn acquisition of Hargreaves Lansdown by a private equity consortium, led by Harp Bidco Limited, composed of CVC Private Equity Funds, Nordic Capital XI Delta, SCSp, and Platinum Ivy B 2018 RSC Limited, has been finalised.

Following court approval and submission of the Court Order to the Registrar of Companies, the transaction is now effective. Trading of HL Shares was suspended from 24 March, coinciding with the completion; post-acquisition, several directors including Alison Platt, Penny James, and others have resigned, while new appointments such as Bruce Hemphill as chair and others to the

For more: www.storysmithbooks.com

Bidco Board have been made, anticipating Peter Hargreaves’ role as a significant shareholder with board nomination rights.

For more: www.hl.co.uk

NEW OWNERSHIP

Tailored Flooring, now under new ownership, has expanded its range to include luxury vinyl, engineered wood, and solid wood flooring.

Following the retirement of previous owner Darren Taylor due to ill health, K3 Partners has invested in a larger showroom, an expert fitting team, and an extensive selection of premium flooring.

For more: www.tailoredflooring.co.uk

the global space market pro ected to exceed 1 trillion by 20 , this investment strengthens the ’s position as a key player in the sector.

Emily and Dan Ross – more from them on page 39

CGI imaginings of the proposed changes (Bristol Council)

Hargreaves HQ

All aspects of Roofing and General Building

• Gutters Repaired & Renewed

• PVC/Wood Bays Re-Felted

• Ridge Tiles Pointed

• Chimney Stacks Pointed

• Built up Felt Roofing

• Fascias & Soffits

• Crystic Fibre Glass Flat Roofing

• Slates Replaced

• Houses Pointed

• Gutters Cleaned

• Dry Ridge & Dry Verge Systems

S

On Park oad in Stapleton sits Beaufort House – a home that is the very pineapple of perfection

Words by Ursula Cole

Stapleton’s Park Road is lined with an eclectic collection of homes built in a variety of eras, many of them set back leafily from the street.

Among these standout properties, however, there’s little argument over which takes the crown. That has to go to the Grade-II Beaufort House – so named because it was once owned by the uke of Beaufort. It’s known locally as The Pineapple House, for reasons a uick glance at the pillared gates will immediately explain.

It’s been treated to an excellent restoration, in which the original features are still allowed to shine: not merely the immaculate cream exterior, which makes such a stately impression as you walk up to the front door, but also the tall shuttered windows, marble fireplaces and elaborate ceiling plasterwork which come as standard inside.

However, this is no museum. hile Historic ngland lists the house as being built in the early 18th century, with

a late 19th-century front, the interior is full of fresh, contemporary attitude, not least due to the addition of a fabulous modern extension.

There’s 5000 square feet to play with, and if that means nothing to you just know that this translates into two huge living rooms flanking a 20ft central hallway, a large kitchen, cosier snug and the aforementioned extension – and that’s ust the ground floor. There are six bedrooms, two of them en-suite, on the floors above, a basement with a gym, utility and sauna and even outbuildings – we’ll get to those in a bit,

Luxuries abound, such as the underfloor heating which runs throughout the ground floor, while the doubleheight conservatory opens out onto a large, raised deck offering uninterrupted views of the rome alley.

Beyond the decking is the landscaped rear garden, which leads in turn to a larger wild area; this, we’re told, offers plenty of development opportunity, though with the bees and butterflies in mind we’d be inclined to leave it exactly as it is. There’s also a coach house, which could be converted into a small house or home office.

Stapleton itself is a much-loved family spot due to the many nature walks nearby the rome alley alkway runs north along the river towards Snuff Mills, the

PROPERTY

beautiful Oldbury Court Estate and then on to Frenchay. Purdown is also nearby, along with the Stoke Park Estate.

While the neighbourhood retains a peaceful, almost quaint feel, central Bristol is right on your doorstep,

HOUSE NUMBERS

Guide price

£1.795m

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 5

Receptions 4, plus kitchen and conservatory

Here’s what the current owner has to say. “There’s a strong community presence in Stapleton, the church supports the essence of the village along with the village hall, cricket club and Elm Tree city farm and farm shop. The pub provides a happy community space with a fantastic beer garden and a good Sunday lunch, while the village convenience store owners know everyone on first-name terms, Leaving Stapleton will be hard but I am excited for the new owners to move into such a fantastic community.”

Anything else? Basement with sauna, gym and utility

Outside Decked terrace, large gardens, coach house

Call my agent: Boardwalk Properties; 0117 9898 222; boardwalkpropertyco.com

Or, as Sheridan’s Mrs Malaprop might say of this home with those very distinctive pillar finials out front, Beaufort House is “The very pineapple of perfection”.

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

H2, Harlequin Office Park, BS16

TO LET - £19.50 PSF

3,068 – 11,045 sq ft

(285 – 1,026 sq m)

A most impressive and substantial modern HQ office, located in a prominent position on the business park with the space being available over ground and first floors. On site car parking with EV charging points.

Horseshoe Lane, Thornbury

TO LET - £17,500 PA

1,032 sq ft (95.87 sq m)

A bright and airy ground floor commercial unit with glazed frontage at St Mary's Shopping Centre in Thornbury. New lease terms available.

Whitefriars, BS1 TO LET – £17.50 psf

5,554 sq ft (515.97 sq m)

Providing modern, yet affordable office accommodation, which is fully fitted with meeting rooms, a/c and large break out area/ kitchen and an onsite gym and coffee shop!

High Street, Portishead TO LET – POA

1,226 sq ft (113.9 sq m)

A high-quality self-contained corner pitched retail unit over ground and first floor, with stores and W.C’s. There is a rear car park with space for three vehicles as well as external bike storage.

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 pop,wwular suburb of Westbury Park. May suit a range of uses.

Queen Square, BS1 FOR SALE - POA

2,751 sq ft (255.57 sq m)

An attractive, self-contained office building situated on the prestigious Queen Square with a courtyard garden befitting from 4 car parking spaces.

Clare Street, BS1 TO LET – POA

1,193 sq ft (110.83 sq m)

A stunning period office building designed by Alfred Waterhouse offering a light and airy office at ground floor level, with excellent floor to ceiling height and additional useful storage space.

Berkeley Square, BS8 FOR SALE – POA

4,015 sq ft (372.99 sq m)

A fabulous opportunity to create a magnificent family home in the upper terrace of Clifton’s renowned Berkeley Square, with ample parking. Suits investors seeking to benefit from high levels of income currently produced within the property.

Durdham Park, BS6

TO LET – POA, 1,042 – 2,948 sq ft (274 - 97 sq m)

Two self-contained buildings located within close proximity to Whiteladies Road and Clifton and Durdham Downs. The properties can be available as a pair or separately. Currently benefitting from educational use although would suit other uses (STP).

Eden Office Park, Pill FOR SALE – POA

1,841 – 6,110 sq ft (171 – 567 sq m)

3 office buildings currently occupied as one, but can be available separately or combined. Excellent parking provision.

BRISTOL LIVES

BECCY GOLDING

Fancy a walk? Let Bristol Walk Fest’s new marketing manager inspire you to dig out a pair of sturdy boots

Becky started working for Bristol Walk Fest this January, and says she’s loving learning all about it. But when it comes to walking, she’s not exaxctly a novice . . .

I’ve taken part in walks in previous years, including one in Badock’s Wood in Henleaze. I hadn’t even heard of the place before, so it felt like discovering a new little secret gem.

Bristol Walk Fest was launched in 2013 by the council’s Walking for Health team, and since then it’s evolved from a oneweek event to a month-long celebration of all things walking. It’s now one of the largest urban walking festivals in the UK.

There is an astonishing amount happening! We have walk providers offering 1 2

“My friend and I are both clowns – not the circus-type, the Bristol kind, who are all about play”

and walking for pleasure. We have everything from story and pirate walks to Nordic walking and foraging, sculpture trails, neighbourhood explorations and walking tennis.

We want the festival to be truly accessible to everyone who lives in or visits the city, so we aim for at least 80% of walks to be free. Others range from £5-20, with registration for the alk Bristol event being 20£35, depending on distance

my hilltop home, which spans across east Bristol all the way to Stoke Park, and across to Kelston Roundhill the other way. If you can get to the top of a hill anywhere in the city you can see green hills and countryside.

I’m part of a strong friendship group of creative older crones who I value enormously. Having been in Bristol more than 50 years I inevitably bump into someone I know when I’m out, and I love the sense of community that brings.

unique walks, and more than 400 walks altogether. About 3,300 people took part last year and we hope to beat that in 2025.

We have walks for all abilities; easy, fairly easy, moderate and challenging. We have a key in the programme to highlight accessible walks, suitable for those with visual impairments or wheelchair users, buggy-friendly, dogs on leads welcome, etc.

Walks take between 30 minutes to six hours; distance-wise the shortest are about a mile, many are under five miles, and a good selection go up to 10 miles. We have walking skills courses, and our grand finale, alk Bristol on 31 May, is a day-long mass participation event with a choice of five 20-mile walks all starting and ending at Castle Park.

Walks are categorised under nature and wildlife; art, history and architecture; health and wellbeing; walking sports,

Walking is free, accessible to all and doesn’t require special equipment to get started. Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, it can help build stamina, burn excess calories and improve heart and bone health. Even a brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits. Solo walking can be great thinking time, while walking with a friend or group is a relaxed way to connect and spend time together.

The Walk Fest is a great chance to discover something new about the city, explore a new area or try walking for the first time. With a choice of free walks every day of the month you’re bound to find something to pi ue your interest.

There’s also a section on the website called ‘year-round walks’. Click on that and you’ll find do ens of free walks that you can do at any time of year; some of these are via the free Go Jauntly app.

I grew up in north Bristol and moved south of the river when I was pregnant with my son, now in his 30s. I’ve lived in Knowle for 15 years. I love the view from

My friend and I are both clowns – not the circus-type, the Bristol kind who are all about play, being in the moment and embracing all our human qualities, sensible and silly. On Saturday 10 May, as part of Bristol Walk Fest, we are leading an ‘Idiot’s Trundle’ and picnic on the Downs – any clowns, fools and playful folk are welcome to join us.

I’m excited to go on one of the Air Raid Shelter tours – that’s a bit of Bristol I know nothing about.

When friends from out of town visit you can’t beat a circuit of the harbour and a stomp up Park Street to Cabot Tower.

I love the there-and-backagain walk through Nightingale Valley in Brislington.

If I want a treat I’ll get an arancini from the deli on Sandy Park, sit on a bench amongst the beautiful trees, and maybe catch a glimpse of a kingfisher.

For more: Bristol Walk Fest runs 1-31 May; www.bristolwalkfest.com