Bristol Life - Issue 265 by MediaClash

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

ISSUE 265 / SUMMER EDITION 2019 / £3

ISSUE 265 SUMMER EDITION 2019 / SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT

FOR THE

GRETA IT’S BIG AND IT’S CLEVER: WHY JODY’S NEW WORK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ART HAPPENING OF THE YEAR

GOOD

A TASTE OF SUMMER Beer gardens and courtyards in Bristol and beyond! Butcombe pubs and inns have Summer covered with outside dining areas, pop up BBQs, gin gardens and more. Whether it’s a trip to your local or exploring somewhere new there’s a pub garden for everyone with Butcombe...

The Ostrich, Bristol 0117 927 6411 ostrich@butcombepubs.com

From the lively Ostrich complete with airstream Americana dining to the newlook Pelican with sun-trap courtyard and wood-fired pizza oven, whether it’s a trip to your local or exploring somewhere new there’s a pub garden for everyone with Butcombe.

The Cottage, Bristol 01179 215256 cottage@butcombepubs.com

The Swan, Rowberrow 01934 852371 swan@butcombepubs.com

The Pelican, Bristol 01275 331777 pelican@butcombepubs.com

The Bowl, Almondsbury 01454 612757 bowlinn@butcombepubs.com

Visit butcombe.com for a full list of all our pubs

Editor’s letter

othing says ‘stop buying plastic packaging’ like the intense, reproachful stare of a 15m Greta Thunberg as you walk

into Aldi. As soon as we spotted Jody Thomas working on his immense new mural in honour of teenage climate activist Greta – his contribution to this year’s Upfest Summer Editions – we knew we wanted it on our cover. Predictably, the finished piece on the side of the Tobacco Factory has since gone viral, capturing people’s imaginations across the globe; you may even have Instagrammed your own shot by now. But one day this mural will be painted over, and we really wanted a permanent memory. In fact, we’ve produced two different versions of the cover; that’s how much we like it. Find out more about the piece from Jody on page 32. Also, in this, our own summer edition, you’ll find a homage to Wapping Wharf, suggestions for dining al fresco, and the usual heady mix of news, views and interviews. Back at you in July, by which time, with a bit of luck, we’ll have finally managed to pack away our thermals.

deri robins Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

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Issue 265/Summer edition 2019 Front cover image Neil James Brain

street life

12 wapping wharf How a bunch of upmarket flats

became a proper new Bristol village

the arts

25 art page Sounds great, Bristol; but we’re all about

this support act . . .

26 WHAT’S ON Hot (hmmm) town, summer in the city 32 art Jody on that new piece; and the third Upfest book

of the festival

the acts

BOVTS takes on Nickleby

40 music The pick of the Sounds by the guy who books

46 one to one Duncan James drags up for Rocky 50 theatre Spot the Olivier-winners of the future as 52 bristol heroes Rave on, Avon 57 books Summertime reads, take two

food & DRINK

59 food intro Raise a glass to Pride 60 RESTAURANT Our new favourite Italian 64 Food and drink news New flavours to savour 68 al fresco Quick, the sun’s out! To the bat terrace! 87 Stan Nice wheels; decent chips

a man’s world

89 seb barrett Fight for the right not to party

shopping

92 editor’s choice Can’t Kondo, won’t Kondo

Business

97 business insights News, views and interviews 98 co-working Hubba hub-a – Bristol’s growing

office trend

107 bristol property awards Your full souvenir

of the inaugural event

Property

123 showcase Make like a wealthy Victorian merchant

and move to Leigh Woods

Regulars

7 spotlight 9 instas 130 bristol lives A new face at Cargo

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, Seb Barett Advertising manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Craig Wallberg @craig.wallberg@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Samantha Roach samantha.roach@mediaclash.co.uk Sales Executive Gabriella Cronchey gabriella.cronchey@mediaclash.co.uk Production/distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bristol Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash. We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

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

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Manchester . York . Sutton Coldfield . Bristol . Farnborough . Brentwood . Aberdeen . Tunbridge Wells . Cardiff Beverley . Chichester . High Wycombe . Liverpool . London North . London West . Orpington

spotlight clockwise:

Stewart, Reg, Rob and Sarah: our laughter canisters spilleth over

Community

feast on, easton

It’s become one of the highlights of the Bristol calendar, and certainly one of its most heartwarming. Bristol’s Grand Iftar is an annual Muslim event held to celebrate Eid, the end of Ramadan, and since 2017 it’s grown into the largest street party of its kind in the UK. It began as a modest celebration on St Mark’s Road, set up by Councillor Afzal Shah, Mohamed Al Shariff and local traders in a hope to heal cultural division – not only in Bristol, but as an example to the whole country. It invites all people, of all faiths and nationalities, to join the Muslim community to break their fast at an enormous chain of tables running the full length of St Mark’s Road, with food laid out for everyone to enjoy. It’s estimated that around 6,000 people attended this year’s event on 30 May. As always, food was served at dusk, following live music, stalls and speakers including Marvin Rees, Afzal Shah and Rev Vivienne Faull, the Bishop of Bristol. Big thanks to Colin Moody for the photo; look out for his full Bristol Heroes story in our next issue. Find the event on Facebook

Comedy

that’s funny. . .

As we all know from Monsters Inc, laughter is 10X more powerful than screams; so if your energy canisters are running low, head to Queen Square between 3-7 July when Bristol Comedy Garden returns to replenish them. We’ve got so used to seeing the line-up of absolute A-listers that we’re almost blasé, and the full rollcall would fall off the bottom of this page, but expect lols from the likes of Stewart Lee, Reginald D Hunter, Rob Delaney and Sarah Pascoe, above; other laughter merchants include Ed Byrne, Aisling Bea, Nish Kumar and Bristol’s own John Robins and Mark Olver. There’s a proper festival feel to proceedings, with each evening consisting of top-quality warm-up acts hosted by a compère before the main attraction; the gigs take place in big tents (not as big as the Bristol Life Awards tent, obviously, but still on the roomy side) with the finest street food, craft beers and cocktails. This year, look out for Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen, Kwackers, 3 Little Pigs and Tasty Ragga among the vans vying for your tastebuds. www.bristolcomedygarden.co.uk

Green Bristol

special branch Spotted them out and about? Volunteers working with Bristol BID and Incredible Edible Bristol have installed over 30 wooden planters across the city centre, growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers on streets and pavements as part of a mission to deliver a #GreenerBristol. The kerbside mini-gardens offer an attractive, sustainable and practical alternative to traditional floral displays,

with restaurants, cafés, residents and workers all being invited to pick and use the produce as the plants begin to flourish over the summer. Bristol, you will be unamazed to hear, is one of the very first cities in the UK to install these kinds of pavement planters, growing free, fresh produce for all, while helping to improve air quality. www.bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT

ROOMS WITH A CHEW

When everyone raves about the Bristol food scene, it mostly celebrates the producers and chefs – so we thought we’d honour the actual restaurants and cafés, whose décor, style and pizzazz add so much to the mix

Bosco Pizzeria @kymgrimshaw

Jamaica Street Stores @kymgrimshaw

Thali Café @thalisocial

Caffé Nero @danieldurrans

Old Market Assembly @oldmarketassembly

Pieminister Broad Quay @saintsonaplane

St Nicholas Market @jakes.lens

Woky Ko Kauto @kirstie_young_photography

FED 303 @kymgrimshaw

Spoke & Stringer @spokeandstringer

The (much-missed) Bar Buvette @leilaa81

Little Victories @littlevicsbris

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Precious CARGO

We can be properly proud of Harbourside. Many cities have razed their heritage industrial buildings to the ground, and replaced them with charmless new builds; in contrast, Bristol’s retained a gratifying amount of its old docklands charm, with regenerated sheds and warehouses reclaimed for housing and restaurants. As for the new homes: well, OK, they’re a bit of a mixed bag; but one brand new area stands head and shoulders above the rest. Welcome to Wapping Wharf – where the thinking has been inside the box…. Words by DERI ROBINS Photos by JON CRAIG @JonCraig_Photos

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street life

t could so easily have been just another bunch of new flats. Upmarket ones, admittedly; handy enough for the city centre; nice views; but not a lot more. But the Wapping Wharf developers had a light-bulbbrilliant idea. To complement their attractive new homes, they’d create a proper little community – a new village, in effect – right on the waterfront. There was already provision for a string of businesses along Gaol Ferry Steps, but the masterly stroke was to install a huge shipping container between the new homes and Harbourside, and convert it into small restaurants, cafés and shops. And the final coup de brilliance? All the businesses here would be local indies. Not a McStarbucks in sight; little one-man/woman or family concerns, mostly, looking to try out their budding businesses in permanent premises, with rates that didn’t cost the earth. Among the new arrivals were some reassuringly familiar Bristol faces – Eat Drink Bristol Fashion, for example – but that was only a bonus, as their established popularity attracted people to the area. The big blue container was called Cargo, and it’s now impossible to imagine Harbourside without it. This October marks the third year since Cargo 1 opened; we’ve since seen the arrival of Cargo 2, and the Wapping Wharf area is changing and growing all the time, with the building of Phase Two of the apartments already underway. We paid a call on some of the businesses in and around the Wharf, and asked them to tell us about their ’hood. Turn the page, then…

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what would make the Wharf even better? “MeatBox and Clifton Seafood are brilliant; if I finish early, that’s often my first stop on the way home. It’d be great to have a dedicated greengrocer in the mix too, though” – Kate, Bertha’s “A post office! Then it would truly achieve village status. And a shoe shop would be a nice addition to the little fashion quarter growing now that Something Elsie is opening next to Found Hea” – Tess, Box-E “We would love to see a ferry stop directly outside Wapping Wharf to enhance our visitor’s experience in getting to and from the area – any time of the year!” – Michael, Bristol Ferry “An urban beach perhaps, on M Shed Square?” – Philip, M Shed

“Some live music would add a great element to those unwinding after a busy day at work, or for families after visiting the ship on a summer evening” – Lynsey, ss Great Britain “I have a fantasy of bringing a newsagents to Wapping Wharf. I’d fill it with old-school sweets, all sorts of essentials like shoelaces and stationery, and global magazines and newspapers. Maybe with a small post office attached, or at least somewhere I can get stamps...” – Polly, Loop Massage “Nothing; its evolving and developing at a lovely pace, keeping its authenticity” – Jake, Mokoko AND, UMMM... “Possibly knocking down the M Shed so that our customers have an uninterrupted view of the harbour?!” – Name withheld to protect the guilty Obviously, Bristol Life does not endorse this final comment . . .

No better place for your morning cup of joe than Little Vic’s, according to, well, everybody . . .

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“The Wapping Wharf developers had a lightbulb-brilliant idea. To complement their attractive new homes, they’d create a proper little community – a new village, in effect – right on the waterfront”

street life Bertha’s Pizza

“We were at Wapping Wharf from the very beginning,” say Kate and Graham Bennett, who purvey sourdough pizza, negronis and homemade gelato from Old Gaol Stables. “Bertha’s was the second business to open – Mokoko opened its doors first, which was much appreciated, as their coffee got us through our fit-out. The area has matured into a true destination now; a perfect spot to spend the day meandering between all the independent offerings. “We suspect we have the most impressive tab on the books with Little Victories; Root’s a firm team favourite for staff food swaps, we love everything coming out of their kitchen; and Box- E is the restaurant of choice for our anniversary. Oh, and Squeezed; I couldn’t leave Alex’s burgers out – watch this space for an awesome collaboration.”

Box-E

“The trees have grown a lot from the twigs they were at new development stage, turning the area into a bit of an urban greenway, which the birds (and I’m not talking seagulls and pigeons!) love,” says Tess Lidstone. “With every new business arriving, it’s like gaining new friends. I’m a plant addict, so sometimes have to close my eyes as I walk passed Hayley’s gorgeous Mighty Quinn’s Flower Emporium. And you can’t beat a Little Vic’s iced latte…”

Bristol Ferry

Who better to gauge the changing face of Wapping Wharf than the guys who regularly ply the waterways? “Having Cargo 1 join Wapping Wharf has really changed the dynamic of the harbour,” says Michael Sergison. “And now, with Cargo 2, the whole area has become a brilliant new destination for our

passengers – Wapping Wharf is now one of our most popular stops. “Box-E’s food is my first choice for any special occasion. It is such an intimate venue, with food fit for a king.”

Loop Massage

Polly Meech opened her massage studios two years ago. “It’s been such fun watching the Wharf evolve,” she says. “Every time I think, if only we had X, Y or Z down here, a few months later it arrives. I think I was most excited for JuiceBox to open; I ran there on the first day. “I’m going to take up a summer residence this year on the new upper deck – I can eat ramen from Kaiju and sushi from Seven Lucky Gods all the live-long day. Most of our restaurants use seasonal produce, so going back to firm favourites like Tare and Box-E always feels new. And I also love sitting outside Bristol Cheesemongers with a cheese board, a glass of wine and a friend to talk to. “Sometimes, when walking home late at night, I’ll go out of my way to walk past the Wharf, to see the lights in the trees; it’s always so magical. I always get a thrill to see my studios from the point of view of an outsider, and remember that I’m a part of it all. It’s a special place.”

Mokoko

Jake Harris was an Cargo pioneer. “We’ve seen this new development grow into a thriving, active and supportive community,” he says. “All the local businesses provide a fresh, ever-changing experience. You never know what you’ll discover next, or how a menu at a favourite restaurant is going to be different.” Phase 2 of the Wapping Wharf apartments is underway; bottom inset: Cargo favourites Elliott and Tess of Box-E

street life M Shed

“There have been loads of changes at Wapping Wharf over the past few years; the main change has been to open up the route through from Gaol Ferry Bridge to M Shed Square, which has massively increased footfall through the area and created this great place to hang out, eat, drink and meet,” says Philip Walker, Bristol Council’s head of engagement. “There’s a huge choice and variety: bakers, butchers and probably even candlestick makers. I particularly like Fig 1, Wild Beer and Salt & Malt – but I also love that you can even get a massage, or do a yoga class, in one of the Cargo units.”

Oliver’s Ice-Cream

Oliver’s came to Cargo 2 in February 2017; bringing a repertoire of 60 flavours of gelato, they generally offer a choice of around 18 at any given time, displayed in their signature rotating cabinet. “The Wapping Wharf site has seen a continual expansion since we arrived, with more units being installed and other additions – like parasols in the last few weeks – which has resulted in its appeal increasing even more,” says David Jutsum.

ss Great Britain

Brunel’s grand old ship has witnessed a few things in its time that eclipse even the development of Wapping Wharf, as tends to happen when you sail the seven seas; but since it settled into its permanent dock, says venue hire manager Lynsey McKinstry, “The harbourside really feels like it has arrived, with a great social scene for families, friends, couples and groups; it’s brought many visitors to the ship we wouldn’t have seen before. “We’re total foodies here at the ship, and being right on the water always makes us yearn for good old fish and chips we can eat on our lunch break! Salt & Malt is a popular choice. However, stiff competition comes from Woky Ko… who can resist their Crispy Duck Salad?” n

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please share a favourite fact or memory . . . “Our building, The Old Gaol Stables, was once a Land Rover garage – poignantly, as that’s how we started out, serving pizza from our bright yellow converted Land Rover Defender” – Kate, Bertha’s “Olly from Pigsty lugging our huge industrial three-door fridge up our stairs unaided before we opened. True friendships were formed during set up” – Tess, Box-E “As a not-for-profit company, every pound you spend when boarding a Bristol Ferry goes directly into the maintenance and upkeep of our yellow boats – it’s an investment back into Bristol, and an ideal way to get around and see the harbour in all of its glory” – Michael, Bristol Ferry “I remember Wild Beer welcoming us, at the end of the first weekend of Cargo 2 being open. Everyone was a bit shell-shocked – it had been the first Bank Holiday

weekend in May, with perfect weather, and everywhere had been rammed for three days. I filled all my appointments for the first month in that opening weekend” – Polly, Loop Massage “Since it opened in 2011, M Shed has had over five million visitors, and in the last year over 750,000 – which may be partly thanks to the success of Wapping Wharf” – Philip, M Shed “Some people living within a few minutes’ walk of the Wharf have said ‘It’s the first time we’ve been down here – didn’t know it was here!’ – David, Oliver’s Ice-Cream “One of our brides specifically altered her dress so that she could ‘Go Aloft!’ and climb the rigging on her wedding day” – Lynsey, ss Great Britain And Bristol Life’s own favourite memory?: Staying in the world’s first ‘crane treehouse’ in 2017, when Canopy & Stars created a little nature-inspired sanctuary in a cabin up at Crane 29. Parent company Sawday’s has offices just round the corner…

Fresh organic juices, smoothies, coffee and breakfast Unit 3, Cargo 1, Wapping Wharf, Bristol #findyourbalance

The second of Shambarbers unique independent salons is nestled down @Cargo. Providing the ﬁnest salon services for him and her in a relaxed friendly space.

- WAPPING WHARF (0117) 933 0953

- 43 STOKES CROFT (0117) 942 2087

FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.SHAMBARBER.CO.UK

MOKOKO COFFEE & BAKERY 2 Gaol Ferry Steps, Wapping Wharf, BS1 6WE Phone: 0117 929 0177 Opening at Portishead Quays Marina later this summer!

www.mokokocoffee.com

Monday to Friday, 7:30-5:30. Saturday 8-6:30. Sunday 9-6:30.

An award-winning artisan bakery, founded in the heart of Bristol’s Old Market, with a ‘little sister’ shop in Cargo 2, Wapping Wharf. Specialising in handmade sourdough, sweet and savoury pastries, cakes and sandwiches; all made using high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients.

COMING SOON! The new Assembly Bakery website, where you’ll be able to purchase your favourite Assembly Bakery goodies or book a baking class - www.assemblybakery.co.uk

street life let’s all move to the wharf! Missed out on Phase One? Good news: developers Umberslade and Muse have secured £23.4 million funding from Homes England towards Phase Two, creating over 250 new apartments. As you can probably tell by the new cranes bristling the Wapping Wharf skyline, work has already begun, and is expected to complete next year. The new development will have the same unique dockside character as its first phase, in keeping with this historic industrial surrounding area. Roof-level apartments will have vaulted ceilings and terraces; many apartments will have balconies, and views to the waterways to the north and south; others over landscaped courtyards. Designed once again by Alec French, the one, two and three-bed apartments and penthouses will be housed within two sixstorey buildings, to be named Abel Yard and Hope Quay. The restored early-19th-century Grade-II Gaol Gate will become a focal point for the development, providing a new public entrance to Wapping Wharf, opening onto a small square flanked by residents’ communal gardens. So tempted . . . Register at: www.wappingwharfliving.co.uk

Don’t miss:

M Shed are understandably excited about their new summer exhibition, opening on 6 July. It’s been designed to take you behind the scenes of Aardman’s recent hit film Early Man, showing you exactly how the animators created the characters, sets and storylines. Feeling at a loose end after you’ve viewed it? Have you even read this feature . . .?

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advertising feature

Creative coworking MOBIUS was recently engaged to work alongside leading interior architecture and design company, Studio Cwtch, to create Bristol’s newest coworking space, Gather Round

ather Round is a new kind of creative workspace that provides a beautiful coworking space for a diverse, thriving community of creative businesses and individuals, and a culture built on openness and inclusivity. The extensive project includes a full renovation of part of the old Cigar Factory in the heart of Bristol’s eclectic Southville district. It incorporates a complete refurbishment including all mechanical, electrical, build and decorative elements. Mobius has fitted data cabling throughout to enable state-of-the-art broadband and communication services, while CCTV, security and sophisticated access control technologies are also installed. It has been a hugely rewarding project demonstrating Mobius’ innovation, attention to detail, quality workmanship and professionalism. The end result really speaks for itself and Gather Round will provide a comfortable, highspec contemporary working space for Bristol’s flourishing creative industry.

Jason Smith, one of Gather Round’s founders, commented: “Partnering with local contractors and suppliers is part of the Gather Round ethos. Mobius has been extremely supportive throughout the build process, their knowledge and understanding of the project has been invaluable.” We wish Gather Round every success with this brilliant new venture, to find out more visit: www.gather-round.co. n

Mobius Works Tel: 0117 403 8560 Email: hello@mobiushome.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23

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

pop sans frontières

Like a bit of fusion? You’ll love Ibibio Sound Machine, then. The band – fronted by Nigerian energy-bomb Eno Williams, shown here in typical diva mode – is supporting Cat Empire at this year’s Bristol Sounds. It’s not easy to sum up their wildly eclectic sound, but here goes: think electronic funk with a side order of gospel, disco, R&B and punk (both post- and electro-), all mixed in with African polyrhythms. Think NYC new wave crashing into disco. Add a dash of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian folk culture. Got it? If not, get along to Harbourside on 27 June to hear it for yourself; along with ultimate Aussie party band Cat Empire, you’re guaranteed the hi-energy gig of the summer. We’ll see you with Big Jeff in the mosh pit. www.facebook.com/BristolSoundsOfficial

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What’s on

Don’t make like a Dead Dog; get out and max the scintillating Bristol summer calendar

14 June - 14 July 2019

Look out, Macky’s back; Dead Dog in a Suitcase makes it a hat trick at Bristol Old Vic

exhibitions

duly chosen ‘diversity’ for the 2019 theme; eastonartstrail.co.uk

mandy barker: altered ocean Strikingly beautiful exhibition aiming to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the oceans; at the RPS; rps.org

15 June-1 September

Until 23 June

Until 4 August

Banksy’s Devolved Parliament Back to mark 10 years since the Banksy v Bristol Museum exhibition; take it as a comment on our times, if you will. bristolmuseums.org.uk

Until 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

14-16 June

jamaica Street: open studios Meet the Jamaica Street Studios artists in their lairs, and bid in the auction. jamaicastreetartists.co.uk

15-16 June

easton arts trail The artists in this most diverse of Bristol neighbourhoods have

fire: flashes to ashes It’s the gallery’s third elementthemed exhibition, and given the subject matter, we’re guessing it’ll be the most dramatic. Dracarys, etc; rwa.org.uk

6 July-8 September

James N. Kienitz Wilkins: This Action Lies The Brooklyn-based artist’s moving image work combines documentary sources with original scriptwriting to investigate the role that narrative plays in the construction of truth; spikeisland.org.uk

6 July-15 September

Libita Clayton: Quantum Ghost Immersive sound installation, large-scale photograms and live performance by Spike studio artist Libita. spikeisland.org.uk

6 July-29 September

On Set with Aardman: Making Early Man A fascinating insight into the work of Bristol’s beloved Plasticenebotherers, specifically their last hit movie, Early Man; from drawings

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to extraordinarily crafted sets, tiny character models to the latest VR technology. M Shed; bristolmuseums.org.uk

into his Greek ancestry to enlighten us with the ancient art of Pretendism, thus saving the performing arts from the evil clutches of Method Acting. At Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

SHOWs

17-22 June

Kings Cross (REMIX) The secret histories of LGBTQ+ communities in London during the 1980s; thewardrobetheatre.com

25-29 June

Until 16 June

Until 18 June

The Lady Boys of Bangkok The Boys showcase tributes to rock divas while audiences tuck into Thai cuisine in the pink Sabai Pavilion on the Downs; ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk

14-15 June

the Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby Almost 40 years after it first opened. the RSC’s two-parter is taken on by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School; lots of scope for keen extras. See page 50. oldvic.ac.uk

17-19 June

garry starr conquers troy The comic wunderkind delves deep

rocky horror show See page 46. Bristol Hippodrome; atgtickets.com One Night in Miami 1964: Cassius Clay is crowned heavyweight champ of the world and celebrates with three close friends – activist Malcolm X, American football star Jim Brown and soul man Sam Cooke in a Miami motel room. Kemp Powers’ tough-talking drama speculates on the change that’s gonna come. BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

27-29 June

An Indian Abroad Stifled by life in middle-class India, Krishnan is desperate to see more of the world, so he visits the exotic island of Great Britain to learn about life and who he is. At Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

1-6 July

dirty dancing Where don’t we put Baby? That’s

what’s on right! Just imagine the pressure on Johnny not to drop her during *that* lift every night... At Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

of john Packing more energy than a Duracell factory into his new show, Russell’s RS Turbo laugh engine motors through love, family and life; Hippodrome, atgtickets.com

2-3 July

shall we take this outside? Violence solves nothing. Except in films, TV, books, comics, games and pretty much every corner of culture where heroes exist... A spoken word theatre piece exploring the violence in ourselves and our everyday lives alongside a duo of tight-knit acrobatic dancers. At Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

MUSIc 20 June

taking back sunday The genre-defying rockers are embarking on a huge anniversary tour to celebrate 20 years as a band; catch ’em at O2; academymusicgroup.com

21 June

orchestra of the age of enlightenment An Italian Baroque extravaganza from the ebullient OAE; St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

2-13 July

dead dog in a suitcase Kneehigh bring their signature take on The Beggar’s Opera to BOV for the third time. It’s funny and dark in all the right places, the tunes are great and at some point our girl-crush Patrycja Kujawska will pick up her fiddle again. At Kneehigh’s Bristol spiritual home, BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk above:

Is that John Robins still trying to sober up after the Bristol Life Awards?

left:

The handsomest man on the comedy circuit makes a dash for it at the Hippodrome stage door. We’ll catch you, Rhod... below:

Eyes so blue that we’re beginning to suspect he’s the actual Night King; Martin Kemp, somehow looking even better now than he did in the ‘80s

2-14 July

26 June

oedipuss in boots As lightning cracks at the summit of Mount Olympus, the royal kitten Oedipuss is cursed with the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother. The original mother-loving Greek tragedy was one of Wardrobe’s greatest comic hits, and now plays at TFT: tobaccofactorytheatres.com

COMEDY 16 June

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

24 June

closer each day The world’s longest-running improvised comedy soap continues at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

27 June

rhod gilbert: the book of john If you only see one comedy show this year, let it be this one. The funniest guy on the circuit is back, and he’s more raw, personal and honest than ever. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

7 July

russell kane the book

Tom Misch Kicking off this year’s Bristol Sounds, Tom brings his blend of jazzy guitar and hip-hop-inspired beats to Canons Marsh; supported by Yussef Dayes. acebook.com/BristolSoundsOfficial

27 June

cat empire The Aussie six-piece hold the record at Bristol O2 Academy having sold out a total of 10 shows; now they’re the second band to take the stage for Sounds; supported by Ibibio Sound Machine. Facebook.com/BristolSoundsOfficial

28 June

bloc party Third up for Sounds; the band will perform their ground-breaking début album Silent Alarm live and in full. Supported by She Drew the Gun and Liz Lawrence; Facebook.com/BristolSoundsOfficial classical mix tape live 2 Summer gala bringing together a tantalising array of brilliant young musicians, performing a wide range of hugely appealing music in solo, duo and ensemble combinations; at St G’s, obviously. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk horace andy The veteran reggae artist and Massive Attack fave is at Fiddlers. PS Sign the petition to keep this legendary venue open; at fiddlers.co.uk

29 June

elbow Guy and the lads are back; wonder if the Downs streaker will put in an appearance? Supported by Villagers

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 27

DOLLS HOUSE & MINIATURES FAIR June 23rd & September 22nd, 10am-4pm The Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare Entry adults £2.50, children £1

To experience the exquisite world of dolls house miniatures, visit one of our public fairs where you will find exhibits, displays and demonstrations by some of the leading craftspeople in this field.

tel: 01895 834348 | wendyhobday@wendysworld.co.uk

what’s on and Another Sky; Facebook.com/BristolSoundsOfficial

30 June

above:

Last year’s pic from St Pauls, but this year’s theme: Our Journey; We’ve looked at love from all sides now; Pride’s back; bottom: kathryn dawn lang shows us her good side at Rivertown middle:

the cinematic orchestra The pioneering jazz fusionists bring the Sounds series to a close, celebrating the release of their first album in 12 years, To Believe; they’re supported by Bristol’s own Ghost Poet. Facebook.com/BristolSoundsOfficial the mighty mighty bosstones Brace yourself for the mightiest dose of ska-core you’ve ever experienced, as the platinum-selling band head to O2; academymusicgroup.com

5 July

Madama Butterfly Cho-Cho-San still pines; Pinkerton still betrays. East meets West with tragic consequences as Opera a la Carte take on Puccini’s heartbreaker at St George’s. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

13 July

tom jones The biggest voice on the circuit belts out the hits at Bristol County Ground; ticketmaster.co.uk martin kemp ...while the bluest eyes in the biz come at Trinity. The better-looking Spandau Ballet twin and former Stenders bad boy hits the decks to spin the best hits from the ’80s. 3ca.org.uk

FESTIVALS Until 23 June

food connections The citywide celebration that’s serious about food; see page 40; bristolfoodconnections.com

22-23 June

weston air festival The stellar line-up of aerobatic talent, including the Red Arrows, flies again; visit-westonsupermare.com dogfest More goobois (please don’t call them furbabies) than you can throw a stick at bring their owners (please don’t call them mums and dads) to Ashton Court for canine capers galore; Noel Fitzpatrick and Claire Balding attempt to keep them under control. dog-fest.co.uk

26-31 June

bristol sounds See under MUSIC for individual acts; see also page 40

1-14 July

bristol pride A fortnight of fun, colour, craziness and glitter from Bristol’s welcoming LGBT+ community, from Pride Dog Show to Circus Night, Comedy, Film Festival and Theatre; Pride Day on 13 July starts with the Parade at the city centre and ends with a massive party on the Downs, for an expected 70k or so revellers. bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

1-31 July

bristol shakespeare festival The mostly but not exclusively outdoors fest returns, performing Will’s plays (and work inspired by him) in unusual spaces. bristolshakespearefestival.org.uk

3-7 July

Bristol comedy garden An unfeasibly high number of comedy circuit A-listers crowd into Queen Square with designs on our funny bones; bristolcomedygarden.co.uk

6 July

11 June-28 July

Rivertown The summer celebration of roots and Americana; kd lang, Kiefer Sutherland, The Shires and many others; more in our next issue. colstonhall.org

st paul’s carnival The celebration of African Caribbean culture is firmly back on the summer calendar; this year the theme is ‘our journey’, in honour of the Windrush generation; stpaulscarnival.net

14-16 June

6 July

volkfest The grass roots Volkswagen show and family camping weekend; Grandmaster Flash, Oh God! It’s the Church and DJ Cheeba bring the ents; bristolvolkfest.co.uk

20 & 27 June

campfire club bristol Nest Collective invite you to gather at Windmill Hill City Farm for music, food, friendship and fire; thenestcollective.co.uk

AStral festival The music festival previously known as Bristol Psych Fest returns to SWX, The Lanes and Rough Trade. astralfestival.com

7 July

firebird festival After two years off, Firebird Studios are putting on a new music festival to celebrate their 5th birthday and showcase some of the local bands that rehearse with them; firebirdstudios.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29

advertising feature

A sense of style Zoe Hewett of stylemongers of bristol talks us through her journey from art college to winning the Residential Interior Design Award at the first Bristol Property Awards

oe Hewett, interior designer at Stylemongers Of Bristol, began her design career at the tender age of 17, when she took quite a risk and redecorated the family living room in secret while her parents were away. Using a palette of sage green and bumblebee yellow it could have been pretty disastrous; fortunately it went down well, but despite its success it would be another ten years before Zoe worked on real homes again. “I studied theatre design at Wimbledon School of Art originally,” says Zoe, “where we learned about the different periods in fashion and style across art and architecture, clothing, furniture and interiors, from the first cave paintings right up to the 20th century. “There weren’t any actors at our college, though, so we quite often had to wear the

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

costumes we made ourselves, and create live art installations in broom cupboards inspired by poems and playtexts instead. I loved designing giant opera sets and making little models for them, but most of the shows I designed that were actually built were more modest in scale.” After a decade of designing sets and costumes for productions as varied as Samuel Beckett plays to carnival parades, and artdirecting feature films and TV, it was time for a change, but not too much of one. “One of the production designers I used to work for trained as an interior designer, and I went the other way around. The jobs are pretty interchangeable because the skillset and knowledge base are more or less the same. The industries are quite different though and obviously you can’t use gaffa tape or zip ties in a building, as it has to last more than three weeks!” Zoe’s first interior projects were upcycling vintage furniture, which were usually statement pieces full of vivid colour. “I think my theatre background means I’m unafraid of being bold with colour or unconventional ideas. It has also given me an insight into people, and what their clothes and surroundings say about them, because it was all about interpreting the characters in the scripts and finding an aesthetic to represent their world, on stage or on screen. It’s not about stamping my taste onto every project; it’s about articulating other people’s.” Through offering consultancy, and more recently interior design masterclass workshops alongside her design service, Zoe has been able to help many homeowners find their own style and feel confident in making their own décor choices.

“I teach my exact design process, and it often surprises people that there is an actual process to follow. It’s not all wafting about stroking nice fabrics! We laugh a lot as we learn, but ultimately I try to encourage people who would never contract a designer to do what they want to do, rather than what they think they ought to do to the house, and give them a framework to achieve that by themselves.” This effort to make interior design more inclusive, along with her striking work, helped Stylemongers Of Bristol win the Residential Interior Designer category at the Bristol Property Awards. “It was so exciting even to be a finalist along with other designers whose work I really admire, so I certainly wasn’t expecting a win. It was a real shock. As a micro-business I’m very grateful for the recognition and the fact it was judged by a panel of industry experts rather than it being a numbers game made it all the more meaningful for me.” Zoe’s future plans include working on a book, delivering an online version of the workshop and continuing with the Stylemongers Of Bristol blog. n

Full of advice, inspiration and comment on the interior design world it’s well worth signing up to for regular inbox instalments at www.stylemongersofbristol.co.uk

Swede teens are made of this: expect to see Jody’s Greta ALL over Insta this summer

up rising Bristol street art often carries a political message – and as Jody Thomas’s immense new piece goes to prove, one picture can be worth a thousand words. That said, we wrote a few anyway . . . Words Deri Robins Photos Neil James Brain

art

He’d only just begun... Photographer Neil James Brain chronicled Jody’s progress, both from ground level and the Tobacco Factory roof

“It did strike me as ironic that the wall’s theme is the climate crisis, and I’ve had every season thrown at me”

ooooo Upfest!” we cried at the end of last year, on hearing the news that Bristol’s beloved street art and graffiti festival, would be taking a sabbatical in 2019. However, before we’d had time to throw a proper strop, we were mollified by two further announcements. First up was the publication of Upfest III, the latest in a series of large glossy books celebrating work from the festivals. Upfest III features all your favourite 2018 images, along with some older ones; many photos show the artists in action, while others focus on stride-bys. Because as we know, nothing sets off a nice bit of street art like the right person strolling in front of it. The second bit of news, and the one that made us go “Yessss, Upfest!” was that while there’s no big one-off festival this year, there will still be plenty of new art in the form of Upfest Summer Editions; a kind of ongoing, pop-up affair, which sees South Bristol walls painted between April and October by

renowned local and international artists. The canvases include some of the biggest walls in the area, from the Tobacco Factory to Redpoint; accompanying each piece will be exclusive print releases, available from the Upfest gallery and online. The first work appeared on the side of the Rising Sun in Windmill Hill, courtesy of a collab between My Dog Sighs x Sameremas; Brazilian artist L7m will also join the lineup, as will Upfest veteran Dale Grimshaw, French stencil artist Goin and portrait painter Ant Carver; spraying the flag for Bristol are Gemma Compton, Copyright, Bex Glover, Kindose87 and Zoe Power And – oh yeah – some dude called Jody Thomas. With THAT painting… It’s already made international news. Jody’s mural of teenage climate changewarrior Greta Thunberg is nothing short of epic; 15 metres high, and painted in Jody’s trademark high-def style, it both honours the Swedish teenage environmentalist and, in true ‘one picture is worth a thousand words’-style, makes a jaw-dropping, stopyou-in-you-tracks statement; Greta is seen semi-submerged in icy water, surrounded by melting ice caps under a stormy sky. It’s destined to be the most Instagrammed sight of the Bristol summer.

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

Tiny Jody for scale

We interrupted Jody having his tea on Day Four of the work, and asked him what it was all about. “As Upfest isn’t happening this year, I was asked to paint as part of the Summer Editions, where all of the main walls are being updated over a number of months by various artists,” he said. “I received a call from Steve [Hayles] to say that the Tobacco Factory wall was available if I was interested. We discussed a potential theme, with a strong climate change leaning, and I went away and gave it some thought. “Greta’s name was mentioned, and I immediately said – stop: she’s absolutely who I should paint there. And as that wall has had some iconic pieces painted on it –

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

Lisa Simpson, Mr Men and, of course, the John Lennon, it was time for me to step up and do something with impact. “I found a straight-on studio shot of Greta, and thought it could form the basis of a piece. And for some reason I immediately thought of the water levels rising up around her. I sketched out my thoughts and then created a high-res digital comp image to work from. I sent the image on to Upfest and apparently it was the quickest decision they’ve ever made with a wall design. “In my mind, I always split a wall into two parts; the idea, and the execution. It’s a good way to look at any piece, and sometimes you get a good feeling about a design – like you know it really could work –

and after that it’s just a case of nailing it. “It was a real challenge to paint; just the scale alone posed some really difficult and logistical issues. This has been my biggest wall to date, which felt rather daunting; I got rained off several times, and it got so windy at points I had to give up on a couple of occasions – but it did strike me as ironic that the wall’s theme is the climate crisis and I’ve had every season thrown at me...! “I painted 65-70% of the wall in waterbased paints with an electric spray gun that was powered by the Tobacco Factory’s solar cells; I did try to make the least amount of impact with this mural given the nature of the theme - it was a real consideration.” n www.jodyart.co.uk

art Upfest III

Upfest, as we’re quite sure you know, is the acronym for The Urban Paint Festival; though as Jody Thomas once told us, it also references every graf/street artist’s wish to get their work ‘up’ there. It began 10 years ago, when a small bunch of artists got together for a paint jam at the Tobacco Factory. Today, it’s the biggest street art festival in Europe; to give you a bit of scale, last year’s fest hosted 400 artists from 70 countries, watched by 50,000 visitors. Every year it donates profits to the charity NACOA; it’s raised around £90k to date. The books are always beautifully designed and printed on high-quality paper. As ever, Upfest III – designed by Jody – is as much about the photos of the art as the art itself. We asked Upfest gaffer Steve Hayles to choose six images from the book, and tell us why he rates them. 1 Art: Kobra; photo: Neil James Brain

I love this photo; what are the chances of getting a car parked in front of the wall with that number plate? [Only kidding! Jody Photoshopped it.]

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

art 2 Art: The London Police; photo: Feral Things

This is such a great elevated shot, capturing the artwork with South Bristol rolling out behind it, putting the artwork in context. 3 Art: L7m; photo: D7606

D7606 has been a regular photographic contributor to Upfest, and this photo is typically high quality, capturing all of the artwork, as well as the fish in the window keeping an eye on everything. 4 Artwork: Irony & Boe, photo: Feral Things

3 4

The artists took the location and used it to full effect. The photographer has understood this, and tells the story of the seagull poking out in his photography in this brilliant capture. 5 Artwork: Dr Love, photo: Paul Box

Our resident photographer never fails to capture moments within his photography, and this photo is no different. 6 Artwork: Dean Zeus Coleman, photo: Kineta Hill

Kineta works tirelessly during the festival period trying to capture every single piece of artwork, with special access. This rarely seen view of Loved Up is captured and recorded for everyone to enjoy. Buy prints, the book and other shizzle at www.upfest.co.uk, or pop into the gallery at 198 North Street. Follow Upfest on social @Upfest

6 5 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

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Sounds of the city, baby Bristol Sounds returns to Harbourside between 26-30 June, with an extended five-day line up – and here’s why you won’t want to miss a single night. Festival organiser CONAL DODDS talks us through the setlists . . .

Is that you in the third row from the back, Nigel?

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

music

clockwise from above: Cat Empire; Bloc Party; Tom Misch

idn’t manage to bag a ticket to Glastonbury? Glastonbury schmastonbury! Bristol might not have The Killers, Kylie or Stormzy; but hey, we can deal with that, as we do have some of the most interesting acts on the circuit – many stopping off en route to Worthy Farm – in town this month, from the up-andcoming to the up-and-come. Can’t decide which of the five nights of Bristol Sounds to go for? Conal Dodds of Crosstown Concerts is here to give us the lowdown on what to expect from each show.

Wednesday 26 June – Tom Misch

If you’re not already aware of Tom, you need to be. He’s an extremely talented virtuoso guitarist, with a really unique jazz, hip hop soul style. A product of the highly esteemed Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Tom released his début album Geography in April 2018, and had already collaborated with big names such as De La Soul and Loyle Carner. The best way to describe Tom would be a mix of nu-jazz, hip hop and soul. If you’re a fan of Jordan Rakei and Loyle Carner, you’ll love Tom Misch. He’ll be supported by Afrobeat drummer and pioneering artist/producer in London’s jazz scene, Yussef Dayes. Yussef is also a member of the jazz-funk duo Yussef Kamaal, whose début album Black Focus picked up Best Breakthrough Act in the 2017 Jazz Awards.

Thursday 27 June – The Cat Empire

If you’ve missed out on a ticket to Glastonbury, you can get a flavour of it right here in Bristol with The Cat Empire and Ibibio Sound Machine. Let’s start with the support. There’s nobody on the scene quite like Ibibio; electro Afro-funk at its absolute finest, with a

powerhouse up front in the form of Eno Williams. Amazingly entertaining, energetic and packed full of fun; an amazing performance is guaranteed from these guys. Main act Aussie rockers The Cat Empire formed in Melbourne back in 1999 (when Tom Misch was just four years old – fun fact). Multiple albums, countless worldwide tours – even the record for the most sold-out shows at the O2 – these guys are widely regarded as being among the world’s greatest party bands. Expect a fusion of ska, funk and jazz with plenty of rock and Latin influences – and of course, a great party vibe.

Friday 28 June – Bloc Party

Bloc Party are one of those bands that define a generation; Silent Alarm was a phenomenal success, and remains one the most loved and respected albums of the early noughties indie scene. To have the band perform this formative album in its entirety on the Friday night of Bristol Sounds is going to be a pretty special. If you were to ask me what part I’d be most looking forward to, it has to be that driving, powerful guitar intro to Helicopter. That song so perfectly encapsulates Bloc Party and the indie scene at that time, and it’s always amazing to hear it live. Supporting Bloc Party is an incredible up-and-coming psychpop outfit from Liverpool, She Drew The Gun. Fronted by singersongwriter Louisa Roach, and built around lyrics both political and evocative, it’s definitely a band on the rise and one not to miss. There’s additional support from Liz Lawrence, an English singer and songwriter best known for her solo work, as well as being one half of electro-pop duo Cash + David. This is definitely going to be a huge night; tickets for this show sold out months ago, and we know this is going to be a pretty special event.

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

l o t S i r B t r a T s e M o h A Be ! r E e t n U l o V Start Bristol, you’ll be a When you volunteer for Home m get back on their feet lifeline for a family: helping the d to cope in the future. and develop the skills they nee ndent registered charity Home Start Bristol is an indepe h at least one child under supporting struggling families wit s and carefully match ﬁve. We recruit and train volunteer them with local families.

nexT voLuntEer CourSe sTartS 17th septEmbeR, 10-2pM Our popular, accredited Volunteer Preparation courses are held 3 times a year, with each course running for 36 hours over 9 weeks. Course times are designed to tie in with the school day and volunteers are asked to attend just once a week. At the end of the last course, 100% of volunteers said they would recommend it to a friend, and what’s more, it carries a Level 2 Accreditation. This qualiﬁcation, combined with the experience gained working with us, can act as a wonderful stepping stone into future careers.

PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS HAVE THE EXPERIENCE TO MAKE GREAT VOLUNTEERS During the 30 years of Home Start’s work in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, we’ve helped thousands of families. By encouraging and involving parents in their own support planning, we see parents and families grow in conﬁdence. And when this happens, children ﬂourish...

teEr n U l Vo Ay! tod

We couldn’t carry out this vital work without you, so if you are a parent or grandparent, and can spare 2-3 hours a week to do something amazing, contact us today.

YOU REALLY WILL BE CHANGING LIVES.

September’s course is taking place at Phoenix Social Enterprise, 5 Russell Town Ave, Lawrence Hill, Bristol BS5 9LT. Call 0117 950 1170 | www.homestartbristol.org.uk | Find Us On Facebook

THE SUPPORT IS FANTASTIC “After seeing a close friend go through post-natal depression I felt I wanted to help other mums. The course exceeded my expectations. It wasn’t always easy but the support was, and still is, fantastic”. - Rachel, volunteer

music

Saturday 29 June – Elbow

Brit Award and Mercury Prize winners Elbow are simply one of Britain’s finest live bands. You always get a sensational show, and Guy Garvey is such a charismatic frontman. His voice and presence just draws the crowd in, so that even a huge gig feels intimate – then comes the huge singalong moments that make the show that much better. Joining them on the bill is Dublin band Villagers. Fronted by feted songwriter Conor O’Brien, Villagers have picked up awards left right and centre, from multiple Ivor Novellos, Choice Music Awards, Q and Mercury nominations. You can expect a fantastic, atmospheric performance from these guys; if you’re not familiar with them, give their latest album, The Art of Pretending to Swim, a listen; you won’t regret it. Also joining us on Saturday night is South London foursome Another Sky, a hugely talented new band that’s already making waves in the music scene, following a slot on Later with Jools Holland.

top: Elbow

above: Cinematic Orchestra

Sunday 30 June – The Cinematic Orchestra

We can’t wait to welcome The Cinematic Orchestra to the city, to close out Bristol Sounds in style. After releasing their first full-length album in over a decade, they’re in pretty high demand this summer. They’ll only be performing a select number of gigs in the UK before jetting off to the States, so we’re pretty happy that Bristol Sounds is one of them. We’re excited to have Ghostpoet supporting on Saturday night. His first album, Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam, was shortlisted for a Mercury Prize in 2011, as was his second album in 2015. Throughout his career, Ghostpoet has collaborated with names like Metronomy, The Streets and Massive Attack. It’s quite difficult, if not impossible, to describe his musical style (and he doesn’t want us to try!) – you’re just going to have to come along and find out for yourself. n

Tickets for Bristol Sounds are available from www.seetickets.com, www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.gigantic.com and www.bristolticketshop.co.uk

“Guy Garvey’s voice and presence just draws the crowd in, so that even a huge gig feels intimate –then come the huge singalong moments . . .” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 43

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vamp till ready Let’s do the Time Warp again: Duncan James is the latest star to put the trans in Transylvania, as Rocky Horror Show comes to Bristol Hippodrome Words by Lisa Warren

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

he juiciest role in Rocky Horror by a long chalk is Frank-n-Furter. In case you’re among the 1% of the populace who have no idea what we’re talking about, Frank’s a predatory, corset-wearing, stiletto-rocking scientist hellbent on creating the perfect life form to serve as his sexual plaything; he’s charismatic, hedonistic and charming. He’s also a bit of a psychopath. Rather different, then, from the two roles that Duncan James is probably best known for, ie fronting boy band Blue and starring in Hollyoaks. Duncan, pray tell; what attracted you to the part of Frank? “Everything! To begin with, Frank has one of the best entrances in musical theatre. The

THEATRE reaction we get from his opening number, Sweet Transvestite is amazing: I come out in a cloak, then whip it off to reveal Frank’s out-there outfit. “Frank is so twisted, and so dark, and that’s so much fun to play. He’s a mad doctor who wants to create a man for his own pleasure, and he’ll kill whoever gets in his way. I thought it’d be great to explore the mind of someone who is living on the edge,

who isn’t afraid to do what he has to do to get what he wants.” Presumably you’re comfortable in heels... I am, yes, and I love getting dressed up every night, putting on the corset, the fishnets and stilettos. It’s such an empowering moment, because when I walk out on that stage I’m towering above everybody, and instantly I get that sense of

command that Frank has. I’m not shy, so I love strutting round. I’m really embracing it. I also have a bit of a fascination with drag queens and artists. I’ve become a huge fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race; it’s my number one guilty pleasure. The Rocky audience tends to be lively. Do you do much ad-libbing in response to shout-outs? There’s none of that from me. Only the Narrator can heckle back. But I can do an eyebrow raise or a little smirk, because Frank is the only other character who’s allowed to acknowledge the audience. What sort of shout-outs have you had? There’s a lot of rude stuff. I get to do a scene in bed with Ben Adams from A1. It’s two boy band members in a bed, so . . . Why has Rocky Horror endured? It’s down to the genius of Richard O’Brien; he created The Rocky Horror Show back in the ’70s, when it was taboo to talk about certain subjects, and having a man [originally Tim Curry] dressed up as a transvestite was unheard of. It was banned in some countries, and a lot of people didn’t know how to take it. As attitudes towards sexuality, sex and transgender issues have changed, we’ve become a lot more open-minded and liberal; we now embrace shows like Rocky Horror, and this one in particular has stood the test of time. It seems to be getting bigger and bigger, with more and more people getting dressed up to come see it, as well as knowing the story and shout-outs.

Tell us about a few of your other favourite roles I loved playing Tick in Priscilla, because it’s one of the most incredible, most liberating roles. As a gay man who has a child, I really related to the character.

“I love getting dressed up every night, putting on the corset, the fishnets and stilettos. It’s such an empowering moment ”

Do you have any plans to work with Blue again? Definitely. As long as people want to come see us there’ll always be Blue. We get to play sold-out arenas all over the world; it’s wonderful to travel to these countries with my friends, and get up on stage and sing songs that everybody knows. You’re bringing the show to Bristol. Does it have any significance for you? Bristol is the one place I was meant to perform in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, but I didn’t actually get to do the show there; I slipped a disc in my back and was in hospital. So getting to go back to Bristol and actually do a show is really exciting.

The Rocky Horror Show plays Bristol Hippodrome 17-22 June; www.atgtickets.com

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

THEATRE

class acts

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has trained some of the most respected actors and techies in the biz. Reckon you have what it takes to spot the stars of the future? Get along to Bristol Old Vic this month, where the School is putting on its most ambitious production to date

hen the RSC’s mammoth two-part stage adaption of Nicholas Nickleby first staged in 1980, it was an instant hit. It was story-telling at its finest, filled with wry humour, adventure and daring, peopled with a multitude of fascinating characters – from villains such as Squeers to good guy Nicholas; from the pathetic Smike to the broadly comic Mrs Nickleby. Furthermore, like all good social satire, Nickleby never really dates. Author Charles Dickens may have been focusing on the social injustices and abuses of power in the 1830s, but David Edgar’s adaptation found easy parallels with the political climate at the dawn of the 1980s. And as Matt Carmichael of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School explains, “It’s a superb piece of ‘event theatre’, with Parts One and Two providing a truly immersive experience that’s akin to the Netflix generation’s box-set binge-watching mentality. The show is full of interweaving plots, struggles for power and dysfunctional families, not dissimilar to a Victorian soap opera – unsurprising, when you remember that the original novel was published as a series of 20 instalments.”

Despite being such an accessible and human play, it’s rarely revived – why is that?

When it appeared, Nicholas Nickleby became one of the longest plays ever produced, at well over eight hours, with over 100 characters and 80 scenes, so perhaps that had something to do with it. The show’s most recent outing was in 2006 at Chichester, before transferring to the West End. This slightly edited-down version of the script is the one we’re using for the BOVTS production. What made BOVTS choose this play for its big summer show?

Usually at this time of year, our graduating acting students appear in two separate shows, but we’re delighted that this year they’ll all be appearing in this epic together. No one year at the School is ever the same: last spring we did Dracula at Loco Club, in the tunnels beneath Temple Meads; in the summer we had The Elephant Man at Bristol

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Old Vic; and in the autumn, a world première of the musical Mrs Beeton Says at Redgrave; so we’re always pushing the boundaries and bringing exciting new theatre to Bristol. While the show is true to its origins, and firmly grounded in Victorian England, our costume designer and theatre design student Alana Ashley has introduced a twist. There is a nod to Tim Burton in the vision, with a hint of grunge. Alana describes this as a ‘slightly alternative Victorian past’ – the audience will recognise the 1840s silhouette, but cuts, fabrics and styles have been chosen to create a more stylised and contemporary feel.

“There’s something about the free-spirited, lively and independent nature of Bristol that breeds creativity and instils a passion and drive among our students” Are we likely to be seeing the stars of the future in the show?

Almost definitely. We typically receive upwards of 1,800 applications each year for an intake of just 28 places on our BA Professional Acting course, so all the cast are extremely talented. To give an idea of recent successes, Moronkẹ Akinola won the Alan Bates Award last month, awarded to just one graduating actor across all UK drama schools, whilst Eva O’Hara was a runner up. Kel Matsena has already been cast in his first professional role at Bristol Old Vic, and Will Fletcher and Anna-Kate Golding were both graduate finalists at the Sam Wanamaker festival in the spring. Within Nickleby, some will play a single character, while others as many as six or seven – for example, Emer Heatley will be playing a theatrical grand dame, a young orphan boy, an

opposite: Could an Oscar-, Olivier- or Tonywinner be among the BOVTS students seen here in rehearsal?

aristocratic lady, a gambler and a waiter in a coffee house – so it’s the perfect opportunity for the audience to see our students’ versatility. Why do you think the School has produced so many theatrical luminaries?

The training we provide is rigorous, intensive and career-focused – the School’s mantra is that a student’s first day with us is the first day of their professional working life, regardless of whether they’re on an acting, creative or technical course. Our training model is also purposely designed to provide the broadest range of opportunity and experience: we don’t have our own in-house theatre, but take shows to a host of Bristol venues such as The Redgrave, Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol Old Vic, Circomedia and The Wardrobe. Of course we’re biased, but there’s also something about the free-spirited, lively and independent nature of Bristol that breeds creativity and instils a passion and drive among our students. Add to that a supportive, closeknit ethos, and our graduates have the tenacity, experience and ambition to really make it in a competitive industry. The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

(Parts One and Two) plays Bristol Old Vic between 14-22 June; www.bristololdvic.org.uk The School’s artistic director Jenny Stephens is one of the show’s two directors. Jenny has been harbouring a desire to bring Nicholas Nickleby to the stage ever since seeing the original production: “It contains some of the best storytelling that can be offered on the stage. It also provides the graduates with a collective piece of theatre like no other – BOVTS is a creative community, with students on a whole range of courses. Students on design, directing, costume, scenic art and production arts courses as well as our actors are all involved.”

PHOTOS MARK DAWSON

BRISTOL HEROES Rave on, Rave On Avon . . .

Words and pictures by Colin Moody 52 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

photography

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oodbye, Blue Mountain Club. Adios (at least, at this location, for now) Rave On Avon; there are big things planned for next year, or so they say. I’ve never been, but I’ve heard it’s legendary. So after a quick margarita at a new place on the corner, I dived in. All the way. And this is what I can report. Love. Lots of love. People dancing to music that most people over 25 will never understand; but when you see how it syncs people in dance, it’s a yes from me!

Love. Young man tries to light his cigarette while dancing with his girlfriend outside Poco Tapas bar. Note the non-revellers on the other side of the window. Feel the music. Mini-sound system set up on the island. Ravers from teens to those in their late fifties, all bouncing round each other’s orbits. And then one reveller letting every bone in her body feeeeeeeel it.

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Heart of glass. Don’t know how they got up there, but they sure enjoyed the show.

Who is that? No one seemed to know. He approached the fire on Turbo island and then started to... I think the best way to describe it is not ‘dancing’, but synchronising with the flames.

“I think the best way to describe it is not ‘dancing’, but synchronising with the flames” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 53

photography

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Gonna need fuel at a rave. Slix were ready.

Lose yourself in the music. And when you do, find another state, another place. And then please turn towards the camera. Thank you.

This island might look like a piece of dirt, but for some it’s their village green. In particular this crew. I’ll be taking them a copy of this mag when it’s out.

BOOM BOOM BOOOM BA BA BOOOOOOM BOOM BOOM BOOOM BA BA BOOOOOOM “Love you...” BOOM BOOM BOOOM BA BA BOOOOOOM.

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

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

“BOOM BOOOM BA BA BOOOM ‘Love you...’ BOOM BOOOM BA BA BOOOM...”

EMILY ROSS BOOKS

Take it outside We know what you’ll be reading this summer . . .

“Based loosely on Fleetwood Mac, the stories feel truly authentic and make you desperate to know the secrets and scandals behind the band”

here’s something perfect about reading outdoors, isn’t there? The sun on your face, the pages crinkling in the breeze: it feels like the ultimate indulgence. Fortunately, you don’t have to go on an expensive holiday to do it. Whether you’re relaxing with a cocktail in a hammock in Barbados or guzzling a lunch-hour sandwich on a park bench in Bedminster, here are some bingeworthy new books to get stuck into this summer. DAISY JONES AND THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones knows how to get what she wants. She’s beautiful, talented and confident, and when she arrives on the LA club scene in the late ’60s she immediately starts to get noticed. The Six are building a reputation, too, with brooding lead singer Billy Dunne writing hit songs and starting to be recognised for his talent. With a world tour looming, and ambitions to become the biggest rock band in the world, they know that Daisy Jones can help them to get there. Written from the point of view of band members, managers, agents and journalists, this reads like a meaty and scandalous soap opera about the biggest rock band from the ’70s. It’s a masterfully woven narrative, juggling rock ’n’ roll, wild parties and hit albums with the pressures of fame, relationships and addiction. Based loosely on Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, the stories and anecdotes feel truly authentic and make you desperate to know the histories, secrets and scandals behind the band. CONFESSIONS OF FRANNIE LANGTON by Sara Collins This gothic and gripping story begins in the courtroom of the Old Bailey in 1826, as Frannie Langton stands trial for the murder of her employers, Mr and Mrs Benham. Her memories are vague and blurred, but as she is interrogated, Frannie is determined to tell a story which is truly hers. She reflects on her childhood on a Jamaican plantation, secretly learning to read while working as a maid and lab assistant for her employers’ horrific and disturbing scientific experiments. Accompanying her employer to London, she works as a maid in a grand

house, and she has to learn to tread the line between her awareness and intelligence, and social hierarchy. The looming trial haunts the narrative, and continually reminds us that Frannie will have to face the truth about the murders, and the memories that she has buried. LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL by Rónán Hession Leonard and Hungry Paul is a quiet book about two friends who play board games together. Somewhere along the way there’s a wedding, but that’s sort of it in terms of plot. While that doesn’t sound like the greatest set-up for a novel, it’s really not about that: it’s about the heartswelling, fist-pumping sweetness of celebrating the quiet things in life. It’s been lumped in with the ‘up-lit’ trend, but Leonard and Hungry Paul is so much more than just a book to cheer you up. It’s gently philosophical and absolutely stuffed with one-liners which will have you pointing at the page and shouting, “Yes, exactly!” QUEENIE by Candice Carty-Williams Queenie is a witty, fresh and inspirational début from Candice Carty-Williams. In the midst of a break up, struggling to be seen at work and navigating a South London that is changing in front of her eyes, Queenie’s life is spiralling out of control. She’s feeling caught between a family that doesn’t always understand her, and friends who don’t always give the right advice, which inevitably results in some entertainingly bad decisions. Queenie is a breezy page-turner, and the narrative is interspersed with hilariously real and relatable text message conversations between Queenie and her friends which add to the authenticity of the story, but it has deep layers that tackle race, mental health, and what it means to be a black woman trying to find yourself in a modern world. Wherever your outdoor reading takes you this summer, come and see us on North Street (where the sun always shines, obviously) for recommendations, coffee and general book chatter. Storysmith,49 North Street, BS3 1EN 0117 279 1751; www.storysmithbooks.com

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food & drink s n a p s h o t s o f B R I STO L’ S f o o d s c e n e

Proud to be fruity; the special Pride cocktail is shown left, but a rainbow of colourful alternatives are also available . . .

LOVE WINS the day Cosy Club has launched a new cocktail to celebrate Pride next month – and for each one sold, the bar will donate £1.50 to help Bristol Pride support the LGBT+ community. You could easily make the case that drinking one or three is your actual civic duty. The Love Wins cocktail is a fruity little concoction full of passion and vodka, with a dash of sunshine, specially designed to get you feeling Pride-ready; we’ll be bringing you the full recipe in our summer cocktails feature in the next issue. And hey, if for any bizarre reason passionfruit doesn’t float your boat, there’s a whole rainbow of other options to choose from, too. Bristol Pride takes place 1-14 July, and is a family-friendly event, open to all; more at www.bristolpride.co.uk Find Cosy Club at 31 Corn Street; www.cosyclub.co.uk

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The Spaghetti Incident

Deri Robins enjoys a Roman holiday in the Croft, and can happily report that there’s a new pasta master in town

hey really couldn’t have improved on the downtown Roman vibe if they’d hired extras from Central Casting. We’re not sure how typical our visit was – fairly, we’re guessing – but while we were at The Spaghetti Incident, the number of Italian voices easily outnumbered the Bristol ones. What with Alessandro Mannarino warbling away on the music track, the vintage coffee maker and the 50-yearold Vespa parked at the back, it made us feel we were properly on our holidays. We took the Italian clientèle as an excellent sign. I mean, I know we don’t necessarily put much store by the obverse – when we see a McDonald’s stuffed with Americans, or a Little Chef packed out with Brits, we seldom say hmmm, that must be a great, authentic place to eat. But these customers here were evidently enjoying themselves – chatting, arguing (there again, all animated Italian conversation sounds like an argument), petting a dog and

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speaking with the staff – including restaurant owner and chef Oliver Underwood. Oliver grew up in Rome, where he ran his own pizza place for ten years, specialising in tiramisu, no less. He opened The Spaghetti Incident in March, with the aim of offering a truly authentic Italian dining experience. “All our dishes are traditional,” says Oliver. “It’s cooking dishes born out of poverty. Humble dishes, peasant dishes if you like, but using the very finest and freshest of ingredients. And the pasta, naturally, is made here in the kitchen.” Showing off, I asked my very best journalist question. “So, Oliver; would the pasta in Rome taste different from, say, the pasta in Naples?” “Listen,” said Oliver, with a Italian gesture so extravagant that it made Tony Soprano’s shrug look half-hearted. “Even in Rome, the pasta served a hundred metres down the road tastes different.” And although there’s a large fried pizza menu, it’s the pasta that dominates the menu, divided into The Romans

restaurant

and The Specials, which admittedly sounds like a Colston Hall line-up. The Roman half is a selection of classic, simple dishes; “Some are made to recipes that are 600 years old; maybe older.” But then, given that Rome is The Eternal City, 600 years ago is really only last weekend. Given the carbotastic treats to come, I began with a lightish salad of buratta. Like a buxom Roman matron released from her stays, the cheese relinquished its shape voluptuously, spilling over a wafer-thin slice of toasted focaccia pepped up with anchovies and pesto. With scant concern for his waistline, Your Man dug enthusiastically into a tomato-drenched panzanella; another gutsy peasant dish, as our waiter Lily explained. “It’s made from yesterday’s stale bread,” she said, bluntly. Ten points for creative recycling. Both were fine, but it was the mains that really had us going, “OK – this place is a bit special.” The gnocchi was nothing short of spectacular. Oliver forms his into little stars, stuffs them with bosky wild ’shrooms and a sage-infused butter, and sets them off with whisper-thin parmesan wafers and fried sage leaves. In case that’s not indulgent enough, there’s a little copper pot of hot sage butter to chuck over the top. No exaggeration: my dish of the year so far. When Your Man chose the carbonara, I berated him for a lack of originality, while reminding him that I made an equally good one at home. I was forced to eat my words. Cured pork cheek packed a salty punch, with pecorino cheese, dried pancetta and a marinated egg, just in case there was any danger of flavour deficiency. I’d love to see this dish in a carbonara battle with Loco’s. Your Man took a few forkfuls, and keeping his head down, said softly, “No you don’t. Really.” We don’t much like puddings, but after a couple of margaritas (cocktails here are a fiver) I tend to forget this. Also, who has so hard a heart that they can resist a menu billing itself a ‘tiramisu factory’? Oliver reckons that you can’t beat the classic coffee variety, but there are also pistachio, amaretto and strawebrry versions; I had the latter, which turned out to be a pleasant trifle-like dish. In this corner of the city, whatever cuisine you’re tucking into, however authentic the flavours, you always know you’re in the Croft. In our book, the vibe of Bristol’s most laidback, boho area mixed with the eclectic influences brought in by restaurateurs and chefs makes for an ideal dining experience. The Spaghetti Incident is a brilliant addition to this cosmopolitan melting pot. It’s special, and crazily affordable; use any excuse to eat here. And perhaps bring a friend who thinks they can cook Italian. n

“Listen. Even in Rome, the pasta served a hundred metres down the road tastes different” Dettagli da pranzo The Spaghetti Incident, 36 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QD; 0117 330 1401 Orari di apertura midday-10pm Abbiamo visitato Tuesday evening Accesso disabilitato Fully accessible Bambinos Benvenuto, naturalmente – come on, this IS an Italian restauant Cani Si, si Prezzi Starters £5-£6; mains £8-£14; tiramisu: £5 Bevande A short, Italian-leaning list, ranging from a Falanghina IGPP Quarto Miglio white at £19 to a Barbera d’Alba Serragrilli red at £25. Cocktails £5 each Scelta vegetariana on a shortish menu there are good vegetarian options

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Tel: 07854239926 info@cliftonwineschool.com

A very warm welcome to Clifton Wine School! We are a local wine school hosting events in Bristol and Bath. Choose from our Cheese and Wine Matching night, a Fine Wine tasting, Wines of the World evening courses, Gin tasting, and so much more. We also do unforgettable hen parties and corporate events. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sell wine, we sell confidence in wine knowledge from a DipWSET qualified teacher.

You can purchase any course or tasting as a Wine School Gift Voucher starting from ÂŁ25 the perfect present for any wine lovers!

Now a proud Crumbs Award Winner! Visit us online at

www.cliftonwineschool.com

MOLESWORTHS The BBQ Specialists

food & drink

Vinay Mandadi Vinay – that’s him on the right, with head chef Jyotirmoy Patra – is the founder of Dhamaka, serving authentic Indian street food in Old City ‘Dhamaka’ translates as ‘blast’(thanks, Google). “That’s right,” says Vinay. “In our context, it’s a blast of colour, which we’ve embedded in our décor; and also a blast of the flavours in our food. Indian culture is far from subtle; it is all about a blast in everything – festivals, weddings, food – and we want to convey the real Indian culture through our name.” You say you do things a little differently to most British curry houses . . . Traditionally, British curry houses are confined to just serving curries with few sides; a one-pot sauce, with different meats or veg added to it. We’ve kept some of the classic curries, to keep everyone happy, but we also have the alternative of trying the tapas style of dining;

“Indian culture is far from subtle; it’s all about a blast in everything – festivals, weddings, food – and we wanted to convey that at Dhamaka”

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the kind food found on the streets of India, such as Indo-Chinese, chaat with a bit of everything, etc. We have also made sure that vegan dishes are a vital part of our menu, and not an afterthought. We have some great vegan options. You’ve opened in Old City – why here? I remember this part of Old City as being full of loud late-night bars, but it has changed a lot over the last three years, with many restaurants coming in – like Pho, Honest Burgers, Franco Manca and more coming up Clare Street – now it’s more like London’s Covent Garden, where city workers can take a stroll and pick a place to eat. Old City has become the place for casual dining, and we fit the bill perfectly. Where do you source your recipes? Jyothi has worked across India; these are the recipes that he learnt from experts back home, including from the South, West, North and East. They could not be more authentic than that. Can you pick a few dishes from the current menu to tempt us? Try the tapas style of dining; from our chaat, the aloo tikki chat, pani puri; from the tandoor, hara paneer tikka, tiger prawns ajwaini and chicken 65; and gobi Manchurian from our Indo-Chinese menu; these dishes you can enjoy with a garlic naan and a tadka dal

Does Jyotirmoy have a signature dish? Jyotirmoy prefers fish and seafood; his signature dish is cheemeen mappas, a Keralan prawn curry with very subtle flavours, in which the natural ingredients speak for themselves. What’s the overall vibe of Dhamaka? We’re comfy-casual, offering a visit to vibrant India, and an atmosphere that’s not of a hushhush fine-dining restaurant; a place to have a great chat with friends over shared street food, accompanied by amazing cocktails. So tell us a bit about the drinks . . . We have a balance of favourites, such as Cobra beer, along with some that are very different, like our chai-infused local cider and our cocktail menu. This references Indian states – for example, Kerala is known for its coconuts, so we made a Kerala Colada using coconut water. Orissa is the second largest producing state of ginger, and our Orissa Splitz; ginger liqueur, Italian amaro averno and ginger ale. What’s your own preferred tipple to accompany spicy Indian food? I personally prefer our Orissa Splitz cocktail – the ginger makes a great combo with spicy food. On a hot sunny day a pint of Cobra would do just as good a job. Find Dhamaka at 15 Clare Street For more www.dhamakadining.co.uk

MORE TASTY BITES… OK, we’re going to have to hurtle, and with the utmost brevity, through the other headlines, as the local food scene’s gone into overdrive . . .

BY THE SEVEN! First, they brought us Hyde & Co and Milk Thistle; then two branches of the Ox (Oxen?), then Pata, then Bambalan; so the question was not whether Nathan, Jason and Kevin would open another Bristol restaurant, but when, and where, and what would it be like? The answer has landed, in the form of the pretty damn awesome Seven Lucky Gods in Cargo 2. It’s inspired by the Izakaya bars of Tokyo, and serving Japanese fusion food and drink, along with freshly made sushi and bento boxes to take away. www.7luckygods.com

Who knew root vegetables could be this much fun?

ETHICAL EATS • By the time this issue comes out, Bristol Food Connections will be in full swing. At The Future Food Banquet on 17 June, served at Poco Tapas by Poco and the Chefs’ Manifesto, a multicourse feast created by top local chefs including Rob Howell, Josh Eggleton and Peter Sanchez will represent one of the key manifesto points, outlining ways in which chefs can contribute to sustainability goals. Book (if you still can) at: www.bristolfoodconnections.com • One year ago this month, Boston Tea Party banned the use of single-use coffee cups, and it’s celebrated its ﬁrst cuppaversary by launching ‘National Making Things Better Day’. From now on, each year on 1 June, BTP will pledge something more for the planet. This year, it’s removing single-use plastic milk bottles. www.bostonteaparty.co.uk

The steaks just got lower at The Ox

CHARRED If you’re a veggie, or perhaps a ﬂexi wanting to eat less meat, or even if you’re never quite sure if those pork sausages/ chicken legs are cooked through, you’re going to love Genevieve Taylor’s fully vegetarian new BBQ book, Charred (h/b £16.99). With enticing recipes ranging from smoked parmesan parsnips with fennel butter and hazelnuts, to watermelon, halloumi and lime-pickled red onions, you’re really going to want to get stuck in pronto – and even if it rains, many of the recipes are ideal for cooking in a griddle or in an oven. Recipes in our next issue . . . www.genevievetaylor.co.uk

AMUSES BOUCHES The Ox Clifton is bringing back its summer offer of 40% discount on your food bill throughout June, from Tues-Fri; www.theoxclifton.com Following last year’s successful launch, The Coffee House Project returns to Passenger Shed on 7-8 September, focusing on local, artisan roasters, independent food and drink and home-grown baristas. www.thecoffeehouseproject.co.uk

Cheltenham Road café Emmeline has reopened, one year after a car crashed into the window; pop in to welcome them back! www.facebook.com/emmeline.bristol Bocabar is to open a new branch at Finzel’s Reach, serving its usual tasty casual-dining bites and brews within the old Fermentation Building; the décor combines a vintage and rustic look with a dash of luxury. www.bristol.bocabar.co.uk

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Riverstation sits majestically on the harbourside as it has done for the last 20 years. Our iconic building boasts one of the best sunshine locations in Bristol and offers al fresco dining in abundance. You can dock on the pontoon from the ferry and enjoy the whole day in this wonderful setting. The newly refitted restaurant offers fantastic views across the water and delivers monthly rotating seasonal menus. Balcony seating also allows you to leisurely watch life go by. The up-beat ground floor hosts a large sunshine terrace so you can while away a night with cocktails, or enjoy a bottle from our extensive wine selection. We proudly support local Bristol breweries, as well as offering our flagship Youngâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ales on tap. Be sure not to miss out on our great events hosted in proper Bristol fashion. Follow our social networks for updates.

We are now taking reservations for our 2019 Supper Club cruises. For more information, please head over to https://www.riverstation.co.uk/whats-on to see who will be joining us this Summer.

The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB; 0117 914 4434 riverstation@youngs.co.uk www.riverstation.co.uk

Let’s get out of it …in the phrase’s most legitimate and literal sense, obviously; because as the sun makes its stop-start summertime appearance in the Bristol skies, we’re all going mad for al fresco…. Words by Deri Robins Photos by Louis Smith www.studiowhisk.co.uk

Literally no points at all for identifying this as the Avon Gorge hotel – which has had a major facelift since being acquired by Hotel du Vin

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“Is it that quasi-holiday vibe that makes food taste so much better out of doors?”

AL FRESCO

ho’s your favourite Al? Al Pacino? Al Green? Capone? Jarreau? Ours is Al Fresco. Why does food and drink taste so much better when taken out of doors? Is it that quasi-holiday vibe? Dunno; what we do know, though, is where to make the most of those precious intermittent rays of sunshine; below are just a few of the gardens, courtyards, terraces and decks you’ll find us lounging about on this summer. Oh, and ours is a frozen margarita; thanks for asking.

BAMBALAN

AVON GORGE

BOX-E

Views for dayz... OK, let’s politely ask the elephant to leave the room; when it comes to views and space, this is hands-down the best terrace in Bristol. It’s vast. It practically hangs over the Avon Gorge. It has Clifton Suspension Bridge as decoration. You can dine on the finest victuals from Goram & Vincent, as well as the informal White Lion Bar. They say: We also have a secret, private terrace, which you can hire in conjunction with our event space. Can we bring the dog? Yes. Tempt us with a dish from your summer menu Monkfish grilled over charcoal, with white bean and Catalan chorizo stew. www.theavongorgehotel.com

Let’s get this party started Sociable, fun and affordable; the huge main terrace has a bird’s eye view over St Augustine’s, and ping pong or table footie on the side terrace. They say: During daytime it’s the perfect spot for a lazy brunch or lunch; come the evening, you can enjoy the sounds of our resident DJs every Friday and Saturday night on the terrace. Can we bring the dog? Absolutely, on all the terrace and bar areas. Tempt us with something from your summer menu The vegan bahn mi bab – coriander-marinated tofu, piled high on spicy peanut Asian style slaw and flatbread. www.bambalan.co.uk Small is beautiful This tiny Cargo restaurant is a favourite both with fellow chefs and regulars, due to Elliott’s culinary brilliance and Tess’s friendly welcome. The large corner terrace with its harbour views is elevated, so perfect for discreet people-watching, with big parasols for scorchio dias. They say: Being near the water gives everything a holiday feel. It’s pedestrianised, so not much traffic unless you count the dock steam train. . . Can we bring the dog? Yes! Tempt us with a dish on your summer menu

Roasted and pickled fennel, Brixham crab, fennel pollen. www.boxebristol.com

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BROKEN DOCK

Breaking good ‘Drink, dine, socialise’ is the mantra of this Harbourside kitchen/bar, which has a large outdoor space with plenty of tables; the area is heated for chilly evenings. They say: Come for the relaxed atmosphere, table service and one of the best views in Bristol. Can we bring the dog? Yes; they’re generally better behaved than humans. Tempt us with a dish from your summer menu Our bestselling evening dish: Broken Fish & Chips. www.brokendock.co.uk

DUCK AND WILLOW

Fire up the barbie . . . The garden is the latest addition to this popular Downend pub, offering a south-facing sun trap; they regularly fire up the BBQ on sunny Saturdays, and there’s a dedicated dining area for kids. They open for breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays, and the garden is ideal for an al-fresco breakfast; on Saturdays they serve food all day. They say: On 29 June our garden is a year old; we’ll be celebrating with live music, BBQ and spritz bar all afternoon and evening. Can we bring the dog? Dogs are welcome. Tempt us with a dish from your summer menu

Pan-fried hake with confit potatoes, kale, shrimp, cucumber and brown butter. www.theduckandwillow

GRAIN BARGE

What’s SUP, Doc? What’s better than dining al fresco down at the harbour? Dining afloat, obviously. This perennial favourite moored at the Hotwells end of affairs has an open-air upper deck with picnic benches, colourful sails and deckchairs; it’s always a buzzing spot in the sun, and the surrounding water is no less busy, with everything from SUP boarders to sailing boats passing by. If you want to win at Instagram, note also that it’s the ideal place to watch the sun go down with a drink in hand. They say: We have a top-deck can shack opening in July serving craft beer, cider and soft drinks; also tasty food served from our drum BBQ. Can we bring the dog? Dogs and well-behaved owners very welcome on board. Tempt us with a dish from your summer menu Cornish mussels cooked in North Street Cider, brewed by Bristol Beer Factory, sprinkled with spring onions, a dash of cream and chunky chips. www.grainbarge.com

LIDO

Mermaid’s delight Lido has an outdoor space unlike any other in Bristol. It’s up to you whether you do a few pre-prandial laps in the beautifully renovated open-air Victorian pool, or head straight for the cool and contemporary restaurant, which has tables inside and out; in summer there’s not much distinction between the two, as the huge glass windows are wide open to the poolside.

Cocktails ready at Riverstation

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AL FRESCO Head chef James Nathan carries on the Freddy Bird tradition, cooking Moorish and Mediterranean dishes in the wood oven and grill. They say: The poolside seating is south-facing, so when it’s sunny it really does feel as if you have escaped from it all. Can we bring the dog? Perhaps understandably, dogs are not permitted on the poolside. Tempt us with something on the menu The most classic of Lido dishes, which also sings of summer: wood roasted scallops with sweet herbs and garlic butter. www.lidobristol.com

NO. 4

Georgian on our mind This award-winning restaurant is tucked within The Rodney Hotel, a Grade-II Georgian mansion house in Clifton, with a lushly-planted walled Georgian garden with a big lawn at its centre. They say: Guests at the hotel receive a generous discount when booking ahead, but No.4 also welcomes non-residents. Can we bring the dog? Absolutely! Canine friends are always welcome and it’s a great place for them to explore and play, too. Pets are also welcome to stay the night at the hotel, for a £5 fee. Tempt us with a dish from your summer menu Pan-roasted cod with olive oil and dill sabayon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, chorizo and crushed Jersey Royals: summer on a plate. www.no4cliftonvillage.co.uk

You know what the Lido looks like, yeah, so here’s some of the food

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AL FRESCO THE OSTRICH

Sittin’ on the dock of the bay Acquired by the estimable Butcombe, and given a tasty makeover just in time for summer, the pub garden can now throw its hat into the ‘best places for a drink in summer’ ring – we’re fully expecting to see an #OutsideOstrich tag appearing on social any day now. The garden’s massive, with room for over 400 people, with brightly coloured benches, deckchairs, festoon lighting, an outside bar and a vintage Airstream. They say: Sitting on the edge of the harbour and watching the water world float by, you’ll feel a million miles from the city centre, as opposed to a five-minute walk. The new-look garden is vibrant both day and night, with the Airstream serving Americana-style street food. Can we bring the dog? Yes please. Tempt us with a dish on your summer menu

The Airstream menu serves corn dog on a stick, popcorn shrimp, Butcombe BBQ chicken wings, halloumi fries, smash burgers, loaded fries, and so much more. The ice-creams are also pretty epic! www.butcombe.com/pubs/the-ostrich

“There isn’t a party going on every day at Bambalan, but it always kind of feels as if there is”

RIVERSTATION

On the waterfront Choose from the ground-floor bar terrace, or the first floor restaurant balcony – all with views of the river, all in full sunshine, all day round. They say: What makes us unique are our beautiful harbour views, and how calm and quiet it is on this part of the river. We have our own pontoon, too, so you can also dock your boat. Can we bring the dog? Yes, on the pontoon terrace. Tempt us with a dish on your summer menu

Pan-fried hake, asparagus, Jersey Royals, white wine and tarragon velouté. www.riverstation.co.uk

SPOKE AND STRINGER

Surf’s up One of a cluster of little businesses in a tucked away inlet, gazing across the harbour at the ss Great Britain, with a lovely sun trap of a waterfront terrace. Combined with the colourful Eurocentric food, on a sunny day it’s the closest you’ll get to sitting on a marina in the Med without actually leaving Bristol. They say: We also stock summer styles for men and women in our adjacent surf and bike shop. Can we bring the dog? Of course! We are dog-friendly outside and inside, and there may even be some special treats for four-legged pals. Tempt us with a dish on your summer menu Our catch of the day, served with home-made black bean hummus, grilled asparagus and fresh basil pesto. We serve a version of this on our evening menu too, along with pintxos and our Euro-style menu. www.spokeandstringer.com

If you can hear the word ‘Bambalan’ without going “Ohhh Black Betty...” you’re one up on us

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AL FRESCO THE SPOTTED COW

Southern exposure In the height of summer, the large garden of this much-loved North Street gastropub has a festival feel. There’s a large covered area with heating, and the menu changes daily depending on whatever produce is delivered that morning. During the summer there are a lot of saladbased dishes; they also have their own rooftop garden where they grow herbs and veg for use in the kitchen. They say: We host regular BBQs when the weather is right, and pride ourselves on the burgers we make on the premises, using only the best beef from local suppliers, plus a fantastic vegan option. We definitely have one of the largest pub gardens in Bristol; it’s south-facing, so it gets the sun from the morning right through until the last point of the evening. We have all kind of customers, from local families to students to the Southville hipsters… Can we bring the dog? Yes, we love dogs; they’re always welcome. Tempt us with something from your menu We’d recommend our Somerset Ploughman’s Lunch with house pickles and local cheddar. www.thespottedcowbristol.com

TOBACCO FACTORY YARD KITCHEN BAR

A pizza the action A lovely sunny space, with plenty of planting and seating and an outside kitchen, with a pizza oven cooking stone-baked New York Italian-style flatbread pizzas, with a great range of summer drinks. They say: You’ll find a great, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of benches for groups. As well as the pizzas, you can also chose from the indoor main menu, and on Sundays you can also get food at the Sunday Market street food stalls; the newly opened Matchbox juice bar also serves juices and ice teas on Sundays. Can we bring the dog? We’re a dog-friendly venue inside and out, with water bowls for four-legged pals. Tempt us with a dish on your summer menu

Try a pulled mushroom flatbread pizza, with spring onion, red chilli and barbeque sauce – great with a nice cold pint of something from our friends at Bristol Beer Factory. www.tobaccofactory.com/cafe-bar

Somehow with a tucked-away feel, though in full view from the south side of the harbour, is Spoke and Stringer; save a few bread crusts for the swans that bossily police this part of the harbour

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WEBER & TRING’S

The secret garden The front of this charming family-run wine and spirits shop is straight out of Dickens, with it’s multi-paned bow window projecting over Christmas Steps. But – surprise! – out the back is a little walled garden seating 20-25 people, with a bar and a little standing space. They say: We have a menu with four different serves of classic aperitif style drinks based around gin, vermouth and highballs. Can we bring the dog? The resident dog is asleep most afternoons under the sweet chestnut tree, so more are welcome to join; water bowl provided. Tempt us with a dish on your summer menu

We don’t serve food, but can cater from our nearby bar, Downtown Taqueria, if ordered in advance. We also allow people to bring their own food for lunch. n www.weberandtrings.co.uk

Finally..

Well, not finally, exactly, we’ve barely scratched the surface – but a reminder that at Cargo you’ll find umpteen more al-fresco opportunities; both the first-floor and groundfloor restaurants and cafés, however tiny, spill outdoors to some degree, many with lush waterfront views. You can’t beat Salt’n’Malt’s fish and chips overlooking the harbour, though both first-floor terraces are guaranteed to make you feel that you’re on your holidays. The hottest new spot this summer is destined to be the huge terrace shared by Kaiju and Seven Lucky Gods; we’ve dubbed this spot Little Tokyo, and are now patiently waiting for it to catch on…

01173250898 | natasha@brokendock.co.uk

WELCOME TO THE PORT OF CALL Dating back to the 1700’s the Port of Call is tucked away at the top of Whiteladies Road and is well worth finding. It’s suntrap hidden garden is an oasis away from the bustle of the main road and offers stunning views over Clifton. We have an eclectic, home-made menu, a great range of ales and a well chosen wine list. We look forward to seeing you soon! Monday 4pm – 11pm Tuesday to Saturday 12 – 11pm Sunday 12 – 10.30pm

3 York Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2YE 0117 973 0926 portofcallbristol.com

Monday 5pm – 11pm Tuesday to Saturday 12 – 11pm Sunday 12 – 8pm

The White Horse, Bristol Road, Hambrook, Bristol, BS16 1RY 0117 957 0671 whitehorsehambrook.com

STUNNING GARDENS • SUMMER BBQ’S • PARTY ON THE LAWN

Meet the FOOD & DRINK PRODUCER Ask any local chef: the South West is the larder of the UK, with a huge variety of food and drink producers supplying our larders and kitchens with everything from artisan gins to baked goods. Here are some of the best

advertising feature Tom Fowkes

Mike Jordan

6 O’clock Gin 01454 418046; www.6oclockgin.com Tell us about 6 O’clock Gin The 6 O’clock Gin distillery is located in the beautiful market town of Thornbury, just north of Bristol. We are best known for our London Dry Gin, which you will see gracing the shelves of many a fine establishment across Bristol and throughout the South West – packaged in a beautiful blue bottle, it looks as good as it tastes! What’s your job role and what does it involve? As product manager at 6 O’clock Gin I am responsible for all aspects of product development, from the gin inside the bottle to the label on the outside. Anything new on the horizon? We’ve just launched the latest expression of our hugely popular Jekka’s Edition (dubbed ‘Bouquet Garni’). It’s a wonderfully herbaceous dry gin, distilled with freshly picked herbs from Jekka’s farm (www.jekkas.com), based just up the road from us. It was such a huge hit last year, with gin-fans, foodies and gardeners alike, that we wanted to bring it back, but with a twist (this year’s edition has been made with Middle Eastern Oregano, French Tarragon and Black Peppermint – among other things). What’s your favourite product from your range? Our London Dry is at the core of everything we do and simply cannot be beaten if you’re looking for a refreshing G&T!

Butcombe Brewing Company 01934 863963; www.butcombe.com

Tom Fowkes

Juliet Clarke

Mike Jordan

BOSH 07921453294 www.boshbristol.com

Tell us about Bosh Since 2012 I have been supplying Bristol’s best cafés with my amazing cakes, and catering for special occasions. I also run the Bosh supper club, which started as a pop up in my living room where I cooked for up to 24 diners once a month. I now host a similar pop up at the elephant house in bedminster. The menus are based on my travels around the world. Most recently I put on a Mexican feast based on my time in the Yucatan region on Mexico. Where can I find your products? You can find my cakes in a number of cafés around Bristol, including Small Street and Little Victories, Full Court Press, and more recently, Fox and West and Camber. And anywhere you find the Bosh billionaire shortbread. Think millionaire, but much more hectic and rich. How did you get to where you are now? I’ve been working in catering for many years and I got to the point where I wanted to strike out on my own and have the freedom to cook and bake what I want. My time working on a farm and cooking in Italy helped ignite the passion I needed to do this.

What’s your job role and what does it involve? Head brewer. Managing all aspects of brewing and packaging. We brew all our beer from our HQ in Wrington, about a mile away from Bristol Airport, use our state-of-the art kegging and bottling line in Bridgwater to package, and label our beer. I am constantly involved in NPD and deliver new and exciting beers with unique and wonderful ingredients. What makes your company unique? Butcombe are one of the original craft breweries. Launching in 1978, the market was totally different to what it is today. There were no way near as many micro-breweries as there are today. What makes us unique is our heritage. I think everyone in the South West has drunk a pint of Original. Anything new on the horizon? We have just released Underfall 4.1% lager, which has been very well received, and will be brewing a new Citra Blonde Ale next month. Have you ever done any collaborations with other local businesses? Yes. Most recently we launched a session pale ale in collaboration with Bristol Food Connections. We give 10p of every pint to enable them to continue their festival for the future. Although I work as head brewer, as a business we are passionate about food too and we felt like it was the perfect way to support their cause. What inspires you? Producing high-quality beers that our customers enjoy drinking.

Jon Simon

PIEMINISTER 0117 942 3300; www.pieminister.co.uk

Juliet Clarke

Jon Simon

Tell us about Pieminister We’re a family-run, independent business, started from scratch here on Stokes Croft 15 years ago. We’re still in the same offices and make all our pies just up the road in Brentry. Anything new on the horizon? We’ve just invented the Pieminister patty! They’re pocketsized pastries to eat hot or cold, so perfect for picnics, lunch-hours, that sort of thing ; or tuck into them at your local Pieminister. There are four to choose from – two are vegan, all encased in a delicious golden saffron pastry. Have you ever done any collaborations with other local businesses? We’ve worked with many great Bristol businesses over the years. A favourite for me was our ‘Buy One Get One Tree’ cider pie campaign for Temwa, to help combat deforestation in Malawi. And we’re currently working with FRANK Water. As well as supporting their Drink Me; Save Lives initiative, 5% of every sale from our new Pieminister 5% lager will go straight to FRANK. Do you use recyclable packaging? We’ve always, always used recyclable takeaway packing (we were one of the first) and our new pie and patty packaging is made from a plastic-free wonder material – who knew wood could be transparent!

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advertising feature David Blatch

Martin Thatcher

BRISTOL DRY GIN 07791 103915; www.bristoldrygin.com Tell us about Bristol Dry Gin Bristol Dry Gin is an independent micro distillery, housed in the vaulted basement of the Rummer Hotel, situated in St Nicholas Market. We produce a range of gins, vodkas, flavoured rums, from unsavoury side projects and unwanted press. What’s your job role and what does it involve? Head distiller, and one of three gimp cats that make up the company. I manage the day-to-day running of the distillery, create artwork for bottle labels, meet with stockists and help bring our ridiculous side projects to life. Anything new on the horizon…? Always! We’re currently luxuriating a top secret infusion process for our next rooster gin that will be called The Raging Cock Warrior. Where can I find your products? In pubs, bars and off licences in Bristol and the South West. Online at www.Bristoldrygin.com, Master of Malt and Harvey Nichols. What’s you biggest achievement to date? Producing a 75% vodka, called Novichok and a wonderful new concept in gin consumption: the gin enema kit. What’s your favourite product from your range? We currently produce a banging 40% bilberry infused gin. It’s light, fruity and not too sweet. Another wonderful key feature is that it tastes like gin and not like juice.

Thatchers Cider 01934 822862; www.thatcherscider.co.uk

David Blatch

Martin Thatcher

KATE CLARK

LUSCIOUS www.lusciousorganics.co.uk Tell us about Luscious Luscious was founded with a mission to create not only a delicious product but also a sustainable brand and business. With respective backgrounds in organic farming, and branding and marketing, the two founders of Luscious® have created a multi award-winning range of Soil Associationcertified organic ice cream and chilled custard. What makes your company unique? Our products are made with rich Jersey milk and other high quality organic ingredients. Our eye-catching blue packaging stands out from the crowd on the shelf. We are the only certified organic artisan ice cream brand in the region. Anything new on the horizon…? We will be launching our much-awaited salted caramel ice cream in the next few weeks, and we are planning two more delicious ice cream flavours. Where can I find your products? We’re currently stocked in over 70 independent farm shops, delis and gastropubs across the South and South West, as well as the five Daylesford Organic farm shops and Selfridges Foodhall in London. We’ll shortly also be listed in all of the Planet Organic stores. How did you get to where you are now? A huge amount of research, great branding, hard work and most importantly, delicious-tasting ice creams! What’s your favourite product in the range? Can I have two? It has to be our two Gold Taste of The West Award winners, Chocolate Hazelnut and Coffee.

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Tell us about Thatchers We’re a cidermaker with our home at Myrtle Farm in Sandford, Somerset. We’re best known for our Thatchers Gold and Thatchers Haze ciders, but we have a whole range of other ciders too – from our brand new Rosé, our delicious Rascal which many say is our best kept secret, to the ciders in our Cider Barn range which you can buy online, or at our Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm. How do you come up with a new product? Our cidermakers are passionate about apples and cider. So they love nothing better than taking varieties of apples – or blends we haven’t used before – and coming up with new styles of cider. There are so many different varieties of apple, from dessert apples through to bittersweet, that the opportunity to create new and exciting styles of cider, appealing to all different tastes, is a great inspiration. Anything new on the horizon? We’ve just launched our new Rosé Cider, which is a beautiful light, sweet, sparkling cider, and it’s a great example of how we can use different apple varieties to create something new and exciting. We use a selection of deliciously sweet dessert apples in Rosé and it’s already going down really well as a summer tipple. We’ve just launched a new outdoor advertising campaign for Rosé which people will see in and around Bristol. Do you cater for vegans/vegetarians? People often don’t realise that all our ciders are suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and they’re gluten free.

EDDIE TWITChett

Round Hill Roastery 01761418808; www.roundhillroastery.com

Kate Clark

Eddie Twitchett

Tell us about Round Hill Roastery Round Hill takes it’s name from a local landmark in the Bath/Bristol area. Kelston Round Hill is on the Cotwolds Way, and can be seen from all over the local area. I have always lived near Round Hill, and when choosing the name for a business which celebrates produce from the land, what better way to mark it than with what I regard to be Bath’s most beautiful piece of land? Anything new on the horizon? We have been promoting human sustainability for a long time through our work with the farmers we choose to work with. There have been recent improvements in other areas of sustainability, which will be our big push for 2019. Fully recyclable packing is currently being designed, and is due to launch in autumn. Alongside this we are applying to become an organic producer, and have launched a packaging-free solution for our local customers, providing a free pick and and collection using reusable containers. What makes your company unique? People are drawn to Round Hill Roastery because we promote fun in coffee! Coffee is fast becoming the hipster, snobby and elite beverage of choice and as much as we admire and deeply love the coffees we roast drinking coffee has to remain fun and approachable this (and having pink and blue bags) makes us unique.

ADVERTISING FEATURE SAM ESPENSEN

LEANNE PURTON

ESPENSEN SPIRIT 0117 939 3552; www.espensenspirit.com Tell us about your company name I have PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, and I was ashamed of my upbringing for a long time - but my resilient Espensen Spirit is also what helped me overcome the rough first half of my life. How do you come up with a new product? I make naturally infused spirits, and I think best when I get time off - as soon as I am doing ‘nothing’ my brain gets bored and starts chucking out ideas - usually around new infusion processes or flavour combinations. How did you get to where you are now? Having a first-class support network and putting our mental health at the forefront of everything. What inspires you? Traditional manufacturing processes and natural ingredients. Which is one reason I am a compounder rather than a distiller, as I love the gentler processes. What key ingredients make up a successful business? The businesses I admire tend to be small but fierce, slaves to the creative process in the best way and humble. Many of those exist in the South West! Favourite flavour combos? I am will be a sharp and fruity fanatic, for example my pink grapefruit & raspberry vodka. I also love the combination of fruit and herbs, like my blueberry gin which marries well with rosemary.

PEARLY KING CAKES 07832918895; www.pearlykingcake.co.uk

Sam Espensen

GEORGINA YOUNG BATH ALES 01726 218920 www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

Tell us about Bath Ales Bath Ales has been brewing beer since 1995. Fronted by flagship ale Gem, our new four-vessel brew house, Hare Brewery, on the outskirts of Bristol, has the capacity to produce over 14.5 million pints every year. What makes your company unique? Our flagship beer, Gem, has a loyal fan base, particularly in Bath and Bristol. It’s a rich, malty amber ale and the first beer ever brewed at Bath Ales over 24 years ago, so it’s certainly stood the test of time. Where do you get inspiration for the recipes? My inspiration comes from tasting other beers, finding new malts and hop varieties being cultivated, going to restaurants, markets and talking to people. Often beer recipes are quite collaborative; one person may suggest using blackberries, and someone else might suggest balancing that tartness with honey or brown sugar, for example. Anything new on the horizon? The brewing team have been busy perfecting and tweaking the recipes for our keg beers Cubic and Monterey, which we’re relaunching with newlook branding this summer. Cubic is brewed with Summit, Comet, Dragon and Citra hops which brings strong passion fruit and citrus aromas, offset by a mellow bitterness. Monterey, on the other hand – which is USA inspired and brewed with five American hops – is full of pine and tropical notes.

Leanne Purton

Tell us about Pearly King Cakes Pearly King Cakes started life in my kitchen seven years ago, making loaf cakes and cookies for a couple of cafés in Bristol, and birthday cakes for my friends. I now supply 20 cafes and restaurants, make celebration cakes to order, and run classes and events all from my tiny shop/bakery on Chandos Road, and I love it! What’s your job role, and what does it involve? A day at Pearly King usually starts with me contacting my stockists to make sure they have their orders in before I get baking. I make everything myself to order from scratch, so an average day involves making batches of cookie dough, biscotti, and loaf cakes as well as any celebration cakes that might have come in for the next day. I’m also in the middle of wedding season, so I also get to work with loads of ace local florists and venues, in order to get everything just right. What makes your company unique? I learned to bake in my nan’s kitchen, and I’ve tried to use the recipes I’ve inherited from her as the basis for the cakes I make, with a focus on great ingredients, classic flavours but tweaked to meet modern tastes. My background is actually in art, and I’ve tried to draw on that to make my cakes stand out, but the key thing is they need to taste as good as they look! Do you cater for vegans/vegetarians? I came up with my first vegan cake four years ago on a bit of a whim, but vegan cakes are now my bestselling product. I really enjoy making them, as I like the challenge of making something that looks and tastes as good as a product that contains dairy/eggs.

NOAM ADANI

ABUNOOR FOODS 0117 954 1888 www.abunoorpittafactory.com

Georgina Young

Noam Adani

Tell us about Abunoor Abunoor Pitta Factory was established in 2006, initially to supply ourselves (Falafel King) with good-quality, fresh pitta bread. Once we realised the extent of the demand for quality pitta bread, we started supplying local businesses and now supply businesses outside of Bristol as well. Who do you supply? We supply some of the best places to eat, such as: Koocha, Eat a Pitta, Edna’s Kitchen, Souk Kitchen, Hobbs House Bakery, Boston Tea Party, Bambalan, Murray May’s, Boca Bar, Beets & Roots, and many more. Some of our breads are also available for purchase at Bristol Sweetmart, Better Foods, Southville Deli, and Wild Oats. What makes you stand out? We are the only authentic, wholesale, Middle Eastern bakery in the South West. Our breads are baked fresh daily, so we don’t need to use any preservatives or additives, and all our breads are vegan too. What’s next for Abunoor? As our breads are becoming increasingly well known outside of Bristol, we are aiming to expand in the coming year so that we can distribute our breads nationally.

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WE’LL TAKE YOUR FOOD EXPERIENCE ANYWHERE FROM MEXICAN STREETFOOD BURRITOS TO NAPLES’ BACK-STREET FLAVOURS WITH OUR 1974 LOVINGLY-RESTORED ALFRESCO CARAVAN.

Imagine being served Spanish tapas or a fabulous Moroccan tagine al fresco in a field!

Our company ethos is to be as sustainable as possible: by only sourcing our meat from local, traditional & small farms, by using alternatives to plastic packaging & recycling as much as possible and by creating a variety of vegetarian & vegan dishes to suit your requirements & tastes. LOCATION

ONLINE

PHONE

Wellington Somerset

hello@stefanosfood.co.uk www.stefanosfood.co.uk

07923 384261 07714 328712

cafÉ society Stan Cullimore

Chips off the old block Hold the cake; bring on the cones of fried potato naughtiness . . .

trange how life turns out, isn’t it? Some days, it goes exactly as planned, sliding along smoothly, humming a pleasant tune, putting a skip in your step. Other days, it jumps the rails, shoots from the hip and before you know what’s what, you find yourself sitting in the middle of Broadmead eating chips with chopsticks. Or is that just me? Either way, before you go any further, I should warn you that the following piece contains several

“They were just what the doctor would have ordered. If he was a chip doctor”

references to chips, but precious few to cake. Sigh. My apologies. I do have an excuse, however. Let me explain. One of the joys of being a grown-up is that you can get yourself grown-up toys. The one that really appeals to my grandkids is my Italian scooter. When the time is right, they jump on the back, and we scoot off in search of adventure. A while back, my oldest granddaughter and I were in the garden, at a loose end, so decided to go out for a scoot, and find a place where we could grab some coffee, cake and refreshment. Following her directions, we soon found ourselves parking up on Pritchard Street, strolling through Cabot Circus and sitting down at some chairs outside a café. Which is when alarm bells began to ring in my head. This wasn’t a café. Godammit! It was a kiosk. Not even a café-style kiosk, either, come to think of it. This was basically a chip shop. Main thing that gave it away was the name: The Hippy Chippy. But, when it comes to grandkids, I’m soft as sherbet. So we stayed, ordered and sat down. First thing that puzzled me is the name; nothing about the place looked even remotely hippyish. Just a pleasantly straightforward, does-what-it-says-on-the-can, chip’n’sauce setup. You order

your chips, pick a seasoning to go on top, then add a sauce from the long and diverse selection on offer. Simple. They don’t even do coffee; just a selection of cold drinks. Luckily, there is another kiosk round the back that does a mean Americano, so that was fine. When the chips arrived, in paper cones, they were very nice. A perfect mix of soggy and crisp, large and small. Just what the doctor would have ordered. If he was a chip doctor. For the record, my companion went for the rosemary and garlic seasoning, with mayonnaise on top, whilst I went off-piste, with a tikka masala seasoning and a side order of dipping sauce. Chipotle BBQ , since you asked. You get a wooden pick to eat your food with. Trouble is, chips are not strong and stable. They wobble about, threatening to drop trouser-staining sauce at any moment. Which is when I had a brainwave and got myself a second pick. Meaning I could eat my chips, chopstick style. Which was very nice. But still. Not a café. Normal service will be resumed next time. Promise! 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

Life of the party Baz is still a party animal. He’d just prefer the party in question to feature a nice mug of hot cocoa . . .

“To not act like a lad on a stag is to be like Piggy in Lord of the Flies”

ow was the stag, then?” “Erm, yeah. Good.” “Any gossip?” And so goeth every conversation between a couple when the guy returns from a week of no-holds-barred lunacy. Women require a debrief, while men would happily find a dusty corner of the attic to recede from the world until the bad feelings have gone away. You’ll forgive the laddish tone of this column when you know the following: to not act like a lad on a stag is to be like Piggy from Lord of the Flies. To show rationalism is to show weakness, and that means more drinking for you. This is probably why you get people overcompensating. ‘I’ll drink this driptray of my own volition before anybody makes me do a shot of tequila’ is the twisted logic. Such tragic behaviour is fresh in my memory, and committing these words to page is a cathartic exercise. Two stags in the space of a month – one in Lisbon, the other in Belfast – have broken me spiritually and financially. In Lisbon, on one of the city’s famous, hip rooftop bars, I found myself trying to grab a sneaky nap. Knowing I would be heavily rinsed if discovered doing so, I popped on my shades and positioned my phone in my hand as if I was texting. The photo that was taken of me – used as evidence for a later, draconian fine – looks like a scene from Weekend at Bernie’s: sunglasses askew, mouth agape. As ever, the worst part is having to get up and go again the following day, and you can bet there’s one mad bastard already with pint in hand at 9am. Ironically, he’s probably the one on the tightest leash at home, so for him every gulp is a breath of freedom from domestic duties. This makes him a dangerous man indeed. There’s a multitude of pitfalls in going too hard on day one. This

is especially true if you happen to be in your seventies, as was the case with the father of the bride in Belfast. He was like a whirlwind of hilarity, shot-necking and anecdotes on the first day, rolling back the years to when he was 20 again and on a rugby tour to Minehead. “Can’t wait to see what shenanigans Trev gets up to today,” was the gist of our breathless anticipation the next morning, humbled at having been out-drunk by a pensioner. Cue Trevor’s eventual appearance at the hostel bar, cutting a ghostly Miss Havisham-like figure. He spent the rest of the weekend a broken man, his thousand-yard stare suggesting an existential turmoil. From my viewpoint in the stag gutter, my bleary eyes look up at hen weekends with envy. Women don’t have to neck their prosecco for saying the word ‘mine’, or drinking with the wrong hand. The most humiliating thing the hen has to do is carry an inflatable knob around with her. This is 2019: why can’t men go for a nice, civilised meal, learn how to mix some cocktails, followed by a game of rounders in the park? (This is what I’m led to believe happens on a hen-do.) I’m praying that the next invite to a stag reads something like: ‘A quiet pint at a Cotswolds pub, followed by a three-course dinner at a local Italian restaurant. Day two will see us forage for fruit in the picturesque woods, before an evening of hot cocoa in front of a log fire.’ The sad reality is that we’ll be downing pints of Guinness mixed with whiskey and waking up in a bed of deep-fried chicken bones and regret. This is the life we have chosen.

Seb Barrett works in sports communications. Follow him on Twitter @bazzbarrett

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Meet the dentist Beauty begins with a great smile – but how do you pick the right dentist for you? Dr Brad Hall BDS, DPDS, MSc (Dental Implantology)

JAMES BOHIN

Passage House Dental Care, Bristol 0117 950 3141; www.passagehousedental.co.uk

How would you define modern dentistry? As well as preventative dentistry, it’s a mixture of new beneficial treatments such as dental implants, advancement in technology and dentists listening to their patients even more. With selfies and social media everyone wants the perfect smile. With modern dentistry, this is achievable. What have been your career highlights so far? Studying for four years to achieve a masters in implantology, and delivering successful dental implants at Passage House Dental Care. It’s really important that the dentist delivering implants is highly qualified and experienced. We invite anyone thinking about dental implants to contact us today or look at our website for more information. Why do dental implants interest you so much? The fact that dental implants can change a person’s life is amazing. They are one of the most long-lasting ways of replacing missing teeth. Not only do they look aesthetically great, but they perform many tasks from completing a smile to holding dentures firmly in place. What can people expect from your practice? Our monthly patient feedback speaks for itself…caring, professional, informative, best practice around! Like our Facebook page and see for yourself.

Dr. Kain Rowlings

The Dentists Old Market 0117 927 2589; www.thedentistsoldmarket.co.uk How did you get into dentistry? It was a toss-up between dentistry, medicine and physiotherapy. Dentistry won! Did you always want to be a dentist? Yes. Having a natural flair for science and a keen artistic streak, dentistry allowed me to combine

BETTERBITE DENTAL LAb 01179 604650 www.betterbitedentallaboratory.co.uk How did you get into dentistry? I have always been interested in teeth, and how to manufacture crowns and false plates for restoration. How would you best define modern dentistry? Dentistry has changed a lot. Once you have seen a dentist, the impression comes to my lab where we can scan it into a computer and design a crown, bridge or dentures and implants digitally. How long have you worked at your current practice? I have worked as a dental technician for 30 years, providing appliances for dentists. Within these years I have seen a change from general work to very high class dentistry. What do you most enjoy about your job? The most enjoyable aspect of the job is seeing your work in the patient’s mouth, and their surprise as to how it changes their entire look and confidence.

Dr Brad Hall

James Bohin

the two so it was the perfect career for me. How would you best define modern dentistry? Modern dentistry is digitally guided and is painless. What have been your career highlights so far? Being a forensic dentist and being a part of the international forensic team, I went to Thailand following the 2004 tsunami to do the important task of identifying victims so they could be returned to their loved ones. How long have you worked at your current practice? I have been at The Dentists Old Market for 18 months. When did you last visit the dentist? I had a routine dental check-up five months ago. What’s your favourite sweet thing? Being Australian, I am partial to a chocolate Tim Tam on occasions. What might we be surprised to learn about you? I am a keen cyclist and have already completed L’Etape (Tour de France) twice and plan to do this again if the body holds up! How do you spend your time at work? Practicing dentistry, treatment planning and arguing with my nurse over whose turn it is to make the coffee.

Why are some people scared of going to the dentist? Some people are scared of coming to the dentist because of negative past experiences. I have worked with many anxious patients over my career and always helped them overcome their fears. What are you like as a patient? I think there have been comments made that I probably talk too much. What do you most enjoy about your job? I honestly enjoy transforming smiles and restoring people’s confidence. Describe your ideal day? Placing dental implants using the best digitally guided technology with Midnight Oil playing in the background and the sun shining on. Were you good at brushing your teeth as a child? Yes. I always brushed my teeth twice daily, in the morning and at night. What has been your proudest accomplishment so far? Other than becoming a father, my proudest accomplishment has been acquiring my own dental practice, The Dentists Old Market, enabling me to provide high quality dentistry at affordable prices.

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JONATHAN ADLER HIP HOP QUEEN STONE CANISTER, £138 From NYC designer Jonathan Adler’s playfully chic universe of vessels, and objects, this salute to hip hop royalty features emblems of old-school rap, from gold chains to dollar sign handles From Harvey Nichols, 27 Philadelphia Street; www.harveynichols.com

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ROUND BASKET, £69 Finally! Somewhere to neatly stack your precious back catalogue of Bristol Life magazines From From Fox + Feather 43 Gloucester Road www.foxandfeather.co.uk

SEAGRASS BASKET WITH POMPOMS, £50 A cheerleader among baskets . . . From Movement Boutique, 66 Alma Road www.movementboutique.co.uk

CLOTHESLINE KEEPSAKE FRAME, £38 Obviously, all your shopping lists and photos will be as attractive and monochromatic as the ones here; even if they’re not, they’ll look better pinned up with little pegs From Pod Company, 24 The Mall, Clifton; www.thepodcompany.co.uk

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BUSINESSINSIGHTS BRISTOL GETS SERIOUS

MILES AHEAD The guy who launched Coldplay is

about to join the YTL Arena team . . .

PETANQUES A LOT – MINE’S A PIMM’S... Imagine a summer’s afternoon, with the clink of boules, the drinks of Pimm’s and the links of business... AT-A-GLANCE

n his most recent role as chairman of Warner/Parlophone, Miles Leonard has worked with some of the most successful global artists and platforms in the biz. And now Miles is one of a number of industry experts being brought on board to advise the YTL Arena team, ensuring that they deliver a venue that Bristol can be proud of.

Miles (left) with Andrew

The advisory board will comprise people with a wide range of expertise from across the live entertainment industry, along with business experts from Bristol and the South West. Now based in the South West, Miles signed Coldplay more than 20 years ago and was instrumental in Kylie Minogue’s comeback, as well as developing the careers of Tinie Tempah, Gorillaz, Lily Allen and many others. “We are really delighted to welcome Miles on board,” said YTL Arena MD Andrew Billingham. “He’s crucial in terms of his knowledge and experience, and also as an ambassador for us within the music industry on an international level.” And Miles has equally ﬂattering things to say about Bristol. “The culture here is incredible. It’s rich in diversity, and the musical heritage is wonderful. The whole of the South West is crying out for an arena; to have this in the Brabazon hangars, with the history that comes with them, is extraordinary. I think this is going to be the most exciting arena, not just in the UK, but throughout Europe and possibly the world.’

www.ytlarenabristol.co.uk

What: Dozens of Bristol businesses playing boules and networking Where: Queen Square When: 20 June from 4pm-10pm and 21 June from 2pm-10pm Why: Because business begins with a conversation. It’ll be fun. And it’ll do good for Bristol charities, with this year’s funds going to One25 and The Grand Appeal How: You can join in by coming along, enjoying the food, drink and atmosphere What else: There’ll be hot food on offer and a well-stocked bar provided by The Strawberry Thief, plus coffee from Jimmy’s Iced Coffee. Launched in 2018, Canon Boules became an instant success with Bristol businesses. This year the event is organised by Bristol Life’s publisher and Bristol Life Awards organiser, MediaClash. Companies enter teams to play the French game of boules in a notionally competitive and highly friendly tournament. It’s a great way to build stronger relationships with like-minded companies; meet new business partners; and spend decent time with your colleagues. Food and drink will be on offer too! Think gorgeous summer’s afternoons in the Square with conversation, drink, boules and laughter flowing into the evening. @bristolboules www.canonboules.co.uk

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Hub-a hubba

ailed as the future of office life, co-working is a hugely adaptable way of approaching a business space. Small companies and the self-employed are flocking to these collaborative spaces in droves – and it’s easy to see why. Known for nurturing an ‘anything is possible’ mindset, and offering a space for influential networking during lunch breaks, co-working hubs and flexible office spaces can make you better connected while you build your business. With members drawn mostly from the tech and creative sectors – start-ups, developers, designers, writers, digital specialists, creatives and illustrators – these hubs offer the twin appeal of low-cost office space and ample networking opportunities. The buzzword is flexibility, and many hubs offer pay-as-you-go options as well as different packages for different hours, meaning that you can find a price point and usage style that suit your needs. Hubs often boast a fun creative vibe and sense of community, as an added mood-enhancing bonus. With technology changing how we work day-to-day, it’s likely that co-working is here to stay; indeed, Mike Zeidler, group guardian at the Funky Spaces network of ethical workspaces, thinks co-working is setting a new precedent for the way businesses use and lease office space. Here are some thriving local examples.

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Creative, independent, adaptable and versatile – is it any wonder that co-working hubs are such a rapidly growing trend in this youthful and innovative city? Words by Lisa Warren

CO-WORKING Boxworks

One of the Forward Spaces, Boxworks is located a stone’s throw from Temple Meads Station within 20 shipping containers imaginatively reconfigured into bespoke, affordable and unique private offices aimed at small businesses looking for ‘grow on’ space. They say: “Design-led, and fitted out with sustainable materials, the boxes are a chance to make your work environment your own, while still remaining part of a tight-knit community. Membership at Boxworks also gives teams access to the Engine Shed facilities, including meeting rooms, event spaces, café and breakout areas.” www.forwardspace.co.uk

Framework

Another Forward Space, on King Street, this is a vibrant workspace dedicated to the tech and digital community. Home to both fulltime and co-working members, the Grade-II building is a striking converted warehouse with exposed stone walls, high ceilings, huge windows and rooms bursting at the seams with plant life, in one of the most sociable and appealing streets in Bristol. They say: “With meeting rooms, event space, free barista coffee and 1Gb fibre, Framework has all the ingredients for the perfect work environment for freelancers and start-ups in the city.” www.forwardspace.co.uk

Hamilton House

A Forward Space since December, Hamilton House is going from strength to strength, with artist studios, event and performance spaces, meeting rooms and individual offices within the monolithic 1970s building in Stokes Croft. There’s a thriving community of creatives, entrepreneurs, designers and change-makers here; alongside the legendary Canteen and the DMAC dance studios, there’s a new juice bar and co-working floor on its way. They say: “The eclectic mix of inspiring businesses and artists means that Hamilton House is at the centre of Bristol’s creative community.” www.forwardspace.co.uk

Mild Bunch

Started by designer Jon Tan, Mild Bunch has been running since 2010 in Stokes Croft. It takes up the entire floor above Café Kino, including a large sunny terrace with artificial turf and a gold owl (!!), for a bit of al fresco working.

“There’s a whole bunch of people doing amazing things – such as writing the chatbot for the BBC’s Line of Duty….”

They say: “It’s more like a house share, but for work, with a group of people who like working together in the same space, rather than more typical anonymous hot-desking places. The space is a bit of hybrid between studio (relaxed, bright, cosy) and an office. For nine years people have come for the friendly vibe and the amazing light, and stayed because they make friends. “Current and former members include Tim Telling, former editor of The Daily Mash; Ed Gibson, founder of The Apple, The Croft, and former music director of Ashton Court Festival; Adam Robertson, MD of Verdant Brewing; Bristol musician, Eugene Getov; Catalan filmmaker Raimon Fransoy; Joe Foulds, CEO of Listen On Repeat and a whole bunch of other people doing amazing things – like most recently writing the chatbot for the BBC’s Line of Duty….” www.mildbun.ch

Hey, Hedwig, I’m just taking five. Keep a lookout for the boss, yeah?

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Framework – a peaceful oasis on King Street below: breakout time at Spike Design

Origin workspace

Situated at 40 Berkeley Square, Origin Workspace is Bristol’s first space dedicated to ‘pro-working’. It’s aimed at entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-up businesses that seek a high specification finish and require their workspace to match their professional identity. They say: “Pro-working (for professionals who want their workspace

to match their image) also stands for productivity, and wellness and wellbeing are fundamental to the Origin Workspace concept. From ergonomics to promoting office-based healthy living, Origin is committed to giving its community the tools they need to build the mental strength and the physical energy to run their business. “Facilities include roof terraces with enviable views across central and South Bristol, and an on-site gym with regular group exercise and relaxation classes. Options include lounge membership, hot desks, dedicated desks and private office space, and membership starts at £85 per month. An active events programme is open to non-members, and meeting rooms and event spaces are also available to hire.” www.originworkspace.co.uk

Pollen Place

A series of colourful co-working studios for entrepreneurs, innovators, creative and tech freelancers and small businesses located in the heart of Stokes Croft. They say: “Our dedicated event space houses our professional photography and green-screen facilities. At night it hosts a cultural programme of networking, creative workshops, supper clubs and talks.” www.pollenplace.com

Bristol with uptake increasing by 38% year on year. Clients have access to all locations – so, in effect, have 3,500 offices! We are currently refurbishing part of Regus Temple Quay to create an even bigger, dedicated co-working area as the demand for co-working near major transport hubs. www.regus.co.uk

SPIKE DESIGN

regus

Regus offers serviced office space, virtual offices, co-working spaces, and meeting rooms in 3,500 locations around the world – including Bristol.

On Cumberland Road, Spike Design is an affordable co-working space for creative businesses to collaborate, develop and flourish. Located close to the colourful harbour, and within Spike Island – an international centre for contemporary art – it brings together designers, architects, journalists, illustrators, filmmakers and photographers.

They say: “We have five sites across Bristol, including Bristol’s tallest building, Castlemead, the closest office to Temple Meads Station and Broad Quay. There are additional locations planned for 2020 onward. “We’re enjoying an uplift in demand for creative co-working spaces in

They say: “Because Spike Design brings together professionals from a range of backgrounds and creative industries, it offers a unique opportunity for collaboration.” www.spikeisland.org.uk/our-community/spike-design

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CO-WORKING Waterfront had us at ‘we have a slide’

how do you build a great hub?

Square works

Mobius – you know, the guys who built Cargo – also created co-working space Gather Round, within the Cigar Factory on Raleigh Road, along with interior design agency Studio Cwtch. “We’re currently working with a number of clients in Bristol who are embracing the co working business model,” says MD Lee Bignall. “Research has shown that a well-designed, well-lit and wellventilated collaborative learning/work environment can increase productivity by 25%. Surely, it’s a win-win for everyone! “Fundamentally, the secret of designing a great co-working hub is about understanding how the space is going to be used, and by whom; it’s then a case of designing a space to fit. Furniture also plays a key role, as there needs to be a variety of spaces, ranging from height-adjustable bench desks to acoustic booths with AV capability for collaborative team meetings, and relaxed soft seating areas offering an informal setting. “Co-working spaces are shaping the future of the workplace because they’re being designed with the end user in mind, and this is a recipe for long term success.”www.mobiusworks.co.uk

They say: “Square Works is Bristol’s most luxurious workspace yet. The Grade-II Georgian mansion has undergone extensive renovation work to create a highly stimulating working environment, focused on light and greenery. Inside, the space comprises a mixture of co-working desks, designated spaces, and small offices – perfect for the growing business. “Members are also treated to complimentary prosecco served on the beautiful terrace every Thursday, where members can mingle with like-minded creatives.”www.squareworksbristol.com

INTERACTION Interaction created Runway East, a hub on Victoria Street with views over the river and Castle Park. “Facilitated by a growing gig economy and the emergence of flexible working, co-working has quickly become a critical part of the evolving workplace,” says James Bradley. “With a continued shortage of commercial space coinciding with demands for more flexible forms of working, co-working is set to continue to grow. “The real secret behind designing a great co-working hub is understanding its people and its community. Co-working is centred on creating spaces that support collaboration, openness, knowledge sharing, innovation, and the user experience. “The Runway East Bristol hub’s success is a result of marrying up a people-centred ethos with a design and build that is both fit for purpose and inspirational. It was specifically designed and built to inject energy, fun and collaboration into their members’ work. The result is a modern co-working environment – one for both established and younger companies in Bristol’s ever-developing business sector.”www.interaction.uk.com

Newly open Square Works is a unique workspace for individuals and businesses with unrivalled services, located on Berkeley Square. Furnished to an exemplary standard throughout, it offers meeting room facilities, 24-hour phone answering, reprographic facilities and post handling. With a community manager on hand, an elegant lounge area, bespoke events and all the benefits of a members’ club, it’s a premier destination for professionals; the Square Kitchen can wing smoked salmon sandwiches straight to your desk, or cook a banquet to impress your conference guests.

The Waterfront Meeting Rooms

Overlooking the floating harbour on Welsh Back, this quirky and vibrant city-centre meeting space has 17 spacious ‘Bristolised’ meeting rooms. Easy online booking is available, with prices inclusive of wifi, tea, coffee and AV equipment; rooms seat 6-70 people. They say: “Gurt lush views– and there is even a ‘Slider’ room complete with its own slide!” www.waterfrontmeetingrooms.co.uk

WE ALSO LIKE THE LOOK OF THESE:

Also worth checking out are 77 Stokes Croft, Meanwhile Creative, Streamline, Redbrick House, Gather Round, The Happiness Hub, Runway East (see panel, left) and the space at Colston Hall. Want to give a hub a go without committing? Many offer a free day pass so you can try before you buy. Whether you’re a freelancer, fed up with dirty looks as you hog the plug sockets at your local café à la Fleabag; a one-person-band going quietly mad at home, or a small biz on the up, co-working could help you take the next step up the corporate ladder. Go forth and find your office clan. n

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NOW OPEN

WORKSPACES WHERE BUSINESSES SUCCEED

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BUSINESS INSIGHTS

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS 2019 THE COCONUT TREE

NEW BUSINESS WINNER SPONSORED BY

The New Business category is one of the most subscribed of all our Awards; as you’d imagine, the net is thrown wide open across the sectors, and our finalists are a pretty eclectic bunch. Apropos, this year’s winner has a luvverly bunch of coconuts, and it’s not afraid to use them…. Take a group of Sri Lankan friends, who relocated to Cheltenham in 2016. After finding a place to call home above a pub, they sought permission to lease the bar and kitchen, with a plan to cook up the kind of food they’d grown up on at home. All the renovation had to take place at night, as they all had full-time jobs, but eventually the first Coconut Tree was open. It became No1 on TripAdvisor, and started to win awards. And now they’re in Bristol…

all who’ve helped us raced through our minds in those few seconds! And WOW, YES, let’s CELEBRATE.

Congratulations again! How did it feel when your name was called out? SICK! Disbelief, elation and pride for

Where have you displayed your Award? It’s taking turns at our homes in Bristol; everyone gets a turn.

Why do you think the judges chose you? Maybe our business model and start-up story hit the spot. We’ve all laboured with pneumatic drills one minute, to painting, to cooking all night, over endless long days, weeks, months. All to try to introduce our dishes to Bristol; it was our only target place to be, as it’s the UK’s most inspiring food and drink capital, with a ﬁerce independence that we love.

What are your most amusing memories of the night? It was overwhelming; sorry about snapping up the table decorations in delight, it was a coconut tree, too good leave alone… Why does everyone love your restaurants so much? We started with a mantra: ‘Everyone is welcome to the table’, from food choices to demographics to affordability. We love our food, music and sharing cocktails, and recruit those who love the same. We made customer reviews part of the heart of the business. All our teams look daily at Google, TripAdvisor and Open Table, and make constant changes from the advice, both good and bad. What’s the most popular dish on the menu in Bristol? Bristol loves our Hoppers more than anywhere else! When we did an Easter special for our sweet version called The Crème Egg Choccy Hopper, we sold out. Other popular dishes are street-food classics such as kotthu. Our tapas dish faves are spicy cuttlefish, Jaffna goat curry, TCT dahl and clay pot fish. How would you describe Sri Lankan food? It’s surprisingly diverse. With Asian influences of wok cooking using Sri Lankan spices and flavours, it’s perfect for tapas, to try lots of dishes and share. There is a curry element, along with Chinese and Portuguese influences and elements of a Dutch heritage too.

Tell us about opening in Bristol After losing out on many locations, two great ones came at once. It took every penny we’d ever earned, and more borrowed from friends and family, but we thought: these areas of Bristol are so great, let’s do this, we can all move there. So we took the risk for all of our sakes, created 57 jobs in Bristol and worked our socks off. This is why winning this award feels even more important. Tell us a few of your favourite Bristol things... All the independent traders up the Glo Road. King Street for its uniqueness. Arnolfini, Spike Island. The street art and the many amazing festivals. Any special events for our diary? We have The Coconut Carnival, a true one-off night of Sri Lankan Coconut Tree fun, planned for the Clifton Triangle branch on Saturday 14 Sept. Finally, sum up why we should pay you a visit We’re here to introduce you to Sri Lankan street food. Don’t expect: a napkin; it’s a roll of paper towels. Do expect: cocotails in green china elephants. Do expect: an explosion of flavours in our dishes and sweet and fiery cocotails. Do expect: candles in half coconuts. Don’t expect: a massive food bill. Do expect: meat, fish and veg (lots). Do expect: warm Sri Lankan hospitality Don’t expect: the volume to stay down too long! For more www.thecoconut-tree.com

OFFICIAL AWARDS PREVIEW

Bristol property awards 2019

BRISTOL PROPERTY AWARDS

PROPER JOB The ﬁrst-ever Bristol Property Awards were a resounding success; and in case you missed it (how? why??) we’ve put together this special Bristol Property Awards review

t was the hubbub that first hit you. Around midday on a Friday, 500 of Bristol’s finest, and seemingly noisiest, property people descended on Ashton Gate to talk and engage and discuss and discourse, opine, negotiate, gossip – all aided by a dapper disputation of lawyers. These were the first Bristol Property Awards. When so many contribute, so many benefit. And when so many come together in one place to celebrate excellence, then good things can happen. Awards were won, of course. Wonderful ones. Introductions took place, acquaintances were made, job offers offered, deals discussed, partnerships sounded out. In short, business happened. It was thrilling to see the array of participants, from the coolest of the city’s indies to the largest of the sector’s corporates; from local to regional to national and even, as befitting the west of England’s capital city, international. The sector was celebrated, venerated. This was the chance to say that Bristol

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property matters: commercially, practically, aesthetically. In the following pages you’ll see our winners, of course, carefully chosen after protracted debate by our independent judges, drawn from all aspects of the property scene. You’ll see our sponsors, without whom none of this would have been possible. Also Mayor Marvin Rees, who gave such a stirring start to the Awards with his introductory remarks about the responsibility of property companies in Bristol; and our host, BBC business correspondent Ben Thompson, skilfully interviewing sponsors and winners alike. You’ll see all our ﬁnalists, too. And perhaps the most remarkable of all? Check the list of all the companies on p 112. It’s the combined list of all those who engaged with the Bristol Property Awards – and this, remember, is only the ﬁrst year. So next time..? It’ll be a Friday again, in May. Join us for the splendid hubbub of business, and singular veneration of this incredible sector.

BRISTOL PROPERTY AWARDS

CATEGORY WINNERS The judges faced some incredibly hard decisions, but after much debate, here are their choices . . . Photos by Jon Craig

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