Bristol Life - Issue 291

CELEBRATING THE CITY

ISSUE 291 / EARLY WINTER 2020 / £3

EDITOR’S LETTER

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34

We’ve gone a bit mono and grainy for this issue. Turn to our feature with Early Day Films to find out wasson . . .

hen the 90-minute movie Bait was released in 2019, it had critics stuttering for superlatives.

Delighting audiences and critics alike, and impressing the kind of people who hand out big shiny gongs, what made its success so remarkable was that it was made by a tiny crew on next to no budget, and filmed on a clockwork analogue camera loaded with 16mm black-and-white stock.

If that all sounds too offputtingly art house for words, know this: Bait is funny and moving as well as thought-provoking. The grainy, glitchy, film, as rough-hewn as its fisherfolk heroes, recalls the great movies of silent cinema; an effect enhanced by lingering close-ups and the fact that the film was shot as a silent, with all sound and dialogue added afterwards.

This sea shanty of a movie is set in a not-especially-picture-postcard Cornwall (don’t expect Poldark, it’s more Powell and Pressburger), but was produced right here in Bristol; in Totterdown, to be exact, by Linn Waite and Kate Byers of Early Day Films.

Along with their BIFA and BAFTA, Early Day won Best Arts in this year’s Bristol Life Awards, giving us the perfect excuse to run a feature about this remarkable piece of film making.

That may be our big-hitter this issue, but there’s plenty more where that came from, including early Christmas stuff. Get flicking.

DERI ROBINS Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

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

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Issue 291 / Early winter 2020 COVER Linn and Kate of Early Day films; page 34

THE ARTS

13 ART PAGE What do Cary Grant and Nipper the Dog

have in common ? Apart from both being from Bristol?

And both having statues in the city? Give up?

16 PHOTOGRAPHY Carrie and the city 24 WILDLIFE The Wildlife of the Year Photography Exhibition waits patiently for your attention at M Shed 32 BOOKS ...for Christmas; part one 34 FILM Producing a modern masterpiece 40 BRISTOL HEROES Lockdown heroes

13

28 WHAT IF? No, you’re right; we don’t normally have a

science section in this magazine. But we thought, hey, as it’s nearly Christmas . . .

FOOD & DRINK

44 RESTAURANT Flawless in Totterdown 48 FOOD AND DRINK NEWS Ever wished you could

cook like Rob Howell at Root? Well, you probably never will, but a new book might help 50 THE GREAT BRISTOL TAKEAWAY Missing your favourite restaurant? You absolutely don’t have to 55 STAN And that goes for cafés, too

© JON KENT BRISTOL POST © MAT THEW HENRY, WILDLIFE PHOTOGR APHER OF THE YEAR 2020

SCIENCE

SHOPPING

56 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Buy, buy, baby

SPORT

67 BRISTOL BEARS Don’t dream it’s over; the Bears

have only just begun . . .

24

BUSINESS

69 BRISTOLWORKS Helping Bristol’s indies, and the

future of farming

PROPERTY

79 PROPERTY NEWS Two quirky left-field ideas 80 KITCHENS Inside information 90 SHOWCASE Fancy a home on the coast?

REGULARS

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9 SPOTLIGHT 11 BRIZZOGRAM 98 BRISTOL LIVES Martin Kiszko in lah lah land

Barton Hill, Baltimore?

Nipper and Cary: the little-known connection bottom: Too soon with the Christmassy moose shots? top:

middle:

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Mal Rogers, Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore, Advertising manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk New business manager Craig Wallberg craig.wallberg@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Jake Horwood jake.horwood@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 and Exeter. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

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PHOTO BY BEN ROBINS PHOTOGR APHY

SPOTLIGHT

Blaise Castle orangery we’ll grudgingly admit that the non-Bristol bits of HDM are filmed in Wales

BELOW:

Christmas shows

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE (YOURS) “It’s our job to provide something beautiful, uplifting and entertaining for the city at Christmas,” Bristol Old Vic’s Tom Morris told us back in September – and lo, we now have the full details of the theatre’s ‘lockdown winter-warmer’ season, headlined by the return of two absolute crowd-pleasers: a livestream of The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, and the online release of the theatre’s most popular-ever Christmas show, A Christmas Carol.

The Bristol Old Vic At Home pilot season was launched during the first lockdown to provide a creative digital lifeline to audiences across the city and beyond. It included a fi e-week season

of streamed productions, achieving 335,000 views through the summer when the UK was unable to access live theatre. Now, once again, the theatre is finding ways for audiences and theatremakers to stay connected and creative with a second season of hits and classic shows from the back catalogue, available via the website with a season pass, alongside live-streamed theatre events.

All of the second season’s video-ondemand productions are about to be revealed, and the £12.99 season pass is available to pre-order, giving access to the full season until February 2021.

For more: bristololdvic.org.uk/at-home

Industry

Location, location

xxxxx

BRISTOL ON THE BOX

We’re stuck indoors; we may as well watch the telly. The good news is that two ma or ristol-filmed shows the second season of the three-part Philip Pullman epic His Dark Materials, and brand-new drama Industry – have just begun on BBC 1 and 2 respectively.

In the top photo you can see Blaise Orangery being transformed once again into the elaborately ethereal portal between worlds in His Dark Materials. Filming also took place on Elmdale Road for a chase scene, in which Lyra can be seen running out of the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

Very much set in the here and now, Lena Dunham’s taut new series Industry, which sounds a bit like a cross between This Life and The Apprentice, follows a group of recent university graduates aiming to make their mark at a leading investment bank. Locations include Queen Square and Corn Street, the Frogmore area and York Place. It’s had great reviews, incidentally.

For more: filmbristol.co.uk

Tourism

‘ARC AT EE. . .

In a joint application with We The Curious, local architect Nick Stubbs has submitted plans for rc ristol a world-first glass iewing cabin that would allow passengers to marvel at the city from 69 metres in the sky. Arc would be able to take 42 passengers on a 20-minute scenic flight to admire ristol s dynamic landscape, while an onboard pilot explains the city’s history and the heritage sites below.

For more: arc.global

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Email: Showroom@bristol.kutchenhaus.co.uk Tel: 0117 213 0497

S T O R E S N AT I O N W I D E

SPOTLIGHT

(DE)SATURATION POINT

Inspired by black-and-white movie Bait (page 34), and Carrie Hitchcock’s Bristol and Me (page 16), we’ve gone all moody and mono for this issue’s Brizzogram

@emotionsinframephotography

@moodycolin319

@chill1983

@Iz.bristol

@rogerturner6

@daz.smith

@keirgravil

@rogerturner6

@keirgravil

@worrall_photography

@brisvadar

@siantudor

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DECEMBER 2020 TO FEBRUARY 2021 FREE ENTRY

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F B R I S T O L’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

I On-screen, at least, few things ever seemed to faze Cary Grant. Whether he was running from an evil cropduster, dangling over a ledge on Mount Rushmore or battling Nazi spies, Bristol’s suavest son took most things in his stride, and we strongly suspect that if you’d told him that this year’s Cary Comes Home for the Weekend would have to be held in cyberspace he’d just have flashed you one of his signature double-takes.

We’re not sure what he’d have said if you’d told him that he’d be sharing star billing with a dog, mind.

The theme of this year’s festival is Journeys, to mark the 100th anniversary of the actor’s emigration to the USA. Born in orfield as rchie each, he left ristol in 1920, ditching his accent somewhere along the way and reinventing himself in New York as Cary Grant. In honour of this event, the festival is screening ourney-oriented ary Grant films, including

ir o emember; other events include a talk by Mark Glancy about a diary kept by the teenage Archie. he opening e ent finds ary sharing the spotlight with another famous Bristolian: Nipper, the terrier who became immortalised as the logo. ike young Archie, Nipper spent a fair amount of time backstage in Bristol theatres, having been adopted by scenic designer Mark Henry Barraud of the Prince’s Theatre.

In her talk, festival director Charlotte Crofts will explore one critic’s likening of Cary Grant to a loveable but tough mutt, while recounting Nipper’s comparable rise from humble origins to world fame. Brace yourself for a seamless link: the talk is followed by the movie e ere e in which Nipper also makes an appearance.

All events are on a pay-what-you-can basis. r r t omes bet ee For more: c r

ome or t e eeke o ember comes ome.co.uk

ru s o li e

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 13 © JON KENT BRISTOL POST

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PHOTOGRAPHY

CARRIE’S LORE

It wasn t e actly lo e at first sight when Carrie Hitchcock first came to ristol. uckily, we grew on her, and now she s produced a personal photographic map of the city in her new book, Bristol and Me: 1982-2002 16 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“I suppose what I grew to love about the city were the people I met. It’s always been about the people, for me”

In Bristol, you’re rarely more than a mile and a week away from the next protest march.

This is the 1997 St Werburgh’s Make a Noise for Narroways , which saved a much-loved local green space from being privatised and built on

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PHOTOGRAPHY

ABOVE: 1990: Barton Hill youth centre nurtured the talents of Banksy, Inkie and 3D – and this young, moody-looking Jody

OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE: Anticipating motherhood, from the 1991 Unpaid Carers project; two photos taken as part of an investigation into children’s lives in the Barton Hill flats

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e won’t hold it against her, we’re bigger than that; but when Carrie Hitchcock first arri ed in ristol in , she admits it wasn t lo e at first sight. In fact, she decided that it came a poor second to brace yourself ull.

I only mo ed to ristol because my boyfriend li ed here, says arrie. I d been li ing in ull, working in community arts. I arri ed here not really knowing if I would stay, but I ended up ha ing children with said boyfriend, and years later I m still here.

I didn t like the city to begin with. he music and arts scene had been much li elier and more inclusi e in ull and the north of ngland. cept for lifton and the on Gorge, the fabric of the city was not beautiful; the docks were derelict, and there was a four-lane road running through ueen uare. I suppose what I grew to lo e about the city were the people I met. It s always been about the people for me, so that s remained the same. he fabric of the city has changed a lot, and I e grown to lo e that too. he best thing about ristol for me now is that it s easy to get out of, and I don t need a car. If I cycle for about half an hour in any direction, I find myself in beautiful countryside. lso, I e always lo ed port cities; their openness and di ersity. he docks are the beating heart of ristol, both historically and today. hey re part of its ugliest history, but the ports created the city. he s well ualified to comment; one of her current obs on top of being a freelance photographer, she s a publisher, a graphic designer and a trainer in ol es piloting ferry boats up and down ristol arbour. arrie s first ristol home was in outh ille, which I liked because

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

of its pro imity to walks along the on Gorge. I lo ed aston, where I li ed for years most of the time co ered in my book, Bristol and Me. here was a great community, and it s where we created our family.

I knew most of my neighbours; shopkeepers, policemen, pastors, illains, druggies, children, parents and pensioners. I had some of the best neighbours you could ha e, and some of the worst. I felt at home in the area; it s a great place to li e.

I lo e where I li e now, in t erburghs, where I was fortunate to be part of a group of people who built our own houses, creating our own community. ocated in the inner city, it feels rural, surrounded by allotments and woods. I e written a book about this too, The Story of the Yard; Building A Community. inally, I lo e that all these places are full of uirky, unusual people from all kinds of backgrounds, who ha e ended up in this city from all o er the world. arrie says that the reason she started taking pictures, e en as a child, was to locate herself in her surroundings. I mo ed around so much that it was important to me to record and locate, to map each home in my psyche. s I say in my introduction I want to make a physical representation of my mental and emotional map before mo ing on. ere was my home, this was my space, these were my friends, this is who I was.

“I’ve always loved port cities; their openness and diversity.The docks are the beating heart of Bristol”

PHOTOGRAPHY

ABOVE: Barton Hill Youth Centre, 1982. “All male, all white, with NF scrawled on

the walls, it was calculated to upset my middle-class sensibilities“

RIGHT: ‘Practical skills for women’ at Bristol Women’s Workshop, 1991

It wasn’t until 1978 that Carrie got properly into photography, after borrowing a 35mm camera from a friend. “She took me into the darkroom and showed me how to process film and print pictures. I was hooked; I thought it was magical. I loved the way the photograph would appear in the developer and the feeling of being secreted in this little womb-room.”

The photos Carrie took in the city span 20 years, from1982-2002.

So why stop there? “I suppose it felt like the end of an era. I’d been working in Barton Hill, setting up and running the Barton Hill Photography Project, since shortly after arriving in Bristol until 1996.

I continued teaching and freelancing for a few years after that, but by I d really finished with community arts. ince then I e built my own house in t erburghs, done an in photo ournalism, ualified as a ferryboat skipper and run the education program for Bristol Ferry Boat Company.”

However, she seems to be compelled to keep making photobooks about her life and work. “Since leaving community arts, I have been undertaking documentary projects, sometimes commissioned, sometimes speculative. My children have grown up, I’ve had a break-up with my life partner, and both of my parents have died. My next book will cover that territory.” ■ Bristol and Me; 1982-2002 and The Story of t e r re il ble t rom r olfi i Bookshop and Better Food in St Werburghs Digital copies can be read at issuu.com

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

The WILD H BUNCH The photos in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition are as spectacular and thought-provoking as ever – catch them at M Shed after lockdown

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

ow often do you stop to think about the world’s wildlife? As in, properly think?

You probably indulge in the occasional binge-watch of Our Planet, or sign the odd Facebook protest against the destruction of the rainforest.

You may even own a family season ticket to Wild Place; but these things only take you so far.

And that’s what makes the annual arrival of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at M Shed such essential viewing. Although many of the extraordinary images are simply a joy to behold – cute and cuddly, even – others are more alarming and disturbing, sounding a klaxon for the Earth’s many threatened habitats and species.

Technically, the photos are jaw-dropping.

Camera geeks can get their tech on by studying the exact lens spec and ISO, while those of us who struggle to get a garden robin into focus can only succumb to a deep and ba ed en y.

Of course, technique is just part of the tale.

Many of the most startling images resulted from the photographers enduring long, uncomfortable

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A lucky escape for Squirrel: Surprise! by Makoto Ando; that’s the 2020 Christmas card sorted for photographer Matthew Henry, then: Snow Moose; leaping into 2021 be like: Kids’ Game by Yossi Eshbol. All photos Wildlife Photographer of the Year

hours in less than ideal temperatures.

Take Makoto Ando, for example...

SURPRISE! by Makoto Ando Makoto spent three hours watching these owls in freezing conditions, hiding behind a tree in the forest near his village on the island of Hokkaido.

This is the kind of dedication we’re dealing with here. Sure, Makoto had a decent bit of kit – a Canon 5D Mark III, if you were wondering – but you can’t buy the kind of preternatural patience that leads to a photo like this. Call it a lucky shot, if you like; but luck mostly tends to happen when preparation meets opportunity.

After Makoto’s three-hour vigil, a squirrel appeared from the treetops next to a pair of Ural owls. “It was extraordinary to see them all in the same tree,” says Makoto – after all, Ural owls prey mainly on small mammals such as squirrels. ather than sensibly fleeing, the s uirrel approached and peered into the owls’ hole. “I thought it was going to be caught right in front of me, but the owls just stared back,” said Makoto.

Suddenly realising its mistake, the squirrel leapt onto the nearest branch and sped away into the forest. With equally quick reactions, Makoto

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managed to frame the whole story – the squirrel’s escape, the owls’ expression, and a soft hint of the wintry forest landscape.

SNOW MOOSE by Matthew Henry Matthew had a considerably easier time of it than Makoto: instead of risking frostbite by waiting long icy hours in the snow, he spotted his moose while waiting in his car. As it approached, it paused to drink from a puddle.

Every few seconds, as the animal looked around, Matthew experimented with shutter speeds to capture both the snowfall and the details of the moose’s face.

KIDS’ GAME by Yossi Eshbol ossi knew the ibe took the same route to find water and food every morning, so he made sure he was in position before first light. n cue, the ibex appeared. The adults walked nimbly around the cliff edge, but the kids couldn t resist jumping over the ravine as a game. “This one bleated a few times, then summoned up enough courage,” says Yossi.

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

PAIRED-UP PUFFINS by Evie Easterbook pair of tlantic pu ns in their ibrant breeding plumage pause near their nest burrow on the Farne Islands. Every spring, these small islands off orthumberland attract more than 100,000 breeding pairs of seabirds; while guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars crowd onto the cliffs, pu ns nest in burrows on the grassy slopes above.

Young photographer Evie spent two days on taple Island, remaining by the pu ns burrows and watching the adults returning with mouthfuls of sand eels. u ns form long-term pairs, and Evie concentrated on this couple, finally achie ing this characterful portrait.

PEEKING POSSUMS by Gary Meredith You don’t always need to venture out into the wilds; many resourceful creatures such as these common brushtail possums have learned the advantages of moving into urban territory.

Here, a mother possum (left) and her joey peek out of their hiding place under the roof of a shower block in a Western Australian holiday

park. Gary Meredith had watched them all week; they’d pop up at sunset, keep an eye on the campers until dark, then squeeze out through the gap and head for the trees, to feed on the leaves of a peppermint tree.

To get the right angle, Gary moved his car close to the building and climbed up. The possums – probably used to being fed by other campers – stuck their heads out and peered at the interesting man and his camera. He quickly framed their little faces beneath the corrugated iron roof, capturing a sense of their vulnerability, along with their resourcefulness.

HEAD START by Dhritiman Mukherjee Judging by his weary expression, it’s tempting to go all anthropomorphic, and assume that this large male gharial in Utter Pradesh is dreaming of the day that the kids leave home and get their own place.

Photographed by Dhritiman Mukherjee, the large croc was left in sole charge of his numerous month-old offspring, although both sexes are known to care for their young. So as

PHOTOGRAPHY

not to disturb the gharials, Dhritiman spent many days quietly watching from the riverbank.

His picture encapsulates both the tenderness of a protective father and its ‘don’t mess with my offspring attitude.

CLOCKWISE: Mr & Mrs: Paired-up Puffins by Evie Easterbrook; good evening, campers: Peeking Possums by Gary Meredith; daddy daycare: Head Start by Dhritiman Mukherjee. All photos Wildlife Photographer of the Year

ou ll find plenty more photos and fascinating background stories at M Shed between now and 3 May next year. Not all of them are as whimsical and cuddly as our selection – we can never quite bring ourselves to print the more disturbing ones – so brace yourself for the occasional shock among the ooh-aahs.

And make time to read the stories behind

the shots; in a world in which almost everyone has a decent smartphone camera, it’s a handy reminder that really great images can only be achieved with a huge amount of time and skill and often several days of patience and discomfort. Oh, and yes, OK, OK; sometimes around £5k;s worth of top-quality lenses… ■

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London At M Shed until 3 May 2021 For more: bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed

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WHAT IF? Once Lockdown #2 lifts, We The Curious will reopen in style, with a brand new experience based on questions put to the team by the people of Bristol.

Curiouser and curioser . . .

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SCIENCE

“Questions posted in the Curious Cube ranged from the brilliant to the baffling, such as ‘If we are made of cells, why do we feel emotion?’ ‘Is there another me in the universe?’ ‘Can a single person create peace?’”

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SCIENCE

E

ery scientific ad ance begins with curiosity. s Isaac simo once said, the most e citing phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds e ery new disco ery, is mm; that s funny... hy did that apple fall to the ground hat if uranium rays could be made to pass through sold matter hy ha e finch species e ol ed differently in separate countries tc, etc, etc. fter e ol ing from t- ristol in , ristol science centre e he urious has been on a uest for, well, curiosity, and uestions. ith this in mind, they set out on a uestion-asking campaign, to find out what makes the people of ristol curious. he result is hat If the first ma or science centre e hibition based entirely on the curiosity of a city. he pro ect was supported by a m grant awarded by the Inspiring cience und, a partnership between esearch and Inno ation and ellcome, along with o er , donated by other funders he centre has now gathered o er , uestions from people in e ery ristol postcode, both in their harbourside enue and out and about in the city with the sil er urious ube, at community centres, festi als, schools, prisons and other places. ith the help of community partners, the staff and olunteers at e he urious ha e whittled the enormous database of suggested uestions down to ust se en, co ering themes as di erse as rainbows, illness, the uni erse, in isibility, the soul and time. ach of the uestion constellations that you ll find in ro ect hat If will contain around ten e hibits, approaching the uestion from different disciplines, angles and perspecti es. e eral of the uestion-askers themsel es ha e been instrumental in the direction and de elopment of the e hibit constellations, both through ideas-generation and e hibit-prototyping and testing. embers, olunteers, researchers, schools and key partners such as

Questions received ranged from the brilliant to the baffling, such as: if we are made of cells, why do we feel emotion? Why do we get butterflies when we like someone?

Can a single person create peace?

C-3PO, is that you? In fact, it’s RoboThespian – the ultimate acting humanoid

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MAGIC NUMBERS

What does it take to create a brand-new experience such as What If? Here’s the lowdown, in numbers:

1 1 3 5

astronaut consulted magician consulted years in the making

continents – sand sourced from Africa, North America, Australia, Asia and Europe

7 10 16

key question ‘constellations’ timepieces sourced

funders, donating £3.9m to the educational charity

19

commissioned pieces (films, audio, photography, art, software)

25 56

art pieces

metres of polycarbonate cladding for Open City Lab

65 100+

new exhibits

contributors

100+

online user testers

421

lights lighting Project What If from above

4,976

engineering person hours

1,200m2

entire exhibition floorspace

12,000+ questions gathered

10,966

fabrication person hours

65,000+

lines of code (at last count)

The West of England Centre For Inclusive Living, Creative Youth Network, work experience students from City of Bristol Academy and Curious Researchers from Bridge Learning Campus have all fed into the development of Project What If. “‘Each exhibition area uses high-tech, beautiful design to explore these ery different uestions in lots of ways, co ering a huge ariety of different disciplines and oices, says content leader melia owarth.

“We’ve worked with so many amazing people, from members and olunteers, to partners and schools, the uestion-askers themsel es and people who have never even set foot in our centre.

“We want Bristolians of all ages and backgrounds to be proud of the gorgeous exhibition they helped to create, and for that exhibition to mirror the diversity and beauty of Bristol itself. We want everyone to feel a part of science and curiosity, at a time where it’s never been more important.

BUILDING A NEW EXPERIENCE

The global pandemic hasn’t put pay to play., and the projects team at We The Curious carried on their planned user-testing sessions virtually with visitors, members and new faces to We The Curious. he ground floor of e he urious o cially became a building site in May this year, with the old exhibits completely stripped out. Working with exhibition fabricators Bruns, installation began in August. The exhibition build is now complete, awaiting the lift of lockdown. ou ll find new e hibits and art pieces to e plore in ro ect hat If , themed around the se en, ery different, uestions. he centre is also home to Open City Lab, a collaborative working laboratory, where you can meet scientists, join them in their explorations and take part in research.

We The Curious regulars will also spot a few favourites reworked into the new space we re delighted to confirm that the amster heel lives on . . . ■ Project What If ? at We The Curious will open once lockdown lifts, in line with government guidelines For more: wethecurious.org; @wethecurious_

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EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS

Embrace the small things Four brilliantly eclectic suggestions for books to give at Christmas. Kindly order them from these guys, and not some tax-dodging retail giant . . .

C

learly we umped the gun a bit in our column a couple of months ago, when we celebrated the heartening feeling of ha ing our customers back in the bookshop; but here we are. or us, this second lockdown seems to be in essence ery similar to the first, but as a small business, there is one significant difference this time around now that alloween has passed, it is ery definitely hristmas in retail land. ormally we d be scrabbling around the shop trying to get our window display ready, but this year we re preparing for a return to local deli eries and selling online, while the shop starts to resemble a tiny warehouse. one of this has dented the national need for books, howe er, and as usual we e been scouring the shel es for the ery best of the season.

THE BEST OF ME, by David Sedaris It s unusual for a writer to be gi en the greatest hits treatment, but for a id edaris the literary world always makes an e ception. If you e ne er read any edaris before, this is the perfect

“There are vignettes about everything from obscure taxidermy to French dentistry�

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

place to start: greatest hits in this instance means a non-stop flurry of his most painfully hilarious stories, all cribbed from his uncon entional life choices and nose for the absurd. ignettes about e erything from obscure ta idermy to rench dentistry show his rare gift for finding the humour in almost anything, and in his later writings you can feel a nagging warmth begin to creep in, almost against his will.

GENDER SWAPPED FAIRY TALES, by Karrie Fransman & Jonathan Plackett his beautifully presented anthology of fairy tales has all the hallmarks of a classic hristmas gift, but with one crucial difference all the traditional gender roles in these perennial fa ourites ha e been flipped. ar from being a gimmick, this is an astonishingly re ealing and enriching tweak, one that breathes new life into familiar narrati es. here s no re isionism, no retro-fitted righteousness, ust one simple change that turns old fa ourites into Handsome and the Beast, or Jaqueline and the Beanstalk.

POOR, by Caleb Femi frank and lyrical e ocation of tower block life might not sound like classic festi e fare, but poet aleb emi s stunning new collection pro es the work doesn t stop ust because it s hristmas. ith arresting use of photography and i id descriptions of the eckham estates he roamed in his youth, Poor is full of confronting but deeply human poems borne out of youthful frustrations

and the hope for something better. If you thought A Christmas Carol had a smart angle on social commentary, aleb emi will blow your mind.

THE LOST SPELLS, by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris hen ac arlane and orris collaborated for the stunningly successful and beautifully illustrated paean to forgotten language, The Lost Words, it was only a matter of time before a follow-up would arri e and this is it. The Lost Spells is ust as cle er and attracti e a package albeit handily pocket-si ed spells to be read aloud, each one accompanied with sumptuous illustrations. ustom-made for winter e enings, or taking with you on dusky rambles. ockdown does, of course, lend itself to time spent inside reading a book, so in the grand scheme of things being booksellers makes us relati ely fortunate. ut it doesn t change the fact that this festi e season is going to be weird, possibly in ways we can t e en foresee at the moment. ur method for coping with this uncertainty is to embrace the small things. he sli ers of normality you can s uee e into your day, the enforced indulgence of uiet, the long and darkened e enings with book in hand. emember this crucial fact as you prepare for this most unusual of yuletides books last longer than pandemics.

Storysmith is now open at 49 North Street; www.storysmithbooks.com

THE PRODUCERS

Team work: (L-R) Linn Waite’s production career was formed in Bristol’s vibrant shortfilm culture. She focuses on production and company development. Kate Byers segued into producing from an acting career; she heads up working on scripts, casting and creative and talent development.

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

FILM

In 2019, a low-budget, grainy black-andwhite movie shot on a hand-held clockwork camera won its producers a slew of awards, along with the kind of reviews that major studios would give their eye teeth for. The location and focus of the film was a small Cornish fishing illage.

The producers, however, came from Totterdown‌ Words by Mal Rogers www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 35

FILM

O

n its release in 2019, Bait, a -minute feature film written and directed by Mark Jenkin, received the kind of accolades all film makers dream of. ne of the defining ritish films of the decade, wrote ark ermode, bestowing a celestial fi e stars. In The Guardian, eter radshaw found it intriguing and une pectedly watchable, concluding that Bait was hypnotically strange . eanwhile, sil erware began to compete for space on the sideboard of ristol-based production company arly ay ilms. he e er-burgeoning collection includes a and a I for breakthrough producer, awarded to ate yers and inn aite; oh, and a glittering Bristol Life ward. otten omatoes ga e Bait a remarkable score of 100%, while The Independent was of the opinion that Bait may be black-and-white, but its insights, thankfully, come in subtly graded shades of grey. hose insights are nuanced, comple and multilayered, and based on a ubiquitous story familiar to anyone who li es in scenic hotspots, from uscany to ruro and beyond the balance between tourism and local needs. ometimes, the stress is minimal, particularly in areas gi en o er completely to the tourist trade. isitors are har ested in the same way that fish, wool, seaweed, whate er, were har ested in days gone by. erybody is in on the game, so no problem.

TOP: Director Mark Jenkin goes in for a lingering close-up – one of the many aspects of Bait that irresistibly recall the early days of cinema LEFT:

Wasson? We’d love to quote Wenna’s most scabrous and hilarious comment regading the Londoners, but this is a family magazine...

“I’d say that class is at the very centre of British cinema” 36 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ut where tourism competes with local li elihoods, financial and social e uilibrium is challenged. itter di isions result. esidents not benefiting from the tourist economy become alienated in their own community, as gentrification takes hold. Bait attempts to unra el this subtle yet corrosi e situation with humanity and humour. he main players are artin, a struggling, taciturn ornish fisherman, and a middle-class ondon family called the eighs. he incomers ha e bought the fisherman s cottage that was artin s family home, and with unconscious irony ha e tarted it up with a sorry display of maritime tat hey got a porthole, artin informs his brother tephen, with withering sarcasm . he tragi-comic tone is beautifully handled by ornish comedian d owe, aka the ernow ing, as artin; ristol ld ic fans will also spot neehigh stalwarts Giles ing and ristan turrock among the cast. he eighs ha e fairly eye-watering iews on how to foster good community relations. e re really interested in class di isions how class plays out, says ate yers. he difference between the opulence of the incomers, with their superior spending power, and the local people is stark; yet this represents only one facet of this clash of cultures. hat happens when different classes meet is endlessly interesting to me. I d say that class is at the ery centre of ritish cinema. ith Bait, Kate believes the authenticity of the film is enhanced by the fact that director ark enkin

is a Cornishman, “so he knows about the complexity of the issues that arise, both positive and negative”.

The tourist economy today is integral to local finances the world o er. If anything, the o id scourge has underlined this, and there’s very little turning back. Tourism will, eventually, return to Cornwall, and with it the inevitable strains and challenge. As Mark Jenkin says, you can’t take eggs out of a baked cake.

“The situations and relationships are complex and many years in the making,” said inn. e wanted to make a film and tell a story that reflects that. Bait holds all its characters to account.”

Summing up the tourism economy, “The view may be beautiful but you can’t eat it,” says Kate. “That was actually the original strapline for the film. nd it captures the heart of the dilemma of communities where tourism is part of life.” aturally, people react to comple films such as Bait in different ways, which almost definitely means ob well done. s ate puts it hat interested me was when we got the cut of the film; we were all were really e cited by it, and started to show it around. People responded in uite different ways. ome were ust watching and lo ing it, and laughing at the humanity at the heart of the film the characters, their flaws, and their dialogue. Other people were incredibly moved by the sense of ghosts that appear throughout the story. The ghosts of communities. The ghosts on the coast. The ghosts of a long history of fishermen now gone. hat I m ery proud of is that you can engage with Bait in a number of different ways. ou can get lost in the poetry of the film, or you can absolutely ust delight in all these characters, and what happens to them when their worlds collide.”

Bait was shot on a clockwork camera using grainy 16mm stock. The film was made without sound; dialogue, music and sound effects were added in postproduction, lending a dreamlike, poetic quality reminiscent of the great silent movies

CARRYING THE TORCH

Even seasoned cinema-goers may be hazy about what the people who show up in the end credits actually do. est boy, foley artist, gaffer, dolly grip what s that all about? To be honest, some of us aren’t even sure about

“We are Totterdown women...”

Kate and Linn met doing short films in Bristol. The more they worked together, the more they realised that their skills complemented one another’s. Early Day Films was the obvious next step.

So why the name? “It’s the best light of the day!” says Linn. “Also, we spend a lot of time with our writers and screenplays, that important early work for a project, hence the logo of falling sheets of paper (settling to form the killer screenplays) It also has a bit of ‘up and at 'em’ as well...”

Their focus remains very much on the South West: “Regionality is really important to us in terms of story, and the teams that we work with, but it’s not exclusive,” says Kate. “We would consider doing all sorts of films, all

sorts of projects, and doing things in different ways. But our regionality is at the heart of how we see ourselves.”

“We remain Bristol-based,” says Linn. “We are a Bristol company. We are incredibly proud of that, and shout out about Bristol whenever we can. You can make films like Bait, which are about the region, or make films about other regions, but we’d still be a South-West based film company.”

“The Bristol thing is important; that Bristol energy is important,” says Kate. “In projects that are coming up, we’re working with people who are regionally based. This is home. We are Totterdown women!”

For more: earlydayfilms.com

the difference between a producer and a director.

Kate spells it out. “Producers are there from the very seed of the idea for the film right through to getting it out and into the cinemas. To put it another way, you’re carrying the torch for the film all the way through. nd in order to do that, you need to know what you’re making, and why you’re making it.”

Bait was made by a very stripped-down cast and crew.

No huge catering double-decker arrived to feed cast and crew; no ummers deli ered the stars; no artics dropped off tons of e uipment. e worked with a ery small crew, and that was deliberate,” says Kate. “We wanted to have minimum impact on the people, the communities we were working with. ltogether there were ust of us on the crew. We only had one camera, which Mark operated.” h yes; the camera. In we decided, yep, this is the one, says ate. his is the film. e were determined to make Bait happen and prove you could make a feature with a clockwork camera and handprocessed film. n outlandish notion turning away from digital and going back to the very beginnings of analogue movie-making. Bristol Life can anorakly confirm that the camera in question was a hand-cranked Bolex that used mm monochrome film. he celluloid was hand-processed by Mark in his studio in Newlyn. he film was shot without sound, effecti ely creating a silent mo ie to which dialogue, music and other effects were added later; while this was done for mostly technical reasons, the end result lends this brooding tale of doom and conflict a dreamlike, disorientating otherworldliness. ut the scratchy, flickering footage, rather than harking back to the past, creates an image of universality and timelessness; in other words, the issues unco ered in Bait are here to stay. ince the early days of cinema, film has ac uired a slickness and technical sophistication that would have astonished a Gri th or an isenstein. Bait makes you realise how much of the original power has been lost in a sea of green screens, GIs and .■

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Meet the hair & beauty expert For a cut above the rest, put yourself in the able hands of Bristol’s top beauty experts

RUSSELL LAMBARD & CHERYL HANCOCK

JAMIE & JACK

HQ HAIRDRESSING 0117 950 8899; www.hqhairdressing.com

DOUGIE JOHNS HAIRDRESSING 0117 944 3115 www.dougiejohnshairdressing.com

What would you say is the most important part of the job?

To give our clients the best customer service and hair service that we can offer.

What can a client expect from an appointment with you, given the current Covid guidelines?

We’ve made some big changes since reopening the salon. These include using a machine called Edge Protect, which kills all viruses including MRSA, e-coli and coronavirus. We use this every day before we open. We also have screen dividers, digital magazines, single-use towels and gowns, face coverings and a temperature checker.

How have you overcome any client’s fears around Covid restrictions?

We made a film of all the procedures we’d put in place, which we sent out to reassure clients that we are doing all we can to make them feel safe.

Best part of your job?

The way we can make a client feel when they leave the salon. Giving them great hair and amazing customer service means that some clients almost see it as a form of therapy!

What are your goals 2021?

To relocate to the very prestigious area of Clifton Village.

Who are you?

We’re Jamie and Jack, husbands living in Redland with our salon on the ever-popular Coldharbour Road. We’ve been in Bristol for nine years having moved from our home county of Cornwall. Dougie Johns Hairdressing is named in memory or our wonderful grandfathers.

What’s special about Dougie Johns Hairdressing?

We’re pioneering change within our culture. A sustainable, eco-friendly, zero-to-landfill salon at the heart of the community. From colour tubes and highlighting foil to refreshments, nothing comes through our door unless it’s disposed of responsibility. Our product range, Kevin Murphy, is cruelty-free, climatechange-conscious and packaged by reclaimed ocean waste plastic. We proudly represented this as finalists in the 2020 Bristol Life Awards. In 2021 we endeavour to join with other businesses to help run salons that are kind to our planet.

What services do you offer at Dougie Johns Hairdressing?

Our versatile team of experts cover many aspects of hairdressing; why not take a look at our website to meet us? However, we don’t only focus on your hair; we care about the time you spend with us. We want you to leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and looking incredible.

Russell Lambard & Cheryl Hancock

LUKE CASTILLO

HAIR AT 58 0117 973 7793; www.hairat58.co.uk How did you start a career in hair styling?

I graduated from London College of Fashion after studying a degree in fashion-styling and photography. I delved into the world of editorial and celebrity styling, working with the likes of The Sugababes, Girls Aloud and The Saturdays. However, first and foremost I see myself as an artist. I decided to retrain in hair at the age of 25, realising that I could shout my point of view from the roof tops by transforming clients, especially ones with textured hair. I began working with acclaimed stylists Louis Ghewy, Yumi Nakada-Dingle and Bea Carmichael on various shoots including Japan, China, British and American Vogue, and numerous seasons at fashion week, including heading a show myself for Roberta Einer.

What makes your business unique?

I pride myself on being a hairdresser who works with all hair types, and doesn’t pigeonhole themselves by only specialising in texured hair. Yes, I am a textured hair specialist, but I adore hair in all its facets, and am excited by every client who sits in my chair.

What’s the most important part of the service you offer?

Consultation is key for me – making sure my client and I both understand where they are now, and where they want to be with their hair, is super-important to begin any hair journey.

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

Jack & Jamie

I’m of mixed heritage myself, and my mum taught me how to do my own long curled tresses from the age of nine, so I can be extremely compassionate when it comes to clients fearing a hairdresser; my main aim is to change that feeling.

What are some of your favourite products to use on textured hair?

My go-to products for more coily and curly hair are from the Aveda range. Be Curly Curl Enhancer does exactly what it says on the tin; it intensifies curl, combats frizz and boosts shine on curly hair.

It’s a wheat protein and organic aloe- infused styling cream, that expands when the hair is wet and retracts when hair is dry, to help intesify your curl or wave.

Best part of your job?

Continuing to learn and educate myself is a huge plus in my job. This allows me to create beautiful hair for my clients, taking from the insane amount of education there is out there as well as from hairdressers who have come before me.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

NUALA MOREY

JOE HEMMINGS

What would you say is the most important part of the service you give?

100% it has to be the consultations and advice we give. During our consultations we find out all we need to know to create the perfect style. We really listen to each guest, which is key for getting the style just right. While we work with our guests, we advise them through the whole process from start to finish, on how to create the style at home, how to care for their hair type and product advice, while answering any questions they may have.

Best part of your job?

My top two would be watching my juniors and stylists blossom and grow with confidence and knowledge, and handing my guest a mirror at the end of their service to show them their hair from every angle.

What makes your business unique?

We specialise in curly hair. I have created my own method for cutting curls called The Nuala Morey System. Guests travel to the salon from all over the UK and Europe to get their curls looking fabulous.

Please see the Instagram page @nualamoreysalon for the before-and-after transformations.

2020 achievements you will look back on fondly?

2020 has been the toughest year by far for independent businesses like mine. Having to close the salon for four and a half months was heartbreaking. I used this time to train my staff further and create an online shop which has been a huge success. I have managed to grow my team to a team of 15 even with the obstacles in my way and we are still standing strong. I would like to thank everyone for their lovely messages and support.

What would you say is the most important part of the service you give?

It has to be the consultation. It’s so important to listen to your clients and create a personalised look that suits their lifestyle and what they want. I’m sure they enjoy the luxurious head massage the most!

What can a client expect from an appointment with you, given the current Covid guidelines?

The high-level hair service hasn’t changed at all, but how we do it is a little different. There’s track and trace, our own form to fill out, temperature checks, personal PPE care packs, private sectioned-off areas to maximise social distancing, sterilising procedures and payments taken at the chairs. We keep in contact with clients before and after their appointments, and make the experience as personalised as possible.

From the minute clients arrive to when they leave, they are looked after completely.

What makes your business unique?

The client experience we deliver is on a different level to anything else around. We have real experts in each field, from cut and colour to extensions and curls, and allow the team more time per client to deliver a unique experience that is tailored to the individual. We’re the only salon in Bristol to concentrate on wellbeing, and have created a lifestyle brand beyond hair, and sustainability is at the heart of our brand.

What are your goals 2021?

Keep leading the team to achieve their goals, to improve the client experience even more, and to grow our wellbeing platform.

NUALA MOREY 07533232692; www.nualahairdressing.com

CAROLINE MILLS

CONSOL 08000 88 60 90; www.consol.eu What would you say is the most important part of the service you give?

Every part of the service is super-important, but operating with a self-service ethos, I think our wonderful helpline team that operates between 7am and 10pm deserve a shoutout for providing live help and support to customers in 46 studios, seven days a week.

What can a client expect from an appointment with you, given the current Covid guidelines?

BLOGGS SALONS 0117 9291902; www.bloggssalons.com

Nuala Morey

Joe Hemmings

The safety of our customers and staff during the pandemic is our top priority, and so visitors can expect to see enhanced cleaning schedules, sanitising stations, social-distancing measures, contactless login and pay options via our new app, and of course the use of face coverings in the reception areas. Apart from that, customers can expect the same outstanding tanning results from every session.

What’s the best advice you have received?

Fake it until you make it. By imitating confidence, competence, and an optimistic mindset, you can make your goals become your reality. Aside from that, always making sure your chicken is cooked is kind of important!

Best part of your job?

I’ve been the marketing manager for Consol for over eight years. The best part for me is watching it grow and evolve and knowing I had some part to play in that. Sometimes I see a campaign we are running in a magazine and I think “I thought of that!”, and it gives me the ultimate job satisfaction!

What do you love about Bristol?

Where do I start? The culture, the diversity, the outdoor spaces, the food scene, the music scene, the festivals (oh, the festivals) and the amazing transport links are all up there in top perks for living in Bristol. Obviously 2020 has put a pin

in so much of that but I am so excited for postpandemic Bristol.

What makes your business unique?

We are an entirely self-service provider of worldclass sunbeds and exceptional cutting-edge tanning technology in England. Customers can become members via an app, and then select and pay for sessions via the in store kiosk, before heading to a private cabin to take the treatment.

Operating in this way allows us to open seven days a week from 7am until 10pm, 362 days of the year!

(Unless we are in a lockdown of course.)

Do you offer anything unique that readers may not know about?

We have a brand-new app that can be downloaded from your app store, that unlocks our very best credit offers. New customers can also become members straight from the app with IDverification, and then once approved, can access contactless login to their account in store by pointing a QR code to the kiosk.

What are your goals for 2021?

We have so many exciting projects in the pipeline.

New studios, studio revamps, new technology, new collaborations, offers, giveaways and so much more. One step at a time though. For now, our aim in 2021 will be to remain open, with hopefully, no pandemic closures.

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

1

LOCKDOWN HEROES

Back in spring, we just called it ‘lockdown’. We had no idea that by November 2020 we’d be referring to it as ‘lockdown #1’….

Words and pictures by Colin Moody 40 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY 2

B

y the time you read this, we’ll be well in to the second lockdown. Stuck at home again, eh? ell, I thought I d offer you something other than the usual etfli binge-watch. ere come some positive memories of heroes from the first lockdown. hat a year

1

Stuck in a house for lockdown? Why not bring the country to your walls?

Sue did.

And everyone living in her street loved it. I reckon everyone passing loves it, too.

Maybe we don’t have to go back to the old normal after this. Maybe this new normal is gonna stick.

According to the plaque, a 1742 map shows ‘Kings Down as open pasture, with paths leading to Bristol’.

A well, and other features including traces of cow wee, confirms that this house was originally a cow byre. lenty of time in lockdown to find out more stuff like this. Nice one, Sue.

2

“Dad said I could share the photo.” his fine young fella told me that he wanted to be a paramedic – “Cos they are the real super heroes” Nice one, young man.

Very nice one indeed. hoto taken at one of the first claps for the , by the ristol oyal Infirmary.

3

3

It was during one of my Covid lockdown walks. wenty-nine minutes in, and it was nearly time to turn back. And there she was. Riding down the street on her green bike. Probably noticed the green bike second. She was clearly a bunch of grapes.

I think the conversation went like this. ey, are you a bunch of grapes “Yes, I am” she said already unhooking previously unseen ukulele from behind a couple of fruits. “Would you like a song?”

We talked about what was going on, and she sang me a song about walking around and being positive. It worked.

As she peddled away and I hummed the tune, I remember it was something about wine delivery with a difference, and how she made people happy. he may have delivered wine to you and made you happy. She is the vine and we are her grapes of happiness. eah hat will do. ell done, amigo in green. ou are a lockdown hero.

4

ere s oseph. hink it was back in ay.

It’s hard to remember, now. Days, weeks, months, names. ut he was definitely oseph. nd lo... he did return to his beloved Bristol and Stokes Croft, and he saw this closed shop on the corner opposite Kino, and he said, let there be quesadillas.

Were there quesadillas? I don’t remember everything, but during my one-hour-allocated and go ernmentsanctioned walk, I did see that he was opening up a business, selling essential juice and food. And as he painted, one other human on a bicycle went by and gave us a thumbs up. Because even in a pandemic, there can be a little bit of positivity here and there. nd in the great pause, people like oseph, who went and opened up in bright colours and waves of energy, become heroes. e d been abroad for years, and this was gonna happen. Period. Pop by and feel his energy in his essential service station.

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

4

5

Give us this day.

Gonna tell you a true story now. About a chef who worked so hard to make his business work, and then boom! Lockdown. Well, to be fair, it was a mixed message for a while, telling people to avoid restaurants, etc, but not actually telling them to shut. And that was a hellish week or two for many of our finest places to dine.

But I was invited to come and shoot pictures of one kitchen that had decided to cook all the food and give it to those who were so in need.

Across this city, many met the call. They cooked meals for key workers, the NHS, cleaners, anyone who needed food. They got it. And this is one of the first runs. ind the clock forward a few months, and it’s still part of their plan in life to do this, to help this way. Born out of the pandemic and government pauses in response.

When others hesitate, there are heroes who see a need that needs to be met, and meet it.

Those fresh bread rolls smelt amazing, and the soup was hot and nutritious.

The chef told me it was a simple choice. Open up the kitchen and cook, it or let it rot. Their ser ice was fine dining, and not easy on her bike delivery option.

Nice job.

Well played.

Next time you are in need in Stokes Croft, ask around. nd you can pay what you can afford.

Follow the smell of sweet human goodness.

5

6

“I’m dedicating this hero slot to those local artists who adjusted life for us, with little messages and responses here and there. The stars come in to view from the gutter sometimes” 42 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

7

7

Forgotten your mask?

Need to go to the shops?

Solution. At the back of a queue in Clifton.

June, I think. God knows! Seems like a long time ago, and just happened all at once. Like the weird bits at the end of Interstellar. Not sure where or when we are anymore.

So these two cheered me up.

I can’t remember for the life of my why they had it on, for sure. Maybe a snog. Possibly to keep a sneeze in a bubble.

8

Stepping out your front door, knowing you will go to your local shop. Meet the locals who know what you like. When all the fancy shops were shut, and we had the basics open, it opened my eyes to what these essentials were.

And their value.

It can mean everything to get it local.

Wellbeing, yes. Money stays local. It keeps circulating around like a good wish. Little bit of positi ity then comes off the top, right into your lap. That’s local. Use it or lose it in lockdowns 2.0, 3.0, 4.0...

East Street.

It all got a bit weird first-time round. I ll come back after lockdown 2.0 with some more heroes. Cheered me up. I remember that.

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

6

The more responsible we are, the sooner we’ll get through this... #stayathome” Why did the artist choose this spot for such an important message?

Think of the house as the bun. Perhaps. And there you are in your household, all piled in there on top of each other.

Maybe that’s what this local artist was saying.

Be in the bun, and we might just get through this.

I’m dedicating this hero slot to those local artists who just adjusted life for us, with little messages and responses here and there. For me, this kind of thing means that the stars come in to view from the gutter sometimes.

PS: the poster didn’t stay up long. Got ripped off. robably in a gallery by now.

8

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

THE STAR AND DOVE

Something seriously tasty is going down at this popular Totterdown local...

Words by Deri Robins Photos by Studio Whisk

RESTAURANT

F

rost on the high ground, icy mist pooling in the Gorge, cares about what’s on her plate. If you asked Your Man what he’d eaten the tail-lights of cars heading purposefully out of the city: ten minutes after leaving a restaurant, he wouldn’t be able to tell you. perversely, the eve of Lockdown 2 had a breaking-up-forNot a clue. Anyway, said daughter ordered the scallops – a king-sized Christmas kind of vibe. There was a holiday buzz in the beast, sweet as a nut, served with a meltingly tender cube of belly pork on air; a sense of folk hellbent on squeezing the last drop of puréed sweetcorn with crisp batons of apple. fun from their final hours of freedom before e eryone was I’m partial to a bit of guinea fowl, as long as the bird’s not so elderly confined to barracks once again. that it needs three and a half weeks of simmering to render it edible.

I’m not sure how this last-chance-saloon spirit The one served to me at the Star was clearly a young chook, being manifested itself in other parts of Bristol – unattractively in quite a few irreproachably tender and moist, with a pleasing fla our somewhere areas, so I m told. ut in otterdown, at least and specifically, in the between chicken and pheasant. It went a treat with a caramelised plum welcoming arms of the Star and Dove – all was calm, all was bright. It sauce and three sticks of salsify, the latter so creamy and juicy that it was busy, though; the bar was full, while a bunch of die-hards out in the makes me wonder why I never bother with the things at home. beer garden seemed cheerfully oblivious to the fact that the temperature he kid s slow-cooked duck came in fat slices, still firm and rosy-pink had dipped below six degrees. Meanwhile, after a cool and leisurely water bath, followed by a ensconced in the cosy, swellegant dining area, we judicious stint with thyme and garlic butter in the STAR AND DOVE watched the tables steadily filling up. pan. In another successful meat-and-fruit combo, What? Local pub with casual fine-dining The Star has long been a decent drinking it came with cassis-poached quince in a stout jus. restaurant and dining destination, but following its recent We wiped our plates clean with some truly great What’s the decor like? An elegant take on the makeover it’s an especially alluring proposition. chips, and tiny potatoes served in a subtle brie classic gastropub New(ish) owner-chef Newstead Sayer has taken sauce, with mustard seeds that popped enjoyably How much? Starters £9-£12, mains £15-£25, the classic gastropub look and elevated it with on the tongue. puds £8-9 glamorous dashes of Deco. Chevrons and velvety Portion sizes were absolutely spot on, meaning Atmosphere Relaxed, welcoming textures abound; there are lovely little copperthat even after we’d practically licked the plates Service Invested and charming coloured lamps on the tables; dark wood gleams clean we were able to shoehorn in a pudding. A Booze Everything from a £80 bottle of Borolo to against plump mustard banquettes and slate-blue caramelised white chocolate tart was fudgy and a pint of local ale woodwork. Newstead also seems to agree with the indulgent, like a really upmarket millionaire’s Where? 75-78 St Luke’s Road, BS3 Anthony Powell adage that ‘books do furnish a shortbread, while a chocolate gateau came glossily 0117 403 0386; thestaranddove.com room’, because there are dozens of volumes lined iced with a chewy, chocolatey orangey filling, up on shelves and stacked in piles on windowsills. and salted caramel ice-cream that actually tasted The vendors of vintage leather-bound Readers’ Digest compendiums properly salty; far too many chefs hold back on the sodium for my liking. must ha e had a field day when ewstead went shopping for props.

In every dish, the excellence of the produce shone through. Newstead ather like the d cor, the food riffs on gastropub classics and effortlessly enhances top-quality ingredients with clever, unshowy cooking, rather lifts them to a higher plane. The menu is split democratically between than swamping them with anything overly tricky. He isn’t setting out to meat, fish and eggie; this being early winter, the game-game is currently reinvent the wheel, but he does want to make the Star and Dove one of strong. Descriptions of ingredients are short and to the point, though a the best pubs and restaurants in the city. Naturally, he’s hoping the big list of suppliers is provided at the end; a roll call of West Country heroes, guidebooks come his way, but, he says, “it’s not our be-all and end-all. If it underlying the ‘local, seasonal’ ethos practised by Newstead, and indeed happens, it happens; but in the meantime our mission is to create a warm, by any chef who wants to be taken seriously these days. welcoming pub and restaurant with a well-thought-out wine list and a My starter of duck liver pâté with Cumberland sauce was pretty as a food offering that s better than the a erage. picture, the claret-coloured topping sprinkled with finely chopped grassThe restaurant reopens after lockdown between Wednesdays and green chives. As for the pâté beneath – oh, dear lord, I could eat it every Sundays, with the same, ‘core four’ – GM Stevie, FoH Tom, sous chef day, possibly at e ery meal. ich in fla our, silky smooth in te ture, light Jim, and Newstead – collaborating on every shift; not only does this and refined, it s the kind if dish that reminds me why I could ne er turn guarantee continuity, but the two-day break keeps everyone fresh and vegetarian. Newstead, if you’re clearing out any of the leftovers during enthused. There’s a lot to be enthused about; if there’s any justice in the lockdown, call me; honestly, I could be there in fifteen... world, by the end of next year, Newstead and the Star and Dove will be I’d brought along the daughter, who in recent years has usurped Your garlanded with awards and booked out for several months in advance.

Man as my chosen dining companion by dint of the fact that she actually We’d get a post-lockdown table in the diary pronto, if we were you. ■

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Living la vina loca

Founded by Oli Di Méo earlier this year, VINA LOCA is a new online boutique wine merchant proudly based in Bristol

O

li was born in Bristol and went to school in Keynsham, before going on to Lancaster University; he then did his postgraduate studies at Bristol University. He completed a stint travelling in South America before entering the wine industry on the graduate scheme with Majestic Wine. Since then he has worked for one of the world’s largest wine producers, been a head sommelier at a Michelin Guide restaurant, and most recently spent three years in the Middle East consulting for and selling fine wines and sake to a portfolio of five-star hotel companies. Oli decided to return to the UK in late 2019 to be closer to family and start his own business.

Oli’s original plan was to open a modern Asian-inspired wine and sake bar concept in Bristol city centre, but it was thwarted quite abruptly by the coronavirus outbreak earlier in the year. Instead, he moved the concept online from July (no sake for now, but coming very soon!) and it has been a great success so far just in the first few months of trading. Vina Loca means ‘crazy vine’ in Spanish (without the tilde), a term heard by Oli after albariño harvesting in north-western Spain to describe untamed biodynamic vineyards.

A philosophy of freedom, independence and nurture runs through the roots of Vina Loca, a business inspired by Bristol’s fiery vibrance, energy, and visual artistry. The company focuses

on inventive, modern, boutique wines,and much of the range is vegan friendly and organic.

However, they do stock the classics too!

Alongside the online wine sales and popular Mystery Boxes, Vina Loca has also launched virtual wine tastings to cater for increased demand from customers. These have been immensely popular for both public and private events, internationally too, with people joining from the Republic of Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands recently. Wine samples and notes are sent out in advance, and you join Oli online for the tastings. There is also a single-bottle Christmas gift service launching, with a 100% natural hessian bottle bag to gift your wine in.

This Christmas dinner, their top pick for turkey is the Framingham, Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand (£17.99), and for roast beef the Dandelion Vineyards, ‘Lionheart of the Barossa’, Shiraz, Barossa, Australia (£12.49). For something special they suggest the excellent English fizz Chapel Down, Classic Brut NV, Kent (£25.99) – all three are also vegan-friendly. And if you are after the Vina Loca experience, for red they recommend the Empire of Dirt, Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley, Australia (£17.49) – an unfiltered, boutique, textured and juicy Cabernet. For white wine, the Storm, ‘Wild Air’, Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa (£18.99) – a stunning barrelfermented small batch Sauvignon Blanc, with poise, flavour, and texture. ■

Oli Di Méo

The perfect Christmas gift

Vina Loca offers FREE delivery to the Bristol & Bath area, and this winter there’s no minimum order requirements. www.vinaloca.co.uk; oli@vinaloca.co.uk; 07523180680; f @vinaloca.wine;  @vina.loca

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

EATS, ROOT, AND BOOK LEAVES “Bristol is a pretty inspiring place to be; there’s so much talent, so much kindness and willingness to share knowledge”

Root chef Rob Howell is about to publish his first cookbook. There’s a bit of a wait, though – it’s not out until March 2021 – but as Lockdown 2 has comprehensively exhausted our patience quota, we insisted on finding out about it right now . . .

C

ookbooks have always been a massive source of inspiration to me, says ob owell. I would always try as learn as much a possible from them, from the beginning of my career up to the present day. a ing the opportunity to write my own is such an honour.

we have created a style that really works for us.

The team we have at Root have all been there for over two years now; we work so well together, and think so similarly, that ideas and menus usually come together with ease. We tend to go with the less-is-more approach; a few ingredients on the plate, treated with a bit of love.

I started my first kitchen job at the age of 13. It was in the cloisters of Wells Cathedral; it

The book is a collection of dishes; almost a ‘best of Root’ during the three years since opening, from dishes that were on our first menu to those we have on today. The recipes are mostly egetables, a little bit of fish and meat, and of course some desserts. I would like to think e eryone would find something to please them.

was such an amazing place to have a café. When I reached the end of my school year, I knew I wanted to do something creative, and as I’d been working in a kitchen I just kind of went for it. My passion for cooking grew along the way, and I went on to work in kitchens in London, France and Edinburgh before heading back to the West Country to work at the Pony and Trap.

I was fortunate enough to work under some of the best chefs in the UK along the way. I have now been working for Josh [Eggleton, whose restaurant group includes Root] for coming up to nine years. Root was an idea of Josh’s. Megan [Rob’s partner and Root front of house] and I were lucky enough to be able to have a go, and it’s worked out pretty well.

There are so many chefs out there cooking some seriously impressive food, from whom

I’m continually taking inspiration. It’s always great to see people using their position to do good, help and inspire others. Bristol is a pretty inspiring place to be; there’s so much talent, so much kindness and willingness to share knowledge, and it’s great to be a part of it.

My passion for vegetable cookery came through cooking at oot. It s definitely been helped by the amazing producers and growers we have around us; whether we get our vegetables from Sam and Becky at Wilding, the guys at imshill arm or ugo s, they all bring us something special; that’s what gives us our drive and makes our menus so easy to write.

I didn’t really know what I was doing at the start, but along the way, three years later, I feel

All the recipes in the book mean a lot, but there are some classics in there which I’ll be cooking for a long time to come: the charred hispi cabbage with seaweed butter sauce, pickled shallots and fresh radish; salt-baked celeriac and almond curry with a coriander and lime dressing; mushroom and lentil Scotch egg, and buttermilkfried celeriac with Korean-style sauce.

Thee best piece of advice I was ever given as a chef? weep the floor, take the bins out

– Josh Eggleton. I was always a bit of a mess when I starting working with Josh, but the best bit of advice is to work cleanly and tidily; you will always feel better about everything.

There are a few dish experiments I won’t be trying again. I used to want to make everything

into a ring; I have grown out of it now, and prefer the more natural approach.

My most cherished piece of culinary equipment is my chef ’s knife; not that I can use

it very well.

Root: Small Vegetable Plates, a Little Meat on the Side by

Rob Howell will be published by Bloomsbury on March 18; RRP £26

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 49

FOOD & DRINK

THE GREAT BRISTOL TAKEAWAY Bristol’s chefs had plenty of time to hone their takeaway and deli ery offerings during ockdown , so the little matter of a ockdown should be an absolute doddle. e didn t fancy cooking tonight anyway . . .

By Hannah Holmes 50 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

R

estaurants are currently closed until ecember. ill the second lockdown be e tended beyond this date on t ask us; we ha en t a clue, and we strongly suspect our leaders ha en t either.

What we do know is that if we don t want to deal the final coup-de-grace to our fa ourite restaurants, we need to support them now, by ordering their takeaway and deli ery options to tuck into at home a win-win situation if e er we heard one. ll your fa ourite pi a and burgers oints will continue doing what they do best, along with do ens of caf s, but for this feature we e concentrated on the restaurants. heck websites and socials for full details; we e kept each entry brief to s uee e in as many places as possible.

ADELINA YARD is offering delina t our

ard meal kits, cheese and wine kits and seasonal picnics. nd we ll be releasing something special for the holidays, so keep an eye out on our socials, they say, tantalisingly.

BAR 44 is running a click-and-collect where you

can-order tapas and unday roasts to finish at home, as well as an array of drinks including nifty cocktail pouches, sangria and sherry.

CLOCKWISE, PAGE 50: Just add intravenous drip?

Cocktails ready-to-go at Bar 44; no prizes for guessing the next three; Hyde at Home; complete steak dinners from The Ox

BRAVAS are continuing to provide Bravas at Home, with a tapas spread for two with a bottle of house wine or rioja to take away.

CARGO CANTINA’s full menu

with daily specials is available for takeaway, as well as pre-mixed margaritas, mescal and tequila.

THE CAULDRON are offering fish and chips, unday roasts, curry nights and Christmas feasts.

THE COCONUT TREE is open

for deliveries every day. They’re extending Eat Out to Help Out into takeaways, with 50% of all food between onday and ednesday.

FOUR WISE MONKEYS is open

seven days a week for click and collect, so you can get your katsu curry arancini and katsu sandos fi .

GAMBAS is offering a full tapas experience at home: a cooked and prepared feast for two with a bottle of house wine or rioja.

HEARTFELT VINTAGE has

everything you need for afternoon

CLOCKWISE: The best of Bristol to share at home: Gambas; The Coconut Tree, Root and Poco’s Tapas

tea, from sandwiches, cakes and scones to Yorkshire tea bags.

POCO TAPAS have some exciting new additions

HYDE AT HOME’s lockdown delivery service is back, and it’s your round, mate; so go right ahead and order their expertly made bottled cocktails.

PAPADELI will be keeping the counters filled with fresh deli delights, along with pre-prepared frozen meals and puddings.

JAMAICA STREET STORES is doing home deliveries of its small plates and mains, along with Christmas dinner deliveries.

PIEMINISTER’S award winning range is

THE KENSINGTON ARMS has started doing

PI SHOP The pizzas are back! You heard...

LITTLE FRENCH is reverting to lockdown mode,

ROOT is creating a different sharing menu each week, containing vegetable-based sharing dishes.

roasts to finish off at home.

selling produce boxes along with pre-cooked/ prepared dishes to finish off at home; look out for more IG cookalong tutorials with reddy.

BELOW: Hyde at Home

available for takeaway; their four festive pies will be joining the family from mid-November.

SEVEN LUCKY GODS open seven days a week

with a similar offering to i e

ise

onkeys.

THE MINT ROOM will be delivering their signature Indian fine dining e ery night.

WOKY KO Baos, baby; takeaways and deliveries

NUTMEG continues to offer its superior regional Indian delights.

To end on an upbeat note, here’s Poco Tapas.

“It’ll be 2 December before we know it, folks, and we’ll be here waiting for you, with candles lit and all the good smells wafting out of our kitchen.

Stay safe, look after yourself, reach out to loved ones, friends and neighbours, and we’ll see you on the other side.”

Amen to that.

THE OX is selling cook-at-home steak kits as well as Sunday roasts.

ABOVE: Sandoooossss! Seven Lucky Gods

to the seasonal takeaway tapas menus.

PACO TAPAS Chef ’s menu cook-at-home boxes coming soon; keep an eye on their socials

of Larkin Cen goodness, from various branches.

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

A WELCOMING AND INNOVATIVE INDIAN STREET FOOD CONCEPT

Our first bandook Indian street food concept first opened in the heart of Wapping Wharf in the renowned converted Shipping Cargo containers with some of the best Independent restaurants.

With a Second branch newly opened in the heart of Bath, it is on a larger scale from our Container restaurant also including a theatrical kitchen. Heavily inspired by the British Raj and paying homage to rustic Indian cafes from the 40’s. Bandook has one purpose, enticing you with food from the streets of Bombay to Bristol to bring family and friends together. *Covid measures have been put in place to ensure safety of our Team and our Dining Guests.

Bandook Bath 3-7 Milsom Place, Bath, BA1 1BZ. Tel: 01225 300600 Bandook Bristol Museum street, Wapping Wharf, Bristol BS1 6ZA. Tel: 0117 336 2845 Email: bath@bandookkitchen.com | www.bandookkitchen.com

THE MINT ROOM, AN AWARD WINNING FINE DINE INDIAN RESTAURANT. THE SECOND BRANCH LOCATED IN THE AFFLUENT CLIFTON VILLAGE, BRISTOL. Using only the best of British produce and all locally sourced, innovative and unique dishes are created to present an exquisite Indian Menu. This is also including our infamous “Tour Of India” - a fabulous and Adventurous seven-course tasting menu.

Our mixologists are at hand to showcase spice infused signature cocktails. Our restaurant is also available to cater for all occasional celebrations, outdoor events and private dining in the restaurant. *Covid measures have been put in place to ensure safety of our Team and our Dining Guests.

The Mint Room, Bath. Longmead Gospel Hall, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EB. Tel: 01225 446656 The Mint Room, Bristol. 12-16 Clifton Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1AF. Tel: 0117 329 1300 Email: info@themintroom.co.uk Online: www.mintroom.co.uk

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 don’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!

Tastings, courses and events now also available online.

www.cliftonwineschool.com

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Cake in the time of corona It takes more than a pesky pandemic to keep Stan from getting his café fix

T

here are many lovely things out there in the big, bad world right now. Autumn leaves, sunny spells, lockdown puppy dogs with waggy tails. There are also lots of lovely people, too. All of them doing their very best to keep the world turning the way it should do. In a nice and orderly fashion.

It would be easy to spend the next few hundred words giving e amples of these selfless souls, listing the ways in which they

“These wonderful café folk have managed to stay open, hacking their way through the storm of rules and regulations falling from the sky like corona confetti”

are kindly increasing the sum of human happiness. But, as this is a column devoted to the joys of coffee and cake, I am only going to talk about those wonderful and wise café folk who have managed to stay open, whatever else may be going on. To hack their way through the storm of rules and regulations falling from the sky like corona confetti.

Three cheers for these brave souls, that’s what I say. Hurrah.

Along with all those folk who order takeaways from their establishments. Hurrah. More power to each and every one of their elbows, that’s my thinking. ut enough of fine words. hey won’t butter parsnips, crumpets or teacakes. Time to focus. Hurrah. here are many fine coffee spots I could mention, but again, thanks to space restrictions, I’m just going to focus on one shining example: Twelve. A cute and cosy café hidden away in a quiet backwater of lifton, off oyce s Avenue, somewhere behind the Arcade.

Twelve has long been a favourite of mine. They do a particularly fla oursome blend of coffee and normally ha e a marvellous menu. Since these are not normal times, the menu has been reduced; the good news is that it still features lots of lovely homemade cakes. Mmm. These days the opening times

are Wednesday to Sunday, . am to pm. o one fine morning, Mrs C and I scooted over for a spot of elevenses. After picking up a pair of pretty fine coffees and a monster slice of Victoria sponge, our big plan was to take our coffee and cake round the corner to … Victoria Square.

(See what we did there?) Where we intended to sit on a quiet bench in a leafy corner, sipping and munching the morning away.

That was the plan.

However, directly opposite the cafe there are some pretty painted benches, nothing to do with the establishment, that were just crying out to be sat upon.

Allowing greed and laziness to overtake our plans, we stopped to stuff our faces, right there and then. No doubt we were breaking a whole heap of rules and regulations, but since no-one could see us, we reckoned it was worth the risk. o, to all those fine upstanding baristas and coffee shop owners out there, unsung heroes who are keeping the coffee machines of England steaming, including, but not limited to, Jen at Twelve, I offer a humble and grateful salute of thanks. our efforts are much appreciated. ■ Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 55

DE ER SA N TA PAWS . . .

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

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Just four little words, as you embark on your Christmas shopping:

KEEP IT LOCAL (PLEASE)

GRAND APPEAL FIGURINES, £30-£60

Looks like rein, deer; in fact, it’s everyone’s favourite sheep, dressed in his festive finery, raising money for the Grand Appeal.

As well as plenty of Shauns, you’ll find Gromits, Wallaces and the dastardly-yetsomehow-adorable Feathers McGraw at the Gromit Unleashed shop at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, and also online. All profits go to supporting Bristol children’s hospitals gromitunleashedshop.org.uk

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

I

hose halls aren t going to deck themsel es, you know

WOODEN ROBIN, FROM £10 Standing or hanging, big or small, Artisan ha e your robin needs co ered. ade from reclaimed walnut; standing robin has brass legs From The Bristol Artisan, 3 Lower Redland Road thebristolartisan.com

GIN BAUBLES, £32 ep, that s si baubles, filled with smooth, fla oursome ickerings gin. ry not to swig them all down before they e en make it onto the tree, yeah?

From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street harveynichols.com

GLASS ORNAMENTS, £7.80 EACH (REDUCED FROM £13) As it’s quite impossible to choose a fa ourite from these dinky as opposed to Dinky) cars, we suggest you snap up all three in the sale From Fox + Feather, 43 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

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

GINGERBIRD, £2.95 ne of se en wooden laser-cut tree decorations featuring all your ardman fa ourites Gromit Unleashed Shop The Mall, Cribbs Causeway gromitunleashedshop.org.uk

WOODEN TEACAKE DECORATION, £4 Handmade wooden decoration with the iconic – yes, iconic – design of the worldfamous tea cake From BAM Bristol 104-108 Belle Vue Road bambristol.co.uk

FOX ON SKIS, £8.50 eep the nation s knitters of teeny tiny woollen jumpers in business this Christmas, by buying felt woodland animals for the tree From The Pod Company, 24 The Mall thepodcompany.co.uk

‘THE ARBORETUM’ WOODEN TREES, £19 EACH Call them decorations, kids’ playthings, desk toys or collectors items; they re definitely not just for Christmas From The Bristol Artisan, 3 Lower Redland Road thebristolartisan.com

GLASS FOOD BAUBLES: CHILLI AND LOBSTER, £6.50 EACH; BURGER £7.50 We took one look at that Sass & Belle burger and thought: yep, that’s Bristol on a tree all right. eep it company with other foodie decs From That Thing, 45-47 Stokes Croft thatthing.co

FRIDA KAHLO BAUBLE, £8 Across Bristol this year, trees will be decked with anthropomorphic woodland animals, wooden teacakes, glass burgers, and of course, depictions of Mexico’s most famous female artist From Mon Pote 177 North Street monpote.co.uk

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

MADAME STOLZ METAL MISTLETOE, £19 Golden mistletoe, with tiny pearly beads for berries From Fox + Feather 43 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

NKUKU REINDEER GARLAND, £29.71; HOUSE DOCTOR CHRISTMAS TREE WITH LIGHTS, £69 A tiny tree with even tinier lights, and a whole pack of reindeer in enamelled brass.

From Fi ol Ferr te s fi .co.uk

WALTHER & CO WREATH, £35, AND ACORN, £11 Lovely metal leaves that can be hung practically anywhere, for instant festive cheer From Maze, 26-28 The Mall, mazeclothing.co.uk

FOX GLASS BAUBLE, £4.25 Foxy here takes a stroll in a winter wonderland, cocky as you like From The Pod Company 24 The Mall thepodcompany.co.uk

IRON CABLE CAR, £5.95 A retro cable car decoration inspired by trips to the Alps. Can you imagine the views? You may have to From Graham & Green grahamandgreen.co.uk

BLOOMINGVILLE NUTCRAKER ORNAMENTS, £6 EACH Six smart little soldiers, designed in Denmark and made from fir wood From Fig 1, Gaol Ferry Steps fi .co.uk

MOOMIN GLASS BAUBLE, £8.96 A troll taking a wintry ride on a reindeer – who could possibly resist? Not us From Fig, 1 Gaol Ferry Steps fi .co.uk

CHRISTMAS TREE CANDLE, £10 Poured with beeswax, meaning that the warm scent of honey will fill the home as the candles burn From Midgley Green, 26 Alexandra Road midgleygreen.com

& KLEVERING CANDLE, £15 Surely far too nice to actually light; we’d rather keep him as a table decoration From Grace and Mabel , 32 The Mall graceandmabel.co.uk

FERM LIVING EMBROIDERED ORNAMENTS, £7.20-£9 Nothing says ‘heirloom’ quite like a beautiful embrodered fabric tree decoration, with the not inconsiderable bonus that they are impossble to carelessly smash From Truce, 54 Princess Victoria Street truceonline.co.uk

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

KIDS

For kids and big kids everywhere

SLINGSHOT, £20 And yes, rather like a drum kit, this may turn out to be one of those gifts you wish you could confiscate ten minutes after they e been opened; but when we heard that these slings were made from wood foraged from fallen trees in Sherwood Forest, we were helpless to resist. Sling responsibly, kids From The Bristol Artisan, 3 Lower Redland Road thebristolartisan.com

JELLYCAT TOYS, £12.99-£29.99 The marine edit from Jellycat’s adorable collection of cuddly critters. Have you ever seen a friendlier shark? What’s he going to do, beam you to death?

From Soukous, 44a, 46 Cotham Hill soukous.co.uk

WOODEN MICE, £7 EACH Not a creature was stirring, apart from these mice – who are made in the Czech Republic by craftspeople in a toy factory that’s been going since the 1940s From Midgley Green 26 Alexandra Road midgleygreen.com

& KLEVERING PENGUIN SNOW GLOBE, £13 For Pingu fans of all ages; suitable from three upwards From Grace and Mabel , 32 The Mall graceandmabel.co.uk

CHUNKY CHILLI ANIMALS, £13.95-£27 From a piratical elephant to a lion and wolf in smart little Fairisle tops, these soft cotton toys are ideal for newborns upwards From From Fig, 1 Gaol Ferry Steps fi .co.uk

ANIMAL VINYL STICKERS, £3 High-quality prints of digital animal illustrations on durable, vinyl stickers From Paper Plane 196 Gloucester Road paperplanebristol.co.uk

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

HOUSE OF DISASTER BABY RABBIT LIGHT, £32.50 Mother and baby add the softest glow to any nursery From Mon Pote, 177 North Street monpote.co.uk

TOY BRUNELS, FROM £6 No self-respecting Bristol nursery should be without Isambard Gromit (£10-£17) or Isambear (£17), while every bathroom needs a Brunel Duck (£6) From ss Great Britain Museum Shop, Great Western Dockyard, ssgreatbritain.org

FOOD

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

onestly, if you want to think of this as the self-gifting page then don t let us stop you

MULLED CIDER SYRUP, £5.95 dd to cider or apple uice. hare nicely From Fig, 1 Gaol Ferry Steps fi .co.uk

WINE AND SWEET TREAT MINI-HAMPER, £30 ust one of many apadeli hampers that can be deli ered ia Good i ty, an ethical company deli ering foods from independent businesses to customers across ristol From Papadeli, 84 Alma Road papadeli.co.uk

CHEESES; PRICES VARY he one-stop shop for the turophile in your life is he ristol heesemonger. his is actually a wedding cake , but how ama ing would it look on the hristmas table From The Bristol Cheesemonger, Cargo 2 bristol-cheese.co.uk

HOCUS DRINKS SET, £59 ward-winning roduced in ristol cl bottle of neutral spirit base comes with spirit essence ampoules; it s a bar in a bottle, with a magical touch of alchemy From hocus.uk

BAMBOO CUTLERY SET, £5 delightful little stocking filler in a pouch, ideal for those who like to snack on the go From That Thing, 45-47 Stokes Croft thatthing.co

CIDER ADVENT CALENDAR, £69.95 eally, is there a better way to count down to hristmas than a daily tipple of awardwinning local cider from the ery best producers in the est ountry ml bottles per bo From Bristol Cider Shop bristolcidershop.co.uk

BRISTOL COOKBOOKS earn to cook like an absolute ristol boss 1 Zaika by omy Gill egan Indian cooking, 2 Eating for Pleasure and Planet by om unt of oco ethical, fla our-packed dishes, Food for Thought by hil aughton; a celebration of the oy of eating well and li ing better, .

4 Let’s Eat! by lly ear simple but delicious e eryday pescatarian recipes, Charred by Gene ie e aylor a complete guide to eggie grilling and , .

From all good local bookshops

THE CULTURED COLLECTIVE KIMCHI, £5.45-£5.79 pertly crafted in the otswolds using natural ingredients, this is the most awarded imchi range in the From Wild Oats 9-11 Lower Redland Road woats.co.uk

ew

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

OTHER STUFF

few things that refused to fit the themes on the previous pages

BIKE MULTI-TOOL, £13.50 “But I don’t have a bike!”

“What do you think that HUGE parcel in the corner is, Sharon – bath salts?”

From BAM Bristol 104-108 Belle Vue Road bambristol.co.uk

AGO SPEAKER, £35 Small but powerful bluetooth speaker – portable, lightweight, easy to carry and actually rather sexy From Fig, 1 Gaol Ferry Steps fi .co.uk

DOG COLLAR, £8; LEAD £18 This season, the fashionable Bristol pooch will be sporting this blue paisley Liberty print set from Bristol’s bespoke dog accessories-maker, Fawn & Blue – plenty more colours and designs where these came from From fawnandblue.com

JONES FRONTIER SNOWBOARD, £535.20 True, you may not be able to make it over to Juan-les-Pins this winter; but there’s always Perret’s Park.

Let it snow . . .

From Ellis Brigham 160 Whiteladies Road ellis-brigham.com

UPFEST PINS, £7.50-£12 tocking-filler essentials namel pin badges from a wide range of artists, from Cheo’s Bee to Carla James’s Love Bristol, Ejit’s Zombie Horde, Angus’s Anti-social, Pahnl’s Atlas,and – of course – the classic Upfest pin From Upfest Gallery 198 North Street upfest.co.uk

STEP-THROUGH LIGHTWEIGHT BIKE, £875 Is there any age at which a new bike for Christmas isn’t thrilling? All the more so when it’s hand-built by Bristol’s Temple Cycles. Spritely and smooth, instantly comfortable and familiar, this model is ideal for daily riding, touring and commuting; check out the website for the full range and colour options; as if you wouldn’t From Temple Cycles, 22 Brookgate templecycles.co.uk

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE:

fashion, jewellery and gifts for the home!

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

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SPORT WILL CARPENTER

Good news Bears Was Toulon just the start of a new era for Bristol’s rugby champions?

I

n among the jubilant celebrations in Aixen-Provence, Pat Lam delivered a key message: “this is just the start”.

The Bears’ director of rugby had made no secret of his ambition to win the uropean Challenge Cup, alongside sealing ualification for the hampions Cup in 2020/21. And his side didn’t disappoint in the south of rance, pulling off an historic ictory o er rench giants Toulon at Stade MauriceDavid to earn the club’s maiden uropean title.

Harry Randall’s astonishing try after just 15 seconds – the fastest e er uropean try put the Bears on course, before a Toulon

fightback saw the rench side take a narrow lead into the half-time break. But Max Malins’ silky score on the hour and 22 points from the boot of Callum Sheedy saw the Bears eventually earn a comfortable win in front of 1,000 spectators. t the final whistle, at am declared himself “extremely proud,” but insisted this was the ears first stop rather than their final destination.

“As I said to Chris Booy (Bristol Bears chairman) and Steve Lansdown (owner), this will be the first of many.

“This is the one we needed to get going and there is a lot of satisfaction in getting something to represent all the hard work. We

“This is not the end; it’s just a moment of inspiration that everyone can take hold of”

are getting better but we’ve still got a long way to get to where we want to go.

“But I’m just so pleased for everybody, and particularly those who aren’t here – all our players and staff, that can t be here today.

“We talked about inspiring our community through rugby success; that’s our vision, and this is not the end; it’s just a moment of inspiration that everyone can take hold of.

“But when we come back, we’re not satisfied with that, we e ust got to keep going, keep pushing each other’s standards, keep trying to be better.

“And I said right from the day we arrived here, if every person gets better, staff or players, the team will get better, the club will get better, a whole community will love it and be inspired.”

Winning major silverware is a special moment for any player involved, but for Joe Joyce – a graduate of the club’s Academy, and a proud Bristolian – it meant that little bit more.

I am fighting tears away, he said at full time. “There are no Bristol fans here today, but let me tell you we are so proud to represent this city. eryone in Bristol, we felt your support. We read the cards, we read the emails, we read everything, all the good luck wishes which came from

around the world. We are all so proud to represent this club.

“We have spoken all season about trusting our processes, trusting our systems. Our leaders on the field today were outstanding; they stay so calm, and that just comes through to all the other lads. I don’t think I have ever been this happy.”

The Bears have little time to reflect on their uropean triumph, with the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiership season set to get under way again on 22 November. Pat Lam’s men face an instant return to the Ricoh Arena, where they suffered a hea y defeat in the end-of-season play-offs in October, before welcoming Worcester Warriors to Ashton Gate in round two.

The season will start, as it finished, behind closed doors, but the Bears will be hoping to bring more smiles to the faces of the club’s loyal supporters during another tough lockdown period.

“Inspiring the community through rugby success” is the club’s vision, as laid out by Pat Lam on his arrival in 2017. They are doing just that, but as the boss pointed out on a fresh autumn evening in Aix-en-Provence, this is just the beginning. ■ Will Carpenter is the Bristol Bears club journalist; www.bristolbearsrugby.com

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

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS From Gopal’s to the Galli, to Bristol’s many indie shops: make it a local one this Christmas

The big number

£3.8M

Indies rock’n’roll

I

t’s hardly stop-press news that we need to support our independent shops, restaurants and cafés more than ever this Christmas – and to that end, dozens of small Bristol businesses have massively upped their online game,.

We’ve almost lost count of all the excellent and creative solutions out there. During Lockdown1, for example, local wesbite wearebs3.co.uk collated the offerings of many edminster shops on one handy portal.

More recently, a social campaign created by Konichiwa Agency has created an accessible guide to help Bristol’s independent businesses during the current weirdness. The campaign is centred around championing and supporting local independent

businesses, and has gained a following of around 6k across platforms, with 20k Bristolians interacting with the #actlocalbristol hashtag.

“Indies in Bristol is a really simple online platform that captures the essence of all the vibrant, diverse businesses within the city,” says Konichwa’s Ursula Hutchinson.

With helpful tips for local indies to try on social, Konichiwa has forefronted affordable and often free ways to help the Bristolian independent community.

For more: @IndiesinBristol.

A retail initiative spearheaded by Beck of ethical Old Market shop Prior has a similar, citywide mission in the form of shopbristol.co.uk, in which 23 Bristol independent gift and lifestyle stores have joined forces to launch a

campaign to shop locally, online.

For more: shopbristol.co.uk Thirdly, we have the Bristol Indie Weekend, a festive shopping event taking place from 20-22 November, encouraging shoppers to shop from Bristol’s local businesses when buying gifts this year. 20 shops are involved, each of them offering a special treat for shoppers, from an exclusive discount to a gift with purchases, or ra e tickets with the opportunity to win a prize bundle.

As Joh Rindom of That Thing says, “Shopping small doesn’t just make you feel good; it’s also doing good. When you’re shopping from independent stores, your money goes directly back into the local economy.”

For more: inbristol.guide

Landmark art gallery the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) has received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £1.37m towards its £3.8m heritage project, Light & Inspiration in Bristol, which will help to preserve the building and transform access to art for all.

“We are thrilled to have received this support,” said RWA director Alison Bevan.

“Without this project there was a real risk the RWA would have had to close its doors, not just for lockdown, but permanently, and instead it is now set to achieve its potential as a major regional gallery.”

For more: rwa.org.uk

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Bristol Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk

BRISTOLWORKS

BRISTOL BACK TOGETHER he Bristol Life Awards will return to loyds mphitheatre on pril, with the organisers planning a memorable, unmissable e ent for ristol. his year s irtual awards saw thousands watching online, with topuality nominations, a di erse set of finalists, e cited sponsors and winners, and appearances from ristol luminaries. ponsorships are now a ailable for the new season. he wards are already highly-supported, with the initial roster including headline sponsor arsh ommercial; others include nderson inancial anagement, ritish orner hop, runel Insurance rokers, urston ook, ar uees, uro, ,

paces, riangle etworks, and Bristol Life. he wards are backed by a high profile, all-channels, integrated media marketing campaign, peaking in pril. ominations opening in ecember, and information on how to win an Award will be via the website. e re keen for all companies to put the best possible case forward. ur comprehensi e online tips will guide businesses through what the udges are looking for and e plaining how the wards work, said e ent organiser Claudia Butler. For sponsorship enquiries, please contact Harriette Dixon harriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.uk Fancy winning one of these? It’s easy and free to enter

COUNTDOWN BEGINS‌ to the ristol roperty wards, the largest gathering of property professionals in the city. he wards returns on ebruary as a irtual conferencing e ent featuring thought leadership seminars, structured networking for sponsors and delegates, culminating in the celebration of e cellence the wards itself. nprecedented support means that there is now only one category sponsorship remaining for the wards, which are headline-sponsored by mith illiamson. he remaining category is uppliers and er ices.

For more details contact harriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.uk.

For more: www.bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

SUPPORT FOR THE SOUTH new three-year business support scheme is off to a cracking start, with more than 100 applications since it launched in July.

South Bristol Enterprise Support (SBES) is a partnership led by ristol ity ouncil and a deli ery group consisting of nowle est edia entre, he rinces rust, chool for ocial ntrepreneurs and td. he scheme co ers a range of industries, from pri ate sector, youth and social enterprise to creati e and digital manufacturing, and is open to e isting businesses and entrepreneurs based in South Bristol he entire pro ect is funded to the tune of . million by the uropean egional e elopment und and est of ngland ombined uthority. he scheme offers a range of support to entrepreneurs and small to medium-si ed enterprises, including training packages; bursaries and grants; access to workshops and business coaching, and much more. ntrepreneurs from engineers, bakers and wine retailers are already benefiting from their in ol ement in . ristol is facing the deepest economic depression since the s, and it is imperati e that we work together now to do all we can to keep businesses open and thri ing, said ar in ees, ayor of ristol. chemes like outh ristol nterprise upport are absolutely ital in our path to reco ery, and in helping businesses and entrepreneurs to put in place foundations for the future.

I m encouraged to see so many businesses sign up for support already, but I want to remind e isting and new businesses in the south of the city not to miss out. It could make all the difference in steering them in the right direction.

For further information and to apply: sbes.org.uk

BRISTOLWORKS

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS 2020 In a pleasing example of nominative determinism, Jack Farmer is the co-founder of LettUs Grow. He's also the company’s chief scientific officer and the head of the commercial team

L

ettUs Grow build aeroponic irrigation technology for vertical and greenhouse farms, alongside developing their farm-management software, Ostara. Both of these are combined in their new aeroponic container farm, Drop & Grow – “essentially, vertical farming business in a bo , says ack.

“An indoor farm works by mimicking the most productive forms of agriculture – creating an optimum environment for plants by using technology such as LED lights and irrigation systems. Growing vertically means we stack grow beds on top of one another, so you can grow more in the same footprint.

• TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION AWARD • PLATINUM AWARD

When and why was the company founded?

Tell us about a few recent triumphs and achievements.

I co-founded LettUs Grow with engineers Charlie Guy and Ben Crowther back in 2015. We all wanted to tackle the same environmental challenges: carbon emissions, environmental pollution and food security.

What innovations have been unique to LettUs Grow?

We have developed a nozzlefree aeroponic system. Growing aeroponically means we suspend plant roots in a nutrient-dense mist, which gives the plant all the water and nutrients it needs while also providing access to o ygen. raditionally, no les in an aeroponic system can become clogged and break. Our system is far simpler and more low-maintenance.

Completing the build of our research facility at Avon Valley in the middle of the Covid pandemic was a huge achievement, as was launching our new product line, Drop & Grow. Plus our double Bristol Life Award win!

How has 2020 been for you?

We received £2.3 million in funding at the beginning of the year, which allowed

us to build our research facility in Bristol.

We have also taken on 11 new hires, allowing us to really scale and push our product lines to market. Of course, there have been challenges with Covid forcing us to change our operations, but we were lucky that our farms could be largely operated remotely, or with only one grower on site at a time.

What marketing tools do you use?

As a small company, we’ve never had much of a marketing budget, so we’ve relied on talking to people – engaging with the community and like-minded businesses. While borne out of necessity, I think it might actually have been a blessing in disguise. People are often really interested in what we're up to, and being so open has led us to some amazing opportunities.

Why is your company ethos such an ideal fit for Bristol?

Our vision for the future of climateresilient, resource-e cient farming is central to our success. When it comes to environmental activism, Bristol is leading the way, and we’re glad to be a part of it.

There are also a large number of other great food tech projects in Bristol, doing incredible things for the city, and we’re proud to be working alongside them.

Our mission and work consistently reflects and contributes to ristol s commitment to nature, wildlife and a better quality of life for all residents. Our company ethos and the way we treat our employees also mirrors the diverse and neighbourly spirit of Bristol. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging our staff to work fle ible hours and engage with side or passion projects.

How else does the company benefit the city?

LettUs Grow is creating dozens of jobs for young and local people in many areas. We work with companies such as Babbasa, a Bristol-based social enterprise who work with less advantaged communities to help young people move into work or education. We also have internship and graduate programmes at the University of Bristol, Pershore College and the MOD. During the Covid outbreak, we switched up our focus to growing and donating food for local charities. We believe that in the future our technology can benefit the local area by creating job opportunities, supporting local farmers and creating a consistent, climate-resilient food supply to the local community all year round.

Why do you think the judges chose you?

Our Technology & Innovation award really is a credit to our incredible engineering team – they work tirelessly to produce industry-leading technology.

We were very honoured to receive the Platinum award in such prestigious company. There are some incredible businesses working to improve our city, and winning the Platinum Award has spurred us on to keep pushing to make positive change here in Bristol.

For more: lettusgrow.com

PROPERTY P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

T W O S L I G H T LY L E F T- O F - F I E L D S T O R I E S F R O M T H E L O C A L P R O P E R T Y S C E N E

LIFE ON MARS

A futuristic house designed for Martian habitation has received planning permission to be built on Harbourside in April 2022 – a date that feels unimaginably futuristic in itself, at the moment.

The project is led by local artists Ella Good and Nicki Kent, who brought together artists, scientists, architects, engineers and the public over several years to explore how we live today, to stimulate visions for new ways of living on Mars – and indeed, on Earth.

Hugh Broughton Architects, world experts in extreme architecture, have worked in partnership with multidisciplinary design company Pearce+ and the two artists to produce the concept design.

The house will pop up next to M Shed, and will be accompanied by workshops, events and research that will help to shape the interior of the house, which will originally be erected as a shell. The exhibition will also coincide with Think Global: Act Bristol, an M Shed project intended to foster positive action to address the climate and ecological crises.

For more: hbarchitects.co.uk; watch the artists' video at ellaandnicki.com

Ella and Nicki. Not on actual Mars, presumably

No mate, the loos are round the back of Cargo. And you'll need the code

THE JET SET

Those wings were fine before it went under the narrow bridge at Little Stoke...

After months of debate, planning permission has been given for a 1968 Boeing 727 private jet to ‘land’ on Bonville Road in Brislington rading state, where it will become a permanent o ce and meetings space The chap piloting the scheme is local entrepreneur, activist and property developer Johnny Palmer of Pytch, who has interests in broadcasting, media, software, live events, accommodation, conservation and commercial property.

“My company is growing really fast, and we need more space,” says Johnny. “So rather than do environmentally harmful traditional construction, I wanted to express our care for the planet and our appetite for commercial growth in a different way. It occurred to me that doing this with the repurposing of the ultimate in hyper consumption, a private jet airliner, was ideal.”

Johnny purchased the Boeing for an undisclosed amount; given that it no longer has any wings, it will make its final ourney on the back of a trailer on the M4, M32 and ring road.

Watch the vid on YouTube – search for Pytch Air. For more: pytch.co.uk

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

KITCHENS

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Hydroponic walls, mismatched cabinets, splashbacks created from art, free-standing cabinets, homeconnect apps – want the lowdown on the latest kitchen trends?

E

ven in pre-Covid times, the average kitchen did more than its fair share of heavy-lifting. Part cooking space, part informal hangout, not for nothing did it earn its rather hackneyed reputation as ‘the heart of the home’. It’s entirely unsurprising that people typically splash out more on a new kitchen than, say, a new bathroom or bedroom.

Enter Covid stage left, and for many people the kitchen was obliged to add home o ce to its busy . en if you ha e a discrete working space, and don t ha e to worry about being flicked with puréed banana by a toddler during a Zoom call, we bet you’re spending a lot more time in your kitchen than you used to; after all, it’s had to stand in for the water cooler and your favourite café.

Tempted to up your kitchen game? Need some fresh ideas? We asked a bunch of local experts to pick out one style or trend that they’re currently keen on, and to tell us how they’re incorporating it in their own kitchen designs.

1. GET SMART

Wren Kitchens

1. GET SMART

“Appliances with homeconnect technology are a game-changer for kitchens”

“The inclusion of appliances with home-connect technology is a recent game-changer for kitchens, and will continue to advance even more as we recognise the need for it to enhance our daily lives in the kitchen,” says Wren development and design director Darren Watts.

“Dishwashers, ovens and hobs etc can now all be connected and controlled via a smart home app. This makes the kitchen safer and more e cient at the tap of a button, allowing you to not only turn your appliances on and off, but to select programmes, put them on eco-mode or adjust the timers. This puts the controls of all of your appliances in one place, so the smarter the appliances, the easier your life will be.

“We are going to see an increase in app-based controls for kitchen appliances such as lights, fridges, ovens, dishwashers and more, as well as advances in voice-activation technology, which will allow smarter and more e cient pairings of appliances and smart speakers. It may sound like futuristic tech, but it’s all available now, which is very exciting for both the kitchen industry and kitchen-users.”

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KITCHENS 2. MIXING STYLES

Fifteen Twelve

“The best kitchen idea I have seen recently is the mix of door front styles in the same space,” says Laura Reynolds. “With many people going for the replacement door option, or the affordable budget carcasses and bespoke doors, it really gives an opportunity to be creative. People were hot for two-tone kitchens for a long time, and I think now it’s going to be more about the mix of textures and design. It s a ery bold and uni ue look, offering people functionality and style.”

2. MIX STYLES

3. CLEVER STORAGE

4. FREESTANDING KITCHENS 3. CLEVER STORAGE

The Kitchen Partners

“Storage remains as important as ever,” says Vicky Elmore, “from keeping clutter away in cabinets to hiding small worktop appliances.

Slide-away door units cleverly disguise large appliances; when the unit is opened, the door can be slid in at the side of the carcass. Appliances can be concealed when not in use, creating a simple, straightforward look. Midway units placed on top of worktops are also becoming increasingly popular, with bi-fold fronts or sliding doors providing easy access to the storage space behind; combined with a pull-out shelf, they can provide easy access to heavier appliances.”

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

“People were hot for two-tone kitchens for a while; now I think it’s going to be more about the mix of textures and design”

4. FREESTANDING KITCHENS

Ben Argent Kitchens

“We have noticed a recent trend towards freestanding kitchens within the high-end contemporary kitchen world,” says Ben Argent. “We recently launched our own versatile, freestanding kitchen system, inspired by a passion for elegant furniture design within the modern home.

“Our aim was to create a highly customisable kitchen concept that works across a wide array of spaces, undefined by the parameters of the room. We wanted to move away from the notion that kitchen units need to be fitted between walls, instead designing indi idual, freestanding furniture with more identity and personality.

e ele ated e erything off the floor on a beautifully designed leg structure, with subtle curves and long spans that make it easy to clean underneath. This changes the whole kitchen environment to one that feels more spacious and dynamic; you can see the floor under the units and the walls on either side.

“It’s reminiscent of the humble roots of the traditional kitchen, yet with a contemporary vision. It’s a timelessly elegant collection, designed to last, which won’t fade with passing trends. Everything has been considered to facilitate the ease and precision of installation. The furniture components, worktops and appliances can be seamlessly fitted with minimal disruption, and with more e ciency and speed than your typical kitchen installation.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 83

KITCHENS 5. MIXED-USE SPACES

Schmidt

“Many of us are having to deal with increasingly mixed-use spaces for more extended periods of time,” says Simon Douglas. “When it comes to living and working in such environments, an organised space makes life more e cient and pleasant, which places increasing pressure on our kitchen spaces to deliver.

“Some of the best ideas we have created when designing customised spaces help to keep rooms orderly and functional while remaining stylish. We use the latest furniture solutions to create a seamless, uncluttered finish, no matter how busy the space may become. or e ample, new working- from-home routines mean that hidden coffee bars can streamline a morning schedule but keep everything in one place, then can quickly be shut behind cupboard doors to help split the time and create a sense of work-living separation.

“Mixed-use also means utilising smaller visual clues that can help us create micro-zones within any kitchen-living spaces. For example, a small reading area, or space to display artwork or personal items that are not functional to the kitchen, but bring us joy and help our mind to switch between work and relaxation. The same is true for a burst of colour or decorative lighting, as these also help create a sense of space organised for a specific task, again to help us mentally switch between tasks while being in one location.”

6. THE ECO KITCHEN

Eighty2

“During this strange and often isolating year, many people have rediscovered their kitchens and gardens, making a connection with the natural world and the joys of home-grown and home-made food,” says Sophia Haden. “At Eighty2, we have been particularly interested

6. ECO

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

5. MIXEDUSE SPACES

in sustainability, and believe that this renewed energy in nature-focused living has driven people to consider their impact when looking at designing their homes. Our cabinetry will be made locally in Bristol, with FSCapproved timbers, reused waste to heat our workshops, solar power to power our machinery and any waste will be used for chipping/ compacting and heating local homes.

“There are also a few exciting new products entering the market, such as a new, more environmentally friendly worktop from leading worktop brand Cosentino. We are also interested in hydroponics, a way of growing food throughout the year within a built-in system in your kitchen.

These use light, water and suspended nutrients to grow a wide variety of fruit, egetables and e en edible flowers all year round, without the need of an outdoor space. You will be able to see an example of atufia hydroponics in our new ristol showroom in the not too distant future.”

8. COLOUR THERAPY 7. PAINTERLY

8. COLOUR THERAPY

Idesign Interiors

“I absolutely love colour, and I’m fascinated by how certain colours can influence how we think and feel,” says Louise Mitchell. “During these times I think that we need all the help we can get. I recently had the pleasure of working on a pro ect where I had the opportunity to go a bit mad with colour and texture, utilising orange tones and combining an ama ing woodgrain finish for a retro s style kitchen. ot for e eryone, but I defy anyone not to feel happy in this room.

YOU HAVE BEEN READING 7. PAINTERLY SPLASHBACKS

Red Dog Glass Design

Red Dog Glass Design’s founder and director is Sally Coulden, a professional artist who uses her paintings as the inspiration and basis for beautiful glass splashback designs. alking into the kitchen, your eyes are magnetically drawn to the splashback, says ally. ow ou are not only standing in front of a uni ue piece of art, but the design is genius; it s based on original paintings, which are digitised and then reworked into a new painting for e ery space, and made up of multiple toughened glass panels which ha e been specifically, seamlessly designed to work in any li ing space. ach glass panel is totally bespoke, to reflect the fact that e ery kitchen space is different. ou can t get much more special than that

Ben Argent Kitchens benargentkitchens.co.uk

Eighty2 Instagram @eighty2interior

Red Dog Glass Design reddogglassdesign.com

Idesign Interiors idesigninteriors.co.uk

The Kitchen Partners thekitchenpartners.co.uk

Schmidt home-design.schmidt

Fifteen Twelve fifteentwelve.co.uk

Wren Kitchens wrenkitchens.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 85

Fifteen Twelve | @ďŹ fteentwelveinterior | 0117 379 0152

New Build Extensions Refurbishment Alterations Kitchen installations Bathroom installations Roofing works General Building Works

PROFESSIONAL, LOCAL BUILDERS YOU CAN TRUST Tel: 01172 591 591 Email: info@halgroup.co.uk Online: www.halgroup.co.uk www.halbuild.co.uk 23 Chandos Road, BS6 6PG

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A BREATH OF SEA AIR

There’s never been a better time to move to Clevedon, reckons Ursula Cole

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

PROPERTY

D

evoted as we are to Bristol and its urban buzz, there’s no denying the myriad attractions of living by the sea.

And these days, it doesn’t have to be a dream; lockdown has proved that working from home is not merely a contingent solution to a temporary problem, but a highly effecti e, less stressful and time-wasting, all-round planet-friendly alternati e to making the daily trek to the o ce. o with the cost and tedium of a lengthy commute removed from the picture, why not consider moving to the coast?

Apart from anything else, you get a lot more bang for your buck out of town; the enormous, gracious home featured in this issue, for example, is on the market for £1.25 million; admittedly that’s not pennies, but imagine how much a similar home would cost in .

Many people who swore never to leave the city centre are starting to rethink their priorities. The pretty Victorian resort of Clevedon has never felt more appealing; quite apart from its growing number of independent shops and restaurants, it has an absolute killer of a it possesses a sea front.

In fact, if you walk out of the front door of this detached Victorian house on elegant Linden Avenue you’ll be at the bandstand in no time, breathing in healthful gusts of salty sea air. A stroll along the pier could form part of your daily stroll; there’s plenty to look at all year round, from the fishermen to the die-hard

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 91

swimmers who brave the waves even in ice and snow. It’s very good for you, apparently.

Let’s see what your one and a quarter mill can buy you here. In the main detached Victorian house alone there are two spacious reception rooms, a magnificent open-plan 31ft kitchen-dining room, a contemporary orangery, four first-floor bedrooms, three bathrooms and a dressing room. ot only is there merely an o ce a proper one, fully fit for business but also a separate study. There’s a self-contained two-bedroom lower level apartment, too, so if the asking price is a bit of a push you could spread the cost by renting this out; otherwise it’s ideal for older parents, independent kids or guests.

Rooms are in beautiful decorative order throughout, with all interior fittings carefully selected to create a home with a contemporary elegant style that flows effortlessly throughout the whole property, which also has more than its fair share of original fireplaces, shutters, ceiling mouldings and deep bay windows.

Outside, the professionally landscaped garden with its decking, stone-flagged patio and immaculate borders would not disgrace a boutique hotel.

As for Bristol; well, she’s not going anywhere. She’s just a half-hour’s drive away, waiting to welcome you back any time you fancy. Tempting, no? ■

HOUSE NUMBERS Bedrooms

4 (main house)

Bath/ shower rooms

3

Reception rooms 2, with 31ft open plan kitchen/diner; office, study and orangery Garden Enclosed and professionally landscaped

Price Where

£1.25m Clevedon

What else?

It also has a self-contained two-bed flat Savills, 20 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4DR 0117 933 5800 savills.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 93

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44 PEMBROKE ROAD FOR SALE

FOR SALE (OR TO LET) BRISTOL CITY CENTRE

• Stunning period property

• Stunning period offices

• 16 rooms + garaging

• 3,000 sq ft net

• Attractive garden • £1,795,000 ONO

• Self contained building over 4 floors

CHANDOS ROAD, CAFÉ

49 HENLEAZE ROAD

• Established and busy

• Shop to let

• Fully fitted to walk in and trade

• Busy retail pitch

• 766 sq ft

• Suit shop & other uses

• Rare freehold opportunity

• 926 sq ft (large unit)

• New lease • No premium WHITELADIES RD – OFFICES

4 WHITELADIES RD

• 1st floor suite of offices

• 2 floors of bright period offices

• 1,000 sq ft + 2 car spaces • Contemporary refurb

• Fully refurbished

• New lease – rent on application

• 2 Car spaces

• C 1,570 sq ft • New lease

CHANDOS RD REDLAND

MEWS OFFICES WESTBURY ON TRYM

• Prominent corner shop

• For sale

• Established retail area

• Your own Mews office building to purchase

• New lease • Only £11,750 pax

• 1,241 sq ft • Freehold price on application

HAMPTON LANE GARAGE

SHOPS * BARS * CAFES

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We are marketing a wide selection throughout BS1, BS6, BS7, BS8 & BS9

• Suit other industrial & commercial use

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• 2,956 sq ft • To let – flexible terms

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• Sales/Lettings

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BRISTOL LIVES

“I told Nick Park that the environment would fall apart if he didn’t illustrate my eco poems” worked as a bus conductor for most of his life but was an amateur musician, too.

What attracted you to composing film scores?

At the age of 14 I liked to orchestrate pop songs on largeformat score paper. I loved the aesthetic of it, but it would have sounded diabolical. I also used to sit in front of a radiogram and conduct the score to 633 Squadron or The Planets Suite.

Tell us about your early works

MARTIN KISZKO

The Bristol musician, composer author and eco-poet has just published a flyon-the-wall memoir that takes in film music, natural history film-making, and a whole lot more...

M

artin began his music studies at the age of seven, and was accepted by Leeds City College when he was 10. He’s composed over 200 film and TV soundtracks, and recorded nine albums with Europe’s finest orchestras; among his award winning scores are the BBC’s Realms of the Russian Bear and the BAFTA- nominated movie The Killing of John Lennon.

He’s clearly terrifically talented, but if that suggests ‘scary intellectual genius’, you’d be doing him a disservice; as you’ll soon find out when you read his new book, Major and Minor Adventures in Lah Lah Land, he’s very funny and great company.

He’s also the UK’s Green Poet, touring his one-man-show based on collections Green Poems for a Blue

Planet and Verse for the Earth. He’s appeared on Radio 4 and been on Blue Peter; we suspect he may even have a badge.

We’d love to go full-on Desert Island Discs on Martin, but we don’t have the space for the full discography; besides, we’d probably be sued by Radio 4. We can reveal, though, that among his musical choices would be Sámi artist Mari Boine Persen’s Gula Gula, Gilberto Santa Rosa’s Nace Aqui, and Cindy Stratton’s Only You. His book would be Gulliver’s Travels, and his luxury item a large framed photo of his children.

What fostered your early love of music?

It was nurtured by my primary school music teacher, Gertrude Paul from St Kitts, and my father who was a great conductor. He

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

One of my first projects was co-producing an album of music for Life on Earth, composed by my mentor Edward Williams. My inspiration came from composers such as Mahler, Weill, Copland, Britten and Reich.

Is an eclectic approach to music important in film composition?

It’s essential to be able to pastiche any style, but to also develop an original voice that distinguishes you from other composers.

In 1980 we met at an event where we were both showing short films we’d made, and we became good friends. As for my book, I told him the environment would fall apart if he didn’t illustrate my eco-poems...

Which of your projects do you look back at most fondly?

Composing and performing the International Anthem of Antarctica (a spoof anthem) in Antarctica. I also performed what I think was the first live rap on the continent. My most memorable collaboration was with the Munich Symphony Orchestra on the BBC series Alien Empire.

Tell us about your new book

It’s called Major and Minor Adventures in Lah Lah Land, and it’s a candid fly-on-the-wall, behind-the-scenes look at film music composition, natural history filmmaking, TV projects and eco-poetry, as well as a personal memoir full of the challenges life throws and a good laugh along the way. The book is also for anyone wishing to enter the music and writing industries.

What sparked your interest in environmental issues?

Tell us about your Bristol life

What’s the best way to engage young people in environmental issues?

Do you have any secret skills?

As a child, I loved walking in woodland with my father. I ran wild and free among meadow butterflies and was aware of a connection to nature. Later, my work with the BBC Natural History Unit honed my green sensibilities.

I came here to study, and stayed for the green spaces, the Gorge and the vibrant film and TV industry. I like to swim at Henleaze Lake. I walk by the Avon. The slow-moving waters assuage my turbulent river of consciousness, which is often near to breaking its banks.

I can read text upside down, and can find things that are often thought to be unfindable.

Young people often ask me how they can save the planet. My answer is, “Do you know what it feels like to love a parent, a sibling, a pet?” Their answer is, “yes”. “Then you must feel that love for planet Earth. It’s only through an emotional connection to the environment that we will want to care for our planet.”

A cuppa, chocolate biscuits, and promoting my book.

How did you come to collaborate with Nick Park on Green Poems for a Blue Planet?

Major and Minor Adventures in Lah Lah Land costs £15 from martinkiszko.com

Your most regrettable habit?

What…just the one? Biscuits – someone stop me.

What are you doing after answering these questions?

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