Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property
A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY
ISSUE 230 / FESTIVALS SPECIAL 2017 / FATHER'S DAY
KING OF THE WORLD FEEL-GOOD GIFTS FOR FATHER’S DAY
THE STRAWBERRY THIEF: BELGIAN BEER BAR STEALS OUR HEARTS
ISSUE 230 / FESTIVALS SPECIAL 2017 / £3
LOL, ROFL, LMAO, ETC BRISTOL COMEDY GARDEN IS BACK!
ONE OF THE GREATS
JULIAN GLOVER AS JULIUS CAESAR
20
FESTIVALS IN & AROUND BRISTOL
SUMMER’S IN
FULL SWING
EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 230 / FESTIVALS SPECIAL 2017
12
SUMMER’S IN FULL SWING Foodie ones, music ones, acrobatic ones, theatrical ones, skateboarding ones and more. We’ve got festivals covered
The Replacement Here I am in the hot seat at Bristol Life while wonderful Deri is off for a couple of issues. I feel lucky in many ways, not least because Bristol is brimming with life and humming with fun. I’m trying not to think too much about being named The Replacement in jest in the office but I definitely promise not to murder anyone during my brief time here. I had only been in Deri’s shoes for a few hours when I was offered the chance to go to Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (life ambition no.1) to interview Jullian Glover, star of James Bond, Star Wars, Harry Potter, the very best ’70s TV shows and decades on the stage (life ambition no.2) so I knew from the start I was going to love it. Read my interview with him on page 28. I hope you love this summery issue. See you next time! Rachel Ifans, editor Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram:@bristollifemag
REGULARS / ISSUE 230 / FESTIVALS SPECIAL 2017 M EET T H E T EAM
SPOTLIGHT
Editor Rachel Ifans deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk
7 Who’s making the news? Openings and launches abound
Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Lily Brendon, Biba Fry
FESTIVALS 12 Summer’s in full swing
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 Production and distribution manager
Over 20 festivals in and around Bristol between now and October
THE ARTS 23 Mel Giedroyc In conversation with French and Saunders at Colston Hall
Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager and production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk
24 What’s On A month of fun for all
28 Julian Glover
Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk
Bristol boy and acting great plays Julius Caesar at the Old Vic
30 Jayde Adams Local comedian takes to the stage at Bristol Comedy Garden
28
SHOPPING 33 Shopping Intro When is a pebble not a pebble?
36 Editor’s Choice Crown your dad King of the World
40 The indie city
SNAPPED
PROPERT Y
61 Party going
84 Property Showcase
Busy times in Bristol
A balcony of Shakespearean glory
RETIREMENT
THE BACK PAGE
64 Only the lonely
90 Bristol Lives
The Strawberry Thief
How elderly people can avoid loneliness in later life
Adding hair, here and there. Emma Choremi is an expert in extensions
A MAN’S WORLD
BUSINESS
59 Seb Barrett
67 Business Insider
Tat or treasure? It’s car-boot time
New ventures and successes
Pros and cons of independence
FOOD 52 Food & drink New food markets and festivals
56 Restaurant
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.
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 Whispering Woods is a mini festival in Leigh Woods in September. Thanks so much to Nina Bambrey (pictured) for use of this image. See our festivals feature on page 12 for more information.
JOHN WESLEY’S CHAPEL
NEW ROOM: NOW OPEN
Ewa and Niamh from the new café in John Wesley’s Chapel
The New Room at John Wesley’s Chapel is now open after its Heritage Lotteryfunded restoration. A hidden gem of Broadmead, its secluded spot in the shopping quarter is now a top find for Bristolians. The Grade I-listed chapel lays claim to being the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world, so it’s brimming with history. The new look includes a café and shop on the ground floor as well as an education room, resource library and archives room. The café has been taken on by the erstwhile manager of @Bristol’s café. During her nine years at the museum, Ewa Kozdeba’s hard work was rewarded with the first Soil Association Gold Award in Bristol.
CANOPY AND STARS CRANE
100 NIGHTS OF THE HIGH LIFE Crane 29 is up and running. Possibly the world’s first treehouse in a crane, it offers people the chance to stay in a carbon-neutral bolthole set in one of Harbourside’s iconic dockland cranes – but only for 100 nights, after which time it will disappear in a puff of smoke. Bristol-based Canopy and Stars – specialist in glamping and unusual places to stay – is behind the project which will see the Grade II-listed crane offered as an overnight stay for two. Costing £185, each of the 100 nights on offer are subject to a ballot in which registered names are selected in a random draw (the next – and final – draw takes place on 3 July). All profits go to Friends of the Earth. www.canopyandstars.co.uk/crane29
She says about her new venture with assistant manager Niamh Archbold: “I’m confident that nowhere in Broadmead will sell better coffee than us. We spent a long time researching the best beans and eventually decided on Grumpy Mule coffee, which is produced by real coffee connoisseurs and roasted locally in Melksham.” Some of Ewa’s recipes are unlikely to be found anywhere else in central Bristol, including a couple from her native Poland: a light textured baked cheesecake; and ‘Fit cake’, Ewa’s own name for a traditional Polish blueberry, yoghurt and custard cake with a brioche-like texture. www.newroombristol.org.uk
Billed as Bristol’s new natural high, Crane 29 is open!
SPOTLIGHT
NEW EXHIBITION
UNSUNG HEROES OF CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE TO BE REVEALED Brunel gets deserved plaudits for the iconic Suspension Bridge but many don’t know that he died before the bridge was completed and that it was, in fact, his colleagues John Hawkshaw (1811-1891) and William Henry Barlow (1812-1902) who rallied together and raised funds to finish Brunel’s first solo project as a memorial to their fellow engineer. They also made vital adaptations to his design. A new exhibition in the Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre – Hawkshaw and Barlow Untold – is now planned to tell the story, the project having won funding from the Association of Independent Museums (AIM) and Biffa Award. Sir John Hawkshaw is best known for the development of the Circle Line of the London Underground, while William H. Barlow designed and constructed the magnificent glass canopy in St. Pancras station. Trish Johnson, Bridgemaster says: “Hawkshaw and Barlow used their engineering expertise to modify and strengthen the bridge deck. Although at the time they were considering horses and carts crossing the bridge, the well-designed deck can still carry the four million cars that cross over the bridge each year.”
Bike-sharing schemes like YoBike have been wildly popular in Asia
www.cliftonbridge.org.uk
BIKE SHARING A postcard from the Warren Marsh collection which shows the bridge deck as it looked in Hawkshaw and Barlow’s day
ON YOBIKE A new app-based bike sharing scheme has come to Bristol. YoBike is set to expand through urban Europe but chose pedalpowered, bike-friendly Bristol as its launchpad. The app enables users to find the bike, unlock the bike and pay for the bike all in one place. It’s cheap too – £1 for one hour or £5 for a whole day. The bikes are yellow (you can’t miss them!) and, unlike existing UK bike sharing schemes, they do not require a bike docking station so can be picked up from, and left, in any safe, legal and convenient location. www.yobike.co.uk
Run down to our store for all your sports goods this season! PROFESSIONAL SPORT AND FITNESS, 1&2 Gordon Road, Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7DL. Tel 01179 619999. www.psfshop.com Cricket specialists and stockist of:
Visit our Massive Professional Sport & Fitness Superstore -
open 6 days a week!
FREE england rugby mug when you spend £20+
Bath Rugby and British Lion shirts now in stock!
We offer retail and wholesale supply of contemporary and traditional wood, gas and electric stoves, from leading manufacturers. We have over 100 on display, many working and in fire place settings.
In aid of
Timber Windows of Clifton install the award-winning range of hand-made, hand painted and stained timber casement windows, sash windows and doors throughout Somerset, Bristol and Bath. Whether your home is a country cottage, a Victorian semi, a modern townhouse or a converted barn, we have a range of traditional and contemporary timber windows and doors that will fit perfectly. Our products do not stick, warp or twist, require very little maintenance, offer modern standards of security and significant energy savings. Our showroom in Clifton provides the perfect environment to see and experience the beautiful products on display and to talk to us about your home.
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Charity 9am - 5pm
open days
To celebrate our 43rd anniversary we have chosen three charities, Macmillan, Great Western Air Ambulance and Mind and the money raised will be distributed between them. • Complimentary refreshments will be served on both days • 10% of the value of all sales during the event will be donated to charity, and 5% of stove sales within the following 4 weeks (with a voucher collected from the open days) • Free fuel & stove welcome pack for customers who purchase a stove • Charity Raffle, Charity Auction, Guess how many stoves sold in 43 years (closest wins prizes) •Chat to the manufacturers and pick up tips on how to use your stove more economically
For more information please contact us: Castle Farm, Marshfield, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8HU. Tel: 01225 891469 enquiries@knight-stoves.co.uk www.knight-stoves.co.uk
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F E S T I VA L SPECIAL
SUMMER’S IN FULL SWING It’s party season and in Bristol we have more festivals than you can shake a (joss) stick at. From June until October, the beat goes on and on. Don’t waste it By R AC H E L I FA NS
Sunny skies are part and parcel of the best festivals. Here’s Upfest, one of Bris’ faves 12 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
F E S T I VA L SPECIAL
I’M CHANNELLING MY FESTIVAL-GOER, PADDING AROUND THE OFFICE BAREFOOT, WEARING SHORTS AND KAFTAN WITH MY WAYWARD, MUDDIPPED HAIR IN A HEADSCARF
I
’m a method writer. This means that all day I’ve been channelling my festivalgoer, padding around the office barefoot, wearing shorts and kaftan, with my wayward, mud-dipped hair wrapped in a headscarf. (People were avoiding me in the kitchen.) I’m now sitting typing this in a tipi in my garden. I’ve only got the torch on my phone for light and I’m surviving on the bare necessities. (You do call a mouthwateringly delicious gourmet burger and a prosecco pram the essentials, don’t you?). I’ve put the stereo on in the front room and can just about hear the hum of my favourite choons from where I am. I’m really in the swing of it now… Bristol has a phenomenal 20 festivals (and they’re just the ones we’ve counted) between now and October. And the choice is eclectic. Foodie ones, music ones, kiddie ones, theatrical ones, rural ones, urban ones and – the first on our chronological list – funny ones. Diaries out, lumo pens poised. Let’s do this… w
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F E S T I VA L SPECIAL JUNE
JULY
BRISTOL COMEDY GARDEN
GRILLSTOCK
14-18
The fantastic Bristol Comedy Garden returns to Queen Square, slap bang in the heart of the city. Like a few festivals we can mention, it can get a bit muddy, and some of the comedy is downright filthy, but this year the Big Top will house Ross Noble, Greg Davies, Adam Hills, Nina Conti plus Rich Hall, Sara Pascoe, David O’Doherty and local boy Mark Watson. Have a read of our interview on page 30 with Bristolian comedian Jayde Adams, who took Edinburgh by storm last year and returns to her roots for BCG this year. www.bristolcomedygarden.co.uk
21-24
BRISTOL SOUNDS
Sounds is a four-night series of live outdoor concerts on the Harbourside, so if you’re not off to G-bury, get yourself down here. Less mud, comfier beds (your own), and let’s face it, even trudging home on foot is bound to be quicker than getting back to your tent at Glasto. The line-up includes Bonobo on the first night, with Manic Street Preachers (supported by British Sea Power – a fave in our house), Craig David and Hacienda Classical on subsequent nights. www.bristolsounds.co.uk
21-25
GLASTONBURY
Rumours this is its last year at Pilton make this year’s Glasto a massive one (2018 is a fallow year and who knows about 2019…?). Bands like Foo Fighters, Radiohead and Ed Sheeran headline and are joined by the likes of Royal Blood, The National, Katy Perry, Boy Better Know, Stormzy, Alt-J, The Courteeners and The xx. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
30-9 JULY
BRISTOL PRIDE
This year there’s a brand-new event at the Amphitheatre on 7 July headlined by Belinda Carlisle. And the jewel in the crown of the event – Pride Day – will take place on the following day on the Harbourside and will feature none other than Busted as headliners and a fantastic selection of support bands, as well as the annual Pride Day march. There’s loads going on the preceding week, including the return of the Pride film festival, a comedy night, dog show and a curated theatre night too. Bristol Pride is the biggest free Pride event in the UK and organisers are rightly proud of it. www.bristolpride.co.uk
Elbow will headline at The Downs festival this year 14 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
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“The best damn barbecue this side of Texas”, Grillstock means meat, music and mayhem. Music this year is provided by The Darkness; a Craig Charles DJ set; covers band and Grillstock regulars Hayseed Dixie; Goldie Lookin Chain and more. Expect a hot US-style low ’n’ slow BBQ competition, chili pepper and hot dogeating competitions, live music and a lot of fun. www.grillstock.co.uk
4-29
BRISTOL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Was the Bard Bristolian? Well, no, but I have it on good authority that he wished he was*. Our wonderful Shakespeare Festival puts on Shakespeare events in alfresco and unusual places across Bristol for nigh-on a month. It’s run by volunteers who manage to fit a lot on to the bill, this year the top billing being Shakespeare’s Worst (see What’s On on p24), a comedy written by Simpsons writer Mike Reiss. As well as eight plays, there are improv evenings, workshops for kids, poetry and musical events. Venues include The Stackpool Playhouse, the Wardrobe Theatre, The Room Above, Southville Centre, and even central libraries and shops. www.bristolshakespearefestival.org.uk
*fake news
F E S T I VA L SPECIAL 7-8
HAZY DAYS MUSIC FESTIVAL
God, I loved the Tropicana in W-S-M when I was a gal in the 1980s. It wasn’t exactly a Club like in the song, but in those days an open-air swimming pool was pretty exclusive. And I adored Dismaland too. Now the iconic Weston seafront venue is playing host to an annual music festival. Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Reef, Sophie EllisBextor, Newton Faulkner and The Neville Staple Band are on the bill during this two-day fest. www.hazydaysfestival.com
7-9
NASS FESTIVAL
NASS Festival returns to The Royal Bath & West Showground this summer for three days of banging music and high-octane action sports. Method Man & Redman, Kano and Pendulum headline this year’s festival, which also features Loyle Carner, GIGGS, Charlie Sloth, Sigma Live and lots more. Witness incredible skateboarding and BMXing from some of the world’s best athletes, live street art and an epic music line-up over four stages. www.nassfestival.co.uk
14-17
RIVER TOWN, BRISTOL’S AMERICANA WEEKEND
Colston Hall teams up with St George’s to bring together some outstanding home-grown and US artists. This four-night festival will celebrate the remarkable roots music that grows deep in American soil with Elvis Costello and The Imposters topping the bill, and Mary Chapin Carpenter and Lucinda Williams – icons of American music – headlining in the main hall on the other nights. St George’s plays host to The HillBenders and The Lantern welcomes the new wave like Frazey Ford and Howe Gelb to the stage. You can’t get closer to the American heartland than this… www.colstonhall.org
21-23
HARBOUR FESTIVAL
On 21 July, Outlook Orchestra marks the 150th anniversary of Colston Hall with a celebratory outdoor gig at Bristol’s Lloyds Amphitheatre, launching the festival weekend ahead. The rest of the weekend will see oodles of entertainment on the iconic Harbourfront, including a dance village, three music stages, boating entertainment on the water, unusual vessels, a circus mecca created by Cirque Bijou and regional food markets. www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk
27-30
WOMAD
BRISTOL HAS A PHENOMENAL 20 FESTIVALS (AND THOSE ARE JUST THE ONES WE COUNTED) BETWEEN NOW AND OCTOBER
WOMAD is often overlooked but it’s such an amazing vibe, and it’s not far from Bristol up the M4, so we had to include it here. Well-timed for the end of term, it’s a family-friendly festival and this year is its 35th birthday. As well as great acts like Lady Blacksmith Mambazo, Benjamin Zephaniah, Emir Kusturica and Spooky Men’s Chorale (and so many more from all corners of the world), it also does a good line in wellbeing (wood-fired hot tubs and barrel saunas, you hear me?), and drums up loads of great activities like the Physics Pavilion, and Human Books as well as delish global food. www.womad.co.uk
29-31
UPFEST
Europe’s largest live urban art festival, Upfest returns to Bristol in July, bringing over 250 of the most cutting-edge and diverse street artists into the city to paint buildings, surfaces, vehicles and canvasses live in the streets. This annual festival attracts more than 25,000 visitors from all over the world. This year, the festival will be running for an extra day, encouraging families to get more involved with workshops from popular street artists. www.upfest.co.uk
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F E S T I VA L SPECIAL AUGUST
10-13
VALLEY FEST
Is there anything we can say about this giant that you don’t already know, or is it just a lot of hot air? Ahem… Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta is Europe’s largest hot air balloon festival with over 100 balloons gathered in the grounds of the stunning Ashton Court Estate to take off at dawn and dusk each day. Over half a million people attend each year.
4-6
This festival, which only started three years ago, bills itself thus: “Good food, great music, kids run wild, lush views and loads of glittering entertainment.” Sold. Next! Oh okay, if you need more persuading, here’s the full SP. Valley Fest began after Luke Hasell took over The Community Farm when his parents both passed away when only in their early 50s. To honour their memory, Luke decided to put on an event that would encompass their zest for life, their love of good food and which would be a true celebration of life to share with those you love. It’s a winner, and this year ArgentinianSwedish indie folk singer José Gonzalez is headlining at the lake. www.valleyfest.co.uk
5-8
REDFEST
This year, Redfest will be taking a break from the huge day event in St George Park to curate a weekend-long, multi-venue festival on and around Church Road. “We’re looking to work with local venues, community organisations, businesses, traders and artists of all disciplines from Redfield and the surrounding areas,” they say. The mission of Redfest is to enrich the local community through the arts so get in touch to take part. www.redfestbristol.co.uk
Valley Fest at Chew Valley is a joyous event
16 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
BALLOON FIESTA
www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
16-18
HOO-HA! FESTIVAL
Hoo-Ha! transforms Colston Hall into a mecca for families during one week in August. As well as back-to-back kid-friendly performances in the main hall during the day, The Lantern also comes to life with interactive workshops and shows. In addition to the ticketed events there are always lots of free foyer shows and activities. www.colstonhall.org
SEPTEMBER 1-3
THE OTHER ART FAIR
The Other Art Fair, famous for connecting buyers directly with the best as-yet undiscovered artists, will return to the Arnolfini in 2017. The Other Art Fair is a pioneering way of uncovering new talent, and its inclusive ethos allows artists to forge direct relationships with potential buyers with workshops, immersive theatre, live music and performance art. Art buyers of all ages can discover the best in emerging talent with artworks for sale from just £50. www.theotherartfair.com
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VALLEY FEST:
GOOD FOOD, GREAT MUSIC, KIDS RUN WILD, LUSH VIEWS AND LOADS
OF GLITTERING ENTERTAINMENT. SOLD. NEXT!
F E S T I VA L SPECIAL The Darkness are headlining this year’s Grillstock event
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8-9
Last year saw Massive Attack return to Bristol for the inaugural Downs Festival, which will return again in 2017 with Elbow as headliner on the main stage joined by Seasick Steve, De La Soul, Soul II Soul, The Districts, David Rodigan, Roni Size and more.
A Bristol-based collective of artists who specialise in bringing the best of aerial artistry, acrobatics, and storytelling together to create promenade shows for families as well as solo aerial performances and workshops. Leigh Woods is the venue for this two-dayer – you can see the beauty of what’s on offer on our cover. It’s a little bit different to the bump and grind of the Harbourside, but we feel very drawn to it.
THE DOWNS FESTIVAL
www.thedownsbristol.com
WHISPERING WOODS
www.whisperingwoods.org.uk
15-17
BRISTOL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
After a super successful first year, Bristol Craft Beer Festival is back. A single ticket gives you the opportunity to try every beer in the place, with some of the best independent brewers in the UK at the event. www.bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk w
GRILLSTOCK: THE BEST DAMN BARBECUE THIS SIDE OF TEXAS www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 19
F E S T I VA L SPECIAL 19-24
ENCOUNTERS SHORT FILM AND ANIMATION FESTIVAL
Five days of the best short films from around the world alongside a series of special bigscreen events, a full programme and free public screenings for all the family. This is a chance to see films from 90 seconds to 20 minutes that will make you laugh, cry, scream and squirm. www.encounters-festival.org.uk
OCTOBER 21-23
SIMPLE THINGS
A joint venture from the teams behind Crack magazine, Colston Hall and Love Saves The Day, the festival uses a mixture of established gig spaces and DIY venues around the city to present a diverse music selection. Metronomy will set the tone as they headline the festival’s opening concert at Motion followed by a massive roll call of talent on Saturday. Special guests for the finale are still TBA. www.simplethingsfestival.co.uk
Once the farmers have led the livestock away, The Royal Bath and West Showground hosts skateboarders at NASS Festival 20 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Could you lead the Bristol Life sales team? This is a challenging but rewarding role leading the sales team on Bristol's market leading lifestyle magazine. Leading from the front and representing our brand with the utmost professionalism and passion, the Advertising Sales Manager will have the autonomy and responsibility to deliver year on year revenue growth across our highly respected magazine and events, not least the Bristol Life Awards. Ambitious, conscientious and dedicated, our ideal candidate will already have demonstrable experience in managing successful sales teams, ideally within the media sector. A good, local knowledge of and passion for Bristol as a city would also be an advantage. If this sounds like your next career move, please email steve.hawkins@mediaclash.co.uk with an up to date CV and a covering note explaining why you’d be our ideal candidate.
www.mediaclash.co.uk
COMEDY
ARTS
Mel is a true fan of Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders
I was a young teen when their popularity exploded. It was at the time of Not The Nine O’Clock News, The Young Ones and French and Saunders. The comedy scene then made me feel truly proud to be British. Nobody else was doing the kind of stuff that they were. It was an explosion of anarchic fun underpinned by political beliefs and an utter two fingers up at the Tory establishment, which is always a good thing in my book. The best comedy is clever and silly at the same time. With French and Saunders (I’ve been rewatching all of the series with my teenage daughters who love it!) you forget how surreal their material could be, too. Particularly the earlier series. There are real whiffs of The Mighty Boosh and the Pythons in there.
COMEDY HEROES
My favourite French and Saunders sketch is the pastiche of the film Misery. Or maybe the Braveheart one. Their film pastiches were utterly sublime, all of them.
Mel Giedroyc is coming to the Colston Hall this month to appear in conversation with French and Saunders as they receive an Aardman Slapstick Comedy Legend Award
And my favourite characters are the gay male makeup artists. I think they only ever appeared twice but I’m obsessed with them.
French and Saunders meant everything to Sue and I when we were starting out. They were the absolute best example of what it was to be female and funny. If you were a girl growing up (I think I was about 13 when I first saw Five Go Mad in Dorset) and you felt like a bit of a square peg in a round hole, then French and Saunders were your absolute go-to comedians. They were so irreverent, so on the mark with their observations, so good at pricking the bubble of pomposity. And more important than all of this, they were clearly such good friends. Sue and I really related to that because we are first and foremost pals. The double-act comes second.
I WAS A YOUNG TEEN WHEN THEIR POPULARITY EXPLODED. THE COMEDY SCENE THEN MADE ME FEEL TRULY PROUD TO BE BRITISH
I’m really looking forward to hanging out with the pair of them at this event. I know they’re going to tease me mercilessly, but I hope to give as good as I get. (Actually it’ll be two against one so I’ll have to really raise my game.) No, I will not reveal any of the exclusive bits and bobs from this event. DAWN & JENNIFER WOULD a) WEDGIE ME THEN b) KILL ME IF I TOLD YOU ANYTHING SO DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!
Mel is appearing with French and Saunders at Colston Hall on 22 June; www.colstonhall.org
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23
9 June – 8 July
J U ST A F EW S U GGES TI ON S FOR YOU R MON TH
Guadalupe Plata – a mix of rockabilly, flamenco, spaghetti western scores and jazz; Dinomania comes to Bristol Zoo; and an outdoor Midsummer Night’s Dream
Exhibitions U N TI L 1 8 JUNE
COMMON GROUND Andrea Luka Zimmerman explores the impact of globalisation, militarism and denied histories, mostly through the medium of film. At Spike Island; www.spikeisland.org.uk
U N TI L 3 SE PT
SKELETONS: OUR BURIED BONES See how Bristolians lived thousands of years ago. Skeletons discovered in Bristol are on display alongside some from the Museum of London. Uncover 2,000 years of history and fascinating stories of fairly gruesome injuries! M Shed; www. bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/
U N TI L 6 AUG US T
THE STARS WERE ALIGNED FOR A CENTURY OF NEW BEGINNINGS Major solo exhibition by Egypt’s Basim Magdy – part of Deutsche Bank’s Artist of the Year programme. Note: this exhibition was due to finish in June but has been extended to August.
OF BRISTOL First ever exhibition of Garth England’s drawings. Offers a rare glimpse into the mind of England, the milkman (1935-2014); www.architecturecentre.org.uk 10-11 J UNE
BS9 ARTS TRAIL The fourth outing for this popular open-doors event in north Bristol; www.bs9arts.co.uk
U N TI L 4 SE PTEMBER
GLASS MICROBIOLOGY Luke Jerram’s extraordinary, jewel-like glass sculptures of eight deadly viruses; at The Box; www.at-bristol.org.uk
16-18 J UNE
JAMAICA STREET ARTISTS The popular Stokes Croft community of artists opens its doors for a weekend; jamaicastreetartists.co.uk
U N TI L 1 0 SE PT
MURDERED WITH STRAIGHT LINES: GARTH ENGLAND’S DRAWINGS
24 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
16-21 J UNE
AS IS Annual Graduation Show by
students of FdA Professional Photography, City of Bristol College; www.centrespacegallery. com/exhibitions/ 24-27 J UNE
CARNIVAL An art exhibition showcasing the creative talents of people with mental health needs. At Paintworks. Hosted by Milestones Trust; www.milestonestrust.org.uk
Plays/Shows 9 J UNE-1 J U LY
JULIUS CAESAR Theatre legends Julian Glover and Lynn Farleigh perform with the hottest new talent from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in this contemporary production of Shakespeare’s most
W H AT ’ S O N
famous political drama; www.bristololdvic.org.uk 10 JUNE
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM In Wild Place’s Tower Meadow, near Cribbs Causeway, this Shakespeare-in-theopen-air will be performed by the Chapterhouse Theatre Company as part of the Bristol Shakespeare Festival. www.wildplace.org.uk/whats-on/ midsummer-nights-dream 13-17 JUNE
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME 15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths while illequipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under the suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world. The NT’s critically acclaimed hit comes to the Hippodrome; www.atgtickets.com 13-17 JUNE
KIRK vs MING It’s a sci-fi comedy from the team behind Goldilock, Stock & Three Smoking Bears and Muppits Die Hard. Wardrobe Theatre; www.thewardrobetheatre.com 14-17 JUNE
EUROHOUSE A playful vision of complicated relationships within the EU; www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com 20-24 JUNE
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Winner of six Tony Awards, including best musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a comedy set in New York in 1922, and based on the award-winning film; www.atgtickets.com/venues/ bristol-hippodrome 26 JUNE
THE ICONOCLASTS Music, magic, poetry, drag and comedy meet in an explosive night in this pre-Edinburgh event. At the Alma Theatre; www.eventbrite.co.uk 4-8 JULY
SHAKESPEARE’S WORST World premiere, written by
ARTS
four-time Emmy Awardwinning Simpsons writer Mike Reiss, Shakespeare scholar Nick Newlin and directed by Bristol’s fave director, Ed Viney. Stackpool Playhouse www.bristolshakespearefestival. org.uk 4-15 JULY
TRISTAN & YSEULT Seen through the eyes of the ‘Unloved’, this, the most successful and beloved of all Kneehigh’s shows, blends comedy, live music, grand passions and tender truths in an irresistible night of love; www.bristololdvic.org.uk
Music 1 0 JU N E
GUADALUPE PLATA The Guardian says it’s a mix of rockabilly, flamenco, spaghetti western scores and jazz rhythms channelled through howling vocals, slide guitar and feedback. Sounds ace. See the trio at The Louisiana www.thelouisiana.net/ 13 JUNE
MANNEQUIN PUSSY Philadelphia thrash rock that will be heard the length and breadth of Stokes Croft. At The Crofters Rights; www.croftersrights.co.uk 14 JUNE
IDINA MENZEL Tony Award-winning superstar Idina Menzel has been called “the Streisand of her generation” by The Denver Post with charm, wit and unparalleled vocal prowess. www.colstonhall.org
Top: One of the greats - actor Julian Glover plays Caesar at Bristol Old Vic Bottom: Graduates from City of Bristol College wow with their photography
time, indie fans. At O2 Academy www.academymusicgroup.com/ o2academybristol 17 JUNE
14-17 JUNE
CLIFTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC With the South West’s brightest musical talent and some of classical music’s biggest names, including the Tallis Scholars and the choir of St-Martin-In-TheFields. At Clifton Cathedral; www.cliftonfestival.com 15 JUNE
THE WEDDING PRESENT The band is playing their George Best album to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Step back in
KRAFTWERK The German electronic music pioneers and ’80s icons show sold out in minutes when the ticket lines opened; don’t shoot the messenger. www.colstonhall.org 20 JUNE
KIEFER SUTHERLAND At ease, soldier. He’s not coming to Bristol as a brooding, herotype actor in a thrilling crime series. No, he’s at the Bierkeller in his talented country-musicvibe guise. Boom. (Some people are just too talented.) www.bristolbierkeller.co.uk
4 JULY
STEVE WINWOOD The rock icon and two-time Grammy-winning multiinstrumentalist Steve Winwood plays Colston Hall in one of only two UK tour dates this July. www.colstonhall.org
Comedy 14-18 JU NE
BRISTOL COMEDY GARDEN Hooray, the best comedy event on the Bristol calendar is back in Queen Square this year with (deep breath) Ross Noble, Greg Davies, Adam Hills, Nina Conti, Rich Hall, Sara Pascoe, David O’Doherty, Mark Watson and many more. w
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 25
ARTS
W H AT ’ S O N
Read our interview with local comedian Jayde Adams on p30. bristolcomedygarden.co.uk
with the low-level dishonesty surrounding us all; www.ideasfestival.co.uk
19 JUNE
9-11 JUNE
CHAS & DAVE Gertcha; etc. The Danny Dyers of the music circuit come to Hippodrome; atgtickets.com 20 JUNE
RUSSELL BRAND Another male stand-up has a baby and wants to tell us about it. Ye gods. www.colstonhall.org 22 JUNE
FRENCH AND SAUNDERS Dawn and Jennifer talking with Mel Giedroyc in Bristol as they receive the Aardman Slapstick Comedy Legend Award. www.colstonhall.org
Other 8- 2 5 JUNE
FESTIVAL OF NATURE Spread over three consecutive weekends, this is the UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world, with talks, art, performance, music, literature, photography etc; www.bnhc.org.uk 9 JUNE
THE SPIRITUALITY OF JANE AUSTEN Fascinating conversation with author Paula Hollingsworth to explore Jane Austen’s gentle but strong faith and the effect it had both on her life and her writing. www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk 10 JUNE
FESTIVAL OF IDEAS EVENTS Evan Davis (off’telly) talks about post truth and how we can deal
BRISTOL VOLKSFEST The largest grass-roots VW festival in the South West is celebrating its 25th birthday; at Birches Farm, with a Vaudeville/ circus theme; www.bristolvolksfest.co.uk 16-18 JUNE
BALL MANIA Bonkers: The Lantern at Bristol’s Colston Hall is going to be transformed into a huge ball pit, containing 200,000 balls. And it’s only for grown-ups. www.colstonhall.org 17 JUNE – 7 JANUARY
THE JURASSIC GIANTS It’s 150 million years ago… and Bristol is a Jurassic ocean teeming with huge and terrifying creatures. The biggest and fiercest of them all was the pliosaur – and now you can see one of the world’s most complete pliosaur fossils. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery; www.bristolmuseums.org.uk 22 JUNE
HOLLIE MCNISH A poet whose readings are not to be missed. With Benjamin Zephaniah stating ‘I can’t take my ears off her’, her honesty is disarming and charming. www.colstonhall.org
Top: French & Saunders at Colston Hall; Bottom: A Night of Swing at Harvey Nicks
UNTIL 3 SEPT 24 JUNE
A NIGHT OF SWING Harvey Nicks is hosting a Saturday night of gourmet food, delicious drinks and live music from The Paper Moon. www.harveynichols.com/store/ bristol
DINOMANIA The dinosaurs, which roamed the Earth 85 million years ago, will be on show at Bristol Zoo. Yes, 11 life-size animatronic dinosaurs have come to Briz from Texas to entertain y’all. www.dinomania.org.uk
Sport 26 J UNE - 1 8 J U LY
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP International cricket returns to The Brightside Ground in Bristol with the final stages of the ICC Women’s World Cup. www.gloscricket.co.uk
ARTS
ONE TO ONE
ONE of the GREATS Friends, Romans, Bristolians. Julius Caesar is back at BOV in this year’s collab with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and, with acting legend and Bristol boy Julian Glover in the eponymous role, it’s a must-see By R AC H E L I FA NS
I
was a rather shy 15-year-old,” says the ridiculously modest actor to the starstruck interviewer when relaying how his fantastic career had begun back in 1950, “but I was good at reading out loud, having read to my little brother in the evenings when my mother was out working, so I ended up getting the part of Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar. And here we are now, at the age of 82, in the same play and taking the role of Caesar for the first time!” A subsequent comedy role in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe served up the addictive taste of having the audience eating out of the palm of his hand, and Julian Glover determined to make acting his path.
A LIFETIME’S ACHIEVEMENT
TIMELESS THEATRE
So, to the production itself. Directed by Simon Dormandy, Julius Caesar is a follow-up to last year’s ground-breaking collaboration between Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s graduating students. Written in 1599, JC is set in a time of deep anxiety, and centres around a populist demagogue brought to power by a public who feel betrayed by the political elite, a plot that could come straight from the pages of today’s newspapers. As Rome burns and armies clash by night, 400 years of democracy hangs by a thread. On the early summer’s day Julian and I meet in the gardens of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, he has one more week of rehearsing before they move down to the theatre. “It’s so stimulating to work with these graduates. This is their final show. Myself and Lynn Farleigh (Calpurnia) are here to play our parts but the idea is also to try and spread some of our experience to these wonderful kids who are hard-working, keen, anxious and enthusiastic. To say we’re here to be an example to them is too portentous a phrase but we offer our advice – only when asked – as volunteering it would be impertinent.” As the clock runs out on our interview slot, Julian quips: “I wanted to play Caesar because, well, he’s only got to lie down once and then get up again once, and he’s all done by the interval. You have to consider these things at my age! “I’ve been a steadily working actor for 60 years now and thank God, at 82, I can still remember the words. Many of my friends cannot, so I’m lucky.” I can’t help but think we’re the lucky ones, Julian.
WHEN THE PLAY STARTS I SHALL BE OUT AND ABOUT FOR A BIT OF NOSTALGIA. I HAVE A SMALL MOTORBIKE AND I PLAN TO GO AND SEE PILL, WESTON-SUPER-MARE, AND AVONMOUTH. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BEING BACK HERE
Indulge me when I proclaim Glover to be ‘one of the greats’. It’s not lazy journalism, I promise, when describing this man who has been involved in every iconic movie franchise of the last 50 years – Star Wars, James Bond, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and also HBO’s Game of Thrones – as well as a mind-bending list of TV and theatre. After RADA he spent a season as a walk-on at Stratford and was then lucky enough to get a role next to Albert Finney at the Royal Court Theatre, the most avant-garde theatre of the time. Out of that came the very first film he did, called Tom Jones, directed by Tony Richardson. “I’m not being arch when I say it’s a classic of the cinema”, he says. “One of the most brilliantly made and funny films ever.” He then alternated TV and film [pause here as Julian reels off a list of the most famous programmes of our time: The Saint, Randall and Hopkirk, The Avengers, Jason King, Department S] with theatre stints. “And it’s been rather like that all the way through. I’ve never been in a position to choose my career because I never thought I am so brilliant that the great big thing is bound to come to me.”
THE OL’ HOME TOWN LOOKS THE SAME…
Julian is back in Bristol, for Julius Caesar, where he lived as a child. Arriving in 1939, his first impressions were overwhelmed by war even though the family had just missed the bombing. Just. “The city was still smoking when we arrived and everything was being shored up,” he recalls. “It stayed like that for the remaining years of the war and that’s the Bristol I knew. I had no idea how it had looked before and I barely recognised it when I returned 20 years later.” 28 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
He lived in Leigh Woods, right on the edge of Nightingale Valley, where he spent an idyllic few years growing up, befriending the son of the woodsman. “He showed me everything in those woods: the caves where the bats were; places I would be able to find a kestrel; and where I could drink the water. Such luck”, he muses, “a real Arthur Ransome time.” “When the play starts I shall be out and about for a bit of nostaglia. I have a small motorbike and I plan to go to Pill, WestonSuper-Mare, and Avonmouth. I absolutely love being back here.”
Julius Caesar runs from 9 June - 1 July; www.bristololdvic.org.uk
ONE TO ONE
ARTS
Julian Glover in rehearsal for Julius Caesar and (bottom right) in Game of Thrones and Indiana Jones and the The Last Crusade
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29
ARTS
COMEDY
Jayde Adams, described by The Independent as a “fearless force of nature”
COMEDY IS MEDICINE Bristolian Jayde Adams took up comedy after grieving the death of her sister as it made her fearless and able to shed the insecurities that had previously held her back. Catch her award-winning show at the Bristol Comedy Garden So, Jayde, you won the Funny Women award in 2014 – what clinched it for you? I’d hope it was how funny I was, but it may have been the nude suit. It’s pretty sexy. What did you do for a living before comedy? Café work. Priest in an inflatable church. Pubs. Doorwoman. Windows and doors salesman. Palm reader. Anything I could get my hands on, basically. Your show, Jayde 31, did really well at Edinburgh last year. Tell us about it. It was a show about comparison. I spent my life comparing myself to other women, being dominated by strong female types and it meant I had no idea who I was or what I was good at. My sister died of brain cancer and after six years of grieving I realised that I could write about it and finally own my own story. It has been described on numerous occasions as a rollercoaster. I’m doing a shorter version of Jayde 31 at Bristol Comedy Garden Festival. 30 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
MY FAVOURITE JOKE: THEY SAY YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT… I DON’T REMEMBER EATING A
GODDESS
What three qualities do you need for standup? 1) Funniness 2) The ability to act like you don’t give a shit about what people think, and 3) I personally think you have to have been through something, been an underdog somewhere in your life. Not just being female or stuff like that, but having lived through some really trying times at some point. What do you most remember about Bristol growing up? The people. You don’t get better people than a Bristolian. Generous, kind, funny, loyal, and fearless. No other city like it. And I’m talking real Bristolians now, not these new ones who’ve moved in cause it’s cheaper than London. I hope they realise how lucky they are to live in such an awesome city. Is this your favourite gig of the year, being back in the fold etc? If something gets me back to my Bristol, I’m happy. As soon as I can, I’ll be moving back. People say that comedy is medicine. Whaddayathink? Yep. It’s changed my entire life.
Jayde Adams appears at Bristol Comedy Garden on Saturday 17 June, on the bill with Nina Conti, Marcus Brigstocke and Stephen K Amos. The Festival runs from 14 - 18 June. www.bristolcomedygarden.co.uk/tickets Jayde is performing her show for this year’s Edinburgh Festival, called Jayded, at the White Bear on 23 June and The Wardrobe on 24 June.
Fashion/gifts/stores/more
WHEN IS A PEBBLE NOT A PEBBLE?
When it’s a soap. And not just any soap either. The Soap Co’s newest product to hit Briz is a bar of soap wrapped in wool that comes from Herdwick Sheep* in the Lake District. The pebble-which-looks-like-a-pebble-but-isn’t-a-pebble is, according to Marcelle at exclusive Bristol stockist Movement Boutique, woolly to touch. “When you wet it the soap comes through, giving you a gentle exfoliation from the wool”. The design is inspired by pebbles found in the Lake District’s River Greta, and the eco-friendly, bio-degradable and cruelty-free soaps – which are enriched with cocoa butter, bergamot and mint essential oils – are handmade in the Soap Co’s workshop in the Lake District. The Soap Co is a social enterprise providing training and work opportunities for people who are visually impaired, have disabilities or are otherwise disadvantaged. All their profits go back into their business so that they can provide these opportunities and more like them. Small pebbles retail at £10 and large pebbles retail at £14. Available scents are White Tea, Citrus, Black Poppy and Wild Fig. For more www.movementboutique.co.uk
*Herdwick Sheep are one of the hardiest breeds of sheep which is why they are suited to life on the fells. Beatrix Potter is often cited as saving the breed from extinction as she bred them for years and on her death left 15 farms to the National Trust on the understanding they would continue to graze Herdwick flocks on them. All that history in a small bar of soap!
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 33
Beautiful Gifts, Jewellery, Candles, Scarves, Home Accessories, Hand Finished Cards & Baby Clothes
Now in stock!
Open Mon-Sat, 10-6pm & Sun 10-4pm. 44a-46 Cotham Hill, Bristol, BS6 6LA. Visit us online www.soukous.co.uk
1
2
KING of the WORLD 3
IDEAS TO MAKE THE DADS FEEL EXTRA SPECIAL ON FATHER’S DAY
4
1. A RIGHT BREW-HA-HA
2. POP, FIZZ, TIME TO CELEBRATE
3.LOVE THYSELF
4. MAMIL KIT
5. A MAN WALKED INTO A BAR…
Wild Beer, £12 Local brewery Wild Beer is a great choice for Father’s Day. The four-pack gift box includes Modus Operandi (the one that started it all), Evolver, Wild Goose Chase and Millionaire From wildbeer.myshopify.com
Thatchers Family Reserve, £9.99 Sparkling apple wine which brings back the recipe discovered by William Thatcher in the early 1900s. Made from Katy apple this champagne cider balances acidity and sweetness From Thatchers Cider Shop, Myrtle Farm, Sandford
T-shirt, £24 From the 7 Deadly Sins Collection, this one is Pride. Made from 100% ring-spun cotton, House of Junk gear is straight off the colourful and wild streets of Stokes Croft From www. houseofjunkclothing.com
Bike Mini Multi-Tool, £13.50 This cyclist’s multi-tool includes chain link remover, screwdriver, spanner and torch and is perfect for the lycra-clad man in your life From The Pod Company 24 The Mall, Clifton www.podcompany.co.uk
Shampoo bar, £5.95 Bursting with natural ingredients and 100% pure essential oils, AA Skincare’s new shampoo bars pack a botanical punch. Perfect on holiday, at festivals or in the gym bag From Amphora Aromatics, 36 Cotham Hill www.aaskincare.co.uk
36 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
SHOPPING
ED’S CHOICE
5 6
7
9
8
10
6. SPELL IT OUT
7. A SHOT IN THE DARK
8. GREAT DANE
9. INDUSTRIAL LIGHT AND MAGIC
10. PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Letterboard, £45 The original text message. Great for imparting daddy wisdom on the whole family. It measures 45cm x 30cm and comes with frame and hooks From Fig 1, St, Lukes Rd in Totterdown and new shop in Gaol Ferry Steps www.fig1.co.uk
Tequila gift pack, £51.95-£63.95 Casamigos Tequila has three limited edition gift packs out for Father’s Day. Available only from 31 Dover online, you get a 70cl bottle of Casamigos Tequila and two glasses in the pack From www.31dover.com
T-shirt, £56 I love a colour block and Mads Norgaard ticks all my boxes with this. Mads aims to ‘make girls and boys more sexy and tough’. Perfect for Father’s Day, then From Movement, Alma Rd www.movementboutique. co.uk
Lamp, £55 My husband is like a digging dog. Everywhere he goes, he leaves a pile of stuff behind: coins, receipts, keys, halfeaten cookies. This Bahne lamp has a bowled-out base for bedside bits and bobs #marriagesaver From Mon Pote, www.blazestudio.co.uk
Greetings cards, £2.50-£3.50 Blaze has great cards and, being a makers co-op, they’re from local artists, namely Laura Robertson, Lucy Roberts, Hattie Buckwell, SNIPPET, Rosie Webb and Eska Marsh From Blaze, Colston St, www.blazestudio.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37
The Indie City
Bristol is definitely mighty pretty and the indie city also has a fervent go-it-alone attitude. We go a-windo’ shoppin’ with eyes a-poppin’ to find out why the independent spirit is so alive By l i ly br e n d on
Mon Pote is a lifestyle store with a focus on inspiring interiors and gifts for grown ups and kids 40 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
INDIES SPECIAL
THE NICEST THING OUR
CUSTOMERS
SAY IS THAT THE SHOP
REMINDS
THEM OF THE INDEPENDENTS THEY HAVE COME ACROSS IN COPENHAGEN OR AMSTERDAM
B
ristol is blessed with an independent feel. Although we have pockets of big-name shops, the overall feel is of boutiques, indie retailers and individual cafés and eateries. Much more so than other British cities that seem to be lined with chainstores and big brands. What breeds the confidence to go it alone? And what are the pitfalls of owning your own business? With Indie Retailer Month on the horizon in July, we decided to dig a bit deeper and try to find out about the pros and cons of independence.
NOT A CITY OF NAYSAYERS
It’s all very well having independent shops, cafés, hotels, restaurants and services, but in order for them to survive, you need the support of customers. It seems, from talking to local retailers, that that support is not in short supply in Bristol. Jessica David from Arlberry is emphatic: “There really is a sense that people want to support small local businesses over larger chains.” Hemali Modha from Amulet Boutique agrees: “Bristol is such a diverse and creative city that I think it’s far more open to supporting and embracing independent traders.” And of course, it’s something of a virtuous circle for Bristolians. By supporting indie businesses they reap the benefits now and secure a positive future for the next generation. We tracked down Rich Osborn from Fresh-Range to chat about sustainable and future-looking communities. “I was born and raised here in Bristol and love the fact we’re doing something special,” he says, “something that is rewarding to the people of this city who appreciate great food. “Ultimately, if Fresh-Range is successful, it will create food security for generations to come for Bristol. Our independence enables us to stick closely to our purpose and values. This means we are doing the right thing by Bristol customers and producers when it comes to their food supply.” w Rich Osborn from Fresh-Range
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 41
INDIES SPECIAL
Blaze Studio is alight with stunning work from local artists
THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY – OR MORE
The path to freedom is much lauded but it doesn’t come without pitfalls and bumps on the way. We asked our brave indies what they find most challenging about going it alone and, along with common obstacles like how best to rise above the swell of big-name – and big-budget – chain brands, some new observations surfaced. Gemma Gallagher from Sweet Pea in Westburyon-Trym listed unpredictable British weather and extortionate business rates and rents as her bêtes-noires. For Woody Evans at Amphora Aromatics it’s the paperwork that is sometimes overwhelming. “Dealing with industry regulations and mountains of paperwork is a costly and timeconsuming process but one that is key to the success and integrity of our business. We also find the day-to-day issues that apply to running any business – from staffing through business rates to Bristol congestion – problematic.” In fact, admin is a subject that raises its ugly head on many occasions and is, it seems, a part of running your own business that you often try to squeeze into short periods of time after the ‘main business of the day’ is done. “I find multi-tasking a challenge, as well as remembering to prioritise what is important rather than urgent,” says Sian Barker at Pod in Clifton. The answer seems to be working long and hard but also ruthlessly prioritising where you focus your time and effort. Sometimes workloads can just be prohibitively big and when this is the case, it could be time to admit defeat. In and around Bristol there are plenty of companies – often indies themselves – who can offer support and expertise to small business owners. From accountants and lawyers to virtual PAs and web designers, you could free up a lot of time, stress and energy by parceling out the pieces of work that are, well, parcel-able. w 42 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
There are strict industry regulations involved in making products like these from Amphora Aromatics
The Pod Company in Clifton is a longtime Bristol indie
Lunar Optical is a leading independent optical practice based on the bustling Gloucester Road in Bristol.
New natural shampoo bars perfect for travel • festivals • the gym natural ingredients • 100% pure essential oils • free from preservatives
“Being independent means writing one’s own story every day” Your eyes are for looking at beautiful things.... 291 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NY.
Tel: 0117 942 0011 Email: info@lunaroptical.com Open: Monday and Saturday - 9.30am to 5.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 9.30am to 6.00pm 36 Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6LA Tel: 0117 9087770 www.aaskincare.co.uk
www.lunaroptical.com
INDIES SPECIAL In Hemali Modha’s case this meant the promotion of her business: “Being a small business owner can result in wearing lots of hats but having key people to take on some of the tasks you’re not an expert in is key. I’ve recently started working with a digital marketer so I’m excited to see how that increases visitors and sales via our website.” Take a look at our boxout on companies that can help indie businesses by adding expertise and taking away the chores that are not a speciality.
HELP FOR THE INDIES We spoke to a few companies in Bristol who are not only, in many cases, indies themselves, but who specialise in supporting small businesses in areas like legal and financial support, admin and marketing Roger Isaacs from Milsted Langdon
How can you help small independents in Bristol? As the longest standing independent law firm in Henleaze, we know the challenges faced by independent businesses in Bristol. When we are appointed company solicitors for a new client, we always make clear that we are on hand not just for drafting documents and helping with transactional work, but also for ongoing support.
IF I HAD MY TIME AGAIN…
And what advice to the next generation of indies? Well, it won’t surprise you to find out that no-one advised jacking it in and working for Faceless Brand Inc. Jessica from Arlberry was positive: “If you are focused and passionate about your service or product you will find a market for it in Bristol. Work every angle you can to be heard over the chain companies.” And Jill and Pam from Lunar Optical have some sage advice in terms of your strategy: “Do your homework, have a plan and get the location right. Most of all, believe in yourself and be passionate and the rest will follow.” And back to Rich Osborn from Fresh-Range for the final word. A plan – and a dollop of gung-ho – goes a long way: “Yes, build a solid plan. Surround yourself with people you respect. Then, if the plan makes sense, just get on and do it. Ignore the inner voice telling you it’s not possible (we all have one). So long as you are 80% convinced the plan is sound, just lead it like your life depends on it (it doesn’t) and enjoy the ride!” For tips on running an independent business, go to www.independentretailermonth.co.uk The owners of Sweet Pea in Henleaze love the freedom of being able to source unique styles
NAOMI SUMMERS, GO GET ORGANISED ROGER ISAACS, PARTNER, MILSTED LANGDON LLP
What do you do? We provide friendly, down-to-earth advice to local businesses of all sizes and states of financial health. One of the things we like best is working with those who are just embarking on their first commercial venture. Often they may have nothing more than a cool idea. We find we get as enthusiastic about our clients’ businesses as they do but we also try to act as a sounding board to make sure that their entrepreneurial energy is always grounded in reality. How can you help small independents in Bristol? Like so many things in life, a really great new business needs a solid foundation. Getting things right when you’re small means that your business can grow without losing stability. That means having the right financial controls in place so that you can keep track of the all-important cash as efficiently as possible. Another recent change is the increase in the number of businesses that are starting to sell in markets abroad either directly or through internet marketplaces such as Amazon or eBay. The rules for overseas trade (distance selling) can be confusing and that’s another area where we find we are increasingly getting involved to provide advice and guidance. For many of our smaller clients we act as business coaches, working with the owners month by month to maximise the chances that their start-ups will achieve their potential.
GRANT MCCALL, COMPANY & COMMERCIAL SOLICITOR, AMD SOLICITORS
What do you do? I specialise in advising SME business owners on their company law and commercial legal requirements. For a start-up, this could include helping with terms and conditions of business, online policies, a shareholders’ agreement for the owners of the business or trademark protection for the brand. For businesses embarking on a growth phase, I assist with acquisitions and mergers, right 46 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
through to advising on exit strategies and ultimately, the sale of the business. Our department also includes employment law advice and commercial property transactions such as taking a shop lease or office premises right through to purchasing, developing or selling commercial property.
What do you do? We’re here to support small companies with the promotional and admin tasks they just don’t have time to do, leaving them free to get on with running their business. Our services are flexible and affordable, on a pay as you go basis, so there’s no commitment and no recruitment hassle. How can you help small independents in Bristol? Our team of high level PAs, marketing managers, bookkeepers, content writers and more are all experts at what they do – so they can make a difference quickly and will work flexibly to help your business grow. Our services include: Virtual assistant/PA services; bookkeeping and accounts; website design and admin, pay-per-click and SEO; social media, content and copywriting; brand consultancy; and graphic design.
KAREN MILLETT, VWV
What do you do? At VWV, we provide legal advice to all sorts of Bristol businesses. Much of our work involves helping out with the day-to-day issues faced by most, such as advising on employment arrangements, and on agreements with customers and suppliers. We also advise on more occasional issues, such as helping to resolve disputes, putting in place property arrangements, raising finance, and buying and selling businesses. We have particular expertise with family-owned businesses and some of the challenges that they face, as well as in the technology sector, an area which has seen much growth in Bristol over the past decade. How can you help small independents in Bristol? Getting the basics right is key. Businesses often come to us when perhaps something has gone wrong with a supplier, or when they are on the wrong end of a data protection issue. It’s very often the case that problems could have been prevented by taking time at the outset to put processes in place. It needn’t be terribly complicated, but simple steps such as ensuring that standard terms and conditions are robust can save lots of pain down the line.
INDIES SPECIAL
Marcelle Fletcher from Movement Boutique promises products that are ‘beautiful, ethical, stylish or sustainable’
DIRECTORY Some of our favourite home-grown Bristol businesses
ACCOUNTANTS
Milsted Langdon www.milsted-langdon.co.uk Haines Watts www.hwca.com
CLOTHES AND JEWELLERY
Amulet Boutique www.amuletboutique.co.uk Sweet Pea Clothing www.sweetpeafashion.co.uk Diana Porter www.dianaporter.co.uk Movement Boutique www.movementboutique.co.uk House of Junk www.houseofjunkclothing.com
FOOD AND DRINK Fresh Range www.fresh-range.com
Backwell House www.backwellhouse.co.uk
Soma Gallery www.soma.gallery
Clear River Property www.clearriver.co.uk
Molesworths of Henleaze www.henleazebutchers.co.uk
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Roderick Thomas www.roderickthomas.co.uk
The Wild Beer Co www.wildbeerco.com
GIFTS
Styled By Lucy www.styledbylucy.com
Bristol Upholstery Collective www.bristolupholstery.co.uk
Amphora Aromatics www.amphora-retail.com
LAWYERS
Blaze Studio www.blazestudio.co.uk
Lunar Optical www.lunaroptical.com
Soukous www.soukous.co.uk
HOME AND PROPERTY
Pod www.thepodcompany.co.uk Clifton Fine Art www.cliftonfineart.com Mon Pote www.monpote.co.uk Fig no 1 www.fig1.co.uk
AMD Solicitors www.amdsolicitors.com
Dighausshizzle dig-haushizzle.co.uk
Barcan Kirby www.barcankirby.co.uk
Gardiner Haskins www.gardinerhaskins.co.uk
Veale Wasbrough Vizards www.vwv.co.uk
Kutchenhaus www.kutchenhaus.co.uk
PA AND ADMIN
Bristol Energy www.bristol-energy.co.uk Arlberry www.arlberry.com
Naomi Summers www.gogetorganised.co.uk
PR
Greenhouse PR www.greenhousepr.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 47
CACI facials available now at Simon Lee’s Aesthetic Medical Clinic.
T PERFEC cial e p s before ! events
Enjoy our Hydratone Facial for ÂŁ20 per session Simon Lee, Aesthetic Medical Clinic 3 Whiteladies Gate, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2PH Telephone 01173 292027
ALL INFERTILITY TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDING IUI, IVF and ICSI
CRGW’s two independent centres offer the latest scientific technology and facilities needed for all fertility treatments. CRGW Bristol is located adjacent to the M4/ M5 intersection (M5 J16). CRGW Cardiff is located at M4 J34, only 15 minutes from Cardiff City centre
We pride ourselves in placing patients before profit to enable affordable, cost effective treatment options while maintaining the best pregnancy rates. Options include: • IUI • IVF • ICSI • EmbryoScope time lapse monitoring • Embryo freezing • Egg freezing • Donor egg and donor sperm treatments • Female fertility assessments • Sperm tests • Sperm freezing • Surgical sperm retrieval Fertility consultation (60 minutes) £150, includes:
Dr Amanda O`Leary MBChB, MRCOG, MD
Consultation Pelvic ultrasound scan of uterus and ovaries including antral follicle count (and doppler if applicable) Sperm test with same day results One pre-treatment follow up appointment
QUESTIONS? Ask a question about infertility or fertility treatment options and our expert panel will answer. Submit questions via the website Ask an Expert button.
OPEN EVENINGS Open evenings Join us at our free monthly open evenings in Bristol or Cardiff for a tour and presentations from fertility experts. We offer open evening’s specific for same sex couples and single women also. Ask questions on a one-to-one basis. Alternatively we can arrange an informal personal tour where your questions can be answered. FREE SPERM TESTING CRGW offers free sperm testing days in Bristol and Cardiff. Visit the web site to find the next available date and book yourself in.
Bristol: 01174 409999 | Cardiff: 01443 443999 | www.crgw.co.uk | info@crgw.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK W H AT ’ S M A K I N G T H E G O U R M E T N E W S I N B R I S T O L
TAKE FIVE
NEIL SHORTER from the Greenhouse on College Green re-introduces us to this central stalwart. Stonebaked pizzas, cocktails and a party feel are all here for the taking
How and why did your business begin? Well, the Greenhouse is roughly 20 years old and started out as The College Tavern pub. It has changed a lot over the years and has had a variety of concepts, evolving with industry trends. It’s true to say that it was quite rough and ready in previous years but we’re hoping that we’ve now changed people’s perceptions of the place. Where are you now? We like to think we are a quirky little pub on College Green with lots of character and great products and service. The team loves our new look and we like to think we have a great service culture. Anything you’re especially proud of? Our cocktails and pizzas. We’ve worked really hard on both for some time, really pushing to raise standards. Our cocktails are made with premium spirits and the pizzas are hand-rolled and stonebaked.
Neil Shorter, manager of the Greenhouse on College Green
What makes you stand out from the crowd? We offer customers the ability to go from comfortable dining to all-out party and back again – all within 24hrs! We have a good sport following at the Greenhouse too. People enjoy the football and rugby on Saturday afternoons, then party until 2am and then come back the following day for Sunday roast! What, from your current menu, could you eat every day and never get bored of? Without a doubt the steak melt focaccia. What foodie trends are hot right now? Cultural street food. A fully-loaded, stone-baked pizza www.thegreenhousepub.co.uk 52 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
FRIDAY AT FINZELS Arch House Deli on Boyce’s Avenue is celebrating everything organic on 14 June
WAKE UP TO ORGANIC On 14 June 2017, independent retailers, delicatessens and cafés across the country are opening their doors to host a mix of cookery demos, talks from chefs and bloggers, free organic tastings and tips for easy and tasty breakfast food swaps, as well as opportunities to meet local producers. In Bristol, the following have already signed up to get involved: Arch House Delicatessen (pictured above), Bearpit Social, Better Foods, Earthbound, Folk House Café, Harvest Matter Wholefoods, Scoopaway, Spike Island Café, and Wild Oats. www.wakeuptoorganic.co.uk
Here are some top tips from Catherine Fookes, from the Organic Trade Board, on why to try organic: 1. Better for nature. Organic farming works with the environment as it uses fewer pesticides. It’s a way of farming that protects and encourages wildlife while looking after the health of the soil. 2. Better for the planet. Organic farms use fewer pesticides and support up to 50% more wildlife. 3. Better for animal welfare. Organic means free-range. Organic standards insist that animals are given plenty of space and fresh air to thrive and grow more naturally. 4. Know what’s in your food. When it comes to organic, you know exactly what’s in your food. GM crops and ingredients are banned in organic farming. 5. It’s tasty. Organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil to grow a mixture of crops that are bursting with flavour – so organic food tastes great!
Throughout May, new weekly market Finzels Reach has been tickling the taste buds with a selection of exciting street food. From 12pm to 2pm each Friday, it takes place in Old Temple Street, and boasts 13 stalls and live music. Food includes gourmet burgers and pies, Thai and Indian curry, falafel wraps, sushi and much more. Regular traders include Lovett Pies, Ah Ma Dumplings, Low n Slow, For Mice and Men, Bordeaux Quay Bakery, South Street Kitchen, Jacob’s Finest Falafel and Niang’s Thai Snacks. www.finzelsreach.com
THE POWER OF FOOD There are 91 languages spoken in the buzzing, multicultural city of Bristol and 91 Ways is an initiative set up by ex-BBC production head Kalpna Woolf to allow Bristol people to share their stories, personal food journeys, recipes, and passions, to build understanding between communities. In May, the group held a packed event to raise money for the initiative – Brinda’s Sumptuous Mauritian Supper Club (pictured). www.91ways.org 91 Ways inspires tastebuds and brings languages together across Bristol through food
CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Bristol Fruit Market celebrated its 100th birthday in May. The wholesale market, in St Phillips Marsh, is made up of a number of wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower suppliers. The market is a hive of activity during the week, when 100s of buyers from Bristol restaurants, pubs, hotels, schools, and greengrocers are on the hunt for the best produce for their customers and recipes. www.bristolfruitmarket.com
DATE FOR THE DIARY: Bath and Bristol Food Festival is on 12 and 13 August at Bath Racecourse. Winner of 2014 Masterchef Ping Coombes will be there and you’ll be able to hone your omelette-making skills in a live challenge. www.bit.ly/SXy0OA www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 53
AV SA AI LT LA M BL A E RSH EN D LA O M F B JU NE
RD LL E CH ER UR TT CH CO AT N W TO P NO M A FR In partnership with:
MOLESWORTHS
The BBQ Specialists -Prize winning sausages MOLESWORTHS -Tasty 8 week matured T Bones The BBQ Specialists -Gower Salt Marsh Lamb Koftas -Free range Chinese pork ribs -Gluten free range -Butterflied legs of lamb BBQ BOXES and more Add us for special offers and seasonal recipes ba
101 Henleaze Road, Bristol BS9 4JP. Henleaze 0117 962 1095 | Frampton 01454 777 337 www.henleazebutchers.co.uk
SERVING LUNCH, AFTERNOON TEA AND DINNER, WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY. Backwell House, Farleigh Road, Backwell BS48 3QA 0117 325 1110 enquiries@backwellhouse.co.uk www.backwellhouse.co.uk
We are a continental style, table service bar in the creative heart of Bristol’s old city. Extensive Belgian and local craft beers and ciders, great wines, fine spirits. At The Strawberry Thief we seek to support independent suppliers of high-quality products and maintain a unique range for our customers, all table served in inclusive surroundings.
AN ELEGANT BAR • AN INCLUSIVE BAR 26 Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2HG | www.strawberrythiefbar.com @strawbthief
56 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
R E S TA U R A N T
FOOD
The Strawberry Thief There’s something magical about the mix of William Morris, a vast menu of beer and moreish food. The Strawberry Thief has stolen our hearts By R AC H E L I FA NS
O
A
ne sunny Thursday evening recently I was lucky enough to drink and dine in a delightful bar in Broad Street. We all know that bars and restaurants are springing up all over our city this year. No sooner have you bashed one on the head with your metaphorical funfair hammer, than another one pops up, all shiny and new, demanding hungry mouths to feed and empty glasses to fill. And, although this bar – The Strawberry Thief – is not new, its recent plucky partnership with local foodie The Chocolate Bear now makes it a refreshing alternative for booze, food and buzz. And such is the glory of Briz that the fact it’s not housed is a shipping container makes it different to the current norm! So what, learned reader, does The Strawberry Thief say to you? (No, no, it’s not a rhetorical question.) If you’re a philistine like me it may well mean nothing at all, but it transpires you don’t have to be an aesthete – merely a bit more cultured than me, perhaps – to know that the Strawberry Thief is William Morris’ most celebrated, and commercially successful, pattern. Morris came up with it in 1863, its repeating design inspired by the thrushes stealing fruit in his garden. The Strawberry Thief is so named because the ex-shop-now-drinkinghole sits opposite the most amazing art nouveau building. Honestly, you walk into the elegant bar, turn around to find a seat (not always easy, such is its success) and you’re blindsided by the tiled façade of Edward Everard’s erstwhile print works. Everard was a great admirer of the Arts and Crafts movement, and of Morris himself, so commissioned the amazingly detailed design you can see while you sup your beer. Enough trying to redeem my ignorance by spouting interesting history, let’s get on to what I’m good at. Eating and drinking. I have to admit that I have a soft spot for The Strawberry Thief. Imagine saying you’re going to plonk a flowerywallpapered bar with the elegance of beer bars you find in the back streets of Belgium right in the middle of Bristol and serve 100% gluten-free and often-vegan tuck alongside your 60 or so beers? You’d think the person had gone hopping mad (that’s a beer joke), right? Well, with a sprinkling of Bristol magic, and hospitality running through the owner’s veins, it works.
FLOWERYWALLPAPERED BAR, WITH THE
ELEGANCE OF BEER
BARS YOU FIND IN THE BACK STREETS OF BELGIUM
Mike Harris, the owner, comes from North Cornwall, having grown up with hotelier parents and then passed through careers in project management and sustainability before making the leap and pursuing his dream to open his own place. His bar is well-stocked with over 60 good quality local and Belgian beers, some draught but mostly bottled. The local ones on offer include Electric Bear and Kettlesmith from Bath; and Lost and Grounded, Good Chemistry, and Wiper and True from Bristol. He also serves Harbour Berliner Weisse beers from Cornwall. Oh, and – I love to learn a new word – he has an impressive choice of lambics on offer. Lambic, dear reader (here I go again showing off my knowledge, so recently acquired), means the beer is fermented with wild yeast and bacteria rather than the cultivated brewer’s yeast of most beers. It gives the beer a slightly cidery taste, often with a sour aftertaste. Celebrating a new word by trying a lambic myself, I take Mike’s advice and order a Kriek Boon, a cherry beer which is just the right mix of easy drinking and hint of sour. Most of Mike’s drinks are vegan and he serves a growing range of gluten-free beers. The food, as I soon discover, when my tardy chap trips in, is a trendy ‘grazing dish’ offering provided by James Gordon at the Chocolate Bear Kitchen, a local chef who spent recent years on the festival circuit before being ready to settle somewhere a bit more permanent. We chose a beef brisket with parsnip and capsicum; courgette pakoras with spiced cauliflower puree; and a plate of Cornish skate (fresh from the coast that day) served with cauliflower cooked six ways. Yes, six ways. (I would list them but life’s short and we’re all getting older. Suffice to say they were delicious.) Skate can sometimes give a moody taste and is one of those fish that has to be indecently fresh to retain its delicacy of flavour. This one was. The beef brisket was tender and ate well with its accompaniments, and the pakoras were top-notch in looks and taste. We had three plates thinking we’d need to order more, but the portions were huge and we were soon pleasantly full. Or unpleasantly full, when we ended up having to sprint to the train station to catch the 10.50pm. Mike and James are passionately inclusive. All dishes are gluten-free, most are dairy-free and over half are vegan. It is a sustainable business with explicit plans for energy, waste, ethics and community engagement. It has a 100% renewable electricity tariff and a green gas tariff. And if all this sounds like it’s too ‘good’ to be true, it’s not. It’s fantastic. The crowd is young and discerning and fun and we felt as if we were on a very brief, but stylish, holiday.
DINING DETAILS 26 Broad Street, Bristol, BS1 2HG; 0117 925 6925; www.strawberrythiefbar.com Opening hours Closed Sunday and Monday; Tuesday - Thursday 4-11pm; Friday 4pm-midnight; Saturday 2pm-midnight Prices Small plate: £6-£7; Snacks: £4 ish; Desserts: £7; Specials: over £10 Menu Oodles of dairy-free, glutenfree and vegan small plates. The most inclusive menu we’ve ever seen Atmosphere Buzzing, and intelligent. Groups of friends in their 30s enjoying the elegance of their surroundings and the high-quality food and drink
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 57
A MAN’S WORLD
SEB BARRETT
ONE MAN’S TAT…
PEOPLE BUY ANY OLD RUBBISH IF IT COSTS LESS THAN THREE POUNDS, I’VE DISCOVERED
Sometimes, the things you own can start to feel like they own you
T
he classic hoarder is aware of this existential trope (or maybe not, if those depressing Cleanfreaks vs Hoarder reality TV shows are to be believed). I’m not talking about our smartphones here because they... might... be... reading... this. It’s more the things we don’t interact with often, if at all, but are always there. Book, DVD and music collections are the acceptable face of hoarding, but below that you have magazines and matchboxes, and then you’re onto a slippery, Howard Hughes-esque slope. I used to collect Empire magazine, until the coffee table holding them sagged under the weight and collapsed in on itself, like a Swedish black hole. I liked the covers, not least because subscribers got different versions to the nonsubscribing plebs, but would it really give me succour to pull out issue #134 to read a review of My Cousin Vinny? When my girlfriend asked me why I kept all my books after reading them, I was
momentarily stumped. Is the Haruki Murakami collection of short stories there because I often refer back to him for life advice? No, it’s because a mate once lent them to me and, knowing I’ll never be compelled to read them, I’ve nonetheless kept them there to add a tinge of intellect to the shelf. The books I truly value, the ones that have had a lasting impact, are the ones that I won’t let go of. A memento of a particularly great time I had reading, perhaps, but also something I feel I could pass on to somebody ‘worthy’ enough; somebody who would get as much gratification from reading it as I did. A good test of how much you need something is whether you’d miss it if somebody threw it out without your knowledge. When we asked ourselves that question, it left us with a lot of things (the odd Travis CD included) that we could gladly give away. Or sell, perhaps. So it was that we found ourselves at a car boot sale, feeling like we were one step away from being the subject of a seedy Channel 4 documentary about people on the fringes of
society. Either side of us were experienced ‘booters’: somewhat jaded characters, with a forced bonhomie that was further exposed by their somewhat pushy sales tactics. “Go on, you know your daughter wants a Simpsons edition of Connect Four!” And the tat. Outrageous levels of tat. One stall must have been selling off the loot from a raid of old people’s homes in Ramsgate. I have my suspicions that one of the booters was the set designer from The Woman in Black. But people buy any old rubbish if it costs less than three pounds, I’ve discovered. We even saw a young man buy what was clearly a pair of women’s trainers. He strolled off wearing them, in case we were in any doubt about who they were for. The inclusion of my girlfriend’s films (Confessions of a Shopaholic) and literature (Jojo Moyes, Dorothy Koomson) aside, I felt ours was one of the stronger tables on the tennis courts – for that’s where this particular car boot sale was. Our stall presentation wasn’t helped by a seagull having voided its guts all over the back window that morning, but this was car boot time: you either roll with the punches or you get swallowed up in the most cut-throat game of all. “I’ve heard it’s wonderful,” said a lovely lady in her seventies, referring to the Game of Thrones DVD she’d just purchased from us (a steal at five pounds). Concurring with the assessment, at the same time I also wondered what she’d actually make of all the shagging, ultraviolence and Sean Bean’s head on a spike. “I’ve heard this is really good too,” she said innocently, picking up The Inbetweeners boxset. I would have felt guiltier still if she’d actually bought that one. In the end, we didn’t make the killing we were hoping for, but it was an insight into another world for us - and we got rid of clutter in the process. It’s also come to my attention that there’s a car boot sale in Clifton. That Haruki Murakami collection would go down a treat there. Seb Barrett works in sports communications. Follow him on Twitter @bazzbarrett
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59
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
WINNERS’ DINNER
Emily Molyneux and Ani StaffordTownsend
No sooner had we picked the last bit of party popper streamer out of our hair and scribbled the date in the diary for next year’s Bristol Life Awards (save the date: 26 April 2018), than we found ourselves amongst friends again at the postevent Winners’ Dinner. What a lot we had to reminisce on! Photos by Leon Day www.leondayimages.com Ben Holt and Gareth Edwards
Richard Warwick and Craig Whightman
Paul Lawless and Rachael Moon
Nicholas Wylde, Brano Skorec, Jenny Tragner and Jennifer Eastman Gareth Williams, Simon Ponsford and Gill Simmons
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 61
SOCIETY
GOING GIGABIT IN BRISTOL Triangle Networks and CityFibre were celebrating at Paintworks a few weeks ago. The event, which marked CityFibre’s first year in Bristol, also toasted the advent of gigabit speed internet in the city, as Paintworks became one of the UK’s first three Gigabit Business Parks. Photos by Jon Craig @JonCraig_Photos
Gareth Sanders (Sparkle Cleaning), Abby Scarborough (Yena), Jamie Butt (Triangle Networks) and Ash Phillips (Yena)
David Marshall (Axis), Peter Huish (Axis) and Paul Anslow (Triangle Networks)
Gemma Slattery (Plaster), Simon Boddy (Plaster), Dani Andres (Plaster) and Mark Andres (Voucher Cloud)
Helen Cutillo (Triangle Networks), Oliver Humpage (Watershed), Stewart Morgan (Watershed) and Bob Irwin (Triangle Networks)
Nick Gray (Triangle Networks), Martin Parfrey (The Fulfilling Station) and Bob Irwin (Triangle Networks)
62 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Hazel Grian (Paintworks Apartments), Ian Danby (Paintworks Apartments), Robert Spicer (Frederick Place Chambers) and Dani Andres (Plaster)
SOCIETY
CO-LAB IS BACK! Having run a successful crowdfunding campaign, the initiative has found a brand new home on Gloucester Road. It brings together over 150 local artists stocking artwork, jewellery, clothing and gifts, and the owners threw a fantastic launch party to celebrate its opening.
The Co-LAB team in celebration mode
www.bristolcolab.com
Donna Thomas (Resonance), Simone Kidner (Co-LAB) and Anastasia O’Shea (Olive Shed)
HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES AND TOES
Sam Brown (Simon Lee) and Arsha Etebar (Consultant)
Simon Lee Aesthetic Medical Clinic in Clifton held an open evening in May to show off the benefits of CoolSculpting, particularly its Coolmini applicator. The non-surgical treatment is used for fat removal, targeting smaller areas like chins and knees.
Judy Webster and Emma Davies (Simon Lee)
www.simonleeplasticsurgeon.co.uk
Sam Brown (Simon Lee) and Lauren Reynolds Lucy Cairns (Simon Lee) and Olivia O’Dowd (Cool Sculpting)
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 63
RETIREMENT
ONLY the LONELY Loneliness in elderly people is a problem that impacts on their physical and mental health and wellbeing, also putting extra strain on GPs and social care services. We look at the facts and figures, and how new retirement housing could provide a solution
I
f you were asked what the main challenges are for older people, you’d probably guess that physical health and lack of money would be high up there. But would you guess loneliness? With a closely-fought General Election on the near horizon as this piece is written, it’s notable that the issue of loneliness facing the older generation has largely been ignored, even though it is placing tremendous strain on an overburdened healthcare system. While people debate endlessly the future of the NHS and also the weight that will bear down on it as our older generation continues to rise in numbers, no one is talking about the issue of loneliness. Here are a few statistics taken from a recent Election 2017 piece on BBC Online* . • Today one in six of the population is over the age of 65. Within three decades that will rise to one in four. • More than one million over 65s – about one in 10 – are said to be “chronically lonely”. (This means that the extent of their loneliness is posing a risk to their health.) • Research suggests the elderly who suffer extreme loneliness are 30% more likely to die prematurely and are higher users of GP and social care services. • Another three million report they feel isolated to such an extent that their main form of company is the TV. The stats are arresting, but the reasons as to why this is happening are not surprising in themselves. People are living longer, families are more dispersed and traditional services such as lunch clubs have been cut. Jo Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was investigating loneliness in old people at the time she was murdered last year, working with nine organisations including Age UK and Alzheimer’s Society to try and address the issue. And Marcus Rand, Director, Campaign to End Loneliness, said recently in The Guardian: “The commissioner for older people in Wales recently said these simple words: ‘If you could catch loneliness then we’d do something about it.’ And she’s spot on. Loneliness […] is a silent killer,
affecting one million older people in the UK. It’s bad for our health, bad for our society and bad for our future as a species.” One way of stopping loneliness is by finding a more suitable living arrangement. We spoke to Frances Stretton from the Abbeyfield Society about the issue. “Most residents come to us when they are just struggling to live on their own,” she says. “Many talk to us about how it wasn’t just managing the house and garden, but it’s also the stress of the admin and the bills. Most, if not all, talk about feeling lonely for some, or most, of the time. It just eats away and it’s easy to lose your confidence. There is a stigma surrounding loneliness, and older people tend not to ask for help because they have too much pride.” Abbeyfield in Bristol has five retirement houses but they aren’t ‘care homes’ or ‘residential/ nursing care’. Residents rent a studio or a one-bedroom flat and the all-inclusive fee they pay covers home-cooked meals, all utility bills and Council Tax. Meals are a social occasion, eaten together, encouraging residents to interact with other people each day. There’s a calendar of social events and trips to local venues and attractions too. “We really do believe we offer something unique,” says Frances from Abbeyfield. “Residential housing is a real blend of independence, support, privacy and companionship.”
THERE IS STIGMA SURROUNDING LONELINESS. OLDER PEOPLE TEND NOT TO ASK FOR HELP BECAUSE THEY HAVE TOO MUCH PRIDE
64 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
(*Source: www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40031017)
Find out more about retirement housing options in Bristol. There are many to choose from but here are three organisations that caught our eye. Abbeyfield Society www.abbeyfield.com Audley Retirement Homes www.audleyretirement.co.uk/ Pegasus Life (The Vincent, Clifton) www.pegasuslife.co.uk
CASE STU DY
ELIZABETH PARROT This is Elizabeth’s favourite time of year. A keen gardener, she has lived at Abbeyfield House in Henleaze for two months. Her flat overlooks the garden and each morning the first thing she does is grab her secateurs and head for the back door. “I love it here because they just allow me to potter,” she smiles. “It’s home.” Before she came to Abbeyfield, Elizabeth was living in a flat run by a different organisation but no meals were provided and there was no communal space. She says: “Even though there were over 60 flats, I never saw anyone. I’d never been so lonely in my life”. Elizabeth has Parkinsons and so struggles with some day-to-day tasks. Originally from Downend, she hasn’t been fazed by the move to a new area and she regularly attends the local church and goes to a monthly Parkinson’s UK Society meeting. She also goes to the Henleaze gardening club once a week. Retirement housing is really working for Elizabeth. “I can’t fault the staff here. They mother you – and in a lovely way,” she laughs. “When I was feeling under the weather recently, they were bringing me cups of tea and just popped in for chats. I’ve got my lovely flat, but when you wake up in the middle of the night, it’s good to know there’s someone around if you need them.”
Frances Stretton, Chief Executive of Abbeyfield Society Other pics: life at Abbeyfield
A RETIREMENT TO LOOK FORWARD TO
LAST REMAINING VACANCIES
across our five lovely houses in the Bristol area
4 Whiteladies Road Clifton, BS8 1PD Tel: 01179 292281
Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away
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Call free for a no obligation consultation
0800 097 8611 www.johnhodge.co.uk | email: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk
BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | WEDMORE | WESTON-SUPER-MARE | YATTON
Bristol Life team 01225 475800
Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions
B R IS TO L G E T S S ER I O US
QUOTE OF THE ISSUE NEW SUMMER FLIGHTS
WATERSHED
BA TAKES OFF FROM BRISTOL AGAIN
MORE CREATIVE MIGHT
Four new regional routes have launched from Bristol and it’s the first time British Airways’ colours have been seen at the regional airport for a decade. The inaugural British Airways service to Florence was the first of the new routes to take off, followed by flights to the popular Spanish sunspots of Malaga, Ibiza and Palma, providing more than 17,000 seats to the sun from Bristol this summer. Each way fares range from £59 to Malaga, £48 to Ibiza, £45 to Palma and £52 to Florence.
With planned budget cuts for the arts on the horizon, Bristol’s iconic arts venue boosts its leadership team
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atershed has announced the appointment of Miriam Randall in a newly created role as Executive Director. Coming to Bristol from the Lighthouse in Brighton, she will focus on resource development, ensuring that Watershed continues to strike a good balance between cultural and financial resilience. Set against a backdrop of planned funding cuts for the cultural sector, financial resilience is a constant consideration, especially when placed alongside growing demand. Over the past year, Watershed’s engagement across the city and beyond has grown, with total visitors to Watershed for all purposes now at 413,404. Miriam says: “Watershed has inspired me for many years as a world leader in film culture and innovation. It is a truly forward-thinking organisation, with an exceptionally talented team, and bold plans for the future. I am delighted to be on board at this pivotal time.”
www.ba.com www.watershed.co.uk
PROPERTY | COMMERCIAL PROBATE | FAMILY VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.AMDSOLICITORS.COM
“I AM INCREDIBLY PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED. WE HAVE MORE THAN 130 MEMBERS OF STAFF AND MORE THAN 86,000 CUSTOMERS” Peter Haigh, Bristol Energy, p71
17,000 THE BIG NUMBER
...more seats to the sun from Bristol Airport this summer www.ba.com
a d v ertisi n g feature L E G A L
The Benefits of Trademark Protection Grant McCall of AMD Solicitors considers the benefits of trademark protection
I
n a landmark passing off case in 1842, Lord Longdale stated that “a man is not to sell his own goods under the pretence that they are the goods of another man”. Approximately 30 years later, under the auspices of the Trade Marks Registration Act 1875, Pioneer Brewing Company Ltd became the owner of the first UK registered trade mark, the Bass Pale Ale logo. By registering its trademark, Pioneer Brewing Company Ltd acquired a monopoly right to use its trademark in its chosen class of goods or services. The Bass Pale Ale logo was registered in 1876 and remains registered to this day (subject to renewal every 10 years). Since 1876, 1,048,939 trade marks have been registered and at the time of writing, 554,914 trade marks are currently registered with the Intellectual Property Office.
Asset Protection
For most businesses the trading name and brand logo are likely to be the focus of any
registration applications. These are the words and images that are projected to the public to distinguish the goods and services provided from those of its competitors. By registering a business name or logo as a trademark, the owner is able to put third parties on notice that they own a registered trade mark. Proof of registration is shown by using the ® symbol or using wording to confirm the registration. The exclusive ownership right means the owner of a UK trade mark can take action against third party competitors that use or attempt to register a confusingly similar trade mark in a competing class of goods or services. This preventative tool minimises the risk of a third party benefitting from using a trading name or logo without consent and benefitting from the hard earned reputation of another business.
intellectual property right, separate and independent of goodwill that can be exploited by the owner. This means registered trademarks can be transferred, sold and licensed by the owner.
The Registration Process
The cost of the filing fee for one application is set at £170. There are absolute grounds for refusal however and third parties can object to an application proceeding to registration. A business name should not simply describe the goods and services provided and should not be generic or commonplace. It is also important to ensure that the trade mark applied for will cover all of the classes of goods or services it provides (there are 45 classes of use). BL
Exploitation and Sale
A registered trade mark is an identifiable
For advice on trademarks and other commercial issues Grant McCall can be contacted by email at GrantMcCall@ amdsolicitors.com or by calling 0117 973 5647 to speak to Grant or one of AMD’s team of specialist commercial solicitors based at our office on Whiteladies Road.
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 69
BUSINESS INSIDER
BREAKING NEWS
FANTASTIC FOUR Our pick of the most exciting, intriguing or important local business stories right now Don’t dodge the dodgeball
CALLING ALL DODGERS!
The Pukka Herbs team celebrating Pukka’s 15th birthday
LGT Vestra is hosting its inaugural Bristol Dodgeball Tournament on 29 June and there are still spaces left for Bristol Life readers as we are proud sponsors of the event. For the past six years this event has been run in London where over 300 attendees from firms across the city with professions covering law, accountancy, tax and fund management compete for victory. The tournament is run by Dodgeball UK and is fundraising for The Prince’s Trust, LGT Vestra’s charity partner. A minimum donation of £350 is required to enter a team and this includes BBQ food, arrival drink, live band and transport to and from Bristol city centre. The event starts at 5.30pm and teams are a minimum of six and maximum of 10 players. Contact dodgeball@lgtvestra.com to enter
A CUT ABOVE
that one day millions of cups of our organic and ethically traded herbal teas would be enjoyed everyday and our supplements would be helping to transform people’s health.”
Bloggs Salons in Bristol are celebrating after securing two places in the coveted L’Oreal Colour Trophy 2017 Grand Final. The competition is the longest-running live hairdressing competition in the world, and showcases some of the brightest hairdressing talents across the country. The Grand Final will have taken place in London by the time you read this, but for now congratulations go to shortlisted Joe Hemmings (salon owner) and Becky Mills (salon specialist). Bloggs Salon is on Gloucester Road and the team has a new salon opening in the Harbourside area this summer.
www.pukkaherbs.com
www.bloggssalons.com
Tim and Seb, co-founders of Pukka Herbs, displaying their 15th birthday card from the Pukka Family
PUKKA PARTY Pukka Herbs is 15 years old and co-founders Sebastian Pole and Tim Westwell invited friends to celebrate the milestone at Chew Valley Lake in May. Says Pole of the milestone, “Little did we know when we started Pukka in Tim’s spare room in Clifton
FIVE BOYS CLOTHING
Rex Concept Store comes to Bristol from Liverpool
70 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Bristol-based online shop Five Boys Clothing has been picked from many indie brands to be part of the Rex Concept Store, which has been running a pop-up shop in Cabot Circus. The shop, which was founded by Taffeta (ex PR) and Sophia (ex lawyer) in 2014 to explode the myth that dressing boys is dull, sells clothes for boys aged three to 15 years old. Rex Concept Store was founded in Liverpool but launched in Bristol in May. www.fiveboysclothing.com
Five Boys Clothing in Cabot pop-up
BUSINESS INSIDER
BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS 2017
NEW BUSINESS WINNER Sponsored by
BRISTOL ENERGY Left: Vikki Robertson; Second from right: Peter Haigh. Both from Bristol Energy
So, how does it feel to win, not one, but two Bristol Life awards? It feels incredible, and completely unexpected! We are building an energy company that will give back to Bristol, so having the city’s support and recognition is hugely rewarding. Starting an energy company from scratch is not an easy task, particularly when you’re trying to do things differently from the rest. But with the backing of Bristol City Council we are committed to making the energy sector fairer for all of us. A huge thank you to the judges for recognising this. What do you think makes Bristol Energy stand out from its competitors? We are one of just two energy companies in the country that will reinvest its profits into its founding city. And when you think about it, it makes complete sense. I’m a Bristol resident, I have to pay my energy bills, so why not pay them to a company that will reinvest that money back into your city? Our national customers are attracted to our fair prices. For far too long, people have been overpaying for something as simple as heating their homes, because they don’t shop around and aren’t rewarded for their loyalty by their existing supplier. We can give customers a better deal, and a way to use their energy to make a positive difference. Tell me a bit about the Bristol Energy story and how it came to be? Bristol City Council had been discussing the potential for a Council-owned energy company for more than 10 years before Bristol Energy was launched. So it had been very well thought through before we launched in February 2016. For the Council, it’s a way to generate money for the city, at a time when all Councils need to find innovative ways to raise funds. It also means we can tackle many of the problems in the
We caught up with Peter Haigh from Bristol Energy, the company which won the New Business category in the inaugural Bristol Life Awards. They also picked up the Platinum Award on the night
energy sector – largely caused by the bigger energy companies choosing to put profits ahead of purpose. With the Council as our sole shareholder, we can put customers first and run an energy company that can be a force for social good. How do you feel about where the company is right now? I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. We have more than 130 members of staff and more than 86,000 customers – all getting a fairer deal, and helping to reinvest back into our great city. We’re saving our customers around £200 a year on average on their energy bills, and people are proud to be on the journey with us. Of course, there is much more for us to do, and much more to learn, but each and every one of us is passionate about building an energy company that works for our customers, and works for Bristol. How important is the local community to you as a business? The local community has to be at the centre of our business. Since we launched, we’ve worked with community groups, libraries, advice centres and charities, attended local events, held pop-ups at community centres and run hundreds of local events at our Bristol Energy Hub on the Harbourside. Two thirds of us are on expensive tariffs with our energy provider, some paying hundreds of pounds more per year then they need to. It’s our job to engage people with energy, give them the options, and encourage them to switch. One of the reasons we set up our face-to-face customer service centre and events space in the city centre was to give people a space to come and talk to us, and give energy a human face in the community. What have been the most challenging times for Bristol Energy?
Setting any business up from scratch is challenging, but I guess that this time last year when some of our competitors were pricing very aggressively (and unsustainably!) we really had to keep our nerve. It helps a lot that we’ve got such a great, experienced team at Bristol Energy and we always strive to do the right thing by our customers. What are your current business aims? To get the business to scale and profitability. In doing so, I want to be true to our values and create a business that is respected by everyone – our customers, our shareholders and my colleagues. Who are your business heroes? Allan Leighton, former CEO of Asda; a business that he was widely credited with turning around. His book on leadership (snappily titled Allan Leighton on Leadership), is an excellent, pragmatic guide. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Believe in yourself! I was told this many years ago, long before I was in a senior leadership position. I try never to take things for granted, but at the same time you have to believe in what you are doing; and recognise that being at the top of an organisation is a tough job. What advice would you give to startups? Never lose sight of your early goals, no matter how challenging the short-term issues might be. Leaders being true to themselves and their values is what sets businesses apart.
For more: www.bristol-energy.co.uk
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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
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Julian Cook FRICS
Jayne Rixon MRICS
Charlie Kershaw MRICS
Finola Ingham MRICS
Tom Coyte BA Hons
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BUSINESS INSIDER
LEGAL
LAW OF THE LAND Burroughs Day law firm has a rich heritage in Bristol but it is, like many businesses in the city, not averse to a bit of change and moving with the times. Hugh Balchin, senior partner, explains all
H
ugh started at the firm in 1993. Over the years he’s seen a lot of change as the firm has grown, but recently that change included a major rebrand and leaving the QualitySolicitors network, of which it was a founding member seven years ago. Hugh talks to Bristol Life about the rich heritage of the 180-year-old firm and its future direction post-independence. Tell us a bit about your role I am senior partner in the firm. This means I provide leadership and guidance to partners and staff on the direction of the firm, by establishing our goals and overseeing the management of the firm. I am also a lawyer and specialise in injury claims, where I advise people on how best to deal with the consequences of an injury. Whether the injury was sustained in a work environment or in a public setting, such as a public car park, shop or city centre, I support clients to receive compensation, allowing them to move on with their lives as much as possible following the injury.
services more accessible. The timing coincided with our move to modern offices in a historic Grade II listed building in Queen Square. We have always been client-centred and independent. Our new brand reflects and embraces those long-held values. This is an exciting new chapter for our partners, staff and clients. They will benefit from the dynamism and innovation that we have within the firm. For our clients it is very much business as usual. The feedback about our new brand has been overwhelmingly positive. What qualities do you think you need most in your role? As senior partner, the qualities I try to develop in myself include vision, patience, optimism and positivity. We have a great management team here who work very well and closely together so it is not all down to me. There is also a need for determination to follow through with decisions even though their implementation may be difficult.
THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION WE ENCOUNTER IS THAT PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS PILE ’EM HIGH AND SELL ’EM CHEAP
And I know the company has a great heritage in Bristol. Tell us a bit more. The firm has been around since 1829, when Mr Burroughs set up shop at 1 The Mall, Clifton. Many Bristol residents will remember us at our offices in Charlotte Street ( just off Park Street) where we were based from the 1970s until recently. In January 2016 we moved to more openplan, modern and newly refurbished offices at Queen Square House in Bristol’s historic Queen Square.
What areas of the law do you specialise in? Personally I specialise in Industrial Disease and Accident at Work injuries, but we are a full service law firm offering a range of services for individuals and businesses – from buying and selling your home to buying and selling a business, making a Will, getting a divorce, employing members of staff – it really covers an extensive range of expert legal advice. I hear you have recently had some change to the firm, not just with the move to Queen Square but the decision to become independent again? From 2010 - 2017 we were part of the QualitySolicitors network, a national brand, in which we were a founder partner firm. Last year we decided that the time was right for Burroughs Day to build on its own long-established, excellent reputation in the West Country, rather than being part of a national network, so from May this year we rebranded as Burroughs Day LLP. The firm’s makeover reflects both its rich history and its modern approach to making legal
Brexit will doubtless have a lot of impact on UK law – how will it affect you directly? For my own practice area, Health & Safety legislation has been greatly enhanced by regulations that have had to be adopted from Europe. I would hope that these will not be affected by Brexit as they are now so ingrained. Firm-wide, we saw some commercial and commercial property deals stall slightly as businesses got cold feet after the Brexit vote. This seems to be wearing off now. What do you like about working in Bristol? I have been here for nearly 25 years. The city has changed enormously in that time and in doing so has asserted itself more economically and culturally. It is a friendly, multi-cultural, vibrant and ever-changing place. As someone who enjoys their food, the change in recent years has been enormous. Be it the food festivals, Bristol roasted coffee, artisan bakers or ice cream, it all seems to be happening, not to mention the excellent restaurants and street food places we have now – and all in very close proximity to our Queen Square office. What’s the biggest misconception you encounter about your line of work? That personal injury lawyers pile ’em high and sell ’em cheap. This is not the ethos in the specialist teams we have within our Injury Claims department. We care about getting the best deal and compensation for our clients.
For more: www.burroughsday.com
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BUSINESS INSIDER
FINANCE
MONEY TALKS Paul Cowen is a Regional Manager at Hargreaves Lansdown, a firm that says the secret of its success is the ability to listen to what their clients want. But now it’s his turn to talk…
H
argreaves Lansdown is a local business – billed as the UK’s No.1 investment supermarket – which has grown from humble beginnings to become a member of the FTSE 100, currently looking after £77 billion of client assets. Tell us a bit about your role I’m proud to run a team of financial advisers for one of the industry’s leading financial firms. Our aim is to help ensure our clients make the most of their savings and investments. We want to help them save time, tax and money, be it through advice or giving the right information to help investors with their decisions. What are the main issues affecting the financial sector at the moment? The pension freedoms have given investors flexibility on how they can draw their pensions. But with more choice comes more potential pitfalls, which we help our clients negotiate. Professional advice and pension consolidation help clients to get the most from their plans. Many people with final-salary pensions are currently being offered large transfer values from their employers. When it comes to complex pensions like this, high-quality advice is vital. Any decisions made can have a significant impact on a client’s financial future, the quality of their retirement and beyond, as well as their family. How do you see Brexit affecting the UK’s economy in the next five years? While we have never exited the EU before, it is fair to say that we have dealt with large economic and political events in the past. In the last generation, the UK has left the ERM (European Exchange Rate Mechanism), endured the tech bubble and been engulfed by a global financial crisis. When it comes to investing, there’s a common adage that ’markets hate uncertainty’. While Brexit already has caused, and will continue to cause
Paul Cowen had everyone’s eyes and ears throughout
uncertainty, it is important to remember that between political leadership and the actions of companies, a conclusion is always found and capitalism survives. People will continue to go to the supermarket, manufacturers will continue to sell their goods in the UK and, if the currency remains weak, tourism and other British services will become even more attractive. Over the long term, companies are resilient and will increase their earnings – it’s why they are in business and how they have been able to come through previous crises. We simply see no reason for the economy’s wheels to fall off. In the short term it is hard
WE SIMPLY SEE NO REASON FOR THE ECONOMY’S WHEELS TO FALL OFF to predict precisely what will happen and the uncertainty is likely to be palpable. However, if you agree that Brexit is another problem to be solved, but one where capitalism survives, then it’s reasonable to conclude that the economy will keep progressing. And how do you view the local economy in Bristol? Like most people living in Bristol I am immensely proud of the city and find it thriving and vibrant. There is always something happening here – the energy is great and I think that helps and stimulates local businesses. Bristol is such a great place to live and work and there are still plenty of opportunities, which bodes well for the future growth of our local economy.
How long have you worked for HL and have you always been based in Bristol? I started stuffing envelopes for Hargreaves Lansdown 17 years ago and have worked here ever since. I’m Bristol born and bred and being part of a company that’s grown from a spare bedroom in Clifton to an industry-leading FTSE 100 company is so good, I’ve wanted to stay part of this success. India is the world’s fastest growing economy. Why is this? A rapidly growing labour force is key to India’s growth. While many other markets will see their labour forces shrink over the coming years, India’s is set to grow exponentially. About 65% of the country’s population is of working age, which makes it one of the youngest in the world. A large working-age population is an advantage for both the manufacturing and services sectors in India. Not only do businesses have access to people who are young, physically fit and increasingly welleducated, it means fewer cost pressures as firms can choose from a large pool of available workers. A young, growing workforce is also advantageous for consumption. Consumer spending in India has been rising quickly on the back of rising incomes. By 2040, it is predicted that nine out of ten Indians will belong to the ‘global middle class’. With 440 million millennials, and 7 million graduates every year, India’s consumer story looks set to be driven by a young, tech-savvy population. This has the potential to endure, continuing to help economic expansion for many years ahead.
www.hl.co.uk
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BUSINESS INSIDER
BRISTOL LIFE BUSINESS CLUB
AN INVESTMENT IN KNOWLEDGE
A discussion on Bristol’s vibrant property market
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PHOTO BY @JONCRAIG_PHOTOS
e’ve all heard the habitually optimistic spiel of the property man. “It’s always a good time to buy,” they say, smiles fixed, teeth shining, but what of Bristol, a city that’s been in development mode for what seems like years. Are we at peak Bristol yet, was the first question asked at May’s Business Club lunch. “There are two sorts of people buying property– those who want to invest and those who want to live in the property,” said George. “Property cycles often last around 10 years and I would say we’re just a few years into the current one.” It was possible, if you stopped chewing for a moment, to hear the collective ears of a room full of businesspeople prick up at once. They were all, all of a sudden, interested to hear George’s property insight and know-how, especially if the picture he was going to paint was likely to be a positive one. In Bristol, it seems, we’re not building enough property and that’s why we have such rampant house price inflation – about 14% last year, according to George. Add to that the fact
George Cardale from Savills talked hot property
that Bristol is a great place to live and interest rates are at their lowest ever level, and it looks fairly buoyant. Assets paths and near-term growth But where to buy and where will make you the most money if you’re looking to invest, remains a muddy area for buyers wanting to make a canny purchase, with only the most devoted of followers having their fingers on the constantly undulating pulse. As a rule of thumb, stick to what you know, when considering commercial, residential, new development or period conversion. Buy in small secondary areas or find an area which is increasing in desirability. Bedminster, for instance, says George, has really risen in popularity in the past four years. If you’re looking for ‘the next Bedminster’, George would stick his pins in the Southmead, Eastville, Redfield, Easton and Bedminster Down areas of the map if pushed on current and near-term future hotspots. When asked what he thinks of the assertion that a fundamental amount of property is overvalued, George says it’s down to demand outstripping supply. “There is only a certain number of period houses and no more are being built. In addition, the number of new build houses is – for right or wrong – being limited, so inevitably supply cannot feed demand. For property developers the easiest thing to do is build in city centres. Office buildings can be turned into residential units and there are few objections to this when compared to new builds in the countryside.” Stamping down Stamp duty is another hot topic and George thinks recent changes will remain in place for the foreseeable future. “If you’re buying your first home it’s actually cheaper under the new regime unless the value is over £1million pounds. If you go over that figure the new system makes it more expensive. This, and the 3% surcharge on second homes, makes high
PHOTO BY @JONCRAIG_PHOTOS
Asking an estate agent whether now is a good time to buy is rather like asking a five-year-old if they want an ice cream. But we did it anyway. So opened the insightful talk, given by George Cardale of Savills at May’s Bristol Life Business Club lunch in Hotel Du Vin
value purchases a good deal more expensive. It really is a rich person’s tax and for that reason the Government is unlikely to change it soon as it doesn’t affect 98% of the population.” Having talked about HMOs (houses of multiple occupancy) and the fact that the extra Stamp Duty is the Government’s way of putting off casual investors, as historically standards in this type of property have not been so high, George puts a stop to the pleasant hum in the room by revealing that Bristol rents are predicted to rise by 27% over the next five years. The general message is bad news for renters and good news for landlords. And before you think the lunch ended without mention of Brexit, no it didn’t. Brexit caused an impasse in the market last summer, admitted George, and when asked if it had recovered, he sniffed pensively, “The trouble is, it’s not just Brexit that is the measure – there is the effect of the Stamp Duty change too. Put it like this, the market’s been galloping, and now it’s cooling a bit. It was due for a cool but was it just Brexit? I’d probably say not.” We end with an eye to the future. The trends for house improvements have been more bathrooms, converting dining rooms and garages into useable living space, and investing in better kitchens, but what will we see in the future? “We look forward to clever tech. Houses will be smarter – you’ll be able to control your device and your security from a phone.” For more: www.bristollifebusinessclub.com
EAT, THINK, BRISTOL FASHION Sponsored by Chartered Accountants Milsted Langdon, The Bristol Life Business Club is a select group of senior business people. It features a leading speaker and a damn fine lunch. If you’d like to join please contact Stephanie Dodd (Stephanie.dodd@mediaclash.co.uk). Events sell out quickly so don’t delay. The next one takes place on 26 June.
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 77
a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e L E G A L
Doing Business in a Brexit Era Some basic legal thoughts by Tony Forster Consultant at Metcalfes Solicitors
E
very business person talks of Brexit this and Brexit that but in reality not too many of us know exactly how we will be affected by Brexit - one thing we can be sure of is that we will be affected one way or another. One way is your current contracts . So check if you are currently involved, directly or indirectly, in any transactions where one or more of the parties involved is from the EU or any country which has a free trade agreement with the EU. If you feel your business may be adversely affected by such a contract I suggest you look at the terms of the contracts and see whether they contain any clause or clauses which could be used to show that a party can be excused all or some performance of their obligations, following the occurrence of an event beyond their reasonable control. The type of clause referred to above is known as a Force Majeure clause. It may be possible to say that government acts or actions or changes in the law are events which give rise to a force majeure event. Maybe either a material change of circumstances or a significant hardship arising could fall within this clause, as well. We would have to examine the clause closely.
If there is nothing of this type for you to work with, then English law does help by stating that, in certain circumstances, contracts can become Frustrated. This arises when during the term of the contract an event, which was never in the thoughts of the parties, happens through no fault of the parties, and such event is so fundamental to the deal that it makes performance impossible or radically different. Whilst loss of profit or bargain is not likely to cut any ice under Frustration, there may be scope for showing any seismic shifts in interpretation of EU law do. The debate about what you can do with your current contracts is just starting, but you can put yourself in as strong a position as possible in any debate about future contracts by adhering to certain rules. The first is to beef up your force majeure provisions, as above. Next try to ensure the courts which govern and interpret the contract or where you arbitrate are exclusively those of England and Wales. We are in a bit of a crystal ball exercise, but, you should consider giving yourself a right to terminate a contract early if any specific concerns you have about Brexit negotiations come to fruition. If you are unsure about what specific concerns you may have then perhaps
think of entering into short term contracts with options for you to extend or renew. One final point - always consider including a provision to allow a transfer of your obligations; a right to pass the benefit on to another entity in your ownership. Put in provisions for you to be able to carry out your obligations from a place of business of your choice – you may need to relocate. We hope the above has stimulated your thoughts and if you require any help or wish to discuss any point, please do not hesitate to contact us. BL
Tony Forster, Metcalfes Consultant tforster@metcalfes.co.uk 0117 945 3040
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 79
PROPERTY
SHOWCASE
PRINCE CHARMING This wonderful apartment on Princes Buildings hides its numerous charms behind an unremarkable faรงade, the jewel of which is its south-facing balcony By BI BA F RY
84 112I I BRISTOL CLIFTONLIFE LIFEI Iwww.mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk
SHOWCASE
PROPERTY
“But soft! What light from yonder window breaks?” The balcony at 7 Princes Buildings is enough to bring out the Shakespeare in all of us
www.mediaclash.co.ukI ICLIFTON BRISTOLLIFE LIFE I I 113 85 www.mediaclash.co.uk
PROPERTY
SHOWCASE
P
rinces Buildings, if you don’t know it, is only a short walk from the village, with its shops, restaurants and schools. It’s also a stone’s throw from Ashton Court for blowing off a bit of steam. It’s also – and props to me for managing two sentences without mentioning the balcony of my dreams – perché on the side of the Gorge, clinging like an obsessive rock climber in search of the best Bristol view. I knew where it was as I’d spotted it while running the Bristol 10K in May, but you can only imagine how expansive and wonderful the view is when you’re huffing and puffing your way down Hotwell Road, following a hairy bloke in a mankini. So it was with indecent haste that I booked an appointment to see it for myself. The entrance to the first floor apartment is in the middle of the building, with the two bedrooms and bathroom on the left of the oakfloored hall, and all the living space on the right.
BUT SOFT! WHAT LIGHT FROM YONDER WINDOW BREAKS?
The living space is open plan with high ceilings and a light airy feel thanks to two full-height sash windows bordering original double French doors. Georgian features abound but are mixed successfully with contemporary additions like the marble fireplace and hearth and the fitted shelves. The lounge and kitchen/diner are separated by original folding doors and the kitchen is contemporary with plenty of storage and room for a table and chairs. 86 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Windows on the world. This Princes Buildings property make the most of light and views
HOUSE NUMBERS
2
Bedrooms
10M
Approx balcony length
£795,000 guide price
c1796 Build date
The balcony, which stretches across the entire back of the apartment, is accessed via both the master bedroom and the lounge and has an original wrought iron balustrade and canopy with timber decking. It’s big and in my view, with its sunny aspect, will get much more use than the shady type of garden a flat often attracts. This balcony offers uninterrupted southerly views across the Gorge to Ashton Court and towards the Clifton Suspension bridge. And, I know we’re in the season of abundance at the moment, but it’s surprisingly super-green everywhere you look. You don’t feel like you’re in the city at all, you can barely see a road and you certainly can’t spot sweaty runners in the valley (phew – I was wondering).
OUR LITTLE LIFE IS ROUNDED WITH A SLEEP
The main bedroom has a full-length sash bay window, one panel of which is a door so you can slip outside with your morning coffee and keep it open until your last waking thought. It has an ensuite tiled wet room with underfloor heating, while the main bathroom hosts the tub. The second double bedroom is a good size and retains the light and airy feel, with a big sash, even though it’s at the front of the apartment. There’s a lot of heritage in Princes Buildings and, call me soft, but I think there’s so much romance in a balcony like this.
Savills Clifton, 20 The Mall, Clifton Village, Bristol BS8 4DR; 0117 933 5800; www.savills.co.uk
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BRISTOL LIVES
Q&A
E
mma Choremi at McQueens in Park Street has become well known for her work with hair extensions. She won the Great Lengths Best Newcomer award in 2014 and Best Gold Salon UK by Great Lengths in 2016/17, and she feels very passionate about her work, creating the very best for her clients. I am growing my hair and I suggested some extensions to my hairdresser. He went quite mad and made me promise not to! What do you say to him in defence of the lengths? In the past hair extensions have been given really bad press, and rightly so. With the old synthetic ones you had to follow such a long list of restrictions, they were almost impossible to use. I tell my clients three simple instructions: 1) If you are going to attach anything to your natural hair, use real hair from a good source; 2) Trust and book in with a professional who offers aftercare and removal as standard; and 3) Listen to and follow the advice you’re given. Extensions are not for everyone but for my clientele they are everything! How did you get into hairdressing? I knew from an early age I wanted to be involved in either music or fashion. I took an interest in hair when I was in my teens and I got the opportunity to own my own business when I was just 18. I grabbed it and that’s when Mcqueens happened. What’s your favourite joke? My favourite joke is way too wrong to print, but it’s safe to say that, for me, anything Billy Connolly says is genius! What about the McQueens salon makes you most proud? I’m proud that after 28 years I’m still here and doing better than ever. The early years were tough but I’ve really grown up while running things here. We are winning awards, we’ve never been so busy and I truly have a brilliant team of guys with me of whom I’m really proud. What kind of hair do you like working with the most? I get the most satisfaction from finding the right cut and styling methods for each of my clients. I think the best kind of hair is the hair that just sits where you want it to… oh, and a really good hairline on short hair is very satisfying!
EMMA CHOREMI This issue we meet the Director and High Sorceress of Hair Extensions at McQueens, Emma Choremi. That job title is made up but her work is almost magical… Worst client ever (no names mentioned!)? I think most hairdressers have the odd client that they just can’t please but I really don’t have a ‘worst’ client. I’m pretty good after all these years at breaking down my consultations and getting the answers I need to make sure all areas are covered but anyone who refuses a skin test or starts trying to tell me how many extensions they are having soon knows who’s the boss! What’s hot next year in hair? Styles are going SHORTER! Crops for the daring clients with great colours to show them off... For the not-so-daring, I’ll be working on enhancements that add side thickness and volume while keeping the cut structured and sharp. The beauty of what I do is I can add hair to anyone who needs it to create the style they want. It’s like Photoshop for hair! And where do you like to hang out to relax? I live near Gloucester Road and I love the small plates at the Gallimaufry (the food there is hard to beat). To relax and for a special date I love the Ivy in Clifton and for a steak it has to be the Ox. Are you Bristol born and bred? No, despite my Bristol twang I’m not! I was born in Malta, I have a Greek father and English mother, and my father moved to Bristol, working in the restaurant business. He was a huge inspiration to me to become my own boss.
90 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
In a parallel life, what would your career have been? Talent spotter or talent judge! Basically, spotting people with that extra something and watching them get famous... One of my employees 15 years ago is now a very successful celebrity hairdresser. He approached me early on when he was running hotels and said he was keen to cut hair so we worked together for 18 months before he upped sticks to London to his own salon and an A-list client base. He had that very special enthusiasm and excitement you need. We stayed best mates and we still speak every day, helping each other through our tough being-the-boss moments. Who gives you hair envy? Well, I hope I create hair envy! To be totally honest I love seeing women happy with what they have and making the most of it (sssh… confidence is the key to it all). You can have the best hair in the world if you get the right hairdresser to cut it and you feel good and take time to look after it. Hey guys, it’s hair! It grows! Be daring and enjoy it!
www.mcqueenshairbristol. co.uk
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