Bristol Life – issue 220

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

ISSUE 220 / NOVEMBER 2016 / £3

ISSUE 220 / NOVEMBER 2016 / IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LITTLE BIT LIKE CHRISTMAS

WHITE CHRISTMAS WHERE TO BUY ART AND HOW TO CHOOSE IT* * such as this cracker by Bristol’s Tom White

LOOK BUSY - WE’RE IN FESTIVE MODE! INCLUDING…

CURTAIN UP: THE BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS TO BOOK RIGHT NOW

CHRISTMAS WRAPTURE: PART I OF OUR FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 220 / NOVEMBER 2016

20

ART IN THE RIGHT PLACE

Love the idea of collecting art but have no idea where to start? Us neither, so we asked a bunch of friendly local gallery owners to help. This painting is Morning

by Tom White, by the way

We need to talk about hygge The hygge thing has spiralled out of control. We were fairly excited about the concept to begin with – it’s the Danish art of creating cosiness and contentment, in case you haven’t read a magazine for five years – but now people are publishing books on the thing, and we feel it’s gone too far.

So here, to save you a fiver or so, is the Bristol Life Idiot’s Guide to Hygge. Wrap up warm. Pull on a bobble hat, if you’re out.

Light the fire, if you’re in. Fling a reindeer skin over the sofa if you absolutely must; don’t put them on the floor like they do in interiors brochures, because the hairs break and shed like crazy – definitely not hygge. Make a hot chocolate. Light a candle. Invite the family and/or friends over for a casserole. That’s it – honest.

And now you’re all hygged up, you’re ready to face the festive season and all it flings at you.

Start turning the pages of our preChristmas issue – slowly, calmly, contentedly – hyggely. Everything is going to be fine.

Deri Robins, editor Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram:@bristollifemag

REGULARS / ISSUE 220 / NOVEMBER 2016 M EET T H E T EAM

THE ARTS

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk

32 What’s on Some pretty damn tasty offerings for the weeks leading up to Christmas

Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Seb Barrett, Advertising manager Steve Grigg steve.grigg@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Emma Stroud emma.stroud@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager James Morgan james.morgan@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk

40 Festive shows Oh, we love running this one: from Bristol Old Vic to The Wardrobe, stopping off for a nice concert at St Georges, it’s our annual roundup of the best Christmas shows

48 The Verdict A major new musical premières right here in Bristol, and Akram Khan’s Giselle pays us a visit

Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Christina West christina.west@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk

SHOPPING 55 Christmas shopping Oh wrapture: as festively inescapable as Dot Cotton on the sherry, and Shane and Kirsty on the whiskey, it’s part I of our Christmas Gift Guide

Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

Bristol Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash

FOOD 68 Restaurants

40

Going loco, down in, er, Cotham

71 Food and drink It’s a busy time of year for Bristol’s traditional butcher

HEALTH AND BEAUT Y 77 McQueens A new colour and cut in time for Christmas

BUSINESS

DEPARTMENTS

100 Business Insider

A MAN’S WORLD

White collar Bristol speaks out

13 Spotlight 93 Snapped!

130 Bristol Lives

87 Seb Barrett Game of Quidditch, anyone?

Without magic? Baz is laughing his Gryffindor socks off

PROPERT Y 116 Property Showcase Rooms with a view

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

About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag).

Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help.

Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

On the cover Four Ways Out by Tom White at Clifton Fine Art; feature page 20

“We got that close to filming the giant squid...”

GREEN HOLLYWOOD

PLANET BRISTOL Bristol’s Natural History Unit premièred Part II of its acclaimed Planet Earth series at Cinema De Lux at Cabot’s on 2 November – and its godlike creator and presenter, Sir David Attenborough was there to meet the press.

“I make natural wildlife programmes because that’s what I want to watch when I turn on the TV,” the Legend told us. “Bristol is the capital of wildlife filmmaking, and the unit is one of the great jewels in the crown. I’ve heard Tony Hall [director general] say “let’s get this absolutely clear: the Natural History Unit is a very, very important part of the BBC. and as long as I’m in the post it’s going to be here.” However, he added, the city mustn’t “drop its guard” if ever the BBC threaten to make cuts that would threaten the quality of the unit.

At the age of 90, does Sir David still have any unrealised ambitions?

“The great thing I’ve wanted to film in the deep ocean is the giant squid – a fantastic animal, 100ft long. We actually tried; oh we tried like hell, we tried.”

Planet Earth II screens on BBC1 at 8pm Sundays; www.bbc.co.uk programmes

LOOK BUSY – IT’S CHRISTMAS . . .

BIG WHEEL KEEPS ON TURNING In our book, Christmas begins when the ice rink in Millennium Square opens for business, following the official, er, firework launch. By the time this issue hits the streets, the ice will be criss-crossed with all your fancy skate work (we’ve seen you in action, Bristol, you’re very good).

This year, after a few spins on the rink, you can pretend you’ve just completed the back slope of Verbier’s Mont Fort by heading to the new après ski bar. Or just go straight from work, no-one will judge you.

Bristol is also borrowing Weston-superMare’s 35m ferris wheel for the festive season (we have no idea what Westonians are meant to do in the meantime, if they want a panoramic view of their town; gaze wistfully at postcards, we suppose); the wheel takes up to six passengers per cabin

for a five-minute ride costing £4 for kids and £5 for adults. You’ll also find the usual cluster of festive food chalets offering hot food and drinks next to the ice rink.

Meanwhile, those recently reunited All Saints – so thoughtful of the girls to reband especially for Bristol – turned on the lights at Cribbs Causeway on 20 November, with Bristol Shopping Quarter switching on its own illuminations and launching its German market on 11 November.

Add in the usual neighbourhood festive shindigs, from Bemmie to the Glo Ro to Clifton to Bristol Zoo, not to mention the Made in Bristol Christmas fairs at Colston Hall; not to put too fine a point on it, Bristol, but resistance is utterly futile. Stick on a Santa hat, and get on with it.

For more: www.at-bristol.org.uk

CURTAIN TRACKS | BLINDS | CURTAIN POLES DESIGNED | SUPPLIED | INSTALLED Manual, motorised and wireless motorised systems since 1990

07711027515 info@curtaintrackspecialists.co.uk curtaintrackspecialists.co.uk

WHAT’S MAKING THE NEWS IN BRISTOL Rob Heard with just a section of his mammoth artwork

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT…

19240: SHROUDS OF THE SOMME The most important First World War art project since the Tower of London’s poppies comes to Bristol Cathedral on 11-18 November. Artist Rob Heard opens up about the honour – and the heartbreak – of creating it 14 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“I don’t know what I’m going to be like at the end of it. I’m a bit of a wrung sponge,” says artist Rob Heard.

19240 Shrouds Of The Somme, his public art project commemorating the 19,240 Allied servicemen killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, which comes to Bristol this month after an initial stint in Exeter.

The idea for the artwork, in which figurines representing the dead will be laid out in rows on the grass, came to Rob in 2013, while he was recovering from a car crash. Feeling low, he watched on TV as soldiers returned from Afghanistan.

“I gave myself a talking to,” he admits. Thinking about military fatalities in history, and how impossible it was to visualise the huge numbers involved in the Somme, he “tried to count to the number but ran out of juice about 1,500. I drew it on a page.”

Rob realised he needed to “physicalise the number. I always enjoyed the repetitiveness of things; I like taking on very large projects.”

SPOTLIGHT

Rob crosses off names

Each 12-inch plastic figure in a hand-stitched shroud is linked to a real Somme fatality, using a list from the War Graves Commission. At the outset, Rob thought about each individual solider as he crafted their figurine, “but I couldn’t cope with that. Your brain capsizes. You end up holding someone’s relative in your hand; I couldn’t do that. Now I do 50 or 100 and then go through the list so I know the figures are in.”

If it’s poignant for us, the viewer, just to see these miniature corpses, you can only imagine what effect they’ve had on the man who has devoted his life to them for 11 hours a day for the last two-and-a-half years.

“I’m standing in a studio that’s 20 ft long by 10 ft wide.

In it are 15,600 dead bodies wrapped in shrouds,” says Rob. “I’m looking at them now. Pictures on the walls, names. I did identify with a few individuals. Reading some cases about soldiers who had survived and the friend next to them was shot dead aged 15, and that person has passed through my hands… if you engage with that too much you get bogged down in it.

“I used to make elaborate fairy tale castles out of wood; from that I have surrounded myself with thousands of dead bodies.” And yet, he insists: “It’s not a morbid thing, not an unpleasant feeling. It’s a positive thing.”

The Shrouds are arguably the most memorable WWI commemorations this country has ever seen, and the public response from around the world has far exceeded all expectations. The visitors’ book from Exeter features hundreds of emotional remarks from people trying to express the impact the Shrouds has had on them.

Indeed, 19240 Shrouds Of The Somme made national news, just like 2014’s WW1-commemorating sea of ceramic poppies, Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London – but, says Rob, his work is very different in approach. “The interesting thing about the poppies is that the individual was lost in that sea; but in what I’m doing the individual is everything,” says Rob. He doesn’t believe in ghosts, he says, but: “I feel like they’re waiting for that whistle to blow.”

19240 Shrouds Of The Somme will be laid outside Bristol Cathedral between 11-18 November. Donations from the exhibition, which will be opened on Armistice Day, will be donated to Forces charity SSAFA, specifically to their Bristol branch supporting servicemen, veterans and their families in the Bristol area in times of need. www.thesomme19240.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 15

SPOTLIGHT

CHRISTMAS/CHARITY

DON’T BE SCARED Want to solve your Christmas gift dilemmas (well, one of them, at least) and support Bristol’s city centre hospitals in one fell swoop? Buy Don’t Be Scared – a new book stuffed with adventures from the biggest names in contemporary children’s literature.

Who better than Mr War Horse himself (that’ll be Michael Morpurgo) to vouch for the power of storytelling?

“Every book you read takes you on a journey’ he says, ‘to meet new people, go to new places, new times. You become a mind traveller, an explorer, a discoverer. It can be fun, exciting, and with every book

you get to know and understand more, about yourself and others, about the world.”

Don’t Be Scared includes excerpts by some of our best-loved children’s writers and illustrators: Jacqueline Wilson, Roald Dahl, Geraldine McCaughrean, Quentin Blake, Carol Ann Duffy and others. With thunderclaps and walking chalk, dark nights, daredevil sheep and huffy cats, the stories and poems are wickedly funny, thoughtful and knowing.

Don’t Be Scared is published by Redcliffe Press at £20 for Above & Beyond www.redcliffepress.co.uk

Chocs Written by Carol Ann Duffy Illustration by Sam Usher Into the half-pound box of Moonlight my small hand crept, There was an electrifying rustle.

There was a dark and glamorous scent.

Into my open, religious mouth the first Marzipan Moment went.

Down in the crinkly second layer five finger-piglets snuffled

Huff Written by Wendy Cope Illustration by Sholto Walker I am in a tremendous huff – Really, really bad.

It isn’t any ordinary huff – It’s one of the best I’ve had.

I plan to keep it up for a month

Or maybe for a year And you needn’t think you can make me smile Or talk to you. No fear.

16 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

among the Hazelnut Whirl, the Caramel Swirl, the Black Cherry and Almond Truffle.

Bliss.

I chomped, I gorged, I stuffed my face, till only the Coffee Cream was left for the owner of the box – tough luck, Ann Pope – oh, and half an Orange Supreme.

Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham Society Retirement living for those wanting independence with extra peace of mind

“Dad was living on his own and we’d started to worry. Now he has a better social life than us!”

OPEN AFTERNOON SATURDAY 19th NOV - 1:30pm – 4:30pm

at Abbeyfield House, 222-224 Redland Road, Bristol BS6 6YR. Drinks – Cake – Show Apartment - Live Music.

All Welcome. 0117 973 6997

It’s true. Renting an apartment in one of our lovely Abbeyfield houses gives you the perfect blend of independence, support, privacy and companionship. It’s a wonderful alternative when you want to move nearer your family, or are just struggling to cope on your own, but don’t want a ‘care home’ or ‘residential care’.

Our all-inclusive fees cover delicious home-cooked meals, utility bills, Council Tax and TV licence, leaving you free to enjoy the community inside, and out.

te ack-and-whi lour in a bl uld find co this lovely co ith w ss l je al rth at e @po rubl e had no to Harbourside movie, so sh parked on e’ ud la ‘C shot of

SPOTLIGHT

cute kid, Halloween This has everything! Art, a re at Arnolfini emo veon @ha ...by ears ’ cats

Unmistakably @josh.perrett – look out for a full fea ture on this talented du de in the new year

Another class ic from another of our favourite s, @jimcossey photography

Tag us with your instagrams!

Find us at @bristollifemag

eproject wildplac Aww @ oons! b n ee ab r Hallow u o y ve e lo

Late autumn seems to have brought out the very best in you Bristol’s ’grammers; we couldhave filled this page a dozen times over

–w

nes Beautiful to ure by in this capt end our good fri @dani2401

(Below) She ain’t scared @bristolpictures

of no ghosts;

amorous Look how gl m looks eu us Bristol M love e W after dark! .lloyd! this, @alka

@sichan .he is our ne west favourite ; you can see why

(Above) @jos h.perrett again . This guy captures a mood like no other

18 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

If the thought of buying art makes you feel like this, read on: this piece is from JSA artist Jessa Fairbrother’s artist book Conversations with my Mother, which has just been acquired by the V&A

HOW TO BUY ART

SO – YOU WA N T TO

BUY ART (BU T YOU M AY H AV E A F E W QU EST IONS...)

(A) SHOU L D I E V ER BU Y A RT ON I M PU LSE? B) W I L L I N E E D TO R E MORTGAGE T H E HOUSE? C) A R E PR I N T S J UST T H E POOR R EL AT ION OF PA I N T I NGS? D) IS I T I N F R A-DIG TO C HOOSE A RT TO M ATC H T H E SOFA? The art world: cliquey, intimidating and impenetrable, right? Wrong – well, in some tiny, Made in Chelsea, trustafarian-run London gallery, perhaps – but not here in Bristol. And while top pieces can cost an eye-watering amount of cash, smaller paintings and prints can be surprisingly affordable. We spoke to our favourite gallery owners, and asked for some top tips.

Oh, and the answers to the above? (a) hell, yes! (b) not necessarily (c) no (d) yeah but no but

BY DE R I ROBI NS

w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 21

HOW TO BUY ART

S

o – you want to be an art collector.

Should you go with your heart, or only hand over your cash when you’ve Googled the artist’s entire CV, star sign and favourite colour?

Will artists sneer if they find out you want a painting to match the curtains? And apart from street art, what does Bristol do best? We’re really good at asking the questions, not so much when it comes to providing the answers – which is why we’ve enlisted some of our favourite local gallery owners. Read on . . .

JAMAICA STREET ARTISTS

Stokes Croft artists’ collective, based in a former carriageworks Your friendly studio manager: Nicol Phillips What kind of art does Bristol do best?

Bristol is famous for its street art but it does a varied mix very well: installation pieces, conceptual art, design. Bristol is great for collaborations between different people and organisations – so maybe collaborative art is what Bristol does best.

Who are the most exciting Bristol artists at JSA at the moment?

Jessa Fairbrother has just had her book Conversations with my Mother acquired by the V&A in London. An interesting duo to look out for are twin brothers George and Raphael Greaves who run Printed Goods, a Bristol-based design studio.

Should we ever buy on impulse?

If you love a work then trust your instinct and go for it. If you are unsure I would err on the side of caution and sleep on it/do some research before taking the plunge; but be aware if it’s an original it might sell while you’re making up your mind.

Above: ever bought a Huw Richard Evans piece from an arts trail?

Bet it’s increased in value; below, Carl Melegari’s portraits have ‘an enigmatic, sculptural presence’; right, one of Charles Emerson’s new Fuji pieces

FAIR DEALS Our gallery owners and managers recommend a few up and coming festive fairs and art trails JSA We’re hosting our Winter Project exhibition at Christmas Steps Gallery from 11- 20 November; an eclectic mix of painting, drawing, illustration, prints, 3D works and more.

Hidden During the festive period you can buy directly from artists and designers at the excellent weekend Harbourside Market where 40 plus ‘makers’ will be selling their work; plus the Made in Bristol Gift Fair at the Colston Hall, which showcases over 100 talented local businesses.

Upfest Art trails such as Totterdown’s (19-20 Nov) are a great way to see many different styles in a short amount of time, helping you to identify the type of artwork you are looking for, keeping it local.

Room 212 The North Bristol Art Trail takes place 26-27 Nov, with private views on 25 November. Look up the Trail online, plan your route and if there are any artists that really interest you then research their work before you set off. Visit the artists that most appeal to you first; it’s difficult to make decisions after a whole day of wandering round a trail.

22 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Is it naff to buy art to fit our home décor?

It’s more important to buy a work you love and find space for it than to search for a work to fill a space – this enables more creativity and freedom when choosing your purchase.

Are prints worth buying?

Prints are a more affordable way to buy art and can definitely be worth investing in if they are signed limited editions – you can also sometimes obtain a ‘certificate of authenticity’ to go with your print. www.jamaicastreetartists.co.uk

HIDDEN

This small gallery in Clifton Arcade has an eye-widening collection of treasures, from 20thcentury classics to contemporary local art Your friendly gallery owner: Susie Ramsay The Bristol art scene: discuss Bristol is fast becoming recognised nationally as a creative hub for artists and designers. I’d visit Grant Bradley, Co-Lab or Blaze – the range will be eclectic, so you can get a taste for what type of artwork you may like – for example screen printing, illustration or fine art.

Who are the most exciting Bristol artists working right?

Some of my favourite works are screen prints, illustration and photography. You can find these artists selling in shops with studios attached, such as Spike Island or Hamilton House. If you want to purchase works online, The Bristol Shop promotes and supports artwork created locally.

Should we ever buy on impulse?

The amazing thing about art is that it has a very immediate effect upon the viewer. Sometimes you know instantly that you love a painting; maybe the colour, composition or subject matter work w

Bristol is great for collaborations between different people and organisations

Original art & rare lithographs by major artists of the 20th & 21st centuries alongside the best emerging & established local artists Picasso, Warhol, Matisse, Dali, Hockney, Banksy, Miro, Huw Richards Evans, Feona Ness, Anna Harley, Chitra Merchant, Lucianne Lassalle Hidden, 8 & 10 The Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Avenue, Bristol BS8 4AA www.myhiddenworld.co.uk | hello@myhiddenworld.co.uk | Telephone: 0117 279 6402

HOW TO BUY ART Jody’s beautiful mural created on North Street during this year’s Upfest find his canvases in the Upfest gallery Photo by Neil James – collectible in his own right!

for you. Whether to buy it, of course, will depend upon the price tag and your budget. The positive aspect of shopping in small independent shops and arts markets is that you will be buying directly from the artist, who can discuss the piece with you and tell you how it was created. Prices will generally be more affordable, too.

ARTISTS FROM THE WORLD OF GRAFFITI CONTINUE TO AMAZE US WITH THEIR SKILLS

Is it OK to choose art to fit our décor?

Many of my customers are looking for a statement piece to fit a living room or bedroom, so are looking for a particular colour or atmosphere.

However, many people have a visceral reaction to a piece of art, so the artwork is more important than where to place it. They can also create a room around a piece of art. Many artists will help and advise with framing, which can transform an artwork and help fit your space and your home.

What’s your favourite piece from your own collection of work?

St Stephen’s Church, which captures the beautiful blossom tree in the churchyard. This has recently been on display at my ‘Streets, Lanes and Skylines’ exhibition in partnership with DAC Beachcroft on Portwall Lane. I love creating bespoke pieces of art for people who contact me after seeing my work and wanting their own painting in a similar style. It’s so rewarding to create a unique painting that is special to the client. w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 25

Watching the people watching the art: at RWA

Are prints worth investing in?

Definitely – prints provide a great access point for art lovers to own and collect artworks. Limited edition print runs are usually under 100 copies and will be numbered and signed by the artist.

Tom White, whose Four Ways Out graces our cover, specialises in capturing backstreet Bristol

www.myhiddenworld.co.uk

Upfest

Not everyone (we don’t mean you, obviously) realises that Upfest isn’t just a festival, but a permanent gallery in Bedminster.

Friendly gallery owner: Steve Hayles The Bristol art scene – where do we start?

Putting the question of impulse buying aside for now, if you’ve made the decision that you want a new piece of artwork there are a few key questions you need to ask yourself.

One, why are you buying it? Two, who is it for, and who will see it? Three, where will it be hung?

And four, what effect do you want the artwork to have? Just asking these questions will put you in the right mindset for making that purchase; a lot of the time it’s easier to identify what you don’t like or want, ultimately narrowing down your search to make finding that perfect piece an easier journey.

26 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The real investment is the effect a piece of

artwork has on you

Who are the most exciting Bristol artists to watch at the moment?

At every festival we come across new home-grown talent and those who have progressed as artists.

This year we were introduced to the loose and colourful nature of Sophie Long; artists from the world of graffiti and street art who continue to amaze us with their skills include Jody, who painted the most beautiful portrait of Cassie Meder here on North Street, and Cheba, whose layered cosmic spacescapes are out of this world.

Graffiti artists Voyder, Soker and Inkie continue to be some of my personal favourites, whose exceptional lettering styles and mural work continue to be of an international standard, while our festival artist Gemma Compton is an incredible talent with a unique style; one to watch out for.

Silly question for you, we guess – but what kind of art does Bristol do best?

I could be a little biased, but Bristol’s urban and contemporary art scene is flourishing. The cross-pollination between home-grown talent and the many artists that visit the city, has led to a generation of artists which are both worldly (art) wise and takers of local influences.

Should we EVER buy on impulse?

YES definitely buy on impulse! While artwork has always been a commodity to some people, and therefore an investment, the real investment is the effect a piece of artwork has on you. The great thing about quality artwork is that feeling you get the first time you see it, which more often than

HOW TO BUY ART invest, the greater the potential return; the great draw of buying prints for new art buyers is that you get to enjoy an artist’s work without spending the inheritance. Should the values skyrocket, you can sell these on later and build your collection with an original from an emerging artist. That’s how I started. www.upfest.co.uk

RWA

The Royal West of England Academy is England’s only regional Royal Academy of Art, and it was Bristol’s public art gallery. And if that sounds a bit trad and conventional, think again…

Friendly academy director: Alison Bevan The Bristol art scene: where to start?

The RWA’s Annual Open Exhibition has around 600 works on show, from laboriously crafted realist paintings to the wackiest works of imagination, and prices range from less than £50 to over £10,000.

Where do we find the best emerging artists?

At open studios events at places like Spike Island, BV Studios, Jamaica Street and Paper Arts you can find both nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talents who may become tomorrow’s big names. Equally, UWE and SGS’s student shows always offer the potential of spotting a bargain and catching the stars of the future. not stays with you every time it catches your eye.

If you get that feeling, buy it.

Should I buy a piece to fit my home?

The end location of a piece of artwork is very important, unless buying on impulse, and then I’m sure you’ll find somewhere for it. At home, I’m only allowed five pieces of artwork in our front room; because of this I rotate them at least once a year. This has demonstrated to me exactly how different artworks can influence a room. Ask yourself if you want something that draws the eye, or acts as more of an interior design feature to fit in with its surroundings. The other consideration is how the artwork is framed; done correctly this can take an out-of-place piece of artwork and blend it into its surrounds.

What’s the most exciting piece of art in your gallery right now?

We have a wide range of originals and prints from our festival artists. Over the past eight years we’ve had over 1,200 artists come through the festival so there have been many highlights. Our recent exhibition features eight female festival artists; Hannah Adamaszek’s Midsummer Magic and Everly Dark’s Shell are two of our current highlights, once again best viewed in the flesh.

Are prints worth investing in?

Prints open art-collecting to a whole new audience, and even the most accomplished buyer or investor will have a portfolio of prints in their collection. Like any investment, the more you

DO YOUR RESEARCH… “When researching an artist I look out for a few key elements (most of which can be found online): are they represented by a gallery? Have they won any notable awards? What recent exhibitions have they been in?”

Nicol Phillips, JSA “Most artists have their own websites where you can learn more about their working process and buy directly. To see their work day-to-day, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram” Susie Ramsay, Hidden “If you can’t find the information you’re looking for online, just ask the gallery staff. Don’t worry if the piece is by a new or emerging/unknown artist, as you may just be ahead of the trend and end up with an enviable artwork that could increase in value as others get wise.” Jessie Borlase, Clifton Fine Art

Should we EVER buy on impulse?

I’d almost say that you should ALWAYS buy on impulse! Buying an artwork should be a bit like starting a relationship: although it’s prudent to find out whether ‘what you see is what you get’, that initial spark of passion is vital too.

Of course, if you’re investing a fair bit of cash, you need the assurance that your purchase is worth what you’re paying for it, so you may want to Google the artist and take a look at what else they’ve produced, or where they’ve exhibited, and buy from a source you can trust, and make sure it’s got the provenance to prove it’s not a fake _ which happens more often than you might think.

Should we buy to fit our own homes?

Yes, do think about where your purchase will go.

If you want to hang a work on a wall that’s flooded with direct light, don’t put a watercolour there or it will fade in no time – an oil painting or acrylic on canvas will fare much better. If you want to hang something over your fireplace, a watercolour’s a good choice, as the paint will have sunk in to become part of the paper, and be much more forgiving of the heat and humidity than an easel painting or mixed-media collage.

Are prints worth investing in?

Artists’ original prints are always a great way to get on the collecting ladder at an affordable price, and if it’s an image you love, and bears the artist’s signature, you’ll get many of the same benefits as with a more expensive, unique piece. www.rwa.org.uk w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 27

THE WINTER SHOW 7TH OCTOBER - 23RD DECEMBER 2016

A collective of artists focusing on interior decor accents

We welcome fellow art enthusiasts for an afternoon of Art Banter at Justnanco Fine Art Gallery, on the first and last Sunday of every month, 1pm-4pm OPENING TIMES: Mondays Pre-booked Private viewings, Tuesday - Saturday: 10.00 - 19.00. Sundays 11.00 - 16.00 100 Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol. BS8 1NF Telephone: 0117 973 0907 | Mob: 07964 243979

HOW TO BUY ART So, the Bristol art scene – where to start?

The Christmas Steps Arts Quarter – the whole area is populated with beautiful shops and galleries offering everything from local prints and pottery to internationally acclaimed painting and sculpture.

Bristol names to watch at the moment?

Rowdy – famous for his primitive crocs painted on buildings and bridges all over the world, but equally revered for his minimal abstract cityscapes. Harry Bunce – Bristol-based but now internationally famous for his irreverent animals; he’s been described a cross between Beatrix Potter and Quentin Tarantino, and he often has his work shot with a 12-bore shotgun. Tom White continues to capture backstreet Bristol at its best by avoiding the obvious landmarks and painting its lesserknown corners in beautiful winter light. The city is changing continually, and his work captures those soon-to-be-cherished moments in time.

What kind of art does Bristol do best?

Bristol does eclecticism best, and is unapologetic about it. Edgy street art to sublime landscapes are all to be seen. The Christmas Steps Arts Quarter is a great melting pot for all styles of art imaginable.

ANTLERS GALLERY

A nomadic gallery that champions contemporary artists through innovative exhibition in offsite locations and other unusual spaces Friendly gallery owner: Jack Gibbon

Paints, shoots and leaves? The unmistakable Harry Bunce

So, the Bristol art scene – where to start?

Look through some gallery websites, to see which styles catch your eye. Often a gallery might have access to works other than those on their site, so talk to the gallery consultants/curators, who can help you find the perfect work for you.

What’s the most exciting piece of art in your gallery right now?

I am pretty obsessed by Tim Lane’s new book Silent Quarter, an illustrated short story book for adults, beautifully made with drawings that fold out from the page. We’ve sold the original drawings but you can still get the book for £20. For things you can put on the wall, Charles Emerson’s new Mount Fuji works are awesome.

Are prints worth investing in?

Prints are a great entry point in to collecting. Just look for signed limited-edition prints in runs of 50 or under. Charles’s photographs, for example, come in editions of just seven prints. www.antlersgallery.com

CLIFTON FINE ART

Specialists in modern and contemporary art from the South West, based on Perry Road Friendly gallery manager: Jessie Borlase

Should we EVER buy on impulse?

Sometimes you must buy on impulse, otherwise you may miss something that you love and be haunted by it for years. On the other hand, if you don’t fall in love with an artwork on the spot, that’s the time for homework. If you like an artist’s style but not the work on show, ask the gallery if they can get more work in, or even arrange a visit to that artists studio – always exciting!

Should we buy to complement our homes?

We have seen people redecorate a room to fit around a painting’s colour scheme; others visit the gallery with something in mind, and that can often make the process of choosing easier. The bottom line is, though, if something captivates you, then it is always possible to find the right spot for it.

HARRY BUNCE OFTEN HAS HIS WORK SHOT WITH A 12-BORE

SHOTGUN

Are prints worth investing in?

Absolutely! Many artists only produce prints. Just look at the value of Warhol/Banksy/Emin/prints – that should answer the question! www.cliftonfineart.com

CLIFTON CONTEMPORARY ART

Gallery with a particular emphasis on West Country artists Your friendly gallery owners: Sarah and Nick Brown So, the Bristol art scene – discuss!

Bristol has a thriving art scene that is best appreciated in a wider context, not in a bubble.

There’s a mix of work in the galleries, exhibitions, fairs, studios and of course in the streets.

Most exciting Bristol artists at the moment?

Carl Melegari and Lisa Takahashi – two unique Bristol artists. Carl’s oil portraits have an enigmatic, w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29

HOW TO BUY ART

sculptural presence and Lisa’s original lino cuts have a wonderful sense of design and dynamism.

Most exciting pieces of art in the gallery?

Tony Scrivener’s rich, deftly structured earthy landscapes. We recently sold Regulas by Carl Melegari, a beautiful portrait that’s destined to be the centrepiece in a renovated Georgian house.

We’d love this beautiful piece by Gemma Compton for Christmas; right, Centrespace has continually changing exhibitions

CENTRESPACE

Large, semi-industrial space off Corn Street Your friendly gallery coordinator: Ruth Piper Buying art: where do we start?

Go to all the art trails and open studios, where you can buy directly from the artists: Jamaica Street, BV Studios, Spike Island open days. Keep an eye out for pop-up exhibitions in empty shops or at Centrespace. They have a gallery for hire that hosts continuous exhibitions across all art forms. And look at the small commercial galleries.

Most exciting piece of art in your gallery?

We currently have large canvases by Michael Dunwell, Dan Hunt and Jo Warrior Walker, and wonderful paper sculptures by Harriet Aston.

Are prints worth investing in?

Yes, they can be. Look at the members of Spike Print Studio and do lots of research. The print archive at the University of the West of England is a good place to start. www.centrespacegallery.com

Shop and gallery on the Gloucester Road selling art and craft by local artists Friendly gallery owner: Sarah Thorp How do I start buying art?

Art trails are the perfect way to start buying art, as you get to meet the artists in their own home or studio, talk to them about their background, methods or inspiration and sometimes purchase an artwork without a gallery mark-up. The North Bristol Art Trail has been running for 14 years; many of the artists dipped their toe in the water as amateurs a few years back and are now full-time professionals. Anyone who bought work by Huw Richard Evans on the trail a few years ago will be happy that his work has hugely gone up in value.

www.cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk

Should we buy a piece to suit our homes?

If you love the work you’ll find a place for it.

Somewhere you can see it at different times of day. And move it around. Changing location can help you to see the work again as if for the very first time.

ROOM 212

What kind of art does Bristol do best?

Bristol is a creative city with every kind of art imaginable. This is represented with our art trails, which offer everything from paintings and prints to mixed media, ceramics, sculpture and more.

BRISTOL

DOES ECLECTICISM BEST, AND IS UNAPOLOGETIC ABOUT IT

Should we EVER buy on impulse?

If you love it and you can afford it, then go for it.

Just as with most things, we usually regret the things we haven’t done.

Most exciting piece of art in your gallery?

This is Our Bristol by Jenny Urquhart. A montage of well-known and regular Bristol residents set against popular landmarks.

Are prints worth investing in?

Limited-edition giclée prints allow you to have a piece of art you love when you can’t afford the original. Lino, woodcut or screenprints have much more value because they’ve been created firsthand by the artist. www.room212.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 31

11 November – 10 December 2016

O U R T O P S U GGES TI ON S FOR YOU R MON TH

Celebrate the life of His Purpleness at Colston Hall; Eats comes to Motion; jaw-dropping (beak-opening?) photos at M Shed

Exhibitions

about the recording of poems by Kol; spikeisland.org.uk

Plays/Shows

UNTIL 21 NOVEMBER

UNTIL 31 DECEMBER

UNTIL 13 NOVEMBER

164 ANNUAL OPEN EXHIBITION AT RWA The South West’s biggest and most prestigious Annual Open Exhibition returns for its 164th year; rwa.org.uk

DAPHNE WRIGHT: EMOTIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY Major new Arnolfini exhibition, lavishly covered in our last issue; arnolfini.org.uk

THREE EXHIBITIONS Sara Easby’s paintings and drawings respond to the moods and elements of Iceland; Luiza Varovic works in various mediums, and Oliver Sidaway brings a distinctive take to the Bristol cityscape. grantbradleygallery.co.uk UNTIL 11 DECEMBER

HEDWIG HOUBEN The Dutch artist shows her sculptural works; spikeisland.org.uk INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF JIRÍ KOLA Czech artists Stetina and Burianek present a new film

WARRIOR TREASURES Dazzling collection of gold, silver and semi-precious gems – part of the Staffordshire Hoard. At Bristol Museum & Art Gallery; bristolmuseums.org.uk 12 NOVEMBER - 5 MARCH

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR The annual nature photography treat returns to M Shed; more next issue. bristolmuseums.org.uk 26-27 NOVEMBER

NORTH BRISTOL ARTS TRAIL One of the most established arts trails in Bristol; northbristolartists.org.uk

32 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

946: THE AMAZING STORY OF ADOLPHUS TIPS Kneehigh’s characteristically ebullient take on the Morpurgo story, set among the D-Day landings; bristololdvic.org.uk 17-26 NOVEMBER

UNTIL 26 NOVEMBER UNTIL 23 APRIL

UNTIL 3 DECEMBER

THE GRINNING MAN Bristol Old Vic’s weird and wickedly wild new musical; see review page 48. bristololdvic.org.uk

16-20 NOVEMBER

BILLY ELLIOT, THE MUSICAL After 10 years in the West End, Daldry’s hit show takes to the road for a UK tour. At The Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD BOVTS’s revival of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s play, set in 18th-century Botany Bay. At Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com 18-19 NOVEMBER

15-19 NOVEMBER

CHAMP Part of the ‘A Play, a Pie and a Pint’ series. Why are so many young men paralysed by their circumstances, and cut adrift with no purpose? (it asks); tobaccofactorytheatres.com

LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS The average person speaks 123,205,750 words in a lifetime.

But what if there were a limit?

Taut two-hander from Walrus; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

15-26 NOVEMBER

25 NOVEMBER-31 DECEMBER

STOMPING ON SHADOWS Artist-turned-writer Hugh McCann’s surreal, madcap romp across the globe. At Hamilton House; theatre-west.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT THE SPIEGELTENT Music, cabaret, comedy, Christmas parties, markets and more; page 40; christmasspiegeltent.co.uk

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

28 NOVEMBER - 3 DECEMBER

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Jason Donovan plays the legendary Sam Phillips, ‘the father of rock’n’roll’. At The Hippodrome; atgtickets.com 1 DECEMBER - 21 JANUARY

ROCKY; A HORROR SHOW The Wardrobe’s alternative, unmissable festive offering; page 40; thewardrobetheatre.com 2 DECEMBER-15 JANUARY

CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE As opposed to the uber-realist version, presumably. It’s going to be great, because it’s Travelling Light; more on page 40. tobaccofactorytheatres.com THE SNOW QUEEN Lee Lyford directs the Bristol Old Vic’s main festive offering; page 40; bristololdvic.org.uk 2 -18 DECEMBER

TREASURE ISLAND BOVTS’s Xmas show, at The Redgrave; more on page 40. oldvic.ac.uk 8-23 DECEMBER (SELECTED NIGHTS)

KRISTMAS WITH THE KRINGLES An entirely improvised Christmas show from your favourite Closer Each Day crew; thewardrobetheatre.com 10 DECEMBER-13 JANUARY

CINDERELLA It’s the festive biggie for The Hippodrome; this year they’ve roped in Torvill & Dean, so we’re guessing that an ice rink will be involved. But it’s just a hunch. atgtickets.com

Music 13 NOVEMBER

PURPLE RAIN Celebrate the life of the ultimate sexy MF with a screening of Purple Rain, and afterparty with a DJ set from Norman Jay MBE; colstonhall.org JON BODEN Following the band’s split this year, the ‘lynchpin’ of the folk juggernaut that was Bellowhead goes it alone. At Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

Mean fiddler: folk pin-up Seth Lakeman 14 NOVEMBER

STEVE REICH AT 80 Britten Sinfonia celebrate the master of minimalism’s 80th birthday with a special concert; colstonhall.org

22 NOVEMBER

GLEN MATLOCK Something old, something new, something borrowed and something a little bit bluesy, with plenty of punk nostalgia from the former Pistol; colstonhall.org

15 NOVEMBER

THE STYLISTICS One of the great soul acts of all time bring their Philly sound to Colston Hall; colstonhall.org 19 NOVEMBER

EATS EVERYTHING The Bristol-born superstar DJ briefly abandons Ibiza and the States to do a home tour that visits Motion; motionbristol.com NATHANIEL RATELIFF AND THE NIGHTSWEATS Soulful folk from the Denver guy and his band. At Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

24 NOVEMBER

KATIE MELUA Born in Georgia (the Russian one), raised off the Falls Road, the singer/songwriter moved to England at the age of 13, and now comes to colstonhall.org 25 NOVEMBER

ELIZA CARTHY The folk heroine comes to Colston Hall; colstonhall.org 26 NOVEMBER

THE BONZO DOG DOO-DAH BAND In a special gala concert at St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

20 NOVEMBER

SHOW OF HANDS Steve Knightley and Phil Beer’s return to their roots, and they’ve brought Miranda Sykes along for the ride; colstonhall.org 21 NOVEMBER

DAVID ESSEX Still twinkling after all these years; colstonhall.org

30 NOVEMBER

THE HUMAN LEAGUE Still together after all these years, the 80s legends bring their Very British Synthesizer Group tour to Colston Hall; colstonhall.org 2 DECEMBER

THE BEAT The ska popsters bring their

distinctive sound to The Fleece; supported by the RPMs; thefleece.co.uk 9 DECEMBER

SETH LAKEMAN The handsomest fiddler on the folk circuit shares his favourite songs; colstonhall.org 10 DECEMBER

A CELEBRATION OF DAVID BOWIE Following its Glastonbury début, Charles Hazlewood’s mesmerising concert made up of Philip Glass’ Heroes Symphony and Low Symphony, with a 42-strong orchestra; At Colston Hall colstonhall.org

Comedy 11 NOVEMBER

SEAN WALSH The Lie-in King returns with a brand-new show, at Comedy Box; thecomedybox.co.uk 12 NOVEMBER

SHAPPI KHORSANDI: OH, MY COUNTRY! FROM MORRIS DANCING TO MORRISSEY Shappi’s love letter to her adopted land. Comedy Box; thecomedybox. w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 33

W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

Charles Hazelwood’s Heroes and Low Symphony at Colston; Black Star continues to shine at Watershed

Other 11-18 NOVEMBER

SHROUDS FROM THE SOMME See page 14 17 NOVEMBER

XMAS POP-UP Festive shopping at Bar Humbug (where else?) on Whiteladies Road – all businesses owned by Bristol women. 3pm until late.

19 NOVEMBER

3-4 DECEMBER

THE CATHERINE TATE SHOW Nan! Sam! LAUREN! We’re most definitely bothered; At Colston Hall; colstonhall.org 5 DECEMBER

STAND UP: MAKE SOME NOISE Russell Howard and Sara Pascoe top the bill of this fundraiser for local charities; colstonhall.org 8-23 DECEMBER (SELECTED NIGHTS)

KRISTMAS WITH THE KRINGLES An entirely improvised Christmas show from your favourite Closer Each Day crew; thewardrobetheatre.com 13 NOVEMBER

NINCOMPOOP Some of the best new ideas in comedy, slapstick and audience participation, if you’re brave enough. At The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com THE ELIS JAMES AND JOHN ROBINS EXPERIENCE Elis and John take their hit podcast on the road. Comedy Box; thecomedybox.co.uk 16 NOVEMBER

JONATHAN PIE The reporter gone rogue hates his job, colleagues and the news; hear him discuss his own meteoric rise to mediocrity at Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

17 NOVEMBER

ANGELOS AND BARRY: THE NEW POWER GENERATIONS The lads talk bookies, Londis, Crimewatch and how Ban Ki Moon once nearly lost the UN in a poker game. At Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

Film UNTIL 25 NOVEMBER

INTO FILM FESTIVAL The film fest for kids (aged 5-19) with over 40 free screenings, from blockbusters to more niche indie offerings intofilm.org UNTIL 31 DECEMBER

BLACK STAR The BFI’s season dedicated to black actors; mostly Watershed. bfi.org.uk/black-star

25 NOVEMBER

ROSS NOBLE Expect the unexpected from the man who came up with the saying: ‘never push a donkey through a car wash’. At Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

11-13 NOVEMBER

20 NOVEMBER

THE MID-CENTURY MARKET Bristol’s best pizza! Craft beer and cider! Betty the Pink prosecco van 26 NOVEMBER, 3, 10 & DECEMBER

MADE IN BRISTOL GIFT FAIR Bristol’s retro fair returns with lots of midcenturytasstic clothes and accessories at Trinity Centre; midcenturymarket.co.uk

Sport 19 NOVEMBER

20 NOVEMBER

JEREMY HARDY Jeremy brings his amusing schtick to Comedy Box; thecomedybox.co.uk

PIZZA, BEER AND FIZZ FESTIVAL Bristol’s best pizza! Craft beer and cider! Betty the Pink prosecco van! All- day DJs! It can only be the Foozie crew. At the Old Fire Station; foozie.co.uk

AFRIKA EYE The South West’s biggest celebration of African cinema and culture returns to Watershed; afrikaeye.org.uk

BRISTOL ROVERS V MK DONS At the Memorial Stadium; kickoff at 3pm; bristolrovers.co.uk 22 NOVEMBER

BRISTOL ROVERS V CHARLTON ATHLETIC At the Memorial Stadium; kickoff 7.45pm; bristolrovers.co.uk 25 NOVEMBER

Bristol Rugby v Leicester Tigers At Ashton Gate; kick-off 7.45pm; bristolrugby.co.uk 3 DECEMBER

Bristol City FC v Ipswich Town At Ashton Gate; kick-off 3pm; bcfc.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 35

S H O P P I N G advertising feat u re

CHristmas is coming...

A visit to Bristol Shopping Quarter should be on your list this Christmas!

B

roadmead, The Arcade, Cabot Circus and The Galleries are home to 500 shops, cafes and restaurants. Bristol Shopping Quarter has the biggest and best selection of shops in the South West, including designer brands, high-street fashion and over 90 fabulous independent stores.

This year’s Christmas Light Switch-On will take place on Friday 11 November. The festivities will begin with activities in The Galleries from around 4pm. Later, a gospel choir will sing festive favourites before joining Santa to lead a procession through Broadmead to Cabot Circus where the evening will culminate with a spectacular laser light show and the big switch-on itself.

The event coincides with the opening of Bristol’s Christmas Market. Visitors can expect a magical winter atmosphere as they explore over 40 wooden chalet-style stalls full of unique gift ideas such as original homemade crafts and authentic German food and drink.

New for this year is the Jägerbarn bar and beer garden. Bristol’s Christmas Market will be open every day right up to Christmas Eve. Additionally, the popular Local Christmas Market, offering handmade gifts with a Bristol twist and Fairtrade products, will run 38 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

from Friday 2 December until 23 December.

To coincide with the opening, Southmead Hospital Charity will be bringing their December Buskathon to Broadmead with a variety of great acts performing between 3pm and 6pm. Cllr Helen Holland will officially open the market at 5pm.

There will be a beautiful Christmas tree on the ground floor of The Galleries this year and families will be able to visit Santa for free each Saturday during December and every day between 17-24 December. He’s looking forward to meeting lots of Bristol’s children and finding out what they want for Christmas.

The Galleries has welcomed several new shops recently including Julian Charles and Jack Wills, as well as Boswells Coffee Shop, which is located on the ground floor. To find out more visit www.galleriesbristol.co.uk.

The Arcade, home to several new independent shops, will be busy too over the festive season with visits from Santa and much more. For further information about The Arcade’s Christmas events visit www.thearcadebristol.com.

Getting to Bristol Shopping Quarter couldn’t be easier. Affordable parking is located at The Galleries and Cabot Circus, and Bristol City Centre is easily accessible by car, bus,

and park and ride. Bristol Shopmobility, on the ground floor of Cabot Circus car park, provides daily or long-term hire of scooters and wheelchairs, making shopping in Bristol Shopping Quarter accessible for all (users of this service may take advantage of up to five hours free parking in the Cabot Circus car park when they hire equipment).

Many of the 500 stores will be offering late night shopping over the Christmas period but please check with your favourites before you visit.

For further information visit www.bristolshoppingquarter.co.uk or find @bristolshopping on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

At Artemis we are proud to offer our instant jewellery commission process - if you can’t find the perfect piece in one of our existing collections, you can sit and create something unique and special with one of our talented designers Artemis is also known as an Aladdin’s cave of gorgeous gifts and Christmas decorations which complement our jewellery perfectly Free gift wrapping service with any purchase Tel: 0117 924 1003 | www.artemisbristol.co.uk 214 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8 NU

ARTS

FESTIVE SHOWS

FULL-ON FESTIVE While lesser cities attempt to whip themselves into a festive frenzy over a sole Christmas panto, we have THIS lot to choose between over the next couple of months. We even have two Cinderellas! Can’t choose?

Maybe just see them all, then . . .

By DE R I ROBI NS

WHO NEEDS A

ROUGED-UP

DAME WHEN YOU CAN HAVE ROCKY IN DRAG?

Rocky: A Horror Show 40 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

W

ho needs a rouged-up panto dame when you can have Rocky in drag?

Though since you live in Bristol, you can have either, or both.

Outside London, surely no other English city has as many Christmas shows. You probably know roughly what to expect – a traditional panto at The Hippodrome (on ice, this year), magical family shows with just enough artiness to appeal to grown-ups at Bristol Old Vic and Tobacco Factory Theatres, and something hilarious, edgy and probably a bit rude at The Wardrobe. To haul out that old (roasted) chestnut, there’s something for everyone. But hey, don’t listen to us; let the teams behind the shows tell you why you should book for their venues over the coming months.

THE WARDROBE

The Wardrobe is now firmly established as the default venue for those seeking an alternative festive offering. This year’s big hitter (see what we did there?) is Rocky: A Horror Show.

Here’s Matthew Whittle. “The Wardrobe Theatre’s alternative comedy Christmas shows are w w

Cinderella’s back at TFT

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 41

ARTS

FESTIVE SHOWS

always something special and are fast becoming regular tradition for audiences in Bristol. If you enjoyed Goldilock, Stock & Three Smoking Bears [we did, Matthew! We loved it!] or Muppits Die Hard you will absolutely not want to miss this new explosion of silliness and glitter.”

But Matthew, what about the little kids? “We’ve got Mistletoes & Whiney Countdown To Christmas.

Those who saw Open Attic Company’s ace family puppetry show Much Ado About Puffin last Easter will know exactly why their family Christmas show here will be beautiful, playful and a really memorable show for all ages.”

Finally, put your hands together for Kristmas With The Kringles. “For over five years, our troupe of improvisers have been making up Closer Each Day: The Improvised Soap Opera, making it the longest improvised narrative in the world. This talented bunch now turn their hands to a fab and fun Christmas improv show.” The Wardrobe is Bristol’s go-to for improv, so Matthew, we believe you. www.thewardrobetheatre.com

BRISTOL OLD VIC

We’d book for the festive show at BOV without even seeing the programme; press officer Charlie Coombes sings from the same hymn book.

“Christmas at Bristol Old Vic feels like waiting to unwrap your presents on Christmas morning.

Walking into the auditorium feels like the moment you creep down the stairs, inching around the living room door, to be met with the most wonderful Christmas tree, surrounded by gifts. You start with the little boxes, filled with small, perfectly formed morsels of cheer – just like our Christmas show for the youngest audiences. Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain is based on the classic story by Edward Ardizzone, brought to life by the Wardrobe

Above, folk princess Kate Rusby goes all snow queen, which just happens to be Bristol Old Vic’s big show this year (right); below, Picked Image puppet magic at Spiegeltent

Ensemble. I’m still singing the tunes from last year’s younger years offering.” NB: As BOV has the builders in atm, this year’s show for littles will be held at The Lantern at the Colston Hall.

“But there’s something bigger still under the tree. The Snow Queen is thrilling and electrifying – think The Hunger Games meets Hans Christian Andersen, complete with epic live music, and you’re somewhere close. It continues the Bristol Old Vic tradition of presenting exhilarating and groundbreaking family shows over the festive period; this year we have director Lee Lyford bringing his mischievous, magical brand of adventure.

“And the beauty of these Christmas treats are that you don’t have to wait until 25 December; you can feel festive every day from 2 December.”

Actually, we’re starting even earlier – Kneehigh are bringing their 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips to BOV between 16-20 November; for lifeaffirming daftness (with puppets) there’s no way of getting into the festive mood good and early. www.bristololdvic.org.uk

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRES

South of the river, the Tobacco Factory Theatre’s big show is a revival of their Cinderella: A Fairytale, by revered theatre company Travelling Light, Director Chris Pirie reckons you should come along even if you saw it the first time round.

“If you’ve never seen it before, Cinderella – A Fairytale boasts a stellar cast of top-notch physical w 42 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

think The Hunger Games meets Hans Christian Andersen with epic live music and you’re somewhere close . . .

FESTIVE SHOWS

performers, an awesome live band and an original and beautifully crafted take on a well-loved story.

Those who’ve already seen it should regard it as a dear friend who’s been away for a few years; during that time, it’s played to thousands of delighted audience members, won glowing press reviews and awards (an Olivier nomination and an Off-West End Best Production Award) and is finally coming home, eager to see you again.” How can you possibly refuse? www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

THE HIPPODROME

“The Hippdrome panto offers escapism and relief from daily pressures,” says marketing manager Steve Jones. “Everyone becomes a child again, and leaves their inhibitions at the door. This year we have Cinderella starring Torvill & Dean; I think we’re set to break our own box office record.

“And if panto’s not your bag, you have until 28 November to catch the biggest family show in town.

Billy Elliot is a breathtaking piece of theatre and a standout show for us here at the Hippodrome.” www.atgtickets.com

ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL

“Our favourite concerts include Dame Mitsuko Uchida on 13 December, playing a sublime programme of Mozart and Schumann and a piece the latter described as ‘the most passionate thing I have ever composed’,” says press officer Dagmar Smeed. “Other festive highlights range from Handel’s Messiah with Bristol Ensemble on 14 December, to Maddy Prior’s Carols and Capers and the Children’s Christmas Carnival.” www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Every Kneehigh show is a Christmas show in our book, so we’re off to see Adolphus Tips this month

FANCY CATCHING THE STARS OF THE FUTURE BEFORE THEY TURN UP AT SOLD-OUT PLAYS AT THE NATIONAL?

ARTS

MORE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS:

Catch a rising star and er, put the tickets in your pocket. Fancy seeing tomorrow’s Olivier Award winners before they turn up in inaccessibly sold-out plays at The National? Pop along to a Bristol Old Vic Theatre School show; this year, they’ll be thoroughl y enjoying themselves in a rollicking production of Treasure Island: expect broad West Country accents, and more smugglers than Poldark (2-18 Dec). At The Redgrave Theatre. www.oldvic.ac.uk

From this year’s offering at Colston we’re choosing Charles Hazelwood’s David Bowie celebration, in the form of Philip Glass’s Heroes and Low Symphonies on 10 Dec; folk princess Kate Rusby on 11 Dec, and Reeves & Mortimer: The Poignant Moments on 14 December. www.colstonhall.org

The Christmas Spiegeltent sets up on Harbourside on 25 November, and this year it stays open until 31 Dec – the first time Bristol’s been able to party in this magical venue on New Year’s Eve. The busy programme includes live music, parties, DJs and dancing. There are two shows for grown-ups – Desperate Men’s Slapstick & Slaughter, and the anarchic Kid Carpet’s Noisy Nativity, while Pickled Image’s magical puppets will be enchanting the kids in Christmas Tales with Grandad. There are balls and grottos and a time-travelling Santa, and the cafe will be open throughout, serving mulled wine and the like.

There’s nowhere quite like it anywhere; it’s truly magical. www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 45

ad v ertising feature T R AV E L

christmas, exeter-style Obviously, if you're tired of Bristol, you're tired of life – but why not head south-west this festive season, and see what delights Exeter has to offer?

The northcott Theatre

Peter Pan 2 December - 1 January www.exeternorthcott.co.uk Escape to Neverland! Join Wendy, John and Michael as they soar into the night sky to a magical land of mermaids and fairy dust, where children can fly and all sorts of exciting adventures happen every day. But beware – danger is just around the corner: Captain Hook and the pirates are looking for revenge, and Peter Pan is top of their list . . .

Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Philharmonic Choir: Carols in the Cathedral 14 December – 15 December www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk Exeter Philharmonic Choir's ever popular carol concert.

The Great Hall, University of Exeter

Chinese State Circus 19 November www.exeternorthcott.co.uk No scary clowns in the Chinese State Circus’s new production, Dynasty, and nothing to do with Blake Carrington either — instead this show features world-class Chinese acrobats, aerial artistes and jugglers. Oh, and plenty of dragons.

A

lthough Exeter is a vibrant metropolis all year round, it does winter spectacularly well, helped in huge measure by the wonderful set–piece that is Exeter Cathedral.

A packed programme of festive events includes Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, the Exeter Nativity, a Tubular Bells piano extravaganza, the Christmas Cathedral Choir and lunchtime carols.

The holiday wouldn't be complete without a Christmas show, and this year Northcott Theatre is showing a family-pleasing classic in Peter Pan. For over 100 years, children (and adults) have drifted off to sleep dreaming of Tink, the Lost Boys, mermaids and crocodiles – and of course the villainous Captain Hook.

Expect plenty of death-defying feats of flying – and a generous sprinkling of fairy dust.

You'll probably be aware that the number of shopping days until Christmas is dwindling rapidly (unless you’re a man, of course, in which case there’s one shopping day left: Christmas Eve).

If you’re suffering from gifting anxiety, Exeter has myriad solutions at hand; bedsides the retail treasures of Princesshay, Exeter has several seasonal markets. One of the finest — indeed one of the best in the UK — is the Exeter Christmas Market on Cathedral Green.

Stalls offer all manner of Yule schmule: artisan foods, traditional handcraft items, unique gifts and in the background Christmas music and the scent of mulled wine. You’ll get more bargains here than at a Marrakesh souk.

Exeter City Council is also organising a series of small Christmas Markets in Castle Street and Fore Street during November and

December. Even better, Stagecoach South West is bringing back its popular Falcon Megadays offer in the weeks running up to Christmas. The ‘Megadays’ in question are Mondays. All bookings made in advance via megabus.com for seats on the South West Falcon on 14, 21, 28 November and 7, 14, 21 December will cost just £1.

So for a quid, you can get right into the centre of town with no hassles about driving or parking, do your Christmas shopping, and be back home before the cat’s even missed you.

Alternatively you could make a weekend of it. Wander along Exeter’s historic old Quayside area, where traders have been catering to Exeter’ shopaholics since the Middle Ages. Today it is home to craft shops, cafés and pub. If you want to sample a bit more history, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Queen Street will give you a general lowdown on the city. A spot of culture, some Christmas shopping, take in a show and fly by Falcon on Monday with your pound (and shopping) in hand. What better way to treat yourself this Christmas. BL

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 47

REVIEWS

The VERDICT

A contemporary reimagining of Giselle, and a fairytale of old Bristol were among October’s highlights GISELLE, ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET Bristol Hippodrome; 18 October It’s Giselle, but not as you know it. In Akram Khan’s magical new production, out goes the bucolic scenery, classic Adam score and peasant frocks; in comes a stark, urban set, consisting solely of one vast symbolic wall (the social divide between rich and poor, since you ask).

The dancers, headed by Tamara Rojo as Giselle, are dressed in raggedy grey frocks; they represent – and you’ll need the programme notes to tell you this, you’d never guess – migrant factory workers. When the posh boys arrive on the scene, Giselle’s love interest is no prince, but a member of the exploitative Landlords; their romance develops to an enthralling new electroorchestral score by Vincenzo Lamagna.

The plot is a bit confusing, but it doesn’t matter; the dancing is enthralling, and every step is enhanced by Tim Yip’s noirish set design.

Dramatic? Halfway through Act One, that huge wall slowly turns inwards, the growing beam of light beneath revealing the most overdressed, sinister-looking bunch of aristocrats you’ve ever seen; part Velasquez, part Close Encounters.

In the first act, the choreography is strong, vivid, at times positively earthy. In Act Two, the tragedy and otherworldliness of the wilis is conveyed by one brilliantly simple idea – get the girls en pointe, and leave them up there.

The wilis thrum their sticks mercilessly, in time with their feet, like a bunch of pointy-toed Arya Starks. Stina Quagebeur makes a memorable Myrtha, all witchy handwork and wild, streaming locks; we wouldn’t want to cross her, but we’d pay good money to see her again.

Akram Khan’s past expertise lies mainly in contemporary dance and indian Kathrak, making Rojo’s decision to hire him for her Giselle a bold gamble. In response, he hasn’t just reimagined a ballet – he’s practically redefined the genre.

THE GRINNING MAN Bristol Old Vic; now until 13 November The prospect of creating a new British musical – in a regional theatre, too, not even the West End – is an ambitious undertaking; but when you look at the calibre of the creatives that Tom Morris assembled for The Grinning Man, you can see why he dared to dream.

There’s a strong Kneehigh presence in the form of writer Carl Grose, musician Stu Barker and leading ladies Audrey Brisson and Patrycja Kujawska. Gyre & Gimble, the puppeteers of War Horse fame, are on board, and the story is based 48 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

THE WILIS THRUM THEIR STICKS MERCILESSLY, LIKE A BUNCH OF EN-POINTE ARYA STARKS on a book by Victor Hugo – that’s worked out pretty well in the past.

The show tells the story of Grinpayne – a circus freak whose hideous grin was carved into his face as a child – the blind girl who loves him, and a society that’s dazzled by him. It’s set in an imaginary, historic Bristol, where the poor are oppressed and the aristos are bored silly: can the Grinning Man save them all?

The sets are exquisite, the inventiveness of the script relentless, the comedy laugh-outloud, and the hummable new tunes delivered by a note-perfect crew. It’s impossible to praise leads Louis Maskell, Audrey Brisson and Gloria Onitiri too highly, while if you’re a Tom Waits fan, your heart will actually skip a beat when Sean Kingsley begins to sing. Chief acting props go to Julian Bleach as sardonic court clown Barkilphedro, capering tipsily across the stage and smashing down the fourth-wall with every other utterance (“puppetry: not as easy as it looks”); we also enjoyed the exuberant Stuart Neal as David and the always compelling Patrycja Kujawska as the sociopathic queen.

We could waste a longish paragraph making comparisons with everything from Python to The Elephant Man to Rocky Horror; more usefully, we can report that this dark fairytale works a treat.

We’ve rarely seen a happier-looking audience pour out of the pit, following a standing ovation; that grin must be contagious.

Right, from top: Giselle: don’t mess with these wilis; puppetry, pathos and panache in The Grinning Man. This page, The Orator

THE ORATOR

Acta Centre; 27 September-8 October This new piece by Marietta Kirkbride, is the twisting tale of a life lived online by chronic fatigue sufferer Jenna. The dominating projector screen on the back wall show her messages as she receives them, allowing us to experience her relationships as she does – as text on a screen; very effective when the messages ends abruptly, showing how tenuous these electronic links can be.

The play deals with some very pertinent questions regarding identity, isolation and our increasing dependency on people we have only encountered via the internet. There are some truthful, nuanced pieces of writing in the play and the powerful ending left the audience questioning what is really true – and who gets to decide?

GEORGE MONBIOT AND EWAN MCLENNAN

St George’s Bristol; 18 October 2016 Journalist Monbiot and folk musician McLennan came together through a desire to use live music and spoken word to connect with an audience over the issue of loneliness. The result is part lecture, part gig, with the engaging Monbiot alternating his societal concerns with the songs they have inspired.

McLennan’s accomplished guitar and harmonica playing combined with his Scottish lilt to great effect, bringing to life Monbiot’s ideas and words.

These are modern folk tales, detailing contemporary issues of isolation and mental health. The Night Desk (focusing on an overstrained police station) and I’m Coming Home (which shines a light on immigrant hospitality workers) both gave voice to the marginalised.

The songs were given a solid anchoring in real life by Monbiot’s explanations of the first hand experiences that informed them.

However, sometimes it would have been favorable to know slightly fewer details before hearing the pieces, allowing for more lyrical surprises and interpretations.

That said, Monbiot and McLennan put together an evening which addressed difficult subjects and raised them in a way that made the audience feel motivated rather than harangued. As St George’s was filled with the singing of We Shall Overcome, Monbiot’s desire for community through music was, at least for an evening, fufilled.

By Morgan Matthews

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 49

Est. 1992

Weston Lodge Shooting Ground Looking for an exciting action present for friends or family this Christmas?

Drive 300cc Quads in our woodland trail if you are 18 years old and over.

Or why not give clay pigeon shooting a go? Whether you are a sure shot or couldn’t hit a barn door, you’ll be expertly taught on our 5 shooting stand layout.

Gift Vouchers are available now!

SPECIAL WINTER OFFER Quads and clay pigeon shooting for just £64, down from £74 each!

Contact us Call 01275 842225 or 07770 688918 or e-mail info@westonlodgeshootingground.co.uk

www.westonlodgeshootingground.co.uk

Beautiful Gifts, Jewellery, Candles, Scarves, Home Accessories, Hand Finished Cards & Baby Clothes

Open Mon-Sat, 10-6pm & Sun 10-4pm.

44a-46 Cotham Hill, Bristol, BS6 6LA. Visit us online www.soukous.co.uk

LUNAR OPTICAL IS A LEADING INDEPENDENT OPTICAL PRACTICE ON GLOUCESTER ROAD

At Illustrate Christmas couldn’t be easier,, with a unique range of high quality and sustainable products we cater for all.

From stocking fillers such as notebooks & art-prints to that special bamboo watch or personalised silver necklace you can find it all at Illustrate.

We also offer a wide range of warm and cosy, exclusively decorated winter wear for men, women and children. Featuring some of our best selling designs, handprinted here in Bristol.

All artwork is original and hand drawn by our select team of in-house designers, providing our brand art with unique and modern art.

- ETNIA VINTAGE NEW COLLECTION AT LUNAR OPTICAL BEAUTIFUL FRAMES AT FABULOUS PRICES

291 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NY.

Tel: 0117 942 0011 Email: info@lunaroptical.com Open: Monday, Friday, Saturday - 9.30am to 5.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 9.30am to 6.00pm

www.lunaroptical.com

XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Jingle bells It wouldn’t be the Bristol Life Christmas Gift Guide without a festive Gromit (festive Shaun in our next issue!)

This li’l guy’s called Jingles, and you can buy him online or at the Grand Appeal shop at Cribbs From www.wallaceandgromitcharityshop.org.uk

WRAP STARS As festively inescapable as Slade, Dot Cotton on the sherry and Shane and Kirsty in Fairytale – it’s Part I of the annual Bristol Life Christmas gift guide

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 55

Lotta bottle Perfect for the eco-bunny in your life; not only does this stainless-steel bottle look supremely cool, but each time you refill it, it means one less plastic bottle in the landfill. Comes in loadsa colours; tickets to the alps not included; ÂŁ15.95 From www.amuletboutique.co.uk

24 I CLIFTON LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Bobblicious Bobbles are big in winter knitwear!

We love the colours of this cosy hat from Dutch company Barts – great value, too, at £25.00 From www.ellis-brigham.com

Game of tones Toby Brunsdon’s A4-sized wolf print costs just £15; perfect for animallovers, Game of Thrones fans or just lovers of cool art From www.illustrate.co.uk

On point Elin Horgan’s geometric silver earrings are a lovely big size (check her website); buy online or find her at the Made in Bristol fairs at Colston Hall this Christmas, £80 From www.elinhorgan.com

Alessi is more Alessi’s ceramic nativity scenes are a modern classic; we thought we’d get this in early in case you felt like splashing out on a set for your own home; £86.50 From www.bristolguildgallery.co.uk

Blue silver We can see these dangling alluringly from the Christmas tree; Emma Calvert ribbon, resin and silver long-rope earrings, £135 From www.dianaporter.co.uk

Back to black Just add little black dress (and maybe the boots on the next page) for the ultimate chic winter outfit; beaded clutch bag from Westbury-on-Trym’s Sweet Pea, £20 From www.sweetpeafashion.co.uk

Hi ho silver Oxidised silver Rockmount necklace from these new kids on the online block; the greyhound’s name is Arnie, and his collar is 9ct gold ‘collar’; £120 From www.strangebristol.com

Art of glass Winter Wonderland bauble from our favourite glass-blowers; to give as a gift or to thoroughly spoil your own Christmas tree, £20.50 From www.bristol-glass.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 57

XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Eat drink Bristol fashion Stuffed with products from independent producers based in Bristol and Bath; this deluxe version from Clifton’s favourite deli costs £75, but they start at £25 From www.archhousedeli.com

Tiger tiger Fabulously poseable tiger: one from a lovable zooful by AnaMalz, the awardwinning eco-friendly range of wooden toys. Just £6; we want one, please From www.betweendogandwolf.com

Just beakause Bunpetit ‘blue tit’ make-up bag, £18 – find it among lots of other lovely local produce at the Made in Bristol gift fairs at Colston Hall From www.colstonhall.org

Homes front Bristol fridge magnets from local artist Emmy Lou Holmes, just £3 each.

Emmy also does lovely prints of Bristol scenes in the same style From www.emylouholmes.com

Brush with fame Quirky artists’ pot; if Grayson’s not your cup of char, you can stick your brushes in Frida Khalo or David Hockney; £29.95 From www.howkapow.com/

Bear necessity . . . okay, maybe ‘necessity’ is pushing it, but it’s definitely desirable: Bear Country by Anna Marrow; signed limited screen-print (one of 20) £325.00 From www.soma.gallery

Paradox theorem Hand-built titanium ultimate city bike named Paradox from new Bristol company Snowdon Bikes. The frame costs £1,850 From www.snowdonbike.co.uk

Oh Susannah Susannah studded leather ankle boots

by Chloe, for modern Cinderellas; £815 From www.harveynichols.com

58 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE Feel the fur The ultimate gift for animal lovers: Bristol Zoo and Wild Place both offer a wide range of packages, from a chance to be a junior keeper for a day to a sleepover at the zoo to adoption papers to ‘zoo experiences’ for example, feeding the lemurs. Check websites for full details and prices From www.bristolzoo.org.uk and www.wildplace.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59

Tel: 07854239926 info@cliftonwineschool.com

A very warm welcome to Clifton Wine School!

We are a local wine school hosting events in Bristol, Bath and Cardiff. Choose from our Cheese and Wine Matching night, a Fine Wine tasting, Wines of the World evening courses, Gin tasting, and so much more.

We don’t sell wine, we sell confidence in wine knowledge from a DipWSET qualified teacher.

You can purchase any course or tasting as a Wine School Gift Voucher starting from ÂŁ22.50 the perfect present for any wine lovers!

We also do hen parties, corporate events and professional qualifications in wines and spirits.

visit us online at www.cliftonwineschool.com

XMAS SHOPPING GUIDE

Fantastic Mr Fox Signed 40x40cm print by Bristol Life favourite Alex Lucas; the original design for the mural above Picton Street takeaway in Bristol; £40 From www.lucas-antics.com

Sharp’s Christmas Handmade using techniques inspired by ancient Samurai sword-making methods! Rob Beagley-Brown makes his in Dundry; prices from £44.99 From www.togknives.com

Drink local Stocking filler alert: each Stokes Croft China mug is slightly different; they’re a joy to drink from, and 100% guaranteed to make you smile. £12 From www.prscshop.co.uk

Forest friends Here’s another that you may well want to self-gift – this little Woodland Advent calendar will become a beloved family decoration; £22.00 From www.thepodcompany.co.uk

Sophie, so good Sophie Harley makes her chubby winged heart stud earrings from silver and gold – because Christmas is a time for the luxury stuff; £98 From www.graceandmabel.co.uk

Forever Amber Discover the power of traditional apothecary with Amber’s beautifully packaged products, using natural and herbs and extracts; £5-£18 From www.artemisbristol.co.uk

Heaven scent Imagine the aroma of chestnuts roasting at a Christmas market, with hints of Pecan, Brazil Nut and Vanilla; 220g candle costs £35 From www.scarletandnell.com

The write stuff Classic fountain pen by Kaweco in a whole host of colours; we also like the fact that the box looks a bit like a mouth organ; £22 From www.papersmiths.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 61

Visit orientalrugsofbath.com or call 01761 451764

the

muse

Fabulous Clothes - Fabulous Gifts

Stockists of: • Masai Clothing • Sandwich • Great Plains • Yest • Robell • DECK • Bags and Jewellery

17a High Street, Portishead, Bristol BS20 6AE Tel: 01275 818 584

M

dles

Organic, Handmade, Original Moodles stocks a unique range of handmade and British manufactured childrenswear and gifts.

Gloucester Road’s only independent baby and children’s store.

Stockist of: Vintage Childrenswear Organic Clothing School Uniform Personalised toys & gifts.

Visit the shop or order online Visit: 208 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8NU. Tel: 0117 944 5353 Visit the store and LIKE us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/Moodles.biz

www.moodles.biz

Bespoke Jewellery Designer and Maker Professional Goldsmith

SPECIAL 2016 AUTUMN SALES PROMOTION 30% reduction on all items from Julie’s exclusive Ready-to-Wear Collection. Superb quality and range of styles to suit all tastes. For a Limited Time only on Fridays and Saturdays 10am-2pm throughout November

Tel. 0117 962 1111 | julie@julieannepalmer.com 129 Stoke Lane Westbury on Trym Bristol BS9 3RW www.julieannepalmer.com

CHRISTMAS 2016 AT DYNASTY Book with us this Christmas before 15th November and receive 10% off!

Choose from our Christmas menus or let us take out all the fuss and choose our festive Wine and Dine Package from only ÂŁ36.00 all in, which includes a welcome drink and half a bottle of house wine per person and entertainment! Suitable for all large parties of 20 or more.

HIGH QUALITY FRUIT & VEGETABLES

Opening times

New Christmas Menu for 2016 2 courses £30, 3 courses £35.

Welcome glass of mulled wine on arrival To Begin - A Medley of…

Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm Saturday - 9.00am - 4.00pm Sunday - Closed

where we are

17 Chandos Road, Bristol, BS6 6PG

GET IN TOUCH

0117 336 0046 | info@mabelsgreengrocer.co.uk x a @MabelsGreens

Grilled Courgette, Aubergine and button mushroom salad with grapefruit and cumin dressing

Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab

D N A R IN A W BO O D EN IL M W GA

with red pepper sauce

Spiced Fishcakeof monkfish, potato and spring onion, drizzled with tomato and sweetcorn chutney

To Follow - A sumptuous feast of...

Roast free range Somerset turkey served with a Chettinad sauce

and Wiltshire Lamb Cutlets simmered in a spiced spinach puree Served with: Traditonal chickpea masala infused with assam tea leaves, Peas Pilau, Garlic Naan

Desserts

For great Christmas value

Mango rice pudding

or Honey & saffron ice-cream

All produce, meat and fish are sourced from local producers and suppliers Vegan and vegetarian options also available.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

12-16 Clifton Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1AF Tel: 01173 291300 Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EB Tel: 01225 446656 Email: info@themintroom.co.uk www.themintroom.co.uk

fa

• Woolley Park (Bath) free range turkeys, geese and ducks • Copas organic and free range turkeys • Usk Vale boneless turkey crowns stuffed to order Gift vouchers • Set boxes Like us for special offers and seasonal recipes ba 101 Henleaze Road, Bristol BS9 4JP. www.henleazebutchers.co.uk

0117 962 1095 Also available for delivery from: www.goodsixty.co.uk

NOW OPEN 10 The Mall | Clifton | BS8 4DR

info@nutmegbristol.com 0117 360 0288

68 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

Pasta Loco

We’ve been going Loco down in Acapulco – well, pretty close. Cotham Hill, actually

By DE R I ROBI NS

F

amily-run restaurants do rather well in Bristol. It probably helps, when you’re working all those long, crazy hospitality hours, to have relations who get how it all works. Look at the Sanchez-Iglesias team behind Casamia and Pi Shop, husband and wife team James Wilkins and Christine Vayssade at Wilks, and the Eggleton family behind – well, almost everywhere you look, these days.

And now we have Dominic Borel and Ben Harvey, first cousins as close as brothers, who’ve been wowing the Cotham Hill massive at Pasta Loca since they opened this summer. Ben has spent time as a chef at a trattoria in northern Italy before returning to Bristol to run celebrated family pop-up, Café Mulino in St Werburghs; Dominic’s recently back from Sydney. Speaking of family, Ben’s brother Joe chefs at Bellita just across the road, while cousin Olivia co-owns Adelina Yard.

Wonder who’s cooking the goose on Christmas Day? But back to Pasta Loca: another Italian restaurant for Bristol. What makes it stand out? Let’s start with that inventive menu that knocks your standard spag bol out of the water; an attention to detail that means that all the pasta, including a few varieties you may not have come across before, are home-made

by Ben, using cutters imported from Rome, and a selection of dishes that doesn’t just change daily; it can change twice a day.

“We want to excite people, but we don’t want to alienate them,” says Dominic. “We want our menu to engage our customers.”

On a busy, buzzing Monday night, the customers certainly seemed engaged. Every table was occupied – that’s around 40 covers in a small, stripped-back room, with family photos on the walls. There’s also a blackboard, telling us where each member of staff has been dining that day, and what they’re having for their tea.

On the menu, pasta dominates the mains offerings,

BUTTERSLICKED AND TWIRLED, THE REGINETTE WAS SERVED WITH A PITCHPERFECT PESTO

while starters are more eclectic. True to form, I went for the meats, Your Man for the veg. My game terrine was as meaty and late-autumnal as you’d hope, being a chunky, richly flavourful combo of pheasant (shot by Ben), rabbit and chicken, neatly packaged in caramelised endive with a Pedro Ximenez purée; it was probably that last bit that swung me.

Your Man’s caponata – a kind of stewed, Sicilian vegetable salad – was a succulent mix of aubergine, eggplant and basil, to which Ben adds marinated artichoke for extra kicks.

As I’d bagged the gnudi option, Your Man – relegated, as ever, to the role of camera bag carrier and second taster – rather sulkily settled for his second choice, a reginette with red pesto and sprouting broccoli. Reginette, as you can just about discern if you have a tenuous grasp of Latin, means ‘little queens’ (the things you learn on Cotham Hill!) though actually it looks more like frilly little octopus tentacles. Butter-slicked and twirled, it was served with a perfect-pitch pesto laced with juicy broccoli.

Meanwhile, I was tucking into the wonderful gnudi with unrepentant gusto. I love gnudi – think gnocchi, but made with ricotta instead of potato. Pasta Loco served their dumpling-soft spinach-laced versions with beetroot, for a bit of juicy earthiness, and candied walnuts for a naughty sugary crunch. The beets didn’t overpower the delicate gnudi — it can be such a here-I-am sort of ingredient — and the whole concept worked beautifully.

It sounds filling, I know, and portion sizes were spot-on, but oddly we found room for a nice bit of Taleggio, a semisoft number from the Alpine region of Lombardy with beetroot chutney. And an incredibly soft hazelnut and ricotta cake, with poached pears and mascarpone. And a chocolate delice with espresso, which you should really only avoid if you’re a martyr to insomnia, and kept awake by even the sight of caffeine after 6pm. Otherwise, go for it; it’s a model of its kind.

Pasta Loco is a wonderful addition to the local food scene. It feels wholly Bristol, and we can think of no better compliment. It’s affordable, cheerful and friendly, with top-notch authentic Italian cooking. Cotham/Redland home-owners must be stridulating with delight, while the rest of us enviously check the local house prices.

DINING DETAILS Pasta Loco, 37A Cotham Hill, BS6 6JY; 0117 973 3000 Opening hours Monday 6-10pm, Tuesday-Saturday 12noon-2.30pm; 6-10pm We visited Monday evening Prices starters £5.50-£6.50, main courses £7-£14, desserts £5.50-£6.50 Wine list while not exactly encyclopaedic there’s plenty of choice, from an Old World white at £17.50 to an Australian red at £38; cocktails £5-£8 Atmosphere a real local vibe Service attentive, friendly Vegetarian choice on a short menu there are a handful of vegetarian dishes Disabled access fairly good

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 69

FOOD & DRINK W H AT ’ S M A K I N G T H E G O U R M E T N E W S I N B R I S T O L

TASTY BITES . . .

The foodie openings are coming so thick and fast that we’re struggling to keep up – yes, we’re looking at you, Wapping Wharf! Joining Chicken Shed at Cargo over the past few weeks are Woky Ko, serving former MasterChef finalist Larkin Cen’s modern spin on Asian favourites; Box-E, contemporary and seasonal British cooking from husband-andwife team, Elliott and Tessa Lidstone, and Pigsty from The Jolly Hog, a Bristol-based, family-run business devoted to creating the perfect range of porky treats.

But lest you think that all the other Bristol postcodes have been resting on their laurels, think again!

Nutmeg, just opened at 10 The Mall, Clifton is owned by Raja Munuswamy and wife Charlotte.

TAKE FIVE

P

eter Molesworth runs the kind of traditional family butcher that everybody wants in their neighbourhood, but Molesworth’s of Henleaze (you will be unastounded to hear), can be found on Henleaze Road. In the run up to the festive season, we paid Peter a visit to talk turkey.

Peter, how long have you been in the butcher’s business?

I set up a shop in Redland for Sheepdrove Organic Farm before buying my own shop in Newport, Gwent, where I learnt how to make everything from scratch. I used these skills to start building our business in Henleaze in 2009.

Raja grew up in a village in Southern India; his new Nutmeg menu, however, draws on the cuisine from all 29 states of India.

If the cooking is sub-continent exotic, however, the sourcing is pure Bristol; all meat, for example, comes from Ruby & White. Oh, and the décor’s pretty local, too – check out that huge mural by Bristol street artists Graft.

There was no website at time of going to press, but you can contact them at info@nutmegbristol.com

What’s the Molesworth philosophy when it comes to sourcing meat?

Free range produced to as high welfare standards as possible. Taste and eating quality are a prerequisite, it goes without saying, and are worth paying for.

Tell us a bit about those home-made pies, sausages and burgers…

It’s not complicated – you just need great ingredients and something a bit different. Mostly we make things gluten-free so that we appeal to that growing market.

Our regular five-minute interview with the people making foodie news in the city right now We see Gower lamb is on the menu at the moment – what makes this special?

Lamb reared on the Gower have a very tender texture and fresh taste due to their wide diet and low-stress environment. They are also slaughtered close to their home.

What’s the cut-off date for ordering for Christmas?

We aim to be all booked up by early December, but I never like to turn anybody away. We have a very understanding farmer at Woolley Park in Bradford on Avon who keeps the last-minute customers happy, but they probably don’t realise the stress this causes!

What are your family carving up on the day?

As a family we have always decided to go for a whole bronze turkey as it keeps us going for a week afterwards, and some like the dark meat and some the white meat. We all love our mum’s stuffing.

What’s your best tip for cooking turkey that’s wonderfully moist and tender?

Buy the best dry-plucked bronze turkey you can, cook it for the shortest time possible – and keep the cook well supplied with fizz.

For more www.henleazebutchers.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 71

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E F O O D & D R I N K

DINING in BRISTOL A selection of the best places to eat out in Bristol and the surrounding area JAPANESE BENTO BOSS Unit 6, Clifton Down Station, Whiteladies Rd, Bristol; 0117 973 6132; www.bentoboss.co.uk Pan Asian freshly made sushi in the heart of Whiteladies Road.

TAPAS BRACE & BROWNS 43 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol; 0117 973 7800; www.braceandbrowns.co.uk Creative Tapas Dishes, fabulous brunch and the BEST roast in Bristol!

KOH THAI TAPAS 7-9 Triangle South, Bristol; 0117 922 6699; www.koh-thai.co.uk Award-winning Thai tapas, small plates and cocktails.

NEW MOON CAFÉ 9 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DP; 0117 239 3858; www.newmooncafe.co.uk Quality drinks, soulful food and regular live music evenings in the heart of Clifton.

WALTERS’S ON THE SQUARE Bristol Marriot Royal Hotel; College Green; 01179 255 100; www.waltersbristolroyal.co.uk The perfect rendezvous spot to enjoy tasty West Country tapas, refreshing handcrafted summer cocktails and local flavoured craft beers.

BURGERS MEAT LIQUOR Stokes Croft, Bristol; 0117 402 0000; www.meatliqour.com Burgers and beer; fried chicken and cocktails. Enough said!

INDIAN MINT ROOM DINING 12-16 Clifton Rd, Bristol; 0117 329 1300; www.themintroom.co.uk Creative and classic Indian cuisine in a contemporary setting.

NUTMEG 10 The Mall, Bristol; 0117 360 0288; Inspired by their travels across India, learning about each region's culinary history, with influences including the Mughals, Persians, Portuguese and British, Nutmeg brings you the 29 states of India in one menu.

THALI CAFÉ 1 Regent Street, Bristol; 0117 974 3793; www.thethalicafe.co.uk Award winning Indian restaurants and eco tiffin take-away food, check out their other Bristol venues on their website!

Bristol hangout for brunch, lunch, cake or just a damn fine Brew.

STEAK THE OX 43 Corn Street, Bristol; 0117 922 1001; www.theoxbristol.com Stylish steak restaurant and cocktail bar in a basement bank vault, with a cool, speakeasy vibe.

ROTISSERIE STEAM BRISTOL Whiteladies Gate Clifton Down Station; 07805 360592; www.steambristol.co.uk Brand new opening! Beer Hall & Rotisserie – what’s not to love?

ITALIAN

MIDDLE EASTERN

PASTA LOCO 37A Cotham Hill, Bristol; 0117 973 3000; www.pastaloco.co.uk Opened by cousins Ben and Dominic; freshly made pastas, a range of antipasti and daily specials.

BIBLOS ON THE HILL 225 Gloucester Road, Bristol; 0117 942 5671; www.biblos.co.uk Delicious fast-food fusion of Middle Eastern and Caribbean cuisine.

PIZZAROVA 289 Gloucester Rd, Bristol; 0117 942 7770; www.pizzarova.com Handmade sourdough and glutenfree sourdough pizzas from our Gloucester Road, Bristol shop.

POLPO 50 Whiteladies Road, Bristol; 0117 973 3100; www.polpo.co.uk POLPO is a 'bàcaro' – the Venetian word that describes a humble restaurant serving simple food and good, young Italian wines.

ROSEMARINO 1 York Place, Clifton, Bristol; 0117 973 6677; www.rosemarino.co.uk Rosemarino is a little gem to enjoy anytime, whether it be the full Italian feast or simply for a coffee while reading the papers.

VEENO CO. 1 Glass Wharf, Temple Way, Bristol; 0117 941 4181; www.theveenocompany.com Italian wine café in the UK serving family-produced Sicilian wines and authentic Italian spuntini.

FINE DINING CASAMIA The General, Guinea St, Bristol; 0117 959 2884; www.casamiarestaurant.co.uk Michelin-starred restaurant with a menu that changes with the seasons whilst focusing on using the very best British produce available.

CHINESE ZEN HARBOURSIDE 4B, Harbourside, Explore Ln; 0117 920 9370; www.zenharbourside.co.uk Contemporary and classical Chinese cooking in a sleek dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

COFFEE SHOP BAKESMITHS 65 Whiteladies Rd; 07535 607061; www.bakesmiths.co.uk A bakery/cakery, coffee roaster, coffee shop.

BREW COFFEE CO. 45 Whiteladies Rd; 0117 973 2842; www.brewcoffeecompany.co.uk Brew Coffee company is a local

GASTRO PUB ALMA TAVERN 18-20 Alma Vale Rd, Avon, Bristol; 0117 973 5171; www.almatavernandtheatre.co.uk New chef Alert! Massive pub with regular jazz pianists, an intimate theatre upstairs and an art space downstairs.

RACKS BAR & KITCHEN St Paul's Rd, Bristol; 0117 974 1626; www.racks-bristol.co.uk A fantastic party venue, home to the famous Racks Burger and a great space for Private Parties.

THE GLOUCESTER OLD SPOT 138 Kellaway Ave, Bristol; 0117 924 7693; www.theoldspotbristol.co.uk Light-filled gastropub with covered terrace and garden, menu made from locally sourced produce.

BETTER FOOD 94 Whiteladies Rd; 0117 946 6957; www.betterfood.co.uk Better Food believe in good honest products, which is why they strive to make local, organic, ethical and fair trade goods more available to all.

MABEL’S GREEN GROCER 17 Chandos Rd; 0117 336 0046; www.mabelsgreengrocer.co.uk Good, old-fashioned service and fresh, high quality fruit & veg, served with a smile.

MOLESWORTHS OF HENLEAZE 101 Henleaze Rd; 0117 962 1095; www.henleazebutchers.co.uk A wide range of great tasting meat and poultry, produced to the highest standards of animal welfare, sourced as locally as possible and prepared by master butchers to your requirements.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 73

H e a lt h a d vertising feat u re

HIP, hip hooray Patients undergoing total hip and knee replacements at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield are getting back on their feet and back home 40% quicker faster than ever before, new data show.

T

he length-of-stay in hospital has declined by more than 40 per cent over the past decade, from an average six-night stay in 2006 to just three-and-a-half in 2015.

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital has been performing orthopaedic surgery for over fifty years and in 2015 helped to improve the lives of more than 1,000 patients through orthopaedic interventions.

Expert tips for healthy knees and hips Wear and tear can happen naturally over time and in some cases surgery, including hip replacements and knee replacements, may be the best course of action. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk of osteoarthritis and ensure your knees and hips function well for many years to come.

1. Lighten the load There are many good reasons to lose weight and looking after your joints is one of them.

Hips and knees are load-bearing joints. The heavier you are, the more load they have to bear and the faster they’ll wear out.

You don’t have to lose much to make a big difference. For example, when you walk up or 74 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

down a flight of stairs, the load on your knees is roughly seven times your body weight. If you’re overweight, that adds up very quickly.

But losing just one stone will take around seven stone off your knee joint with every step.

2. Strengthen your joints with exercise – but take it easy Excessive exercise can cause your joints to wear out prematurely. Many élite sportsmen and women find they have problems with their joints earlier in life than less active people, but that shouldn’t put you off exercise.

The benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the negatives. Building strong, flexible muscle around your hips and knees will ensure joints don’t have to do all the work by themselves. Gentle exercise and stretches focused on your hips and knees can make a big difference to your ability to avoid and recover from injury and reduce wear and tear.

3. Eat well – oils, vitamin E, antioxidants Like a machine with moving parts, our body needs oil to keep joints lubricated and healthy. Eat oily fish rich in omega-3 fats like salmon and mackerel two to four times a week. Omega-3 has been linked to reduced

joint pain and morning stiffness.

Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and healthy levels have been linked to lower risk of joint and bone cell damage. You’ll get plenty by adding avocado, sunflower seeds, nuts and even lobster to your diet.

Antioxidants are thought to slow the progression of arthritis inflammation. They’re found in brightly-coloured berries, blueberries are particularly rich in antioxidants. BL

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield is a centre of excellence for orthopaedic surgery. To learn more, or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons please call 0117 9110 556 or visit nuffieldhealth.com/ hospitals/bristol for more information

Styling | Bespoke Barbering | Colouring | Balayage | Make-up

WINNER OF

GOLD SALON 2016/17

For appointments call: 0117 925 4864 16 Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5HR b McQueens hairdressing | x Mcqueensbristol | a @Mcqueenshair www.mcqueenshairbristol.co.uk

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

MCQUEENS Emma Choremi’s beautiful salon on Park Street is best known for its award-winning extensions, but Emma also does a mean cut and colour . . .

By DE R I ROBI NS

L

et’s briefly talk about extensions.

In short, nobody does them better than Emma Choremi – and if you don’t believe us we’re pleased to tell you that this year Emma won Best Gold Salon at the Great Lengths UK award, as well as being a finalist in two other categories.

I’ve had first-hand experience of this treatment with Emma; anyone who feels their hair could do with a bit of a boost should hie themselves to her salon at once.

We’re not necessarily talking floor-length TOWIE locks here, though you can have those if you really want them; more the subtle, looks-like-you-grew-it-yourself kind of hair that most sensible people prefer to rock. Like your own hair; just better.

Those extensions helped me out during a year of thin and terrible hair, but it’s all thankfully grown back quite nicely now. so what I was after was a good old cut and colour; a restyle. A new hue for a new me.

And no, I’m sorry, you can’t see the ‘before’ pics. I’d just blown in after a 20-minute walk in the Bristol rain; I’ll leave you to imagine exactly how I looked.

I PITY THE MCQUEENS STYLIST WHO THINKS THEY’VE SEEN THE BACK OF ME

I love going to McQueens. Emma ran a first-floor salon further up the street for 26 years before opening her glamorous new one opposite Cathedral Green; with its chandeliers, silky white draped ceiling, gorgeously upholstered chaise longues and black-and-white stripes, it’s how I imagine walking into a Jo Malone gift box would feel (you know, if you were really, really small).

There’s always a movie playing silently over the sinks, family photos lend the place a friendly intimacy, and Emma wouldn’t be best pleased with me if I didn’t mention that shrine to Prince in the window.

Emma is as warm and friendly as she’s glamorous and skilled, so her loyal client base is no mystery. I told her I fancied going

After. The ‘before’ mysteriously became corrupted in the memory card

auburn – not full-on Demelza ginger (maybe next time) but something dark, warm and natural-looking; I also wanted a shorter and sharper style, with a fringe (so much cheaper and less painful than botox in the forehead).

There are no novelties or unnecessary add-ons; I’m not even sure what products Emma uses (does it really make a huge difference, to the average punter, whether it’s Aveda or some specially imported Australian brand? All salon stuff is good). And I’m not going to talk you through the ‘first of all, Emma washed my hair, and then, and then . . .’ thing; nothing could be more tedious.

All you need to know is that I am actually even happier with my hair now, two weeks later, than when I left the salon. It needs no work whatsoever to look sharp and, if I say it myself, it looks kind of cute. I love the colour, which is rich and warm and natural-looking.

And I know that if it gets to the point where I can’t see past my fringe any more, I can just pop in for a quick trim.

I’ve never actually had a bad hair experience in a Bristol salon, but there are only a handful that I actively look forward to going back to. McQueens is one; I pity the stylist there who thinks he or she has seen the back of me.

Visiting details: A restyle with Emma costs £60; foils and colours start at £60 McQueens and Choremi & Co 16 Park Street, Bristol BS1 5HR; 0117 9254 864 www.mcqueenshairbristol.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 77

Autumn offer:

CACI facials available now at Simon Lee’s Aesthetic Medical Clinic.

T PERFEC special e r fo e b events!

Enjoy our Hydratone Facial for ÂŁ20 per session Simon Lee, Aesthetic Medical Clinic 3 Whiteladies Gate, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2PH Telephone 01173 292027

20% OFF! Just mention ‘Bristol Life’ when booking your appointment* *selected stylists only

Offering not only a fantastic hairdressing experience, but also mens grooming (wet shave), beauty treatments including Endamology, waxing, manicures, facials and spray tanning, alongside alternative treatments including Holistic Massage, Deep Tissue Massage & Acupuncture.

We are looking forward to meeting you and getting the opportunity to make your experience an unforgettable one!

Book online: www.hqhairdressing.com or by phone: 0117 950 8899 David Lloyd Westbury Premium Health Club, Greystoke Avenue, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 6AZ - FREE PARKING

A MAN’S WORLD

SEB BARRETT

NEW BROOM It’s a new term at Bristol Uni, and magical things have been taking place up on the Downs. Yep. Really, really magical . . .

T

hat moment where you laugh so hard you cry is a wonderful thing. If you froze those tears and put them under a microscope you’d likely find the God particle, so rare are these moments of lachrymosal levity.

If only some CERN scientists happened to be knocking about when I walked by a nerd of students playing ‘Quidditch’ on the Downs of an autumnal weekend. I put this game – it’s definitively not a ‘sport’– in inverted commas because JK Rowling’s version of Quidditch didn’t entail hobbling around with a plastic tube between your knees looking like you’ve just soiled yourself.

Surely the glamour, nay the sole purpose, of Quidditch in that fantasy world is that characters got to fly around on a broomstick in an elegant display of snitch-catching.

Go and watch a game of Quidditch in real life or on YouTube and you’ll witness bumbling buffoonery worthy of a Monty Python sketch.

There are elements of Gaelic rules and dodgeball in there, and while that may

sound promising, it’s undone by the comedic contrivance of having to keep a faux-magical broomstick between your legs. I’m all for fringe sports, but those to me are something like Ultimate Frisbee, which is itself a relatively new pastime, but also played by uncoordinated maths or geology students.

Imagine for one moment that you’re in the

IF YOU’RE IN THE QUIDDITCH SOCIETY, EVEN ULTIMATE FRISBEERS ARE COOLER THAN YOU Quidditch Society: that means even Ultimate Frisbee’ers (?) are cooler than you.

While we’re at it, I’d say American Football could even fall under this bracket of obscure pursuits because, here in Britain, the only people who play it are those who once aspired to be James Van Der Beek in Varsity Blues – when in reality they were more like James Corden in, well, anything he’s ever been in.

No need to try anywhere else for your sports goods this season!

PROFESSIONAL SPORT AND FITNESS, 1&2 Gordon Road, Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7DL. Tel 01179 619999. www.psfshop.com Rugby specialists and stockist of:

So maybe that’s what it’s all about: these students who play Quidditch are trying to live out their Harry Potter fantasies, even though they’re well past the age where such a thing should be acceptable. Fair enough, but won’t somebody think of the parents?

Your son, who never showed any interest in sport at school, is now at university. You get a phone call. “Dad, I’m in the starting seven for Wednesday’s match,” he tells you proudly. “Oh really? I didn’t know you were playing Ultimate Frisbee, son,” you respond, your sudden sense of pride catching you off guard. “Of course not, Dad. Quidditch, silly!

Are you still there, Dad...?”

I would hate for any Quidditch players out there to think of this as a mean-spirited musing - they may already have come to that conclusion when they saw me bent double laughing at them on the Downs – because at least they’re out there socialising, rather than being tucked away playing Assassin’s Creed in a dark, musky room somewhere.

Good for them, I say. Good. For. Them.

Seb Barrett works in sports communications.

Follow him on Twitter @bazzbarrett

Visit our Massive Professional Sport & Fitness Superstore -

open 6 days a week!

FREE england rugby mug when you spend £20+

Bath Rugby and British Lion shirts in stock soon!

EYE- CATCHING PATTERNED AND COLOURED CEMENT MOROCCAN TILES.

The Moroccan encaustic tile company offer an unbeatable range of tiles to suit all your improvement needs. Our top quality affordable tiles are available in a wide range of designs with a variety of finishes, materials and colours to choose from allowing you to personalise your home with the latest interior fashions.

With over 10,000 tiles in stock, our price beat promise, full-size sample service and fast home or business delivery.

Majorelle, 11 Portland St, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4JA. 0117 973 0000

Fy and e

rv

su

Timber Windows of Clifton install the award-winning range of hand-made, hand painted and stained timber casement windows, sash windows and doors throughout Somerset, Bristol and Bath.

Whether your home is a country cottage, a Victorian semi, a modern townhouse or a converted barn, we have a range of traditional and contemporary timber windows and doors that will fit perfectly.

Our products do not stick, warp or twist, require very little maintenance, offer modern standards of security and significant energy savings. Our showroom in Clifton provides the perfect environment to see and experience the beautiful products on display and to talk to us about your home.

enquiries@timberwindowsclifton.com www.timberwindowsclifton.com Timber Windows of Clifton, 29 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4JG

Euot E R q

n

io at

New Pepo Pendant & Pablo Table Lamp & Shade

Lighting the way it should be...

Formerly The Lighting Warehouse

Tel: 0117 963 5943 Email: info@thelightingstudiobristol.co.uk www.thelightingstudiobristol.co.uk

Visit us in store at: Unit 2, Bedminster Retail Park, Sheene Way, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4TA

We take PRIDE in the bikes you RIDE...

FRIDAY 18TH & SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER Legend Event - Meet Legendery frame builder Marco Bertoletti - Test ride our beautiful Legend bikes - Discover what a custom bike can do for you!

Road | Time Trial | MTB | Hybrid | Cycle to work | Fitting | Service | Performance Testing | Clothing

HQ: Bike Science Ltd, 184 Whiteladies Road, Bristol. BS8 2XU www.bike-science.com | info@bike-science.com | 0117 9273444

Adventures in party-going

Joanna Howe, Lydia Robertshaw and Cameron Cheek

SNAPPED!

Tom Morris doing his standing on a box thing

AC ROS S B R IS TO L , O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

SING WHEN YOU’RE GRINNING ‘Buzzing’ barely begins to describe the aftershow drinks party for the launch of The Grinning Man. A hit; a palpable hit There were as many grins backstage as onstage at Bristol Old Vic on 27 October, at the aftershow drinks following the press launch of Tom Morris’s new musical Photos by Chelsey Cliff

Cast members Stuart Angell, Julian Bleach and Louis Maskell with puppet maestro Toby Olié

Cast member Gloria Obianyo (centre) with friends

Musician David Guy (second right) with friends Deri Robins and Mal Rogers

Tarek Merchant, onstage musical director (right) with friends

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 93

SOCIETY

GRAND HOTEL

(right) Neil Snow of Crumbs magazine

Bristol’s first five-star hotel is now open for business Over 400 guests attended the official launch of the new Bristol Harbour Hotel on 13 October in its impressive new events space, the Sansovino Hall Photos Martyn Norsworthy

Just look at that ceiling . . . (l-r) Jessica Siggers, Bobbie Henry, Jamie Lowe and Chris James

GM Grant Callaghan (far right) with guests

Shonette Laffy and Tom Metcalfe

SHOW WEST Another outing for the popular networking event The fourth Business Showcase South West exhibition took place at the newly completed Ashton Gate Stadium in October. Speakers included current Apprentice winner Joseph Valente and the event was sponsored by NatWest & Worldpay, Rybrook Specialist Cars and Soitron

Current Apprentice Winner Joseph Valente with sponsors NatWest & Worldpay Apprentice Winner Joseph Valente with Daniel Olsson and Bruce Bomphrey of Soitron

Photos www.joncraigphotos.com

Delegates wait to welcome keynote speaker Joseph Valente

Delegates and exhibitors

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 95

advertisi n g feat u re m o t o r i n g

THE CROSSOVER THAT FLOWS THROUGH LIFE With its beautifully sculptured crossover design, responsive and engaging hybrid drive, the allnew Toyota C-HR offers complete harmony in active lives. Forget the continual stop-start, it’s time to flow through life at the wheel of the all new Toyota C-HR.

T

he all-new Toyota C-HR is available with the latest and most advanced hybrid system to ensure the feel-good factor continues to rise. The efficient 1.8-litre petrol engine works in harmony with the lightweight and compact electric engine to offer impressive fuel efficiency and responsive performance.

Electric Vehicle driving mode enables you to flow in effortless and whisper-quiet comfort.

And when the demands of the road increase, the full hybrid powertrain reacts with smooth, linear power and quick responses. So whether you’re heading across town on business or enjoying life’s passions further afield, you’ll flow through modern life at one with the road and with a smile that never fades.

The Toyota C-HR is equipped to deliver exactly the fluent, engaging driving behaviour that its customers are looking for. This is most powerfully expressed by the segment-unique, range-topping, full hybrid version, the intrinsic characteristics of which guarantee a smooth, jolt-free ride. Fitted with the latest-generation hybrid power plant, the C-HR generates CO2 emissions as low as 90 g/km - a figure unrivalled within its segment.

Other hybrid system components have been made lighter and smaller, and have been repositioned for optimum packaging, further contributing to the car’s low centre of gravity.

The C-HR’s coupe-like styling is further enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar and, essential to the representation of speed within the design, the powerful projection of the sweeping

roofline into a large, highly aerodynamic, skeletal frame rear spoiler.

To the rear, the strongly tapered cabin integrates a top-hinged tailgate giving access to the loadspace. This contrasts with the pronounced flaring of the wheel arches, which give the new crossover a wide and extremely powerful stance.

If a playlist is your must-have driving partner, the Toyota C-HR’s optional JBL premium audio system will be music to your ears. Offering best-in-class sound quality, the 576-watt, 9-speaker, lossless audio-encoded setup offers the closest-to-concert-hall-sound reproduction inside a car in its class.

Finely tuned to interact with the unique interior surfaces of the Toyota C-HR, the highquality components such as the patented A pillar-mounted horn tweeters, wide-dispersion units and three subwoofers deliver a powerful, crisp and clear sound that needs to be heard to be believed.

Safety is at the forefront of the stylish Toyota C-HR, too. Equipped with advanced Toyota Safety Sense technologies as standard

on all grades, it incorporates a range of active and preventative systems to keep you and your passengers safe including: Pre-Collision System (with Pedestrian Detection), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with steering control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist. Reassuring technology that helps to keep you out of harm’s way. BL

Motorline Toyota Bristol (North) 186 Gloucester Road, Patchway Bristol, Gloucestershire BS34 5BB Tel: 0117 901 2206 motorlinebristolnorth.toyota.co.uk Motorline Toyota Bristol (South) 832 Bath Road, Brislington, Gloucestershire BS4 5LQ Tel: 0117 901 2207 motorlinebristolsouth.toyota.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 97

adve r t i s i n g f eatu r e f i n a n c e

VAT after Brexit Mark Pooley, of chartered accountants Hollingdale Pooley, discusses what could happen to VAT after the UK has left the European Union

V

AT is just one of the many things that may change in light of the UK’s decision to leave the EU. As the UK government begins to negotiate its exit, how will Brexit affect UK VAT rules?

Rates

Currently, UK VAT rules are derived from European law and legislative bodies must apply VAT according to European directives and the rulings of the European Court of Justice. After the UK leaves the EU, the government will take full control over its VAT policies. Potential changes include: • The standard VAT rate: EU law prevents member states from lowering the standard rate of VAT below 15%. Future UK governments may choose a rate under 15% after Brexit.

• VAT exemptions: Leaving the EU will allow the government to introduce a zero-rate of VAT on specific goods and services, or entire industries.

• Different VAT rates: The government will be able to introduce different VAT rates for different services.

Reporting

The reintroduction of economic borders between the UK and EU member states will affect how businesses trading in the EU account for VAT. Some sectors will face larger transformations than others. For instance, businesses operating in the travel and tourism sector might not have to account for VAT under the Tour Operators Margin Scheme.

negotiations are concluded.

EU VAT rules will presumably cease to apply if the government chooses to fully leave both the EU and the single market.

No-one yet knows what our future relationship with the EU will look like; it is a case of watch this space! Mark Pooley and his team are always happy to advise businesses of the current UK taxation and VAT regimes. BL

Going forward

EU VAT rules will continue as normal while the UK remains in the EU. EU VAT Action, a campaign group calling for reform of the European VAT system, has warned that the UK will have less influence on the single market legislation after it formally triggers Article 50 and begins its exit negotiations.

This could mean that businesses face an unreformed EU VAT system should the UK remain in the single market after the

You can contact Mark at: Hollingdale Pooley, 23 Bramford House, Bristol, BS6 6LT; telephone 0117 9733377; and email mark@hollingdalepooley.co.uk.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 99

The Professionals Calling all (white collar) workers! How is the mood, post-referendum, and what advice are you giving to clients? Why are so many businesses relocating to Bristol, and is this good news for the city?

Can you give us any reasons to be cheerful?

100 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEANNE MARSHALL

Marketing Director “Since I joined three months ago, no day has been the same. It’s fast-paced with a vibrant atmosphere and a great team, who all get on more like family than colleagues. I’m currently working on our marketing strategy for next year and have full support to try new things for GDS that we haven’t done before so I’m very excited about what you’ll see from us next year.”

Above: Samantha Castle from Barcan & Kirby; below right: Leanne Marshall from GDS

MANY

FIRMS ARE HEADING WEST TO JOIN THE NUMBER OF PRO SERVICES

HERE

D

oom and gloom is standard issue in the news – we’re all going to hell in a handcart – and don’t expect to source any cheap French handcarts, either, now that the pound appears to be continuing its downward trajectory and is roughly worth the same as the euro.

But hey – locally, in vibrant, buoyant, optimistic Bristol – are things really so bad?

It seems unlikely. After all, in its 1,000 years of trading Bristol has seen off far worse than a spot of Brexit, political uncertainty and an iffy currency. Continuing the analogy above, Bristolians have long said, “The handcart market?

We can get a bit of that action long before the gates of hell loom before us.”

To underline that admirable entrepreneurial spirit, many firms are heading west to join the growing number of pro services here. Temple Quay Enterprise Zone, one of the UK’s largest urban regeneration projects, is growing apace, while many other projects round the city are proof that Bristol is doing what it does best – getting its head down, ignoring the naysayers and begrudgers, and getting on with business.

We asked a broad range of professionals – the lawyers, the finance experts, the chartered surveyors and the business advisers – to give us the lowdown.

More and more businesses are relocating to Bristol – what’s the appeal?

Bristol is a hive of energy and activity – some of this driven by the University and some by the entrepreneurial attitude that people have here.

I love Engine Shed, the mini ‘box-park’ situated beside Temple Meads station created for start-up businesses. It worked well in London and I think it’s fantastic to roll out around the country, encouraging people to just go for it. We’re finding that we don’t have to go as far as London and try to work with local Bristol companies when starting new projects where we don’t have the skills in-house. Bristol is also consistently voted the best place to live and work (‘top cities for work happiness’, ‘best quality of life in the UK’, and ‘best city to live in’), and I love that there’s a new fast Bristol-London train planned for 2018.

Is the run-up to Christmas a busy time for you? Do you ever have to work over Xmas?

The run-up to Christmas is very busy for us. Each year we run 55 business summits globally and over 120 individually tailored business events.

We close over the festive period so we like to get everything in a good place for all of the Q1 events before we close. www.gdsinternational.com w

GDS International

GDS International ‘creates engagement opportunities for business, onsite and online’ – in other words, they bring senior executives together, face-to-face, at exclusive summits, conferences, and on virtual private roundtables to advance their business for commercial success www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 101

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES of uncertainty with the recent Brexit vote, but I believe we will come together and work out a strong, successful solution. We should remain positive (and cheerful) about the future of the UK and our local communities to help us remain a thriving, business-minded nation. www.barcankirby.co.uk

AMD

AMD provides legal advice to commercial and private clients

GRANT MCCALL

Above: Grant McCall, AMD; below right: Matthew Wofinden, IBC

Barcan & Kirby

This expert firm of lawyers and solicitors provides legal services to clients across Bristol and the South Gloucestershire area

SAMANTHA CASTLE

BRISTOL HAS THAT ‘BIG CITY’ MENTALITY BUT SO FAR HAS AVOIDED BECOMING TOO URBANISED

Senior Associate Solicitor in the litigation department I deal with a variety of dispute resolution matters, including employment law, debt-recovery, personal injury claims and general disputes that need legal advice. I love the variety of work that comes with my job and I enjoy building relationships with my clients. The satisfaction comes from getting the correct result for my client and knowing that my knowledge and expertise has made a difference to their case.”

More and more businesses are relocating to Bristol – what’s the appeal, and is this good news from your point of view?

As a born-and-bred Bristolian, I certainly understand its appeal as a place to work. But from a business point of view, Bristol is an up-andcoming city. It’s a great location to attract talented staff as well as new clients and customers, with good transport links to London and Wales as well as its location on the M5 corridor.

Bristol has that ‘big city’ mentality but so far has avoided becoming too urbanised. Being European Green Capital in 2015 was a key boost to its growth and has driven investment in the area. From my perspective, Bristol’s appeal to professionals and businesses alike is great news, because it means my client base keeps expanding.

Company Commercial Solicitor, working with SME businesses across a wide range of sectors Quite often our team can be working with a start-up business at the same time as a much larger company with national or international presence. What I enjoy most about working with SME business owners is the client interaction and helping to be part of their vision. The business owner is sure to experience many challenges and have to face big decisions along the way so it is always rewarding to be able to help work through a problem, help negotiate a commercial venture or to hear about their success generally.

More and more businesses are relocating to Bristol – what’s the appeal, and is this good news from your pov?

It is great news for Bristol that more people want to start or extend their business in our city. It has been particularly interesting to see the growth in digital marketing, design and IT development in Bristol, as Bristol businesses can attract larger, household names which one would normally expect to see going to London for their business services. In terms of the appeal, Bristol is the finest city to live and work in the UK! Is the run-up to Christmas a busy time for you? Do you ever have to work over Xmas?

The run-up to Christmas is different every year. w

Are there any reasons to be cheerful postBrexit vote?

There are plenty! I know there has been a lot www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 103

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Some years, clients want to complete transactions before the end of the year; in others, clients gear themselves up for the New Year’s objectives.

While the world of company law and acquisitions can be all-encompassing, I have to draw the line at being in the office on Christmas Day! www.amdsolicitors.com

Independent Business Centres

IBC specialises in providing flexible office space

MATTHEW WOFINDEN

Joint principal partner What I love most about my job is meeting people who have taken the plunge to start a new business and having the satisfaction of helping them into office space at affordable rates.

So Brexit is (probably) going to happen early next year. What’s been the fallout since the referendum in your line of work?

Brexit has if anything strengthened our business – people are warier of costs and ‘the future’ as a result, so serviced office space is perfect for all sizes of business as it provides complete control and flexibility. Our industry is known for being buoyant in good times and bad – the simple concept of a single all-inclusive monthly fee for an office and its instant scaleability is always attractive to businesses.

What advice have you been giving people accordingly?

Move forward! We are a great country and have so much to offer – I encourage people to keep doing what they do and not be afraid to start new ventures despite the unknown that is the EU. Are there any reasons to be cheerful?

Our economy is slowly growing again, our city is rife with development and is becoming an ever more popular cosmopolitan go-to place for growing businesses, young professionals and families alike – that’s why we concentrate our business in the city.

More and more businesses are relocating to Bristol – what’s the appeal, and is this good news from your pov?

Its vibrant, there is so much to do culturally, and there is so many places to go and things to do.

I think Bristol’s ideal positioning, being close to London and other major cities, makes it a clear winner for businesses wanting to reduce costs that can be crippling in the big smoke.

Is the run-up to Christmas a busy time for you? Do you ever have to work over Xmas?

We are busy when our clients are busy so it’s all year round. We are on hand for our clients whenever they need us and yes that includes Christmas Day but they may have to suffer the crazy jumpers if they visit our head office… www.ibc.space 104 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Julian Cook from Burston Cook

Burston Cook

Burston Cook offers property-related services to a wide range of clients

JULIAN COOK

Chartered surveyor, specialising in commercial property What have been the repercussions of the Brexit vote?

In short, my answer has to be ‘so far, so good’.

As it stands at present, we are experiencing a ‘business as usual’ approach, however, there will be some hard-fought negotiations ahead of us over the next year or two, particularly surrounding our trade negotiations with the rest of the EU. Only time will tell, and I am sure some businesses will feel the impact of Brexit, however, while some business will feel the pain, others will feel the gain.

Are there any reasons to be cheerful?

There are always reasons to be cheerful, although most businesses will experience testing times throughout the ups and downs of economic cycles which, since records began, have always been there for businesses to deal with.

While many clients and businesses that I work with were initially shocked at the result of the Brexit vote, the subsequent political outcome in the UK has given many of my clients more confidence in our ability to steer us through the next couple of years to perhaps a brighter future and a more expansive focus on continued trade both within the EU and other major worldwide economic powers including the emerging

I ENCOURAGE

PEOPLE NOT TO BE AFRAID TO START NEW VENTURES – DESPITE

THE UNKNOWN THAT IS THE EU

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Smith & Williamson

Accountancy, investment management and tax group

MARTYN FRASER

Partner in the Bristol office I work in the 10-strong corporate finance team in Smith & Williamson’s Bristol office, working with business owners to achieve their ambitions whether through helping to raise new finance, sell or make acquisitions or even list on the stock market. I enjoy the variety and get particular satisfaction helping to devise and deliver solutions to difficult problems that might at first seem insurmountable.

Natasha Bliss from Metcalfes; below right: Martyn Fraser from Smith & Williamson

developing economies such the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India & China). www.burstoncook.co.uk

Metcalfes

Metcalfes is a Bristol city-centre law firm that provides a comprehensive range of legal expertise for families and businesses

NATASHA BLISS NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT BIT – WHERE ARE YOU TAKING THE TEAM FOR XMAS PARTY? “We try to go somewhere new each year, with so many places to choose from. Last year we went to Goldbrick House; this year we will be going to Cote in Clifton Village – it’s always a winner with our team! Drinks beforehand at the Brunel Wine Bar.” Matthew Wofinden, IBC “This year we are going to Bordeaux Quay where the menu looks very exciting.

We have previously had some very enjoyable parties at Aqua, Graze Bar & Chop House and Loch Fyne. We have a strong relationship with these businesses as their growth and success is indicative of how Metcalfes likes to cultivate and develop relationships with companies that we act for.”

Natalie Bliss, Metcalfes

Partner in commercial litigation The pressure of litigation should never be underestimated, whether you are the claimant or the defendant. As cases can go on and on for many months or years, this can have a knock-on effect on time and costs for a business. However, as a result of this, my job means I get to cultivate and grow relationships with these businesses and help guide them through difficult times, which is incredibly rewarding.

So Brexit is (probably) going to happen early next year. What’s been the fallout so far?

It is difficult to argue that the immediate economic consequences of the vote on 23 June were as dramatic as the political ones. It’s been business as usual for our corporate finance team and we have not experienced any projects being put on hold. You do hear of examples anecdotally but it is difficult to say whether they are a direct consequence of Brexit. That said, the current uncertainty is unhelpful for businesses faced with making medium term strategic investment decisions but it’s too soon to gauge what the impact will be on those.

Are there any reasons to be cheerful?

Bristol is a fantastic place to live and work.

Businesses are thriving and we are fortunate enough to have more than our fair share of entrepreneurial talent leading the way. www.smith.williamson.co.uk

Why are so many firms relocating to Bristol?

Bristol is an exciting city which has a large number of accountants, bank and law firms, as well as being a technological hub. It has been voted the number-one place to do business by the Legatum institute and I believe this is 100% earned. Personally, I believe Bristol has it all; green spaces, easy access to London, Devon and Cornwall, fantastic after-work socialising opportunities and an overall vibrant and relaxed ambience.

More businesses in the area can only be a good thing as this will further enhance the city’s growing reputation as one of the best places to live and work in the country. Additionally from a business standpoint, we believe our historical association and well-established connections in this city make Metcalfes, and the wide array of services we provide, the perfect local solicitors any new business in the area may need. www.burstoncook.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 105

4 Whiteladies Road Clifton, BS8 1PD Tel: 01179 292281

“A name you can trust for specialist legal services” Host Families Needed Hosting international students in your home is a very rewarding experience and provides a valuable extra source of income. The high standards we require are rewarded with good rates of pay, usually £40 per night, per student.

The students we represent (typically 13-18 y/o) require good quality, caring, welcoming, full board, host family accommodation for short periods (from 2 to 21 nights).

We put a lot of time and effort into matching the right students with the right host families and we provide excellent communications and 24/7 support.

If you would like to find out more about hosting students please contact us for further information.

Tel: 01225 423327 Email: mail@crownguardians.co.uk www.crownguardians.co.uk 12a Crescent Lane, Bath, BA1 2PU

• Accident Claims • Attorneyships & Court of Protection • B usiness Sales & Purchases • Commercial Property • Conveyancing • Debt Recovery

• Dispute Resolution • Divorce, Family & Children • E mployment Advice • P robate & Estate Services • W ills, Trusts & Tax Planning

Call free for a no obligation consultation

0800 097 8611 www.johnhodge.co.uk | email: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk

BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | WEDMORE | WESTON-SUPER-MARE | YATTON

a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e L E G A L

HOW DO WE PASS ON OUR FAMILY BUSINESS?

By Tony Forster at Metcalfes Solicitors

B

usinesses can be volatile entities at the best of times. Changing the ownership structure of a business can only aggravate this, but, when such change is within the family then sometimes the fallout can be difficult to contain.

So how can you do this with the least instability? You must plan a strategy and you must consider which third parties you need to involve in the process. Looking at the strategy, there are three key aspects you must look at.

Type of business

Family businesses can take many different forms, from incorporated limited companies to unincorporated partnerships and sole traders.

If they are unincorporated then all business assets (such as contracts, property, employees and equipment) get transferred. If it is incorporated, then it is the shares in that business we need to concentrate on. Share sales give greater flexibility and are less fiddly than business assets sales. For instance you can arrange for a transfer to be in stages over a period of years. Also, you have the benefit of being able to do so without having to tell the outside world, ­thus the older generation

pass down to the younger generation, and few people appreciate there has been any change.

depending on the profitability and capital position of the business.

Third parties

We at Metcalfes can offer advice; guidance and assistance to you through this whole process. The paperwork may take a while sometimes, but always be aware that the planning which may need to occur within the internal structure of the family can take months ­maybe years s­ o start early with your thought process. Call us to discuss and plan using our skill and our experience.BL

Looking at other third parties who need to be involved - one group who may have a say in any change are the bankers to the business.

They will want to ensure a smooth and orderly handover. They will need to look at any company borrowing facilities which they may have made available to consider what effect the change from one generation to the next may have on their availability. For instance they may want some more or different personal guarantees to be signed by the owners of the business. In addition, there must always be close discussion with and disclosure to the Tax Office to ensure there are no unwelcome tax surprises arising from any transfer.

Funding

When transferring the ownership from generation to generation, you also need to look at how to fund it. You may not want the new generation to be saddled with borrowing or other debt. In some cases it could be that the company itself has sufficient funds to buy the shares of the outgoing generation

For more information or advice, please contact Tony Forster on 0117 929 0451, or visit www.metcalfes.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 107

Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

B R IS TO L G E T S S ER I O US

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

RETAIL

INDEPENDENCE DAYS On 3 December, Bristol will see the launch of ‘Indies in Bristol’ – a new citywide event that encourages Bristolians to shop local for Christmas Festive shoppers are encouraged to shop local this Christmas, by visiting an independent traders’ market and by following an interactive trail map of independent shops right across Bristol.

The event is organised by comms agency Konichiwa and social campaign Indies in Bristol, and is backed by local currency the Bristol Pound, local tech startup Ordoo and national campaign Small Business Saturday.

Indies in Bristol will unfold throughout the city from the main hub of The Old Fire Station in the city centre, where a central traders’ market of gifts, street food and a bar will be based. From here, the trail map guides shoppers to other areas of the city, through activities, workshops and interactive challenges. You can also buy a ‘passport’ that entitles you to special offers; businesses will stamp the passports, allowing you to claim free drinks and food back at The Station, where people can socialise and cosy up over a night market with early evening drinks, DJs, street food and a fire-pit.

Many businesses will offer discounts and one-off activities on the day. The Bristol Pound will also run

special offers to encourage people to use the £B as the event’s favoured currency.

Organisers Ursula Hutchinson and Clem Balfour previously ran popular street-food night market Eat. Drink. Dance, and they want to use the model to support all types of independents.

“Bristol is a city that loves supporting indie businesses, so why not celebrate that unique entrepreneurial spirit over a whole day as a citywide event?” asks event director Ursula Hutchinson, reasonably.

As much a social gathering as a shopping experience, Indies in Bristol will include talks, workshops, art, music, installations and other activities.

“Indies in Bristol is a really simple online platform that captures the essence of all the vibrant, diverse businesses within the city,” says Ursula. The event will join up with national campaign Small Business Saturday as well as partnering with independent businesses and local initiatives who support indie activity around Bristol.

For more www.actlocalbristol.co.uk

“BRISTOL HAS THAT ‘BIG-CITY’ MENTALITY, BUT HAS ESCAPED BECOMING TOO URBANISED” Find out what else our pro service experts say about the city on page 100

24 THE BIG NUMBER

As in ‘24 November’, when nominations open for the first Bristol Life Awards. Don’t miss out.

Find out more on page 111

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 109

BUSINESS INSIDER

FINANCE

MONEY MATTERS No-one understands entrepreneurs better than LGT Vestra, who offer the kind of services that are just not available at larger banks or smaller investment groups. Let Andrew Davies tell you more . . .

A

ndrew Davies heads up the South-West branch of LGT Vestra, which manages money for private clients by focusing on the client’s entire wealth to create a longterm plan to meet their objectives.

“By ‘long term’ we often think intergenerational for the families we look after,” says Andrew. “We base our offering around our impartial advice and our focus on delivering world-class service.

“As an entrepreneurial firm, having been set up by entrepreneurs, many of our clients are entrepreneurs. We understand their motivations and aspirations as a result. We also offer services for them that are not available at large banking groups or smaller investment managers.”

How has the Brexit vote affected your business?

Like many businesses, I think we are yet to feel the true impact. It is clear it has affected clients’ thought processes as we have been discussing more wealth preservation strategies rather than excess return strategies. The rise in the FTSE 100 post-Brexit has obviously been beneficial for investors - the question is what to do with those profits now.

What is the most common Brexit-related question you have been asked, and how do you reply?

The outlook for sterling has been discussed a lot. The answer depends on the client situation.

Generally for clients with only a UK focus we have been internationalising portfolios with the investment gains of the last few months. For those with an international outlook, because of business or family interest, we have for some time (including pre-Brexit) been increasing foreign currency holdings to mitigate a sterling fall. In terms of the outlook for sterling we expect it to go lower against the dollar because of monetary policy divergence but the view against the euro is less clear. Brexit is arguably worse for the euro than sterling, so it is a more difficult call. Generally the advice is to look to reduce currency risk rather than generate profits from currency moves. The big question now is inflation for UK investors with a longterm view.

What’s the most satisfying part of the job?

The reason most of us do this job is to help clients achieve their objectives and navigate uncertainty with them. We use a long-term plan as a context for short-term decisions. My role also entails meeting hugely successful people who inspire and challenge – you are kept on your toes and continually develop as an adviser.

What are the main advantages of being part of LGT Vestra?

The entrepreneurial nature of the whole business is geared to serving each client, with their interests at the heart of all we do.

What advice would you give to other businesses who want to reach the same level of success?

Focus on the things you can do well and really add value for your clients. Nearly all my clients in business have identified what they are good at and built on that. Lots of large companies try and do everything but lose sight of what it is that they really are good at.

What are your plans for the future?

Where do you see the business in a year, five or ten years?

It is still early days but we met our year-end goals in September. We have started to look at recruiting to grow the business. In order to meet our five- to seven-year growth objectives, we will need to recruit at least another five to seven people in the next two years or so.

Already it is clear that good advisors can be hard to find.

For more www.lgtvestra.com

AMD are an award winning firm Visit our website for details at www.amdsolicitors.com

BUSINESS INSIDER

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

NEW SPONSORS AND EVENTS, AS NOMINATIONS LOOM…

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

SAKS AND THE CITY Saks will open a new salon dedicated to beauty (and what finer dedication could there be?) on Park Street, in early December.

Launching in time for the Christmas party season, the salon will offer a wide range of beauty treatments and retail products, the latest in skincare technology and a warm and friendly welcome, all in a luxurious salon setting.

The salon will be staffed by an experienced team of beauty therapists and resident make-up artist, under the leadership of owner, Donna Downey.

Passionate about beauty, the new salon marks a major career shift for Donna, who was formerly

a project manager in the finance industry before retraining in holistic health and beauty after becoming a mother in July 2015.

To welcome new customers, Saks Beauty Bristol is offering new customers a beauty treatment for 25 minutes – a lunch-hour express beauty treatment, perhaps?

Wander in and have a chat with the expert beauty therapists, and trial the makeup range and professional retail products that will have you hooked from the get-go. It seems like it’s going to be a beautiful Christmas.

Two more sponsors have come on board for the Bristol Life Awards.

Nominations and ticket sales open later this month, and four shoulder events have been announced as momentum builds towards the glamorous Awards night of 27 April.

The latest sponsors are SAM FM and Enlightened Lighting. A major campaign will be running via SAM, which has taken the Gastropub category. And we have a new associate, The Square, which is providing venues for the four new Awards-related events: Bristol Life Christmas Party: 5 December at The Square, unveiling the next stage of the Awards.

Awards Judging Day: Held at No 4 Clifton Village in March.

Finalists’ Reception: 20 March at Racks, a major gathering for Finalists and Sponsors.

Winners’ Dinner: 22 April at The Square, a unique evening for all Awards Winners.

These are in addition to the Awards kick-off lunch with Glasto legend, Michael Eavis, on 14 November at Hotel du Vin. Companies nominate themselves via the Awards website, which contains top tips on how to best position the entries. Nominations open on 24 November 24 and Early Bird tickets will go on sale on the same day.

The panel of impeccably independent Judges will be announced in the next issue.

The Awards categories are: Arts, Business Services, Café/Coffee Shop, Charity, Cocktail/Bar, Creative, Education, Event, Gastropub, Hair & Beauty, Health, Interiors, Legal & Financial, Leisure & Tourism, New Business, Property, Restaurant, Retailer and Sports.

And there is a special Platinum Award for the single best category winner.

Full details can be found at www.bristollifeawards.co.uk with updates on Twitter @BristolLifeAwd. Current sponsors are Burston Cook, SAM FM, The Alternative Board and Enlightened Lighting, with several others now in advanced discussions. Associates include RBS and Quarter.

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact steve.grigg@mediaclash.co.uk To be involved on the night, it’s stephanie.dodd@mediaclash.co.uk

Saks Beauty, Park Street, Bristol www.saks.co.uk/bristol

SHORT CUTS . . .

AMD Solicitors has opened a new ground floor office at 139 Whiteladies Road, opposite Clifton Down Shopping Centre.

Although refurbishment works are still in progress, the new office design is starting to take shape and clients are welcome to call in to take a look.

Follow their progress via the news and events pages at www.amdsolicitors.com

Abbeyfield in Redland has also just been refurbished, and the local retirement homes are having an open afternoon – come along on 19 November to see inside the newly refurbished flagship house, with accompanying live music and refreshments.

1.30-4.30pm at 222-224 Redland Road, Bristol www.abbeyfield-bristol.co.uk/redland-redland-road

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 111

ad v erti s i n g f eat u re L E G A L

We need to talk about wills . . .

Andrew Jack of AMD Solicitors considers the dangers of home made wills.

M

aking a will is the only way of ensuring that your estate and assets are distributed according to your wishes. If you die without a will, your estate will pass in accordance with the rules of intestacy. This could mean that your estate will pass to someone who you may not want to benefit.

Reasons clients have mentioned for not making a will include not having enough time, not wanting to talk about death and the cost involved. Concerns over fees may lead someone to prepare a home-made will.

Although a will does not need to be prepared by a solicitor, there are inherent dangers in preparing one yourself.

1. Invalidity A recent example of this involves a husband and wife who had each prepared identical homemade wills. As far as they were concerned, from the time they had signed their wills to the date they instructed us to make new ones, they had valid wills. It was quickly spotted, however, that the wills had only been witnessed by one person at the time of signing. It is a requirement that for a will to be valid it must be signed by the testator in the presence of two independent witnesses who must also sign the will at the same time.

Due to this small but vital mistake, these wills were invalid from the day they were signed.

2. Changes in circumstance If you decide to get married and already have an existing will, that will will automatically be revoked on your marriage, unless it was drafted in expectation of the marriage. A professional would advise you of this but a lay person might not be aware of the effect of marriage if they are making a homemade will.

Equally, divorce effects inheritance under a will.

3. Dates Another situation we have come across is an undated will.

Although a date is not required for a will to be valid, it is your last will that must be proved on your death. If the will does not have a date then it is difficult to prove that it is the last will and often sworn

statements are required from witnesses to provide evidence as to when they were signed.

4. Inappropriate clauses If you try and take clauses from a previous will or use clauses from someone else’s will without fully understanding what those clauses mean and what their effect will be, you can end up with a will that does not achieve what you wanted, with the result that some or all of your estate may go to someone you had not intended to benefit. BL

For advice on wills, inheritance tax, lasting powers of attorney administration of estates and all other private client issues please contact Andrew Jack or another member of our team on 0117 962 1205, email probate@amdsolicitors.com or call into one of our four Bristol offices.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 113

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

A BRIDGE (NOT) TOO FAR

116 112 II BRISTOL CLIFTON LIFE LIFE II www.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

Most people agree that Brunel’s Suspension Bridge is the most beautiful sight in the city – so how do you fancy seeing it from your bedroom window every day?

By L I SA WA R R E N

www.mediaclash.co.uk II CLIFTON BRISTOL LIFE LIFE II 117 www.mediaclash.co.uk 113

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

W

hen we first launched this magazine in 2004, choosing a property showcase in each issue was, to employ a deeply unattractive phrase that we promise never to use again, a no-brainer: we just looked at the

houses in Clifton.

But Bristol, how you’ve changed in 12 years; today, we’re just as likely to profile a luxury apartment in Finzel’s Reach, a Georgian terrace in Montpelier, or a semi in Fishponds – OK, maybe not Fishponds. Not yet.

But while the real estate in many other corners of the city explodes, delighting home-owners in BS1, BS6, BS7 etc, who now find themselves sitting on a little goldmine, BS8 – beautiful, golden Clifton – has remained serenely unchanged; other postcodes may up and come, but none will ever top it for sheer elegance, desirability and allure.

And while ‘Clifton’ extends eastwards as far as Whiteladies Road, and blends into Cliftonwood in the south, with many an elegant square north of Clifton Down road, there is a cluster of streets and squares that best epitomises the appeal of the area; these are the Georgian terraces that cling to the side of the Gorge, gazing across the waterside to Hotwells over to the south and the hills of Dundry: Royal York Crescent, The Paragon – and Windsor Terrace.

And in this sought-after, Grade-II row, our house-of -theissue is even more auspicious than its neighbours; it’s endof-terrace, so has views in three directions, and an almost unfair quota of windows. It even has the best-sounding address: Number 1, Windsor Terrace.

It’s as substantial as it’s beautiful, too, set over five floors that currently offer 6/7 bedrooms, a pair of living rooms, three bathrooms and a separate flat. As you’d hope, it’s packed with the very best kind of original features, from 118 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

If you’re going to have views like this, you’re going to want to look at them through tall, arched, multipaned windows, are we right?

HOUSE NUMBERS

1

That’ll be the street number

II

. . . and that’s the Grade it’s listed at

£2M OIEO

6/7

bedrooms

3

bathrooms

1

fabulous view

the sash windows to the ornate fireplaces.

A wonderful porch leads you into an impressive vestibule, and on into the reception hall and its handsome original staircase. On the ground floor, both rooms have floor-toceiling arched Venetian windows – in the case of the dining room, on three sides – making the most picturesque frames imaginable for views that include the Suspension Bridge.

It probably wasn’t in the original architect’s mind, at a time when the likes of Carson, Mrs Hughes and Daisy were relegated to dark basements, but the room now used as a big family kitchen has the above-mentioned view directly over the sink, turning even the menial task of washing-up into a delight: the Bridge at dawn and dusk; the fairylit Bridge at night; the Bridge with hundreds of balloons drifting past during the Fiesta – need we elaborate further, or have you already put in an offer?

There’s another lovely sitting room upstairs, with three south-facing sash windows and a beautiful west- facing bay to the side; a dual-aspect bedroom bags that same view of the Bridge. The remaining four bedrooms in the main part of the house are on the top two floors, while back down in the lower-ground floor there’s a self-contained onebedroomed flat; head down still further, and you’ll reach substantial cellar and vaults.

In this position a lovely garden may seem too much to hope for; in fact, the one here is delightful, with a lawn bordered by shrubs and trees; in front, there’s a large al fresco dining area with the best view in Bristol.

‘Spectacular’ isn’t a word we freely bandy about in these pages; we’ve seen so many corkers that we’re a little blasé.

But in the case of this home, we’re willing to wheel it out; hey, we’ll even throw in an ‘iconic’ for good measure.

Roderick Thomas, 69 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton BS8 4DD 0177 9734 464; www.roderickthomas.co.uk

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

INVESTMENT – BRISTOL LET TO CO-OP

STUDIO – PARK STREET tudio space with ❖S balcony terrace

❖ Rent £38,000 pax

❖ 1,060 sq ft + 1 car

❖ FRI lease to the Co-op

❖ New lease

❖ Price £425,000!

❖ £12.50 per sq ft

CLIFTON VILLAGE

CABOT CIRCUS BS1

❖ D1 Medical use

❖ Open plan offices

ully fitted out to a high ❖F standard

❖ 900 sq ft – 4,000 sq ft

❖ New lease - £14,500 pax

❖ Studio style with exposed beams

❖ Also suit shop use

❖ Flexible leases

66 PARK STREET, BS1

16 COTHAM HILL ❖ Busy & prominent shop to rent ❖ Very busy student thoroughfare ❖ New lease ❖ Rent £16,500 pax

❖ Prime shop unit ❖ 1,941 sq ft sales ❖ Excellent footfall ❖ New lease

THE DISTILLERY

COLDHARBOUR RD, REDLAND

n amazing high ❖A specification office building

❖ Shop / A2 office ❖ Established busy location

❖S tudio style open plan space

❖ 1st floor (if needed)

❖ 6,380 sq ft

❖ New lease

FOR SALE – NORTH ROAD, BS6

3 WESTBURY MEWS, WESTBURY ON TRYM

opular location on North ❖P Road

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

(0117) 934 9977

❖ Mews offices

❖ A2 offices plus retail unit

❖ 1,184 sq ft

❖ Freehold for sale

❖ New flexible lease

❖R esidential development potential (STP)

❖ Only £12.50 psf

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte BA Hons

• • • • •

Sales/Lettings Acquisitions advice Valuations Landlord & tenant Rent reviews

• • • • •

Development advice Investment Dilapidations Property Marketing Auction Services

BRISTOL LIVES

Q&A

T

he local festival scene: pretty great, right? But Liz Harkman thinks it could be even better, and she’s definitely the woman to make it happen. She’s just been appointed Executive Director of Bristol Festivals, drawing on valuable experience in the film and arts scene; she’s the former MD of Encounters Film Festival and has project-managed the Film Audience Network and Film Hub South West & West Midlands (and no, we hadn’t realised that was a thing, either).

Have you always wanted to work in the arts?

I’ve always been driven to do something I loved as a job, seeing as it’s where I spend most of my time. This started with a passion for film, then grew into a desire to encourage as many people as possible to see a more diverse range of films through festivals, and now that’s extended into an interest in all arts and cultural activity.

We hear you’re Bristol Festivals’ first executive director – what does this involve?

I will provide the organisation with the capacity to drive the objectives forwards. This will include generating more forum members with an annual programme of activity, finding opportunities for festivals to work collaboratively on projects, instigating a research project on the socioeconomic impact of the sector to understand value, developing opportunities for crossmarketing and audience development via our website, introducing a shared ticketing platform, developing opportunities for volunteers and interns and much more.

Bristol has so many festivals it’s hard to think of any tricks we’re missing – any new ones you’d love to introduce?

Bristol Festivals won’t be introducing new events but will be providing support to ensure resilience and sustainability in the sector and making sure the brilliant events we have stay in the city.

Any festivals you’ve seen in other cities that you’d love to see in Bristol?

Bristol already has a great scene of festivals and events, covering everything from burlesque to silent film and Shakespeare to hot air balloons.

They are best when they are home-grown and reflect our thriving cultural scene.

What are your favourite existing Bristol festivals?

I still have a huge soft spot for Encounters and I love the indulgence of the Taste Chocolate Festival and the community spirit of Upfest.

LIZ HARKMAN Liz’s mission, should she choose to accept it (and she has!) is to make Bristol’s festival scene even better than it is already. Let her tell you a bit more about her hopes and dreams . . .

What’s the best thing you’ve seen in a Bristol theatre or concert hall this year?

As a relatively new mum I don’t get out as often as I’d like! I saw Massive Attack on the Downs which was a great new event for the city and of course still go to the cinema, most recently Dreamgirls as the launch film for the Black Star season at Watershed. I’m also looking forward to the Hang Massive gig at Trinity at the end of November.

Which bit of Bristol do you live in, and what’s the best and worst thing about it?

I live in Bower Ashton and love the close proximity to both the city and the country. It’s great to wake up every morning with a view of Ashton Court and the Suspension Bridge. The worst thing is having to battle the traffic around Winterstoke Road and the flyover.

Best thing about Bristol, and anything that annoys you?

There is always something exciting to do or see, the community spirit and fact that you can cycle anywhere. Apart from the aforementioned I can’t think of anything that annoys me.

What gets you up on your soapbox?

Our festivals and events culture is often quoted

130 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

as being the best thing about this wonderful city. Research tells us time and again that it’s one of the reasons so many talented people choose to stay or move here – it’s a huge socioeconomic asset. But currently, Bristol is not nurturing what we have. We see great cultural assets fall down all the time because of a lack of strategy, and because festivals are seen as disposable. Hopefully Bristol Festivals can help to demonstrate the value and impact of the sector, therefore making it more stable.

Any secret talents or skills?

I’ve played for the Bristol Samba band for six years.

Most regrettable habit?

Twiddling my hair.

What makes you laugh?

The limited conversations with my toddler.

Indulgence of choice?

Frozen chocolate and a gin and soda.

For more info on Bristol’s festivals see www.bristol-festivals.co.uk

NEW SHOWROOM

Our new dedicated wardrobe and carpet showroom is now open in the old Maskreys building next door to our existing store at 56-64 Whiteladies Road.

We are also showing new sofa styles and an increased range of painted and solid oak cabinet furniture Promotional offers are available and remaining Clearance ex-display pieces are 50-75% off!

Curtains and Blinds
 Sofas and Fabrics
 Bespoke Cabinet Furniture and Wardrobes

FABRICS Terms and conditions apply

We are just past Clifton Down Shopping Centre 56/60, Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PY Mon-Sat 9.30 - 5.30/Sun 12 - 5

TEL: 01173 292746

All types of reupholstery Traditional to contemporary styles Antique and Vintage pieces