Bristol Life - Issue 228

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 228 / MAY 2017 / £3

THE SEVEN A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

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BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

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ISSUE 228 / MAY 2017 / THE BEST IN BRISTOL

WONDERS OMID DJALILI: SCHMUCK FOR A NIGHT LUXURY LIVING: POOL PARTY AT PORTBURY THE DUG OUT AND BEYOND: JOHN NATION AT UPFEST BLOOM IN LOVE: THE SEASON’S BEST FLORALS

EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 228 / MAY 2017

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BRISTOL IN WONDERLAND Here’s a great new drinking game! If someone asked you to name the Seven Wonders of Bristol, what would you say?

Isn’t it iconic?

I’m sending this issue to press six days before the first Bristol Life Awards takes over Lloyd’s Amphitheatre, so while you can read the list of winners NOW – turn to page 6 – the full, lavish, photographic coverage will be in the 19 May issue, because that’s just the way the calendar cookie crumbled.

But because we’re now itching to get stuck into full-on, handing-out-Awards mode, we found ourselves casting around for some more things to celebrate. We expect that’s how the Queen feels when Honours season comes around – she probably wants to dub everything in sight. They probably have to wrestle that sword out of her hand.

So we thought that in this issue, we’d give a shout out to the greatest icons in the city; the buildings and events that we mostly see every day, but perhaps are in danger of being taking for granted.

And yes, we could have gone down the more quirky, ‘seven secret, hidden wonders of Bristol, shhh. . .’ route; we have before, and we probably will again. But hey, nobody’s bothered about being reminded of just how great Bristol is, and hopefully you might pick up the odd fact you didn’t know. Special thanks to @igersbristol for sorting the pics – this group is a bone fide Bristol wonder in its own right.

Stand by for Awards overload in the next issue...

Deri Robins, editor Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram:@bristollifemag

REGULARS / ISSUE 228 / MAY 2017 M EET T H E T EAM

SPOTLIGHT

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

9 Who’s making the news?

A big anniversary for The Redgrave, The Downs line-up announced, and Katy Brand’s not a teenage Christian anymore.

Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Mal Rogers, Seb Barrett, Josh Eggleton, Lauren Ellis, Jessica Cook

THE ARTS

Advertising manager and commercial director Steve Hawkins steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Emma Stroud emma.stroud@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager James Morgan james.morgan@mediaclash.co.uk

27 Arts Intro If you build it, they will colour

28 What’s On We discover to our slight amazement that stuff other than our Awards is happening too

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

34 Art Word to the middle classes – graffiti’s not street art

39 Comedy Omid’s back in town, and for one night only, he’s a schmuck

40 The Verdict This year, Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes was the only show to win an Olivier Award that also has the Harry Potter play as a finalist.

Here’s why

SHOPPING 43 Shopping Intro Bye bye, hygge. Hi, Lagom

44 Editor’s Choice Bloom in love

EATING 46 Restaurant Fishies on little dishies

48 Food heroes The best food shops in town, by a Bristol nutritionist

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

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Bristol Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

54 Veg fest

BUSINESS

“One day we’ll look back, and ask, how could we have done this to animals?” – discuss

71 Business Insider

GREAT ESCAPES

PROPERT Y

60 Go West A nice bit of Cornish boutiquery

What will the new Castle Bridge mean to the city?

90 Property Showcase Pool party in Portbury, anyone?

SNAPPED

THE BACK PAGE

62 Party-going

98 Bristol Lives

Lots of celebratory glasses raised (but not nearly as many as there’ll be in the next issue)

She’s brave, she’s bold, she’s frequently dramatic, but she’s not very tidy

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 Wonderful harbourside photo courtesy of @antimitch; page 18

Guy and the lads, heading our way

SEVEN DEADLY SINS MUSIC

ONE DAY LIKE THIS Already spent your summer gig-going allowance on Bristol Sounds and the Outlook Orchestra on Harbourside?

We have bad news for you. Following Massive Attack’s curated Downs Festival last September, details of the follow-up event has been announced, with the mighty Elbow heading a line-up that also includes Roni Size, De La Soul and – apparently a big hit when he played Summer Series two years ago – Seasick Steve. Tickets go on sale on 28 April; better get queuing.

For more: www.thedownsbristol.com

Katy Brand’s not a teenage Christian any more; she’s a new mum, with a bad back, and a show that’s coming to Colston Hall LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today?

Coconut oil on hot skin while lying under a tropical sun, with the twinkling sea a few steps away. Oh my god, I want it now – it’s been too long . . .

GREED: What should you really be cutting down on?

My awful phone-tapping carousel – Twitter, Facebook, Chortle, Guardian, MailOnline, Instagram, rinse and repeat. Sometimes I get distracted and reload the page I’m already on. It’s awful – I used to read books. Good books. It’s not life-affirming, this behaviour.

GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst?

Crisps. I am a crisp demon. I mean, I like healthy things too, but crisps – a four-folded Kettle Chip is a sign of good luck to me.

SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now?

Yoga. Since I had a baby, my back has been bad and I know it’s the only thing that will fix it. And yet I don’t get round to it. Instead, I buy yoga clothes online when I could be doing yoga.

WRATH: What/who makes you angry?

Ignorant people who think they know it all – where do you even begin? Everyone thinks they’re an expert these days. I blame Wikipedia, even though obviously most of my own knowledge comes directly from there.

ENVY: Who are you jealous of?

I don’t really get jealous of people, which I’m glad about – I tend to set my own goals and then beat myself up if I don’t achieve them. However, I would say I am envious of people who can just throw a bikini on at a moment’s notice and run into the sea without a care in the world. I could become one of those people if I just put my back into it a bit, but ultimately I can’t be arsed so I guess it can’t be that important to me.

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement?

Professionally, I would say writing a book, and also creating this show, because in a sense I am starting all over again and that’s not always easy. I’m so glad I’ve done it though.

Katy Brand: I Was A Teenage Christian is at The Lantern, Bristol on 4th May 2017/Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre on 1st June 2017

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SPOTLIGHT

CLIFTON COLLEGE

A FAMILY AFFAIR Yet another major anniversary in the local arts calendar, when the Redgrave Theatre held a Gala Night at Clifton College in March to celebrate its 50th birthday.

The theatre was one of the first purposebuilt school theatres in the country and was opened by Old Cliftonian Sir Michael Redgrave. It was renamed the Redgrave Theatre after his death in 1985.

The 320-seat theatre hosts a range of College events throughout the year, including school plays and concerts, the annual college musical, and the interhouse play festival. It also runs a thriving programme of productions by regional and national theatre groups and local amateur groups.

Opening the gala was actress Jemma Redgrave, granddaughter of Sir Michael Redgrave. Many Old Cliftonians and past staff returned to perform excerpts from some of the productions that have graced the stage over the years, as well as their own works.

Returning OCs also included Neil Constable, the Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre; Neal Foster, actor/manager of the Birmingham Stage Company; and Clive Panto, who has had a 20 year professional career including theatre, film and television.

The event began with a champagne reception in the Joseph Cooper Music School, featuring a performance from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School – a close supporter of the Redgrave Theatre.

The audience then moved to the Redgrave Theatre, which had been transformed to allow diners to enjoy a meal on the stage, while the performers took to the temporary stage constructed over the seating. All proceeds from the evening went to the school’s Trevor Howard Scholarship for Performing Arts.

“Clifton has a rich history of high-quality productions and the 50th anniversary of the theatre was a fitting way to celebrate these,”

said Karen Pickles, director of drama. “Many an OC has fond memories of treading the boards, either in a house play or a school production, and we are particularly proud of those who have gone on to enjoy highly distinguished careers in the performing arts.

We felt the Gala Night was a great way to highlight the importance we attach to drama at the College and showcase the talents of past and present pupils.”

Other Old Cliftonians who have performed at Clifton College before taking to the stage include John Cleese, Simon Russell Beale, Trevor Howard, Simon Shepherd, and Clive and David Swift. www.redgravetheatre.com

Jemma Redgrave

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To coincide with the Bristol Life Awards, we’re handing out a separate set of gongs – to the greatest icons in the city

By L AU R E N E L L I S

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

SIGHT SEEING

M

aybe it’s the effect of our Awards, making us come over all Visit Bristol; – but this month we thought it would be fun to identify the standout icons of the city, and to decide what we reckon to be the Seven Wonders of Bristol – those best-loved buildings and events that put the city on the international map.

1SS GREAT BRITAIN

One of the most important historic ships in the world, when the ss Great Britain was launched in 1843, she was called ‘the greatest experiment since the Creation’. Badly stormdamaged in 1886, she was scuttled off Port William in the 1930s, but a rescue mission brought her home to Bristol in 1970 – one of the most emotional events in the city’s history.

Today she’s a cherished souvenir of Bristol’s seafaring past and a beloved heritage centre.

But we want to widen the net here and include

the great sweep of Harbourside, especially the trio of cranes in front of M Shed – the remaining titans of Bristol’s industrial boom, and one of the city’s most distinctive sites; last year we even saw them brought to life via an adorably bonkers bhangra dance and light show.

Many of the cranes along the River Avon have been put to a similarly unexpected use. Some have long been used as pop-up galleries, while Canopy & Stars are due to use an M Shed crane as a ‘trunk’ for a bespoke ‘treehouse’, that some fortunate folk can glamp in this summer.

The history of the harbour tells that of the wider city. What began as a modest trading port soon shifted into a merchant hotspot, with sailors travelling to Iceland as far back as 1420. While much of Bristol’s prosperity can be tied directly to colonial exploration – and to Bristol’s eternal shame, the slave trade – its current form mirrors very little of it; today the harbourside is home to Bristol’s many inventive and cultural hubs, from Arnolfini to At-Bristol, the Planetarium, M Shed and Watershed, interspersed with cafés and restaurants. w

THE

HISTORY OF THE HARBOUR TELLS THAT OF THE WIDER CITY

Photo by Mitch Bachelor @antimitch

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SIGHT SEEING

2CABOT TOWER

Built in 1897, Cabot Tower is one of those sights that seems to follow you all over the city.

Marking the divide between the city centre, Park Street and Clifton, from the top of its winding spiral staircase you can glimpse one of the best views of Bristol’s skyline, encompassing everything from the spire of St Mary Redcliffe to mid-century classic the Colston Tower and the square edifice of Wills Memorial Building.

If you don’t fancy clambering up, the Tower is surrounded by Brandon Hill nature reserve – officially England’s oldest open public space, remaining undeveloped since 1174. With picturesque paths, a children’s play area and scattered benches overlooking the city, it’s the perfect spot for date nights and days out, making it a Bristol Wonder in its own right.

CABOT TOWER IS ONE OF THOSE SIGHTS THAT SEEM TO FOLLOW YOU ALL OVER THE CITY Photo by Mitch Bachelor @antimitch 20 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

3royal york crescent

Once reputed to be the longest terrace in Europe and still the most impressive in the city, Royal York Crescent curves elegantly between numbers 1-46, while in front the raised pavement is built over vaulted cellars. You won’t find a more expensive terraced home in the city, although you’d be lucky to find one in its entirety; the vast majority have been converted into flats. Want to learn more? Helen Dunmore’s latest novel Birdcage Walk offers a fascinating fictionalised insight into the world of Clifton’s 18th-century property developers.

Photo by Louis @louisds

suspension 4Clifton Bridge

Probably the first building people think of when they hear the word ‘Bristol’. Straddling the Gorge, Brunel’s genius of a gift to the city unites Clifton with leafy Leigh Woods; on the one side, Georgian terraces in mellow sandstone and icecream coloured stucco cling to the steep cliff side; on the other lies Ashton Court; with its majestic deer, rolling parks and woodland. The icing on the cake is the annual Balloon Fiesta, giving rise (literally) to THE greatest sight in Bristol; dozens and dozens of balloons, drifting across the Bridge, filling the skies with colour.

Roll on August. 

Photo by Jim Cossey @jimcosseyphotography

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SIGHT SEEING

5WILLS MEMORIAL BUILDING Still looking improbably clean and new after its 2006 cleaning, Wills is another of Bristol’s skyline-definers. It’s the third tallest building in the city after St Mary Redcliffe and Castlemead (which did not make this list).

It’s much younger than it looks, having been built in neo-Gothic style by the Wills family in the 1920s; architect Sir George Oatley claimed that his inspiration for the building came from a dream in which he saw a tower on a hill surrounded by shields. Pevsner called it “a tour de force in Gothic Revival, so convinced, so vast, and so competent that one cannot help feeling respect for it”.

Now synonymous with the University of Bristol, it’s used for all its major ceremonies, which are held in the vaulted, baronial Great Hall. Oh, and our friend Great George lives in the octagonal tower. He’s a bell. w

PEVSNER CALLED WILLS ‘A TOUR DE FORCE IN GOTHIC REVIVAL’

SMALL WONDERS Oh yes – we know, the list could go on and on and on, and we’ve probably left out your favourites. The mid-century marvel that is COLSTON TOWER , perhaps, or its nearneighbour COLSTON HALL . The friendly Mickey Mouse ears of PERO’S BRIDGE , or the red-brick bulk of TOBACCO FACTORY. How about the ‘goodliest church’ that is ST MARY REDCLIFFE , or the quirkier hexagonal 1970s CLIFTON CATHEDRAL? The steep pastel-coloured terraces of CLIFTON WOOD and HOTWELLS? The street art of STOKES CROFT, and GLOUCESTER ROAD, with its ‘longest row of independent shops in Europe? The BEARPIT, that long-neglected sunken concrete corner that’s become such a community hub, presided over by Ursa the Bear, all 12ft of black and white cubism, welcoming visitors and locals? Then there’s ST NICK’S MARKET, where you can dine on every conceivable kind of world food.

Or maybe it’s just a glass of Thatchers on a sunny day outside THE APPLE or the quayside outside THE ARNOLFINI; or TEMPLE CHURCH, Bristol’s own leaning tower. TEMPLE MEADS STATION, many people’s gateway to the city, perhaps?

We need to get us a bigger list . . .

Photo Ben Adams @ mebenadams

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23

SIGHT SEEING Upfest 2016 photo by D7606

6UPFEST

Our number 6 is not a building, but Europe’s biggest graffiti festival. Every year, hundreds of the world’s best street artists descend on BS3, armed with spray cans and big ideas. This year it’s all happening between 29-30 July; artists to watch include New York’s colourful Buff Monster, the kaleidoscopic Brazilian mural artist Kobra and the surrealist Portuguese artist Pantonio. It’s all become a big, weekend-long, family festival; just be careful not to casually lean up against a car on North Street, as it will probably have recently been sprayed with Krylon.

7BRISTOL OLD VIC

Not only our most venerable theatre, but at 250 years young, the oldest continually operating English speaking theatre in the world. From home-grown hits such as Jane Eyre and Pink Mist to carefully selected touring productions, it’s been a bastion of creativity through the centuries; it’s amazing to reflect that for the first 12 years of its life it was basically illegal.

It opened in 1766, at a time when the average lifespan for a theatre was just 17 years; since then it’s endured two world wars, censorship, celebrity, tragedy and triumph both on and off of its stage.

Frequent BOV footlights-botherer Peter O’Toole described it as “the loveliest theatre in the world”.

There’s no competition, in our book.

Its Theatre Company and School have trained the likes of Patrick Stewart, Alan Rickman, Daniel DayLewis, Jeremy Irons, Olivia Colman and it’s latest star – Pearl Mackie, currently accompanying Doctor Who across the universe.

PHOTO CREDITS Huge thanks, as ever, to Bristol’s igers community, especially @igersbristol moderator Mitch!

BRISTOL DOCKS page 18-19: @antimitch CABOT TOWER page 20: @antimitch ROYAL YORK CRESCENT page 21: @louisds THE BRIDGE page 21: @jimcosseyphotography WILLS MEMORIAL page 23: @antimitch UPFEST page 25: pic by D7606 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 25

Music/theatre/film/more

IF THEY BUILD IT, YOU WILL COLOUR

How often have you looked at a building and thought, ‘Huh, bet I could have designed one better than that’? Well, you couldn’t – not unless you’ve had several years of training and experience, possess the eye of Leonardo and have the technical brain of an engineer – but we reckon you just might be up to a bit of light architectural colouring-in.

Local architects Stride Treglown has just produced Mindful Architecture, an anti-stress colouring book filled with detailed line drawings by Jenny Leonard, and it’s so much more fun than colouring butterflies and unicorns. Buy your copy from the Architecture Centre – each book comes with a cute little pot of coloured pencils – and share your best efforts on Twitter and Instagram, tagging @StrideTreglown #MindfulArchitecture.

The pic above shows Stride Treglown’s Faculty of Business and Law at UWE. We’re not sure what those students have been taking, but that sure is one hell of a sunset.

For more www.stridetreglown.com www.jennyleonard.com

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28 April – 28 May 2017

J U ST A F EW S U GGES TI ON S FOR YOU R MON TH

Defiance and survival on The Island; Love and loss in Crave; Imelda definitely May be coming to Colston Hall

Exhibitions UNTIL 29 APRIL

SPRING QUARTET From Carl Melegari’s oils to Lynn Golden’s acrylic florals, Sarah Brown’s pastels and Christine Feiler’s ceramics: an exhibition that celebrates diversity. cliftoncontemporaryart.co.uk UNTIL 1 MAY

SPIKE ISLAND OPEN The annual chance to peek behind the scenes of the former Brooke Bond tea packing factory, now home to over 70 artists’ studios, Spike Print Studio, UWE Fine Art BA/MA students, as well as many other creatives; spikeisland.org.uk UNTIL 14 MAY

SMALL PROJECTS The AJ Small Projects Awards

celebrates projects with a contract value of £250,000 and under; this new exhibition features 20 of those shortlisted; architecturecentre.org.uk

explores the impact of globalisation, militarism and denied histories, mostly through the medium of film; spikeisland.org.uk

UNTIL 17 MAY

THEY BOW. CURTAIN. NO APPLAUSE Giles Round’s multi-disciplinary show addresses the relationship between art, design and functionality. At Spike Island; spikeisland.org.uk

ADELA BRETON: ANCIENT MEXICO IN COLOUR Large watercolours celebrate the work of the artist and traveller, and the art of ancient Mexico; at City Museum & Art Gallery; Bristolmuseums.org.uk DRAWN RWA’s biennial open-submission drawing exhibition, exploring the boundaries of drawing and celebrating it as both an autonomous discipline and an interdisciplinary tool; rwa.org.uk

THE STARS WERE ALIGNED FOR A CENTURY OF NEW BEGINNINGS Arnolfini present a major solo exhibition by Egyptian artist Basim Magdy – part of Deutsche Bank’s Artist of the Year programme; arnolfini. org.uk.

UNTIL 18 JUNE

UNTIL 4 SEPTEMBER

UNTIL 4 JUNE

COMMON GROUND Andrea Luka Zimmerman

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

GLASS MICROBIOLOGY Luke Jerram’s extraordinary,

jewel-like glass sculptures of eight deadly viruses; at The Box; at-bristol.org.uk

Plays/Shows UNTIL 29 APRIL

THE WINTER’S TALE Cheek by Jowl bring their distinctive trademark take on Shakespeare’s late, great play; bristololdvic.org.uk UNTIL 30 APRIL

LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS GAMES Michael Flateley’s Irish danceflavoured extravaganza comes to the Hippodrome; atgtickets.com SKINT THEATRE FESTIVAL 2017 SKINT returns to Bristol, with 11 of the UK’s most talented performance artists bringing you bite-sized (15 min) tales of

the odd, uncanny and surreal. At The Island; skinttheatre.com

Alice theme; Frank Wildhorn brings his celebrated musical to The Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

UNTIL 4 MAY

TORTOISE V HARE Living Spit offer an epic tale of romance, redemption and rural running rivalry; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

9-13 MAY

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS High jinks and hilarity on the Riviera, we’re promised; at The Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

UNTIL 6 MAY

TARTUFFE Molière’s con man is alive and well and on the make in modern London. . . the second half of this year’s stf is classic comedy directed by Andrew Hilton; tobaccofactorytheatres.com 2-6 MAY

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT Go, go, go Joseph: praise the Lord (Lloyd Webber); everyone’s favourite Biblical musical is back, and this time around the reality star in the coat is X-Factor winner Joe McElderry. At the Hippodrome; atgtickets.com SEX WITH A STRANGER From the pen of BAFTA awardwinning Stefan Golaszewski, a brutally honest insight into the era of casual sex and broken relationships. Expect bleak humour; thewardrobetheatre.com 3-6 MAY

HELLO DOLLY The musical tale of New Yoik society bird Dolly Levi and her efforts to wed the most eligible widower in Yonkers, while meddlesomely matchmaking all and sundry, is revived at The Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com 5-6 MAY

BEST OF BE FESTIVAL Birmingham’s genre-bending European arts festival takes to the road, shining a light on the best of the Continent’s new theatre, dance and performance art. tobaccofactorytheatres.com 5-27 MAY

MEDEA Euripides’ classic becomes a modern day story of a single mother’s fight for the custody of her children; performed by an allwoman cast; bristololdvic.org.uk 8-13 MAY

WONDERLAND The latest company to riff on the

11-13 MAY

THE MARKED International puppetry company Theatre Témoin bring their new play to Tobacco Factory: a haunting, mystical wonderland inspired by reallife stories of homelessness. tobaccofactorytheatres.com 16-19 MAY

A BRIMFUL OF ASHA Asha is intent on getting her son Ravi married, but who will get to pick his wife? Acclaimed Canadian company Why Not Theatre bring their true (and very Canadian) story of generational and cultural clash to Tobacco Factory; tobaccofactorytheatres.com 23-27 MAY

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Drama, hilarity and drag at The Hippodrome; atgtickets.com THE ISLAND A life-affirming drama of friendship, defiance and survival, set on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner. At Factory Theatre; tobaccofactorytheatres.com CRAVE A typically bleak and compelling Sarah Kane tale of love, loss and need, in the author’s most rhythmic, form-defying text. thewardrobetheatre.com

Drawn at RWA; Euro-drama at its best at the BE Festival

unruly bluegrass to The Lantern; colstonhall.org

Shed; thatcherscider.co.uk 8 MAY

30 APRIL

SHALAMAR Bringing funk and soul to the party people of Bristol; they’re going to make it a night to remember. At SWX Bristol; world-legacy-music.com

27-29 APRIL

TANK Inspired by the Dolphin House experiments, Breach’s Fringe First award-winning explores the difficulties of bridging cultural divides, and what happens when you inject a dolphin with LSD; thewardrobetheatre.com

Music 28 APRIL

POLICE DOG HOGAN Tim and the lads bring their

L’INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA Sir John Gardiner conducts the English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir; part of Monteverdi 450. colstonhall.org 13 MAY

2 MAY

THE KOOKS The self-described pop band bring their catchy-as-hell tunes, spanning rock, Britpop, pop, reggae, ska, funk and hip-hop to Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

DJ YODA The turntablist, producer and cut-and-paste master DJ Yoda is going 8-bit with his latest adventure as he brings his AV wizardry to The Lantern; colstonhall.org

6 MAY

16 MAY

THATCHER’S HAZE SESSIONS Thatchers host another night of live performances from some of the UK’s most exciting up-andcoming artists; at Passenger

PROCUL HARUM Still have no idea what Whiter Shade of Pale was about? Why were those vestal virgins headed for the coast? Oh, who cares; it was one of the greatest classical-rock w

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W H AT ’ S O N

ARTS

Candice Brown, Winner of Great British Bake Off joins the line-up. foodiesfestival.com

records ever made, and it’s bound to sound just as good today since orginal band leader Gary Booker’s still the man in charge. colstonhall.org

20-21 MAY

VEGFEST The UK’s biggest vegan fest returns to Harbourisde for the 15th year; feature page 54.

19 MAY

IMELDA MAY The Irish Rockabilly queen comes to Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

21 MAY

NICHOLAS HYTNER: BALANCING ACTS Nicholas tells the story of 12 years at the helm of the National Theatre; expect insights into the perennial challenge of reconciling art and commerce as well as lots of entirely forgivable namedropping; bristololdvic.org.uk

22 MAY

THE CRANBERRIES Long before the Rubber Bandits, the dreamy Celtic posters featuring Dolores O’Riordan’s distinctive vocals put Limerick on the map; now they’re bringing their Greatest Hits tour to Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

27 MAY

HARRIET HARMAN: A WOMAN’S WORK Why does the political representation of women matter?

And which hurdles have been faced, fought and sometimes overcome in the past 30 years?

If anyone knows, Harriet does; part of Festival of Ideas, at At-Bristol; ideasfestival.co.uk

25 MAY

ANASTACIA The mezzo-soprano mega voice behind belters such as I’m Outta Love and Left Outside Alone brings her Ultimate Collection tour to Colston; colstonhall.org 28 MAY

L’ORFEO The third in the Monteverdi 450 operas at Colston Hall, conducted

by Sir John Eliot Gardiner; colstonhall.org

Comedy 28 APRIL

RORY BREMNER Britain’s best-known satirical impressionist comes to The Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com REGINALD D HUNTER The US-born stand-up still finds the UK quite amusing; at Colston Hall; colstonhall.org 1 MAY

CLOSER EACH DAY: THE IMPROVISED SOAP OPERA – MAYDAY! MAYDAY! SPECIAL A one-off at ss Great Britain for the world’s longest improvised soap; thewardrobetheatre.com 4 MAY

KATY BRAND; I WAS A TEENAGE CHRISTIAN For seven years Katy put the ‘fun’ and the ‘mental’ into fundamentalism, but at least she knew she was going to heaven.

These days, she’s not so sure . . . colstonhall.org

Small Projects award-winners at the Architecture Centre; The Cranberries’ Greatest Hits at Colston Hall 8 MAY

BRIDGET CHRISTIE: BECAUSE YOU DEMAND IT If you didn’t want to leave the EU, or you did, but now don’t, because you haven’t got any of the things you were promised, then this is absolutely the show for you. At Factory Theatre; tobaccofactorytheatres.com 12 MAY

OMID DJALILI; SCHMUCK FOR A NIGHT Omid’s come along way since his 1990s Short, Fat Kebab Shop Owner’s Son tour; find out more on page 39. At Colston Hall; colstonhall.org 14 MAY

ANDY PARSONS: PEAK BULLSHIT Don’t worry, says Andy. Be happy; tobaccofactorytheatres.com 20 MAY

JIMMY CARR 2017 The quick-fire-gag maestro with the smackable face collates the best jokes from his nine sell-out tours; at Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

27-28 MAY

Other 30 APRIL

CLUB TROPICANA BOAT PARTY A boat party themed around tropical vibes and an 80s-90s soundtrack inspired by George Michael – the perfect end to the Bristol on the Rocks series Foozie has been running all this month; foozie.co.uk 4 MAY

WOLF HALL TOURS The TV show brought to life in a tour of Bristol Cathedral; a main location for the show. bristolcathedral.co.uk 11-13 MAY

GIN FESTIVAL 2017 Over 100 different gins including many new and exclusive ones, masterglasses, and your very own Gin Festival glass; at The Station; ginfestival.com 12-14 MAY

FOODIES FESTIVAL The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink – the ‘Gastro Glasto’ – returns to The Downs;

LOVE SAVES THE DAY Back at Eastville Park for its sixth year LSTD promises a love-fuelled Bank Holiday weekend of music, glitter and frolics. Little Dragon headline Saturday, while Fat Freddy’s Drop on Sunday’s bill. lovesavestheday.org 29 APRIL-1 MAY

BRISTOL HARBOUR CIDER FESTIVAL At Bristol Cider Shop; where else? bristolcidershop.co.uk

Sport 30 APRIL

BRISTOL ROVERS V MILLWALL At Memorial Stadium; kick-off at 12pm; bristolrovers.co.uk 6 MAY

BRISTOL RUGBY V NEWCASTLE At Ashton Gate Stadium; kick-off at 4pm; bristolrugby.co.uk 7 MAY

BRISTOL CITY FC V BIRMINGHAM CITY At Ashton Gate; kick-off at 12pm; bcfc.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 31

advertising feature h o t e l s

Clevedon HalL Welcome to a wedding and events venue that has been more than 160 years in the making

A

short drive from central Bristol, overlooking the Victorian splendour of Clevedon Bay, stands the iconic Clevedon Hall.

Built in 1850, the Grade-II* building has undergone many transformations, from private house to hospital, army mess, girls’ school and offices.

Now, following a six-year £4.2 million restoration and refurbishment project, Clevedon Hall has been transformed into one the most desirable wedding and private events venues in the South West. With several elegant reception rooms ranging from the Great Hall to the intimate Snug, the impressive mansion can cater for up to 250 guests in comfort and style.

The house is surrounded by extensive landscaped gardens which sweep down to a lake. A new outdoor wedding space was completed last year so couples can tie the knot overlooking the lake – weather permitting.

Work continues to enhance the hall and its surrounds still further with the unveiling of a selfcatered cottage this month, where brides-to-be and their friends can enjoy a girly night before the wedding. The self-catering cottage is also available on a short-term let basis to anyone wishing to visit Clevedon.

Clevedon Hall’s Michelin-trained chef Alan Jones, who has previously worked at Lucknam Park and Cowley Manor, wows every guest with his creative seasonal menus, which showcase the best local produce from top suppliers including Bristol’s Buxton Butchers, Chew Valley’s Arthur David for fruit and veg and Cornish Flying Fish.

The property does not function as a hotel, focusing solely on bespoke events so can offer all guests a completely personalised service.

the History

Clevedon Hall was bought by Peter and Sally McCarthy in 1991. The couple lived and ran their business in the building for eight years before renting it out for commercial use.

In 2010, they decided to restore Clevedon Hall to its former glory in order to reopen it as a luxury wedding and events venue, after receiving numerous requests for hire of the property.

The original owner, Conrad Finzel I, was a German immigrant who fled to the UK to avoid conscription into Napoleon’s army and became a successful businessman. He commissioned local architects Foster and Wood to design a grand house in nearby Clevedon in ‘Jacobean Revival’ style on land that originally formed part of the Clevedon Court estate. The house became known for hosting lavish parties and theatricals.

The house changed hands several times over the next half a century, and after WWI, owner Dame Rosa Burden used it as a respite centre for residents of Stoke Park, a national institution to care for people with learning or neurological problems. During WWII, an air-raid shelter, Red Cross Station and a mess hut were constructed within the grounds. After the war the house was bought by St Brandon’s Girls School and remained an independent boarding school for the next 40 years.

Peter and Sally McCarthy bought the building after St Brandon’s school closed. They have since invested heavily in creating a premier

event space. The initial revamp, carried out

by Bristol architects Childs+Sulzmann in conjunction with English Heritage and Bathbased Jane Clayton Interiors, saw many historic features restored and bespoke furnishing installed in keeping with the historic building’s rich heritage. The 25 ensuite bedrooms were designed by Jane Clayton’s team in country house style with each having its own unique look, providing the perfect place to crash when the party ends.

The final stage of interior work, completed last year, was a redesign of the downstairs rooms, also by Jane Clayton’s team. This year work continues in the grounds to create a woodland walk around the grounds and a bridge to one of the islands in the lake.

Combining a rich history and beautiful grounds with every modern luxury, Clevedon Hall offers a wedding and events location like no other. BL

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

ARTS

F E S T I VA L

In the 1980s, a youth worker named John Nation encouraged a handful of teenage graff writers to express themselves on the site of their club’s walls. The club was the Dug Out, and the young writers included Banksy, Inkie and Jody. Now John’s staging an exhibition – just don’t call it ‘street art’ . . .

By L I SA WA R R E N

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

T

hey call him the Godfather of Graffiti, and he doesn’t just know who Banksy is; you could fairly describe him as his mentor. John Nation – the youth worker at Barton Hill where Banksy, Cheo, Jody and more were first discovered – brings his first curated exhibition to Upfest this month, inspired by the urban art movement that has evolved in the city over the last 30 years.

But first off, let’s get one thing straight.

“I’m not the godfather of Bristol urban art; never have been, never will be,” insists John.

“The nickname that people have given me is the Graff Father. The artist RS75 painted several images of me at Upfest 2016 and added ‘Graff

GRAFFITI

MANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC DON’T UNDERSTAND THE CULTURE OF GRAFF, BUT RELATE TO THE PRETTINESS OF STREET ART

ARTS

concrete in Bristol’. Barton Hill Youth Centre spawned a flood of artists and musicians, many of whom have had an impact across the city and far beyond.

It was such a different time, with different attitudes to street art and graff…

Yes, a different time, with a different attitude, 100%. It was all about graff and graff culture.

Graffiti back then was not about being pretty and arty; it was about piecing, bombing, tagging, lettering, hand-writing styles, and getting up your crew, and yes, a certain amount of illegality; which for most would lead to a brush with the police – especially during Operation Anderson, the biggest graff raids in UK history. But that’s a whole story in itself.

It feels like now street art is enjoying its heyday…

For street art, I’d say yes, possibly it is now. But let’s be clear here; street art and graffiti are two separate beasts and many of the public don’t understand the culture of graff, but relate to the prettiness of street art.

How do you feel about the ‘gentrification’ of street art?

It depends on where you’re coming from.

It’s part of the bigger and very topical whole gentrification debate, especially in areas like Stokes Croft.

Tell us why you’ve decided to put Graffiti Nation together I was approached by Stephen Hayles from Upfest late last year, with the idea of curating the Graffiti Nation show. I felt honoured to be asked, and instantly agreed to do it. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, to put a show together after my 35 years of being involved with this scene in Bristol.

A recent piece

by SMAK

father’ to his pieces, and it’s stuck since then.

It all relates back to my days as a youth worker in the 1980s and early ’90s at Barton Hill Youth Centre, or the Dug Out as it was known. My main role there was as a youth worker, but I became known for running what was arguably the bestdocumented graffiti project in the UK.” Why did the Dug Out become such a fertile breeding ground for graffiti artists?

It was a place where young graff writers would meet other like-minded artists, and a place to express your creativity, to paint legally. A generation of artists came from that project, many of who are still painting to this day. Banksy described it as ‘the most inspiring stretch of

How many pieces can we expect to see?

There are 40 artists contributing to the show – it’s a strong line up. The artists are from the ’80s generation, the Barton Hill Youth Centre era, the ’90s and present-day ones. It’s diverse, but mainly it’s graff, not street art, hence the title, Graffiti Nation.

Tell us about some of the top names showing their work in the exhibition No single artist has bigger billing than anyone else; it’s like a big family, and hopefully it will be well-received. There are just so many creative artists of all styles in this city. I love diversity, and Bristol has it in abundance.

Tell us something about Bristol street artists that we may not know Robert del Naja is not Banksy, nor is he a member of Massive Attack [laughs]. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 35

GRAFFITI

ARTS

Below, John Nation (Bristol City Council) Right, SHAB in action; photo Neil James Brain

INKIE ON JOHN How do you know John?

I know John from my days visiting and painting at Barton Hill Youth Club in the late 1980s; he has always been a key figure in the Bristol graffiti and music scene.

What do you think about Graffiti Nation, and how do you feel about getting involved with the exhibition?

I think it’s about time someone promoted the history of Bristol’s graffiti past and present – it should not be overlooked in favour of ‘street art’.

What did the Barton Hill Dug Out mean to you?

It was a place to take time experimenting with new and different styles in a legal environment, as well as a meeting place for writers from all around the globe.

Was John instrumental in what you do today?

John has always been a close friend, and his work at the Youth Club was definitely a help in my career.

Anything else?

Don’t forget about Lenny :-)* * Lenny was John’s dog; his name was referenced in a number of murals. During raids and arrests during the 1980s, the police regularly demanded to know who the elusive ‘Lenny’ was – much to the graff writers’ amusement

Upfest goes from strength to strength – but what happened to See No Evil?

See No Evil was held in 2011 and 2012. It was only ever meant to be a one-off event, in 2011, but due to its success a second SNE did take place in 2012.

Both were great events, and people keep asking if there will be another one – Inkie would be the man to ask on that front. As for Upfest going from strength to strength I totally agree with you; it’s now firmly established as an integral part of the Bristol social events calendar, but more importantly it is recognised and established as one of the biggest events of its kind in the world, and the team behind it should rightly be proud of that. I know how much hard work goes into pulling off an event of that size, so I doff my cap to all involved.

Why did Bristol become such a major player on the international street art scene?

Good question; it comes down to many JODY ON JOHN How do you know John?

I first met John around 1987 at Barton Hill Youth Centre. I was a shy 15 year old with my GCSE art folder under my arm.

At the time, I was trying to fuse my love of art and the thenunderground world of graffiti, and John jumped at this chance to showcase something that was a bit different.

What do you think about Graffiti Nation?

I immediately said I wanted to be involved when he invited me to be part of it. Graffiti Nation as a title is genius, really; given the current popularity of ‘street art’, which graffiti hadn’t fully evolved into back in the 1980s, this show will be a clear throwback

contributing factors. We have history, reputation, culture, the writers and artists past and present, large scale events like Upfest – the list is endless.

But for me, there’s one huge factor that will always be paramount, and that’s Banksy. Some will disagree, but that’s what I honestly believe.

Which Bristol areas are special to you?

There are many areas of the city that are special to me. One will always hold a special place in my heart, though, and that is Barton Hill – it had a huge impact on my life. As for venues, again, there have been so many: The Dug Out Club, Princess Court, Western Star Domino Club, Moon Club and Trinity, which is where my wife Cath and I held our wedding reception party, Love Nation. Memories that we will never forget.

Graffiti Nation shows at Upfest 18 April-12 May www.upfest.co.uk

to the old days of the underground scene.

What did the Barton Hill Dug Out mean to you?

It was a place that didn’t accept me fully to begin with – most of the graffiti guys begrudgingly liked what I did, but two very key people loved it, John, of course and SHAB, who is exhibiting in the show. They both saw the value and power of what I was trying to create. If it wasn’t for them, I might never have stuck it out. They gave me their stamp of approval, and the confidence to continue.

So John was instrumental in what you do today?

John gave me, and many other young artists, the support and outlet that just wasn’t available

anywhere else at the time. It was the late 1980s; pre-internet, premobile phones, very primitive times by today’s standards; but what none of us knew was that he was setting the foundations for a movement that would go underground during the ’90s and then explode in the 2000s with many of the original characters like Cheo, Inkie and myself making a living from painting, in the street art renaissance that we now know.

Anything else?

John built the foundation, but Banksy’s popularity has definitely played a part reaching the wider audience. The annual Upfest street art festival is proof that this is very much a Bristolorientated movement. But I’m biased, of course.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

COMEDY

ARTS

CHUCKLE BROTHER It’s been over 20 years since the ‘Short Fat Kebab Shop Owner’s Son’ first picked up the mic. Since then, Omid Djalili has won numerous awards, and made it into C4’s list of Top 100 stand-ups. He’s no stranger to Bristol, and he’s headed back our way again this May

By K AT I E N IC HOL LS

F

or those who have never experienced the Djalili effect, here’s what to expect from his new show at Colston Hall this month: some dancing, a bit of singing, cheekily contentious comedy and buckets of charm. “I look like a short, fat kebab shop-owner’s son, but inside me there’s a tall, thin, high-cheekboned English ponce screaming to get out,” is how he describes himself.

Omid’s no stranger to Colston Hall, being a stalwart supporter of the annual Slapstick Festival, but this time he’s on his own, bringing a new set of gags to Briz as part of a 108-date tour.

His Colston Hall appearance comes some eight months after the first gig, but Omid’s ebullient comedic style is nothing if not responsive; rest assured that the well-honed material will sound as fresh as a daisy.

The title of the tour, Schmuck for a Night, is a play on a line taken from Martin Scorsese’s film King of Comedy, when Robert De Niro’s character, Rupert Pupkin, says: “Better to be king for a night than a schmuck for a lifetime.”

Omid says he just likes the word “schmuck” and, frankly, it’s funny when he says it. “The material for Schmuck… is largely satirical. I’m just trying to make sense of everything,” he says, and because the current political landscape is so mercurial, he’s having to constantly rewrite his gags. Trump, Theresa May and his blind Jewish manager, Nigel Klafeld, all come under scrutiny.

And if the joke doesn’t go down well with the audience? Omid says he’ll just start jumping around to get the laughs, because “there’s nothing quite like a fat man doing physical endeavour”.

Omid Djalili brings his Schmuck for a Night to Colston Hall on 12 May; tickets cost £25.80 www.colstonhall.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 39

REVIEWS

The VERDICT A new Matthew Bourne and a new Sally Cookson – but which one did our reviewers adore?

MATTHEW BOURNE’S THE RED SHOES Bristol Hippodrome, 4-8 April

LA STRADA Bristol Old Vic, 11-22 April

In the original Hans Christian Andersen tale, a pair of red ballet shoes, eagerly laced on by a young village girl, cannot be removed until she dances to her death. It was, all in all, a pretty dour Victorian homily that explored the sin of vanity and religious redemption.

In 1948, British movie-makers Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger turned the folk story into a ballet, and framed it with a larger story – a kind of show-within-a-show. In the hands of ‘The Archers’, The Red Shoes becomes an allegory for the off-stage drama, in which rising star Vicky Page finds herself caught between romantic love and her desire to dance in the company of her Diaghalev-style mentor; it’s a parable about obsession, the all-consuming nature of art, and a woman’s right to shoes (I’m struggling to think of an equivalent tale in which a man is forced to choose between love and career fulfilment).

No surprise, then, that it was the film rather than the folk tale that inspired Matthew Bourne to create his bewitching, award-winning new ballet.

Our greatest living choreographer has always been in thrall to the movies, and it’s easy to see what attracted him to the Powell & Pressburger version – so brimful of simmering emotion, rich visuals and ’40s glamour.

Bourne, however, didn’t use the same soundtrack as P&P; instead, he sourced early pieces from that most atmospheric of Hollywood film composers, Bernard Hermann, using everything from light waltzes to doomy, razorsharp strings (this, after all, was the man who wrote the music for Psycho).

The music, dance steps and pastiches – classical ballet yields to Astaire & Rogers, to East End music hall, to Expressionism – along with clever, deceptively simple sets, hugely atmospheric lighting and brilliantly clear characterisation, effortlessly switch the mood from knockabout comedy to romance to searing tragedy.

If you loved the movie, the opening scene, in which flame-haired Vicky boureés out between the draped curtains will catch your heart. If you’ve never seen it, no matter; Bourne is a storyteller par excellence, and here he is at the top of his game.

And that ending? No matter how familiar you are with the movie, it’ll hit you with the shock of, well, an oncoming train.

By Deri Robins

La Strada! It promised to be such a box-ticker of a show that we’d had it circled on the calendar for months. It was, after all, based on Fellini’s masterpiece of a road movie; it was directed by Sally Cookson, the creative force behind Jane Eyre and Peter Pan; the music was by Benji Bower; the main role played by Audrey Brisson, so adorably gamine in The Flying Lovers and The Grinning Man. And yet five minutes into the play, we knew that we weren’t going to fall in love with it. The characters were rather too broadly drawn; like cartoons, they could have walked off the edge of a cliff like for all we cared. We were callously unmoved by the plight of the waif-like Gelsomina – sold by her mother for 10,000 lire to brutal circus strong-man Zampano, who repeatedly abuses her as the troupe travels through post-war Italy – and in La Strada, if you don’t care what happens to Gelsomina, you may as well give up, leave and go and get chips.

And yes, we see where they were coming from with the ‘little clown’ thing – that’s how Guiletta Masina played Gelsomina for Fellini – but the portrayal here put us more in mind of Stan Laurel than Charlie Chaplin. Drawn with an equally broad brushstroke was Stuart Goodwin’s Zampano, and Bart Soroczynskis as the circus fool who helps Gelsomina achieve redemption.

Any positives? Sure, loads; there’s plenty of brio in this show, and lots of energy and invention.

Many of the classic Cookson elements are present; the ensemble cast, often swaying fluidly as one body, are multi-talented, being obliged to sing, play instruments and pedal a unicycle as well as act. The minimal props and lighting are wittily and creatively used. The songs are nice, if not memorable; a nanosecond of a pause followed each big number, presumably in case the audience desired to break into spontaneous applause. It didn’t; at the end of the final act, the clapping sounded more polite than euphoric – though to be fair, the chat we overheard during the interval was largely enthusiastic.

Great theatre sends you back out into the night with a lump in your throat and an uncontrollable urge to high-five the ushers. After La Strada, we left rather quietly. There again, for all its Oscarwinning neo-realist brilliance, few people left Fellini’s movie with a smile on their face.

By Emily Geddes

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

TRULY GREAT THEATRE SENDS YOU BACK OUT INTO THE NIGHT WITH A LUMP IN YOUR THROAT

AND AN UNCONTROLLABLE URGE TO HIGH-FIVE THE USHERS

AT LAST: THE ETTA JAMES STORY St George’s Bristol 3 April Born in 1938 to a 14-year-old mother, Jamesetta Hawkins did not have the best start in life. At the age of 14 herself she met musician Johnny Otis who gave Jamesetta her big break, turning her into Etta James. From these inauspicious beginnings came a voice of such haunting beauty that it is instantly recognisable from tunes like Tell Mama, Something’s Got A Hold On Me, Sugar On The Floor, I’d Rather Go Blind, and, of course, At Last.

Vika Bull and the Essential R&B Band take Etta James’s music, her life, and bring it to life without props or staging. While the narrative might be clichérich, it’s informative and told with wit and verve. And the songs… at last, it’s like Etta James is back for one last gig, and we were privileged to be there.

By Tim Popple

The Red Shoes: dancing the gamut from classical ballet to Hollywood musical

La Strada: plenty of wit and invention, but strangely lacking in heart

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

Fashion/gifts/stores/more

THE SWEDE SMELL OF SUCCESS We all know about lagom now, right? It’s the new Scandinavian buzzword* – or at least, it’s fairly new in the UK; Swedish people have been practising lagom instinctively, with no fuss or fanfare, since forever. Lagom is all about restraint, simplicity and eschewing excess; the word roughly translates as ‘having just enough’.

Interior designer Jessica Davis of Arlberry is a fan of the philosophy. “Focusing on beauty as well as practicality, I believe all my designs have lagom,” she says. “I love to bring a mixture of textures and materials into all of my design work, and I especially love a play on natural materials and their textures. This Agate wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries is a fabulous example of taking beauty from nature; agate is a semi-precious stone, and this natural beauty is celebrated and interpreted within these coloured wallpapers.”

For more www.arlberry.com

(* So if you’re still banging on about hygge, you really need to have a word with yourself )

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 43

1

3

2

BLOOM IN LOVE

SPRING IS BUSTIN’ OUT ALL OVER; SO TAKE YOUR PARTNERS FOR THE FLORAL DANCE 5

4

1. IF LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS

2. FOREVER AMBER

3. ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK

4. DUCK ROCK

5. CHINTZ CHARMING

Tropical dress, £59.99 You may be too late to get tickets for Foozie’s Club Tropicana party, but this figure-flattering Smashed Lemons sweetie will see you right through the rest of the summer season From Amulet Boutique 39A Cotham Hill www.amuletboutique.co.uk

Wooden ring, £5 Layla Amber’s laser-cut birch rings – on the sale, with matching earrings for only £4.50 – are the cutest and most affordable floral pop in town From Soma Gallery 4 Boyce’s Avenue www.soma.gallery

Baum & Pferdgarten Lacey silk scarf, £79 If full-blown blooms aren’t your scene, how about the dandelions on this delicately-patterned statement scarf?

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

Green Rose tumbler, £23 Duck Egg’s quirky ceramic tumblers have natural curves that fit perfectly in your hand; each one is individually made with its own unique character.

From Objets de Desir 5 Boyce’s Avenue www.objetsdedesir.com

Alexander McQueen leather trainers, £325 If this pattern was on a sofa, it would look like something from your nan’s house. But on black McQueen trainers? EDGY. From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street, Quakers Friars www.harveynichols.com

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

6 ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

7

9 8

10

6. ONE DAY MY PRINTS WILL COME

Lynette Bower print, £25 (originals from £250) Lynette’s also a biology teacher, so there are bound to be the right number of sepals and petals, too From Room 212 212 Gloucester Road www.room212.co.uk

7. LES CACTUS

8. PETAL POWER

9. CUTTING EDGE

10. PETAL GURU

Concrete incline pots, £8-£10 Minimalists will adore these smooth little planters – the perfect container for your favourite, very on-trend, low-maintenance succulent From Mon Pote 177-179 North Street www.monpote.co.uk

Tulip chair, from £675 Designed by Pierre Paulin in the swingin’ Sixties, and doesn’t it look it? We’re picturing Megan Draper swivelling gracefully round in this chair at Sterling Cooper Draper Price . . .

From Oskar Furniture 47 Whiteladies Road www.oskarfurniture.co.uk

Burgon & Ball secateurs and holster, £19.99 Brie Harrison’s botanical prints are so very ‘now’ that you’ll want to leave this pretty piece of kit lying casually around the house From Pod Company 24 The Mall, Clifton www.podcompany.co.uk

Amber blouse, £165; Leandra skirt, £215 Silk pieces by Rixo London – a house currently taking the fashion world by storm, and recently featured in Elle and Vogue From Movement Boutique 66 Alma Road www.movementboutique. co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk II CLIFTON BRISTOL LIFE LIFE II 45 www.mediaclash.co.uk 69

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

The Jetty Fish-fanciers take note: if you’ve always felt that the city was lacking in the sophisticated seafood stakes, The Harbour Hotel could be a bit of a game-changer

By M A L ROGE R S

T

he Jetty Restaurant is the culinary bit of the new Harbour Hotel on Corn Street. It’s been carved out of the old Lloyd’s bank, built by William Bruce Gingell in the 1840s opposite the old Exchange building; William nicked the design from Sansovino’s 16th century Venetian library.

We’re guessing that the marble-topped bar that runs the length of the restaurant might once have been where the tellers did their business; the enticingly stocked top shelf of the Jetty bar was presumably where the staff kept their bank ledgers. Now it’s crammed with spirits and liqueurs – that’s what we call progress.

The Jetty is an airy restaurant with high, arched Venetian windows edged in Bristol blue glass. These look out onto Small Street, from which you can people-watch from the huge, jewelcoloured velvet banquettes within.

Slightly oddly, residential guests are obliged to trundle their wheelie suitcases through the dining room in order to reach the lift; we know that the hotel is tinkering with its reception area at the moment, so this might be a temporary thing.

Anyway, there’s a happy buzz to the room, the waiters are friendly, and the smiling young maitre d’ is very busy. In keeping with the maritime flavour of the restaurant, he’s like a sandpiper, darting here and there, making sure that it all runs smoothly.

THE GOLD BAR SERVES A DECENT

RANGE

OF FOOD TO GO WITH THE

COCKTAILS, TOO; YOU MAY NEVER MAKE IT AS FAR AS THE DINING ROOM

Which, for the large part, it did. The ‘while you wait’ nibbles were a pleasing quartet, though we were only served one of each of the following: a small smoked salmon roulade with cream cheese and caviar; one crisp bread with taramasalata, a dessertspoonful of baby octopus in hot chilli oil (excellent), served in a Borrowerssized copper frying pan and half a Scotch quails egg (or should that be a quail’s Scotch egg?) with Hollandaise, accompanied by fresh sourdough bread with plenty of spongy bounce.

The menu – designed by Alex Aitken, the creator of the group’s five restaurants – is heavily seafood-focused. That said, our favourite dish of the meal turned out to be ‘Alex’s twice-baked cheese soufflé’ – every bit as blamelessly creamy and indulgent as it sounds. Should you wish to add a little maritime piquancy, a lobster bisque sauce is also available, but we forgot to order that.

Our other starter was the Jetty sashimi — sea bass, salmon, tuna and scallop with wasabi, miso-pickled ginger, keta, soy and Asian salad. All you require from sashimi is irreproachable freshness and a very sharp knife; our fishy slivers could hardly have been fresher, or daintily thinner.

The main course threw us a bit, given that we’d had our little hearts set on the lobster, which was unavailable. A pairing of duck and squid looked very tempting – breast of duck with squid stuffed with slow-cooked duck leg – as did the cod and crab. Choosing instead the nearest thing to the lobster, we shared a big dish of fruits de mer – prawns, some kind of croquette, mussels, cockles, squid, scallop and oyster.

We chose to have it warm rather than cold. The mussels and cockles came in a ratatouille sauce, the oysters with a garlicky herby crumble topping, and there was a little mayonnaise dip, too, that we felt could have carried more of a capery oomph. Another, slightly heftier copper pan also turned up, containing a decent pile of fries.

For desserts, our friendly and accommodating waiter recommended the Espresso Martini Sabayon, a combo of stracciatella ice-cream and almond biscotti, which even to a pair of dessert refuseniks like us struck us as being extremely superior.

The Jetty is a bright and inviting restaurant, and makes an excellent meeting place if you’re in Old City and want to please all members of the party. The à-la-carte’s not cheap, but there’s an excellent-value deal in the form of the lunch menu, which offers two courses for £12.75, with plenty of choice, from steak haché to linguini pasta, and that star of the sea, fillet of bream.

It’s not the most innovative opening that Bristol’s seen over the past year, but The Jetty is a welcome addition to the local dining scene, especially fish-fanciers. Cocktails are excellent here too; if you’re in for the evening we suggest you dive into the recently opened Gold Bar; they serve a decent range of food here too. In fact, you may never make it as far as the dining room.

DINING DETAILS The Jetty, Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa, 55 Corn Street, BS1 1HT; 0844 811 1103 Opening hours Monday – Thursday: 12-3pm, 6-10pm; Friday – Saturday 12-3pm, 6-10.30pm; Sunday 12-4pm, 6-9pm We visited Thursday lunchtime Prices starters £8.50-£11.50; mains £17.50-£28; desserts £5-£7.50 Drinks extensive choice of wine from £22-£180, cocktails £8.50 Vegetarian choice there’s a vegetarian and vegan menu Kids children are welcome, and burgers etc can be prepared Service friendly, professional Invalid access fully accessible

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

FOOD

SPECIAL

* CIDER WITH ROSIE * OK, perhaps not cider, exactly – but cakes, meat, fish, fruit and veg – Bristol nutritionist ROSIE LETTS cherry-picks her favourite food suppliers in the city

A

s a nutritional consultancy, you can imagine that we love to talk about food – especially where we like to buy it. In the absence of any Bristol Food Connections this year, we wanted to share with you some of our favourite local haunts. Given Bristol’s varied range of shops and eateries, it quickly became evident that this was going to be a challenge . . .

BAKERS

Baking has had a major renaissance in Bristol.

Long gone are the days when bread was a simple choice between white and brown; at some bakers, the list of options is as long as the coffee menu at Small Street Espresso.

A firm favourite of ours is Harts at Temple Meads; as well as their outstanding sourdough bread, the daily options range from wholemeal and sesame to specials including rye, raisin and fennel; everything is made on-site, and uses organic ingredients. There is also a small café at the front, serving a seasonal menu. It’s always really busy, which can only be a testament to their brilliant food.

Another favourite bakery is Chandos Deli. At its four locations across Bristol, this gorgeous deli stocks a wide range of Hobbs House bread, including their award-winning sourdough; you can also buy this at The Arch House Deli in Clifton, but make sure you get there early before it sells out for the day.

Among an array of toothsome baked goods and sweet treats, Pinkmans Bakery on Park Street also sell a wide range of delicious bread. Following their basic philosophy that means using only the bestquality ingredients, everything is baked on-site with no artificial preservatives or GM foods. The cherry on the top is their delightful café, which is situated at the back of the bakery and serves food and drinks all day.

On Whiteladies Road, the team behind Bakesmiths are Tom Battle and Mike Thorne, who are passionate about baking wonderful goods ‘in line of sight’ of their customers. They pride themselves on having great people serving great food, with great ingredients, in a great location – something they execute effortlessly. What’s so ideal about this place is that you can grab your loaf of sourdough and unwind in the café with a top cup of coffee. Oh, and they also serve bottomless bread with their soup.

FRUIT & VEG

A firm favourite amongst the team in the fruit and veg department is Matter, the organic fruit, vegetable and wholefood store based in Easton. Matter supports local farmers and businesses, and is passionate about supplying high-quality, seasonal, organic foods. What’s so great about this shop is that it’s run primarily by volunteers, which enables it to keep its prices as low as possible – a philosophy that we love as much as their food.

Other favourites include Lloyds Greengrocers on Henleaze Road and Ashton Fruit Shop on North Street, both of which provide goodquality fruit and vegetables for a very reasonable price.

And, obviously, we have to give a shout out to Reg the Veg, Clifton’s independent greengrocer whose boxes of fruit and vegetables make such a colourful splash as you enter Boyce’s Avenue from Victoria Square. They proudly offer quality produce and prices that you often won’t find in the supermarkets.

Alongside this, they are also the preferred supplier of many of Bristol’s best restaurants.

CATCHING FISH ON SMALL BOATS ENSURES

MEAT

The careful sourcing and buying of meat is particularly important to our team. In an ideal world, we would always like it to be organic, but high prices often mean that this can’t always be the case.

Despite this, one thing we always strive for is locating good-quality, local meat. Ruby & White Butchers on Whiteladies Road perfectly fits the bill, serving a wide range of meats and a small selection of other quality foods. In our opinion, it looks more like a restaurant than a butchers shop.

Rare Butchers of Southville sources high-quality, free-range meat from across the South West. The team are always so helpful and happy to advise on the best cuts for your dish at the best price. Finally, Clifton Village Butchers is a stockist of farm-assured quality meat; it’s been running for over 10 years now, a testament to their consistently good food and friendly service.

BETTER

FRESHNESS AND SUPPORTS SMALL

LOCAL FISHERIES

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

FISH

This was another tough one, but we have whittled it down to a select few. Source is tucked away in St Nicholas Market and only sells seasonal produce from top-quality suppliers, so you can be sure that what you are getting is good. Their fishmonger sells a variety of fish and shellfish, and specialises in British wild fish and seafood.

All the fish from the Fish Shop on Gloucester Road is caught on small boats, which not only ensures freshness, but also supports small local fisheries around the UK. The Fish Shop specialises in free-range salmon, which is farmed far out at sea and contains no antibiotics. w

Chandos Deli

Bakesmiths

Reg the Veg

Tovey’s

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SPECIAL

We also have to mention Tovey’s on Stapleton Road in Easton.

Established back in 1962, Tovey’s is a small family run business, and if you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, this is the place (plaice?) to come. With fish from all over the world, you can purchase everything from the ordinary cod and sea bass, to the more exotic mahi-mahi or red snapper. Fresh fish is also delivered daily.

CAFÉS

company, some of their profits go back into local community projects – a wonderful ethos to match their dedication to providing the bestquality food.

Last but not least is St Werburghs City Farm. This family-friendly city farm aims to educate both adults and children about farm animals.

The café sources all its produce from their own farm or from local allotments, where the owners are encouraged to trade any surplus food they have grown for something in the cafe. What a great idea.

IF YOU’RE

With so many fabulous new café hotspots springing up, this is the hardest category. First up, though, is Friska, which always hits the spot with healthy, fresh, and inexpensive food without compromising on quality. We especially love their bean hotpots and inviting salads.

Following shortly behind is Cafe Kino, a vegan café and community space situated in the heart of Stokes Croft. Everything they offer is made freshly on-site, including their acclaimed bean burgers, falafels, fresh salads and cakes. What’s so great about this café is that it’s not only a nonprofit cooperative, but it strives to support the locality in whatever way it can, from hanging the artwork of local artists, to providing a space for yoga and life drawing.

Next up is The Health Hub on Cotham Hill, which prides itself on being a hotbed for nutritional experts who have developed a menu based on seasonal, nutrient-dense food. From breakfast through to lunch, their aim is to provide you with the best nutritional choices that are dairy and refined-sugar-free. They also serve delicious organic juices. What’s more, as a community-based

FOOD

LOOKING

HEALTH FOOD SHOPS

The Better Food Company is a firm favourite with the team, and with three stores open around Bristol you never have to go too far to source your organic, nutritious foods and natural skin care products.

Earthbound in Cotham stocks predominantly organic goods and bread from Harts & Herberts.

TARDIS-like, it looks at first glance to be a very small store, but it opens up at the back to stock a whole range of goods from pastas, teas, jams, wholefoods, natural cleaning products and much more. All of their produce is also sourced from local suppliers.

Finally, the list would not be complete without a mention of Harvest on Gloucester Road. With glutenfree and dairy free alternatives, certified organic fresh fruit and vegetables, and not a GM ingredient in sight, this is the place to shop with a clear conscience. They stock everything from organic nuts and seeds, to environmentally-friendly cleaning products. What’s more, since the start of 2008, the health food shop has been a carrier-bag-free zone and only offers more environmentally friendly alternatives in store.

FOR SOMETHING A BIT UNUSUAL, TOVEY’S IS THE PLACE TO COME

For more www.rosielettsnutrition.com

Pinkmans Bakery

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S P R I N G D I N I N G a d vertisin g feat u re

eat bristol, drink bristol The weather's finally warming up (OK, it's doing its best), and Bristol's diners are emerging out of their winter hibernation, blinking into the sunlight, and wishing to dine on the finest food available to humanity . . .

BAMBALAN

Colston Tower, Colston Street, Bristol BS1 4XE 0117 922 1880; bambalan.co.uk With its enormous sun terrace and vibrant menu, Bambalan is the perfect destination for making the most of the spring weather while enjoying unrivalled views over the city centre. With a great selection of Middle Eastern inspired dishes, including flatbread pizzas, seasonal mezze dishes and their signature kebabs, Bambalan offers fresh, reasonable food, perfect for sharing with family and friends. As a sister venue to some of the city’s best cocktail bars, Hyde & Co and The Milk Thistle, Bambalan naturally has an impressive range of drinks including cocktails, locally sourced beers, ciders and speciality teas and coffee, all perfect for enjoying alongside a lazy brunch, lunch or dinner in the sunshine on the terrace.

SHop 3 bistro

3a Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4HW 0117 382 2235; A small independent Clifton bistro serving moderately priced, rustic, locally sourced cuisine. Call in for lunch Fri-Sun, or dinner from 6pm Wednesday to Saturday (bookings recommended). Visit us on Twitter or our facebook page www.facebook.com/Shop3Bistro for our latest menus. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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

Berwick Lodge

Berwick Drive, Bristol, BS10 7TD 0117 958 1590; berwicklodge.co.uk Hattusa Restaurant at Berwick Lodge, set in 18 acres of gardens, has been designed to blend fine dining with a luxurious sense of relaxation. Head Chef and Roux Scholar, Paul OšNeill heads up the kitchen to bring the very best of seasonal Modern British à -la-carte, and tasting menus with his signature style of an occasional Asian twist. This spring it comes in starter form as lemongrass and ginger poached poussin breast, spiced poussin leg, peas, potato and spinach and a main course of gurnard, warm spiced fennel and potato salad, salt and pepper squid, lemongrass and coconut broth. The brasserie menu is a hit for those wanting simpler dining, with a variety of sharing platters, light bites and bar favourites. Sunday lunch and afternoon teas are also served at Hattusa.

NUTMEG

10 The Mall, Bristol, BS8 4DR 0117 360 0288; nutmegbristol.com Nutmeg is a vibrantly colourful, independent Indian restaurant situated in Clifton Village. Owners Raja and Charlotte with head chef Arvind Pawar have created a concept inspired by their passion for the diverse culinary history of a country which stretches from the foothills of the Himalayas to the tropics of Southern Kerala. The standard menu, named Menu 29, consists of dishes both familiar and new and aims to express the diversity of India's 29 states. In addition to the standard menu, a new tasting menu is introduced every two months which focuses on a different region of India. From May, they will be offering a New Delhi tasting menu. And from July, Tamil Nadu.

ad v ertisi n g feat u re S P R I N G D I N I N G

Muino

32 Cotham Hill, BS6 6LA 01179077112; muinobristol.com

Rosarios (CLIFTON)

99 Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1LW 0117 317 9806; www.rosarioscafe.co.uk

Muino is a small but perfectly formed neighbourhood restaurant serving British-inspired small and large plates, burgers and weekend brunch. They use the best South West produce to create their lovely dishes; most popular at the moment are the new season's lamb rump with herbed cous cous and minted yoghurt and their signature Cornish scallops with parsnip purée and chervil sherry caramel, among others. These are complemented by carefully selected world wines, local beers and classic cocktails. Deals include three small plates for £12, five for £20 before 7pm daily and all night Tuesdays and Wednesdays; they are also launching their bottomless brunch on the last weekend of April (29-30). This is priced at £15 for unlimited breakfast, teas, coffees and juices and for £27.50 you can swig that all down with bottomless Prosecco. Booking strongly advised!

Riding on the back of the popularity of his quirky Bath shop, Rosario opened his Bristol Clifton shop with the aim of bringing a bit of Sicily to the West Country. Rosario’s Clifton is located in the sophisticated Clifton village area, adjacent to the University of Bristol yet further away from the busy Park Street in Bristol. Rosario’s is open seven days a week and offers its own blend of coffee and a full range of finest quality leaf teas. In addition, they offer a collection of traditional Sicilian cakes and a wide selection of home-made gluten-free cakes and dishes. They are also renowned for their home-made specialty pasta and hot bowl of the week, made using locally sourced ingredients. Rosario’s Clifton has plenty of outdoor seating in the patio area. They can cater for buffets and social events. Takeaway options are available for all the dishes on the menu. Sunday lunch is coming soon. . .

Le Poivrot

47 Colston St. BS1 5AX 0117 373 1530; lepoivrot.co.uk

THE GREENHOUSE

37 College Green, Bristol, BS1 5SP 0117 927 6426; stonegatepubs.com/green-house

From the team that brought you Red Light comes another stunning bar in central Bristol, Le Poivrot at 47 Colston Street.

Serving fine French wine, with cheese and charcuterie from the Jura mountains, it aims to bring a touch of French elegance to the Bristol bar scene. Le Poivrot is open from 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. They are developing an exciting menu with a heavy French influence, and will open for lunch service once the menu is launched mid spring. Along with wine, there is a good selection of bottled beer, fantastic coffee, and a well curated selection of spirits and liqueurs.

They take bookings of 8 people and above, from 5pm to 9pm, and open until 11pm in the week, midnight at weekends.

Quirky and chic, The Greenhouse has become a Bristol dining-out hotspot, following its £400,000 renovation. Breakfast features such must-have dishes as mashed avocado, while the stone-baked pizzas range from classic margheritas to Hariyali chicken­marinated in yoghurt, garlic and tikka. Tapas bring a Mediterranean flavour to proceedings, while British cuisine is represented by roast beef and horseradish; own-recipe gourmet burgers range from traditional to Moroccan-inspired lamb.

It's a hero menu in a swanky venue, with great offers such as Tapas Tuesday and 241 pizza on Thursdays. That's before we get onto the high energy weekend party nights . .

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 53

FOOD

F E S T I VA L

VEGAN for LIFE Veganism is on the up! As Vegfest prepares to return to Harbourside for the 15th year, we ask founder Tim Barford exactly why we should ditch the meat. And the fish. And the dairy.

And definitely the leather thigh-high boots. It’s all a far cry from Grillstock . . .

By J E SSIC A C OOK

T

he aim of veganism is to embark on a diet and way of life that avoids cruelty to, and exploitation of animals as far as possible. This covers all aspects of lifestyle from diet to clothing – leather, for example, is obviously out.

As well as avoiding meat, vegans also steer clear of foods that come from animals, such as dairy and eggs – even honey. With the ‘dairy is scary’ video, which shows the ins and outs of the milk production industry, having already accrued more than two million views, people are becoming more and more curious about where our meat and dairy products come from, and how the animals involved in their production are treated.

But what does this mean for Bristol?

Bristol has its fair share of vegan cafes and restaurants, from Café Kino to Pepe Nero Organic, but the pièce de resistance is its yearly vegan festival.

Running this year between 20-21 May, Bristol’s VegfestUK is set to win the hearts of vegans and non-vegans alike, and with an impressive house line-up, including Danny Rampling, Robin S and Rozalla on the Saturday and Dub Pistols on the Sunday, as well as a cornucopia of local bands, it’s an impressive musical experience as well as a foodie fest.

We sat down for a chat with founder Tim Barford to find out about how and why he started VegFest, and why he thinks you should go vegan.

“The festival started out as a giant celebration of veganism, and has grown from there year by year,” he says. “The first event was at the Watershed in 2003, with 1200 people and 40 stalls. Fast-forward to 2017, and we are now doing the UK’s first vegan trade show at Olympia, along with events in Bristol and Brighton. Happy days.”

Tim first came to Bristol in 1983 – “The year before I went vegan. I used to buy sacks of lentils

from Nova (now Essential Wholefoods). I recall eating at Wild Oats on Whiteladies Road, one of the UK’s first vegan restaurants in 1984 – the first time I ate a ‘vegan dessert’.”

Like many people, Tim started out as veggie, progressing to vegan later on. “I went veggie aged 18, mainly to piss off my mum and dad (succeeded there, all right). Went vegan in 1984 and never looked back. Vegan for life.”

Tim’s favourite vegan restaurants are spread far and wide. While a few that top of his list are in Brighton (Rootcandi, Food for Friends and Terre A Terre), Bristol’s Chris and Jo’s makes the list, too.

And if you’re worried that you’ll struggle to find vegan options? These days, vegan food is much more readily available.

“There’s vegan food everywhere,” Tim says. “I eat a lot of raw, so hemp smoothies, superfood smoothies, salads and raw snack bars are big in the kitchen. If cooking, nothing beats a good dhal. I use lentils daily.”

If you’re thinking of becoming vegan, but you’re afraid to make the jump? “Just get on with it,” Tim says. “And if you can’t quite get your head around going vegan straight away, then start with a vegan breakfast, follow with a vegan lunch, and aim for a vegan dinner. If you regress and eat some animal product, just start again the next day with another vegan breakfast, then a vegan lunch, then dinner.”

Above all, Tim stresses that it’s important to maintain awareness about what you’re eating.

“Being veggie, flexi or reducetarian isn’t enough.

One day we’ll look back and think, how could we have done this to animals? It’s time to buy out of the cycle of abuse.”

ONE DAY WE’LL LOOK

BACK AND THINK – HOW COULD WE HAVE DONE THIS TO ANIMALS?

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

Vegfest Bristol, 20-21 May, Bristol Harbourside www.bristol.vegfest.co.uk

Opposite page: coming to a Harbourside near you this May: (clockwise from top) Elspeth’s Kitchen; Rainbow Gecko; a Butcherless burger; Happy Maki sushi; the best fried plaintain in Bristol

FUN FACTS FOR FACT FANS • Vegfest isn’t just for vegans.

At Bristol Vegfest, 60% are vegans and 40% pre-vegans.

• According to The Vegan Society, there are three-and-ahalf times more vegans in the UK than there were 10 years ago, making it one of the fastest-growing lifestyle movements.

• Britain is home to more than half-a-million vegans – they make up more than 1% of the population over 15 years old.

• Statistically speaking, vegans tend to be city types, with 88% living in urban and suburban areas. And 42% of all vegans are in the 15-34 wear old bracket – all part of the equation that makes veganism and Bristol the perfect fit.

Vegfest takes place 20-21 May on Harbourside; Tickets in advance cost £6 per day/£10 for both days plus booking fees. Tickets on the gate cost £10 for adults, £4 for concessions; kids under 16 who are accompanied by adults get free entry.

XXXXX

ARTS

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

now open in clifton village 29 Regent Street, Bristol BS8 4HR 01179 092 770 • info@boscoclifton.co.uk www.boscopizzeria.co.uk

The Lion Cliftonwood

We are a small and quirky family run pub in deepest darkest Cliftonwood Bristol. Our menu is mainly gluten free and offers something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian options.

19 Church Ln, Bristol BS8 4TX Phone: 07867 796961 www.thelioncliftonwood.co.uk

FOOD

JOSH EGGLETON, Chef pat ron

YES, CHEF! No wonder Josh is smiling! When the Pony opened 11 years ago it was a small, optimistic family venture; now it’s an industry awards-magnet with a kitchen that attracts some of the best chefs in the country

I

remember the opening night of The Pony & Trap as if it were yesterday. I ran the kitchen, and my sister Holly ran the bar. Our mum worked the tables and dad did the washing up. We made £15 that night.

I’m always humbled by how far we’ve come in the last 11 years, and I’m looking forward to the coming one. If you’d have told me back in 2006 that I’d have some of the best chefs in the land coming to our pub, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you.

We’ve had a bit of good fortune already, with The Pony and The Kenny being named 3rd and 24th respectively in the Top 50 Gastropub Awards. I’m massively proud of both teams for their hard work and dedication in getting to this stage.

About two weeks later, The Pony was included in the Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants List – the first time the pub

MUM TABLES AND DAD DID THE WASHING UP; WE MADE £15 THAT NIGHT WORKED THE

has been named. It was humbling to be representing the South West along with the likes of Casamia, Adelina Yard and Bulrush.

We’re not long into the year, and there’s already so much going on. The South West food scene is just growing and growing, and it seems there are opportunities on every corner and great new places to eat, such as Box E, The Lock Up and the new Cargo development. Spring is going to see loads more new places opening their doors, including the new Salt & Malt at Cargo II. This month the team and I were demonstrating at Taste Chocolate Festival at Harbour Hotel, as well as Exeter Food Festival and Porthleven Food Festival.

In May we’ll be heading to a brand new event called Pub in the Park. It’s being presented by Tom Kerridge in his home town of Marlow and there’s going to be 10 of the best pubs and restaurants in the country all together in one field; we’ll be alongside

the likes of The Hand & Flowers, The Star Inn and The Scran & Scallie.

We can’t wait to be a part of it all.

We’ve also spent quite a bit of time lately putting together a cracking guest chef series throughout the year at The Pony. We’ve got a guest chef each month from April to November, and it’s just kicked off with Michael Bremner from 64 Degrees in Brighton. You may remember Michael from last year’s Great British Menu Scottish heats. His dish ‘A Message to the Lode Star’ was one of the best I’ve ever seen on the show; lightly-cured mackerel; potato and caper salad, steamed clam and oyster served in a beautiful bisected wine bottle; unsurprisingly, it got 10 out of 10.

We’ve also got Emily Watkins, Jude Kereama and Dom Chapman, with whom I had the pleasure of cooking alongside during my time spent on Great British Menu. These guys are fiercely talented, and it’s always an honour to be in the kitchen with them.

The list doesn’t stop there. We’ve got Tommy Banks who smashed GBM last year; he’s a keen forager, so I’m hoping we can find time to get out in the fields. There’s Tom Brown, who is head chef at the two-star Outlaw’s at The Capital; Simon Hulstone of The Elephant in Torquay, who’s been a constant inspiration to me throughout the years; and the incredibly talented Richard Bainbridge of Benedict’s in Norwich.

It’s going to be a privilege to be in the kitchen with all these great chefs – though dad probably won’t be doing the washing up this time.

For more, www.theponyandtrap.co.uk

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

A cut above...

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

Join us for our new all day Sunday Feast just £23, 1pm-9pm 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

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Bristol Life team 01225 475800

A MAN’S WORLD

SEB BARRETT

GIVE HIM A BRAKE What does a stiff garage bill have to do with Bristol’s celebrated grammar Nazi? In Baz’s strange world, everything. . .

E

ver get the feeling you’re being conned? I do, each time I hand over my bank card to a mechanic.

The stain of the shame it leaves is as hard to remove as the grease marks left on the dashboard.

I felt this keenly on a recent trip to a garage in the Redland area. Granted, my brakes were apparently among the worst the guy had ever seen, and yet the near £600 I had to fork out to replace them seemed just the teensiest bit excessive.

I waited for him to explain the reasoning behind this lofty cost. Maybe a, ‘These aren’t just any brakes, sir: these are made of the rare ripoficus jewel, forged in the foothills of the Popocatépetl by the rarely-seen local tribes people’. But fanciful reason came there none. If he’d offered me a colourful lie I would at least have appreciated the effort.

In an ideal world, one in which we don’t come up with witty retorts an hour after we need them, I would have reeled off a Rain Man-like calculation of how much the process of replacing brakes actually costs. ‘Man hours: £80. New brake rotors: £30 each,’ and so on, and all the while the mechanic’s head would drop deeper in humble shame. Instead, I silently if resentfully handed over the whopping amount of dosh. All of which would be easier to swallow if, only weeks later, my brakes hadn’t gone back to being as useful as lips on a woodpecker.

People will say there’s an easy solution to this: learn more about the inner workings of your automobile, city slicker. Fair enough, but it’s the same logic as expecting the mechanic to take up a degree in, say, comparative literature. We’d probably both admit that we are at an age where we’re comfortable knowing what we know.

IF HE’D OFFERED ME A COLOURFUL LIE, I WOULD AT LEAST HAVE APPRECIATED THE EFFORT Apropos, imagine how pleased I was to see Bristol’s very own Grammar Vigilante correcting the sign outside a local garage on the national news. After a grammar diatribe in this column last year, I couldn’t write this latest one without a tip o’ the cap to this sultan of syntax, this morphological maestro, this punisher of poor punctuation.

Here is a man making a stand against one of the great evils of the world, one misplaced apostrophe at a time. If I could bottle such energy and conviction, I’d be able to question what I’m paying for the next time I think I’m getting ripped off by a dodgy mechanic.

But when it comes down it, I just really can’t be arsed. So, how’s that for a Millennial truth bomb?

The recent reality show on Channel 4, Mutiny, dealt with such modern issues.

Men on a small boat sailing 4000 miles in treacherous conditions, most wanting to do it to see what they were really made of.

One participant encapsulated the reason why men of today aren’t all the Swiss Army Humans of yesterday, reasoning that when his plumbing is broken he calls a plumber; when he needs electrical work done he calls . . . well, you get the picture.

Unless one of you reading this is Ray Mears, every one of us could do with learning a new trade, but it’s a question of how much of our hard-earned leisure time we want to spend doing something that will save us money at some unspecific future date. I’d wager that most of us would prefer to spend it doing something we enjoy and are already good at.

Knitting comedy jumpers for cats, for example. It might not be a particularly useful pastime, but at least you’ll sleep well in the knowledge that no poor sap is going to pay over half a grand for feline knitwear.

Seb Barrett works in sports communications.

Follow him on Twitter @bazzbarrett

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

go west Penzance makes the ideal base for exploring the western part of Cornwall – that’s if you can drag yourselves out of the comfy sofas at The Artists Residence

By DERI ROBINS

G R E AT ESCAPES

D

Clockwise from top left: short of jumping in the sea, you can’t get further West on the UK mainland than this; luxurious rooms and impeccable smokehouse fare at Artists Residence; the Admiral Benbow – flying the flag for pirates for 400 years

FACT FILE

on’t let the name bother you. You don’t need to know your Picassos from your Pollocks to stay at the Artists Residence. You’re not obliged to doodle a masterpiece on the napkin. There will be no humiliating quiz at checkout.

Nonetheless, those of a creative spirit will love this place. Tucked away in the historic quarter of Penzance, in a tall Georgian house with narrow stairs, this is the kind of retreat that the phrase ‘boutique hotel’ was coined for, and makes the ideal base for discovering the ancient Cornish town.

You won’t find many pirates left in Penzance, contrary to expectations raised by the Jolly Roger fluttering from the 17th-century Admiral Benbow directly opposite. This inn was the fictional home of Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island, but spare the staff your best Long John Silver impression; they’ll have heard it before.

Sleeping quarters at the Residence are decorated in quirky, coastal style. Slate and bleached wood abound. Tea chests serve as tables; raw planks for shelves. Roberts radios are plugged in, and tuned to Radio 3 for your tasteful listening pleasure.

Downstairs, The Cornish Barn smokehouse is usually packed with residents and locals alike, attracted by the superior BBQ-style cooking and the big lit-up signs.

We snaffled a bowl of maple and chilliroasted nuts and fennel salt pork scratchings before getting stuck into parsnip rösti with caramelised onion and goat cheese, chicken wings with apricot and soy, served by the kind of friendly, attractive staff that Cornwall does so well.

Excellent breakfasts are served here too; alternatively, you can have a hamper stuffed with Danish pastries delivered to your room.

This is the sort of place where you want the weather report to say, ‘Deep frontal system moving in, ahead of an even deeper depression. The Met Office advises the public to make no unnecessary journeys’.

Even if your day has been planned around as little activity as possible, at some point you’ll want to get out and explore. The Residence lies on Chapel Street, which runs from the centre of town down to the harbour; this is Penzance’s former main

street, and along this thoroughfare have marched (or crept) smugglers, soldiers, sailors, pilgrims, and – yes! – pirates.

The now defunct Georgian theatre on the street is said to be where the first public announcement of Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar took place. Elsewhere in town are art galleries, booksellers and the usual sprinkling of antique and charity shops – reputed to contain rich pickings for bling and bric-a-brac aficionados.

Admittedly, the delights of Penzance itself are limited, but this narrow end of the peninsula is the perfect jumping-off point for all the starry beaches and historic little fishing towns so beloved by the guidebooks.

Ease yourself in with a walk along nearby Mount’s Bay, overlooking the fairytale pile of St Michael’s Mount, then head west, taking in the adorable fishing port in Mousehole en route. Remember to call it ‘Muzzle’, or the locals will laugh at you.

Eventually, you’ll hit Land’s End. It’s one of those places you have to tick off your list, bucket or otherwise; a modest enough headland, with some kind of holiday complex thing which you’ll probably want to body-swerve, But it’s still impressive enough, topographically; paths wend their way above cliffs carved out by the waves of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, while seabirds, basking sharks, seals and dolphins regularly put in an appearance.

You also need to stick Porthcurno on the list. A sheltered sandy cove, the waters here are among the warmest waters in these islands, thanks to the Gulf Stream, and somehow manage to look as turquoise as the Caribbean on even a grey November day.

If sunbathing is off the cards, the coastal path winds round the cove, with great viewing points to watch out for passing cetaceans. It also passes by the Minack, Cornwall’s extraordinary open-air amphitheatre, constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea. The cast will perform in any weather, so don’t expect your money back if it rains.

Still not persuaded to head West? An Artists Residence is due to open in Bristol next year, with a similarly boutiquey offering; though admittedly, opportunities for dolphin-spotting on Harbourside are comparatively limited.

In a nutshell The Artists Residence combines eclectic luxury with a homely, intimate ambience. At present, there are three quirky, design-led outposts in Penzance, Brighton and London – Bristol is due to get one next year Staying over...what are the options? 17 individually decorated bedrooms 2 apartments each with 2 bedrooms 1 cottage that sleeps up to 6 guests. What does it cost? From £90 b&b for hotel rooms; from £250 b&b in The Cottage, based on 4 guests sharing. Anything else? Like the other Artists Residence properties, the artwork is a big focus of the Penzance hotel and has been handpicked by owners Justin and Charlotte from an eclectic mix of local artists and galleries. Notable artwork includes prints by Tracey Emin and Peter Blake.

Artist Residence, 20 Chapel Street, Penzance TR18 4AW; 01736 365664; www.artistresidencecornwall.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 61

Adventures in party-going

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

TRIANGULATION

Jamie Butt, Jamie Kelly, Paul Anslow, Nick Grey (City Fibre), Helen Cutillo and Bob Irwin (Triangle Networks)

City Fibre and Triangle Networks held Thirsty Thursday drinks at Shore Cafe Bar on Narrow Quay; as well as some light after-work drinking there was a demonstration of internet speeds and networking with other businesses and tech companies in the area.

Photos by @JonCraig_Photos

David Marshall (Axis Networks)

Robert Spicer (Fredrick Place Chambers)

Ryan Kirkpatrick (Tsunami Computers)

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

SOCIETY

PLAY THAT THING Over 230 people attended a reception organised by Bristol accountancy group Smith & Williamson and legal and professional services provider Ashfords to celebrate the launch of this year’s Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival 2017.

Denny Ilett, Colin Gorrie, Peaches Golding, Chris Dyson and Mike Lea Suzie Miles, Laura Cozems, Simon and Kerry Noyes-Lewis

Mo Rashid and Apuuli

DUE NORTH North Street, Bedminster welcomed new independent store, RECREO – in the true Bristol spirit, not merely a retail store, but a platform for creatives to exhibit their work.

Photos by @JonCraig_Photos

Ellis Fawcett, Jodie Guichard, Emily Gibbs, Nathan Johnson, Rachel Morris

Suzie Miles, Laura Cozems, Simon and Kerry Noyes-Lewis

Scotty, Stacey, DJ Bungy, Sir Peng and Heather Wilmot

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 63

SOCIETY

KINGS OF THE CASTLE Cubex held a party on 6 April to celebrate a landmark in the development of Finzels Reach – the opening of the newly-named Castle Bridge that links Finzels Reach to Castle Park.

Josh Roberts (Cubex), Phil Davies, Alexandra Gower and Hayley Taylor (all Osborne Clarke) Drummers drumming!

George Ferguson, James Durie (Business West) and Richard Bonner (Arcadis)

Shane Pomeroy (Dickson Powell) and Nicada Drayton (Grainger Plc) Gavin Bridge, director, Cubex

Lucy Round (Alder King), Chris Miles (Russell Property Consultants), Laura Gardner (Miller Commercial) and Ollie Paine (JLL)

Harry Allen (Savills) and Roxine Foster (Lambert Smith Hampton)

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 65

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

Buying a Business?

Look before you Leap

By Tony Forster Consultant at Metcalfes Solicitors

I

n the current climate, a lot of small or medium-sized businesses are looking for buying opportunities – looking for growth.

Many though do not follow a thorough investigative approach when they are buying a business. This failure can be a problem from a legal risk point of view because the watchword on all deals of this nature tends to be ‘buyer beware’. But as important as this failure, is the failure to get a feel for the business and how it is run.

Thus when they take over the running of the business they have bought they are on the back foot – sometimes they do not know all the payroll details or all of the terms of employment contracts; what business contracts they have to fulfil; where they get all their supplies from or what their bank managers name is, even.

Lawyers, such as the commercial team at Metcalfes, specialise in ensuring what is technically known as the due diligence process is carried out before any purchase by any business they act for is finalised. They undertake this due diligence process in an organised, systematic and swift manner causing no concern or difficulty to any party.

This process not only finds out how the business is run, who the key employees, customers, suppliers and sites are but it also establishes other matters such as the quality of machinery, property and vehicles. In addition, it looks at the methods of production and service.

It sorts out health and safety queries. Once we know you must do full investigation before you buy a business, the next skill is to know how to make sure the seller opens up about the business. Many sellers want to preserve confidentiality. Many do not want it to get out to their customers, employees or contacts that they are selling. Metcalfes lawyers often visit sites, shops, factories at unsociable hours. Pertinent questions eliciting vital information are asked of the seller and their advisors (often after full non-disclosure agreements have been signed).

Often even code names are used! Key is that strict channels of communication are used.

Confidentiality is preserved. A disciplined and trustworthy approach is followed.

This leads to a bond of confidence and trust being built between the buyer and its team and the seller and its team. From this, openness follows.

Come the end, the result is that the buyer has built up a substantial written dossier on the trade, finances, organisation, administration and running of the business they have bought.

There are few surprises when they walk in the door and take over.

This due diligence skill which lawyers like Metcalfes have should not be undervalued.

Next time you think of buying a business, think of Metcalfes. BL

If you want to discuss any issue raised in this article, do contact Tony Forster, Consultant at Metcalfes Solicitors – email: tforster@metcalfes.co.uk 0117 945 3040

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

Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

B R IS TO L G E T S S ER I O US Revealed: The beautiful Bristol Life Award, inspired (obviously!) by Clifton Suspension Bridge

AWARDS

WINNERS REVEALED! After all the nominations, deliberations, imprecations, emailing, tweeting and months and months of build-up, the first winners of the Bristol Life Awards have been revealed

F

lick back to page 6 to see the full list in all its glory – with more than the odd surprise. We’ll have full coverage in our next issue: the pics, the triumphs, the celebrations and more.

The Bristol Life Awards are held in the biggest marquee Bristol has ever seen, with a massive 600 of Bristol’s finest in attendance. Hosted by Bristol-born comedian Mark Watson, the Awards are a stylish celebration of all of the city’s businesses and organisations, from the coolest of indies to the largest of corporates.

One surprise on the night was the doubling up of Legal and Financial into two separate categories – such was the extraordinary strength of the nominations.

Despite increasing capacity three times, not all who wished to attend could make it. There were still over 70 on the waiting list more than a week before the big night.

“We have been completely blown away by the amazing support we’ve had from so many Bristol businesses and organisations,” said Steph Dodd, events manager for Bristol Life’s publisher MediaClash.

“Thank you so much! With 600 attendees, over 400 nominations, 160 finalists, over 30 sponsors and associates, nine stellar judges and then 20 winners on the night, this has been an event which has connected to Bristol like no other.”

Next year’s date has already been set: 26 April 2018. Once more it will be in a huge marquee outside Lloyds Amphitheatre, which in turn provides an opportunity for a business or organisation to use the marquee and all its support facilities for its own event.

“There aren’t too many options for larger scale, catered events in Bristol. That’s why we decided to create our own with the marquee.

Now that people can see how it all

works, we look forward to talking with interested parties about running their own scale event in April next year,” Steph said.

Headline sponsors were Bristol Airport, and our category sponsors were Guy Salmon Jaguar/Land Rover, Veale Wasbrough Vizards, The Alternative Board, Dribuild, SDS, Clear River, Triangle Networks, Burston Cook, Fleurets, Juice Recruitment, Clifton Marquee Company, Park Furnishers, Amarelle, SAM FM, Enlightened Lighting and Bordeaux Quay.

Associate sponsors were Barcan+Kirby, HGEM, RBS, Quarter, Plaster, Urban Creation, Clifton College, Hidden, Nicholas Wylde, Irwin Mitchell, The Whitely Clinic, Canada Life, Savills and Everyone Active. Partners are Fine Wines Direct, Bonomini and CityFibre. www.bristollifeawards.co.uk Twitter@BristolLifeAwds

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

“AN EXCITING AND VISUALLY ARRESTING NEW DEVELOPMENT FOR BRISTOL, THAT OFFERS SUBSTANTIAL OPPORTUNITIES” Sounds great! Where is it?

See page 72

600 THE BIG NUMBER

HOW many guests attended the first Bristol Life Awards, again?

See main story

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

F E AT U R E

TAKE it to the BRIDGE INTERIORS SPECIAL

It still looks so bandbox-new that the photos look like CGIs, but Castle Bridge is finally open, offering a variety of advantages for local businesses

By PAU L GA R RY Photo by RUSSE L L F I NC H

I

n early April, Bristol finally unveiled the sinuous new £2.7m bridge that links Castle Park to Finzels Reach, with further links to Temple Meads expected by 2020.

The bridge was originally mooted decades earlier, but plans had to be scrapped due to the recession. Finally, with a new design and significant private investment, 2017 marks its completion. It’s just been officially named, via public vote – so put your hands together, ladies and gentlemen, and give a big Bristol welcome to Castle Bridge.

BUILDING BRIDGES

Developers Cubex Land bought the site in 2013.

They turned to The Bush Consultancy, with whom they have a long-standing relationship, having worked with them on Bath Business Park, Capital Park in, Exeter and One Victoria Street in Bristol. Cubex Land director Gavin Bridge describes Bush as “passionate, affordable, practical and contractor-friendly”.

Martin Kendall is a director at Bush. He qualified as an architect in 1998, and has impressive Bristol-bridge previous, having worked on Pero’s.

“The brief from Cubex was to define a bridge that did not require lifts, due to management and safety issues that this would create, along with a preference not to segregate wheelchairusers or cyclists from pedestrians,” he explains.

As there’s no reliance on lifts, the buildings on the Finzels Reach site can be better utilised for bars, restaurants and other leisure activities, especially now it has a ‘shop window’ out on to the harbour and Castle Park.

Martin then had to look at the physical context of the site, notably the connection points 72 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

CASTLE BRIDGE IS AN EXCITING AND VISUALLY ARRESTING NEW DEVELOPMENT FOR BRISTOL, AND ONE THAT OFFERS SUBSTANTIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW BUSINESS

at each side of the harbour. “It was important not to create such a large level difference.

The original Mobius route involved a 7m level difference. By considering the shallowest gradient that was practical for users, this would determine the length of the Bridge.”

Another important consideration was the navigation channel, where a certain level of clearance for boats to pass under was required; also, there was the impact the bridge would have on the heritage setting of the harbour.

“Conservation bodies, rightly so, did not want the bridge to overly dominate; something that we believe has been achieved,” says Martin.

The bridge route now also connects to the ferry pontoon on the Castle Park landing area.

This has seen a £30,000 upgrade, which will benefit an already popular way for people to access various parts of the harbour.

As a designer, says Martin, it’s important to infuse some of the city’s culture and style into the design. “This is an important consideration, though as with most design solutions, the process is multifactorial, with the reference point of a site’s identity being balanced against things like structural options and limits, budget and third-party requirements”.

Castle Bridge is an exciting and visually arresting new development for Bristol, and one that offers substantial opportunities for new business. CASUS events have already finalised plans for a new weekly street food market; the team already have a successful reputation as street traders, having already set up the food markets at Temple Quay four years ago.

Their new venture is set to launch on Friday 5 May at 12 midday. People looking to explore the bridge and the new developments at Finzels Reach can expect everything from Cantonese dumplings to wood-fired pizza, with some live music to elate the celebratory atmosphere.

And with the ferry service constantly passing under, arms at the ready for lots of waving.

BRIDGE FACTS

• The sections of the bridge were stored at Cattle Market Wharf, having been transported by barge to Finzels Reach. Once at the site, 91 metres of steel in 20 ton sections were put together by crane and fixed into position.

• The £2.7million bridge is made from a series of unique curved sections, topped with timber decking, sculptured cladding and feature lighting.

• The Mobius style was the original design put forward 10 years earlier. Martin’s design adopts a lower lying form in terms of height, which led him to consider a landing point in Castle Park.

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

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 REDLAND – OPPORTUNITY

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BUSINESS INSIDER

LEGAL

LAW AND ORDER Bill Willcocks is the guy you’ll want fighting your corner if you’re seeking injury compensation. But as Bill explains, that’s just one of the legal areas covered by flourishing Bristol law firm Barcan+ Kirby

B

ill qualified as a solicitor in 1994. Having originally trained with a large commercial firm, he was made a Partner at Kirby Simcox in 2001; today he’s the Managing Partner at Barcan+Kirby, with primary responsibility for finance and compliance within the firm.

When did Barcan+Kirby first open its doors?

Barcan+Kirby was formed in April 2015 and was the result of a merger between two Bristol firms: Barcan Woodward and Kirby Sheppard.

Why has the firm flourished, do you think?

I honestly believe that it’s down to the people we have here. Prior to the merger we spent quite a lot of time getting to know each other.

We integrated our systems and held joint social events, so that once April 2015 came round there was no seismic change and we continued to provide the best service we could to our clients.

Are there plans for further branches?

Not at the moment. We’re very keen to maintain our branch network though, as being in the areas that we are in means our clients have easy access to us. It’s important to them and us that we provide access to specialist legal advice outside of the city centre.

charity work and profiles of our staff. We recently ran our Women in Law campaign (to coincide with International Women’s Day) which was a huge success and grew our Facebook followers by 13%.

We see that in your Citizen 2025 white paper, you look at the range of issues that Britain will face in 2025. Can you give us a few predictions?

The Citizen 2025 white paper was hugely interesting and there were a number of themes that emerged. It’s no secret that we have an ageing population, so we’re likely to see an increasingly grey workforce as more people choose to work past retirement age. But living longer will come at a price for the younger generation – those whose taxes are paying to sustain this ageing population. Home ownership will continue to be a problem – with more pressure on the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to fund that first step on the property ladder.

Cohabiting couples are the fastest growing family group in the UK. As a result we’re seeing more enquiries for cohabitation agreements, as well as pre- and post-nuptial agreements. There has also been a significant rise in over-60s divorces.

IT’S TRENDY TO BASH LAWYERS WHO ‘ENCOURAGE THE COMPENSATION CULTURE’

What areas of law does the firm cover, and what’s your own speciality?

I specialise in personal injury work, but as a firm, we offer a range of legal services for private individuals. That includes family difficulties, such as divorce and access to children, and we also offer wills and inheritance tax planning within our private client team.

Our property team covers all aspects of residential and commercial conveyancing and we have a litigation team who deal with a range of civil matters. Our medical negligence and personal injury team have a fantastic nationwide reputation and we’ve recently expanded our commercial department to service the needs of our business clients.

How do you market the firm?

As well as our website, we’re pretty active across the main social media channels. PR is important to us and we’re currently planning a community PR campaign that will involve all of our offices. We also have a schedule of events in place for 2017-18, which includes client events, drinks receptions and business seminars.

Is social media important to you?

Yes, but it’s difficult to say which platform we find most effective. We use them all in different ways. For example, our Facebook page is used to present a more informal image of the firm, with updates about our

What effects, if any, have you seen/do you anticipate from Brexit in your line of work?

We saw a marked dip in commercial property work immediately after the referendum result, although that has picked up again. I don’t think our average client is likely to be affected by Brexit, though – not unless there’s a considerable downturn in the economy once we leave the EU.

What’s the biggest misconception you encounter about your line of work?

That I’m an ambulance chaser. It’s trendy to bash lawyers who ‘encourage the compensation culture’, but when we see a seriously injured person obtaining compensation that helps them get their life back on track again, then it makes the job worthwhile.

If you could repeal one law, what would it be?

The one that allowed controlled parking zones all around Bristol before putting in place a proper system of public transport which allowed commuters to get to work easily.

And what law would you love to see introduced?

Right at the moment it would be one to turn back the clock to before The European Union Referendum Act 2015. From which you may gather which side of the fence I was on last June. . .

For more www.barcankirby.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 75

Freeze your fat away!

Free Open Evening Invitation We would like to invite you to a free Open evening at our Clinic to launch our new Coolmini applicator which can permanently reduce fat under the chin non-invasively using our FDA cleared, fat freezing machine CoolSculpting. *NO NEEDLES, NO SURGERY, NO DOWNTIME, SAFE, FDA CLEARED, CLINICALLY PROVEN* Our Open evening is your opportunity to watch a live treatment and hear all about the benefits of CoolSculpting. Special introductory offers will also be available on this night.

We will provide refreshments.

Our Open evening is being held on Wednesday 17th May from 18.00-20.00.

*If you can’t make this date please still register your interest - more dates will be available soon.

3 Whiteladies Gate, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2PH Tel: 01173 292027 | Email: info@simonleeclinic.co.uk

Register for free at: www.simonleeclinic.co.uk/coolnight

Left: Before | Right: 12 Weeks After Second CoolSculpting* Session.

Photo courtesy of Suzanne Kilmer MD

BUSINESS INSIDER

RETAIL

FAMILY AFFAIR Catherine Amesbury and daughter Carrie are the creative duo behind jewellery shop Artemis – one of the most popular and best established businesses on the Glo Road From bespoke or remodelled pieces to affordable treats – with a specialism in silver

C

atherine and Carrie offer a diverse range of jewellery and gifts, but they all have one thing in common: their beautifully feminine nature. Most of the jewellery is designed and hand-made in their jewellery workshop, and while materials vary, most is made from silver – hence, partly, why the shop bears its name.

“Artemis is the Greek goddess of the moon and the hunt, and her bow and arrows are silver. We specialise in silver jewellery, and felt like we were brave women opening own shop in the middle of a recession,” says Catherine.

interaction and designing displays. Carrie has been unwell for the last year, so my workload has increased significantly in all respects; we’re hopeful she’s on the mend, so is starting to stagger back in very gradually.

When did you open Artemis?

Six years ago, when the Woolies Indoor Market on Whiteladies Road closed, and we needed a new home.

Tell us a bit about the price points Affordability has always been key to us. We have gifts and trinkets starting from £1 up; many first-time customers are pleasantly surprised that our stock is as reasonable as it is, including our jewellery, which starts from £10 for a delicate semi-precious bracelet.

We’re envious to hear that you and Carrie travel the world in search of jewels. . .

We don’t travel as much as we used to, as we have established many wonderful suppliers over the years.

Now that those relationships have been formed we do not have the need to go overseas; sadly most orders are now placed from our office at Artemis. We do, however, take an occasional trip; call it a perk of the job . . .

What countries do you mostly source from?

Thailand was our original destination, due to our desire to source the silver components for our jewellery ethically. This meant going off-road with a guide and driver for a week, to meet the silversmiths of the Karen Hilltribe. Our criteria are that it has to be ethical and unique. We visit Spain annually to see some of our original suppliers, and New York is another constant – housing our favourite jewellery district in the world.

A LOT OF OUR INSPIRATION COMES FROM OUR CUSTOMERS

We imagine you must meet some fascinating craftspeople – can you briefly tell us about one?

The people of the Karen Hilltribe were incredible. I was honoured to be invited to learn some of their skills; they are quite reclusive, but gave me a private workshop, which took me through the process of melting silver down and turning it into a beautiful hammered ring (which I still treasure) using techniques handed down through generations.

Can you describe an average Artemis day?

It’s often a whirlwind of office and paperwork. Mondays I tend to dot around the shop and get my fix of customer

What inspires your jewellery style?

Life! We love sparkly things, so when we source our stones and beads and all the silver elements that are incorporated into our pieces, it gets the creative juices flowing. Designing is a constantly evolving process, and with the way the instant commission service is set up, a lot of our inspiration comes from customers.

What else does Artemis offer?

A little-known side to Artemis is the more traditional silver and goldsmithing work we carry out. This ranges from small soldering repairs through to bespoke diamond commissions. We work a lot with remodelling customers’ own jewellery, too; for example, a grandmother’s ring refashioned into something stunning and new.

How well does your location work for you?

Gloucester Road is the perfect location for our business. We both feel very much part of the local community; we have lived in Bishopston for 28 years.

The more recent evolvement of the Gloucester Road Central area (of which we are a part) has highlighted our section of the longest independent trading street in Europe, and has seen the area grow enormously.

How important is social media to you?

It’s an increasingly useful platform. I’ve been working really hard recently to introduce instagram and Twitter feeds, and to maximise on Facebook, and we’re really starting to see the benefits now.

What makes you unique in Bristol?

Our unique selling point at Artemis is the instant commission service we offer with our jewellery.

For more www.artemisbristol.co.uk

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

a d v ertisi n g feat u re L AW

where there's a will Homeowners are facing probate fees of up to £20,000 says Sarah phillips of Irwin Mitchell

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espite continuing opposition, the Ministry of Justice is progressing plans to substantially increase probate fees which will see estates of £2m-plus paying charges of £20,000. Probate is the legal process that personal representatives need to go through to deal with the estate of a deceased individual, whether or not they died with a valid will. From May this year (subject to parliamentary approval) a sliding scale of charges replaces the current fixed fee of £215.

While estates below £50,000 will escape the charges, those valued between £500,000 and £1m will be charged £4,000 and those between £1.6m and £2m will be charged £12,000.

The increase creates two challenges: how do personal representatives pay the fee when a deceased's assets are usually frozen at death; and how can an individual, in their lifetime, structure their financial affairs to reduce the level of probate fee payable on their death?

In terms of raising the cash to pay the probate fee, the deceased's bank may well be

prepared to release funds early to pay it, just as it does for the payment of inheritance tax.

However, for personal representatives of an estate holding insufficient cash, the options are either for them, the beneficiaries or perhaps other family members to lend money to the estate to pay the fee or for them to arrange a bank loan with all the associated fees and interest charges of doing so. Clearly there needs to be other assets in the estate that can be sold after probate is granted in order to pay back the loan.

As the probate fee will be set according to the net value of the estate at death, individuals may want to take steps to reduce that value in their lifetime and one option is to transfer assets out of their sole name. Besides the risk of elderly or vulnerable individuals being unduly pressurised into giving assets away, proper advice must be taken on the other legal and tax implications of any intended (or unintended) gift and/or trust creation. It will be a case of weighing up a reduced probate fee after death with the loss of security and unfettered access

to assets during the rest of their lifetime.

We can advise on how the new probate fee rules affect you and your family and help to make sure the finances are structured appropriately to give peace of mind.

Sarah Phillips 0333 305 3685. sarah.phillips@irwinmitchell.com @irwinmitchell www.irwinmitchell.com One Castlepark, Tower Hill, Bristol, BS2 0JA. For a full list of our offices visit our website. Irwin Mitchell LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 79

a d v ertisi n g feature L E G A L

TRAPPED IN A LOVELESS MARRIAGE Alison Dukes, a family solicitor at AMD Solicitors, reviews the Court of Appeal case of Owens v Owens

T

he 2017 Court of Appeal case of Owens v Owens has highlighted the difficulties that can arise in a fault-based divorce system.

In order to obtain a divorce, a petitioner has to prove that their marriage has irretrievably broken down by reference to one of five statutory factors.

These are adultery, unreasonable behaviour, two years’ desertion, two years’ separation with the other spouse’s consent and five years’ separation, in which case consent is not necessary.

Mr Owens was born in 1938 and Mrs Owens in 1950. They married in 1978 and separated in February 2015. The wife filed a petition three months later, alleging that her husband had behaved in such a way that she could not reasonably be expected to live with him. She referred, amongst other things, to the husband having prioritised work over family, to having failed to provide her with love, attention and affection, to his mood swings and to his critical and undermining

“the husband viewed the wife's allegations as 'the stuff of everyday married life; the appeal was dismissed”

manner when speaking to her and about her.

The husband indicated an intention to defend the divorce and the wife amended her petition to provide 27 specific examples of some of the behaviour detailed in her petition.

At the hearing of the divorce in January 2016 the wife’s petition was dismissed and she then appealed to the Court of Appeal.

It was argued on her behalf that the cumulative effect of the husband’s behaviour had worn her down, that she was unhappy and had been embarrassed and that she felt she could no longer live with the husband.

By contrast, the husband viewed the wife’s allegations as "the stuff of every day married life". The wife’s appeal was dismissed.

Unless the husband will now consent to a divorce based on two years’ separation, the wife is likely to have to remain married until she can issue proceedings again in February 2020. The result is that she will be unable to seek a resolution of all financial matters between her and her husband until that point, unless agreement can be reached in the interim.

In my experience it is very rare for a petition to be defended, not least because of the cost of doing so and the publicity that may follow. Lady Justice Hallett, one of the appeal judges, said that she had reached her decision “with no enthusiasm whatsoever”, while adding that it is a matter for Parliament to amend the law and to introduce “no fault” divorce, a step that Parliament has so far shown no signs of having the stomach for. BL

For advice on divorce and other family issues Alison can be contacted by email at alisondukes@amdsolicitors.com or by calling 0117 9621460 to speak to Alison or one of AMD’s team of specialist family solicitors based at our office at 100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4JZ Our series of probate talks returns on 26 April 2017 at Tyndale Baptist Church and 3 May 2017 at Trinity Henleaze. Contact info@ amdsolicitors.com to book your place!

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N e w H o m e s a d v ertisi n g fe at u re

Meet the property Developer . . . and view some of the beautiful new-builds they’re bringing to the market, from coastal homes with sea views to apartments in the very heart of Bristol

BURWALLS

MARINE PLACE

Tree tops

The Burwalls development is located next to Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, just a short walk from Clifton Village.

Set on the seafront of historic Clevedon with uninterrupted views towards the pier and the Bristol Channel beyond, Marine Place has been designed to maximise the breathtaking location from every aspect.

A collection of just nine contemporary three- and four-bedroom town houses with parking, the homes at Marine Place feature a sea-facing living room and bedrooms with private terraces and balconies, allowing you to capture the essence of the seafront panorama.

Built by award winning developers, Treetops contains both converted and new build homes, including apartments, terraced and detached homes. Keynsham is a Victorian Town which benefits from modern convenience and investment.

Similarly, Treetops provides a balanced mix of Victorian and contemporary homes. The new homes at Treetops demonstrate high levels of architectural attention, resulting in cohesive interiors with character and interest. All homes benefit from a 10 Year BLP Home Warranty.

Clifton Village Price from £1,100,000

The southern part of the private five-acre estate has been developed to provide six new houses on the site of the old stable buildings, while at the heart of the development is Grade-II-listed Burwalls House, originally built in the ornate ‘Jacobethan’ style in 1872 and recently converted by developer, Kersfield, into five lateral apartments.

In addition to the splendour of this historic building, the high-end specification includes a remote-controlled entry system, lift to all apartments, bespoke kitchens with A+ rated appliances, natural wood or wool carpet flooring throughout and décor in a muted Farrow and Ball palette.

All houses are sold and the apartments at Burwalls House are selling fast.

Contact: Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk Telephone: 0117 317 1999 84 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Clevedon Prices from £710,000

Acorn is an independent development and regeneration company that has for more than 20 years successfully created a range of residential led refurbishment and new build schemes. Following Acorn’s ‘different by design’ ethos, their experienced, imaginative management, construction and sales teams have led to Acorn being one of the country’s most successful property developers and partners.

For information contact: Mark Templer Residential Sales www.marktempler.co.uk; 01275 341110

Keynsham Price: 635,000

Treetops high quality new build detached homes contain bathrooms and bedrooms at ground floor level and open plan kitchen and living areas at first floor. The first floor is lit by large windows. Exposed trusses and high ceilings add to a beautifully balanced composition of light and space.

Contact: Gabriel Hurst Estate Agency www.gabrielhirst.co.uk Telephone: 01761 490092

a d v ertisi n g fe at u re N E W H O M E S

Glan Llyn

The MIlliners

REDCLIFFE PLACE

Award-winning housebuilder, St. Modwen Homes, is bridging the gap between Bristol and Newport and offering to pay new homeowner’s toll charges for a year at its Glan Llyn development. Bev Hall, Sales and Marketing Director at St. Modwen Homes, said: “Being located just off the Queensway and close to the M4, Glan Llyn is perfectly positioned for commuters, so we wanted to give our homeowners a helping hand by paying their toll charges for a year. This could save over £1,500 which can then go towards making their new house a home.”

A new one bedroom show apartment will be unveiled and the remaining 53 properties released to the market at a city centre development next month.

Redcliffe Place is a development of 13 vibrant and modern apartments from Change Living. Redcliffe Place at Redcliffe Parade shares a quiet corner of Bristol that simply oozes character. Tucked away in a tranquil neighbourhood that many describe as one of the city’s best kept secrets, it’s just a stone’s throw from the city’s Floating Harbour and Michelin-starred restaurant Casamia.

Nearly 70% of St. Modwen Homes’ purchasers chose to buy a new home at Glan Llyn because of the location, with many attracted by the facilities that are being delivered at the development, including a new primary school, doctor’s surgery and plenty of open space, as well as the pub, The Llanwern Bull, that opened last summer. Currently, there is a range of three- and four-bedroom homes available to purchase at Glan Llyn; all of which have been designed according to St. Modwen Homes’ philosophy of height and light, which means large windows and higherthan-average ceilings throughout, creating bright, open living spaces.

Vicky Dudbridge, Director at Savills, who is marketing the scheme comments, “The transformation of this former office building has produced a collection of contemporary, attractive and innovative apartments in an enviable city centre location. With access to Temple Meads, Cabot Circus, the harbourside and Temple Quay, the development has proven popular with young professionals, particularly First Time Buyers. With prices starting at £148,000, The Milliners is in huge demand.”

Newport Prices from just £194,995

Bristol Prices start at £148,000

The Milliners was initially launched for a limited time period this time last year when 56 apartments were sold to buyers off-plan. An event to be held at the development at 33, Victoria Street on Saturday 13th May will reveal a stunning new show home and offer buyers to opportunity to reserve one of remaining studio, one and two bedroom apartments.

Redcliffe Parade Price from £375,000

The stylishly designed two- and 3-bedroom apartments offer the best in city living.

The clean and contemporary open-plan living space benefits from full-height windows that allow light to flow through the apartments; in addition, balconies provide stunning views across the city.

Change Living specialises in residential developments, creating high quality, sustainable schemes with character.

With an expert eye on interior design, combining contemporary flair with local influence, they aim to create homes that are a joy to live in.

The Redcliffe Place Show Home is now open for viewings. Show home launches on 22 April 2017.

Prices for the new homes start from just £194,995 for a semi-detached, three bedroom home and all the properties are available to purchase with 5% deposits under the government’s Help to Buy scheme.

Contact: St Modwen Homes www.stmodwenhomes.co.uk Telephone: 0844 243 4606

Contact: Savills www.savills.co.uk Telephone: 0117 910 0321

Contact: Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk Telephone: 0117 317 1999

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

“A name you can trust for specialist legal services” • Accident Claims • Attorneyships & Court of Protection • Business Sales & Purchases • Commercial Property • Conveyancing • Debt Recovery

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A BIGGER SPLASH

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

90 112I I BRISTOL CLIFTONLIFE LIFEI Iwww.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk

SHOWCASE

PROPERTY

Let more conventional homes have fireplaces as their focal point – at Bank House, all the rooms look aspirationally towards one huge, contemporary swimming pool . . .

By L I SA WA R R E N

www.mediaclash.co.ukI ICLIFTON BRISTOLLIFE LIFE I I 113 91 www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

SHOWCASE

D

o we really need to explain that this exceedingly bespoke home was created by its architect-owner and went on to win a prestigious award?

Thought not.

Bank House in Sheepway was the brainchild of Michael Axford and his wife, Julie. Built in 1991, it netted the 1995 RIBA Regional Award.

The brief was to create a home with optimum privacy; cool, crisp and contemporary, with an uncluttered and clean interior, it was a bold addition to Sheepway’s existing mix of upmarket homes; an eclectic bunch, dating back to the 17th century.

It’s described, with hilarious understatement, as a ’bungalow’ on Rightmove – technically correct, we guess, as it’s certainly a single-storey home – but to us, that U-shaped layout recalls the very best kind of boutique hotel, with all the rooms facing inwards via huge glass walls onto a swimming pool that wouldn’t look out of place in a David Hockney painting. Think it looks good during the daytime, as shown above? Wait until you see it floodlit.

The arrangement of the rooms around the pool is dictated by the movement of the sun, so that you can enjoy the first rays in the morning and the setting sunset in the evening. Did we mention that the house was designed by an architect?

The distinctive design begins with a long barrel-vaulted entrance hall resembling a modern art gallery. This leads into an octagonal dining room, and on into the open central courtyard.

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

The lightest, brightest rooms you’ve ever seen open to a central pool area, while the garden strikes a careful balance between geometric regularity and overflowing natural prettiness

HOUSE NUMBERS

1991

When Bank House was built

2-3

living rooms

£1.2M price

3-4

bedrooms

12M

swimming pool

As you perambulate around the pool, you can glance into the remaining rooms, each one more cool and collected than the one before it; the decorators were evidently encouraged to use any colour they pleased, as long as it was white. There are three or four bedrooms, depending on whether or not you want one to be used as a study, the master having its own bathroom; an enclosed living room and a second one that’s open-plan to the courtyard, and a large kitchen/diner.

If you’re wondering about the lack of obvious heating appliances, you should know that an extensive wet underfloor heating system is in place – computer controlled, and arranged in 16 zones.

Outdoors, the same level of detail and attention has been lavished on the herb and kitchen gardens; a former tennis court has been converted into a country garden, complete with a summer house, meandering walkways and planter troughs filled with soft fruits, vegetables, native flowering plants, shrubs and trees.

Not the obvious home for a tribe of sticky toddlers and muddy Labradors, perhaps (though those tiled floors would probably be a cinch to clean); it probably won’t appeal to fans of clutter and kitsch, either.

But Bank House is the perfect lifestyle choice for anyone seeking an oasis of serenity in a quiet country hamlet. If your priority is a bright, white, sunlit interior, and you really like to swim, it’s probably the home of your dreams.

Savills Clifton 20 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DR 0117 933 5800; www.savills.co.uk

ad v ertisin g feature P R O P E R T Y

Affordable CityCentre living ...with CREST NICHOLSON’S eclectic collection of threeand four-bedroom houses at Paintworks.

C

rest Nicholson’s Paintworks is a stylish development located in the heart of Bristol’s media scene. Designed to suit the needs of modern living, the development’s contemporary homes have been built to the highest specification with elegant interior finishes and modern appliances throughout. Offering a collection of three- and four-bedroom houses available through Help to Buy, Paintworks is the perfect choice for both first-time buyers and families alike.

Located on the banks of the Avon River, Paintworks benefits from an established community, surrounded by galleries, restaurants and pubs. The development itself is just half a mile from Temple Meads station, which has direct train links to London and

Cardiff. Cabot Circus is also under a mile away, ensuring residents can enjoy majorbrand-name shopping.

All houses at Paintworks maximise space and light. With generous living areas, a decked garden and secure car parking, the houses suit many different lifestyles. Prices for a three-bedroom house at Paintworks start from £359,000, just £287,200 with Help to Buy, enabling you to take a bigger step up the property ladder.

Under the initiative, you could purchase a home with just a 5% deposit and be eligible for an interest-free equity loan for up to 20% of the property value.* The remaining 75% is covered by a mortgage allowing you to purchase your dream home for less. BL

Visit our sales and marketing suite, open daily between 10am and 5pm, to discuss your options with one of our Sales Advisors.

For more info, please call 0117 2444070, email Paintworks@crestnicholson.com, or visit www.crestnicholson.com/paintworks/

*interest free loan for up to 5 years

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

BRISTOL LIVES

Q&A

T

he best jobs are those which let you do the kind of stuff you’d do anyway, even if nobody was paying you to do it. We have a suspicion that this might apply to Gill – or maybe it’s just that she makes it all look fun and easy.

Her company Brave Bold Drama creates theatre for education and community events; the team also runs Creative Workspace in Withywood, offering affordable rehearsal, workshop and hot-desking space. Brave Bold uses the profits from the workspace to fund free creative community events and Arts Award programmes for young people, giving them the opportunity to explore their own creativity and gain a nationally recognised qualification at the same time.

This is no well-meaning-but-flaky arty offering, then; Brave Bold is a cleverly-run business, and when Gill tells us about her future plans, we totally believe she’ll achieve them.

Hi Gill! How would you sum up Brave Bold Drama in five words?

Optimistic. Wide-Ranging. Musical. CommunityMinded. Playful.

Give us an idea of a typical working day The joy of creative work is that there is no typical day, really. But usually it’s either a performance day, a creative workshop day, a music gig day or a getting-the-admin-done day.

What are your ultimate ambitions for the companies?

That Creative Workspace becomes a thriving venue in the city for creatives to make their work.

For Brave Bold Drama, my ultimate aim is that we are not perceived as a theatre company who just make family theatre. We love family theatre and won’t stop making it, but we have other stories to tell, and different people to reach, with our theatre, and that’s where we want to go, too. We have a show about Women’s Suffrage planned for 2018 and that will be the beginning of us moving into making full-length theatre for adult audiences.

Who or what first inspired you to follow a career in drama?

I was in the very first Summer School run by the Bristol Old Vic when I was 16, and joined the Bristol Old Vic Youth Theatre soon after that. That was where I discovered my tribe, and knew that theatre was what I needed to do with my life.

Tell us about some recent Bristol productions that you’ve loved I was totally entranced by There Shall Be Fireworks

by The Plasticine Men. Weighting by Extraordinary Bodies in Castle Park was an utterly unforgettable experience. I was in floods, out of pride at the dignity, beauty and ambition of the performance.

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GILL SIMMONS Meet the artistic director of Brave Bold Drama, a Bristol-based community interest company that makes drama for education, and theatre for everybody If you could go back in time, what era would you return to, and why?

I can’t choose between 16th-century London, to visit the Globe Theatre;18th-century Bristol to see Restoration plays at the Bristol Old Vic, or mediaeval York to see mystery plays being performed on wagons in the streets. I’d love to know how all of those performances looked and sounded. That’s the thing with theatre. Ultimately, to enjoy it, you have to be there!

Dundry Hills, and it’s about 10 seconds walk from Creative Workspace.

What would your desert island book be?

I enjoy anything by AS Byatt or Gabriel Garcia Marquez, so I’d be happy with something by either of them.

Favourite place/thing to do for downtime?

Getting out in the wild is my best relaxation. I really enjoy going to Manor Valley Woods in Bishopsworth.

What has been your proudest moment?

I’m lucky to have had lots. But the Avona Project I ran in June 2016 for the Festival of Nature takes some beating. Lloyds Amphitheatre was full of people hearing a song I’d written, with lyrics suggested by local people. It was sung by over 80 people from community choirs, while a splendid River Goddess made by local school children helped by artist Sophie Howard processed through the crowds. Finally, we took Avona the River Goddess for a ride on a Bristol Ferry. It was an amazing day.

Most regrettable habit?

Biting my nails and not finishing my sentences when I’m excited.

What are your favourite places to eat, drink and shop in Bristol?

North Street, Southville for all the above. I love mooching about at Tobacco Factory Sunday market; The Old Bookshop is great for an evening drink and the charity shops are just fabulous. I always find brilliant quirky bargains in there.

What else are you good at – any hidden talents?

I can knit pictures and words into things and I like baking, too. I don’t have much time for knitting at the moment but I do enjoy baking for the Creative Workspace café.

If your nearest and dearest had to describe you, what would they say?

Hard-working and kind, with a really untidy house.

We’d better let you get on. What are you doing right after this?

My youngest child has been asking me to paint an Easter chick with her. So I’m probably about to get covered in a lot of yellow.

Where’s your manor?

I live in Withywood. I love the great views of the

www.brave-bold-drama.co.uk www.creative-workspace.co.uk

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