Bristol Life - Issue 263 by MediaClash

THE BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS 2019 24-PAGE SOUVENIR ISSUE!

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

ISSUE 263 / MAY 2019 / Â£3

TIME FOR BEDMINSTER THE FESTS ARE YET TO COME

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RISING GLAMP: CAMPING FOR GROWN-UPS

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ISSUE 263 / MAY 2019 / BRISTOL FT W

LILY IN THE FIELDS

SAVE THE DAY: LOOK WHO'S COMING OUR WAY

EDITOR’S LETTER

She’s alright, still, and she’s coming to Eastville Park

amn. It appears that I’m sharing page space with young, beautiful, professionally styled Lily Allen. I really hadn’t thought that one through when I put her on the cover. As it happens, we don’t often feel the need to feature a visiting celebrity on the front of the mag; there’s more than enough home-grown stuff going on, after all. But Lily’s an interesting one, and we were intrigued to see her topping the bill at Bristol’s dance-focused Love Saves the Day, so when we learned she was up for a chat, we went for it. Turn to page 54 to see how it went. Clue: we liked her. While Lily may be headlining this issue, she’s sharing the bill with some stellar supporting acts. We’ve been exploring BS3 to bring you our definitive guide to Bedminster; trawling the festival sites (as in web, not the actual fields) to compile our ultimate guide for your summer pleasure, and even managed to fit in a bit of glamping and festival shopping. See how nicely it all hangs together? We don’t just throw this magazine together, fyi. Finally – actually, not finally at all, there’s plenty more, but I’m out of space – we move from fields of glitter to a marquee filled with glitz and glamour for our 24-page souvenir of last month’s Bristol Life Awards. Start flicking; there’s loads to get through, and you only have three weeks.

DERI ROBINS Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

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Issue 263/May 2019

AWARDS

17 BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS Oh, the glamour . . . a

24-page trip down memory lane (if you were there) or a chance to see what went down in our massive tent (if you weren’t)

THE ARTS 43 44 50 54 56

ART PAGE An insider’s guide to street art WHAT’S ON Festival season’s ramping up THEATRE The chatty barbers of King Street ONE TO ONE Lily in the pink BRISTOL HEROES Colin’s alternative guide to

festival season

74 FESTIVALS And our more conventional one

STREET LIFE

62 BEDMINSTER The North Street remembers

FOOD & DRINK

84 RESTAURANT The jewel in Wedmore’s crown 87 FOOD AND DRINK NEWS Cool hand Luke and his

Valleyfest feasts

91 STAN Nothing to do with festivals. Stan paddles his

own canoe

SHOPPING

94 EDITOR’S CHOICE How to get festival chic even if

you have absolutely no intention of going to one

LIFESTYLE

98 GLAMPING Yurts so good 105 HEALTH & BEAUTY Holding back the years

BUSINESS

107 BUSINESS INSIDER The new face of augmented

reality entertainment, and some familiar faces

PROPERTY

125 SHOWCASE We don’t care how good your view is, it’s

not as good as their view

REGULARS

7 SPOTLIGHT 9 INSTAS 130 BRISTOL LIVES Neatly bookending what’s ended up

being a bit of a festival issue, it’s that ave arvey off of Team Love

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior Art Editor Andrew Richmond Graphic Design Megan Allison Cover Design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore Advertising manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Craig Wallberg @craig.wallberg@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Samantha Roach samantha.roach@mediaclash.co.uk Sales Executive Gabriella Cronchey gabriella.cronchey@mediaclash.co.uk Production/distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bristol Life MediaClash, 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. 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. 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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 5

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SPOTLIGHT On location

A BRISTOL AFFAIR

Honestly; it’s now got to the point where if someone chose to throw a genuine zombie apocalypse, alien invasion or smallish war in the city centre, we wouldn’t bat an eyelid. We’d just assume it was the Bristol Film ce up to its usual tricks, brokering yet another lucrative deal, bringing famous faces to familiar streets and large movie budgets to boost the local economy. There have been so many period dramas that we’re even starting to accept time travel as the norm ake Ecosse Films’ upcoming drama The Trial of Christine Keeler, for e ample, which takes a fresh look at the s rofumo ffair he si -part series ust wrapped, following weeks of filming at he Bottle ard Studios and over 10 Bristol locations, including the Central ibrary, St icks, ills emorial, oldney all, ity all, aledonia lace, Berkeley Square, orn Street, Small Street and Broad Street – the largest number of Bristol locations used in a single drama for years. We firmly believe that spotting them while watching the series would make for an e cellent drinking game www.filmbristol.co.uk

Art

EYES UP

As faithfully reported in our festivals feature on page 74, there will be no big pfest’ this year – but there will be a little one. ot that they’re calling it that, obviously; the new pro ect’s formal name is pfest Summer ditions, crafted with osca’, and it involves a bunch of south Bristol walls being painted between now and October by renowned local, national and international street artists. urals will appear on some of the biggest walls in the area, including the obacco Factory and edpoint limbing entre Accompanying the pieces will be exclusive print releases, available online and at pfest gallery he Summer ditions kicked off in pril with a week-long painting collab between well-known festival dude y og Sighs, who brought his super-realistic eyes and reflections, and pfest newcomer urtis ylton, with his beautifully soft, nature-inspired artwork he sq ft work now graces the side of the ising Sun, indmill ill; it was partially funded by the pub’s new management as a thank-you to the community f you’re keen to keep track of the Summer ditions, follow pfest on nstagram for news www.upfest.co.uk

Bristol Life Awards One of the most popular winners at this year’s Bristol Life Awards was undoubtedly he rand ppeal, who ointly won the harity ward with ne s massive no, really, huge) allace, romit and Feathers nerds, we were beside ourselves with pride to see their Award sharing shelf space with our Plasticene heroes – though we’d keep an eye on that penguin if we were you, allace; these Bristol Life Awards are priceless. f you’ve won an ward, we’d love to see where you’ve put yours e’re fondly imagining the Arts and Platinum Awards won by Bristol Old Vic nestling up to om orris’s ony www.bristollifeawards.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT SPRING, LOADED

Everything in the gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lovely, despite the best efforts of Storm Hannah. Hang on in there everyone; summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on its way . . .

@sjtanton

@leilaa81

@carolyn.eaton

@sambinding

@brynherbert

@porthjess

@helenisbell

@sjtanton

@trav_tography

@lottiee.m

@zfjsutton

@stnicksmarket

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BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

BRISTOL FOR THE WIN!

The 2019 Bristol Life Awards took place on 11 April, in our bespoke marquee at Lloyds Amphitheatre – the biggest tent in Bristol! There were more guests than ever; more nominations; more finalists – and emotions ran predictably high . . . www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 17

BRISTOL LIFE awards

he party’s over. The hangovers have healed. Winners have been rewarded, and Awards have been placed reverently on display for all to admire. And sure, it was all enormous fun – but let’s just take a minute to remind ourselves what the Bristol Life Awards are all about. They’re designed to celebrate this amazing city, and the way that it’s constantly changing and improving. They offer a chance to applaud the successes of individual businesses, and the remarkable individuals who work in them; to big up developing companies, employing more people, finding new routes to market, increasing the amount of goods and services bought locally, risking start-ups, volunteering for charities, acting civically, seeking to make this city better; always better. It was a night filled with pride for Bristol. We came to celebrate, and stayed to cheer. The warmth in the room was palpable. The new Civic Award saw The Bristol Wing crowned

Huge thanks to all our sponsors – we genuinely couldn’t have done it all without you, and we’re delighted that so many leading companies choose to be part of this singular celebration

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

a popular winner, while in the Charity category, our judges found it impossible to choose between The Grand Appeal and One25, so they chose both. Collecting not just the Arts Award but also the Platinum, Tom Morris’s acceptance speech for Bristol Old Vic was a resounding clarion call for access to creative education in the city. These Awards make us feel even better about working and living in Bristol – a city we’ve championed in Bristol Life for 15 years. On this evening of shimmering beauty, of whooping and surging emotion, of generous backslapping and coming together, ultimately there was one winner: Bristol. Always. To all who entered, judged, sponsored, partnered, entertained, drank, gushed, filmed, drank, aftershowed, photographed, supported, drank, organised, hosted, fed and watered us all, just two words: thank you. These were the very best Awards yet. And next year? It’s started already. Get involved. From Jane and Greg, Steph and the MediaClash events team; and team Bristol Life: Deri, Neil, Gabriella, Craig and Samantha

Headline Sponsor:

Wylde Goldsmith, Regus, SAM FM, SLX, Thorntons Travel, Triangle Networks, VWV, Weston College

Bristol Airport

Platinum Sponsor:

Jelf

Main Sponsors: Acorn Property Group,

The Alternative Board, Amarelle, Anderson Financial Management, British Corner Shop, Brunel Insurance Brokers, Burston Cook, Cabot Circus, Clear River, Clifton College, CMC Marquees, Curo, Dribuild Group, Kersfield, Lexus Bristol, Medikas Medispa, Nicholas

Silver Sponsors: Audley Group, Bevan Brittan, Bristol City Centre BID, Bristol Harbour Hotel and Spa, Heat Recruitment, Mugshot PARTNERS: The Avon Gorge Hotel, CityFibre, Life Media UK, Mercure Bristol Grand., Revolucion de Cuba, The School of Food

Photos by ben robins

Suited, booted and blamelessly sober (it was only 6pm, to be fair) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; team MediaClash

Our host John Robins brought the LOLs

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CATEGORY WINNERS

ARTS

Sponsored by

WINNER:

BRISTOL OLD VIC

BUSINESS SERVICES Sponsored by

CHARITY Sponsored by

WINNER:

ETM RECYCLING

JOINT WINNERS:

THE GRAND APPEAL & ONE25

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

PHOTOS BY PAOLO FERL A: W W W.FERL APAOLO.COM

BAR

Sponsored by

WINNER:

GREENBANK

CAFÉ / COFFEE SHOP Sponsored by

CIVIC

Sponsored by

WINNER:

BEETS ’N ROOTS

THE BRISTOL WING (YMCA)

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

CREATIVE Sponsored by

EVENT

Sponsored by

FOOD/DRINK PRODUCER Sponsored by

WINNER:

IGNITION

WINNER:

ST PAULS CARNIVAL

WINNER:

THATCHERS

EDUCATION

WINNER:

UWE

Sponsored by

FINANCIAL Sponsored by

GASTROPUB Sponsored by

WINNER:

PARMENION CAPITAL PARTNERS LLP

WINNER:

THE KENSINGTON ARMS www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 21

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

HAIR & BEAUTY Sponsored by

HOMES & INTERIORS Sponsored by

LEISURE & TOURISM Sponsored by

WINNER:

NUALA MOREY HAIR & BEAUTY

WINNER:

BLOSSOM & BRUSH

WINNER:

CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE TRUST

HEALTH & WELLBEING Sponsored by

LEGAL

Sponsored by

NEW BUSINESS Sponsored by

WINNER:

EMPIRE FIGHTING CHANCE

WINNER:

BARCAN+KIRBY

WINNER:

THE COCONUT TREE www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

PROPERTY Sponsored by

RETAILER

Sponsored by

WINNER:

DRIBUILD

WINNER:

BRITISH CORNER SHOP

RESTAURANT Sponsored by

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION Sponsored by

WINNER:

ROOT

WINNER:

TECHMODAL

PLATINUM AWARD Sponsored by

WINNER:

BRISTOL OLD VIC

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

FINALISTS ARTS

• Brave Bold Drama • Bristol Old Vic • Clifton Fine Art • Insane Root Theatre Company • MAYK • RWA Gallery • Show of Strength Theatre Company • St George’s Bristol • Tobacco Factory Theatres • Travelling Light Theatre Company BAR

• Bocabar • Brozen Bar • The Clockwork Rose • The Greenbank • Hyde & Co • The Milk Thistle • The Strawberry Thief • Zerodegrees BUSINESS SERVICES

• Ambitious PR • Blackstar Solutions • Canon Business Centre South West • Duchess Media • ETM Recycling • Heat Recruitment • Keel Over Marketing • Kingston Barnes • Outset Bristol • SETsquared Bristol • Triangle Networks • TVNET

• Folk House Café • Eat Your Greens • The Epiphany Café • Mokoko Coffee and Bakery • Vintage Birdcage CHARITY

• A Life for a Cure • Above & Beyond • Access Sport • Bristol Animal Rescue Centre • FareShare South West • Many Minds • Milestones Trust • One25 • Penny Brohn UK • The Grand Appeal • Young Bristol CIVIC

• Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District • Bristol Energy • Bristol Old Vic • Bristol Waste Company • The Bristol Wing (YMCA Bristol) • Key Solutions Mortgages • University of the West of England CREATIVE

• Creation Media • Harleys Global • Ignition • Illustrate • JonesMillbank CAFÉ / COFFEE SHOP • Life Media UK • Beets N Roots Café • Plaster Creative Communications • The Bristol Loaf • The City Farm Café • Studio Giggle

EDUCATION

• Bristol City Community Trust • DragonBird Theatre • HorseWorld Trust Discovery • The School of Food • Tockington Manor School and Nursery • University of the West of England • Weston College • Wot Pots

Alison Bevan Director, Royal West of England Academy

Andrew Cheater Wealth Manager, LGT Vestra

• The Grace • The Kensington Arms • The Knowle • The Litton • The Railway Inn, Sandford HAIR & BEAUTY

• Betties + Baldwins • EcoStardust • Glitch • Hair at 58 • Hobbs Hairdressing • Kings and Queens EVENT Salon • Bristol Harbour • Nuala Morey Hair Festival • Bristol International And Beauty • South West Bridal Balloon Fiesta Hair and Make-up • Great Weston Ride • St Pauls Carnival • Upfest HEALTH & FINANCIAL

• Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants • Fox Davidson • Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers • Key Solutions Mortgages • Milsted Langdon • Parmenion Capital Partners LLP FOOD / DRINK PRODUCER

• Aldwick Estate • Bradley’s Juice • The Bristol Loaf • Cakesmiths • Hullabaloos Lemonade • Swoon Gelato • Thatchers

ALL HAIL THE JUDGES!

Alastair Currie Owner, Alastair Currie Events

GASTROPUB

Anne Anketell Chief Executive, Bristol Charities

John Hirst Chief Executive, Destination Bristol

Design • Urbane Eco • SJP Interior Design • Whitecroft • Stylemongers Of Developments Bristol RESTAURANT LEGAL

• AMD Solicitors • Ashfords • Barcan+Kirby • Bevan Brittan • Michelmores LLP • VWV LEISURE & TOURISM

• Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust • Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust • Double Tree by Hilton Cadbury House • The Grand Appeal • The Natural History Consortium • Quarter

• B Block • Bambalan • The Malago • Mugshot Restaurants • Old Market Assembly • Pata Negra • Quay Street Diner • Root RETAILER

• British Corner Shop • Fig1 • Kutchenhaus Bristol • Papadeli • Rhubarb Jumble • Room 212 • Stafford Townsend WELLBEING • Amma Life x Milliners Guild • Bristol Dementia • Made by Yasmin Action Alliance • Tom and Teddy NEW BUSINESS • Empire Fighting • 1766 Bar & Kitchen • We Make Bristol Chance • Bunk • Energised Performance UK • The Coconut Tree TECHNOLOGY & • Great Western Air • Nola Interiors INNOVATION Ambulance Charity • One Big Circle • Amdaris • Little Dreams • The Plastic Free • Digirank Consulting Shop • Nomensa • Lucknam Park • Northstar • Medikas Medispa • Rockit (N2M Ltd) • Soccer Shooters • Runway East Innovation Group • Symonds at • Techmodal Redwood • Unit DX HOMES & INTERIORS • Artisan Landscapes • Bespoke Frameless PROPERTY Glass • Acorn Property • Blossom & Brush Group • Bracey Interiors • Berkeley Place • Bristol Upholstery • The Build Bristol Collective Group • JAS Building • Burston Cook Services • Dribuild • Red Dog Glass • Regus

All decisions about these awards are made by a panel of utterly impeccably independent judges, chosen afresh each year from all areas of Bristol business life. All different businesses types and sizes. With a record number of yet stronger nominations, the decisions this year were harder than ever for our judges. Our sincere thanks to all.

Martino Burgess Lawyer, Gregg Latchams

Mike Livings Branch Director, Jelf

Nick Sturge Co-founder, Engine Shed

Peaches Golding OBE Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol

Stephanie Marshall Head, BBC South West

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SCENE

LE T’S GE T THIS BR IS TOL LI FE AWA R DS PA R T Y S TA R TED . . . PHOTOS BY BEN ROBINS W W W.BENROBINSPHOTO.COM

WHO’S WHO THIS PAGE 1. Bevan Brittan 2. Triangle Networks 3. SJP Interiors 4. Horseworld 5. A Life For a Cure 6. Runway East and Bunk 7. Beets ’n Roots OPPOSITE PAGE 8. Jas Building Services 9. Heat Recruitment 10. Outset 11. Canon Business Centre 12. Medikas 13. Brave Bold Drama 14. Bristol Energy 15. Nicholas Wylde 16. Thornton Travel

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BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS 8

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Image: Ferla Paolo

We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more thrilled to have won the Retailer Bristol Life Award, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re passionate about supporting Bristol and so this feels really special!

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS PHOTOS BY BEN ROBINS

WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHO 1. Life Media UK 2. Bristol Upholstery 3. Papadeli 4. Curo 5. Regus 6. British Corner Shop 7. Eco Stardust 8. We Are Plaster www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

PHOTOS BY SAM NORMAN, WHITE VILL A PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM W W W.WHITEVILL AWEDDINGS.CO.UK

Turned out nice again: the MediaClash Events team Cai Burton

Bob Irwin

Beets â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Roots A mugshot of Mugshot

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

British Corner Shop

PHOTOS BY SAM NORMAN, WHITE VILL A PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

Lynn Robinson and Anna Farthing

Bespoke Frameless Glass

A happy Coconut Tree winner Stephen Bartlett and Ellisina Thorpe

Lucy Evans and Rosie Barrett Simon Withington

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

Team Parmenion

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

The Coconut Tree

Heat Recruitment

Amarelle

Curo Mugshot

Mobius Works Lucy King

Ellie Collier and Adela Straughan

Tom Morris

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PHOTOS BY SAM FROM WHITE VILL A PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

The ever-ebullient Brave Bold Drama

Helen Haskell and Nicola Masters

Doug Hobbs (centre)

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what our lights were made for...

PHOTO BY TIM WOOLF; T WOOLF W W W.MYPORTFOLIO.COM

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

The Coconut Tree

PHOTOS BY TIM WOOLF

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

Hyde & Co

Bristol Waste Company

St Pauls Carnival

Michelle Bresnahan

Lord Lieutenant Peaches Golding OBE

Pru Brooker, Rachel Chapman and Sophie Riley

Caroline Lang

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PHOTOS BY TIM WOOLF

Simon Boddy, Deri Robins and Kellie Hasbury John Robins

Hannah Parr and Sophie Wolfendale Katie Dane, Frankie Wallington and Meg Pope

Pru Brooker

One 25 Beets â&#x20AC;&#x2122; N Roots

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

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

PHOTOS BY JON CRAIG @JONCRAIG_PHOTOS

Charlotte Brooks, Beth Heaven, Suzie Woods

THE AFTER PARTY

Shenanigans continued late into the night at Revolución de Cuba, with Sam FM’s Downsy on the decks for the third year running. Guess you can pretty much predict the requests by now, then Ian . . .

Chris Nelson and Megan Taylor Sarah Bailey, Beth Ross and guest

Chris Luckett, Mel Base, Sulli Gardner and guests Downsy eventually gets around to playing Gloria

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

Team Curo

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS

SAM FM PHOTOBOOTH Finally, we had to include some of the cracking shots from the SAM FM photobooth at the Revoluciรณn de Cuba afterparty. Names have been withheld to protect the guilty

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

the arts s n a p s h o t s o f B R I STO L’ S c u lt u r a l li f e

Spray tell The legend “Let’s fill this town with artists” is emblazoned over the entrance of Cass Art on Park Street. And fair play to them; as well as selling you every conceivable means for making art of your own, Cass is quite the arty hub, with regular classes, talks and exhibitions on offer. From 15 May, they’ll be showing Street Art: A Crime of Passion by Bristol street artist John D’Oh. You’ve probably seen at least one piece of John’s work somewhere in Bristol. Like JPS, his stencil style is very similar to Banksy’s (but before you get judgemental over that, remember that Banksy got his schtick from Blek le Rat in the first place). Like Bansky, John’s work often has a political or environmental message, frequently drawing on images from popular culture and using mixed media. John will be at Cass Art between 5-8pm on launch night, sharing his experiences of street art and talking about his latest book, Street Art And Graffiti: A Dissertation published by Tangent Books at £14. Although it’s lavishly illustrated, it’s less of a coffee table art book than an insider’s view – it’s a must if you want to take your understanding of graff and street art to the next level. Will John appear without his signature face scarf? You won’t know if you don’t turn up… For more www.john-doh.co.uk; www.cassart.co.uk

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’S

Quirky exhibitions, cool beats, fresh new shows, plenty of lols and loadsa fests, as we edge into the Bristol summer

3 May-3 June

Tiger Lillies bring their Brechtian punk (of course that’s a genre) back to Bristol

EXHIBITIONS Until 6 May

LEONARDO DA VINCI: A LIFE IN DRAWING Sbrigati a tutti! Just a few more days to catch some of eo’s finest drawings at Bristol useum; bristolmuseums.org.uk SPIKE ISLAND OPEN STUDIOS Spike sland’s accessibility and family-friendliness is never more evident than during its open days, when you can e plore the working environments of hundreds of artists, designers and creative businesses spikeisland.org.uk

Until 25 May

IT’S CALLED FFASIWN l mentine Schneiderman and harlotte ames began hosting fashion-themed workshops for young people in bertillery he result is a series of portraits that u tapose the reality of social deprivation in the elsh alleys with the vivacity, promise and hope of youth; at artin arr Foundation; martinparrfoundation.org

Until 2 June

SCULPTURE OPEN he ’s new pen, celebrating the diversity of form, medium and scale in modern sculpture; rwa.org.uk HENRI GAUDIER-BRZESKA: DISPUTING THE EARTH ’s new e hibition e amines audier-Brzeska’s versatility as an animal artist, along with his special links to Bristol; rwa.org.uk

Until 8 June YOUNG AMERICANS

ainmaker is showcasing a new generation of ative merican artists, who bring an e plosive visual mi ture of techniques, e perimentation and individual perspectives to shatter clich d perceptions of ndian’ art and life www.rainmakerart.co.uk

Until 16 June

TATTOO utting-edge designers, leading academics and collectors tell a story that challenges long-standing myths and pre-conceptions about tattooing; at Shed, bristolmuseums.org.uk

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

PAUL SIMON RICHARDS: QUASI-MONTE CARLO n ambitious new video work e ploring patterns of randomisation and their role in the production of an image Spike sland, spikeisland.org.uk

Until 23 June

MANDY BARKER: ALTERED OCEAN he award-winning photographer investigates the issue of marine plastic debris; working with scientists, she aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the world’s oceans t the oyal hotographic Society; rps.org

Until 4 August

BANKSY’S DEVOLVED PARLIAMENT Back on show to mark years since the famous Banksy v Bristol useum e hibition; take it as a comment on our times, if you like bristolmuseums.org.uk SRIWHANA SPONG: IDA-IDA he artist’s largest e hibition to date outside her native , including a new film, shot in and around her

ancestral home in Bali, ndonesia Spike sland, spikeisland.org.uk

13 May-2 June

STREET ART: A CRIME OF PASSION ohn ’ h at ass rt; see page 3 john-doh.co.uk NICHOLAS WRIGHT: A CHANCE TO LOOK AT CHICKEN selection of work produced over the last 3 years, including ceramic wall pieces inspired by th-century French sculpture spikeisland.org.uk

1 June-1 September

NATURAL SELECTION n ornithological ourney, from the building of nests to the collecting of eggs; more marvellous and moving than this sounds bristolmuseums.org.uk

SHOWS Until 11 May

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD Fearlessly bold, witty and thoughtprovoking play based on the true

WHAT’S ON story of the first convict colony in ustralia; F ; tobaccofactorytheatres.com THE FUTURE OF SEX t’s n era of possibility and polyester iggy Stardust is on Top of the Pops, enny is writing an essay on Lady Chatterley and hristine is watching Deepthroat Brian is confused the ardrobe nsemble’s very funny retro comedy comes to B ; bristololdvic.org.uk

7-11 May

21-25 May

7 May-6 June

MATILDA THE MUSICAL he S ’s award-laden hit unmissable for fans of musicals, oald ahl, theatre – oh, everyone ippodrome, atgtickets.com

HOW MY LIGHT IS SPENT lan arris’ lyrical, aching, oyous comedy about the une pected places where love hides itself t he ardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com THE REMAINS OF THE DAY ut of oint take on azuo shiguro’s masterpiece of memory, regret and missed chances at Bristol ld ic; bristololdvic.org.uk

29-30 May

8-11 May

It’s called Ffasiwn, bach Crime and punishment in the colonies, at TFT THIS PIC: Dahl festival: Matilda at the Hippodrome

21-23 May

BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES See page B ; bristololdvic.org.uk THE GREATEST OF THE GREATEST he almost-true story of what happened when two male creative geniuses met to produce the greatest work of their careers, and failed h, and hommy and ikael hey’re played by women B ; bristololdvic.org.uk

MIDDLE:

THE TIGER LILLIES he illies invite you on a trip to the evil’s Fairground, where the macabre magic of pre-war Berlin merges with the savage edge of punk t edgrave; redgravetheatre.com DRESSED. ydia’s story is about the power of clothes to define, liberate, hide and embellish us; it is about making something beautiful out of something dark and traumatic t F ; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Until 18 May

TOP:

18 May

STARDUST hysical theatre, new writing and hand-drawn animation take you on a ourney into the dark heart of cocaine production; it’s BlackBeard heatre’s first appearance at F , and they’re e cited; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

9 May

OH MY GOD! IT’S THE CHURCH urning sinning into winning, pain into cocaine, and regret and hesitation into entucky Fried Salvation they’re the hurch of the eople, and their oly Spirit is bsinthe one the wiser e had to watch the trailer, too t hekla; theklabristol.co.uk

14-18 May

ORPHEUS ave’s stood at the bar urydice is a tree nymph Bruce Springsteen is on the uke bo tale of impossible, death-defying love told through hairraising spoken word and soaring soul music; at ardrobe; thewardrobetheatre. com

29 May-1 June

IN THE WILLOWS ith epic show tunes and killer beats, this classic story is brought popping and locking into the st century in a new hip-hop musical t B ; bristololdvic.org.uk

COMEDY 9 May

REGINALD D HUNTER o quirky puntastic show header here; ust a celebration of ’s anniversary as a comedian living in the nson ooms; bristolsu.org.uk

POISON Bristol ld ic heatre School’s irectors’ uts ot ekemans’ powerful show is a simple but searing play about grief, love, and the will to move on; at ardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com

19 May

THE STRANGER ON THE BRIDGE stranger-than-fiction true-life story the moving and thoughtful portrayal of one man’s determination to find the ood Samaritan who changed his life; at F , tobaccofactorytheatres.com

21 May

GARY MIEKLE he Scottish viral sensation has rapidly risen through the ranks, and is now in demand at the ’s best comedy clubs edgrave’s bagged him redgravetheatre.com JAY MEWES AND HIS A-MEWES-ING STORIES he potty-mouthed vocal half of

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 45

WHAT’S ON Jay and Silent Bob (Clerks) brings the LOLs of his award-winning podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old to Winston Theatre; bristolsu.org.uk

22 May

WAHALA COMEDY CLASH Europe’s most successful urban comedy event, in which comedians battle live on stage; at Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

26 May

HENNING WEHN The German comedy ambassador is here with a message: stop all the pondering and the hand-wringing, and put your face to the grindstone; at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

27 May

CLOSER EACH DAY The world’s longest-running improvised comedy soap continues to bubble amusingly away at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com ABOVE: Irishaccented folk with Cara Dillon LEFT: One of the finest acoustic and slide guitar-players in the world, according to, well, everybody: Martin Simpson at The Wardrobe BELOW: Don’t expect the full Monty from the well-covered-up The Nude

31 May

JONATHAN KAY: KNOW ONE’S FOOL The renowned fool performer and teacher presents the unexpected in the most magical and anarchic way, in a night of improv at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

MUSIC 3 May

FAT WHITE FAMILY The Fam are back with lush and masterful new album Serfs Up! which sees the band somewhat reborn and sophisticated; at O2; academymusicgroup.com

3-5 May

BRISTOL FOLK FESTIVAL “If folk sing it, it’s folk music,” said Pete Seeger; we bet you’ll find something you like here, from Cara Dillon to Kris Drever, Sam Kelly and Lady Maisery, et al; bristolfolkfestival.org BRISTOL EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL While if Renaissance and Baroque are more your cup of tea, head to All Saints; bristolearlymusicfestival.uk

4 May

THE UNDERTONES The Derry boys bring their lyrical invention and musical flair to SWX, with special guests The Neville Staple Band; swxbristol.com

MIDGE URE The former Ultravox frontman, who in our heads will forever be sporting a collar-up gaberdine coat and a spiv moustache, comes to Anson Rooms with the India Electric Company; bristolsu.org.uk

5 May

SUMMER SESSIONS: NORMAN JAY The legendary DJ kicks off a summer of great music, great drinks and great vibes on the Bambalan terrace; bambalan.co.uk

7 May

THE WILDHEARTS With a distinctive fusion of hard rock and contemporary melodies, The Wildhearts helped change the landscape of British rock through the ’90s, and show no signs of slowing down yet. At SWX; swxbristol.com

8 May

FLAMINGODS The London via Bahrain four-piece bring their their unique blend of disco, funk and psychedelia to Exchange; colstonhall.org

10 May

RECKLESS ERIC With the Whole Wide World to choose from, Eric’s playing Fiddlers Club. We haven’t forgotten Who You Are, Eric. fiddlers.co.uk

11 May

CUT CAPERS To launch new album Metropolis, Bristol’s Cut Capers kick off their first UK album tour with a home gig at SWX; swxbristol.com KING BEE One of the funkiest bands on the planet comes to Zed Alley for the launch party of new funk/soul club The Funk Train. hdfst.uk/E51200

13 May

THE NUDE PARTY Classic ’60s-style rock mixed with country-twang Americana; oh, and they’re no more nude than the Naked Chef. Hy-Brasil Music Club colstonhall.org

14 May

KRS ONE One of the most respected figures in hip-hop comes to Trinity; 3ca.org.uk

19 May

MARTIN SIMPSON The charismatic, award-laden, massively rated folk/blues guitarist

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WHAT’S ON comes to mesmerise us at Ear Trumpet Folk Cub, at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

legendary Bob – a connection he honours in his nickname r ong See him at ; academymusicgroup.com

20 May

1-8 June

BEAK eoff Barrow doesn’t like it when we mention him or his music, but you know; we have a ob to do, too At SWX; swxbristol.com

21 May

CHILDREN OF ZEUS he soul hip-hop pro ect created by two of anchester’s most respected artists, yler aley and onny on, comes to hekla theklabristol.co.uk

22 May

ROD STEWART he indefatigable septuagenarian’s still earing it ell, and returning to shton ate to prove it ashtongatestadium.co.uk LITTLE STEVEN & THE DISCIPLES OF SOUL es, he was The Sopranos’ Silvio; and yes, he was a founding member of Bruce’s Street Band; but Steven an andt’s a ma or artist in his own right, and he’s here to rock ; academymusicgroup.com

23 May

SONS OF THE EAST he ustralian indie-folk trio bring their anthemic tunes and surfer-dude good looks to hekla; theklabristol.co.uk

25 May

DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL o, nothing to do with he addy; see p dottodotfestival.co.uk

25-26 May

CLIFTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Bristol’s big summer classical music event, with everything from plainchant to pop, Baroque and the Blues; colstonhall.org

OTHER Until 5 May

BESPOKED he handmade bike show returns to Brunel’s ld Station showcasing the work of dozens of indie bike-makers bespoked.cc THEKLA 35 weekend of live and club events, celebrating 3 years of hekla in Bristol arbour; theklabristol.co.uk

Until 27 September (Fri) HARBOUR NIGHTS ead outsidefini for top street food, and live music n Facebook

BLOOD, BOOZE AND BUCCANEERS Show of Strength’s docklands walking pub tour sets out to e plore the legend of Blackbeard, and each geddit ) you how to separate fact from fiction; stagestubs.com

Until 10 December (Tues)

BLOOD AND BUTCHERY IN BEDMINSTER he walk pub tour continues to delve into Bemmie’s gruesome history, with tales of body snatchers, concrete co ns, hangings udges and the most notorious heist in living memory; stagestubs.com

Until 31 May

28 May

GLOS ROAD CENTRAL MAYFEST elcome in ay at the lo o street party, with ack in the reen and his procession of musicians and dancers; bishopstonmatters.co.uk

31 May

BRISTOL WALK FEST See page bristolwalkfest.com

THE ALLERGIES Back in Bristol with their infectious danceable vintage mashup of funk, soul, disco, and hip-hop after a sellout show last ctober; olston all Foyer, colstonhall.org

5 May

1 June

4-5 May

DAMIAN MARLEY amaican reggae artist, son to the

Until 26 October (Wed/Sat)

LOVE SAVES THE DAY Followed by ove Saves the ight at otion age lovesavestheday.org TAKE THAT ant them back for good ou can have three of them at shton ate ashtongatestadium.co.uk

ABOVE: Any sign of Robbie, lads? Nothing yet, Gazzer. No problem; we’re still well up for a reduced bit of Take That at Ashton Gate LEFT: Oi! Bristol! Catch Original Rude Boy Neville Staple and his band supporting The Undertones at SFX

SIMPLYHEALTH 10K Britain’s biggest k starts on nchor oad, and runs parallel to the harbour before continuing along von orge; greatrun.org EAST BRISTOL BREWERY TRAIL Five of Bristol’s best breweries welcome

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

you to their ’hood; meet the brewers and sample some great local beers n Facebook

the ; all proceeds go to help yet more animals in need bristolarc.org.uk

9-12 May

BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH he internationally revered poet, writer and socio-political commentator brings his evolutionary inds to rinity; 3ca.org.uk

CRIMEFEST op crime novelists, readers, editors, publishers and reviewers from around the world assemble at Bristol arriott n the library ith the lead piping crimefest.com

10 May

ST NICK’S NIGHT MARKET Street food, local tipples and local beats at the much-loved night market; lovefoodfestival.com

10-12 May

FOODIES FEST he ’s biggest food festival returns to urdham owns with a musical line-up that’s as tasty as the food; foodiesfestival.com

11-12 May

BRISTOL THAI AND MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL n eclectic taste of the food and culture of the ast, at illennium Square; www.desythai.com

12 May

BRISTOL ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE OPEN DAY ake a behind-the-scenes look at

16 May

27 May

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL here’s a local flavour to the BFF screenings this month at Shed Fantasy is a feature-length film made by local film production company Basset Braggs; Homesitter is a darkly comic thriller filmed in Bristol and hew agna, while Bristol filmmaker Ben kers introduces recent documentary Steve, which looks at men’s mental health bristolfilmfesti al.com

31 May- 2 June

IBIZA NIGHTS: CAFE MAGNA ne of the ’s leading biza party specialists bringing the sounds of the hite sles to the South est; see page tickettailor.com

1-9 June

FESTIVAL OF NATURE he ’s largest free celebration of the natural world; the main event’s on the - une at illennium Square See page bnhc.org.uk

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

good hair days One day. Six cities. A thousand different stories… By Lisa Warren

ou can’t go far wrong with a microcosm as a nifty theatrical device. If you need proof of this, then get along to Bristol Old Vic next month, when Inua Ellams’ acclaimed Barber Shop Chronicles opens for a

lengthy run. What’s it all about, then? At its simplest level, it’s about a bunch of black guys in barber shops, having their hair cut, shooting the breeze, watching soccer and swapping confidences. It’s about friendships, and families – especially fathers and sons. These barber shops, which move from Peckham to Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos and Accra, are part lock-in, part church. They act as informal newsrooms, political platforms, local hotspots, confession boxes and preacher pulpits. But Barber Shop’s not about the experience of being a black man, specifically; that’s kind of the point. It’s about the universal human condition; whatever your race or creed, you’ll be able to identify with at least some of these stories, hopefully dispelling preconceptions and stereotypes. But hey – Inua’s not the only one who can juxtapose different voices. We spoke to not just one but four of the guys intimately involved in bringing the play to Bristol, and asked: what’s special about this play? What bits mean the most to you? And why is it important? Pray tell . . .

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

THEATRE Inua Williams, writer

“Back in 2010, someone gave me a flyer about a pilot project to teach barbers about the very basics in counselling. I was surprised that conversations in barber shops were so intimate; that someone thought that barbers should be trained in counselling, and that they wanted the counselling project sessions to happen in the barber shop. “On some level, the person who was organising this thought there was something sacred about barber shops. Initially I wanted to create a sort of poetry and graphic art project where I would create illustrations or portraits of the men while they were getting their haircuts, and write poems based on the conversations I’d overhear. “I failed to get that project off the ground, but the idea just stayed with me for a couple of years, until I got talking to Kate McGrath from Fuel who liked the idea. Together we approached The National Theatre. That’s where the show came from, and how it was inspired. “Why is it important? Over the past years, scenes of black bodies being brutalised by law enforcement have been everywhere. On Twitter. Shared in WhatsApp groups. On prime-time news. I can’t speak about the importance of my work, but I can speak about the psychological violence those videos and images did, and the need for them to be countered somehow – and Barber Shop Chronicles does that. “It shows black men at rest. At play. Talking. Laughing. Joking. Not being statistics, targets, tragedies, spectres or spooks... just humans, breathing in a room.”

Tom Morris, Bristol Old Vic AD

“In two years, Barber Shop Chronicles has rewritten the theatrical rulebook. Written by the poet Inua Ellams and directed by the silkily skilful Bijan Sheibani, it opened to rave reviews at the National in 2016 and took the theatre world by storm. “Its return run at the NT sold out in hours; it then set off on a triumphant North American tour and secured a West End run at the Roundhouse; now it’s on a ‘sit down’ regional tour. “Inua has said, ‘I want it to feel as if it belongs to every city it plays in’. That’s what I want too, and I’m thrilled that Bristol has become part of this exciting partnership. “It’s a cracking night out, performed with irresistible panache by an ace ensemble, and paced to perfection. And then there’s a riveting family story, beset by a galaxy of illuminating parallel narratives: a tale of a boy without a father in a home that he doesn’t realise is a home. And to cap it all, through the charismatic joy and emotional poignancy of its staging and story, we find startling and inspirational insights into the experience of the African diaspora in Britain

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 51

THEATRE and across the world. How rare and precious it is to find wisdom and delight in a single theatrical night out. I promise you, this is that rare and precious thing.”

DAVID WEBBER, ACTOR

“Inua has created a modern classic; the themes in Barber Shop Chronicles are both culturally specific and universal. There are things in the play we can all relate to, regardless of nationality, race and gender; it touches our humanity. “I most enjoy the scenes that involve the most cast members – there’s one London scene in particular when the banter, politics and humour flows between us and the audience seamlessly. “Barber shops are a great social melting pot; whatever our background, we all need a haircut now and then. They are one of the few areas where men – black men in particular – get to express themselves without fear of censorship, or judgement from a cultural perspective.

“I hope that viewers will see the 33 different characters represented in the play and further understand that we do not, as black men fit into one box, or stereotype. I hope that audiences will have their

“The themes in Barber Shop are both culturally speciﬁc and universal” preconceptions challenged, learn some things they perhaps didn’t know and maybe look at life a bit differently after seeing this wonderful, exciting and enjoyable piece of theatre. “Barber Shop Chronicles speaks eloquently of our time and is just the right

counterpoint in a post-truth Brexit/Trump era. The play is a big step forward for theatre, and raises pertinent questions; it challenges us all to look at ourselves, and to look afresh at long-held beliefs, political and social. We also get to look at black men and Africa in a different way to which we are often portrayed in the media. I think it’s particularly important for young people to see this play.”

ANTHONY OFOEGBU, ACTOR

“Barber Shop Chronicles offers relatable tenets of everyday life rarely seen or experienced. African politics that are rarely understood, given a platform that blossoms ‘edu-tainingly’ without jarring the mindset. “What do I hope viewers will take away from the play? Better vision, less prejudice, more humanity, joie de vivre.” ■ Barber Shop Chronicles plays Bristol Old Vic 2-18 May www.bristololdvic.org.uk

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ONE TO ONE

PICTURE OF LILY Lily Allen has had a turbulent time of it since, well, seemingly forever. But following the success of Mercury Prize-nominated album No Shame, the most outspoken girl in pop appears to have her mojo back – and she’s coming to Bristol this month to headline Love Saves the Day Words by Deri Robins

ven if you’ve never met Lily Allen, you kind of feel you have. She’s always been the most outspoken of celebrities; mouthy, say some; refreshingly candid, say others hile many public figures play it boringly safe, Lily seems fearless, with rarely an unspoken thought. And last year, in the unlikely case that there were any remaining skeletons rattling around in the closet after a hundred interviews and a thousand tweets, she booted them out unceremoniously in her astonishingly frank autobiography, My Thoughts Exactly. hat kind of openness can get a girl into trouble hen her first single Smile was released in 2006, when she was just 21, celebs were just starting to make personal forays into social media. Chatty, incautious, opinionated Lily came in for a heavy amount of trolling. Still does. Whether you’re in Camp Lily or not, nobody can deny that she’s been through the wringer. Not the happiest of childhoods, or the most careful of parents. The teenage drug-dealing stint in Ibiza. A history of doomed co-dependent relationships. The stillborn son. The knife-wielding stalker, who broke in when she was home with her children. Sexual abuse by a high-up music exec. Bulimia; a very public break up; the threat of sectioning. Postnatal depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, ADHD, attachment disorder – you name it, Lily’s taken pills for it; not counting all the ones she took for ‘fun’. A less resilient star might have burnt out entirely, or else surrounded herself with protective armour, but against the odds, Lily seems to have survived and come back stronger. There’s still that intriguing mixture of vulnerability mixed with a barbed feistiness; a duality echoed in the deceptively sweet Mockney vocals that sugar-coat caustic, street-smart lyrics, and the pastel-pretty prom frocks teamed with Nike trainers. While Lily claims to have become much more guarded in interviews, while chatting to her ahead of her Love Saves gig she still comes over as disarmingly honest; she’s upfront, polite, funny and friendly. Whenever she says anything serious, she punctures the solemnity with a selfdeprecatory cackle of laughter.

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

She also seems, as far as it’s possible to tell from a short convo over the phone, more contented and chilled than she’s appeared in recent years. Her career’s back on track; following a mixed critical reception for third album Sheezus, she ditched pop-culture irony in favour of confessional sincerity for her fourth album, No Shame, which duly won her a Mercury nomination. She’s back, then; but it’s still slightly surprising to find the former London pop princess topping the bill of Bristol’s favourite dance fest. Does this mean that Love Saves is becoming more diverse, or is Lily moving more towards dance? “Well, all music comes from dance ultimately, doesn’t it?” she says. nd dance has always been there with me; definitely ’m really looking forward to it e’re going to do as much cool stuff as possible Some new stuff, maybe a reworking of old material t’s going to be night time when I’m on stage, so that’s going to be good. That’s going to be very cool.” There’s a typical Lily response when I ask her what music she loved best when growing up. “I’m still growing up! So, I grew up in a household where my parents were completely mad when it came to music. Everything from Ella Fitzgerald to punk, reggae, hip hop. Lots of ska and Britpop, too. I moved into jungle, grime, reggae – you name it. “Today, I’m into British music, US rap. Even though I’m old now, I love being part of it all.” Old? She’s only 34. But there again, she’s been in the biz since she was 21 – though her potential was spotted even earlier. “I went to a Catholic school in London, Cavendish, where they had terrific music teachers ne time was on my own in the playground, listening to my Walkman and singing along. A teacher overheard me and liked it. Thought there was something there. That was the beginning. I suppose the effect that this had had on my life was that it became my life Presumably she could have gone on to study music, but she left school at 15; a choice she still defends. “I think it’s quite ridiculous that you have to make a choice at that could affect the rest of your life didn’t want to spend a third of my life preparing for the next third of my life, preparing for my pension for the final third Lily’s quick-witted, talented, super-smart. She plays guitar; she’s acted and modelled; in a parallel life, what else would she fancy doing? “Not sure. I do believe in fate. I suppose maybe if I’d had GCSEs

“People think that I’m annoying, that I’m bratty. But I think I’m really nice”

and A-levels I might have gone to university and studied. Maybe become a lawyer was a florist for three years; from ackney arket to ortobello hat went pretty well like flowers hey don’t talk and they look beautiful But reckon it was always going to be music oday, she says, she feels as if she’s transitioning into a different part of her life and career, the main problem being trying to fit a rock’ n’ roll lifestyle around being a single mum to two small daughters isten to the lyrics of Apples; herself the daughter of successful media parents, who screwed her up to a degree that would have caused hilip arkin to gasp, she’s determined to do better with her own kids hen you become a mother, your life isn’t yours any longer nd knowing that my girls are growing up in this world makes me fight even harder for the things believe in, the things that are important to me But they need to find out things for themselves worry that the internet is too powerful think we live in an opinion vacuum hat we hear on the web is the loudest voice. n algorithm or a computer tells you what to listen to, whether it’s music, culture or whatever But didn’t get my music from an algorithm r from adio telling me what to listen to y music came from going to ungle raves, or following my favourite s So ’d say to my daughters – find out what you really want and like, find out what you want to do But find it out by yourself She should know; her own e perience has been less of a learning curve than a convoluted spiral s she says at the end of her auto-biography, if you achieve success at a young age, there’s no time to practise how to deal with it here’s no apprenticeship programme for fame, which means you are ill-prepared to handle it and, as a result, you stumble n the past, ily llen has relied on other people to catch her when she fell oday, in her early 3 s she’s finally doing it for herself; and she’s never seemed more sure-footed See Lily at Love Saves the Day, Saturday 25 May at Eastville Park www.lovesavestheday.org

HER THOUGHTS EXACTLY More from our chat with Lily

What’s your most regrettable habit? Smoking. I’m trying to phase it out with vaping. What’s the biggest misapprehension people have of you? “That I’m annoying, that I’m bratty. But I think I’m really nice [giggles]. I care about people. I care about this world. I care about this country. I care about culture.” On trolls and the tabloids . . . “People try to discredit me, write things that aren’t true, things that they just don’t know about me. I think when it gets to that level, actually, they’re just scared. But basically, I just don’t care what they write, what they think.” She didn’t turn down the role of Yara in Game of Thrones “That’s a little bit of disinformation. I was never offered the role. I was offered the chance of an audition, and I wouldn’t presume that I’d have got the job. Anyway Game of Thrones is my brother’s thing.” [Lily and Alfie have a pact not to discuss each other in public] She’s an avid snorkeller “I suffer from asthma, and the regular breathing you need for snorkelling helps a lot. And the things you can see are truly wonderful.”

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

BRISTOL HEROES As the eagle-eyed reader will have spotted, this is our festivals issue – and as you may also have noticed, Colin does love a festival . . . Words and pictures by Colin Moody 2

ristol: festival city. There’s stuff happening all year round. Nice warm jazz when the days are shorter and colder. Long, hot days of dancing and prancing to beats in the same fields that feed the cattle we graze on in the city’s best restaurants. We have the whole package. Festivals are part of the life blood that runs through the body of the city. Fuelling our economy, driving (in a minivan) endless souls into our realm. That makes the scene better, ticket sales stronger, and encourages festival organisers to take more risks; just as soon as you get used to a relative newbie like The Downs, hey presto: you hear about another one the next day. Here are eight moments I’ve chosen from recent years to get you into full-on festival mood.

Upfest. Oh boy, what a festival. I got hooked when Gemma Compton was the featured artist, and the blue eyed-beauty she painted for Bristol Life’s cover is still, for me, the best they have ever run. The big festival’s taking a sabbatical this year, but the painting continues in the form of the one-off Summer ditions see pages and ) I made this composition just to show how together, one paint-covered fist at a time, we will stand up, get our rollers out and paint this town. What does the sound of a shaking spray can do for you t’s a beat en oy nd ’m making a short film that utilises this beat for release later in the summer.

ove Saves he ay nd if you feel all washed up then make sure you crash into a scene like The Bathers Summer really kicks off with this festival, and had no idea how much fun it would be to go nuts to drum and bass as the sun set over the park.

Desy Thai festival. I had to interrupt them while they were getting ready to go on the main stage at illenium Square, which did not please the lady on the left; but I just had to get a shot of these amazing colours and the spirit of the moment.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

The International Balloon Fiesta is number one on many a must-see list. One year I decided that a single photo could never capture the feel of the event, so took a shot every five seconds as we ascended, and let the computer have fun with a random layering effect So there are not quite that many balloons taking off, but it gives you a look at the layers, the paths some take when caught by a breeze, the ne t batch getting ready to roll out, inflate and go See you on the launch field for

he eople’s epublic of Stokes roft have started having festivals School of Activism ran in April, and one of its aims was to put things in reach for those who might not have access to training, arts, or have places to express themselves in their own way. I worked with them on the Proper Bristol postcard contest; they received many entries from people who were homeless or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

There are many things I can advise you to do at the Harbour Festival. Watch the races; laugh at cardboard boats falling apart in foaming water; see the yronaut fire boat putting rainbows in the sky from tower to crane – but if there is one single thing I would encourage above all, it’s to wear sunscreen . . .

Pee Wee Ellis achieved a lifelong dream at St eorge’s during the azz and Blues fest. This is the moment he stood up after completing a lifelong ambition of playing he reat merican Songbook with strings and jazz sections. A world première, with new arrangements by Denny Ilett. You gotta dig into these festivals, and many of them have lots of drop-in workshops and free events for you to enjoy too.

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

Some festivals aren’t festivals. Or are they? What about the International Womens Day event at City Hall in March? Here, a speaker gets her notes ready before going into the main room with local leading figures like the chevrons in the floor guiding you towards the flag and the way into the room Someone asked me, “do we still need this day?” I think the need is very great indeed. I have worked with many local charities, and some work with women in many different situations. And they all have discovered that when women do well, we all do well.

Colin is available as a ‘mini-mobile PR/marketing/ social media unit’, to shoot striking street-style photographs at live events: parties, launches, promos and performances, for impactful immediate social media Fees start at £100 for a two-hour package. email: mrcolinmoody@gmail.com Twitter: @moodycolin; Instagram @moodycolin319

“Festivals are the life blood t at ows through the body of the city, fuelling the economy and driving countless souls into our realm ” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59

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Independent Design Collective is a craft based gift shop located in the vibrant Southville area of Bristol, featuring and promoting designers and makers from the local area. The shop features a breadth of different designers and artists, and regularly updates its collection, so there is always something new to discover.

contact 76 North Street Bristol BS3 1HJ Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10am to 6pm *Bring along your copy of Bristol Life issue 263 to Independent Design Collective to win a prize!*

Bristol born, bread and buttered: Inkie and Cheba’s ‘Ink Nouveau meets Nebula Funk’ collab on Parson’s Bakery, from last year’s Upfest

STREET LIFE

NORTH STARS

Don’t call it South Bristol’s answer to Gloucester Road. Don’t call it Bedmo, either. In fact, just come with an open mind, and be prepared to be surprised, because BS3 is rapidly turning into one of the most vibrant corners of the city – while retaining its distinctive old-school charm and community vibe Words by Deri Robins* Photos by Louis Smith, www.studiowhisk.co.uk (* with a lot of help from her BS3 friends...) www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 63

STREET LIFE

et’s kick off with a fun fact Bedminster is actually older than the city of Bristol nce a small part of Somerset, its origins are probably oman, centred around what is now ast and est Street Fast-forward to the s, when BS3 bloomed during the ndustrial evolution; steel, coal, glue, leather, paint, glass – and of course tobacco – brought work and a huge population spike to the area But eventually the coal pits, factories and tanneries closed down he obacco Factory stands as a proud reminder of South Bristol’s industrial history, but inside the stillbright redbrick building, it’s arts, leisure and food that hold sway today, not industry adical changes have taken place over the last decade , so some folk bristle at the word gentrification’, and not everyone thrills to the kla on call of a new artisan baker firing up frankly, as long as ark’s Bread is still going strong, we’re happy to embrace the sourdough) eanwhile, those who haven’t paid the area much attention for a while may have outdated notions of how things go down south of the river From up-and-come des-res Southville at the top of the area to still-needs-a-facelift ast Street at the other – and both bits have their loyal fans – it’s the successful balance between old-school and coolfor-school that makes the area special, along with a palpable sense of community and a laidback vibe o quote he ld Bookshop’s Ben att From the top of orth Street down to the bottom of ast Street, you can find or do pretty much anything you please e’d hate you to miss out, so we’ve put together this local’s guide to help you get the best from Bedminster in this summer of

“A sprinkling of great cafés is a surefire si of a area o t e up ABOVE: Albatross Café, positively dripping with greenery; OPPOSITE CLOCKWISE: Humans

of BS3: Stacey and Lidia, Zero Green; Steve, Upfest; Zara, Zara’s Chocolates; Betty, The Old Bookshop; Emily, Storysmith; Derek, Lion Stores

RETAIL OF THE UNEXPECTED

Bedminster’s high street offering is one of the most diverse you’ll find anywhere in the city, with a mi of hip new favourites and old-school classics up and down orth Street, ast Street and est Street DEAR OLD THING, 107 WEST STREET he sign above the door reads huge showroom inside’ his is an understatement ime, space and furniture folds in on itself at this vintage store, and once you’ve stepped inside you’ll never think about flatpack furniture again

TELL US A BS3 SECRET…

“We have a resident beekeeper who keeps his hives on the Tobacco Factory roof, producing Southville honey every summer.” Anna, Tobacco Factory Café Bar “Hilary Clinton’s great-grandfather was born in Bedminster in 1866.” Zara, Zara’s Chocolates

EAST STREET FRUIT MARKET, 132-134 EAST STREET ot only does arren sell a massive array of fresh fruit, veg, eggs, milk and all your regular staples but he does so with a signature song is little tune about cherries is a particular favourite

“Above Taylor’s estate agents there’s a sign reading ‘Poet’s Corner 1882’. This is in honour of a Bedminster butcher, whose meat-themed poems earned him the title of ‘worst poet in Bristol’. Emily, Storysmith Books

KELVIN’S BUTCHERS, 59 EAST STREET n ast Street fi ture; it’s been around for nearly old-fashioned butchers through and through

“Princess Caraboo of Javasu ended her days in Bedminster. She lived on Prince Street, now renamed Princess Street in her honour. She became a leech seller, gathering and selling to the BRI.” Sheila, Show of Strength.

years, and a good

LION STORES, 219 NORTH STREET Bedminster may have changed, but hardware hero ion Stores remains a lodestar wner erek napman is a font of all and local) knowledge e’ve stayed true to the open-all-hours type of shop; the last of the dinosaurs in a changing landscape, he says, lyrically

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

“There were once 115 sheep in Bedminster according to the Domesday Book.” Steve, Upfest

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

IT’S ALL ABOUT COMMUNITY ….

Community is at the heart of South Bristol and grassroots arts are a major part of the cultural offering, from Upfest to the Winter Lantern Parade, Window Wanderland and Southbank Arts Trail. Since 2012 the Bedminster BID has helped change the face of the area, with projects and initiatives such as Make Sunday Special, the Bedmolympics, Skills Week, Breakfast in Bedminster, Musicians on The Run, along with retail events such as North Street Nights and the East Street Summer and Christmas Markets. Check out the Bedminster BID website to see what’s on each month.

“From the top of North Street down to the bottom of East Street, ou ca fi d or do prett muc anything you please”- Ben Gatt

STREET LIFE UPFEST GALLERY, 198 NORTH STREET

Through hosting Europe’s biggest street art festival, Upfest has helped to revolutionise Bristol’s art reputation, and is the main reason that world-class murals now adorn the walls of BS3. After last year’s 10th anniversary, notable among other things for a collab with The Simpsons (pic left), organisers Steve and Emma Hayles are taking a sabbatical; however, at this year’s more low-key Upfest Summer Editions, local and international street artists – including some reluctant to work in front of rammed Upfest crowds – will paint across the city; you’ve probably already clocked the immense My Dog Sighs x Curtis Hylton collab at the Rising Sun in Windmill Hill. Keep your eyes peeled for more work at the Tobacco Factory and Redpoint.

STORYSMITH, 49 NORTH STREET A bit of a fave with us, as we do love an indie bookstore, and Emily is a regular columnist in this very magazine. TOYVILLE, 20 NORTH STREET Indie toy shop with a wide range of toys and games; very much a family affair, with toddler ander on hand to personally vet each product. TRYLLA, 8 NORTH STREET A relatively new addition to the North Streetscape, and a testament to how well the new and old mix south of the river. As well as selling all manner of items from clothing to toys and ceramics, Trylla’s owner Alice also hosts regular pottery classes. ZARA’S CHOCOLATES, 200 NORTH STREET ara orthcott knows that chocolate is most definitely not just for Easter. She expanded her premises last year, meaning that as well as buying her handmade chocs you can now call in for a hot chocolate, too.

SO WHAT WOULD MAKE THE AREA EVEN BETTER?

“The proposed changes to East Street will hopefully bring the two ends of this part of Bedminster together” – Stacey, Zero Green “Better bike-parking. So many of our customers cycle and it would be great if there was a better place to park up” – Emily, Storysmith “More bins along the high street” – Anna, Tobacco Factory Café Bar “I would personally love a delicious noodle bar to open” – Zara, Zara’ Chocolates “More work to help the homeless, and more affordable housing in the proposed developments” – Anna Ralph, Windmill City Farm “A vintage clothing and furniture shop? Patina opening soon. . . watch this space” – Ben, The Old Bookshop “Planning for the future of young people in the area should be happening now; recent years have seen a dramatic increase in school places to meet demand, and introduction of more youth services would be of great benefit to the area“ – Steve, Upfest “The big retailers do not buy into the area; they just extract the money out of it and it falls into decay. Small retailers give back. The Bedminster town team has tried to improve the retail enviroment by siting wooden planters around the area; larger retailers do not fund these projects” – Derek, Lion Stores

ZERO GREEN, 12 NORTH STREET Bristol’s first zero waste shop; bring your own containers, fill them with loose products, weigh them and pay at the till. Eco heroes.

DUDE FOOD AND PROPER GRUB

oday, the foodie offering south of the river can easily rival that of the Glos Road, Wapping Wharf, Clifton or pretty much anywhere else. From banging burgers to impeccably sourced British fare, from some of the best fish and chips anywhere in the South est to authentic Mexican and Spanish cuisine: anything you can do, BS3 can do better. ARGUS FISH BAR, 114 WEST STREET uite possibly the best fish and chips in the city iller curry sauce and portions that would give hab a twitchy harpoon finger wner ames began working in the shop when he was seven, and what he doesn’t know about crispy batter and chips isn’t worth knowing. THE ASHVILLE, 15 LEIGH STREET Popular steakhouse, famous for its T-bone steak challenge – 72oz of big and beefy goodness. BIRCH, 47 RALEIGH ROAD We’d barely had time to throw a proper strop when Sam Leach and Beccy Massey sold up before new owners moved in and reopened this modern British paean to seasonal cooking; it’s still great. Phew. CLARK’S PIES, 259 NORTH STREET The best pies in Bristol, bar none. The trick is to get there at around 11am before they’ve run out of steak and kidney.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 67

STREET LIFE TOBACCO FACTORY

So much more than an arts venue; the Tobacco Factory was saved from demolition 25 years ago and repurposed as a creative and social hub for the community. Not sure what goes on here other than its world-class theatre? Head down for the Celebration Weekend on 25 and 26 May, for masses of taster events from theatre shows to Upfest – take a look here: www.tobaccofactory.com/whats-on/25-years. Otherwise, visit any Sunday 10am-2.30pm for one of the best markets in Bristol, with the annual plants and garden market held this year on 20 May.

EL RINCÓN, 298 NORTH STREET People come for the incredible authentic Spanish food – you’d expect nothing less, with a Valencian in the kitchen – but they stay for the great company, smiling service and, if you go on the right day, live music. THE MALAGO, 220 NORTH STREET Friendly, independent, brother-and-sister-run bar and restaurant serving modern British cuisine with an uropean influence THE OLD BOOKSHOP, 65 NORTH STREET Always ahead of the pack and keeping it fresh, TOB pioneered the ‘eclectic vintage’ décor trend in local restaurants, was an early adopter of the guest chef pop-up menu, and has recently opened bar-within-abar Betty’s Cocktails. Live music at weekends. SOUK KITCHEN, 277 NORTH STREET The foods of the Eastern Med, North Africa and in fact much of the ex-Ottoman Empire – most beloved of all is the weekend shakshouka at brunch .

ABOVE: It’s amazing what you can find at the Tobacco Factory Market

THE LOCALS’ LOCAL

“Hennessy’s, for the friendliest coffee in town (and a great place to read). Hugo’s, for vegetables we don’t even know the names of. Friendly Records Bar, for crate-digging and beer-swilling. Ebeneezer Pocket Park, for relaxing in secret on sunny afternoons” – Emily, Storysmith “My favourite place to eat out along the road is Souk Kitchen; the flavours are incredible. On a sunny evening, I do love a relaxed post-work drink outside The Malago, while watching the world and the beautiful dogs of Bedminster go by” – Zara, Zara’s Chocolates “Not because I’m lazy, but you can’t get much better than crossing the road from The Old Bookshop and having a cocktail and a toastie from Albatross Café. The décor and atmosphere inside are spot on”– Ben, The Old Bookshop “Even without the obvious bias, I can say that the City Farm is one of the most uplifting, worthwhile and peaceful bits of Bedminster. I also love Turner’s veg shop on East Street; impeccably kept, really fresh produce, and bargain prices” – Anna, Windmill City Farm “We spend A LOT of time in the North Street Standard; it’s just across the road from the shop and we used to sit and have meetings in there before the shop was even ours. And also we can´t resist Earth Cake with all the amazing vegan cake selection plus pastries/sausage rolls for lunch” – Stacey and Lidia, Zero Green

VIVA LA MEXICANA, 149 EAST STREET ou won’t find a fa ita or a quesadilla here, but you will find some outstanding Mex-Mex dishes; deep and complex moles, boillilos, spicy fried grasshoppers and, if you’re feeling really bold, the insectos variados . . . VX, 125 EAST STREET egan twists on unk food plus vegan grab-and-go groceries

PUBS (gastro and otherwise)

THE CORONATION, 18 DEAN LANE Hang with Bedminster locals in The Coronation; Monday night is pub quiz night, with free grub for players his place is still ld Bedminster, with a few mad touches including the fish tank behind the bar and a Space Invaders gaming table. THE MASONIC, 110 NORTH STREET he friendliest pub in BS3 roper Bristol bar staff, a pint of bitter or Thatcher’s Gold, and a cheese and onion roll: no better way to spend an evening. Head down on Tuesday when you can catch the Blood and Butchery in Bedminster tour in full flow and hear one of Sheila annon’s hair-raising stories of historic Bemmie.

WINDMILL CITY FARM

The farm was formed back in the 1970s by a volunteer group of local residents determined to see a piece of inner city wasteland put to more productive use, while giving the local community the opportunity to experience farming in the heart of the city. Today, you’ll find all manner of furred and feathered farmyard animals, community gardens, picnic area, a café serving home-made food and more. Don’t miss the family-friendly annual Wild Outdoors Day, which takes place on 18 May this year. Borrow a child if you don’t have one. Please ask first though.

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

Your LOCAL Plumbing & Heating Company Bristol Boiler Company employs a highly skilled team of plumbers and gas engineers who are all Gas Safe registered - providing you with the highest standards of workmanship. Our excellent levels of customer service and high standards have ensured that our business is strong and one that you can rely on! Services offered:  Boiler breakdown and servicing  Full central heating design and installation service  System upgrades  Boiler replacements  Full power flushing service  Cylinder replacement  Landlord gas safety certificates  Domestic Plumbing

Call us on 0117 939 6202 50 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1HJ www.bristolboiler.co.uk

Independent fabric shop. Specialising in quality dressmaking fabrics. Running workshops for all levels. Find us online at likesewamazing.com 204 NORTH ST, BRISTOL BS3 1JF

STREET LIFE NORTH STREET STANDARD, 11-13 NORTH STREET Local brews, seasonal grub, industrial-chic NYC cool – and the mighty Mac’n’Cheese gets its own menu. THE SPOTTED COW, 139 NORTH STREET The BS3 gastropub game is strong, and this 200- year-old pub is a major factor, with its beer garden and (some do say) the best Sunday roast in Bristol. THE STEAM CRANE, 4-6 NORTH STREET ndie freehouse that defines the best of the singlenumbered end of North Street. You knew it was named after the Fairbairn steam crane – the world’s only surviving example, on Harbourside, right? More fascinating facts where that came from, including the story of a tiger who once killed a man in the bar. Oh, just ask Sheila Hannon.

BREW GOES THERE?

A sprinkling of great cafés is one of the most obvious signs of an area on the up. Here are a few currently beloved by locals. ALBATROSS CAFÉ, 60 NORTH STREET Café with cocktails in a divinely cool and pretty interior, attractively dripping with foliage. CAFÉ GROUNDED, 66-68 BEDMINSTER PARADE Vibrant community spot with local sourcing at the menu’s heart, and the work of local artists on the walls.

A QUICK WORD ABOUT…

. . . Southville being named the ‘second-best place to live in the South West’ by The Sunday Times in one of those relentless, random, unsubstantiated ‘polls’. Drop the ‘second-‘ bit and we might take you seriously.

BEMMIE OR BEDMO?

Bemmie, please. Unless you’ve just relocated from South Kensington, and wish to stand out from the crowd. In the wrong way.

A FEW MORE FOR YOUR LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOOD & DRINK Occasion Cakes 281 North Street

RETAIL Glass Designs Gallery 261 North Street

HEALTH & FITNESS CrossFit Fort Ashton Baynton Road

Independent Design Collective 76 North Street

HOME IMPROVEMENT Bristol Boiler Company 50 North Street Rivendell Carpets and Flooring Unit 3, Brewery Court, North St

The Lighting Studio Unit 2, Bedminster Retail Park Like Sew Amazing 204 North Street Taunton Leisure 38-42 Bedminster Parade

THE NORDIC CAFÉ, 36 NORTH STREET New Scandi-inspired café on the old Margot May site, serving cakes and coffees along with open sandwiches on rye, meatballs et al TINCAN COFFEE, 234 NORTH STREET he company began with a small fleet of festival trucks before opening a permanent shop in Southville. It has a kinda Brooklyn vibe, if you’re a comparisons fan. TOBACCO FACTORY CAFÉ BAR, RALEIGH ROAD ll things to all people, from morning coffee to sharing mezzes and roasts and flatbreads he outdoor ard itchen Bar is the ideal spot now the weather’s warming up a bit.

ART AND SOUL

Over the last decade, south Bristol has earned a serious reputation as a mecca for artists and creatives – and it’s not all down to Upfest and the obacco Factory hough , it mostly is FIDDLERS CLUB, WILLWAY STREET Bedminster’s near-legendary music Mecca; the likes of The Fall, obert lant, Feeder and eorge zra have all graced its stage HEN AND CHICKEN, 210 NORTH STREET ively boozer with an equally lively comedy scene that’s hosted most of the middle-to-big range acts on the circuit. SHOW OF STRENGTH, 74 CHESSEL STREET Innovative theatre company known for creating work in non-traditional locations – you can find Sheila annon conducting pub walking tours every Tuesday night, divulging Bemmie’s darkest, deepest secrets. dmittedly not quite so secret any more, given that Blood and Butchery in Bedminster has been going strong for well over a year now.

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

LION STORES A LOCAL SHOP LOCATED IN BEDMINSTER

At Lion Stores you will be able to pick up anything from screws to mouse traps to watches! 261 North Street Bristol, BS3 1JN Tel - 0117 378 9227 We are a friendly, independent shop with a passion for local handmade products. Visit us for gifts, jewellery, stained glass, ceramics, prints and Bristol Blue Glass.

HOM E, HAR DWA RE & GA RDEN

219 NORTH ST, BEDMINSTER, BRISTOL BS3 1JJ 0117 966 7233 f LIONSTORES

Occasion Cakes WE CATER FOR OFFICE LUNCHES IES AND PART

AND CATERING

CAKES | CATERING | SHOP We make incredible handmade celebration and wedding cakes and also provide cake making and party materials. We have a great reputation for providing you with the cakes that will be the focal point of any celebration. We also have a well stocked shop ideal for hobby bakers, home-run businesses or just baking for fun!

We are very happy to cater for specific dietary requirements, please notify us in advance when ordering. 0117 963 5063

www.occasioncakesandcatering.co.uk

Visit our website - www.glassdesignsgallery.co.uk Email - glassdesignsgallery@gmail.com

Bristolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first zero waste shop Buy Local

How it wor

Buy in Bulk

jars or cloth containers, n w o r u yo m; fill them Bring p; weigh the o h s e th to ur loose bags s much of o a r o , le tt li s em again with a like; weigh th u yo s a s ct e you do this produ ll. Every tim ti e th t a y a reducing and p yed a part in la p ve a h l il you w mption. lastic consu single use p

01179638406 12 North Street, BS3 1HT Bristol hola@zerogreenbristol.co.uk www.zerogreenbristol.co.uk

THE FEST IS YET TO COME

Well, most of the fests, anyway. We’ve had all the usual indoor suspects – Slapstick, Jazz & Blues, Folk Fest – but now it’s time to take it outside – with a cheerful Bristol disregard for the weather . . . By Deri Robins

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

FESTIVALS

echnically, of course, the Bristol festival season never ends, with Festival of Ideas and the Bristol Film Festival happening all year round. But when it comes to outdoors events, it’s only now that the city starts to wake up and really show us its guns. So whether it’s a flowers-in-your-hair weekend of lurrve at S or stuff involving boats and balloons, it’s impossible not to succumb to festival fever

BRISTOL FESTIVAL OF IDEAS All year round; various venues

Big names; big ideas brilliantly stimulating brantub of talks on politics, philosophy and culture; you name it, they’ll cover it. www.ideasfestival.com

UPFEST SUMMER EDITIONS Until October, various venues

pfest are taking a sabbatical from their usual mega street art festival this year; instead, they’ve launched new art project Upfest Summer ditions across south Bristol ocal, national and international artists will live-paint a series of large murals at pop-up intervals over the

summer months, including some of the biggest walls in the area at the obacco Factory and edpoint limbing entre; e clusive print releases from each artist will be available online and at pfest www.upfest.co.uk

BRISTOL WALKFEST Until 31 May, various venues

round walks to prise you off the couch, aimed at all ages, interests and fitness levels; from street-art tours to nature walks, history tours, foraging walks and slowed-down versions of familiar sports, from rugby to tennis, to boccia and new-age kurling www.bristolwalkfest.com

FOODIES FESTIVAL 10-12 May, The Downs

t’s the biggest food fest in Bristol – admittedly, it’s not the most Bristol-y, though you can confidently e pect to see top local chefs among familiar faces off the telly nd because you simply can’t have a food fest without music these days, Scouting for Girls and Queen tribute band Flash are booked for your aural pleasure www.foodiesfestival.com

“We can think of another music festival that began in a small way when a farmer agreed to let a few ba ds pla i is field . . . www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 75

FESTIVALS THAI AND MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

VOLKFEST

Earlier than usual, but with the usual heady mix of Thai food, dance, costume, parades, music and Thai boxing; there’s a fashion show and a Buddhist ceremon too o much cheaper than a return flight to huket www.desythai.com

f it has even the most tenuous link to e pect it to e cele rated here ith films demos and displa s and a fun music line up courtes of randmaster lash Oh m od t’s the Church and Chee a www.bristolvolksfest.co.uk

11-12 May, Millennium Square

14-16 June, Birches Farm

DOT TO DOT

DOGFEST

nother line up of innovative e citing ground reaking acts in intimate cit spaces Cr stal ighters ordan akei and im eep are ust some of those ooked to pla this ear www.dottodotfestival.co.uk

Agility displays, dog dancing and action performances, as well as havea go sessions ith our dog e’ll see ou on nstagram www.dog-fest.co.uk/bristol

24-27 May, various venues

LOVE SAVES THE DAY Growing every year in popularity and size, but still with a very local feel, the dance loving fest takes over astville ark for the late ank holida eekend ith headliners il llen and Chase tatus ead our intervie ith eam ove’s ave on page and il on page www.lovesavestheday.org

During June

BRISTOL SOUNDS

26-30 June, Lloyds Amphitheatre

25-26 May, Eastville Park

BRISTOL REFUGEE FESTIVAL

22-23 June, Ashton Court

t’s ack ith a igger five da offering atch the sun go do n over ar ourside hile listening to om isch he Cat mpire Bloc art l o or he Cinematic Orchestra elcome ack gu s www.crosstownconcerts.com

“Gales of laughter in a tent – what’s not to love?”

Scant details on this at time of going to press, but expect a month of various events based on the contribution that refugees and as lum seekers ring to Bristol website. www.bristolrefugeefestival.org

eep an e e on the

BRISTOL COMEDY GARDEN

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL

26-30 June, Worthy Farm

ell e guess no ou’re either going to the thing or you aren’t; almost anyone who’s anyone will naturally e pla ing ut lie he illers Stormzy and The Cure are getting the biggest font size on the line-up at the moment. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

BRISTOL PRIDE

1-14 July, various venues; Pride Day on The Downs

Gales of laughter in a tent – actually two tents – and a smattering of good street-food – what’s not to love? Another fabulous line-up, from Bristol Life ards host ohn o ins to ean ock ish umar d B rne ara ascoe te art ee o elane hell it ould e uicker to list ho isn’t on. www.bristolcomedygarden.com

he ear’s most fa ulous fest as Bristol’s B communit along ith ever one else ho likes to part puts on a massive part here’s an e tended offering this ear for the event’s th anniversar ith ride a moving to he o ns on the th and a line up including Bone ophie llis Be tor and eppermint ith a fortnight of films dog sho s comed and e fanc this ride Circus ight at Circomedia www.pridebristol.co.uk

CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

BRISTOL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Brought for ard from eptem er one of the ear’s standout drinkfests returns to Harbourside. Along with too-numerous-to-mention craft eers think r or eft anded and iper representing Bristol along ith some e citing international re s there’s an all female line up and some of Bristol’s finest food stalls such as oocha urra a s Two Belly, Asado and Eatchu. www.bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

omeho taking the Bard a a from the proscenium arch and staging the pla s in oods fields and ever conceiva le unusual location takes the hole loftiness out of the affair and makes it a hole lot more accessi le he programme has et to e announced www.bristolshakespeare.org,uk

3-7 June, Queen Square

7-8 June, Lloyds Amphitheatre

FESTIVAL OF NATURE 8-9 June, Millennium Square

o in its th ear still the ’s iggest free cele ration of the natural orld still famil friendl and still at ar ourside ook out too for various linked events in the da s running up to the eekend www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature

1-31 July, various venues

ST PAULS CARNIVAL 6 July, St Pauls

inners of our recent Bristol Life Award for best event – it’s so good to have Carnival ack pect the est of frican Cari ean culture and food to the sound of throbbing bass mingled with the uniquely diverse, creative vi ranc of Bristol he theme for ill e our ourne ’ in honour of the Cari ean indrush generation of the s www.stpaulscarnival.net

BRISTOL FOOD CONNECTIONS 12-23 June

Bristol’s best food fest is a citywide celebration of great, ethical produce and cooker ith feasts supperclu s masterclasses markets rend fternoon ea ith Brion a has caught our ead e e www.bristolfoodconnections.com

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

OPPOSITE ABOVE: When the weather plays ball, there’s no finer sight than a mass ascent; when it doesn’t, there’s suddenly a lot of excited talk about the night glows OPPOSITE BELOW: There’s no full-scale Upfest this year, but there is Summer Editions – and there’s nothing to stop you popping down to BS3 to admire some of 2018’s best pieces – like this stunnah by our pal Jody

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

FESTIVALS RIVERTOWN

11-28 July, various venues

Rootsy ’Murican music, from bluegrass to the blues; headliners named thus far are kd lang, The Mavericks, Lucinda Williams, Kiefer Sutherland and The Shires. At various venues, mostly Colston Hall and St George’s. www.colstonhall.org

HARBOURSIDE CONCERTS 18-19 July, Lloyd’s Amphitheatre

Playing in the Harbourfest, and curated by Colston Hall, who have only gone ahead and booked two of the biggest acts of the year – New Order on the 18th, bigging up the re-release of 1981 album Movement, and Two-Tone ninjas The Specials on their 40th anniversary tour (no way?!) on the 19th. Oh, for a Wapping Wharf duplex apartment... www.colstonhall.org

BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL 19-21 July, Harbourside and city centre

uch, much more than a treat for flotilla fanciers, it covers the waterfront from Underfall Yard to Mill Square, to Queen Square and Castle Park and beyond; it generally attracts 200-250k people, turning the city centre into a three-day fest of music, dance, circus and, oh yeah, boats. Big news for this year is that the Power8 Sprints are back. www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

CINEMA REDISCOVERED 25-28 July, various cinemas

THE DOWNS BRISTOL 31 August, The Downs

It’s only in its fourth year, but it already feels like a Bristol institution. We’ve had home-grown headliners Massive, Elbow, Noel and Paul; this year, the female, international top bill of Grace Jones and Lauryn Hill is one step beyond. But we also have Idles – and many others... www.thedownsbristol.com

MADNESS ON THE DOWNS 1 September, The Downs

Speaking of one step beyond (see what we did there?) these absolute legends are bringing their 40th anniverary tour to the Downs, with David Rodigan, Outlook Orchestra and Trojan Records Soundsystem. an we have a house on adies ile a flat on the harf www.madness.co.uk

THE COFFEE HOUSE PROJECT 7-8 September, Passenger Shed

eep our fi ers crossed for four blissful days of mass ascents, your eyes on the skies, and down on Instagram”

nmissable treats for film buffs, with lesser known cinematic voices, fine digital restorations, contemporary classics and film print rarities back where they belong – up on the big screen. Programme to be announced. www.watershed.co.uk

VALLEY FEST

2-4 August, Chew Valley

Yurts, organic food from Yeo Valley and a laidback family vibe, as farmer/local food hero Luke Hasell invites you to get on his land. he foodie offering is ramped up even more this year see page ) while Basement Jaxx, Razorlight and Tom Odell headline. We can think of another music festival that began in a small way when a farmer agreed to let a few bands play in his field www.valleyfest.co.uk

REDFEST

3 August, St George’s Park

One of the best small community fests, designed to create a space for arts to flourish, and to nurture the cultural identity of the area h, and it’s free. www.redfestbristol.co.uk

BRISTOL BALLOON FIESTA 8-11 August, Ashton Court

Once again, the BBF gamely takes on the vagaries of the Bristol weather and keeps everything crossed for four days of blissful mass ascents. Failing that, there’s always the night glows and fairground family fun. Eyes up on the skies; and down on Instagram. www.bristolballoo fiesta.co.uk

FRIENDSFEST

23 August-31 September, Blaise Castle Estate

Could they BE any more excited? The fest based on the world’s most popular sitcom returns, with three recreated apartments and Central

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Perk, and a chance to recreate the title sequence with your own, equally sad, friends. www.friendsfest.seetickets.com

he second outing for Bristol’s first offee Festival a caffeine-fuelled celebration of the best the city has to offer, focusing on local, artisan roasters, independent food and drink retailers and local baristas. www.t eco ee ousepro ect.co.uk

BRISTOL OPEN DOORS

13-15 September, various venues

A big day in the diary for both the architecturally inclined and the just plain nosy, as over buildings and private rooms offer access all areas to the public for just one weekend. www.bristoldoorsope da .or .uk

TOKYO WORLD

21-22 September, Eastville Park

The usual inclusive, eclectic line-up at the forefront of modern music, with a focus on contemporary artists, new sounds, and an added dimension of many more live bands. Line-up tbc. www.tokyoworld.org

ENCOUNTERS 24-29 September

We’re moving back indoors now, with Bristol’s celebrated festival/ competition of high-quality shorts and animation. Screenings, talks and generally the very best of cinegeekery. www.encounters-festival.org.uk

WILD & WELL 11-13 October

The return of the wellbeing festival based around four themes – move, eat, connect and explore. The emphasis on feel-good fun rather than feeling the burn, with fitness classes from drum’n’bass workouts to ballroom dancing, HIIT sessions to paddleboarding. www.wildandwell.org

SIMPLE THINGS

October – date to be announced

Neatly ending the year’s main music fests, this increasingly important festival will take over Bristol’s most innovative gig spaces for a day of musical diversity. www.simplet i sfesti al.co.uk n

Love Saves the Day

Out of towners

A few more fests under two hours or so from Bristol Lechlade Festival 24-26 May, Lechlade Family-friendly music festival in the Cotswolds; The Feeling headline www.lechladefestival.co.uk ibiza nights presents café magna 31 May-1 June, Chew Valley The guys begind the Glos Road’s summer party are throwing an ’80s dance party with luxury tipis, street food, eco stardust glitter and Ibiza classics; hosted by DJ Pat Sharp www.ibizanightscm.co.uk

Once upon a time in the West 12-14 July, nr Trowbridge Relaxed, well-priced little fest showcasing lesserknow bands who grace the grassroots circuit www.outwestfestival.co.uk Farmfest 25-27 July, Bruton A melting pot of music, arts, party and people; Morcheeba and Craig Charles are among those bringing the tunes; www.farmfestival.co.uk Steelhouse Festival 26-28 July, Aberbeeg “The UK’s best-value rock music festival” is the claim; Thunder and Thin Lizzie headline www.steelhousefestival.com

Womad 26-29 July, Malmesbury The legendary fest; global, rootsy and relaxed www.womad.co.uk Wychwood 31 May-2 June, Cheltenham Racecourse Family-friendly fest; The Stranglers, Scouting for Girls headline www.wychwoodfestival.com Stroud Theatre festival 13-15 September, Stroud Over 25 different theatre companies perform; there’s plenty of diverting street theatre as well as your actual indoor shows www.stroudtheatrefestival.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 79

FESTIVALS

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES . . . as in, wicked good . . . honestly, the way that top bands and artists are flooding into Bristol this year, you’d think we had an arena or something. Clockwise from left: The Specials are at Harbourside, Idles share the bill with Grace at The Downs, Cat Empire are one of five acts playing Bristol Sounds and Lily’s at Love Saves. And as this is principally a festivals guide, we haven’t even mentioned The Spice Girls, Muse, Take That and Rod Stewart at Ashton Gate – though I guess we have now . . .

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THE SWAN AT WEDMORE

For a come-all, please-all dining-out experience, it’s hard to beat a good gastropub – and the Swan is a classic example of the breed, says Deri Robins

hose of you who weren’t still in nappies in 1991 will remember the start of the gastropub revolution. We can pinpoint the date, because the phrase was coined when David Eyre and Mike Belben took over The Eagle pub in Clerkenwell. As revolutions go, it was remarkably peaceful; the only bloodshed being from the sides of beef regularly hauled in from Smithfield arket There’s something inherently contrite about the very word ‘gastropub’. It’s essentially an apology from the publican industry for centuries of culinary ineptitude. Yes, we know we’ve been serving you rubbish food since mediaeval times; we’re so sorry. We accept that up until now, fried scampi served in a little basket was the apogee of our ambition, the height of our sophistication – but look! Now we’re gastro e’ve finally decided to cook you decent grub! gastropub, if it’s doing it right, offers good, affordable, food served in a relaxed and unintimidating atmosphere. It’s easy to see why The Eagle was an overnight success. The formula was duly copied up and down the country, saving many a failing boozer from millennial slump. Of course, there will always be a few mutters from the back about local pubs losing their unique character, and it’s true that even if a ‘locals drinking area’ is incorporated

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into the mix, this can feel a bit lost in a sea of open-plan tongue-and-groove and striped Boden shirts; but surely that’s better than yet another closed pub. hese reflections neatly occupied the minutes it took for our designated driver to get us from the city centre to Wedmore. There are a number of things you can do in Wedmore; you can visit Wilkins Cider Farm, mosey around the Don Quixote-esque windmill and wonder afresh why those modern white ones have to be so damn ugly, or pop up to Cheddar. You can also check house prices – something you are almost guaranteed to do once you have dined at the village’s main pub and hub, The Swan at Wedmore. Part of a small local chain, the Swan kitchen is overseen by executive chef Tom Blake from River Cottage. As you’d expect from this nugget, the menu changes regularly and uses great local ingredients served with unfussy simplicity. Anything that can be cooked from scratch, is, from bread and cakes to cured hams and bacon Fresh fish is delivered most days from the south coast; meat is sourced from a local butcher’s herd. The place is open all day with a bar snack menu alongside the main lunch and dinner ones, and you can eat wherever you like; in the garden and front terrace, perhaps, if the weather plays ball. We settled on the main restaurant, which pulls off the classic gastro look as well

RESTAURANT

as any we’ve seen, being light and airy, with vintage prints and mirrors adding character. We were in for a midweek dinner, and by 8pm the main restaurant was impressively full, mostly with sedatelooking locals and small groups. We’re guessing that the Wedmore palate edges towards the conservative, as there are no strokes of Michelin whimsy on the menu; dishes are solid crowd-pleasers, from belly pork and steaks to plaice and mackerel; the most outré additions we spotted were tahini and harissa sauces. Service comes courtesy of the ‘enjoy, guys’ school of wait-sta ng, and dishes are served on sensible also local) china; not a slate in sight. As a group of four, we dug into a pair of shared starters; a Somerset camembert baked to gooey perfection with sweet onion marmalade and toasty herby focaccia, and an absolutely fine platter of tempura broccoli, juicy ham hock with cider terrine, and Brixham crab cakes, though the crispy mac’n’cheese, which saw the beloved comfort food breaded and fried, was possibly a carb too far. The patty in Son #1’s burger had been clearly minced from high-grade beef; it duly arrived with its promised topping of Barbers cheddar, but without the streaky bacon. However, before he had time to throw a strop probably because he was distracted by chips the width of a baby’s arm) this was hurriedly brought on a side dish Son #2’s Old Spot pork belly was a deceptively simplelooking dish that revealed a truly exciting fennel and sea salt crackling, set off a treat by a creamy spring green bubble and squeak, cut by sweet roasted beetroot and apple. The only mild disappointment was the pan-fried gnocchi, which ideally should be buttery, crispy and indulgently sticky from a decent period in the pan. The ones at the Swan, formed into largish cylinders resembling oversized otsits, were a little dry and floury and not remotely toasty, though there was considerable compensation in the accompanying form of a bosky, creamy wild mushroom ragout. Portions are generous here, and it was a single Rocky Road sundae with four spoons for pudding, with everyone trying to bag more than their fair share of the excellent chocolatey chunks and toffee sauce After all this substantial, gutsy country fare you may fancy a little lie-down, which is A-OK, as the Swan has seven charming rooms for a sleepover; ideal for a proper rain check from the hectic urban whirl. n

“There’s something inherently contrite about the word ‘gastropub’” DINING DETAILS The Swan at Wedmore, Cheddar Road, Wedmore BS28 4EQ 01934 710337; www.theswanwedmore.com Opening hours Open 9-11am each day for breakfast; Mon-Sat lunch served midday-3pm; Mon-Sat dinner 6-9:45pm; Sunday roast midday-9pm; hot drinks, cake and bar snacks all day (kitchen closed Monday 3-5pm). We visited Wednesday evening Prices Starters £6.50-£9; mains £13£21; puds £7 Drinks local beers and ciders; diverse wine list from small producers, many organic V/VG Decent veggie options; vegan more limited Kids? For sure Disabled access All on ground floor Service Bouncy and helpful

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FOOD & DRINK LEFT: Luke’s the one in the sparkly threads far right

BELOW: Feast your eyes on this

GET ON HIS LAND! Valley Fest calls itself the best tasting festival in the South West – and you won’t hear any argument from us . . .

reat food – organic, seasonal, local food – has always been part of the Valley Fest recipe; you’d expect nothing less, given that the festival takes place on Chew Valley land belonging to Bristol’s favourite farmer Luke Hasell, with his pal and neighbour Josh Eggleton frequently manning the kitchens. This year, however, the team are ramping up the edible offering even further Hey Luke, what inspired you to launch a festival on your farm land? I set up the festival in 2014 in honour of my parents, who both died within a short time of each other. Having farmed for generations, they cared enormously for the land and community surrounding it. Their spirit and joie de vivre runs deeply through the festival.

Much of the drive to run the festival comes from the fundraising opportunity it creates. Last year, Valley Fest raised £14,479.15 for Teenage Cancer Trust. My mother Sandra Hasell died of ovarian cancer. She had so much energy and a huge love of life. That is why Valley Fest wants to support teenagers through a cancer diagnosis, so that they have the best chance of thriving and also loving life. The money raised will help to ensure that young people in the South West don’t have to face cancer alone. We know the music line-up’s always tasty, but we want to talk about the food. What’s the whole ethos behind the Valley Fest food offering? e want to showcase the region’s finest produce – from charcuterie to cheddars and ciders to sausages – with plenty of Somerset

style and sizzle. Local is key and much of our produce for the feasts will be coming from our neighbours, the Community Farm. This is a celebration of the wonderful food we have to offer locally, and the passion of the people who produce it. Give us an idea of the food and drink stalls we’ll find this year All tastes will be catered for: from vegan and gluten-free to hearty meat eaters. Food traders will use seasonal regional ingredients, sold at reasonable prices. Everyone is advised to arrive hungry.

“You’ll be journeying across the region in a matter of mouthfuls” Which food events have proved to be the most popular, and how have you tweaked the offering? The feasts have always been popular. This year Josh Eggleton of Pony & Trap and Rob Howell of Root will be doing a Saturday night takeover in the tipis. The Free Range Chef will be cooking up a storm on Sunday night, with her vegetarian signature Middle Eastern and Italian dishes. e’re also going to be offering regionallysourced tapas all day – this will be prepared by Annie Coplestone of The Monmouth Table, who has worked for Moro, River Cottage and River Cafe. You will be journeying across the region in a matter of mouthfuls. There will also be more BBQ food than you can shake a skewer at, not to mention cooking demos, talks and tastings and even workshops on mindful munching and body confidence Feasting has never been so feelgood . . . Valley Fest takes place 2-4 August www.valleyfest.co.uk

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Plot to plate Locally sourced Farm shop Family friendly Vegan options Play area Events Private hire www.thecityfarmcafe.org.uk Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EA

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CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Enter the dragon

Who needs a taqueria on the roof when you can have a rampant mythological beastie?

e live in interesting times, don’t we? You could even say that they are overly exciting. Maybe too much, for some folks. Not going to lie; with all the fuss and foolishness going on in the outside world, there are days when I just don’t want to deal with any more unnecessary kerfu e But then life strikes. Leaving you with nowhere to run, nowhere to hide and no escape from

“The space has grown from a modest market barrow full of bread to the fully paid-up café and hipster haunt it is today”

impending disaster. In this particular case, it started with an innocent trip to the kitchen. On opening the cupboard, in high hopes of constructing a salad dressing for two, I made a terrible discovery. Turned out, we had a full blown crisis on our hands. And no, I’m not talking about politics or the constitution here. I’m talking about olive oil. We were dangerously low on the stuff Down to our last half-spoonful. Now, I know, in the grand scheme of things, a paucity of olive oil is not a massive crisis. But when the salad season is upon you, your tastebuds are crying out for crispy green goodness and the cupboard is almost devoid of healthy lubricants, I tell you: things get ugly. And fast. Luckily, I know just what to do and where to go at times like these. To Picton Street. Where Licata & Son, a jewel in the crown of Bristol food shops, lies ready and waiting to deliver the goods. In this case, a three-litre tin of Extra Virgin, golden goodness. Once we had these supplies on board, my strolling companion and I decided it was time for a coffee stop So made our way to the rather wonderful and sunny Elemental Café. It’s on Stokes Croft and hard to miss. Look for a triangular building on the corner opposite

the Carriage Works, if you’re not sure which one it is. Look for the one with a dragon on the roof. Over the last couple of years, this space has grown from a modest market barrow full of bread to the fully paid-up café and hipster haunt it is today. Most marvellous it is, too. They offer a delightful range of baked beauties, along with sandwiches and snacks to please the hungriest heart. Only problem was my companion. He’s on a diet. A rigorous one. Which meant he had to make do with a mere latte. Not wanting to make his regime any harder than it already was, I did without the tasty little croissant I had my eye on. Instead, we sat ourselves down at a sunny spot and tried to console our rumbling bellies by staring hungrily at the oversized can of olive oil sitting on the table between us. Sigh. So if you are ever looking for a sweet coffee and cake spot on Stokes Croft, just look for the dragon. But do yourself a favour, if you are on a diet, make sure it’s a cheat day. Those baked goods look too good to miss. n

Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com

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TASSEL FAN EARRINGS, £10 Even if you’re just sitting at home watching the Pyramid Stage headliners on telly, you’ll feel the part if you pop on a pair of these. In fact, having saved hundreds of £s on tickets, you could probably spring for the pink pair, too From That Thing 45-47 Stokes Croft www.thatthing.co

URBAN BOTTLE, £17.70 Hydrate; then hydrate some more. And ditch the plastic. Plastic’s bad, ’Mkay? From Amulet Boutique 39A Cotham Hill www.amuletboutique.co.uk

GO FEST

GOPRO 3D HERO SYSTEM, £99.99 The tickets’ll cost more than this gadget, which allows you to simultaneously record in 3D and 2D, allowing you to capture the action every which way From Ellis Brigham, 160 Whiteladies Road www.ellis-brigham.com

Full-on feral at Glastonbury? Heading back to your own cosy bed after The Downs? Whatever your festival style, we’re just about to elevate it to a whole new level . . . CAMPER HIRE, FROM £125 A DAY DURING SUMMER Like the idea of staying over, but loathe being under canvas? You’ll be the envy of the campsite when you roll up in one of these VW California ceans, which offer the perfect balance of lu ury and e ciency From www.sunkissedvwcampervanhire.co.uk

LIGHTWEIGHT PARKA, £159 The only time you won’t need to pack a coat for a festival is when it’s in actual Barcelona. This parka will keep out the chills (but probably not torrential rain) in a field on a typical June day From Mint Velvet, 44 Regent Street www.mintvelvet.co.uk

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

ED’S CHOICE ECOSTARDUST BIODEGRADABLE GLITTER SET, £30 Sparkle up your hair or paint on scales to create your optimum mermaid look; it’s eco-friendly, and the company donate 10% of the profits to charity From Room 212 212 Gloucester Road www.room212.co.uk or at www.ecostardust.com

PAOLITA MARIJANI KIMONO, £190 Bikini + wellies + kimono: only at a music festival, hey? But we see you wearing this number all year round, by the holiday pool or lounging around the garden From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com MODO STENDHAL SUNGLASSES, £196 The innovative design and playful colour is New York cool writ large; just don’t put Bristol honesty to the test by leaving them behind at the beer tent From Bramley Pope, 35 St Stephen’s Street www.bramleypope.co.uk

ACRYLIC GLASS, £6.95 EACH We are Bristol Life readers. We do not swig from bottles. We pour into elegant swirly embossed wine glasses by Danish designers Rice. This is how you will know us and our people From Fig1, Gaol Ferry Steps www.fi .co.uk

LOLLY’S LAUNDRY HARBO CAMI, £49 Super-cute teamed with cutoffs or culottes – and the busy design is very forgiving to the occasional kebabrelated spillage, too From Maze Clothing 26-28 The Mall, Clifton www.mazeclothing.co.uk

ASHIANA CLUTCH, £92 Festival chic all summer long with this jacquard bag with lux silver leather trim, cross-body strap and tassel charm From Fox + Feather, 43 Gloucester Road www.foxandfeather.co.uk

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Carry on glamping Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t camp, wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t camp? We hear you! But change that c to a g, and a tent for a yurt, and suddenly it all starts feeling considerably less Nuts in May and a lot more Midnight at the Oasis... By Deri Robins

Canopy & Stars at Crane 29 brought the quirk and the glamping luxury. A living room with a hammock, doube bed, an en suite, and a choice of Cargo restaurants for dinner

GLAMPING

xcited by the notion of spending a night under a nylon pyramid, zipped up snugly like a human chrysalis in a sleeping bag, and trying to sleep while the next tent’s ravers ramp up the party tunes? Us neither. lamping, now; that’s a completely different kettle – an electric one, if you’re lucky. The word can be used to cover a pretty wide range of experiences, from yurts to shepherd’s huts to gypsy caravans – though frankly, in our book, you don’t get to put a g in glamping unless there’s an en suite. But if you have a breezy tolerance of communal showers, the choice is wide open. Bristol’s excellent Sawday’s were trailblazers in the field, having launched their Canopy & Stars holidays in 2010. Thanks to them, we’ve spent a night in a tree house that was substantially better equipped than our own home (a free-standing copper bath!), and once – unforgettably – up in a little purpose-built house at the top of an M Shed crane. We took a shufti at some of the other possibilities not a million miles away from Bristol, and asked the folk in charge what can you offer the happy glamper, and what makes you special?

YEABRIDGE FARM

On a tranquil site in the far corner of a Somerset farm are four luxury yurts furnished with a cosy double bed and futons; a woodburning stove keeps you toasty, and there’s a communal kitchen complete with camping stove, fridge and a range cooker. Each yurt comes with its own private shower room and WC, along with charging points for your phones (because you’ll probably want to Instagram) and gadgets. There’s a beautiful lake onsite, and plenty of wildlife and farm animals to cluck over; apropos, you can even rent chickens, who’ll provide you with a fresh egg each morning. They say: “The fact that we are small is our strength; many groups and families book the whole site for exclusivity and privacy. We can also add in extras such as wine tasting, clay pigeon shooting and flower arranging; if you don’t fancy cooking, a local pub can come here to do it for you. Our yurts sleep up to 20 people, but we have a paddock for tent-pitching for more guests whenever a group booking is made.” www.yeabridgefarm.co.uk

“Glamping, now, that’s a completel di ere t kettle a electric one, if you’re lucky”

THE SHEPHERD’S HUT RETREAT

Romantic shepherds huts in Crewkerne. Inside each spacious hut is a bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, dining area and a double bed, along with all those desirable capitals: DVD, DAB and WIFI. They say: e provide happy glampers with a lakeside wood-fired hot tub and a woodland sauna, in a beautifully styled luxury hut on the water’s edge, within walking distance to a gastropub and a short drive from the Jurassic Coast.” www.theshepherdshutretreat.co.uk

SOMERSET YURTS

Luxury glamping holidays at a working dairy farm in the Quantock Hills, with lush views over Taunton Vale to the Blackdown Hills. Yurts have a regular power supply, a double bed and a wood-burner; the safari lodges are larger, with two separate bedrooms, kitchen and private bathroom. A communal barn provides a regular kitchen with home comforts if you don’t fancy BBQ’ing or cooking on the camping stoves provided. The barn also has hot power showers and proper flushing toilets; this is glamping, after all They say: “Picture yourself relaxing on your deck with the BBQ gently sizzling, the cows grazing in the distance and nothing but the sound of birds singing in the background. The Quantock Hills are easily accessible, and we are less than an hour’s drive from Bristol, making for the perfect country escape.” www.somersetyurts.co.uk

ABOVE FROM LEFT: Isn’t it lovely, Keith? Yes, Candice Marie... a hot tub at Shepherd’s Hut Retreats; field of dreams at Somerset Yurts; French vintage charm at Fry’s Moor House

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Our yurts and safari lodges, your magical holiday

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and explore our beautiful countryside. SOMERSET YURTS, HILL FARM, WEST MONKTON, TAUNTON TA2 8LP 07766 073461 | www.somersetyurts.co.uk

the

shepherds hut retreat

Four luxury shepherds huts Each hut has: Bathroom & kitchen Fire pit and BBQ Private garden leading to waters edge Woodland sauna Lakeside woodﬁred hot tub Walking distance to local town & gastropub. Short drive to the Jurassic Coast. Get in touch! 07813393164 | theshepherdshutretreat@gmail.com www.theshepherdshutretreat.co.uk

GLAMPING FRY’S MOOR HOUSE

A luxury getaway reconnecting with nature, the romantic Old Rose ut offers high-end glamping in an enchanting woodland setting, up in the Blackdown Hills. The French vintage/shabby chic interior has underfloor heating, a woodburner, contemporary en-suite and a king size bed with luxurious linen; there’s Smart TV, DAB radio, a comprehensive kitchen, fluffy bathrobes and complimentary wine and chocolates – hang on, is this glamping or a five-star hotel utside is a private decking area, with an eco wood-fired hot tub and a BB fire pit The friendly hosts will even cook you breakfast on your first morning They say: “The ambience (remember The Darling Buds of May ) makes you feel like you’re in another time, another world. Deer graze around the shepherd’s hut, and there are otters, beavers and owls calling through the night.” www.frysmoorhouse.com

SUNKISSED CAMPERS

lu bat robes complimentary chocolates and wine a o is t is lampi or a fi e star otel

Campervans for hire – and not just any old campervans, either, but super-luxurious VW California Oceans. You’ll have the freedom of the road for family holidays, and will be the envy of the festival site when you drive past lesser campers in tents. And if you want to extend the area, hire the bell tent with a rustic chandelier, LED lanterns, rugs and Thai bed cushions… t’s often used by their own staff, who say t’s almost like a doll’s house – everything is satisfying dinky and cute, but also practical. There’s a sink, a tap, even a shower; every need is catered for from swivel round captain chairs to fairy lights for the awning.” They say: “Nothing beats greeting the sunrise while sitting in bed with a fresh coffee; and at night time the campers are very cosy www.sunkissedvwcampervanhire.co.uk

COTSWOLDS MEADOW CAMPING

shepherd huts and bring-your-own-tent pitches. Exclusive whole-site hire is also available for big parties; they’re looking forward to hosting their first festival-style wedding this year They say: “The perks to glamping over standard camping is that your home is already up and functioning from the minute you arrive, so you can switch on the holiday mode immediately – helped along by our welcome bottle of bubbly and marshmallows. “The thing that most of our glampers enjoy is stepping into a peaceful, uncomplicated way of living when they are with us. The simplicity of staying in a tent – albeit a very comfortable, spacious one with proper beds, soft fairy lights, throws, cushions and, of course, the obligatory glamping bunting – enables people to play and chat without distraction.” www.cotswoldmeadowcamping.co.uk

Award-winning glamping and camping site near Chipping Sodbury, with a range of two- to four-berth Lotus Belle tents, two- to three-berth

CANOPY AND STARS

Partly owned by a charitable trust, Canopy & Stars inspects and selects the most inspiring places to stay in the great outdoors; their mission is to inspire people to connect with nature through meaningful experiences, with a positive impact on the environment. Nearly 200,000 guests (and a staggering 9,000 dogs) have now used their collection to get outdoors.There are over 700 inspiring places to stay, from a humansized beehive to floating cabins on the water and isolated bothies in wildest Scotland. They say: “We discovered that there were a lot of amazing people out there building beautiful, inventive, often downright crazy places to stay, and that more and more people were feeling the need to reconnect with nature. By working with owners who build and live sustainably, and encouraging people to appreciate the natural world, we can be a part of preserving our environment. We’re not a franchise or a ‘glamping kit’ provider – we give people the freedom to explore and invent when they create their spaces, supporting local businesses that are a key part of their local economies.” www.canopyandstars.co.uk n

ABOVE FROM LEFT: Love yurts at Yeabridge Farm; chill with a Sunkissed Camper; choose between bell tents and huts at Cotswold Meadow

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

“Today’s aesthetic medicine is all about great skin and enhancing features, not changing them”

HOLDING BACK THE YEARS

ried boto and fillers, but in the market for something new? Deri Robins tries Profhilo – the anti-ageing treatment that’s taken the beauty world by storm

ike practically everything else you take for granted, you don’t appreciate perfect, smooth, supple, youthful skin until it’s gone. Unless you’re prepared to take truly drastic measures involving a scalpel and a needle, by the time you hit your fifties you need to face facts; you have a -year-old’s skin ime to yield gracefully to the inevitability of age. Cheer yourself up with the thought that it comes to everyone; one day, even Lily James will have wrinkles. But – and it’s a big but – there’s still a huge amount you can do to boost the quality of your skin. Enter Profhilo, the injectable treatment that’s been heralded as the holy grail by many beauty experts, and which promises to take a good five years off your face

ark the Boto ; hold the fillers rofhilo is a pick-me-up, a rest cure for your skin; in the hands of a skilled practitioner such as Dr Christine Cowpland, a former clinical fellow of neurology in the NHS and now the owner of CMedical Aesthetic Clinic on Pembroke Road, the result is a dewy, plumped-uplooking glow. remember first hearing about it in , says Christine, describing the treatment as “an overnight success that took five years to build “But at this time the market wasn’t ready. he focus was on lip-fillers, cheek-fillers and anti-wrinkle injections – the public wasn’t ready for something perhaps more subtle that enhanced the skin. “Now people are becoming more educated and finally realising that other treatments

won’t look good if the skin doesn’t look nice; my feeling is that if the quality of the skin looks great, a couple of lines are absolutely OK. “Gone are the days of trout pouts and frozen faces: today’s aesthetic medicine is all about great skin and enhancing features, not changing them.” Essentially, she explains, Profhilo is a supermoisturiser consisting of hyaluronic acid that’s injected into the skin subcutaneously in two different sessions, a month apart, dramatically rehydrating and re-texturing skin in a way that no lotion could ever do. t time of writing, ’ve had the first half of my treatment – five in ections in either side of my face – in the upper cheekbone, jawline and the side of the nose For ma imum effect you need a follow-up session; sometimes a third. It can’t be stressed too highly that you need a medical expert like Christine to wield the needle; it needs to go in just so far to be effective Does it hurt? Not unendurably; there’s a slight sting, minimised by the application of an anaesthetic cream. Does it look awful afterwards? As Christine warned me, there were a few initial red bumps resembling mosquito bites, but they obligingly vanished in a few hours. Was the result noticeable? Even after the first treatment could see a definite if subtle difference; my skin looked and felt plumper, more elastic, fresher and younger – and shiny in a good way. What’s more, the hyaluronic acid keeps stimulating the collagen and stem cells for up to ten months; after that a top up once or twice a year will keep things fresh. n CMedical Aesthetic Clinic 114 Pembroke Road, Clifton BS8 3EW, GB 0117 251 0112 www.cmedicalclinic.co.uk Cost £500 for four syringes

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 105

BUSINESSINSIGHTS BRISTOL GETS SERIOUS

Quote of the issue

“BORING, DIDACTIC AND NON-CONVERSATIONAL JUST WON’T HACK IT”

A CRACKING EXPERIENCE

Do you want your website readers to engage with your content or what? See page 108 for tips

They’ve landed on the moon, vanquished evil penguins, and foiled sheep rustlers. Now, Wallace and Gromit are celebrating their 30th anniversary by bringing their fans directly into their adventures, via a groundbreaking story-driven experience

ere’s the story. Partnering with Aardman and backed by Government funding, a consortium of British companies including Potato, Sugar Creative and Tiny Rebel Games, with research support from the University of South Wales, are inventing an immersive experience based on the Wallace and Gromit characters. According to Laura Roberts of Bristol digital company Potato, “The new experience will be rich and multi-layered, realised through innovation and technology, bringing Wallace and Gromit alive in an entirely new way while creating a new platform for storytelling for the audience of the future.” The ambitious plan includes a multimonth campaign leading into a groundbreaking, location-based, multi-user augmented reality experience in 2020. Chosen by UK Research and Innovation as part of the Audience of the Future programme, a key part of the Government’s Creative Industries Sector Deal, the consortium has been awarded a multimillion-pound grant to explore and pioneer cutting-edge immersive experiences. “Aardman is a business built on great storytelling and creative ambition,” says Sean

The Big Number

£30M

South West developer Rengen Developments has acquired the last phase of the Bristol Paintworks regeneration, completing a £30m deal with vendor Verve Properties. www.rengendevelopments.com

Clarke, executive director of the rights and brand development arm of the animation company. “We are delighted to partner with this bold project, developing new Wallace and Gromit content that can be interacted with on many levels e are sure this will engage fans, offer a unique experience and maintain Wallace and Gromit’s reputation as pioneers of technology.”

And here’s Susan Cummings, founder of Tiny Rebel Games and member of the consortium. “We feel the future of immersive experiences lies in being able to weave a story together using a variety of media. At the core will be an engaging narrative, created in partnership with the incredibly creative team at Aardman. “Around this core, we will use both cutting edge and traditional techniques to enable storytelling and allow people to engage with an evolving narrative. These may include immersive technologies such as augmented reality and mixed reality as well as live theatrical production, websites, social media channels and even comic books and audio adventures.” “It’s fantastic that we’re completing our line-up with this hugely ambitious collaboration,” says UK Research and Innovation’s Prof Andrew Chitty. “Their aim to revolutionise augmented reality gaming along with the advances in AI, haptics, audience interaction and film production technologies from our other competition winners means the public will be able to try out some truly groundbreaking experiences.”

For more information on the Audience of the Future programme please visit www.ukri.org/audience-future

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BUSINESS INSIGHTS

BRAND MATTERS

WORDS DON’T COME EASY A successful website is the perfect marriage of words and pictures. However, they are often unconsciously uncoupled by a lack of expert copywriting

avid’s smash hit, Words, contained the refrain ‘words don’t come easy ’ n this unfortunately unforgettable chart ditty the Tunisianborn French singer was venting frustration about the di culty he found verbally communicating his tender appreciation to a loved one Bless him. Perhaps the prophetic Monsieur avid might also have been commentating on the quality of the text on the websites of small businesses across the globe, though we somehow doubt it. In any case, a company’s website is often the first port of contact for potential new clients and customers, and while it’s important to have a site that’s pleasing to the cornea, it is equally vital to have one that reads well he words convey your character and personality as a brand, contain messages about your strategy, and engage directly with your clients. They help sell your product. Why is it then, when push comes to shove during the development of a website, that the words are often hastily assembled at the last

minute rather than artfully crafted by a copywriter? That is, somebody so skilled in getting words in the correct order, which they actually do for a living hatever the sticking point, this column will weigh in with a six-point proclamation on what a sensational scribe could do for your website:

Know your audience n our book, writing that doesn’t actively engage the reader only serves to take up space our written content has to be relevant to its audience, and sympathetic to their needs and desires ake your reader feel as though you are writing for them. And you can only do that by knowing who they are

Stay focused This may sound rich coming from a column with more meanders than the Mississippi, but there should be a reason for every sentence of web copy, both for you and the reader. Your customer should gain value from all that you say, and that value should encourage interaction with your brand. When writing to inform, everything you say should add information. With writing to sell, everything you say should encourage action.

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

Oh, OK, we use a Mac. But this image is way more romantic

Yeah, but is it interesting? ur previous two points were a little prosaic, and that’s something your content cannot afford to be ou need a spark to ignite your readers’ imagination Boring, didactic and non-conversational ust won’t hack it ou need to con ure up some chemistry when telling people what you can do for them. If you don’t, your rivals will

“YOU NEED TO CONJURE UP CHEMISTRY WHEN TELLING PEOPLE WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THEM. IF YOU DON’T, YOUR RIVALS WILL”

Instantly inclusive eaders have many demands on their time, so you need to get your message across pretty swiftly. o barriers to entry’, as a marketer might mumble. A copywriter can craft you an attention-grabbing

headline, and once that attention is grabbed they can hold engagement with the best of them.

Claim your benefits Rather than getting absorbed by the technical spec of a product, any copywriter worth their daily rate will stress benefits over and above features. For instance, it is far more persuasive to know that your new golf club will propel the ball further and straighter than it is to learn that it is made out of titanium or some such fancy substance. I would write features tell, benefits sell’, but don’t want to lower the tone of the column.

It’s one thing saying it Strong content backs up claims with evidence, otherwise you might just end up with hollow hyperbole; which as hyperbole goes, is the worst possible type. Testimonials, statistics, research and case studies are all ways of adding credibility to your content. At MediaClash we deliver sparkling co te t to our clie ts t at will be efit t eir business. If you want to talk, tweet us @TheMediaClash and we’ll tweet you back. Otherwise, email rosanna.hood@ mediaclash.co.uk

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BUSINESS INSIGHTS

“WE HAVE AN ‘ALWAYS ON’ DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGY”

THE CRYSTAL GLAZE James Mizen is the MD of Crystal Clear Bristol, supplying and fitting everything from windows, doors, double glazing and glazed roofs to full-on conservatories. The company is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year Crystal Clear is a family-owned business – a factor, says James, that has helped them build a dedicated team who care deeply about the service they provide to customers. What are the advantages of being based locally? We know Bristol and the surrounding areas well, and we really care about how our work impacts the community, towns and areas we operate in. We have a large showroom in Bristol that showcases a wide range of energy-e cient doors, windows, glazing and roof lights, enabling customers to see and touch the products. How do you stay ahead of the pack? By ensuring we use the best

materials available, and committing to the highest standards of workmanship and design. We’re always keen to offer our customers leading-edge products; we have an extensive range, and one of the largest choices of windows and finishes in the area Our service is bespoke, as we understand that every home is different, so we custom-design projects that are appropriate to the age and style of home and the needs of everyone living there. When was it founded, and by whom? Crystal Clear Bristol was founded in Bristol in 1999 by Tony Fox and me, to provide a specialist supply and fit service for windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries. 2013 was a year of expansion and

change, with Tony retiring from the business and Crystal extending the showroom. In addition to the larger showroom, the company has become even more of a family business, with eight members of the Mizen family now part of the Crystal Clear team. Are you doing anything special to mark this year’s 20th anniversary milestone? We’ve recently refurbished our showroom and added even more windows and doors to the range, including a new eyecatching Spitfire Doors stand, LED lighting and a suspended ceiling. We’ve also increased our team, with a new operations manager who will work alongside the sales team to deliver a smooth, e cient service to every customer. In this new role, Louis Mizen will ensure that every project, whatever its size, is delivered on brief, on time and on budget. Where are you based and how many people are employed? We’re based in Brislington and both our showroom and o ces are on one site, on Emery Road. The showroom is easy to find and we have plenty of parking. Our team continues to grow, and we now employ 32 people. Are conservatories still popular with home owners? Conservatories are less popular than they used to be, which is partly down to the way we now live in our

homes, with many of us enjoying more open-plan living. We’ve found that more of our customers are considering orangeries, which add room and light to homes while looking like they’ve always been there, and bifold doors, which bring the outside in. Roof lights are becoming increasingly popular too, particularly in kitchens, hallways and e tensions, as they significantly increase the amount of light in a room. How do you market the company? We market regularly throughout Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas, using a variety of local media and activity. We understand the importance of reaching all of our potential and existing customers and find that an integrated approach to our marketing is the most effective for communicating new products and improvements. We have an ‘always-on’ digital marketing strategy, which includes search-engine optimisation and online directories and industry sites, in addition to advertising in local magazines and on local radio stations. Regular communication with our existing customers is important to us and we send an email newsletter every quarter, which also promotes our referral scheme, which rewards our customers when they recommend us to their friends and family. For more www.crystalclearbristol.co.uk

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BUSINESS INSIGHTS

PÉTANQUE FOR THE MEMORIES . . . but you won’t have any memories if you don’t come along . . . Team tickets for the second Canon Boules tournament this June were released at midday on 23 April. Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so if you’re keen to enter a team, and we can’t think of a single reason why you wouldn’t be, then we advise you to bag tickets sooner than later. Here’s how it works. Companies put teams forward to play the game of boules in Queen Square over two days: Thursday 20 and Friday 21 June. The Boules festivities are free for anyone to attend and include a bespoke bar and BBQ – pretty much the ideal afternoon and evening out. Businesses can either sponsor the event, which includes a team and the benefit of multi-channel marketing, or buy a team ticket. “Getting involved with the Canon Boules festival is a brilliant way to bring together your team and clients, while having a great time and raising money,” said Steph Dodd, events director at MediaClash, which is

organising the event. “You can get even more bang for your buck by becoming a sponsor, and benefiting from our targeted marketing campaign during the run-up to the festival.” All proceeds from the event, including money spent at the bar, go to local charities. In 2018 over £2,500 was raised through hundreds of people having fun in the sun*. Organisers are aiming to raise yet more cash for local charities in 2019; proceeds will be split between joint Bristol Life Awards Charity winners The Grand Appeal and One25 he anon Boules is headlinesponsored by Canon UK, and joined by Gold Sponsors Ambitious PR and Bristol Life. * Sun guarantee not included in ticket price Sponsorship options include Gold and Silver levels. For more info, please contact Rosanna Hood: rosanna.hood@mediaclash.co.uk Canonboules.co.uk #CanonBoules

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN ot long now until the first-ever Bristol Property Awards, with both ticket and sponsorship expectations having been smashed well in advance of the event. The Awards will take place on 17 May at Ashton Gate as a lunchtime ceremony, with businesses from across the property sector coming together to recognise extraordinary achievements within the industry in Bristol and beyond. Over 140 companies are involved so far, whether as sponsors, judges, nominees or attendees. Only a tiny handful of sponsorships remain for the event, with the vast majority of the Awards’ 18 categories having been backed by local businesses. Tickets have also been selling swiftly, with a very limited number remaining ahead of the ceremony. Those wishing to attend the event are advised, frankly, to hop to it. Support for the first Bristol roperty Awards has been overwhelming,” said a very pleased Steph Dodd, event director for MediaClash, which is organising the

Awards. “We’d like to thank everyone who has contributed so far – our sponsors, partners and our nominating companies. And to our judges, who have had a particularly tough job.” Companies already showing public support for the new Awards include Amarelle, AWW, BuroHappold, Burston Cook, Cotswold Homes, IESIS Group, Interaction, Kingston Barnes, Regus, Sanderson Weatherall, Shawbrook Bank, South West Business Finance, Together Money and Willmott Dixon. Sponsorship is supported by a targeted marketing campaign and is a great way to raise a company profile

There’s no use sending a balloon to spy on our judges; you’ll have to wait until 17 May like everybody else

For more information on how to get involved t rou spo sors ip please co tact osa a to fi d out more: rosanna.hood@mediaclash.co.uk The Bristol Property Awards 2019 are held at Ashton Gate Stadium on 17 May. www.bristolpropertyawards.co.uk @BrisPropertyAwd

www.mediaclash.co.uk MEDIACLASH.CO.UK I BRISTOL LIFE I 111 117

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

(0117) 934 9977

UNION STREET, BROADMEAD

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Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

• Sales/Lettings

• Development advice

• Acquisitions advice

• Investment

• Valuations

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• Landlord & tenant

• Property Marketing

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• Auction Services

Meet the PROPERTY EXPERTS

Moving home? Selling, buying or investing? Looking for commercial premises to rent out? Need a legal eagle or a great builder? Who you gonna call . . .? 118 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE JAMES WITHALL

SANDRA DIXON

3SIXTY REAL ESTATE 0117 247 0120; www.3sixtyrealestate.co.uk What advice would you give a business looking for commercial property? Firstly, use a surveyor. Property acquisitions are costly in the short and long term and therefore, understanding the current condition and liabilities are paramount. Good pragmatic advice from the outset pre-acquisition can be fed into your legal team to renegotiate terms and/ or ensure suitable mechanisms are in place on leasehold acquisitions to mitigate future liabilities. How should I consider dilapidation related matters? From the outset, the current condition ideally would be recorded within any engrossed lease documentation. A properly prepared and engrossed schedule of condition can be worth its weight in gold at lease expiry. Secondly, rely upon a specialist dilapidations surveyor (not one who merely dabbles!) who will be able to mitigate overall financial exposure as a result of your leasehold exit. What makes 3SIXTY so different? Our reputation advising SMEs and Landlords is second to none. We understand dilapidations and have a proven track record of delivering results, mitigating financial exposure including where contested dilapidation disputes have resulted in mediation. While we deal in property matters, we appreciate that commercial property is a people business.

CREST NICHOLSON SOUTH WEST 0117 923 6600; www.crestnicholson.com

James Withall

VICKY DUDBRIDGE

Sandra Dixon

SAVILLS 0117 910 0354 www.savills.co.uk

How do you envisage the skyline of Bristol changing over the next five years? There are a number of exciting new developments due to be constructed in the next few years. These include several taller buildings, which will enhance the vista across Bristol’s city centre and beyond. Architecturally, this will add to the contemporary city landscape, and internally will offer some spectacular views across Bristol. What misconceptions do people have about buying a new-build property? People often worry about the build quality of a new property, however, not only are new-builds constructed to meet stringent building regulations, developers often like to exceed those requirements to give their buyers the best possible home. What advice would you give someone looking to buy off-plan? Don’t be afraid to buy off-plan, the benefits are superb. Getting in early at the start of a development means you can choose from a wide variety of properties and find the one that is perfect for you. What advice would you give someone looking to invest in property in the South West? Consider who your end user will be. If you intend to let out the property, who will your tenant be? Are there sufficient employers in the area to support regular tenancies? These factors are often why city centre locations are so attractive.

What are the best things about buying a newbuild home? There are a number of incentives available, and you don’t have to be a first-time buyer to benefit from them. Help to Buy is available for secondsteppers and first-time buyers alike. Homeowners looking to take advantage of Crest Nicholson’s Smoothmove and VIP Part Exchange scheme will benefit from both agent and removal fees paid. What is your most exciting development in the Bristol area? We recently launched Hygge Park, the first of Crest Nicholson’s new Aurora Open Living Collection. Located in Keynsham, Hygge Park takes its inspiration from the Danish hygge concept of comfort and wellbeing. Each of the homes at Hygge Park are architecturally and innovatively designed to celebrate diversity in modern living requirements by prioritising flexible layouts, open living spaces and natural light. We are also looking forward to our future developments coming soon in Bristol which will offer a wide range of homes to suit all buyers. Why is the Bristol area proving so popular? Bristol continues to be one of the South West’s most thriving cities, attracting a wide range of people from London and beyond. With a booming arts and cultural scene, multiple universities, an international airport, and everything from start-ups through to established worldwide companies, it’s easy to see why people want to live around Bristol. Crest Nicholson has a variety of schemes and incentives to make it as easy as possible to move into your dream home. Apartments at Hygge Park start at £285,000, with homes from £350,000.

JEFF DURANT

OTIUM PARTNERS 07872 601662; www.otiumpartners.com

Vicky Dudbridge

Jeff Durant

What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? Working with clients on a wide variety of projects enables us to add real value to their business. Whether a client is developing or investing in property, we will source them the appropriate finance and manage the process from start to finish, taking away the hassle in dealing with lenders and allowing the client to focus on their business. Everyone has an opinion on property. What misconceptions do people have about it? That it’s an easy way to make money! What I’ve seen over the years is that a project or investment rarely goes completely smoothly. Property entrepreneurs need to know what they’re doing and having an experienced team of professionals around them can certainly help. Is there anything you would urge people to look out for? Make sure your finance is right for you and your project. It’s not always about the cheapest interest rate! Often, the devil is in the detail and clients will need flexibility and a sensible, understanding lender, particularly if challenges arise along the way.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 119

ADVERTISING FEATURE

LOUISE BRONSON

ANNA SABINE-NEWLYN

TOGETHER 07540 307435 www.togethermoney.com/louise Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. Together provides funding on residential, commercial and semi-commercial properties, as well as land and developments. We work with all kinds of clients, from SMEs and LLPs to sole-traders and self-employed people. Whether it’s for residential investment, commercial acquisition, or to release equity for business investment, Together can help customers to access the finance they need. Everyone has an opinion on property. What misconceptions do people have about it? A number of people are fearful of auctions for two reasons. One, they think that all property sold at auction has something ‘wrong’ with it and two, that they have to be a cash buyer. Neither are true so I would urge serious property investors to explore this avenue further. What inspires you? My dad. He was a local accountant and the main reason that I became a financial services professional. He took pride in his work and helped hundreds of small businesses.

JULIAN COOK

BURSTON COOK 0117 934 9977; www.burstoncook.co.uk What type of your work do you particularly enjoy? Helping businesses with complicated/stressful property matters through to a successful outcome where our true value as experts can be recognised. What common pitfalls do people make when buying or selling commercial property Not taking expert commercial property advice from a qualified professional specialising in this sector. Tell us something about your company and why people contact you… We specialise in providing all aspects of commercial property advice. We are Chartered Surveyors. We are multi-award-winning and Bristol’s most active commercial property agent. What advice would you give someone looking to invest in property in the South West? Identifying good commercial investments is not straightforward. Keep your requirement criteria as open as possible and be deal-led rather than by sector/location. Always take advice from an expert before buying. How has Bristol’s commercial property market changed? In the last five years, some 1.5 million sq ft of redundant central office space has been converted for residential use. This has helped revitalise the city centre with thousands more people living in the area, resulting in a community vibe and supporting local retail outlets and eateries. As a result, more office occupiers wish to retain a presence in BS1.

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

MPC; 0117 428 6873

www.meetingplacecommunications.com

Louise Bronson

Anna Sabine-Newlyn

How do you envisage the skyline of Bristol changing over the next five years? It’s going to get higher. There seems to be a general acceptance among the key politicians in Bristol that height is ok – providing enough affordable homes is the deal-breaker, not the number of storeys. What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? I love it when we get feedback from people who support new developments – it’s a refreshing change from hearing negatives and it shows that the outreach-style consultation we’re doing is working. Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. We were the first firm in the industry to really get the importance of supporters as third-party advocates of new developments. They are far more powerful in persuading politicians about the merits of a scheme than any lobbyists. What made you originally start working in the property sector? A happy accident – I was working for the Lib Dems and discovered the very niche world of property PR, where I could put my campaigning skills to good use. What effects is Brexit having on the property market? It feels like some clients are pausing on certain large-scale projects, which is really frustrating. I’m a passionate Remainer but as a business owner I really want a decision made, to provide certainty for investment decisions.

MANDY RISSO

RIVENDELL CARPETS & FLOORING 0117 963 7979; www.rivendellcarpets.co.uk

Julian Cook

Mandy Risso

Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. The inspiration that drives Rivendell (from Lord of the Rings) is providing a sanctuary, a place of tranquillity and peace and that’s what we aim to help our clients create. Just like the elven folk from the Middle Earth realm, our team pride themselves in aiding customers in their time of need. We are the flooring experts on hand to help transform your property. What services do your clients currently require? People often think of flooring as a small detail and leave it to the last minute. We cannot stress how it is such an important part of a property’s footprint and can make such a difference. Our 25+ years’ experience means we can guide clients through making the right choice to fit their requirements and budget starting with a free consultation service right through to fitting and snagging. If you could buy a property anywhere in Bristol, where would it be and why? I am biased but I am already incredibly fortunate to live in a lovely house, just off Whiteladies Road, such a fantastic location. Our warehouse and wood flooring studio has been based in BS3 for years. We are now in Brewery Court and it is a very exciting time to be there with so much development and activity going on around us.

ADVERTISING FEATURE SIMON FOX

INSIGHT LAW 0117 925 6257; www.insight-law.co.uk What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? As Insight Law has grown and good lawyers have joined the team, my role has become much more strategic, looking at the direction of the firm and opportunities available to us. I also really enjoy the client management side of my work as the firm’s clients, after all, are absolutely key to the future success of the firm. Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you At Insight Law, we pride ourselves on our personal service. We put the communication with our clients are the forefront of what we do every day and encourage all our lawyers to pick up the phone rather than email wherever appropriate. That helps to build the relationship with the client and gain a better understanding of what the client wants. We also operate using fixed fees as this helps the client to budget for the work; gives certainty to both sides as to the costs involved and provides transparency too. What effects is Brexit having on the property market? Clearly, Brexit is having a negative impact on the property market. The main impact is the

knock to market confidence and the inability for businesses to plan ahead accurately. Frustratingly, all the other economic conditions are there for a strong market to flourish, for example, high employment, low interest rates and the willingness of banks to lend money. What services do your clients currently require? As a specialist property law firm, Insight Law deals with all aspects of commercial and residential property work. We have recently added niche specialisms to our existing property services, including renewable energy, leasehold enfranchisement and development/planning expertise. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone looking to rent a commercial property, what would it be? I would always advise my commercial clients to ensure that an accurate set of heads of terms is drawn up at the outset of the lease transaction. This helps the whole transaction to proceed more smoothly and enables the landlord’s lawyer to draft the documents correctly from the start. The earlier you can involve your lawyer to review and advise on the heads, the better.

ANNA BALL

SUZANNE APLIN

What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? There are lots of parts of my job which I love, from the original creation of a brand through to delivery of the final marketing collateral but ultimately the most enjoyable part is celebrating sales with the client and knowing you were part of a successful development. What advice would you give someone buying off plan? There are many sales tools available now to help purchasers understand what they are buying into. Make the most of looking through interactive floor plans, computer-generated images, development fly-throughs or any other marketing items available for the particular development you are interested in. These will help you plan your life in your new home. Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you? Village has been specialising in property marketing for over 25 years so is hugely experienced and enjoy the work we do. We are a big enough team to deal with large workloads but small enough so the people you meet are the people you will deal with on a day to day basis. Pretty much everything we do for our clients is bespoke. We tailor the marketing approach to make sure each project has its own identity. We don’t have a one size fits all attitude!

How do you envisage the skyline of Bristol changing over the next five years? The city is making a real difference with its approach to new housing. We’re seeing major steps forward in regeneration areas, while throughout Bristol there are some amazing historic buildings that have been redundant or vacant for a long time which are being restored. Finding innovative and viable ways to reuse these buildings will make sure the city’s built history takes on a new life with new innovative design supporting this. Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. City & Country is the UK’s market leading developer of listed and historic buildings. That means we transform some truly unique spaces, including schools, hospitals and even prisons. We’re renowned for restoring and converting these spaces into contemporary homes maintaining the integrity of the original building where possible. What’s the highest-profile property you’ve ever worked on? We’re incredibly lucky to work on some of the UK’s most interesting historic buildings. In Bristol we’ve transformed the former General Hospital into one of the city’s most distinctive new developments. Outside of Bristol we are working on several exceptional developments including a Grade-I John Nash mansion in Bromley, Kent; a former tuberculosis sanatorium in the heart of the South Downs National Park, and a former school in the centre of Edinburgh.

VILLAGE DESIGN AND CREATIVE MARKETING 0117 910 6050 www.villagedesign.co.uk

CITY & COUNTRY 01279 817 882; www.cityandcountry.co.uk

Anna Ball

Suzanne Aplin

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ADVERTISING FEATURE MATT BEVAN

HANDELSBANKEN 01179 730135 handelsbanken.co.uk/clifton

HANNAH WALKIEWICZ

THE BUILD BRISTOL GROUP 01179 091969; www.thebuildbristolgroup.com How do you envisage the skyline of Bristol changing over the next five years? Bristol is an incredible city and if it continues to grow as it has over the last 5 years, we’re in for such a treat! I can imagine some of the derelict buildings being transformed into full use. I also imagine that the growth of the city will stretch as far as Cribbs Causeway over time. What part of your work do you particularly enjoy? I love dealing with our clients and enabling their dream to become reality. Often clients have a seed of an idea and just need some help to bring it to life. We’re able to do this with our brilliant in house team of Designers, Architects and Builders. Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you? The Build Bristol Group is a collection of experienced Designers, Project Managers, Architects and Builders. We’re able to offer a turn-key service and help guide clients through the process. Best bit of your job? I absolutely love being able to give our clients advice on finishes! I’m not a trained interior designer by any means but having renovated several of my own properties I have a keen eye for detail. I enjoy being able to show clients what The Build Bristol Group is able to achieve! What made you originally start working in the property sector?

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Tell us something about your company, and why people should contact you. At Handelsbanken Clifton our local relationship banking model means that our customers deal with people they know – every customer has their own dedicated account manager, and we make the majority of all decisions, including those on lending, here in the branch. The majority of our business comes from customer referrals and it is fantastic to be part of a bank that provides a service that so many of our customers are happy to recommend. Best bit of your job? It is about having an in-depth understanding of the local marketplace, in order to benefit our customers. We work with customers who are local to the branch, and have a good knowledge of the trends of the local market across the whole range of property types. This really helps us to add value when discussing their needs, so we can support all our customers, whether they are buying their dream home or adding to their investment portfolio. What effects is Brexit having on the property market? Brexit is an interesting one. Understandably, there are concerns about the impact of Brexit on the housing market, particularly given the uncertainty it continues to bring. However,

My husband Dom has been in the construction industry since 2001. When we had our 3rd child I left my career in London and we joined forces! It was a natural move for me to set up a brilliant building company, so we did just that! We’ve just turned 5. What services do your clients currently require? At The Build Bristol Group we’re able to offer everything from Architectural services to interior design advice. We can call upon our brilliant team of mixed skills to hopefully deliver anything required of us. The biggest request TBBG have is for kitchen extensions, loft conversions and full house renovations. What advice would you give someone looking to invest in property in the South West? It’s a brilliant place to be... Why wouldn’t you? What trends do you predict for the year ahead? In regards to residential builds, it’s ensuring clients use every inch possible. It’s about being very clever with your space. If you’re planning on expanding a family home then look at what you may need, open-plan living is still very current. In regards to finishes greens and blush pink with gold tonnes is still huge! Are there any areas of Bristol that are proving to be particularly popular at the moment? The Build Bristol Group have seen Southville, Bedminster and Windmill Hill increase in residential building projects. The houses in this area of town offer stunning views and good value for money. The transformations in this area are huge. I love the 4 storey accommodation these properties often offer.

from the evidence we have seen to date, there has not been any material adverse impact on demand and the values are also certainly holding up well. Our customers remain well placed to take advantage of the current opportunities, and Handelsbanken has a track record of supporting its customers throughout the economic cycle. Are there any sectors that are proving to be particularly popular at the moment? The student sector remains strong and the numbers speak for themselves. Obviously lenders need to be mindful of the development pipeline especially with the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus fulfilling a good part of the demand, however while other cities are finding the sector more challenging, demand in Bristol remains strong as a result of the excellent reputation of the two universities.

Handelsbanken is the trading name of Handelsbanken plc, which is incorporated in England and Wales with company number 11305395. Registered office: 3 Thomas More Square, London, E1W 1WY, UK. Handelsbanken plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register number 806852. Handelsbanken plc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ)

If you could buy a property anywhere in Bristol, where would it be and why? We love the St. Andrews Park area. A huge green space, minutes from the Gloucester Road and the houses have so many original features. Is there anything else we need to know about what your company do? We’re a team of 25 and we have all skills in house so we’re able to offer our clients a brilliant service. What inspires you? I guess what we’ve done with our own family home! It was just a small 3 bed mid terrace when we moved in... fast forward 10 years and it’s a 4 bed, with 3 bathrooms and has a brilliant studio located at the end of the garden! My 3 kids inspire me on a daily basis to keep pushing our business forward.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE LIST

A guide to your local property experts... COMMERCIAL AGENT

Burston Cook

Lewins House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol 0117 9349977 www.burstoncook.co.uk

CONSULTANCY 3Sixty Real Estate

16 Whiteladies Road, Bristol 0117 2470120 www.3sixtyrealestate.co.uk Meeting Place Communications

Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol 0117 4286873 www.meetingplacecommunications.com

Village Design & Creative Marketing

5th Floor, St Thomas Court, Thomas Lane, Bristol BS1 6JG www.villagedesign.co.uk

DEVELOPER City & Country

Lower Guinea St, Bristol BS1 6SX www.cityandcountry.co.uk Crest Nicholson

Bristol 0117 2660025 www.crestnicholson.com

Savills

Otium Partners

The Build Bristol Group

Together Financial Services

FINANCIAL

LEGAL

51-55 Whiteladies Road, Bristol 0117 9730026 www.handelsbanken.co.uk

2nd Floor, Langford Lodge, 109 Pembroke Road, Bristol 0117 9256257 www.insight-law.co.uk

Embassy House, Queens Avenue, Clifton, Bristol 0117 9102200 www.savills.co.uk Bristol 07545 339908 www.thebuildbristolgroup.com Handelsbanken Bristol

Rockwood House, Frenchay Road, Downend 0117 2262101 www.otiumpartners.com Bristol 0161 3337400 . o e erfi c lsolu o s.co.uk Insight Law

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PLOTS AVAILABLE: Plot 3: The Alderney – 3 Bedroom Terrace, £450,000. Double height galleried entrance Hallway. Open plan Kitchen Dining space. Help to Buy backed by HM Government. EPC: B Plot 10: The Galloway – 4 Bedroom Detached, £650,000. Master bedroom with large balcony: views of open countryside. Paddock available. EPC: B Plot 1: Leacroft House – 4 Bedroom Detached, £695,000. Open plan Kitchen Dining space, separate Lounge and Master with vaulted ceiling. EPC: C Plot 6: Pembroke – 4 Bedroom Detached, £760,000. Open plan Kitchen Dining space and separate Lounge. Uninterrupted views of open countryside. Paddock available. EPC: B Plot 8: Belmont – 4 Bedroom semi-detached, 2667ft², £730,000. Open plan Kitchen Dining space, separate Lounge and large study. Views of open countryside. EPC: B

PROPERTY A PL ACE TO C ALL HOME

PUMPING

IRON

n this thoroughly modern penthouse within edcliffe new-build he ron Foundry youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a strong contender for the best reception room in the city, says Lisa Warren www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 125

A PROPERTY PLACE TO CALL HOME

ith a pretty much idyllic location on the banks of the ew ut in edcliffe, the si -storey, -apartment, steel-andglass Iron Foundry is one of the most distinctive kids on the new-build block. If its name suggests the renovation of yet another redundant ictorian factory, think again; this very urbanlooking metropolitan tower is just two years old. Superficially, it’s a very different-looking beast from the Bristol eneral ospital right ne t door, which it has been specifically designed to complement o the uninitiated, visual links to its 3 heritage neighbour may not be immediately obvious; but as developer ity ountry e plains, the original hospital had distinctive, industriallooking iron balconies (Google up ‘Bristol General ospital in 3’ if you’re intrigued), that have been been echoed in the modern apartment block. Furthermore, this very urban design neatly references the industrial past of buildings which previously stood on the site, including an actual iron foundry s you’d hope from the e cellent ity ountry, who’ve done such a stellar ob on he eneral, the new apartments offer an e ceptional degree of lu ury, with a central location and unique views as cherries on the cake nsurprisingly, homes here don’t come cheap, ranging from around a third of a mill up to the m penthouse we’re featuring on these pages ere’s why we think it’s up there with some of the best modern homes in the city rranged over two floors,

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it comes with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows with e traordinary -degree views across the city and waterfront. You can track your binoculars from Ashton Court to the masts of the ss Great Britain; take in the egency terraces and eorgian crescents of lifton, ill’s emorial, the Suspension Bridge, abot ower, undry ill and the colourful terraces of otterdown ou’ll have a bird’s eye view of the arbourfest; you’ll lose track of the number of hot air balloons drifting over the city. ou’d be amazed if you didn’t find a vast open-plan living space at the heart of this home, but even with e pectations sky high you’ll still have your socks knocked off by the double-height, dual-aspect kitchen family dining room with its glazed atrium, oak floor and underfloor heating; it’s easily a contender for one of the most e ceptional reception rooms in the city oors open to the deep south- and west-facing balcony, where you’ll probably be spending the entire summer. he windows themselves are an absolute marvel, having state-of-the-art thermal and sound insulation; it’ll be a long while before you become blasé about the fact that the

PROPERTY

HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price £1.295m Reception rooms 27ft open-plan diner/family room/kitchen 24ft living room Study Bedrooms 3 Bath/shower rooms 3 Outdoors Deep wraparound terrace; communal gardens Anything else? Secure parking; dem views For more: Rupert Oliver Property Agents, Somerset House, 18 Canynge Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3JX 0117 428 6464; www.rupertoliver.co.uk

glass turns opaque at the flick of a switch he kitchen is supremely slick and sleek, with stone worksurfaces, handleless cabinets, top-of-the-range appliance gadgetry, a sociable central island and a separate utility room verlooking the main reception area, reached by an oak staircase is a floating’ sitting room with infinity views e t to it you’ll find a study and a very private ft master bedroom with a uliet balcony taking in southerly views, a recessed dressing area and a lu urious en-suite with an oversized walk-in shower, bath and double sinks wo further double bedrooms and shower rooms are on the lower floor ake the lift down to the undercroft car park and you’ll find two secure designated spaces; outside are beautiful communal gardens with a paved terrace, seating and water feature – though frankly, we’ll be fine up on our balcony with a few potted plants, thanks e’d invite you up, but we’re worried you’d e pire with envy n

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BRISTOL LIVES

“I am under strict legal obligations not to reveal the one hundred white kittens on Crazy P’s rider” conversations in the pub about doing a special show with Massive Attack. An event on the Downs hadn’t been done for around 15 years, but eventually the council and residents came round and we launched it three years ago. Which has been your favourite Downs year so far?

DAVE HARVEY Dave and Team Love are bringing top headliners to Bristol this year, from Lily Allen at Love Saves to Grace Jones, Lauryn Hill and Idles at The Downs. Dave, have we left anyone out. . .? Team Love run some of the West’s best fests – including Bristol’s home-grown Love Saves the Day and The Downs. “We started out booking DJs and bands for other festivals, and soon we were running our own stages,” says Dave. “We were then given the opportunity to run our own area at Glastonbury. We then thought: hang on, maybe we can do this ourselves. “We produced See No Evil for the council, and after we’d proved to them that we weren’t complete idiots and could actually handle something like LSTD, we got on with it, and we are here now all these years later.”

Love Saves is known as a dance fest; so will some people be surprised to see Lily Allen headlining this year?

Yeah, it’s a bit of step up for us in many ways – but Lily has been making some more dancefloor music of late, working with Shy FX who is a regular guest for us at the festival. Hopefully, it’ll get some new faces to the event. Who else is lined up?

We’ve got loads of incredible acts on this year, from household names such as Chase and Status, David Rodigan and Bonobo, to some of the most exciting new talent out there. Tell us about The Downs . . .

It started after years of

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he first year was really tough; we made some mistakes with the bars and had horrendous weather; but watching Massive Attack play all those songs from our youth was pretty magic. Last year, watching Orbital was a pretty life-defining moment, as well as Paul and Noel duetting on the encore. And Soul 2 Soul and De La Soul the year before – it would be hard to pick a favourite. Has there been a conscious attempt to make every year as different as possible?

We’ve always wanted to keep it as diverse as possible, but it often comes down to the headliners you can get, and who fits with them. In an ideal world we’d keep it really broad every year, with some bona fide legends We’re still trying to get our glam-rock ’80s heads around the idea of Grace Jones in a Bristol field…

If anyone has seen Grace perform they’ll know she’s bloody amazing live; she’s a real one-off, the energy and vibe is incredible. Why are Idles so hot right now?

Everything about them – their energy, passion, honesty and integrity are central to what makes them so bloody good. The fact they have a shitload of amazing songs obviously helps! They are probably the most

exciting band in the UK right now; a hometown gig for them is going to be electric. The next day, we hear, we’re swapping the glitter for some Baggy Trousers . . .

Yeah! As well as Love Saves the Day and The Downs, we’re bringing Madness to The Downs to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Dream headliners next year?

Radiohead or The Cure.

What’s the most demanding rider you’ve ever received?

I am under strict legal obligations not to reveal the one hundred white kittens on Crazy P’s rider. Best gig you’ve ever seen?

Ned’s Atomic Dustbin in Wolverhampton, early ’90s – banging.

Favourite places in Bristol to eat, drink and be merry?

The Plough in Easton, The Pipe and Slippers and The Love Inn for drinking. Pasta Loco’s food is out-of-order good, and the team who run it are diamonds. The food at Root is some of the best I’ve had anywhere, and The Bristolian does a banging breakfast. Do you have any secret skills?

Weirdly good at ice-skating.

We’d better let you get on. What are you doing after answering these questions?

I’d better get back to work – Love Saves is only a few weeks away, so it’s all hands to the pump! www.lovesavestheday.org www. thedownsbristol.com