This issue is FO O DIE TAS TIC! Issue 264 / June 2019 / ÂŁ3
A love affair with the city
Issue 264 / J une 2019 / Food. So m uch f ood.
Cheese & beer pairings (there's posh) at the
C R A FT BE E R FE S T This is Ale x. He's a B U RG E R HE RO
! R A E P Y ELL
(and we're not giving her back)
Dude Food
*insert some Awardsor-otherrelated stuff here* large version
We have
NO M O RE HE RO E S ? As if!
Bristol Summer of LO VE blah blah blah
s r e g r u b y h t l i f , s t Affordable ea N O I T C A e h t a z z and a pi
large version
ral sense, obviously) ( * in the phrase's most gender-neut
EDITOR’S LETTER All the young dude foods: our summer guide to top-quality casual eats begins on page 44
F
eeling hungry? If you’re not now, you’ll be drooling after you’ve finished flicking through this issue. In fact, if you’re reading it in public you’d better have a napkin to hand, to avoid any embarrassing salivationrelated faux pas. Because we have 16 pages dedicated to the stuff; from the best dude food to the highlights of Food Connections; from cheese and beer pairings to celebrate the imminence of the Bristol Craft Beer Festival to a chat with café-owner turned full-time author Elly Curshen, aka Elly Pear. We even considered asking Colin for a food-themed Heroes, but we thought, you know, overkill. All of which miraculously still leaves room for our usual arts, shopping, news and general chit-chat. And if you find yourself looking at page 66 and thinking, “wildebeest and zebras on the Downs – funny...” then we’d better explain that there have been no animal outbreaks from Bristol Zoo; what you’re looking at here are some highly tempting holiday suggestions from some of Bristol’s local independent agents, who have the skill and insider know-how to help you craft the trip of a lifetime. Feeling inspired? We are. We’re just off to check whether anyone has trademarked Lagos Life...
DERI ROBINS Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag
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Issue 264/June 2019
THE ARTS
11 ART PAGE Oceans, page eleven. There’s an amusing
film-related caption in there somewhere. This isn’t it 12 WHAT’S ON Little by little, the events calendar is
creeping outside 18 ART A fresh opportunity to visit the Jamaica Street
Studios artists in their lair 24 THEATRE Master Toad in da house 26 BRISTOL HEROES There’s lots of loving
everywhere, so give me the night . . . 31 BOOKS Poolside reads
FOOD & DRINK
38 RESTAURANT Simply Redland 40 FOOD CONNECTIONS Hands, and wooden
11
40
spoons, across the city 44 DUDE FOOD The best casual-dining eats in Bristol 52 FOOD AND DRINK NEWS Three pages of tasty
bites, including how to nail beer-and-cheese pairing (as opposed to cheese-paring) 57 STAN . . . and the Out-of-Time Croissant
A MAN’S WORLD
59 SEB BARRETT Everybody’s on a barge, floating
down the endless stream of great TV (shame about the current crop of movies, though) 61 KAM KELLY Coming soon: Kam’s Little Book of Lunch Menus. Very little
SHOPPING
62 EDITOR’S CHOICE Keen as mustard
LIFESTYLE
66 TRAVEL Bristol’s best indie agents and operators
BUSINESS
91 BUSINESS INSIGHTS News, views and a load of
boules
PROPERTY
101 SHOWCASE Acorn strikes again
REGULARS
7 9 83 106
SPOTLIGHT INSTAS SOCIETY BRISTOL LIVES Bristol foodie queen Ellie Curshen
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, Kam Kelly, Seb Barrett, George Maguire, Jessica Paul 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
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SPOTLIGHT
Art
#BEMOREGRETA
Tourism and culture
Farewell, then, to Nomad Clan’s mural of female schoolgirl feminist warrior Lisa Simpson, which has graced the Tobacco Factory’s walls ever since last summer’s Upfest. In her place, prepare to say hello to schoolgirl climatechange warrior Greta Thunberg! Bristol Life was thrilled to spot its favourite Krylon-botherer Jody Thomas halfway up a cherrypicker at this prime site last week, creating a new work for Upfest Summer Editions; many thanks to Neil James Brain for these splendid work-in-progress photos. Also, we like Jody’s new beard. www.upfest.co.uk
PROPER BRISTOL
‘No more Suspension Bridge: easy on the balloons’ is the mantra of The Proper Bristol Postcard Collection, which sets out to show the city (or at least part of the city) as it actually is in 2019. “Increasingly, this is the Bristol that people come here looking for,” says Lisa Furness, who co-ordinated the collection created through public competition last year for community activist organisation The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft. Although we remain unrepentant fans of pics of the Bridge and balloons, we like most of the new postcards very much indeed – they’re witty and gritty, we’d buy ’em. That said, we’re not wholly convinced that people specifically come to Bristol seeking abandoned armchairs next to motorways, or comatose lads in the Croft – but maybe that’s just us. The 16 winning designs can be bought at 60p each from Stokes Croft China, or at larger size by special order. www.prsc.org.uk
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SPOTLIGHT LET’S FILL THIS CITY WITH ART Bristol without street art? Perish the thought. And a great photo of said street art can be just as worthy of our praise and attention
@moodycolin319
@leilaa81
@rob.potter
@thesilvercherry
@siantudor
@neiljamesb
@eliza_moreland
@carolyn.eaton
@gertie.photography
@bristolpictures
@moodycolin319
@bristolshootersuk
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THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F B R I S T O L’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E
P A IC FA A
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At first glance, you think wow, that’s striking and dramatic Beautiful, even. h the pretty colours. hen you read the caption, and learn the sobering facts behind this photo in andy Barker’s arresting Altered Ocean exhibition, currently showing at the oyal Photographic ociety. he facts are these around 1 million tonnes of plastic are currently washing around in the Earth’s oceans. For each photo, andy arranged a group of objects fished out of the sea against black velvet, and shot them as if they were suspended in space; the results are almost cosmic, like galaxies of plastic stars. andy’s an environmentalist as well as a photographer, and has created the show in consultation with scientists to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the oceans. Her aim is to first grab our attention through haunting images, then to shock and disturb us with information, and ultimately empower change. Mandy Barker: Altered Ocean shows at the Royal Photographic Society at Paintworks until 23 June For more: www.rps.org
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WHAT’S ON
Summer in the city. Finally!
24 May-24 June
Those pesky kids are still giving that nice Miss Trunchbull the runaround in Matilda: The Musical
EXHIBITIONS Until 2 June
SCULPTURE OPEN The RWA’s latest Open, celebrating form, medium and scale in modern sculpture; rwa.org.uk
Until 8 June YOUNG AMERICANS
An explosive mixture of techniques, experimentation and individual perspectives to shatter clichéd perceptions of ‘Indian’ art and life. www.rainmakerart.co.uk
HENRI GAUDIER-BRZESKA: DISPUTING THE EARTH RWA’s new exhibition examines Gaudier-Brzeska’s versatility as an animal artist; rwa.org.uk
Until 16 June
NICHOLAS WRIGHT: A CHANCE TO LOOK AT CHICKEN A selection of work produced over the last 30 years, including ceramic wall pieces inspired by 12th-century French sculpture. spikeisland.org.uk
PAUL SIMON RICHARDS: QUASI-MONTE CARLO New video work exploring patterns of randomisation and their role in producing an image. spikeisland.org.uk
JOHN D’OH: STREET ART: A CRIME OF PASSION The Bristol street artist heads indoors at Cass Art; john-doh.co.uk
Until 5 June CHARLIE O’SULLIVAN Bright, colourful work from this popular artist; a new exhibition at Clifton Fine Art; cliftonfineart.com
TATTOO M Shed tackles long-standing myths and preconceptions about tattooing; bristolmuseums.org.uk
Until 23 June
MANDY BARKER: ALTERED OCEAN Mandy aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the oceans; at the Royal Photographic Society (see page 11); rps.org
Until 4 August
BANKSY’S DEVOLVED PARLIAMENT Back to mark 10 years since the Banksy v Bristol Museum exhibition;
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take it as a comment on our times, if you will. bristolmuseums.org.uk
1 June-1 September
NATURAL SELECTION An ornithological journey, from the building of nests to the collecting of eggs; more marvellous and moving than this sounds. bristolmuseums.org.uk
8-9 June
BS6 ARTS TRAIL It’s time for Stoke Bishop, Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze artists to meet and greet; bs9arts.co.uk
15-16 June
EASTON ARTS TRAIL The artists in this most diverse of Bristol neighbourhoods have duly chosen ‘diversity’ for the 2019 theme; eastonartstrail.co.uk
SHOWS Until 25 May
THE REMAINS OF THE DAY Out of Joint take on Ishiguro’s masterpiece of memory and missed chances at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk
Until 6 June
MATILDA :THE MUSICAL The RSC’s award-laden hit continues at Hippodrome, atgtickets.com
29-30 May
ORPHEUS Dave’s stood at the bar. Eurydice is a tree nymph. Springsteen’s on the juke box . . . A tale of deathdefying love unfolds at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
29 May-1 June
IN THE WILLOWS See p 24; At BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk
7-18 June
THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK The Boys showcase tributes to rock divas, as audiences tuck into Thai cuisine in the pink Sabai Pavilion on the Downs; ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk
10-15 June
FAME THE MUSICAL Dig out the ’80s legwarmers and sweatbands; the students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts are headed back to Hippodrome, and the energy is HIGH; atgtickets.com
WHAT’S ON 13-16 June
this time it’s all about planes, trains and automob-meals... at Wardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com
KINGS CROSS (REMIX) The hidden histories of LGBTQ communities in London during the 1980s; thewardrobetheatre.com
16 June
ROCKY HORROR SHOW Let’s do the Time-Warp again; with Duncan James as Dr. Frank-N-Furter at Bristol Hippodrome; atgtickets.com
FUNNY BONES: NISH KUMAR & FRIENDS Above & Beyond’s celebration of the NHS, with Nish, Mark Olver and more raising cash for Bristol’s hospitals. Hippodrome; atgtickets.com
COMEDY
MUSIC
HENNING WEHN The German comedy ambassador has a message: stop all the pondering and the hand-wringing, and put your face to the grindstone; at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk
DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL No, nothing to do with The Caddy, but a lineup of innovative, groundbreaking acts in intimate Bristol spaces. dottodotfestival.co.uk
17-22 June
26 May
ABOVE:
Fun fact: Phoebe Waller-Bridge has said that her vision for Villanelle in Killing Eve was inspired by her favourite Spice Girl. See if you can work out which one when you see them at Ashton Court LEFT:
Street art’s a crime of passion forJohn D’Oh BELOW:
Lily Rose Beatrice Cooper (née Allen) is here to make you smile at LSTD
27 May, 10 & 24 June
CLOSER EACH DAY The world’s longest-running improvised comedy soap continues at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
30 May
25 May
25-26 May
LOVE SAVES THE DAY Headlined at Eastville Park by Lily Allen, Chase & Status and Maribou State; followed by Love Saves the Night at Motion. lovesavestheday.org
SOPHIE HAGEN: BUBBLEWRAP, HAPPY FAT The show that won Sophie her Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer award comes to TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com
28 May
31 May
THE HEAVY The Bath blues-heavy rockers have released 5th album Sons; come for a listen at Trinity; www.3ca.org.uk
JONATHAN KAY: KNOW ONE’S FOOL The fool performer and teacher presents the unexpected at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
31 May
THE COMMITTEE A London-based improv group who “specialise in character driven shows, and in being absolute legends.” That’s fighting talk Bristol Improv heatre, improvtheatre.co.uk
1 June
THE SHADE PULLERS & LASH STACKERS SOCIAL CLUB Paul’s been running his northern working men’s club for 40 odd years, but recently his son – aka local drag artist Roxytocin – has been booking the acts... at Wardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com
THE ALLERGIES Back in Bristol with their infectious mashup of funk, soul, disco and hiphop; Colston Hall, colstonhall.org
1 June
DAMIAN MARLEY Jamaican reggae artist, son to the legendary Bob – a connection he honours in nickname Jr Gong. See him at O2; academymusicgroup.com
1-8 June
CLIFTON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Bristol’s big summer classical music event, from plainchant to pop, Baroque and the Blues; colstonhall.org
TOM STADE: I SWEAR TO... The Canadian legend’s back with a new show, as the first hour simply wasn’t long enough. at TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com
11 June
TAKE THAT Want them back for good? You can have three of them at Ashton Gate. ashtongatestadium.co.uk
5 June
MUSE Often called the UK’s best live band, the West Country-born rockers come to Ashton Gate; ashtongatestadium.co.uk
GEORGE EGG: MOVABLE FEAST The stand-up who cooks (surprisingly well) on stage is back in town; and
8 June
MARTHA REEVES AND THE VANDELLAS Wow Actual otown superstar
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WHAT’S ON Martha ‘Jimmy Mack’ ‘Nowhere to Run To’ Reeves! Right here on our Boat! Thekla; theklabristol.co.uk
spinning soul: discover the many aspects of Tobacco Factory over their open weekend; tobaccofactory.com
THE WEDDING PRESENT The ’80’s indie-rockers are marking the 30th anniversary of début album Bizzaro with a string of headline shows, including one at O2 Academy Bristol; academymusicgroup.com
31 May- 2 June
10 June
ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP A big year for Bristol cricket fans, with Afghanistan v Australia, Pakistan v Sri Lanka and Bangladesh v Sri Lanka at Bristol County Ground; check the website for warm-up games, too; cricketworldcup.com
THE SPICE GIRLS Four-fifths of the ultimate girl band have reunited, and will bring the power to Ashton Gate; ashtongatestadium.co.uk
20 June-28 July
RIVERTOWN The summer celebration of roots and Americana; kd lang, Kiefer Sutherland, The Shires and many more; colstonhall.org
21 June
ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT An Italian Baroque extravaganza from the ebullient OAE; St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
OTHER Ongoing
BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL here’s a local flavour to the BFF screenings on 28 May at M 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 Chew Magna, while Bristol filmmaker Ben Akers introduces Steve, a doccie on men’s mental health; bristolfilmfesti al.com
Until 31 May
BRISTOL WALK FEST The month-long walking festival, with over 250 ideas for exploring the city and its surrounds on foot; bristolwalkfest.com
Until 26 October
IBIZA NIGHTS: CAFE MAGNA One of the UK’s leading Ibiza party specialists bring the sounds of the White Isles to the SW; tickettailor.com
1, 7 & 11 June
1-9 June
FESTIVAL OF NATURE The UK’s largest free celebration of the natural world; the main event’s 8-9 June at Mill Square; bnhc.org.uk
6, 13, 20 & 27 June
CAMPFIRE CLUB New to Bristol: Nest Collective invite you to gather at Windmill Hill City Farm, to listen to unamplified music by outstanding artists and enjoy food, friendship and fire; thenestcollective.co.uk
7-8 June
BRISTOL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL An earlier slot for Bristol’s craftiest, beeriest boozefest; see page 55; bristolcraftbeerfesti al.co.uk
8 June
THE CONVERSATION Cables & Cameras hosts a groundbreaking all-day event of talks, workshops, and screenings aimed at helping BAME artists gain better access to the film and TV industries. At Cube; cubecinema.com
12-23 June
FOOD CONNECTIONS The citywide celebration that’s serious about food; see page 40; bristolfoodconnections.com
BLOOD, BOOZE AND BUCCANEERS Show of Strength’s docklands walking/ pub tour sets out to explore the legend of Blackbeard, and Teach (geddit?) you how to separate fact from fiction; stagestubs.com
14-16 June
Until 10 December
22-23 June
25-26 May
DOGFEST Noel Fitzpatrick and Clare Balding are among those attempting to keep hundreds of dogs under control at Ashton Court; dog-fest.co.uk
BLOOD AND BUTCHERY IN BEDMINSTER The pub tour continues to delve into Bemmie’s gruesome history, with tales of body snatchers, concrete co ns and more; stagestubs.com 25 YEARS OF TOBACCO FACTORY From circus to Upfest, afrobeat to DJs 14 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
VOLKFEST The grass roots Volkswagen show and family camping weekend; Grandmaster Flash, Oh God! It’s the Church and DJ Cheeba bring the ents; bristol olkfest.co.uk WESTON AIR FESTIVAL The stellar line-up of aerobatic talent, including the ed Arrows, flies again; visit-westonsupermare.com
ABOVE: If you need a reason to get off the sofa, how about a street art tour at Walk Fest? RIGHT: After which you can reward yourself with TWO BEERS AT THE SAME TIME at Craft Beer Fest BELOW:
It’s either a foodie kind of snakes and ladders, or new work by Charlie O’Sullivan at Clifton Fine Art
ADVERTISEMENT
ART HOUSE Jamaica Street Studios opened over 20 years ago as a visual arts studio. Today, when many creative spaces are under threat, it’s as vibrant and independent as ever. Ahead of its open studio in June, studio manager Danny Prosser showed us around . . . 18 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
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pread over three floors of a Grade-II former carriage works, amaica treet tudios is home to a huge range of visual artists from varied artistic backgrounds,” says Danny. “ any people have arrived and left over the years, and the building has changed; it’s always been a bit rough around the edges, which is part of its charm, but at its very heart it has always been artist-led and independent.” BL: How many creatives work here, and do they ever collaborate? Danny: We have artists working in the building, either in their own studios or shared open plan studios. hey all support each other in a multitude of ways. ose ickers, Zoe Power and ucy Ward recently collaborated with researchers from Bristol niversity maths department, and their work was shown alongside other art science collaborations at an exhibition last month. Andrew Hood runs an online gallery called First Contemporary, which supports and represents other amaica treet tudio artists at art fairs internationally, including Elaine ones and ate Evans. We have artists working in painting, print, illustration, mixed media, photography, sculpture, ceramics, performance, mechanics, puppetry, video, film, murals, sign writing, graphic design, drawing, framing, collage, needlework, textiles and even toy making. A studio with a diverse range of artist practice is very important to us. BL: What makes JSS such a thriving hub, at a time when so many creative spaces are under threat? Jessa Fairbrother, JSS artist: here is a very complicated answer to this. tudios for artists are an essential part of a healthy society which looks outwards. his is increasingly challenged through private business competing for space among scarce public resources. But people as individuals – and society as a whole – will always need ways of living and communicating imaginative, fulfilling lives. amaica treet tudios is part of that, in the heart of a vital community. It has rooted itself through being artist-led, with many longstanding friendships and a wide range of work being produced here.
TOP: Excerpt from Moroccan Street Corner by Andrew Hood; MIDDLE: Andrew’s studio (sans Andrew); BOTTOM: Tom Hughes in his lair (studio photos by Alice Hendy)
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ARTS TOP: Jessa Fairbrother; MIDDLE: Elaine Jones; BOTTOM: As you’d expect, you’ll find a superior class of bunting at an artists’ open studio
BL: What can we expect at the June open weekend? Danny: On Friday we will have the launch from 7pm. A preview of open studios with cheap bars! Then we will all descend to Jamaica Street Stores at 10pm for a party late into the night, with local beloved DJs. From 11am on Saturday and Sunday, you will be able to explore the studios at leisure, meet our artists and discover new commissioned artwork. n unday at pm we finish with a revamped version of our fundraising auction. This year we have thrown the rules out of the window, and instead of submitted miniature canvasses, our artists have been tasked to make anything they want. We have gone online already, so you can get bidding prior to our live auction at www.32auctions.com. Then we will gather together to see open studios out with the live auction. It’s always very thrilling, and a perfect chance to bag a bargain straight from an artist’s heart – and the perfect way to end our weekend together. n Jamaica Street Studios is holding its open studios 14-16 June; 39 Jamaica Street, Stokes Croft; www.jamaicastreetartists.co.uk
We rudely interrupted the work of a few of the Jamaica Street artists, and asked them to tell us in a few words about their art and what the open studio event means to them
© ALICE HENDRY
TOM HUGHES “I paint urban and rural landscapes, both on location and on a larger scale, back in the studio. Open Studios is so valuable because it gives me the chance to meet and talk directly to art lovers, and see first hand how they react to my work. I spend hours over the weekend talking to all sorts of different people about how or why my work resonates with them, which is a fascinating experience. “Typically with galleries, you never get to meet your collectors, so it’s nice to talk face to face with people and get that feedback that we all crave as artists. Working in a vacuum throughout the year can be quite an isolating experience, so meeting so many people over a few days is really invigorating.” JESSA FAIRBROTHER I use embroidery and hand-marking to embellish photographs from traditional negatives made in a darkroom. I’ll be showing a few pieces of my latest work, including a portrait of MP Jess Phillips. Open Studios is key to being an artist here. It is a way of catching up with friends and supporters who have helped
me along the way; I’ve met many of them through previous Open Studios and that has been central to why I’m still making work as an artist. No matter where I go I always come back to Bristol – it feels right. EVA ULLRICH I make landscape paintings based partially on the memories of places I have been to, but use the abstract language of painting as a starting point. This involves using brushes and tools like squeegees to create diverse and dynamic marks, sometimes on a large scale. I aim to simplify my work with the least amount of visual information, while still managing to create bold pieces that capture the atmosphere-specific places and natural qualities of light with an enveloping, meditative quality. Open Studios is a great way to connect with the wider creative community in Bristol, creating a valuable space for inspiring discussions with a wide variety of people. Getting informal feedback on my work can be helpful, and the party on opening night and our fundraising auction are always fun.
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THE NOTORIOUS T.O.A.D. Mole, Toad, Ratty and the gang get a hip hop makeover in In he Willows at Bristol Old Vic this month: less Poop, Poop!, more Skkrt! Skkrt! We put it to the original show’s co-artistic director Daniel Buckroyd could you have foreseen doing something like this before Hamilton came along? Photo by Richard Davenport
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don’t want to sound immodest, but In the Willows has been described as a cross between Hamilton and Matilda,” says Daniel. “Writer and director Poppy Burton-Morgan fused the musical genre with street dance to create a real spectacle, with ballads and rap sections. It has a strong message about friendship, and finding your voice, and there is also a strong political aspect about diversity, so there are definitely parallels with the way that Hamilton has made such a joyful spectacle out of a serious political story.” In the Willows is the third instalment of a trilogy of shows, by South-West company Metta Theatre, which put a modern spin on classic stories, following their hit street-dance Jungle Book and circus-musical Little Mermaid. As Daniel explains, all the familiar Kenneth Grahame characters are there, but the tale of the riverbank has been transposed to a city comprehensive called he Willows. “ ole is a female pupil with a dark secret, who finds her first day and her classmates a bit scary. She turns to her teacher, Mr Badger, for help dealing with the streetwise attie, rich kid
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oad and cheeky tter. oad, as in the 1 book, has motoring issues but in this version he gets locked up for joyriding. “The Willows is a struggling state school catering to a diverse and disadvantaged group, so the play touches on the sort of issues that young people are likely to experience around race, gender, social exclusion and mental health. The Weasels are a gang who turn to crime because they feel they have no other option, and Toad is also in and out of prison, so crime and rehabilitation are reflected. “Diversity has been built in, with a gender-nonconforming character and a deaf character. Choreographer Rhimes Lecointe has also integrated British Sign Language into the choreography. “Having said all this, the show works on different levels and is both playful and profound, so those just looking for a great night out can enjoy it as a spectacular musical. “There is a chorus line of tap-shoe-wearing toads, and a comedy prison break inside a washing machine,” he adds, alluringly . . . In The Willows plays Bristol Old Vic from 29 May – 1 June; www.bristololdvic.org.uk
“In the Willows has been described as a cross between Hamilton and Matilda”
theatre
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BRISTOL HEROES
What does it feel like to be in Bristol after dark? Colin Moody knows… Words and pictures by Colin Moody 26 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
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et’s look at some nighttime heroes. Mostly unknown; such as a face in a crowd who have given up their time and cash to be there. You go out, and you make Bristol thrive. So much of our economy comes from us being on those top ten lists, and our music and culture after dark is so diverse; really driving the coolness to the max. There is a warning, though; some venues are closing. Pressure from many sources could see a change to our night scene.
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The Extinction Rebellion has been in the news recently. Can we save this little blue-green planet, or are we past the tipping point already? Here, after dark, many hands worked tirelessly at their big Motion event full of info, workshops, link ups and much more. One big red translucent screen got me thinking: what happens if we don’t act now? What happens if we look back and we knew, but did nothing? Is this the subject of your latenight discussion?
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The Downs Bristol; view from the pit. Together we are an immense positive force.
Just to prove how much diverse activity takes place after dark, I’m using the photo app on my phone to scan all my Bristol shots and find only nightlife’ shots. It’s using an algorithm to see’ our night life; let me share them with you. This one is Lilian Looloutai. A Maasai woman. Taken in Montpelier at an African Initiatives fundraising event. She is not allowed to speak in her country at village meetings. Men hold the talking stick. ne was auctioned off and bought for thousands by a businesswoman to aid projects in Africa.
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It’s night. It’s dirty. It’s raining. Hold on. And look out for that stranger who might need a little help. We are all in this together
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I’ve been working with a youth club to explore how young people want to socialise after dark. Remember being young and needing somewhere fun and safe to hang out with your friends? Maybe you had a youth club, or were part of the Scouts or Guides. That space is Hanham Youth Club. It’s where young people hang out in the evenings, where they build their community and find their voice. It’s a project I’ve been doing with emerging young artist Nick Fogarty. The young people have documented their thoughts to offer you a snapshot of what it means to be a Human of Hanham. Google that.
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I’m still using the ‘night’ algorithm on my phone, and this one popped up. Slix. The place in Stokes Croft to pull the Beemer up to the bumper for when you need a late night chicken fix. his shot is taken from my first book, Stokes Croft and Montpelier, and shows the moment at dusk before the pallets get burned on Turbo Island. But it’s the start, of all those heroes of the night.
7
Sigur Rós is an Icelandic avantrockband from Reykjavík. They played at Harbourside a couple of years back. The music was so moving; I span the camera as I took the picture to capture the energy coming from the main stage.
8
8
He never stopped playing long enough for me to ask him his name. The Beast from the East was nothing to him; he played as everyone passed by with arms full of kebabs from Rita’s. And it was good. So good. He was given chips, but we got back so much more from him. Thank you sir. I’m looking for night time heroes of all kinds up the Gloucester Road for a new book. If you know of anyone, tell me; contact info at end.
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
“Slix. The place in Stokes Croft to pull the Beemer up to the bumper for when you need a late night chicken fi www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29
BOOKS JESSICA PAUL
The heat is on
Summer’s on its way (really) and you know what that means. You need to buy holiday books.... SECRETS AND SEASHELLS AT RAINBOW BAY – ALI MCNAMARA A properly wonderful summer read: single mum Amelia inherits a castle by the sea, which she and her family struggle to run, before finding themselves assisted by an eccentric and unconventional staff. Can om the furniture restorer offer Amelia a longawaited chance at happiness? The kind of summer romance that we all long for!
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e are slowly edging into the sunny time of year (really... really...slowly) so I decided to turn my attention to books that are particularly suited to poolside lounging and fruity cocktails. THE LOST MAN – JANE HARPER The highly anticipated third novel from Jane Harper has cemented her place on the bestseller list as the ‘queen of outback noir’ (quite a niche!) Two brothers meet at the borders of their massive cattle properties in the outback, each of them the closest neighbour to the other even after hours of driving. This leaves few suspects for the third brother’s recent disappearance and possible death. Skillfully written, this taut thriller will get your heart racing.
MAYBE THIS TIME – JILL MANSELL We’re big fans of Jill here at Max Minerva’s, not least because she lives nearby and we get signed copies of her books to send worldwide *good gift idea!*. Her latest is a story of bad romantic timing: imi comes across Cal, who was in a relationship when they first crossed paths, but on this second occasion dives into another relationship while Mimi is distracted with other people’s relationships. Will the right time for Mimi and Cal ever come?
the family back together, there is only one thing on their minds: can Amar, the estranged younger brother of the bride, be trusted to behave himself after three years away? This is a novel for our times: a deeply moving examination of love, identity and belonging that turns our preconceptions over one by one. It announces Fatima Farheen Mirza as a major new literary talent. CALL ME ZEBRA – AZAREEN VAN DER VLIET OLOOMI Van der Vliet Oloomi is the new literary darling, and for good reason. This is a sparkling, erudite novel full of wonder and wit. After the death of her father, an exiled Iranian man of letters, the bookish -year-old Zebra finds herself alone in New York. She decides to retrace the steps of her traumatic flight with her family from their homeland in the 1990s, hoping that in the process she will be inspired to write a major manifesto on literature. A natural-born raconteur, Zebra takes the reader on an irresistible journey through her thoughts, as she conceives elaborate theories about art and is increasingly convinced that her mother has been reincarnated as a cockatoo.
“Zebra is increasingly convinced that her mother has been reincarnated as a cockatoo . . .”
JOE COUNTRY – MICK HERRON This is the sixth novel in the Jackson Lamb series and starts with dark times for the characters at Slough House, with blood on the carpet and scores to settle. Fans of Herron’s series will definitely be picking this up on the way to the airport. A PLACE FOR US – FATIMA FAHEEN MIRZA his is the first title from arah essica Parker’s publishing imprint, and it’s a powerful one. A Place for Us catches an Indian Muslim family as they prepare for their eldest daughter’s wedding. But as Hadia’s marriage – one chosen of love, not tradition – gathers
ORDINARY PEOPLE – DIANA EVANS Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, this is a book that has big names among its fans (Dolly Alderton, Elizabeth Day, Pandora Sykes). Set in London to an exhilarating soundtrack, Ordinary People is an intimate study of identity and parenthood, sex and grief, friendship and ageing, and the fragile architecture of love. Max Minerva’s is at 39 North View, Westbury Park 07498 538858; www.maxminervas.co.uk
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Building a great reputation Don’t hire a bunch of cowboys: let MOBIUS help you choose the right builder
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e’ve all heard the horror stories; cowboy builders, costs spiralling out of control, shoddy workmanship and halffinished projects. More than 45,000 people called Citizens Advice last year looking for help with home improvement and maintenance problems, and according to the Federation of Master Builders, cowboy contractors cost the UK economy an estimated £10bn a year. It’s a minefield – but it doesn’t have to be that way. At Mobius, we understand that choosing the right partner for any electrical, mechanical or build project is never an easy decision, especially when that project involves your own home. You should be looking for the right balance of a fair price, high quality and good organisation. Here are 10 helpful tips that will help you to make the right decision:
1. ASK AROUND It’s always good to seek recommendations from people you know and trust.
2. TAKE REFERENCES Don’t be afraid to talk to previous customers, ask
ABOUT US Mobius Home is a leading design and build company specialising in luxury residential renovations for discerning homeowners throughout Bristol, Bath and the Cotwolds. Working with us will help you ensure that you get it right. Get in touch today for your no obligation consultation.
for references, recommendations or testimonials. If a contractor can’t provide these, quite simply steer clear.
certainly result in your project going over time and budget.
3. CHECK CREDENTIALS
You have no valid contract, or recourse, if you have no proof of payment.
It may sound obvious, but always ensure that your contractor has the appropriate registrations, accreditation, qualifications, experience and insurance. This is especially pertinent when the project involves any electrical work.
4. LOOK ONLINE Take a look at their website. Is it valid and up to date? A building company with just a mobile number is often a red flag.
5. CHOOSE APPROPRIATELY A luxury or large project has to be extensively organised, and this is usually best done by a highly experienced overall manager supported by a well-organised back office team, who will work together to synchronise trades and suppliers to produce high-quality results without delay. They will ensure that the right trades, in the right numbers, are onsite at the right time and have all the necessary materials to hand. An owner/manager type setup where your builder organises things from a mobile phone in the back pocket might well be cheaper, but the overall result and experience is unlikely to compare favourably.
7. AVOID ‘CASH’ DEALS
8. CHECK WHAT’S INCLUDED Ensure your quote includes everything you need. Beware of added extras. Many people prefer to work on a fixed price. There is nothing worse than being hit with an unexpected bill at the end of a project.
9. CHECK FINANCIAL STABILITY Ensure the company you work with has solid financial foundations; this will impact on their relationships with critical suppliers and ensure that your interests are protected.
10. PRESENTATION Take note of how the builders present themselves. Consider the quality of their tools, vehicle and equipment, as this is often a clue as to the standards of workmanship and attention to detail. n
6. AIM FOR ONE POINT OF RESPONSIBILITY While it might seem tempting to try to save money by directly engaging separate tradesmen such as carpenters, electricians, plasterers and so on, it is rarely wise. Co-ordinating all the separate trades takes great experience and organisation and getting it wrong will almost
Mobius Home Tel: 0117 403 8560 Email: hello@mobiushome.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37
THE KENSINGTON ARMS
Has this Redland favourite achieved peak gastropub perfection? During a sunny lunchtime visit, Deri Robins fails to detect a single flaw
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ummer has come to The Kenny. There are pomegranate and rose negronis on the menu. Outside, on the sun terrace, two lads are using their t-shirts as sun hats, revealing tat-covered pecs; a visiting dog slurps appreciatively from a water bowl. One regular has a new summer dress; the staff re uest that she gives them a twirl. he twirls. A paint-spattered builder – or maybe a street artist, they’re impossible to tell apart – tries not to splash cider over her as he juggles three pints on his way back from the bar. Behind the counter, a staff member is holding up her hands to convey the size of the uail cotch egg to a customer: “It’s roughly the size of a normal egg in total,” she explains. Meanwhile, unable to choose between catching a few precious rays and chilling out in the soothing, dark-wood interior, we hedge our bets and bag the big round table right next to the door, where a soft breeze gutters the flame of a candle on our table; an wholly unnecessary luxury, at high noon, but a pleasing one nonetheless. If this is building up a picture of the perfect local, that’s because it is. The Kenny, now in the capable joint hands of the Eggleton/Butcombe empires, is the gastropub by
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which all gastropubs should be measured. It’s precisely the kind of place you want to have at the end of your road. Imagine a pub in Kensington, W8 crossed with a Cotswolds rural inn, carefully rinsed of the sloaniness of the former and the stu ness of the latter, then relocated to a leafy corner of B 6. When Josh and head chef Luke Hawkins took over the kitchens a few years ago, the Kenny already had a great rep, so they wisely refrained from messing too much with the mojo. hey still don’t claim to be flash or fancy; just a proper British pub with great seasonal dishes, and a menu showcasing fresh produce sourced from the outh West; there’s a rollcall of suppliers on the website. The menu, mostly solid staples with a few twists, changes fre uently. As well as the -la-carte and daily specials, there’s a bargainous two-course lunch menu that barely costs more than a salad and coffee from Pret. The professional, friendly service lifts the whole experience, as it always should do, but so rarely does. You know the kind of bouncy, over-eager staff who interrupt all your best punchlines to ask if everything’s all right, guys? Anne at he enny is the opposite, and with a French accent as a bonus. All restaurants should send in their rookie waiters to watch and learn.
RESTAURANT
Over an Aperol and rhubarb spritz, we tucked into one of the roughly-normal-egg-sized quail Scotch eggs, served with Branston purée. Note that ‘purée’; it’s the difference between spooning stuff from a jar and refining it to a slightly higher level that marks The Kenny. Ditto a fat, perfectly seared scallop, a paragon of sweet, meaty plumpness, which came with the fun addition of that condiment du jour: the sour and spicy kimchi. For my second starter (I know, I know), I succumbed to the siren call of the crab cake, which had an ideal fish-v-spud ratio and came with a curry mayonnaise not dissimilar to that of coronation chicken; delicate discs of pickled turnips, sliced thin enough to read the menu through (well, probably, we didn’t try) added piquancy. As per, Your Man defaulted to the veggie option; his no-frills dish proved once again that there is nothing tastier than sweet heritage tomatoes paired with fluffy mozzarella (from Laverstoke); pesto and a parmesan crisp added extra flavour-depth and texture. I’d already singled out the hake from the specials board – “white wine and cream make everything better,” said Anne (did I mention she was French?). Done to a turn, with crisp skin and fresh flaky flesh, it came with earthy Jersey royals and asparagus that tasted of early summer, with another fat scallop perched jauntily on top like a little hat. Your Man’s ricotta gnocchi was equally spot-on, being sticky, fluffy and toasty in all the right places; he had his own allocation of asparagus, which mercifully meant I didn’t have to give him any of mine. We finished off by sharing a note-perfect, gooey, sticky toffee pudding, not because we remotely needed it but because we were having such a nice time, with a pair of Wogan espressos that were just as good as as everything else we’d wolfed down. And if the above is still not enough to win you over – boy, you’re a tough crowd today – know then that they also have special nights: Tuesday it’s mussels, Wednesday steaks, and burgers on the first hursday of the month; coming up too is a foraging masterclass; a fish and shellfish dinner, and a guest night with Rob Howell of Root. It’s always ideal to identify a few flaws in a restaurant review, just to show that you’re paying attention and aren’t over-easily pleased. We were defeated at The Kenny. It’s that rare thing; a local’s pub that’s worth crossing town for; we really don’t see why all the Redland folk should have all the fun. n
“Imagine a pub in Kensington W8, rinsed of all its sloaniness then relocated to BS6” DINING DETAILS The Kensington Arms, 35-37 Stanley Road; 0117 944 6444; www.thekensingtonarms.co.uk Food served Mon-Thurs midday2.30pm; 6-9pm; Friday midday2.30pm, 6-9.30pm; Saturday midday3pm, 6-9.30pm; Sunday midday-7pm We visited Wednesday lunchtime Prices Set lunch £12-£15; starters £7.5£9; mains £13-£21; puds £4.5-£6.5 Drinks Craft beers and ciders, an international wine list and a changing list of cocktail specials Veggie? Good choice Kids? For sure. And dogs Disabled access All one level Service Smoothly efficient, friendly and welcoming
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 39
FOOD & DRINK
EAT, CONNECT, BRISTOL FASHION Bristol Food Connections is back, and the clue’s in the name, as it sets out to unite all of Bristol in another epic, citywide, thought-provoking celebration of food
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t’s not just another food market with a few tasty beats chucked in (though it has those, too). Food Connections is all about people coming together to celebrate one of the world’s most universal pleasures – cooking, eating and sharing food. You’ll need to take a proper shufti at the website to see the full range of events, but here’s a few, ranging from thought-provoking talks to a funky wake-up rave, to whet your appetite.
3WAKE UP!
1GET ON BOARD
t s a one-o opportunity to rise and shine and rave”
Discover independent eateries across three different Bristol postcodes, guided by a dedicated Food Passport that takes you from place to place, earning you complimentary tasters and samples as you go. Once you’ve savoured your taster, your passport will be stamped, after which it is on… This year, the three passport districts are Bristol’s Independent District, including Gloucester Road; Clifton Village, and Bedminster. Call yourself a proper foodie? We challenge you to complete all three passports in the 10 days of this year’s festival.
2A TALE OF TWO CITIES
Food poverty affects of Bristol’s children. The causes are complex – some obvious, some paradoxical – and the answers, while completely within our capacity as a city, are equally challenging. This session will explore the barriers, the politics, the people and some models for transformational change. A Tale of Two Cities is comprised of two separately ticketed events; first comes a debate led by a panel of experts from the areas of public health policy, research and practice, followed by a dinner cooked by chefs from Bristol and beyond, along with young chefs from Square Food’s How to Be A Chef programme, in partnership with The No Child Goes Hungry project and FareShare South West.
40 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Friday morning just got funkier. Head to Colston Hall between 7-9 am for a pre-work party, as alleyFest’s ick errific and C Rocky Patch spin some dutty tunes to get a headstart on your weekend. On the food front are Yeo Valley’s all-therage kefir, special Bristol breakfast bowls from Bowl of Plenty and gallons of strong coffee. Tickets are free, but as you need to register beforehand through the ticket link. This is a one-off opportunity to shake Friday morning up. Rise, shine and rave!
4
BRAIN FEAST
Can we truly express ourselves through what we eat? Hosted by TV presenter and the Carib-Asian Cookery show’s Sherrie EugeneHart, this panel explores how the places we come from shape the food we share, the flavours we love and the food memories that enrich our lives. Panellists include Zoe Adjonyoh, who aims to bring African food to the masses through her supper clubs, cookery books, festival and TV appearances. There’s Dominic Borel from Bristol’s insanely successful Pasta Loco group. Ishita Wilkins, the unstoppable power behind Eat Your Words, the supper club that celebrates eating together, and cookbooks that take us on cultural and historical journeys. And Fozia Ismail of Arawelo Eats – as much a platform for enjoying Somali and African food as a lens through which to explore the complex issues of race and British identity, and today’s ever-changing challenging social, political and cultural contexts.
AND BEATS AND BOATS 5EATS FOR LUNCH
Bristol Ferry Boats may only chunder back and forth across the harbour, but during Food Connections they’ll be celebrating food from around the world. Every weekday lunchtime during the festival, the boats will become a popup restaurant for one of their foodie catering partners, who will provide you with lunch aboard – check the festival website for choices.
AT HOME WITH 6COOKING JOSH EGGLETON
One of the most successful and colourful characters on the Bristol food scene – he’s (drum roll) chef patron of the Michelin-starred Pony & Trap, founder of Salt & Malt, co-owner of The Kensington Arms, Eat Drink Bristol Fashion and School for Food, three-times winner of The Great British Menu regional heats –and he’s kindly sharing some of his skillz at Colston Hall for free.
7VELA POP-UP
Arushi and Ishita cook up the tastes and flavours they grew up with. hey’re creating a feast at Hart’s Bakery around one of their favourite ingredients – the mango – for a sixcourse Mango Mela feast, bringing East Coast and West Coast vibes from Bengal and Gujarat.
8THE LOVE FOOD MARKET
Head to Colston Hall on either (or both!) 15 and 16 June, to see, smell and shop for some of the amazing produce we have in our region, while meeting farmers, growers, bakers, makers, curers, brewers, fermenters and more.
VEGGIE AND VEGAN 9NO-FUSS MEALS WITH ELLY PEAR
Elly Curshen demonstrates recipes from her newest book, Green: Veggie and Vegan Meals for No-Fuss Weeks and Relaxed Weekends – see also page 106. Bristol Food Connections runs 12-23 June all across the city; for dates, times and prices (a lot of events are free) see www.bristolfoodconnections.com
FOOD & DRINK
CLOCKWISE: Head to Hart’s for this year’s Vela feast; Dom Borel does his smouldering FOH thing; proper foodie hero Barny Haughton’s on board for the Tale of Two Cities event; Josh (he’s promising to send us his next column any day now); total cutie alert at last year’s Iftar feast at Barton Hill
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 41
NEW MENU
Find a little sunshine on Gloucester Road at The Blue Lagoon! Delivering excellent food, live music seven days a week and a wide range of cocktails.
LOCAL PRODUCE The Promenade, 18/20 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8AE 0117 942 7471 | www.thebluelagooncafebar.com
HEY, DUDE As you’ve probably noticed, Bristol’s food scene is off-the-Richterscale brilliant. It’s the vegan capital of the world; cooks up a global and regional storm, and punches well above its weight when it comes to Michelin fine-dinery. It’s a tasty prospect by any standards. But when it’s summertime and the living is easy, there’s one kind of food we crave more than any other . . .
Words by George Maguire Photos by Louis Smith www.studiowhisk.co.uk
You are looking at a national champion-level burger here; only at Squeezed
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You’d stand well back too if your oven was as hot as the 400° Pizzarova oven
J
ust in case ‘dude food’ hasn’t made into the Urban Dictionary at the time of writing, it might be useful to classify it from the get-go. Dude food is sociable, crowd-pleasing food of a high uality, sourced impeccably and executed more e ciently than Ned Stark on a lawful beheading spree. The kings and queens of the dude food world rule an empire of tripledecked patties, sourdough pizzas and melt-in-the middle savoury pies; accompanying drinks are invariably of the craft variety; great coffee for mornings, and beer and cider for – well, is 10am too soon? Dude food is food served with a sense of autonomy. Its dishes boldly sail beyond the shores of bland expectation and ‘we’ve always done it this way’ practices in search of honest experimentation and maximal taste. This is frontier cooking, with as much as possible being done home on the range. Décor-wise, visual references are clearly signposted, with plentiful exposed brickwork, pipes and murky Edison bulbs. Bonus points for visible ovens. he stripped-back look is partly for aesthetic effect, but predominantly because the spotlight is firmly on the cooking; these pioneers of casual dining focus on great ingredients and putting the fun in food. ou’ll find friendly, upbeat service and a touch of childlike play in these venues. Their owners, often chefs and frontline service troopers, are the kind of dabblers who swapped their garden shed for a kitchen a long time ago. And never stopped tinkering. Now pass that chipotle ketchup, would you?
mix of Bristol bass, atin, funk and old school hip-hop, you’ll find yourself smiling and grooving to the beat. Why visit? Go for the West Country cheddar cheesy chips, the El Don burger or the buttermilk brined chicken burger, Pollo Libre.
ASADO
THE BRISTOL STABLE
head chef ucien pops out certified-organic burgers from the heart. What’s the atmosphere like? Funky, social dining. With an eclectic
What is it? They call themselves ‘cider-loving pizza makers’. They chose
Where? 90 Colston Street; www.asadobristol.com What is it? Asado is panish for barbecue. ver a woodfired grill, Asado’s
THE ASHVILLE
Where? 15 Leigh Street; www.theashville.co.uk What is it? Popular pub and steakhouse south of the river, serving classic
steak cuts as well as a wide variety of timeless English dishes.
What’s the atmosphere like? Unpretentious and family friendly – it’s
never too early to initiate a kid into dudeness, after all. Why visit? To take on the T-bone steak challenge: 72oz of pure beef. Are you hard enough? Are your arteries?
BAMBALAN
Where? Colston Tower; www.bambalan.co.uk What is it? Another tentacle of the omnipotent Hyde & Co octopus,
Bambalan is all things to all people. With a large booze- (and dog-) friendly outdoor terrace, dynamic boho urban interiors, free table tennis and some exciting, fresh fodder, largely but not exclusively featuring mezze and baps, this is a Swiss Army knife of a venue. What’s the atmosphere like? Depending on when you visit, anything from party central to über-chill cafe. There’s frequently some cool dude or other on the decks, and they love to throw a themed event. Why visit? For the laidback Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, perfect for sharing outside on a sunny evening. Alternatively, dive into a Lil’Bam burger for a chunk of goodness. Where? Anchor Square, Canon’s Road;
www.bristol.stablepizza.com the right city, then. . .
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food & drink If you need us to tell you that this is a Pieminister pie, you probably haven’t been paying attention
What’s the atmosphere like? Homely; a bit like a German beer hall, except for the apple-based nectar. Live music in the evenings. Why visit? For the intriguing and original pizzas (made from a sourdough starter called Jerry) such as the Bristol Baa Baa – sourdough with toppings of lamb kofta, feta, mozzarella, oregano and red onions.
BURGER THEORY
HONEST BURGERS
Where? 21 Clare Street; www.honestburgers.co.uk What is it? Like many Bristol institutions, Honest Burgers started as an idea over beers. A few griddles later, and they now have a chain of restaurants that excel in the art of relaxed burger dining. They take meat so seriously that they’ve even opened a butcher’s. What’s the atmosphere like? A no-nonsense burger bar that feels cosy and solidly Bristolian, despite its nationwide scale. Honest. Why visit? The rosemary fries. Salty and citrussy-herby. Other stars include the Tribute Burger and the notorious Beyond Meat Burger (let me know how that one goes).
Where? 37-38 St Stephen’s Street; www.burgertheory.co.uk What is it? Self-dubbed ‘the creative burger people’, Rory Perriment’s team are a band of burger enthusiasts that live to transmute local produce into bountiful burgers. There’s probably a theory behind it… What’s the atmosphere like? Chilled out yet efficient. Why visit? To chow on the Prairie Girl, a chicken burger like no other: a huge fried chicken breast with hot sauce and blue cheese. If you have room for it (and few do), consider joining the Bottomless Burger Club, where you will have two hours to indulge in all of your burger eating fantasies. Big decisions lie ahead.
Where? 18 Saint Nicholas Street; www.mugshotrestaurants.com What is it? Part red-velvety vintage escape retreat, part steak-sizzler. What’s the atmosphere like? Despite the name, the staff have no criminal record; the charming service, posh chandeliers and 120-year-old walnut chairs take dude foodery to a whole new level. Why visit? You’ll have fun cooking your organic steaks on hot stones, caveman style.
HOBGOBLIN
OOWEE DINER
Where? 69-71 Gloucester Road; on Facebook What is it? Despite the intense competition on Gloucester Road, Hobgoblin is a local institution, with huge servings, wonderful burgers and plentiful craft ales. What’s the atmosphere like?An approachable, welcoming, classic British pub with a Sunday pub quiz. Why visit? For the humungous dirty fries, which are, in the best, current sense of the parlance, as dirty as they come. Complete with melted blue and cheddar cheese, coriander mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, eight different spices and smoked pulled pork: a wonder to behold.
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MUGSHOT
Where? 202 North Street; 54 Picton Street; 65 Baldwin Street www.ooweediner.com What is it? Deliciously dirty dude-food flagbearers. Famed for their dirty fries, vegan shrimp fries and their ability to stir up ‘free burgers – catch me if you can!’ style events. What’s the atmosphere like? A playful, millennial take on an American diner. It’s not complicated. It is social and you come here for one thing – the food. Why visit? For ridiculous, oozing, messy burgers. Note to meat- and dairy-swervers: make sure to stop by the 100% vegan branch on Baldwin Street for some plant-based delights.
THE OX
Where? 43 Corn Street; www.theoxbristol.com What is it? A steak meat paradise from the stylish Hyde & Co crew, with some excellent sides, including a top mac & cheese; cocktails are mixed by suited and booted bar staff. What’s the atmosphere like? Atmospheric and secretive with a slightly eccentric twist. Why visit? Because you probably want to tuck into a solid fillet steak and chips and because you are deeply tempted by the ‘dark chocolate cremeux, white chocolate mousse, cherry jam’.
PIEMINISTER
Where? 24 Stokes Croft; www.pieminister.co.uk What is it? Just in case the name was not clear enough, Pieminister (not Pieminster as I have heard a friend call it) make the best pies in the biz, heavily supplemented with mounds of mash, peas and gravy. Random fact: co-founder Tristan dreamt up the name while eating a pie on Bondi Beach. What’s the atmosphere like? Urban diner with a touch of rustic. Why visit? Because although you probably couldn’t survive alone on the Heidi (goats cheese, sweet potato and spinach) or the Moo & Blue (British beef steak and Long Clawson Stilton), it would be fun trying.
PIGSTY
Where? Cargo, Wapping Wharf; www.pigstyuk.com What is it? The ‘home of the hog’, Pigsty began when the three Kohn brothers and their friend Will, decided to put The Jolly Hog sausages (molto tasty), in a banger bap and start selling them out of a pop-up sausage bar. Their first permanent premises opened to Cargo punters in 2016; it now has an even bigger branch on the Glo Road. What’s the atmosphere like? One of the larger Cargo containers, with a sun terrace, serving every imaginable riff on our porky friends. The welcoming staff will ensure you trot home joyfully at the end of the meal. Why visit? Pop in for a breakfast sourdough bacon sarnie, ‘Crackling Sticks’, ‘Tomapork’ steak and mash or even the intriguing Chocolate Salami if you are feeling particularly devilish.
“Pizzarova is the proud guardian of a sourdough culture that is probably older than your gran”
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Squeezed: the name comes from the home-made lemonade, not because it’s a tiny room crammed between two other containers. But sort of because of that, too
PIZZAROVA
Where? 2-4 Park Street; www.pizzarova.com What is it? The excellent Pizzarova has chosen to eschew the easy and adopt the rigour of handmade pizza. With reputed origins in a converted Landrover Defender, Pizzarova is the proud guardian of a sourdough culture that is probably older than your nan. What’s the atmosphere like? A shrine to laidback informal eating. Expect to see solo business types diving into not-for-sharing pizzas, £5 meal-deal-seeking students and tourists alike. The interiors are simple and neutral, with striking neon signage and white marble tables bearing basil pots. It’s relaxed. Why visit? For excellent, chewy and highly reasonable pizza, complete with fully customisable toppings (at no extra expense). Make sure you order the garlic and herb dip, and marvel at the huge 400-degree oven as you wait.
SPITFIRE BARBEQUE
Where? 1 Hannover Quay; www.spitfirebarbecue.com What is it? Masters of the barbeque, Spitfire deals in monster ribs, smoked meats and chilly beers. As any Deep South documentary will tell you: what the pit boss makes, you eat. What’s the atmosphere like? Overlooking the waterfront, Spitfire is in classic, unpretentious, informal diner style. Hipster it is not. Why visit? To enjoy some of the best BBQ in Bristol, in effortless style.
SQUEEZED
Where? Unit 23 Cargo, Wapping Wharf; www.bristolsqueezed.co.uk What is it? A postcard-sized restaurant in Cargo, run by our cover star Alex Hayes, who recently won the National Burger Awards, making Bristol proud. What a guy!
What’s the atmosphere like? Like its Cargo comrades, dinky and cosy, with a blue and yellow décor and happy-looking plants. Why visit? To be blown away by the signature St Werburger: a double beef patty, smoked bacon and caper aioli, cheese, confit shallots and chipotle ketchup; and the Rude Willy homemade lemonade. ‘Love’, says Alex, is a central ingredient in all these creations.
THREE BROTHERS BURGERS
Where? Welsh Back; www.threebrothersburgers.co.uk What is it? A mecca to burger-flipping. Expect to find Tower of Pisa-style burgers, piled to the brim with an assortment of delicious ingredients. What’s the atmosphere like? Buzzing. In a good way. Bit like 9.30pm at your best friend’s wedding. Why visit? To feel young and carefree, eating burgers that no sane dietician would ever recommend for your five-a-day. Add in their fastidious rotation of an extensive range of craft ciders and beers and you are onto a winner. Choose the Blue Mountain Burger or the Chilli Cheese Fries (topped with Monteray Jack cheese and slowcooked beef brisket chilli). You can thank me later.
VX
Where? 123 East Street; www.vxbristol.com What is it? Vegans can be filthy, too; VX is on a mission to prove that “the cruelty-free vegan lifestyle doesn’t have to be boring.” It’s principally a shop that also serves the likes of plant-based delicacies, vegan burgers, soya steaks, a classic cheesie toastie with Jeezo and organic mock meat – you get the picture. They say The vegan apocalypse is coming. Although they won’t be riding horses, as they’re vegan, obviously. n
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FOOD & DRINK
KINKAJOU Benjamin (top right) and Jonathan Tucker are bros as well as business partners, and the guys behind Kinkajou – the ‘secret’ (not any more!) Prohibition-style bar on Upper Belgrave Road, on the old Hausbar site
L
oved Hausbar? Still in mourning for its demise? Nil desperandum, because as Ben Tucker tells us, if you were fans of the former ‘secret’ bar you’ll feel quite at home when you visit Kinkajou. “Our intention was always to maintain the calm, gentle vibe that Auri started at Hausbar, whilst giving the venue itself a more modern look and feel; our take on the speakeasy bar,” says Ben. “We had to keep the layout essentially the same, as it’s a fairly small area, but the seven-metre bar has been refitted and remains in place, with the customer area extended
Not so much raising the bar, but making it even longer
very slightly, but completely re-designed and refurbished. All in all, we hope that we are providing a more luxurious and sophisticated environment.” Why are you named after a small rainforest mammal? We found out the hard way that deciding on a new and (hopefully) unique name for a cocktail lounge is not that easy, and there really were some bad ideas thrown around. However, when we stumbled upon the name kinkajou we knew we were onto something. The kinkajou (also called the honeybear) is a nocturnal, highly social and very curious individual, and so it just felt like a perfect fit. The reason for the extensive use of wood in the new refurbishment is to try and provide a connection back to the rainforest habit of the kinkajou. Can you sum up the vibe and philosophy of the bar in five words? Luxuriously unhurried, good-time, cocktails! Who is in charge of the cocktail menus? Our new GM Jack Steward and bar manager Nico Florin; there is a brand-new menu coming in June Give us a recommendation from the current menu The Angel Soul is already popular: it’s a beautiful recipe mixing up gin, St Germain, apple juice and lime, served in a martini glass. Do you have a signature drink? Absolutely; the Honeybear…. homemade peanut cachaca, honey and pineapple juice Anything else? Yes, we are now holding events on a monthly basis – all are pre-listed on our website for details. For more www.kinkajoubar.co.uk
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MORE TASTY BITES… COCONUT CARNIVAL
Bristol Life favourites The Coconut Tree, who won best new business in our 2019 Awards, invite you join them for the next two Coconut Carnivals on I June and 14 September. Head to the Clifton Triangle branch, where live DJs bring the hip hop,funk, house, disco and ‘80s mash up. There are coconut processions and, obviously, cocotails: entry is free, but you’re advised to book a table.
www.thecoconut-tree.com/coconut-carnival
FACTORY SETTINGS This month 25 years ago, the Tobacco Factory dodged demolition and reinvented itself as the multi-purpose hub we know and love today. To celebrate its anniversary there’s a full programme of events planned for - 6 ay, with a lot of tasty food offerings alongside the arty stuff street food comes courtsey of opal’s, Low & Slow, Of Mice & Men and others, while a Bristol Beer Factory takeover sees the launch of two new beers to wash it all down. There’s a special producers market too, as well as a street banquet. www.tobaccofactory.com/whats-on/25-years
PASTA MASTERS
“There are too many Italian restaurants in this town,” said nobody, ever; all hail, then, the new Spaghetti Incident on Stokes Croft. Owner Kai Underwood ran an actual pizzeria in actual Italy for three years, so knows his cipolle; the menu is mainly pastacentric, everything’s made in house, and dishes mix up the best fresh ingredients from the west with specialist ingredients from Italy. The Spaghetti Incident on Facebook
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FOOD & DRINK
A B
E CHE
Riverside pub The Ostrich, now owned by Butcombe, has had a major makeover just in time for summer; there’s outside seating for over 400 happy drinkers with views across to Thekla. Look out for new outdoor bar The Floating Ostrich, serving classic Butcombe brews as well as a new Ostrich Ale.
REMEMBER GRILLSTOCK…?
Well, that’s still not happening. However, here to fill our cravings for BB goodness is the brand-new mokefest; taking place on 1 uly at obacco Factory, it promises to offer the heady mix of meats and beats that made rillstock such a summertime hit, with BB food, craft beer, live music and smokers demos. Expect to see top Bristol food names, from amaica treet tores to osij, asty agga, Asado and the vegan Bun Fiction guys. Follow Smokefest on Facebook.
Co-exist has reached its £25,000 crowdfunder target, with over 300 separate donations; work rebuilding the Coexist Community Kitchen will begin pronto with a view to being fully reopened by October. Bristol café chain Friska is to open its eleventh store in June, taking over the site that was previously Caffe Gusto on the corner of Queen Square and Prince Street in Bristol. The good news is that the Pony & Trap’s next local collab (recent ones have seen the Chew Magna Michelin ninjas teaming up with Romy’s Kitchen and Woky Ko) will be with Cotham Hill faves Pasta Loco on 13 June. The bad news is that it immediately sold out; email them if you want to join the waiting list… info@theponyandtrap.co.uk
THE BEET GOES ON
ew for this summer, with a launch date of ay, is he Den Dockside at 57 Prince street. It’s the sister café to Beets n oots yet another Bristol Life Award winner and is billed as a day-to-night café, music venue, and barbershop’ with a am license hursday- unday. Expect all the usual Beets n oots delights, but with live music and D s. And barbers. On Facebook.
54 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
TESTING, TESTING This month we’ve been getting our teeth into Yumello, a Bristol-based startup brand devoted to bringing the vibrant flavours of the Atlas ountains to the kitchens of Britain. ook out for four nut butters – smooth salted date almond, salted date crunchy peanut – we’re all over their salty, caramelly creaminess… www.yumello.com
BREWS AND CHEWS Beer and cheese are two of humankind’s greatest creations. A match made in heaven – like chocolate and chilli, fish and chips, Simon & Garfunkel, Bristol and Bristol Life . . .
T
o celebrate the return of Bristol Craft Beer Festival and its new partnership with Two Belly beer and cheese, we’re here to give you the rundown on pairing cheese and beer like an absolute pro.
CHEDDARS Cheddar has quite a high fat content, and as such pairs well with IPAs, which are great with fattier and saltier foods. The key here is to match the hop strength of the beer with the sharpness of the cheddar. Too sharp a cheese with too weak a hop, or vice versa, and one of them will ended up being overpowered. Try: Wiper & True, Red Orange amber ale + Montgomery’s Cheddar BLUE CHEESES Your go-to brew for blue cheeses is stout; the prominent flavours from both are a match made in heaven. You’ve essentially got two types of blue cheese – sweet and creamy, and dry and spicy. Sweet blue cheeses pair well with sweeter stouts (think oatmeal, chocolate or maybe vanilla porter), but for drier and spicier blues, you can’t go wrong with the roast notes of an imperial stout.
Try: Bristol Beer Factory, Russian Imperial Stout + Stichelton ALPINE CHEESE Alpine can refer to Swiss, French or Italian cheeses, but to keep it simple, think Comté – traditionally made from the milk of animals that have grazed in high mountain pastures,
“When you get into cheeses like burrata you can really have some fun . . . ” giving the cheese a rich and complex flavour. that matches wonderfully with Bocks and Dunkels, as the nutty caramel flavours in the beer really complement the cheese. Try: ToØl Denmark, Tripel IPA + Comté FRESH, LIGHT CHEESES Lighter cheeses such as mozzarella and soft chevre (that’s goat’s cheese) pair well with
lighter beers. The citrussy tones of a witbier are a great match for a goat’s cheese or mozzarella, as are the herbal hoppy notes of pilsner. When you get into cheeses like mascarpone or burrata, you can really start to have some fun in this area. The rich dessert like quality of these cheeses makes them a perfect match for fruit sours, for an almost berriesand-cream-like combo. Try: Lost & Grounded, Keller Pils + Sinodun Hill soft goat’s cheese CREAMY & FUNKY You really need to up your beer game when it comes to the more potent, washed rind creamy cheeses such as Stinking Bishop. Firstly, don’t be afraid of these cheeses; they may smell rather strong, but that very soon gives way to some incredible flavours and an intense creamy texture. To match this you’ll want to go with some hop bitterness or something with a higher carbonation; Flanders reds and browns and the classic limbic are the perfect choices. Try: Yonder Brewing and Blending, Suki (sour saison) + Gubeen washed rind cow’s milk. Bristol Craft Beer Festival 7-8 June, Harbourside www.bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk
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CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE
Time gentlemen, please Why wouldn’t the BTP sell Stan the snack his little heart desired?
C
an’t say I’m a big fan of cars. Noisy, smelly objects, clogging up the world. Much prefer cycling myself. Trouble is, cars are such useful things to have around when you’ve got places to go. Which is why I’ve got one myself, along with all the downsides to being a car owner. Not least, the expense. The neverending bills. Seems to me that mainly, cars are just massive great money pits on wheels.
“In my younger years, I was occasionally refused service in pubs when I’d had enough sauce. But in this case it was my first croissant of the day and the refusal felt a bit premature”
Last week, for instance, mine started to do a weird kind of wobble, so I called into a garage by the Whiteladies Road. They took one look at the front tyres and told me it would take a couple of hours to empty my wallet by sorting them out. Which presented me with a problem. What does one do with a couple of spare hours, hanging about by Clifton Down? Especially when you’re feeling thirsty and more than a little bit snackish? Hmm. Think you can guess where this is going… Time to look around for a suitable café. But first, I did what I always do when I’m in that neck of the woods. Hit the charity shops. In this case, looking for something to read. Something not too heavy, that would soak up a couple of hours without too much thinking required. Having found just the ticket, I strolled along to the Boston Tea Party, grabbed myself a window seat, and got thinking about elevenses. Which is when my problems began. You see, the lovely folks at BTP do an equally lovely line in snacks, both sweet and savoury. As I was in the mood for sweetening up, my eye was drawn
along the counter until, tucked away half out of sight, I spotted a tiny tray piled high with tempting baked goods. Just the thing to dip in the coffee Americano I had just ordered. But then things got weird. I asked the young person behind the bar for one of her finest croissants, and, dear reader, she took one look at me and shook her head. Yup. You read that right. She refused to sell me a pastry. Now, I can’t lie. In my younger days, I was occasionally refused service, in pubs usually. But in their defence, the serving staff were right to do so. I’d had enough sauce. However, in this case, it was my very first croissant of the day, and I felt the refusal was a bit premature. Unless it was some new healthy living initiative, where the staff look at your waistline before taking your order. In a firm but reasonable voice, I asked why I wasn’t allowed the snack my heart desired. Long story short, it turns out they have a sell-by time. Not date. Time. I had missed it by moments. Sigh. I went back to my window seat, opened my book, sipped my coffee and decided that from now on, I might have to start using my bike more often. n Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com
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A MAN’S WORLD SEB BARRETT
“If Game of Thrones had aired in 1999, would Peter Jackson even have bothered making Lord of the Rings?”
Golden years
Enough already with the Marvel universe; let’s have a bit more mainstream risk-taking, says Baz
W
ent to watch the ne vengers film the other day,” said o r film loving
riend att hat s nny yo look older than seven,” responded our mirth l mate ave att co ntered that the vengers films are o r generation’s Star Wars, which didn’t really bolster his argument eca se none o s are seven years old any more. I’ve enjoyed watching the arvel films as m ch as the ne t nerd t not or a moment would I lend them the gravitas that seems to have been bestowed
upon them by audiences and critics alike. It may be that we’re inundated ith films rom all corners these days, including streaming sites, but this only seems to have dil ted the ality n act ith studios more willing to invest money – and us our time – in TV series, it should come as no surprise that we’re experiencing a cinematic sl mp Game of Thrones had aired in 1999, would Peter Jackson even have bothered making Lord of the Rings? That year, 1999, has been hailed as the last golden era or cinema. Fight Club, Being John Malkovich, Magnolia, Three Kings,
The Matrix, Americans Pie and Beauty, The Sixth Sense, to name t slightly more than a hand l o gems here as movie magic or everyone hell there as even a Star Wars film erio sly look it p and see ho many films yo love came out that year. It would be churlish to suggest that there are no ality films being made any more, because recent scar otherers s ch as A Star is Born, Moonlight, Vice and Green Book would have been right at home ith the a orementioned titles. On the other hand, to run thro gh a list o pcoming films in 2019 is to witness a dreary hodgepodge o remakes and se els hell there s even a Star Wars film he element o risk seems to have all but disappeared in mainstream filmmaking retired amily mem er looking to fill some empty ho rs in his day recently purchased a season ticket to the cinema, only to find himsel e asperated ith his options this year. Will he be going to watch Frozen 2, or the remakes o Aladdin and The Lion King y himsel nd as a comic ook film take it or leaver the options are depressingly slim. or s non retirees ticket prices don’t help, making ‘event movies’ the films people o ld rather save up to watch. You know what
yo re getting rom a Toy Story 4, but you might not want to risk a tenner on a amily drama set in ottingham ven one o the more edgy films coming soon Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix n said is a Batman spin o yo re illing to go the e tra step to save on ticket prices, I’d s ggest taking a hal day o work and going to an earlybird screening. A pal and I did this recently and my small popcorn ended up being more expensive than the ticket Widows y teve c een i yo re ondering This is the world we live in now. For what it’s worth, there’s a ne entin arantino film on the horizon this year, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood with a o er ind cing do le act o eo n Brad and Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Richard inklater one o merica s great filmmakers o can e s re they’ll be challenging, but how many others can or will? ll o this isn t to say e haven t got another golden age to come; just that we could be waiting a hile e ore it does
Seb Barrett works in sports communications. Follow him on Twitter @bazzbarrett
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Young Bristol launches
“YOUTH CLUB ON WHEELS” Young Bristol is launching its new mobile youth bus, the ‘Youth Club on Wheels’ next month. The bus will provide a critical service to an extra 500 young people every year within the city and surrounding areas who currently have little to no access to community-based youth work. The new youth bus will deliver social, creative, multi-media, active, indoor and outdoor services to young people in need including: sports, activities, arts and crafts, as well as job and homework guidance, provision of healthy food, a safe place to talk with trained youth workers and most importantly a space to socialise and have fun with friends. Young Bristol has worked with local authorities and analysed data from its own Community Youth Clubs to strategically identify the areas within the Bristol City Council boundaries that the bus will first visit. These include Shirehampton, Avonmouth, Henbury, Oldbury Court and Hillfields. Following discussions with Bath and North East Somerset Council, the bus will also deliver in certain areas of the county, including Keynsham and the Chew Valley.
Look out for the bus in your community soon!
Charity number 301681
0117 929 2513
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www.youngbristol.com
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info@youngbristol.com
OPINION KAM KELLY
W
Pole position What kind of weird kid prefers salad to pudding? Kam ‘s putting it down to his central European genes . . .
“The evidence in my case would be my half-Polish side enjoying a selection of cold foods and salads, and my half-Australian side being an absolute drongo about beer”
rite about food,” said the ed. My least favourite subject, as I usually abide by the ‘eating is cheating’ adage. But I will do what I’m told, because I really don’t have much else going on. I am a man (barely) of very limited maintenance requirements. I’m very much like Flash Gordon: just a man, with a man’s courage. Not so much a man with a man’s appetite. On a daily basis, I usually make myself a salad. Same every day. A bag of butterhead lettuce, three quarters of a tin of tuna (with the rest going to my little dog, who loves a bit of fish and black olives and a dressing of olive oil and a little vinegar. Salad connoisseurs, I’m sure, will be incredulous that I haven’t included tomatoes, cucumbers or, the cornerstone of any selfrespecting salad in this day and age: ava-ruddy-cado! Now don’t get me wrong. I ruddy love ava-ruddy-cado. Ooh I properly do. When I was a kid, as a treat, mum would give us half an avo, with dressing where the stone once was. And if I’m feeling a little cheeky, a litle frisky perhaps; if I’m feeling downright saucy, I’ll nip down to the Lockside (by the Basin) for brunch. Toasted tiger bread, sliced tomato, grilled halloumi and sliced cado of the avo variety. May have to get a new keyboard now, as I have salivated all over this one! Anyways. Salad. My salad. The one I eat pretty much every day. It’s not a conscious diet effort. It’s not a conscious decision of any kind. It’s simply what I want/fancy/crave on a daily basis. Growing up, we would have a salad with every meal, and even as a kid, it was always my favourite part. Even more so than dessert. But then I would always rather have a cold meal than a hot one. Cold meats, some cheeses, fresh bread and salads
would be my ideal feast. I don’t know if that has anything to do with the fact that I’m half Polish (on my father’s side....but don’t worry, after Brexit we’ll send him back to where he belongs). When I’ve been to Poland to see family it’s usually cold foods for lunch then maybe warm/hot pirogi (salivating again . . . bring on keyboard number three!) in the evening. Does what we like/crave/ want derive from our heritage and genes? A Ghanaian friend of mine reckons that’s exactly the case; his mum does, anyway. During a visit from her a few years ago, he took her out to the nicest eateries every night of her stay. She asked if he always ate like that. Being on the larger side, the answer was yes. His mother explained that for decades, even centuries, his ancestors in Ghana lived on a completely different, simpler and arguably healthier diet. And their DNA eventually resulted in him (Gerald is his name, in case you were wondering). Gerald changed his diet to include more foods indigenous to Ghana, including cassava, plantain, sweet potatoes and cocoyam. Within a month he told me that not only did he feel amazing, but he also lost stones; I mean seriously, I was being gentle when earlier I referred to him as being on the larger side. I believe there is something to that theory. The evidence in my case would be my half-Polish side enjoying a selection of cold foods and salads, and my halfAustralian side being an absolute drongo about beer. “Write about food,” she said. No, I want to explore genetics and DNA thank you very much. Note to editor: If this doesn’t work for this issue of Bristol Life, please forward to the editor of The New Scientist. Kam Kelly’s breakfast show, every weekday from 6am, Sam FM Bristol, 106.5fm
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POM POM HOOPS, £8 That Thing stocks fashion and homeware from independent Bristol designers, along with handpicked vintage; the pieces are always fresh and eclectic, and wildly affordable From That Thing, 45-47 Stokes Croft; www.thatthing.co
PUSS IN BROGUES PRINT, SIGNED LIMITED EDITION OF 25, £40 Printmaker and illustrator Anna Marrow studied fine art in Bristol and now prints at Spike Island. We are strangely drawn to this serious-looking puss in his oversized brogues . . . From Soma Gallery www.somagallery.co.uk
SUNSHINE... …we’re here, you can take a break. Whether you’re mad about saffron or in a mellow-yellow frame of mind, we’re all over this summer’s sunniest hue
HUDSON BORNEO ESPADRILLES, £55 Made in Spain, with a traditional jute espadrille sole, but a lessthan-traditional (and easier to wear) back leather buckle. Because there’s always room for improvement on a classic design… From Maze Clothing, 26-28 The Mall; www.mazeclothing.co.uk
BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN SILVA SKIRT, £169 Oooh, this is pretty. Fitted midi skirt with a bottom frill, forgivably elasticated at the waist From Grace and Mabel 32 The Mall, Clifton www.graceandmabel.co.uk
ANTIQUE BEXLEY JACKET, £205 Mustard’s a huge hue for 2019; this waxed Bexley guy’s jacket from Bristol heritage brand Peregrine looks pleasingly hunky layered over knitwear and tees alike From Peregrine Clothing, Montpelier Trading Estate www.peregrineclothing.co.uk
62 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
ED’S CHOICE MADAM STOLTZ CONTAINER, £29 Ditch the plastic; these bamboo containers are a hundred times more aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. Ideal for lunch and picnics, and guaranteed to turn your colleagues yellow with envy From Fox + Feather, 43 Gloucester Road www.foxandfeather.co.uk
BLOOMINGVILLE STONEWARE JAR, £23.50 We can think of endless uses for these little lidded jars, which also come in (and look great combined with) grey From Movement Boutique, 66 Alma Road www.movementboutique.co.uk
SMASHED LEMON YELLOW SUN DRESS, £67.99 Perfect for everyday wear, holidays, weddings, a day at the races, or when you just need an extra injection of sunshine into your life From Amulet Boutique, 39A Cotham Hill www.amuletboutique.co.uk ANCHOR AND CREW BRACELET, £90 If your next holiday is months away, this leather bracelet will make you feel adventurous, nautical and jaunty in the meantime From Harvey Nichols Bristol, 27 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com
ROSIE TROUSERS, £42 Paper-bag style, in a vibrant mustard; that’s two 2019 trends comprehensively ticked right there. And yes, of course it has pockets From Fox + Feather 43 Gloucester Road www.foxandfeather.co.uk
WILD WOOD TASK LAMP, £72 Picture this on your stylish, mid-century Danish-designed desk (not included) From Pod Company 24 The Mall, Clifton www.thepodcompany.co.uk
Smooth operators Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Clifton any more . . . If you’re bitten by the travel bug – and hey, even we like to get out of Bristol sometimes – the city has a wide number of independent, accomplished operators poised to create a glitch-free holiday of a lifetime – just for you 66 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
travel
F
ull disclosure: if your dream holiday involves revolving like a spit-roast on the pool lounger at a featureless multi-storey resort, with nothing more exciting on the horizon than the all-you-can-eat-buffet and a dodgy disco, this feature may not be for you. If, however, you’re hankering after a really memorable, bespoke trip, and fancy getting under the skin of another country, read on; because this city is stuffed with independent travel agents and operators poised to sort you out with the holiday of a lifetime; all with a weather eye on impacting positively on the planet.
WAYFAIRER
Harry Prowse and Tom Blakey co-founded Wayfairer in 2013, after seeing the impact that travel has on the world, in both positive and negative ways. They specialise in luxurious, responsible travel, “which means our guests can relax and enjoy the finer things in life, in the utmost style, while being able to trust that we’ve crafted an experience which benefits the communities and environments they interact with during their travels,” says Harry. “As a tour operator, we tailor-make every individual guest’s itinerary. We find out exactly who you are, what you love, what your dream holiday looks like; and then we set about bringing that to life, offering you our own insider knowledge. Our team spends several weeks a year exploring the destinations, so that guests can be sure they’re getting the latest intel and personal insights.” Which destinations are currently most in demand? “Tanzania and Kenya have been two of our most popular destinations, and we are fast seeing South Africa, Uganda and Botswana joining the list; I think this is because of the intrinsic crossover that safaris can offer between luxury and conservation success. “And with the world’s attention turning to Japan for the Olympics, I think we’ll also see a major rise in guests eager to explore this beautiful country.”
www.wayfairertravel.com
“If you strip away the local knowledge, you’re left with a holiday that can feel flat and commoditised”
Want to see Kenyan wildebeest up close and personal? Wayfairer Travel can get you in the zone (but out of their direct path, obviously...)
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travel C THE WORLD
C The World was founded in a garden shed in 2010 – inspired, says James Eacott, by the need to counter the lack of vision from standard high-street travel agents. “Anyone can write a review online,” points out James, “but taking it as gospel is dangerous. Our customers get to speak to people who’ve been to the destination, know the hotels, have experienced the quality of staff first hand... it’s those details which make the difference between a good travel agent and a great travel agent.” C The World deal in both long and short haul, but holidays are nearly always fully inclusive. “Everything is taken care of, so the customer doesn’t have to worry about anything, letting them focus on relaxing and enjoying themselves.” Which destinations are most in demand? “Japan and the Far East are popular this year, but increasingly, so is Europe. I think Italy will really gain in popularity; there’s a tonne of unexplored parts of this beautiful country within easy reach from the UK.”
www.ctheworld.co.uk
TRAVELLOCAL
In 2008, Huw Owen and Tom Stapleton decided that they wanted to change the travel industry for the better, offering tailor-made travel that takes you right into the heart of your destination. Huw calls it ’travel with soul’. “We combine things that people have wanted for many years – to get off the beaten track, to get closer to their destination, to experience something distinctive and real. For example, you can see the temples of Angkor in Cambodia privately with a local guide, at a time of day undisturbed by other travellers. “All our tour providers are local experts: a Peruvian local travel company in Peru, a Vietnamese company in Vietnam, and so on. That local connection can only be found in these hidden stars of travel, and transforms the trip from being an off-the-shelf affair into a true experience. If you strip away the local knowledge, you’re left with a holiday that can feel flat and commoditised.”
Which destinations are currently most in demand? “We have a lot of interest in Costa Rica, Jordan, Peru and India. I would also urge anyone with real wanderlust to go to Georgia, Central Asia, Japan, Uganda or Chile – all amazing destinations with great depth.”
www.travellocal.com
THORNTONS TRAVEL
Thornton’s are celebrating their 80th anniversary in 2020, having started as a passenger shipping company in 1940. During this time they were the first company to charter a Boeing 747 from Bristol and the first cruise specialist in the South West; they also organised pleasure flights on Concorde. Today they specialise in cruise, touring and luxury holidays, but can help with any travel request, from round-the-world adventures to island hopping in Greece and Caribbean cruises. “Cruising suits every age, budget and personality, from small bespoke yachts to the huge super-ships,” says Sarah Kelley. “Generation cruises are also definitely growing, in which grandparents, parents and children all travel together; solo travel is also perfectly suited to the growing touring market.” Which destinations are most in demand? “We’re seeing a big demand for tours and cruises to Japan. Safaris are back in, with Kenya and Zimbabwe becoming more sought after. Croatia and Scandinavia are always in demand – popular with foodies, and clients who like to explore surrounding islands and take in the beautiful surroundings. We predict Uzbekistan will be a hotspot next year – just one of the exciting destinations on the Silk Route. Cambodia is opening up in the luxury and adventure market more now, too, as well as for those travellers on a budget.”
www.thorntonstravel.com
What would our operators’ dream holiday look like? “I’d love to explore more of Asia, particularly India and Nepal. The diverse cultures and landscapes are just incredible.” James, C THE WORLD “I have lived in Japan and Cambodia and would go back to both in a heartbeat – fantastic, layered destinations with great depth and breadth.“ Huw, Travellocal
“I’d start with one of our classic Argentina itineraries, exploring vineyards, ranches and rainforest, before heading to Antarctica. I’m craving a trip on the wildlife and whale watching expedition. . . ” Harry, Wayfairer “I would love to take my family on safari in the next few years; there is nothing like seeing the animals in their own habitat.” Sarah, Thorntons
Everyone should have the Northern Lights on their bucket list; Thorntons can make it happen
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AMANZI TRAVEL
After working for a groundbreaking lion conservation programme in Zimbabwe, Gemma Whitehouse set up her own company to give others the same sort of experience. “Hence Amanzi Travel – the name being the Shona word for water, and also the name of one of the lions that I looked after while in Zimbabwe,” she says. Today, Amanzi specialises in volunteering opportunities across Africa and South East Asia to help with wildlife and marine conservation, medical, teaching and community projects. “What people want to do with their time away has really changed,” says Gemma. “Rather than just having a week or two away, and spending time by a pool, people want unique experiences that will give them memories that will last a lifetime. They also want to do something worthwhile that helps the planet, its wildlife and people. These experiences are not limited to hardcore backpackers; we organise everything for you and you have safe, reliable transfers, comfortable accommodation and staff employed to ensure you have a great and worthwhile experience.”
www.amanzitravel.com
SILVER COMPASS
Ben Williams founded the company in 2011. “I saw an opportunity to offer a more service-orientated experience in the process of researching and booking travel,” he says. “Customers really want to speak to specialists, so it’s important not to try to be a jackof-all-trades, and focus on what you know best, which is why we specialise in marine-based holidays (ocean cruise, river cruise, sailing etc ) and food, drink and cultural trips. “Cruises are becoming more and more important as the diversity of ports to visit and style of different cruise ships expands. People love being able to visit a variety of different destinations in one trip, while having the comforts of their ‘floating hotel’, avoiding the often stressful and tiring land travel required to experience several destinations. “Experience has become key to travel for many people, particularly exploring the culture of a destination through its food and drink, our other main speciality. You can learn so much about a destination’s culture by learning about and joining in with local food and drink experiences.” Which destinations are most in demand? “There’s been huge growth in river cruising, the most popular being the Rhine, the Danube and the Douro. Some of the more further afield and emerging river destinations are the Volga in Russia, the Yangtze in China and the Mekong in Cambodia/ Vietnam. With regards to expedition cruising, the Galapagos
Everyday life in Costa Rica – Travellocal would love you to experience it first hand
Islands is one of the hottest emerging destinations at the moment. In terms of land-based holidays, the wine regions of Eastern Europe and the Middle East are becoming more and more popular, particularly those areas that have come through troubled times and now are working hard to change people’s perceptions of their countries.”
www.silvercompass.co.uk
GLOBAL INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
Global Independent offers a full range of holiday and travel services, from a long-haul exotic holiday to an exhilarating ski trip, a relaxing cruise or luxury weekend city break. “Nothing is impossible,” says Lisa Weakley. “We are not committed to pushing certain products and mass package holidays like some high-street chains. I think as consumers we are just seeking new experiences all the time, and our expectations are growing. There’s also greater awareness about sustainable tourism. From hiking holiday and multi-destination itineraries, we want to get up close to the source.” And brides and grooms to be, take note: they also offer a honeymoon service. “We sit down with a glass of bubbly with the couple, and make it a really special experience. We can set up an account, in which wedding guests can also contribute to the balance of their honeymoon.”
ELEGANT RESORTS Though Elegant Resorts have a main office in Chester, travel manager Charlotte Hingston is based in Bristol, and can make a personal appointment to visit you at your home or at your favourite coffee shop to tempt you with the extensive worldwide portfolio of luxury hotels, resorts, villas, private islands and luxury travel experiences . “Nothing excites me more than creating perfect travel experiences and unforgettable memories,” says Charlotte. “Whether you want to relax at a beautiful beach retreat in the Caribbean, embark on a cultural itinerary through Asia or create lasting memories at an exclusive family resort in Europe, I can create the ultimate personalised luxury travel experience.” www.elegantresorts.co.uk
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Which destinations are most in demand? “Travellers are seeking to get off the beaten track in destinations like Burma, Vietnam and Cambodia, and want to experience the local culture. “The slow travel of a river cruise allows for this; they are also less crowded, with anything from 8-200 passengers providing the intimate atmosphere that many holidaymakers are looking for.”
www.globalindependenttravel.com
FOUR CORNERS PR
Carole Pugh is the founder of Four Corners PR, specialising in travel companies that offer holidays “pretty much all over the world, from the fly-and-flop destinations of the Caribbean, Seychelles and Maldives to the most off-the-beaten-track locations, even including North Korea.” Do you work with any particular Bristol travel agents? “I work with two great Bristol tour operators – Regent Holidays, who have an amazing range of destinations, from Finnish Lapland, Iceland and Norway to Russia, the Balkans, Baltics and Papua New Guinea; and Silk Road Adventures who – as the name suggests – specialise in places along the Silk Road like Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan etc, with a brilliant array of cycling, trekking, motorbiking and driving trips.”
TRAVEL What current trends are you seeing in travel? “The big thing at the moment is transformative travel – the kind of holiday that really changes your life, either because of an experience/activity or because you just get truly under the skin of a place, so that it changes your perception and the way you live when you get back. Principe in West Africa is a good example of this. Principe is a tiny, very poor island almost on the equator. Visiting means that you support the local communities in a way that really changes their lives – and yours.” Tell us about a few exciting new clients or properties “I’m really excited about the opening of the new spa at the Mullion Cove Hotel in Cornwall. This is a great dog- and family-friendly hotel on the Lizard peninsula, and the opening of its spa will really put it on the map. I’m also looking forward to the launch of a new programme from my family travel client, Stubborn Mule, who have just introduced Mongolia for families, and are about to add Uganda.”
www.fourcornerspr.co.uk
INSIDEASIA TOURS
InsideAsia was originally founded in 2000 as Japan specialist InsideJapan Tours; as demand grew, explains James Mundy, InsideAsia Tours and new destinations were introduced including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma. Both offer tailor-made travel
designed for all interests, along with tour leader-run small group tours for up to 14 people. “Each trip is designed to take people beneath the surface, meeting local experts and visiting our staff’s favourite little restaurants, cafés and bars that are not in the guidebooks,” says James.“With all InsideJapan staff having lived in Japan, and all InsideAsia staff having lived or travelled in their chosen destination of expertise, we know the countries very well indeed. “Although we do visit some of the must-see sights, our holidays are more than tick-box trips, and visit the lesser-known places – stay in a traditional Ryokan guest house in Japan, have a homestay in Vietnam, drink with a geisha in Kyoto or have a blessing with a monk in Luang Prabang, along with visiting some of the best bars in Tokyo or the best street food in Hanoi.” What are the hottest destinations right now? “Japan is on everyone’s lips at the moment. There are not many places in the world you can visit as an adult and discover things that are completely new, but Japan is definitely one of them. People are often surprised that the country is so mountainous, that there are subtropical islands and that the people are so friendly. One of our other growing destinations is Cambodia, with travellers discovering the culture beyond Angkor Wat.” n
www.insideasiatours.com
Whale-watching in the South Shetland islands – where do we sign up, Wayfairer?
DREAM HOLIDAYS, TAKE #2 . . .
Some more dream holidays from our experts “I love Namibia; incredible people, wildlife and landscape. It is one of the few countries that still has free roaming big cats outside of the National Parks and wild desert that volunteers can track and live among.” Gemma, Amanzi “We’re extremely fortunate to live in Europe, where there is such a diversity of landscape and culture to be able to explore. It’s right on our doorstep, which makes it a lot easier to travel to, and is better for the environment as well.” Ben, Silver Compass “Japan is my dream destination, from stunning architecture to beautiful cherry blossom, robot restaurants and talking toilets – I would love to get lost in Japan and enjoy the magic! Closer to home, I’m always drawn back to Majorca – such a beautiful island, with a short flight.” Lisa, Global Independent “I’m heading to Sarajevo later this month, taking the train to Mostar, which is supposed to be one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. But I also find myself drawn back to the beaches of the Costa Brava, which is where I’ve spent many gorgeous family holidays.” Carole, Four Corners
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MEET THE INTERIOR DESIGNER
Fancy revamping your home? Need to style a showroom that will wow the punters? Workplace looking a bit tired? Who you gonna call . . .?
One of the jaw-dropping showrooms at City & Country’s Iron Foundry: contemporary interior design at its best
ADVERTISING FEATURE HANNAH REDDEN
BEN BRACEY
HANNAH REDDEN INTERIOR & TEXTILE DESIGN 07751 933426; www.hannahredden.co.uk Why hire an interior designer? Hiring an interior designer allows you to really make the most of your home; to realise its full potential, add serious value – and, most importantly, enhance your day-to-day experience of living in it. A home is there to be enjoyed, after all! A professional interior designer will not only take the stress out of the whole process, but will be able to guide you to solutions and concepts that are more creative and innovative than anything you could achieve on your own. It doesn’t have to be expensive either! I offer a whole range of affordable services, from building a cohesive colour palette to sourcing the perfect carpet or wallpaper. What do you specialise in? Combining the old with the new defines my interior design work. I’ve built up an amazing network of local traders and craftsmen through which I’m able to source unique vintage and antique furniture and homewares that otherwise might take someone months to find. What is it that you love about working in interiors? Good interior design should be about creating beautiful and inspiring spaces, but which still work on a practical level. Understanding my clients’ needs and earning their trust is at the heart of everything I do, and building those relationships is one of my favourite parts of my job. What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors? As well as having decades of design experience, I also bring a truly personal touch to every project I work on. I enjoy getting to know my clients and listening to their needs to create a schedule that works for them; whether that’s step by step or to a tight deadline.
BRACEY INTERIORS 0117 973 4664; www.braceyinteriors.co.uk
Hannah Redden
Ben Bracey
JON FOSTER
BETH CHIPPINDALL
PARAMOUNT INTERIORS 02920 839800 www.paramountinteriors.com
HONEYCOMB INTERIORS 07793452422 www.honeycombinteriors.co.uk What do you specialise in? Listening. The most important aspect of our job is to listen to what our clients are asking for, discuss and challenge this, and then achieve that outcome. Listening is the very first step of the design process and it’s crucial to the outcome. Do you need a huge budget to work with an interior designer? No, it’s one of the biggest myths. Honeycomb’s ethos is balancing beauty and budget: we want to create rooms which people love, but not by spending unnecessarily. It’s like putting together a great outfit and knowing when to mix your high street items with your designer pieces. What’s the best bit of advice you could give to home owners? Our homes are our havens, and the one place where our personal style can run free. Don’t be afraid, but do do your research! Keep images of what you like and, more importantly, don’t like, for discussion. The best way for us to know what you are looking for is visual reference: it starts discussions and creates questions.
Why hire an interior designer? It gives you a professional overview of all possibilities. Not only will you be gaining their expertise in many cases it can save you from making costly mistakes. An interior designer will give you a clear design plan which will ensure your project can be done on time and budget. What do you specialise in? We specialise in offering a bespoke interior design service predominately for the residential sector. We have a varied client base working on anything from a single room to total refurbishment to new builds. How does your design process work? Initially we visit the client to see the space/project and take a comprehensive design brief. By asking the right questions we are able to streamline the design process and we then submit drawings/design boards for discussion/approval. We are then able to agree on the required works, approve costs timescales, etc. What’s the best bit of advice you can give to home owners? To decide on what it is you want to achieve but also to be flexible to ideas/suggestions. By having confidence in your designer you can create a good working relationship to ensure you achieve a detailed client brief which will ensure the end result meets and ideally surpasses their expectations. How and why did you get involved in interiors? As a family business that has been trading for over 50 years I guess its no surprise that we work in interiors.
Beth Chippindall
Jon Foster
What do you specialise in? I specialise in designing and delivering workplace solutions. The great thing about workplace design is that it is a very broad area and won’t always involve an ‘office’. I have worked on projects across a wide range of sectors from education and media to manufacturing and leisure. A recently completed project was for a company in the nutrition and sports field where a highly collaborative work environment was created, including an urban gym running through the space! How would you describe your signature style? We don’t necessarily have a signature style but I’ve been told by our clients that they can recognise a Paramount project from our creative yet considered design and technical know-how. With internal teams working across all of the fit-out disciplines, our finished projects are always fully coordinated. How does your design process work? We have a process that maps out the design journey from initial client meeting through to detail design development. However, this does require some flexibility as all clients and projects have different objectives. We aim to support and guide the client through the design and decision process, drawing on previous experience to create the best solution.
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ADVERTISING FEATURE KAY JAMES
K INTERIORS 07906167710; www.k-interiors.co.uk What is it that you love about working in interiors? I’ve always found it fascinating how different colours, textures and materials can come together to evoke emotion; to create a feeling of calm, or happiness, or inspiration. And I love being able to share this passion with wonderful clients every day. I enjoy coming up with clever colour schemes and nifty tricks that help make life just that little bit easier and more beautiful. And most of all I love to help people find their natural style and finally feel truly at home. How does your design process work? As every project is different my process is tailored to the specific needs of each client, but we always start off in the same way. We’ll have a chat on the phone, I’ll ask to see photos of the rooms we’re looking at and we’ll share ideas and inspiration on Pinterest. Once we know where we’re heading, I’ll visit the client’s home to see the space and offer tons of design ideas and solutions. Then I’ll give as much or as little help as the client needs to turn their ideas into reality.
How do you balance style with functionality? As a busy professional and mum, I’ve learned that creating the perfect home is about more than matching fabrics and choosing lighting. There’s no point in creating an elegant home that doesn’t stand up to daily use. That’s why I like to get the details just right. For instance, when I chose a new carpet, I took some of my black Labrador’s fur with me so I could check it wouldn’t show up too badly. To me that’s what true interior design is all about. And it’s an ethos that my clients appreciate too, leading to K Interiors being awarded Best Solo Interior Stylist – South West England in the 2019 Build Home & Gardens Awards. Why hire an interior designer? Working with an interior designer like me is like having a good friend with insider knowledge. One who can help you work out exactly the style you want and how to get it, without letting you get carried away. Not only that, but you might find that a professional perspective (and a handholder!) helps you make the bold choices you’ve secretly always wanted to make but were too afraid to try. Kay James
MIKE SMITH
CHARLOTTE RAYNES
What do you specialise in? At Mobius we offer our clients the complete service that includes interior design, architectural planning and of course we provide the full range of expert building services that are needed to bring your ideas to life. How do you balance style with functionality? All great designs start with a conversation. We’ll explore your vision and discuss what you would like to achieve. This might include a mood board, a special piece of furniture, a medley of images taken from interiors magazines, online resources or sometimes just an understanding of how you’d like your dream home to work for your family or lifestyle. We’ll capture all of this to form the basis of your brief. What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors? We integrate the design and build processes to help our clients achieve an amazing end result as seamlessly as possible. Mobius will not only help you design your dream home but we’ll also take care of every element of your project including all building works, electrics, plumbing, bathrooms, kitchens and landscaping. Our process will turn your vision into reality without putting your life on hold.
What do you specialise in? Amarelle are a local company with a national reach. We specialise in commercial office fit-outs creating healthy working environments for a whole array of sectors. What is it that you love about working in interiors? Personally, I feel honoured to work with such an eclectic mix of customers and for me it’s all about the people. To see a project through from conception to completion is so satisfying and to witness employees working in the space that you have created and hearing their feedback knowing you have made a different to their daily working life is priceless. What trends are you seeing in office fit-outs? Creating an agile working environment is high on the agenda for lots of businesses. The cost of commercial office space is increasing and every square foot counts, especially when you factor in service rates and other operating costs. We are finding that businesses want to be smarter with how they function and this also means ensuring they incorporate agile technology. Businesses are also competing with each other for talented staff, and first impressions count when inviting future employees into their working environment; therefore smart, efficient offices can make all the difference.
MOBIUS 0117 4038560 www.mobiushome.co.uk
AMARELLE 0117 929 7386; www.amarelle.co.uk
Mike Smith
Charlotte Raynes
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
STUART STANDRING
THE GOOD SPACE 01275 463337 www.thegoodspaceinteriors.com Why hire an interior designer? Being exposed to the world of design opens your eyes to what is possible beyond that of the norm you’ll see on the high street. The designer is your gateway to that knowledge and your assistant in achieving uniqueness, controlling your budget and producing cohesive design. It’s great giving an objective
view; it helps where two partners can’t agree. Where do you get your inspiration from? My background is commercial interiors, building and photography. I view things in a different way, so I’m always getting inspired. I’m obsessed by seeing great details, how things go together and clever use of materials; I’m always amazed by the amount of products there are available to produce great looks. I’m frustrated a lot by thoughtless design and that’s the inspiration to be a lot better. What do you specialise in? Commercial and residential design, project management, fit-out, furniture specification and procurement. We do a lot in the hospitality sector too, for smaller boutique hotels. What is it that you love about working in interiors? Every project and client is different. It’s a demanding fast-paced market with styles and fashions changing all the time. I love to see the excitement in a client’s face when we’ve taken their brief and created something beautiful that captures everything. Especially hearing “that’s amazing, I wouldn’t have thought of that”. That’s a good day. How would you describe your signature style? It constantly evolves and has to have an inherent link to client requirements. However, I’m passionate about creating mood with lighting, colour and texture. I do love the outside, so being able emulate that inside, is something I love; hence the biophilic theme
LUCY MARTIN
ANDREW SPERRING
OEG INTERIORS 0117 915 9990; www.oeginteriors.co.uk
JAS BUILDING SERVICES (BRISTOL) LTD 01454532092 www.JASbuildingservices.co.uk Why hire an interior designer? Working with an interior designer can inspire you with fresh innovative ideas that can completely change the way your home feels and flows, often creating more light and space. We are the experts at understanding your vision to make it a reality. What is it that you love about working in interiors? I love talking to clients about bringing their dreams to life and getting creative with how we can make this happen. What’s the best bit of advice you could give to home owners? Use sites like Houzz to share an idea of what you want but be realistic about your budget, and flexible to new ideas. Reading property features such as in Bristol Life will give you valuable insight and knowledge from local professionals. You can often create the same desired end result without breaking the bank. What do you specialise in? We specialise in property transformations. We are the experts when it comes to renovating and extending your home.
in my own office. It’s good for your wellbeing and your mood. How does your design process work? Our process is derived from the RIBA architectural stages of work. It’s a good basis for projects from inception through to build and use. It’s very much on a partnering basis. We’ll meet initially to discuss what support our clients need for their own project and design a plan and cost for each stage around that. It’s very flexible and transparent. Some clients just need a concept, some need a full design, build and management service. The key is for us to provide best value for our clients throughout that process. How and why did you get involved in homes and interiors? I love design and I want people to be able to enjoy their own spaces as much as I do. I often found that some designers just specify expensive product. It’s not always necessary, to achieve a look. I love the challenge of making something work against the odds. What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors? We are a relatively bijoux business, so every project has a very personal connection. In the same way, our client relationships continue after projects are complete. There is no one size fits all, every approach is different, so thinking outside the box is really important. Working to resolve challenges. It’s all part of the journey together.
Andrew Sperring
Lucy Martin
What do you specialise in? I have been working in commercial interiors for 19 years, specialising in office design. I love the benefits that I can bring to a business through re-designing their space. The aesthetics, although important, are not the main drivers anymore; it’s more about how we can help the business function and improve the wellbeing and productivity of their staff. How does your design process work? You cannot design a space for someone without first getting to know who they are and how they work. We love to consult with businesses and work with them in order to truly understand their needs. By the end of this process we’re in the best position to advise them on how to move forward with their new space. Tell us about your projects? We work with large well-known companies, who always return to us because we understand the way they work. They trust us to create spaces where their staff love to be. One client reported a 34% reduction in absenteeism after moving into their new office! Why are you different? OEG are a family led business who believe success is found where people thrive, an ethos that is instilled into the company and reflected in every project we do. We really care about tailoring each design to the client. There is no such thing as one size fits all.
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ADVERTISING FEATURE JASMINE MAIN
MAIN INTERIORS 07727234570 www.maininteriordesign.com
NATHAN HARRIS
Why hire an interior designer? Designing the interior of your home can be more time- consuming and daunting than you first think. We have the experience to create a coherent design based on your ideas and to your budget, helping you to avoid costly mistakes and to increase the value of your home. Whether you are looking to redesign your home to live in, rent or sell, as interior designers it is our job to make the best of your home. What makes you different to your competitors? We have an interior design studio and showroom where anyone can discuss their interior design needs with us, whatever your budget. You can also buy furniture and homewares direct from us. What’s on trend for 2019? Natural, raw materials such as copper, stone, wood and concrete coupled with rich velvets and metallics add an element of luxury to your home. Bold, monochromatic patterns and a revival of house plants are also big trends at the moment.
Why hire an interior designer? Obtaining advice and guidance on something specialist brings great reward. Using our expert knowledge ensures you create a great place to work, one that brings efficiencies, wellbeing and many more benefits to your business. What trends are you seeing in office fit-outs? In reaction to an always on, constantly connected world we’ll see an increased need for private ‘me space’ adjacent to now prevalent collaborative ‘we space’. We can see this emerging in tech itself as people seek to regain balance and to become more intentional with their use of technology. Tell us about one incredibly original or creative project you’ve been involved with When Runway East, a co-working office, wanted to create a space in Bristol, I was proud to be the lead designer. They wanted a place for start-up teams to work, meet, think (and drink) with customisable offices, and provide something unique. It’s such a great place to work. What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors? We offer vast knowledge and experience in-house for research and people based design, teamed with being able deliver very complex CAT A and B works where needed. What’s the best bit of advice you could give to business owners? Engage with a design company as early as possible. Time will allow them to understand what you need, advise, and will give you choice.
INTERACTION 01225 485600; www.interaction.uk.com
Jasmine Main
FINOLA KELLY
NOLA INTERIORS 07909308668 www.NolaInteriors-Bristol.com Where do you get your inspiration from? When I opened Nola Interiors 18 months ago, I was inspired by the awakening of people choosing to live an environmentally friendly life, as well as to the growing awareness of the impact of chemicals, toxins and plastic pollution on the environment and sought, in particular, certain brands that were environmentally friendly. I also take inspiration from the beauty of nature and all things natural, and love how nature’s colours such as sea and sand (blue and orange) or berries and leaves (red and green) are opposites on the colour wheel, therefore naturally contrasting colours. What do you specialise in? At Nola Interiors, we specialise in environmentally friendly products including Little Greene paint and wallpaper, Earthborn paint, Weaver Green textiles, organic scented candles and diffusers, homeware and gifts. Little Greene and Earthborn paint are both environmentally friendly, virtually VOC-free and certified child safe, while Weaver Green rugs and textiles are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, thus raising awareness of the global problem of plastic pollution. What is it that you love about working in interiors? I have a passion for design and colour and love helping clients achieve their desired design and colour scheme. People have an end vision but sometimes have difficulty knowing how to create it, or are not brave enough to experiment, which is where using a colour consultant or designer is invaluable. Listening to clients is vital so that you can create their vision to suit their home environment and lifestyle.
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Nathan Harris
JOHN LAW
WOODHOUSE AND LAW 01225 428072; woodhouseandlaw.co.uk
Finola Kelly
John Law
What is it that you love about working in interiors? We have a very talented team and I love to work with them and our clients to produce unique, personal schemes. Whether that involves sourcing new and exciting products or designing a scheme around an unusual collection of art, it’s lovely to see people so excited and pleased to spend time in a space that you’ve designed. How would you describe your signature style? We don’t necessarily have a signature style. We try to approach every brief differently and with fresh eyes; this ensures that our designs reflect the style and individuality of our clients, as well as measuring up to their lifestyle. This makes our role much more varied and exciting, as we have worked on everything from contemporary Scandinavian schemes to off-beat English country houses. How did you get involved in homes and interiors? My partner, Nick, is a garden designer and we wanted to create a design company that would work alongside clients to create schemes with a strong cohesion between indoor and outdoor spaces. What makes you different to your competitors? Our clients often say they like working with us because we really listen and respond with creativity and practicality. So much so that in some cases, we have worked on as many as six projects for the same family.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
YASMINE FARIS
BOCONCEPT 0117 929 3503; www.boconcept.com Why hire an interior designer? It’s important to understand that some customers are style-conscious but not style-confident, so finding the right solutions and achieving designs that work can require some support. Where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration comes in many forms, from
nature and the environment through to new ideas, certain trends and social media. What is it that you love about working in interiors? I love creating the perfect environments that help enhance people’s lives. Everything becomes worthwhile when the customer is delighted with the outcome. How would you describe your signature style? I would describe it as combining the old with the new and creating the perfect balance between modern contemporary furniture within unique and traditional architecture. How does your design process work? It starts by understanding my client really well and getting to know them, their preferences, lifestyle, budget and needs from the environment they want to create. I then study the space and through a process of consultation, finally find the perfect solution. How do you balance style with functionality? Functionality is really important within busy lifestyles so I make sure I choose furniture that works without compromising the style of the space. Space management is key so having customisable furniture to work with means I can achieve a good balance for my clients. How and why did you get involved in interiors? Firstly, it’s my passion and I also believe
the environment can affect people’s lives, sometimes without them even realising. Being able to have such a positive effect on how people feel in their own space really motivates me to find them the best solutions. What is it you do that makes you different to your competitors? To me it’s all about taking the time to connect with my clients, learning and understanding them really well. Each client is different, which also makes them special. I find the best results come from building great relationships and engaging them in the design process. What’s the best bit of advice you could give to home owners? My advice is to not just focus on trends, try and also reflect your own lifestyle and personality in the space you are designing. Avoid clutter or putting in too much furniture, a well-designed space will flow better and feel less stressful. What’s on trend for 2019? Sustainability is playing a big role right now with clients looking not only for quality products that last but also more timeless designs that will not date quickly. Natural materials and neutral colours support this with a move towards slightly darker and more bolder themes showing a level of renewed confidence from key pieces.
PIPPA DAVIE
DAVID HUTTON
What do you specialise in? I specialise in workplace design and managing projects all the way through from conception to completion. What is it that you love about working in interiors? The most special part of my job is being able to translate the vision I have in my head into something tangible and real. Not everyone can imagine how a finished space will look, but I always have a strong internal picture of what I’m trying to create, and I love the process of bringing it to life. What trends are seeing in office fit-outs? Biophilic design and sustainability continue to be two of the most popular requests from clients; plus there’s a strong demand for offices that don’t look like offices, and which bring flexibility, creativity, technology and agility together seamlessly. How would you describe your signature style? I’m not sure I have a signature style, as it’s my job to listen to what clients want and need, but I do love colour, and like to include vibrant elements into my schemes where possible. Tell us a bit about one incredibly original or creative project you’ve been involved with Pukka Herbs’ new office in Keynsham is one of the most creative and stand-out projects I’ve ever designed. The office is a celebration of the brand and uses natural materials, vibrant colours and highly creative spaces. It’s just won an award from the British Council of Offices, and it’s one of my proudest achievements.
How does your design process work? We always start by listening! The design process starts from there and it’s an extensive process with detailed plans, elevations and a selection of furniture/items all being provided to the client for approval. Once approved, often with a few tweaks here and there, we’ll start the procurement and installation process. We provide costs for everything, listing each item as well as costs for trades to ensure the process is transparent and hassle free for the client. Tell us a bit about one incredibly original or creative project you’ve been involved with My most enjoyable and I would say most successful in terms of the end result and sales results for the client, would be the show apartments at Finzels Reach. The key to the success of this project was down to the client, Gavin Bridge at Cubex, for putting his trust in me and giving me creative freedom with regards to the look and feel of the show apartments, within reason! How and why did you get involved in interiors? I have been creative since I was young so I guess it was inevitable that I would work in the creative industry. Interior design wasn’t considered a career when I finished school, so I went in the direction of graphic design, which enabled me to communicate my creativity on paper. Graphic design enabled me to cross over into interior design, as one of my early projects was working on graphics for bars and restaurants with an element of interior design.
CLAREMONT 01275 465200; www.claremontgi.com
DAVID HUTTON INTERIORS 0117 968 4813; www.davidhuttoninteriors.co.uk
Pippa Davie
David Hutton
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 79
ADVERTISING FEATURE ROBYN KNIBB
FAWN INTERIORS 0117 205 0203 www.fawn-interiors.co.uk Why hire an interior designer? Apart from saving you time and money, we are trained to think creatively and spatially. We can visualise spaces, which is something clients sometimes have difficult doing. Designers also have access to lots of unique suppliers; with these resources (some unavailable to the general public), we can create individual spaces. People notice a well-designed home. And when we’re done, not only will your home look beautiful and unified, but it’ll be well thought out and highly functional. What do you specialise in? Luxury interior design and bespoke joinery. Kitchens, dressing rooms, wardrobes, libraries, boot rooms. Our cabinetry is made in Bristol and designed with the overall scheme in mind. How would you describe your signature style? Classic elegance with a contemporary twist! I love designing timeless interiors which have a slight edge. How does your design process work? It starts with an initial consultation at your home followed by a detailed quote.
TERESA EGGLETON
ELAINE HOLLERHEAD
TME INTERIORS 07918 785188 www.tmeinteriors.co.uk
Why hire an interior designer? Transforming a home can be overwhelming and there can be a fear of getting it wrong. A good interior designer holds your hand from the start and works with you to create a home which reflects you entirely, thereby avoiding mistakes. What is it that you love about working in interiors? The fact that every client and every brief is utterly unique. Also, there is nothing like receiving positive feedback from someone you have worked for. How would you describe your signature style? Personal, soothing, stylish and soulful How does your design process work? First we listen, then we translate everything into workable options. It’s about asking a million questions upfront and then problem-solving. Throughout, the client is first, and everything else comes second. How and why did you get involved in interiors? A few things really… a life-long interest in design and feedback from friends and family who’ve appreciated the style / feeling of the homes I’ve done. Thirdly, a need to be true to myself by working in an industry I’ll feel passionately about every day for the rest of my working life (aside from the odd ‘bad day at the office’).
DESIGNATE - HOUSING ADAPTATIONS INTERIOR DESIGN & COLOUR CONSULTANCY 07557309466 or 0117 3790049 www.designate-uk.co.uk
Teresa Eggleton
Elaine Hollerhead
80 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
The next step is for me to create a presentation that includes a concept board, furniture layouts, 2D floor plans, 3D visualisation, colour scheme(s) and product recommendations for all furnishings. It usually takes 2-6 weeks depending on how involved the project it is. Following sign-off I use trusted tradesmen to carry out the work or I can liaise with your appointed contractor should you already have one. How and why did you get involved in homes and interiors? I have always loved interiors; as a child I used to rearrange my bedroom every few months! I went on to study interior architecture at University. I found a love for luxury interiors during my time in the yachting industry and I wanted to create a quality business that paid meticulous attention to detail. Where do you get your inspiration from? I go to yearly design events in Paris and London to make sure I keep up to date with new and exciting products. If I come across a gorgeous antique chaise, for example, this can fuel a whole design or I quite often flick through my favourite magazines to try and catch a glimpse of an interesting detail as this can spark a vision! And if I’m in need of more inspiration? I’ll pack my bag and hit the road!
What do you specialise in? Inclusive interior design – residential and commercial sectors. Our service is for people of all ages who are in good health or have minor or major health impairments. We are committed to future-proofing design. Our particular area of specialism is multi-generational living. What is it that makes you different to your competitors? Our service is unique because all design work is undertaken by an interior designer who is also a Health and Care Professions Council-registered occupational therapist. We recognise that each client has individual needs and tastes. By ‘designing together’ at every stage of the process we create environments in which our clients can physically and psychologically thrive, and will meet their current and future needs. How do you balance style with functionality? Our occupational therapy skills enable us to risk-assess non-disability-specific products and furnishings for safe use. Wherever possible we incorporate these in our designs, ‘making functional fabulous’ and creating beautiful nonclinical ‘wow-factor’ spaces in which our clients can achieve and enjoy dignified aspirational 21st-century living.
INTERIOR GARDEN DESIGNS, FOR ELEGANT MODERN HOMES AND BUSINESSES Interior Oasis is a culmination of founder, Steve Bacon’s talents in both interior design and horticulture. In addition to providing customers with unusual houseplants and air plants in the heart of Clifton Village, Steve focuses on creating beautiful indoor gardens. In handmade glassware and terrariums these indoor gardens are a cross between artwork, design and nature. They are a perfect mix of style with unique therapeutic value for homes, business settings and weddings.
5 The Clifton Arcade, Boyces Avenue, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4AA. 0117 973 7026 Email: hello@interioroasis.co.uk | Web: www.interioroasis.co.uk | x @interior.oasis
SNAPPED AC ROSS BR IS TO L , O N E SH I N D I G AT A T I M E
Adrian Kirikmaa
Dave Crew
Siobhan Fagan and Maxine Moustrides
Anna Smith
James Filmer and Kane Rich Nikoletta Facey and Pete Howarth
WINNER, WINNER, SOMER DINNER
Amanda Adams, Deri Robins and Tom Morris
Under the careful eye of Adrian Kirikmaa, the young chefs of The School of Food cooked a splendid three-course meal for this year’s Bristol Life Awards winners at Somer Dining in The Chocolate Factory Photos by Tim Woolf
Phillipa and Gary Regis, Latoyah McAllister-Jones, Marti Burgess
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 83
CACI FACIALS available at Simon Lee Clinic - Lifts and Tones facial muscles - Reduces the appearance of fine lines - Increases collagen and elastin
Mention ‘Bristol Life Ad’ to receive a FREE CACI facial consultation!
Simon Lee, Aesthetic Medical Clinic,
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SOCIETY
Actor Phoebe Campbell
The cast of Barber Shop Chronicles
SHORT CUTS
Bristol University students meeting playwright Inua Ellams
Vandna Mehta (right) with guest
The wildly successful Barber Shop Chronicles paid a 16-day visit to Bristol Old Vic, kicked off by a launch party in 1 66 Bar and itchen. Photos by Owain Astles
BOV Company manager Louise Kemp with actor Aaron Anthony
Caroline Armitage and Julian McLauchlan
Dough owners Massimo and Emiliano Poppy Shepard and Dan Vaux-Nobes
Tim Brooksbank and (his grandad!) Michael Eavis
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BASE
Leela & Jaf
Popular Bath pizzeria Dough opened a second branch on Bristol’s Baldwin treet, with a launch party for the usual foodie and media suspects. Check out the incredibly wide range of bases Photos by Paolo Ferla
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SOCIETY
Diana Porter jewellers: Ros, Gabriel and Sophie
Jerry Cowhig and Sarah Robertson
PIN ME
Diana’s inimitable style in evidence: the new pin Isabel Kwok and Isabella Ley
Renowned Bristol jeweller Diana Porter revealed a limited-edition custom pin inspired by Colston Hall to mark the transformation of the venue. The pins were presented as a gesture of thanks to the major donors of Bristol Music Trust’s Transformation project at Diana Porter’s shop and studio workshop on Park Street. Photos by Jon Craig
Diana Porter
GOOD HAIR DAY
Bloggs Salon Bristol, recent winners of the Best In Region at the L’Oreal Colour Trophy 2019 Awards, held a launch party for their new Blow-dry Bar. The hair on display on the night, as you’d hope, was on-point . . . www.bloggssalons.com
Emily Smalley, Maria Guatieri, Chloe Jones, Maria Meech, Joe Hemings, Hannah Tovey, Becca Addison, Samantha Brodribb, Destiny Linwood and Carly Morris Laura Thomas, Lauren Phillips and Maria Meech
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BUSINESSINSIGHTS BRISTOL GETS SERIOUS
Previous panel discussion with Rob Mitchell, Adam Murray, Mindell Bowen, and Shawn Sobers; LEFT: Filmmaker Pierre Niyonira
Quote of the issue
“IN ORDER TO RUN A GREAT BUSINESS, WE MUST BE DISCIPLINED IN ENJOYING LIFE” Who’s getting the balance just right? See page 93
The Big Number
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS Only 3% of the film and TV production workforce are from a BAME background – an issue that Bristol-based Cables & Cameras is seeking to highlight Cables & Cameras hold events designed to showcase the work of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic BA E filmmakers and creatives. Since its launch in January 2018, it has become a vibrant and much-needed space where people can come together to share, discuss and get feedback on their projects. This June, Cables & Cameras will host The Conversation, a groundbreaking all-day event of talks, workshops, and screenings aimed at helping BAME artists gain better
access to the film and industries. “BA E representation in film and is well below where it needs to be,” says Cables & Cameras founder Gary hompson. “In Bristol, for example, we have a diverse community and mix of cultures, but sometimes we don’t see or hear the stories that affect us in dayto-day life. Diversity is on everyone’s lips at the moment, and the lack of representation is clear. “The Conversation is an event that aims to bridge the gap. It will
give young and emerging talent the opportunity to speak with seasoned professionals, who can share experience, advice and guidance. And it will fill the void that currently exists by providing a route into what can be an exclusive and hard-to-access industry.” he Conversation’s first keynote speaker will be Channel 4 reporter and presenter, ordan arrett-Bryan. Jordan will be joined by a number of award-winning directors and industry representatives, and emerging talent
311
The number of miles that Charlotte Jarrett, centre manager of Clifton Down Shopping Centre plans to cycle to raise funds for Jessie May Trust – the Centre’s chosen charity for 2018/9 Read more/donate at www.bit.ly/2UgQRDA
from Bristol’s filmmaking community. The event is for students, career professionals, and everyone in between – anyone who is committed to, or wants to take part in, a conversation about BA E representation in film and is welcome. It’s hoped that this will be the first of many such events for Bristol’s cultural calendar. The Conversation takes place at The Cube Microplex on Saturday, 8 une 1 . www.cubecinema.com
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BUSINESS INSIGHTS
BE AT THE SQUARE, OR, ERR, BE SQUARE Treat the team to a business event like no other – Canon Boules is coming, and you’re invited
AND THE WINNERS WERE… The Bristol Property Awards winners were due to be revealed just after this Bristol Life went to press. We’ll have major coverage of the event in our next issue, including the full list of winners and pages of photos and celebration. Over 140 companies and 500 attendees were involved in the Awards – some measure ahead of expectation. “The support we’ve received for the Bristol Property Awards in its début year has been outstanding,” said Steph Dodd, events director at organisers MediaClash. “Many thanks to all who have supported these inaugural Awards, and huge congratulations to all our winners.” The Awards were held at Ashton Gate Stadium in an afternoon ceremony, which played homage to the huge pool of talent Bristol has to offer in the property and development sector. They were sponsored by an impressive roster of businesses, including Amarelle, AWW, BuroHappold Engineering, Burston Cook, Cotswold Homes, IESIS Group, Interaction, Kingston Barnes, Regus, Sanderson Weatherall, Shawbrook Bank, South West Business Finance, Together Money and Willmott Dixon. The Awards were also supported by its partners: Arup, Bevan Britain, Event Photography Bristol, Meeting Place Communications, Optima, Paramount, Stride Treglown, Thrings, United Communities, Wapping Wharf and Woodstock Homes. And next year? It’ll be happening all over again in May 2020 www.bristolpropertyawards.co.uk @BrisPropertyAwd
Less than a month remains until the second Canon Boules business-and-charity tournament, and businesses are urged to secure their team tickets ahead of the event. Bristol companies will compete in a tournament celebrating the classic French game of boules on a summer’s afternoon, in Queen Square on Thursday or Friday, 20-21 June. Getting involved in this unique business event is an excellent opportunity for teams to celebrate together, network with other key Bristol businesses, or simply to enjoy some summer relaxation together. The boules festivities are free for anyone to attend, and will feature a bespoke bar and BBQ , making it an ideal afternoon and evening out. On Thursday 20 June, the event runs from 4pm, and on Friday 21 June from 2pm. Businesses can secure a team ticket either through sponsorship of the event, which includes a team, food and drink, and the benefit of multi-channel marketing, or by purchasing a team ticket via the website. All proceeds, including the bar, go to local charities, with over £2,500 raised last year. This year, the joint winners of the Bristol Life Award Charity category The Grand Appeal and ne will benefit e ually. wo new old ponsors have joined serviced o ce specialists egus and communication business Blackstar Solutions. The Canon Boules is Headline Sponsored by Canon UK, which is joined by Gold Sponsors Ambitious PR, Blackstar Solutions, Bristol Life and Regus. Sponsorship options include Gold and Silver levels. For more info, please contact Rosanna Hood: rosanna.hood@mediaclash.co.uk For more: www.canonboules.co.uk #CanonBoules
NEAT AND GREET
Wonder if NEAT will be stocked in The Vic?
We haven’t seen much of Ian Beale in Walford East recently, and here’s for why: EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt has been too busy making gin. At a recent afternoon tea event at Cadbury House in Congresbury, Adam chatted about his gin journey, while 50 guests were served ginbased drinks using his NEAT gin, which he’s developed over the last two years. www.neatgin.com www.cadburyhotelbristol.co.uk
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BUSINESS INSIGHTS
SIGHT LINES
The eponymous director of Lynne Fernandes Optometrists explains what makes her award-winning practice stand out from the rest
L
ynne describes herself as “the business leader, clinical optometrist, parent to three boys, and a partner in all these with my husband Gerard”; below, she tells us about her awardwinning vision. Lynne, why were you chosen as Optometrist of the Year in the Optician Awards? Ha! Now I have to be honest while maintaining modesty! I am an experienced optometrist, with a wide range of interests that I pursue with honesty and passion. I love my profession, so my vision is to spread the message about great eye care (really, have your eyes examined by an optometrist), and about great eyewear (choosing glasses should be a pleasure, with experienced welltrained advisors), educating fellow professionals about eye care (there’s more to eye care than a one-off sight test), opening opportunity to students, colleagues, employees, particularly encouraging girls to study STEM subjects and believe in themselves. It is humbling to be recognised nationally.
When and why did you launch the company, and how have you grown it? I was about to get married, when the owner of a practice where I was a locum suggested I buy the business. Gerard and I thought “how hard can it be?” Since then we’ve learned and developed as optometrists and business people. ur sector optics is flat, and the independent sector has rapidly shrunk. Meanwhile Lynne Fernandes Optometrists has grown every year. I believe this is due to offering the best combination of eye health and eye products. You have three locations – what are the advantages of being part of a small local chain? We employ 25 people and encourage them to develop and enjoy their careers. Our size allows for economies of scale within the business: we have a training manager, clinical leads for glaucoma, for myopia control, for dry eye. But we still offer a personal touch. If a patient wants to see Gerard or me, they can.
Why should new customers seek you out? Our customers are savvy, supportive and looking for quality, stylish eyewear. We recently refitted our Gloucester Road store to encourage customers into beautiful surroundings to really engage with our eyewear. We now offer a personal frame-styling service in privacy for anyone. We understand that for some people, cost is imperative; for others it’s less important than value. But we guarantee that they will leave delighted. Combine this with our clinical excellence; our optometrists are eye-care experts. Rebecca runs a dedicated dry-eye clinic. She is an independent prescriber, meaning she can offer the full range of treatment: it works. 30% of our population are myopic (shortsighted . his figure is growing. arah has a ualification from the Brian Holden Institute in myopia control. And our expertise doesn’t stop there – we’d encourage people to talk to us about their specific eyecare need. You have a really accessible website and an engaging blog – tell us why this is such an important part of your marketing strategy Most people have a mobile phone, and many do research online before using a business or making a purchase, so it’s vital that we have a strong website. Our blog provides quality information to inspire and educate visitors about how we can help and what we offer. What other kinds of marketing do you find the most useful? We launched EyeStyle, our exclusive members’ club, with special offers, eye-care advice, money off glasses, etc, last year. It’s free to customers who are happy to receive marketing communications from us. We now have over 4,000 members! Which social media platforms are best suited to your business? Instagram is brilliant because it’s visual, so perfect for showcasing our beautiful eyewear and having lots of fun. And earlier this year we were thrilled to win an Essilor Award (Essilor’s a world- leader for prescription lenses) for ‘Best Use of Social Media in your Marketing Strategy’ for a Facebook campaign we ran.
You are literally married to the job – is it impossible for you and Gerard to switch off from work at weekends and holidays? In order to run a great business, we must be disciplined in enjoying life. We’ve created our own personal rules for balancing life. For example, when I’m testing eyes, I do my admin at the end of the day. When I’m concentrating on patients, that’s my focus. You have a wide range of sunglasses and frames – can you give us a few tips for choosing the right ones for our face? There are general rules, but the truth is, nothing beats personal styling. Gerard and I often would try on a frame that we thought looked great. But one of our dispensing opticians would gently guide us to try different styles. This was our inspiration for the personal styling service. Our team is trained to respect a customer’s preferences, but also to suggest items outside of their comfort zone and reasons why this may inspire.
“IN ORDER TO RUN A GREAT BUSINESS, WE MUST BE DISCIPLINED IN ENJOYING LIFE” What other services do you offer? EyeSense is our bespoke, private service for patients that value their eye health. Clinical services that are not available within the NHS such as dry-eye treatment, myopia control and dyslexia. EyeSense enables techniques, equipment and skills far superior to those available under an NHS sight test. Clinical needs dictate cost, which can be spread via small direct debit payments. Other specialist clinics provide support for people treated for glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye diseases in complement to NHS clinics. Where would you like to see the company in five years time? I would like to provide more bespoke, personalised eyewear at affordable prices. I want us to continue to lead the way for clinical services in the UK but, remain local to Bristol. www.lynnefernandes.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk MEDIACLASH.CO.UK I BRISTOL LIFE I 117 95
4 Whiteladies Road Clifton, BS8 1PD Tel: 01179 292281
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BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | WEDMORE | WESTON-SUPER-MARE | YATTON
BUSINESS INSIGHTS clients by inviting them to view the scheme in progress via VR. What makes AWW stand out from the crowd? As an exceptionally talented team of people who design with a collaborative spirit, we challenge, we refresh, we embrace and above all we develop concepts with a strong commitment to the people our spaces are for. Tell us about a couple of recent Bristol projects that you’re particularly proud of Brandon Yard: the regeneration of the former gasworks on Bristol Harbourside, shortlisted for the Bristol Property Awards Residential Development of the Year, and a sister project to our previous work at West Purifier. hese projects have ensured the sensitive and successful regeneration of derelict listed harbourside buildings and the surrounding public realm.
MARK THE BUILDER Mark Alker Stone is a director of awardwinning AWW: architects whose practice ethos is to enhance people’s lives through design
M
ark’s the practice director and architect for AWW. “We design spaces for people,” he says. “We go beyond simply delivering buildings; our architectural and interiors teams work in harmony to create built environments which incorporate truly flexible spaces and sustainable designs.” What services do you provide? AWW delivers innovative, clientfocused architecture, masterplanning and interior design services across all sectors worldwide from our studios in London, Bristol and Plymouth. When and why was the company founded? AWW was founded in 1975 with an ethos of designing buildings for people, working collaboratively with our clients and end-users to create environments which not only fulfil their needs but also exceed expectations. This is something that still remains with us to this day. How has the company grown and changed since 1975? We have grown in size and stature
but we remain true to our fledgling foundations, and continue to follow a people-focused approach. Our regionality makes us both a national and local practice; accessible yet experienced. We care about the cities in which we operate, and are proud to invest in their development. How many people are employed by AWW? 90+ people are employed across our three o ces our head o ce is based in Bristol. We are immensely proud of all that we achieve, but we would be nothing without our teams, who make us who we are. We have created a workplace to inspire and to promote the happiness that drives true business success. We ensure that staff have access to a range of experience across sectors: this gives them the opportunity to identify and develop their strengths. Do you specialise in any particular architectural style? We deliver across sectors, taking a bespoke approach to all our designs. We also incorporate 3D modelling, building information modelling and virtual reality into our delivery to ensure our projects come alive for our
approach, we can design buildings that are simple to use and a joy to be in, so that they become sustainable buildings where the occupiers can take on responsibility for the environmental impact in use. Our research studio, Co-Lab, was set up last year to collaborate with local businesses and communities and to continually improve how we apply our sustainability approach in practice. Our latest research projects include Opportunities for Circular Economy in Affordable Housing, and Building Facades as a Tool for Climate Awareness. We take the outcomes of our research and apply this knowledge in practice on our projects. How do you market the company? We have grown through reputation and through the quality of our service and the designs that we create. We will continue to improve and to expand into new sectors through our reputation and the relationships which are made and sustained by all our people.
Glassfields: this multi-plot project within the Enterprise Zone will provide a mixed-use scheme that includes flexible o ce space and a 200-bed hotel. The scheme will regenerate this central brownfield site near a major transport hub. Parmenion: a fantastic interiors fit-out project in the Aurora building. The key driver for this project was flexibility and future proofing; Parmenion needed a more relaxed, forward-thinking internal culture, with a focus on staff wellbeing – paramount to recruiting and retaining the right workforce. This project has been shortlisted* for the Commercial Interior Designer category in the Bristol Property Awards. If we were an aspiring architect, what would it take to become a part of the AWW team? We look for individuals with a team spirit and an enthusiasm, talent, a willingness to challenge and a fresh perspective on design. ou will find a warm welcome when you join us, as we enjoy a close-knit community across the practice. What is your approach to sustainability and how do you put this into practice? Our practice ethos is to enhance people’s lives through design. Citydwellers can spend around 90% of their time indoors, so the way we interact with buildings can have a huge impact on mental and physical wellbeing. AWW’s driver for sustainable design is understanding the people who will be using the building. By putting people at the heart of the
“WE DELIVER ACROSS SECTORS, TAKING A BESPOKE APPROACH TO ALL OUR DESIGNS” If you use social media, what’s your preferred platform? We are relative newcomers to social media, but have a growing relationship with it. We use different channels for varying purposes which require a changing tone but our message remains the same. We are social on Twitter, an authority on LinkedIn and provide a visual portfolio on Instagram. Where would you ideally see the company in five years time? As a top 60 architect nationally, we look forward to continuing to grow and deliver projects across the country and internationally. We will continue to contribute to the vibrant cityscape that makes Bristol, and the other cities in which we are located, the unique places that they are. * Results just in: both Brandon Yard and AWW won! www.aww-uk.com
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Do your terms and conditions leave your business at risk? Anna Sivula, solicitor at AMD SOLICITORS COMMERCIAL TEAM, explains why tailoring terms and conditions to suit your business pays off in the long run
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or many startups, budgets can be limited and it may be tempting to simply copy T&Cs from another business. Using someone else’s T&Cs can have a whole host of unintended consequences, however, and I always recommend businesses to seek advice from a commercial solicitor, even if it is only to review the T&Cs before they are put to use. It is not only embarrassing if a customer notices that your T&Cs refer to an entirely different business – you may recall the recent press coverage regarding a ferry company’s T&Cs which referred to pizza deliveries! – but it can also leave your business exposed to substantial risk. I have outlined some key areas to look out for below.
customer is dissatisfied with your services, or if you fail to deliver on time. Well-drafted T&Cs can help manage these risks by limiting the amount of compensation your customer can recover from you. Your ability to limit liability will depend on what your business does and who your customers are, however, and your business may be left exposed if your T&Cs are not drafted carefully to reflect your circumstances. If you require any assistance or advice regarding terms and conditions or other commercial contracts, please do contact our experienced team of commercial solicitors by telephone 0117 973 3989, email annasivula@amdsolicitors.com or visit our website www.amdsolicitors.com n
Do you provide products or services? Although most T&Cs may look very similar at first glance, there are crucial differences depending on what a particular business does. Different rules and considerations apply depending on whether you sell products or provide services and whether you do this in a brick-and-mortar store or online. Who do you sell to? T&Cs are governed by different rules depending on whether your customers are private individuals or other businesses. Copying someone else’s T&Cs without understanding what rules apply to your business may mean that you will not be able to rely on your T&Cs when you most need to, as they may not be enforceable.
Call into one of our four Bristol offices. 100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze BS9 4JZ 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS 139 Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2PL 2 Station Road, Shirehampton BS11 9TT
What are your payment terms? Payment terms are probably the most important term in your T&Cs as it determines how and when you will be paid and what rights you have if your customer does not pay on time. Your T&Cs should set out clearly your charges, deposits (if any), timescales for payment or subscription terms and your rights to charge interest on late payments. Can you limit your liability? All contracts carry some risk of liability; for example, if a product is faulty or your
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 99
Alstone Court,
West Huntspill, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3DS Guide Price £650,000 This handsome, attached 5 bedroom Grade II listed former farmhouse has been sympathetically and tastefully renovated throughout by the current owners to provide a stunning and characterful family home with annexe accommodation, outbuildings, superb formal gardens & attached 4 acre paddock (in all approximately 5 acres). No Onward Chain. EPC exempt.
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PROPERTY A PL ACE TO C ALL HOME
LOFTY AMBITIONS A fan of Acorn’s stylish heritage regenerations? Fancy living a short walk away from the Gloucester Road? Welcome to Bishopston’s most beautiful new homes... By Lisa Warren
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A PROPERTY PLACE TO CALL HOME
T
he Acorn Property Group is rapidly becoming a byword for excellence in the field of heritage redevelopment. We’ve previously waxed lyrical about Brandon ard, the Harbourside regeneration/new build which recently won a Bristol Property Award; now prepare to be blown away by the oft House in Bishopston. In its previous incarnation, the rade-II oft House served time as Brunel House, the City of Bristol College campus. ewinding still further, it was built in 1 as an orphanage – all imposing ictorian symmetry, with grand sash windows, deep overhanging eaves and dressed Bath stone; aesthetic pleasantries that were doubtless scant comfort to the orphans. We’d love to think that one of their descendants might now be able to buy one of the swanky new apartments here. he Acorn conversion has created 6 new homes;
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a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and houses in the increasingly interesting area of Bishopston; original features have been kept wherever possible, including original solid wood par uet in the communal areas. he generous floor-to-ceiling height of the original rooms offered a wonderful opportunity to create multilevel homes, with mezzanines, galleries and doubleheight living space, topped off with interior design by David Hutton. nusually, David was involved in designing the entire scheme, rather than just the show home furnishing, and his input has been invaluable in enhancing the character and use of light and space. uxury kitchens include Bosch integrated appliances, and selected rooms will feature engineered timber flooring; bathrooms have slate floors by andarin tone. Pictured here is the show home, but very similar in layout is a two-bedroom mezzanine apartment with a very distinctive living area overlooking the open-plan kitchen diner, in which double-height ceilings and large windows create a beautifully airy space. here are two bedrooms and bathrooms, a private patio and allocated parking; an additional space is available for 1 k. But seriously, who needs two cars, especially when it’s just a ten-minute walk to the loucester oad? utside, a thoughtfully landscaped courtyard and gardens perfectly complement this grand, revitalised landmark building. n
PROPERTY
HOUSE NUMBERS Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms/ WCs 2 Reception rooms Kitchen/diner; mezzanine lounge Outside Communal gardens and allocated parking Guide price ÂŁ389k Where Bishopston What else? Beautifully renovated Grade-II building with interior design by David Hutton Savills Clifton, 20 The Mall, Bristol BS8 4DR 0117 933 5800 www.savills.co.uk
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UNION STREET, BROADMEAD
57 QUEENS ROAD, CLIFTON
• C 1,000 sq ft retail space
• Prime shop to let
• Suit offices and other commercial uses
• Fully fitted café • 1,200 sq ft
• New flexible lease
• New lease
• Economical rent
WESTFIELD PK – OFF WHITELADIES RD, CLIFTON
STUDIO OFFICES CLOSE TO BBC – BS8
• Loft style offices
• Coming soon
• 1,600 sq ft
• Suite 1 - 1,500 sq ft
• 5 car spaces
• Suite 2- 2,000 sq ft
• New lease
• Open plan studio style
CITY CENTRE OFFICES
CLIFTON VILLAGE
• Open plan
• Prime retail / office unit
• 815 sq ft
• Separate courtyard
• Light & bright studio space
• Office suite
• Low rent
• To let together or individually
CLIFTON OFFICES
OFFICE TO LET (MAY SELL)
• Self contained office building
• Purchase your own 5 – 10 person office unit
• 1,500 sq ft • 2 car spaces
• QC30 – BS1
• New lease – rent o/a
• £17.50 psf to rent
FOR SALE, PENTHOUSE OFFICE, CLIFTON
CITY CENTRE OFFICES • Stunning boutique contemporary refurbishment
• High quality office with contemporary finishes
• 8 secure car spaces
• 773 sq ft
• 4,300 sq ft
• £260,000
• New lease – rent o/a
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
• Dilapidations
• Landlord & tenant
• Property Marketing
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• Auction Services
BRISTOL LIVES
“I was doing a million and one things at once, and now I’m just doing a million” I’ll be demoing some dishes from Green, and will be able to answer uestions and sign books, too. What makes Food Connections such a brilliant festival?
ELLY CURSHEN The former owner of Pear Café is now a full-time food writer – and she’s coming to share her skills at this year’s Bristol Food Connections You may know her better as Elly Pear. The name comes from the Instagram account she began when she was running Pear Café on Upper York Street; it stuck, as names tend to do, and she still writes under it for her growing list of recipe books. The third, Green, is published on 23 May. Elly’s now closed the café. “After over 12 years it was a hard decision,” she says; “but I was working on my third book, and decided that the time was right to concentrate my efforts. I was doing a million and one things at once, and now I’m just doing a million. “I’ve not regretted it for a second, although I do miss it sometimes – it was a huge part of my life for so long.”
Your previous two books have been bestsellers – why do people love them so much?
I try to write practical books that fit in with the way people really cook, live and eat. y aim is always to introduce new ideas, methods and ingredients to help my readers stretch themselves a bit, while always keeping the recipes achievable, and most importantly, delicious. Tell us a bit about Green
y last two books were pescatarian but Green is totally veggie and vegan. here are lots of one-pan dishes, batch-cooking recipes, uick -minutes-or-less ideas and loads more. What are you doing at Food Connections?
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What are your go-to locals?
Arts House Café is very close to my flat, and we go a few times a week most weeks. When did you first know you wanted a career in food?
here are all sorts of interesting workshops happening this year, I’m particularly interested in the kimchi one, and enny Chandler’s Pulse demo; she knows more about pulses than anybody else.
I’ve worked in restaurants since I was 1 . y favourite food as a child was hings on a Plate’ – which is basically still my favourite way to eat.
How do you rate the Bristol veggie/vegan scene?
What’s your signature dish today when entertaining?
We have so many excellent places for veggies – I’m not talking about vegetarian restaurants’, just great cafés and restaurants that showcase vegetables brilliantly and know how to put plant-based eating at the centre of their menus, such as Poco on tokes Croft and oot at Wapping Wharf . Who are your Bristol food heroes?
Ben, en and om at Poco have consistently pushed forwards for years and work so hard to make sure they’re never resting on their laurels, and always thinking about what can be done better, in a smarter, more conscientious way. Everyone can learn from them. Why should we make 2019 the year we go meat-free?
eat-free or less meat – that’s what I’d wish for. If you want to eat meat, eat better uality and less of it.
Which area of Bristol do you live in?
ontpelier. I love how central it is and how close we are to loucester oad and all the fantastic food shops there. he downside is it’s not exactly a peaceful place to live
I love making dal there’s a great recipe in Green and then serving it with loads of side dishes. oing and buying naan breads from my local Indian restaurant is one of my favourite entertaining hacks. What’s your favourite ingredient at the moment?
I try to cook as seasonally as possible, so right now I’m really enjoying cooking with asparagus and new season potatoes. Do you have music/radio on when you cook?
Always. I can’t bear cooking in silence. I alternate between BBC 6 and adio , as I like listening to a mixture of music, chat and news. Do you have any secret skills?
I can do a tongue.
exican wave with my
Tell us something surprising…
I’m a leap year baby, born on February. ext year I get a proper birthday No-Fuss Veggie & Vegan Meals with Elly Pear is a free event at Colston Hall on 25 June; www.bristolfoodconnections.com reen by Elly Pear (Curshen) is published by Ebury Press at £22