Bristol Life - Issue 300 by MediaClash

ISSUE 300 / JUNE 2021 / THIS MONTH WE’RE GONNA PARTY LIKE IT’S 2021

ISSUE 300 / JUNE 2021 / £3

PHOTOS BY COLIN MOODY FOR BRISTOL COUNCIL’S WHERE’S IT TO CAMPAIGN

Village Bristol

Because when it comes down to it, a city is only ever the sum of its people (and dogs)...

PHOTO BY MARTIN PARR

EDITOR’S LETTER

and me up that loose end of bunting, and pass the celebratory cabbage: it’s our 300th anniversary! That’s in issue numbers, not years, though now I’m having fun imagining what a 1721 edition of Bristol Life might have looked like. A review of the new Brandenburg Concerto, perhaps (spoiler: it’s pretty good); rumours of an illegal new playhouse off King Street; the scandalous collapse of the South Sea Company. All the s letters shaped like fs, and an unnecessarily lavish use of upper-case. In fact, we launched in 2004, calling our new mag Clifton Life. This wasn’t out of some snobbish desire to identify ourselves with the most swellegant ’burb in the city (OK, there may have been an element of that), but because we were, first and foremost, a property magazine, and Bristol was a different place back then. The docks had yet to make the leap from dereliction to des res, while the vibrant high streets we know today were, well, a bit less vibrant. So, Clifton it was, although we’d sometimes mosey up to Sneyd Park, or over to Redland if we were feeling really edgy. But gradually, as Bristol changed, so did we. We became Bristol Life, and broadened our mission to embrace as much of the city as possible. If you put the first and current copies of this magazine side by side, you’d think they were entirely different publications. Which brings us to June 2021. Bristol’s back in business; shops, theatres and galleries are open, and hospitality’s doing what it does best. At the same time, there’s a slight lull, as we wait to discover what 21 June really means for the city. It feels a good moment to stop, flick through the back catalogue, and compile a few special, one-off features; hope you like them. Huge thanks to everyone who has ever been a part of Bristol Life, from our contributors to our advertisers and all our readers. It’s been, and continues to be, a joy and a privilege to produce this magazine for you.

DERI ROBINS Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

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Issue 300 / June 2021 COVER 300th anniversary cover by Trevor Gilham

SPECIAL FEATURES 15 48 68 138

VILLAGE BRISTOL Boyz n girlz in the ’hoods BRISTOL ZOO Wild at heart SENSATIONAL BRISTOL The city in ﬁve senses CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES ... c’mon!

ARTS

32 WHAT’S ON Now Bristol’s really sucking diesel 38 BRISTOL HEROES Crofters – right? 62 STREET ART Every which spray

FOOD & DRINK

64 RESTAURANT Pony tales 89 CAFÉ SOCIETY Bean there, drank that 92 BAKER’S DOZEN It’s a wonderful loaf

SHOPPING

96 EDITOR’S CHOICE Made in Bristol

BUSINESS

109 BRISTOLWORKS The ultimate ‘best ofs’ in local

business: ie the Awards

PROPERTY

121 PROPERTY NEWS Building Bristol 122 PICK OF THE PROPS Our all-time favourite

property showcases

96 Just a few of the Bristolians, whether born-and-bred, made or adopted, who’ve brought good times to the city since we launched: FROM TOP Tom Morris; Josh and Holly Eggleton; Alex Lucas; Gromit

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore, Kam Kelly 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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WRAP STARS

The story of Bristol Life goes hand in hand with the story of Bristol itself. If you really wanted to be pretentious, you could call it a symbiotic relationship – which basically means that if something’s really box-fresh and exciting, we stick it on the front cover . . .

ver the next four pages, you’ll see a selection of front covers that tell the story of this magazine, including its slightly confusing midstream namechange. Styles and fonts may have been tweaked over the years, but the most important switch for us came when, after years of “Should we? Could we?” discussions, we greenlighted a new logo that better reflected our growing aims and ambitions, turning Clifton Life into Bristol Life. And that’s when it really began to get exciting….

THE ONES WITH THE HOUSES ON

ISSUE 299 / MAY 2021 / WE’RE ALL GOING OUT AGAIN!

Once upon a Clifton Life, we always featured a house on the front cover. These days, only the most exceptional properties make the cut.

OUTDOORS EXPERIENCES TO TRY!

DAY TRIPPER

GOING OUT IS THE NEW STAYING IN

GYSPY HACKS AND INSOMNIACS

BRISTOL’S NIGHTHAWK HEROES

BLING IT ON

THE SPRING JEWELLERY EDIT

PEACE TALKS

MEET THE BRISTOL UNI LECTURER MAKING LITERARY WAVES

POINT BREAK

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ISSUE 299 / MAY 2021 / £3

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LINE OF BEAUTY

SURF’S UP AT EASTER COMPTON

CURVES IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES: A HOME IN THE PARAGON

THE ONES WITH THE COOL INTERIORS

ISSUE 289 / OCTOBER 2020 / KEEP ON KEEPING ON

THE ARCHITECT’S HOME

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ISSUE 289 / OCTOBER 2020 / £3

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CONCRETE POETRY A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

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Who doesn’t love peeping through the keyhole of a lush home? Interiors have been a huge part of ClifStol Life (as nobody calls it) since the get-go. As well as our regular property showcases, we run at least two big trends forecasts every year, and a lot of smaller features, too.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Parts 1 and 2: shopping and the arts

HOLLOW MAN The Fall of Colston

SNAP HAPPY

Esther May Campbell x the kids of Ventures

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS 2020

Happy shiny people holding prizes

ISSUE 300

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

WE SHALL GO TO THE BOURNE

ISSUE 278 / 6-20 MARCH 2020 / F-F-F-FORTNIGHTLY!

’S E S AU T T I U M NI O R NTER

FLY

ORANGES ARE NOT THE ONLY FRUIT

JUI

ISSUE 270 / OCTOBER 2019 / IT’S A NEW DAY, IT’S A NEW TRANQUIL DAWN…

ISSUE 243/MARCH 2018/INSIDE INFORMATION

PRETTY

ALL THE BEST* INTERIORS TRENDS FOR SS18

Speaking of interiors, some of our most striking covers have simply used an incredible wallpaper or fabric design.

announce big me

BRISTOL LIFE GOES FORTNIGHTLY! large version

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Surprise! We h a

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a ve

page 47... on nt

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SUNDAY, LOVELY SUNDAY (and the BEST PLACES FOR LUNCH) NICE! THE JAZZ & BLUES FEST’S BACK WHEN THE NEW WAVE CAME TO BRISTOL

PRI NT I S N’ T D E A D!

THE ONES WITH THE PRETTY PATTERNS

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(*and some we’re a bit less keen on)

ISSUE 278 / 6-20 MARCH 2020 / £3

ISSUE 270 / OCTOBER 2019 / £3

NEW ADVENTURES bring us their CINDERELLA

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

ISSUE 243/MARCH 2018/£3

THE ARTY COVERS...

A failsafe way of creating a pick-me-up-and-take-mehome cover is to feature a piece by a local artist, or one from a current exhibition. We’re never short of images to choose from.

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

ISSUE 265 / SUMMER EDITION 2019 / £3

ISSUE 265 SUMMER EDITION 2019 / SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT

FOR THE

GRETA

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

GOOD

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What else is Bristol famed for? Damn right! Its incredible food scene!

RUCK ’N’ ROLL OVER THE GAIN LINE WITH BRISTOL BEARS

TYING THE KNOT, 2021 STYLE

D ELIVE

ISSUE 295 / FEBRUARY 2021 / BOXING CLEVER

LOVE IN THE TIME OF CORONA

Because this is Bristol, this gets a category of its own. Some of our hands-down, all-time favourite covers have come courtesy of Jody, Inkie, Gemma Compton and Alex Lucas.

THE FOODIE ONES

ISSUE 295 / FEBRUARY 2021 / £3

... AND THE ONES WITH THE STREET ART ON

CIA L

OF THE BEST MEAL KITS TO TRY RIGHT NOW

BANDS DON’T PLAY NO MORE

WHEN YOU’RE LIVE MUSIC’S BIGGEST FAN, BUT THE MUSIC’S STOPPED…

LAUGH OUT LOUD SLAPSTICK GOES DIGITAL large version

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WILDE AT HEART

IT’S DORIAN GRAY, BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW HIM…

HOW BRISTOL RESTAURANTS ARE THINKING INSIDE THE BOX

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ISSUE 300

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 255 / EARLY WINTER 2018 / £3

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ISSUE 255 / EARLY WINTER 2018 / IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK DISTURBINGLY LIKE CHRISTMAS

Honest-to-goodness global superstars, born right here in Bristol, making us proud.

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A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

THE ONES WITH THE LOCAL HEROES

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FROM HORFIELD TO HOLLYWOOD – THE TRUE STORY OF BRISTOL’S MOST FAMOUS SON

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+ LOOK BUSY! WE’RE STARTING TO GET FESTIVE, INCLUDING:

THE BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS TO BOOK RIGHT NOW / CHRISTMAS PRESENTS YOU’LL WANT TO HANG ON TO / MISTLETOE AND WINE: TREAT YOURSELF TO A YULETIDE FEAST

THE ONES WITH FAMOUS NON-BRISTOLIAN PEOPLE ON

Not everyone is lucky enough to come from Bristol. We don’t run that many interviews with visiting celebs; the local scene is exciting enough as it is. But now and again, we throw them a bone . . .

THE ONES WITH THE COOL GRAPHICS

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 262 / APRIL 2019 / £3

Because very often, BIG WORDS and simple shapes can make the coolest covers of all.

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THE ONES WITH PHOTOS OF BRISTOL

Because when a city is as so damn photogenic as Bristol, what better subject for a front cover?

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FTE

FFFI

ISSUE 262 / APRIL 2019 / IT‘S ALL ABOUT YOU, BRISTOL

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE: 15 years of living for the city

THE ONES WITH THE SHOWS AND FESTIVALS

Showtime! Among others, we’ve featured Slapstick, Shakespeare at the Tobacco Theatre, Bristol Sounds, Upfest and Bristol Old Vic. Surprisingly, we’ve never had a Balloon Fiesta or Harbourfest cover, though.

THE ONES WITH THE WALLACES, GROMITS AND SHAUNS

They merit a section of their own, because Aardman are local heroes, the Art Trails have been immense, and the Grand Appeal is one of the city’s favourite charities.

THE CHRISTMAS COVERS

We love our street-art Christmas covers, especially when the piece has never, or rarely, been seen before. Some of our most popular covers of all time.

FINALLY…

None of these neatly fit the above categories, but we loved them too much to leave them out.

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VILLAGE BRISTOL THERE GOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

To the casual observer, Bristol may look like a single, sprawling metropolis. Locals, however, know that it’s really a collection of villages... xxxxxxx

Words by Deri Robins Photos @JonCraig_Photos

STREET WISE

rom BS8 to BS3, and all postcodes in between, Bristol is a cluster of villages, each with its own distinctive character. Some are posh and elegant, others boho and grungy, all of them fiercely independent. But north, south, east, west, whose ’hood is best? It’s a hotly contested issue…

OLD CITY

Nathan Lee – bar and restaurant owner

“What makes Old City special is its history,” says Nathan. “As the ancient heart of Bristol, it has buildings from mediaeval to Art Deco to contemporary. The area was also the financial district, so there’s all the old markets, grand banks and court buildings, too.” It’s admittedly had it’s rough patches – even a decade ago, it wasn’t the kind of place you’d let your daughter roam after dark. “When we opened Milk Thistle in 2011, we identified that the area was changing, and starting to move away from the vertical drinking, high-volume, chain establishments that populated the former large bank buildings,” says Nathan. “It was a bit like the Wild West at night in those days. We followed it with The Ox, in the basement of the Commercial Rooms, and Pata Negra ASK A LOCAL… (now Four Wise Best places to eat and drink: Other than Monkeys) in another our own places, Pasta Ripiena, Small grand five-storey Street Espresso and Tuk Tuk. building Favourite shop: The tailor at Alteration “One big recent Station; he’s a key part of the community. I improvement is the regularly take my jeans in to be stitched. pedestrianisation. If Favourite buildings: The Cosy Club you wander through on Corn Street, for its grandeur, The the Old City now, Everard building for its style, and The you could be in Paris Stock Exchange for a great example of or Barcelona...” restoration. Mr Wolf did a good job on it!

Dom Borel

Along with cousins Ben and Joe Harvey, Dom runs the Bianchis group, whose Pasta Ripiena restaurant and La Sorella deli are both found in Old City. “The beauty of this place is wicked,” says Dom. “It’s a condensed little area of love from different sides. There are lots of things that will keep you happy and exploring.”

previous page: I was lookin’ back

to see if you were lookin’ back at me to see me lookin’ back at you... Colin Moody snaps Jon Craig snapping Dom Borel and Nathan Lee, as Bristol Life’s Village Bristol feature and Bristol BID’s Where’s it To project collide in Old City...

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ASK A LOCAL… Best places to eat, drink and be merry: Mr. Wolf’s is a wicked place. We’ve got some great memories from there; and it’s funny how the circle continuously goes and we keep it rocking and rolling... just keep jiggling and wiggling. Best shop: The Exchange Market. It’s a wonderful place to see what Bristol has to offer in terms of its spirituality and independence; you can really find some nice gems in there. Favourite building: St Nick’s Market. The architecture is wonderful. You’ve got all the small independent places, the smells in the air. It’s a combination of history, love and happiness. Tell us a secret… The clock on the Corn Exchange tells Bristol time!

HOTWELLS

Colin Moody – Photographer

We all have friends by the river, and Colin is ours. He’s lived in Hotwells for 11 years. “When we moved in, every neighbour offered us tea, wine and hospitality,” he says. “We are the ’hood with the entrance to the harbour, at the feet of the Clifton towers. The floating harbour, the Davy lamp, Schweppes tonic – a lot of things have been dreamed up here. These houses were full of ideas, back in the day. It’s a place where things are tried out. The good stuff sticks. And we get a shedload of sky for our money. “It’s been sad to see pubs struggling this last year; we have a few great ones here. It’s where you get the news, and unwind. Some of the elders can remember when it was the spill area for a busy port. I love the fact that instead of sack trucks, it’s now all skateboards and guerrilla gardening. “We have a need for a few shops; Hotwells has fallen victim to losing its high street. A community space with art, coffee and a bakery would be good. Can’t hump up that hill to the Village forever. You can tell every time we all meet over issues about ‘Western Harbour’ plans that there is a spirit here. We could tap into that more. Then there’s the traffic, but at least it’s one-way near us. Maybe they could shut it down and make it a park one day.”

ASK A LOCAL… Best places to eat, drink and be merry: The Rose of Denmark or The Merchants Arms. Pork pie and a pint after work. The sounds of the church bells ringing as you sit out for a brew and watch the gulls. Maybe spot a captain of a tall ship to wave to as they scroll by. Spoke to one once, and he said of all the ports in the world, coming up the Gorge to Hotwells was the best he’s ever seen. Shops… are in scant supply. The Pump House and The Rose became shops, which was nice for lockdown, but I’m most keen on the automatic milk vending machine in the Pump House car park. Favourite building: Holy Trinity church. Bells back on, which I like to hear from my garden. It’s the trees and the architecture together. Bring back the barn dances inside, please.

“It’s a place where things are tried out. The good stuff sticks. And we get a shedload of sky for our money”

MONTPELIER

Tom Morris – Bristol Old Vic’s artistic director

Tom took the reins at Bristol Old Vic in 2009; a string of five-star hits soon followed. “What makes Montpelier so special is the sense of vitality, which has been crushed by the pandemic, and the sense of community, which has flourished and grown stronger week by week,” he says. “This was always the wild part of Bristol, right back to the days of St James’ Fair. Long before the roads cut the city in pieces. I wish I could have seen it when the beautiful houses on Ashley Road looked down towards the city centre across that fair. “In the years I’ve lived here, it’s become a bit less wild and a bit less free. It’s intriguingly balanced. If the redevelopment of Stokes Croft is made to work for the community, the future could be beautiful and the character of the place maintained. If not, the life of this area could wither into respectability.”

ASK A LOCAL... Best places to eat, drink and be merry: Poco, Caribbean Croft and the Hare on the Hill. Favourite shop: Stokes Croft China. Best building: The old social club in Brunswick Square. Something beautiful should happen for the community in that building.

“This was always the wild part of Bristol”

STOKES CROFT

Alex Lucas – street artist

Nobody has added more colour or vibrancy to the city than Alex, whose bestiary of hares, foxes etc cover doors and buildings from BS3 to BS7 – including her own painted ‘bird house’ on Picton Street. “I find some of the tagging that sprawls its way down our street quite aggressive,” she told us. “I hope the artwork on my house has challenged people’s ideas about street art, and will inspire street artists to think more carefully about their audience. “Stokes Croft has a wonderful, independent spirit and can-do attitude. I’ve lived here for 15 years. In that time, I’ve lost some very special people and gained some new ones; it makes you realise how communities change and evolve over time. At one point, a lot of the small independent shops were empty, so now they are all occupied it’s great to see the street flourish with activity again. “Hamilton House brought so much vibrancy to the area. I had a studio in there for years, and it was amazing to be around such creative, different thinkers. It’s been a real shame to lose it.”

Alex: admittedly not shown in the Croft at all, but up some scaffolding in Bemmie

ASK A LOCAL... Best places to eat, drink and be merry: Mr Lahey’s Juice Bar; and I loved eating lots of Koocha’s mezze when I did their mural. Favourite shop: Phat & Co, a brilliant little independent boutique on Picton Street.

Favourite building? It would have to be Number 49 Picton Street! The Birdhouse! Tell us a secret… Cary Grant lived at 21 Picton Street. And there’s a ‘Charley box’ here, a former lock-up for drunks, with a tunnel leading to the janitor’s house…

GLOUCESTER ROAD Inkie – artist

PHOTO BY COLIN MOODY

“Everywhere you look there’s something different. There are no chain stores – we’ve got the longest stretch of independent shops in Europe, and we have great street art. Only negative is it’s Rovers territory...” ASK A LOCAL… Best places to eat and be merry? The Grace is one of my favourite watering holes. The Galli, The Flyer; you can’t move for great places for a pint. Favourite shop: Go and find Mike in Dalton’s Butchers – they kept me alive during lockdown. Room 212 is a great gallery selling work by local artists. Area 51 – ideal for games, models and comics. Best building: The Art Nouveau glass panels above the old pasta factory opposite the Galli. Local secret: Filthy 13 cocktail bar.

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STREET WISE

HARBOURSIDE

Tess and Elliott Lidstone – owners of Box E

We always think of Tess and Elliott as the beating heart of Wapping Wharf; Box-E was one of the first restaurants to open at Cargo 1, and has been an integral part of the community ever since. “What makes Harbourside so amazing? Water! Anything by water has a much more leisurely, holiday feel to it. The fact that so much of the area is pedestrianised is a real asset, too. “Since we opened Box-E, we’ve seen more flats appear, more shipping containers, more businesses. Developments aren’t always a good thing, but if they’re done sensitively they add life and vitality to areas that were previously derelict. What would make it even better would be a cross-harbour ferry or bridge over to Millennium Square from Wapping Wharf . . .” ASK A LOCAL… Best places to eat, drink and be merry: I love the mezgroni aperitifs at Cargo Cantina, and the sunsets from the terrace. You can’t go wrong

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“What makes Harbourside amazing? Water! Anything by water has a much more leisurely, holiday feel to it” with a dirty Squeezed burger, and I’d be pretty sad if I didn’t have Little Victories’ iced coffees in my life. Shop: Every Good Thing. It’s a fermenter’s paradise. Favourite building: It’s no longer there, but we loved staying over in Crane 29, when Canopy and Stars turned it into a treehouse. I love Underfall Yard too; the windows and brickwork and the twinkly lights are just magic.

BEDMINSTER

Ade Williams – pharmacist

Ade runs the Bedminster Pharmacy and Bristol Travel Clinic, so is ideally poised to comment on the East Street and North Street scene.“What makes our ’hood so amazing is the generous expressive way we share life, plus all the colourful, inimitable characters. The only negative is that there’s a bit too much ‘life’ at times…” ASK A LOCAL... Best places to eat, drink and be merry: Bubble Cafe on East Street. We’ve also got vegan cafe VX, and Bristol Loaf has just opened. Favourite shop: A lot of people come here for Wilko, which has a great community vibe. No trip to the street is complete without a visit to East Street Fruit Market. And one place I would readily swap working for is Upfest; I like painting... Best places: Southville Centre – I love how it enriches so many lives through its functionality, it enshrines our community values. And Greville Smyth Park – its views, multigenerational shared space, and fascinating history. Tell us a secret: There’s a drain cover here that’s over 100 years old, dedicated to Thomas Crapper – the inventor of the modern toilet.

EASTON

Lindsey Garwood – performer and writer

Combining her love for history and performance, Lindsey teaches classes at Bristol Old Vic. She also appears in the long-running improv comedy soap Closer Each Day at The Wardrobe. “Besides the historical elements, there’s so many little supermarkets along Church Road; Polish, Portuguese, Romanian and more. Lots of people get their fruit and veg there because you can buy without it all being wrapped up in plastic.”

ASK A LOCAL... Best places to work, drink and be merry: Red Church, for Sunday lunches and great pizza. Best shop: Little Treasures. It’s so great having a toy shop right here on our doorstep. Favourite building: St. George’s Hall – it still has the complete1920s cinema upstairs.

ASK A LOCAL... Best places to eat and drink: We have the best of Bristol all in one street, with Bravas, Pasta Loco, Muiño and cocktails at Crying Wolf. Best shops: Clothes at Ragtrade, gifts from Soukous – but each and every independent shop plays its part in making our street so amazing – including Hair at 58!

COTHAM HILL

Sam Bell – salon owner

Multi-award-winning stylist and all-round wonderful person, Sam opened her Hair at 58 salon in 2009. Since then, she’s seen the area blossom into one of Bristol’s most vibrant thoroughfares. “Every single shop and restaurant on Cotham Hill is an independent,” she says. “It’s full of brilliant Bristol entrepreneurs, and the hard work and passion that goes into each business is what makes our street so amazing. It’s also a great combination of commercial and residential; a perfect community mix that helps each other to succeed. “I’ve been on the street for the last 12 years, and it just keeps on getting better. We’re delighted that the bottom half of the hill is now pedestrianised; the buzz and the energy of the Continental-style al fresco dining is just what we needed after such a hard year. This summer’s going to be amazing – especially since the Cotham Hill street party has been confirmed for 12 September …”

STREET WISE BISHOPSTON

Hemali Modha – perfumer and retailer

We first got to know Hemali when she ran Amulet on Cotham Hill; today, she’s one half of Jones and Modha, producing gorgeous, sustainable perfume. “I’ve always felt that Bristol is made up of a series of villages, each with its own wonderful sense of community,” she says. “Bishopston has always felt safe, friendly and family-orientated. Everything is close by – friends, green spaces, gyms, drinking holes and restaurants. We have our own indie shopping mecca, the Gloucester Road; if a shop here doesn’t have what you need, someone will point you to a place that does. “The only negative is a lack of diversity; it’s still quite ‘white middle class’. Also, because we’re so self-contained, we can be an insular lot, and there can be a tendency not to venture beyond Bishopston’s imaginary boundary.” ASK A LOCAL... Best places to eat, drink and be merry: I’m looking forward to revisiting Koocha, a great little vegan restaurant, and having a drink in the garden at The Grace Best shops: The shortlist would include Iota (not least because they sell Jones & Modha), Room 212 for championing artists, and Joe’s Bakery for selling the best bread Best building: The old swimming baths has a lovely exterior, but I loved the interior even more, with its old-fashioned changing rooms and skylight which made swimming feel almost en plein air. Sadly, now long closed. Take a look above the shops at no 97 and 37 Gloucester Road – fab and eclectic architecture Tell us a local secret…There’s a network of secret foot paths, and donkey tracks that links streets together. Cary Grant and Paul Dirac once lived round here

KINGSDOWN

Caroline Harris – owner of Spirit PR

Caroline has been a friend of this magazine for as long as we’ve been publishing (though in fact we’ve known her a lot longer than that). “Kingsdown is a historic enclave of Bristol. It’s very central, yet peaceful, at least most of the time. The architecture is remarkable and varied, from the cobbled Somerset Street with its elegant early Georgian houses, to the much-praised 1970s low-rise housing development in High Kingsdown and the community-instigated housing at the end of Kingsdown Parade. “Kingsdown is perched up on a hill, which means there are glimpses of Bristol all round. Interesting bits of Bristol are within walking distance in every direction, from Stokes Croft to the docks and the Downs. The community is very diverse, and adds to the sense that there are loads of different aspects of the city, all in one place.The streets are pretty steep – right at the top of St Michael’s Hill at one end, Marlborough Hill and Nine Tree Hill – but at least it keeps you fit. And when Bristol throws one of its regular protests it can be very noisy, as we’re directly under the police and ambulance helicopter flight paths. “The area feels much safer these days. When we moved here, there was a bit of a sense of menace, and two local corner shops had to close as they were burgled so regularly. The changes in Stokes Croft probably have something to do with it; there’s more of a sense of community.” ASK A LOCAL… Best places to eat, drink and be merry: Some have changed, like the Hare on the Hill and the Kingsdown Vaults, which has regular music; others not at all, such as the Highbury Vaults, Cotham Porter Stores and the Hillgrove, which does some great food guest spots. The star restaurant is Bulrush on Cotham Road, but the miniscule Bokman on Nine Tree Hill is definitely worth a try, if you can get in. Favourite shop: Monica’s pretty much sells everything and more that

you would expect from a corner shop. Best building: Fremantle Square, framed on three sides with colourful terraces of period homes around a tiny patch of green with a magnificent holm oak in the centre. People gather to exercise dogs, play music, exercise, practice their acrobatic skills and just chill out Did you know? Kingsdown has a little-known Banksy of its own, just off Fremantle Square.

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STREET WISE ST GEORGE

Beryl Dzambo – comms manager at Watershed

Beryl and partner Pascoe (who took the photo) bring a fresh perspective to St George, having recently moved to the neighbourhood. “A few of my friends live near here so it’s really nice to be close to some familiar faces. You’re not far from Old Market, Easton and St Paul’s, so you don’t need to go into the centre to get what you need. “I work at Watershed, so it’s nice to be able to walk into work. There are lots of beautiful green spaces and places to go for walks, and we’re not far from the water, such as at Snuff Mills or St Anne’s – picturesque and relaxing. “Troopers Hill is a real gem – it feels a bit like an adventure walking through it, with its dramatic landscapes and nature all around. You get to see a lot of Bristol from that one spot – water, trees, houses, the centre. It just brings me joy, and I feel a bit like a kid when I’m there. “One of the best things about living in St George is being able to walk to a local fruit and veg shop to get some plantain and mango (for real) and an Afro-Caribbean salon to get my hair done. I used to have to commute to do this, but it’s just a short walk away now.”

ASK A LOCAL... Best places to eat, drink and be merry: I’m going to make a strong shout and say Back Garden Pizzeria is one of my fave places to get food from in the whole city. The clue is in the name; they’ve been making amazing pizzas from their back garden for a while now. The Orchard Coffee & Co on Clouds Hill has just opened up a bakery opposite the café, so I’ll be there, like, all the time now. The people there are really lovely too. Bristol Loaf is also a gem for pastries, sweet treats and coffee. I was really excited when Poco Deli opened. I’m really looking forward to more places opening up so I can finally explore new places like The Red Church. Favourite shop: I was really surprised by Kwiksave on Two Mile Hill Road. You wouldn’t expect it, but they have an amazing plant collection and stock some lush fresh and local produce Best building? The inside of Orchard Coffee & Co – so beautiful and spacious.

“Troopers Hill brings me joy; I feel like a kid when I’m there”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 25

STREET WISE CLIFTON VILLAGE

Alison Bracey – interior designer and shop owner

Alison runs Bracey Interiors on Waterloo Street, in the heart of the Village. “What makes Clifton so special is the eclectic mix of residential and commercial. There’s a real blend of residents of ages, shapes and sizes, which makes this place so special – it really is a village, with a great community spirit. “On and off, I’ve lived and worked here for around 30 years; I don’t think it’s really changed in that time. Retailers have come and gone, but it’s still full of independent shops and somehow maintains its character and friendliness. “I honestly don’t think you can improve on the Village. It’s exciting to see the old WH Smith building knocked down, and the new development should will be interesting – exciting times ahead for Clifton.”

ASK A LOCAL… Best places to eat, drink and be merry: The Clifton Sausage is top of my list; love their food, and a G&T after work sitting outside. The Foliage Cafe on Regent Street has wonderful staff, their croissants are a morning treat, and they probably serve the best coffee in the Village. Favourite shop: Belle de Jour’s incredible flowers – the displays they have outside the shop brighten up the top of The Mall. Favourite building: The Observatory. Incredible views over the Gorge, and the new coffee shop is the ideal pit stop on a dog walk. The Clifton Club is also a gem – an incredible building with lots of character. Did you know? Folk musician Ian A Anderson allegedly invented the name Clifton Village for a poster for The Troubadour club in 1970, in the hope of invoking Greenwich Village vibes...

WHERE’S IT TO?

Great minds think alike, so we weren’t hugely surprised when we learned that Bristol City Council was launching a very similar campaign to this feature this month. “Shopping local and supporting independent hospitality businesses has never been more important,” they told us. “Bristol has 47 high streets, each with its own character and community. Our new campaign, called Where’s it To?, celebrates the city’s diverse and independent high streets, as well as the people behind the businesses.” Check out the campaign at wheresittobristol.co.uk

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

WHAT’S HOT IN LANDSCAPING?

After endless months of lockdown, everyone’s looking forward to sharing the summer with friends and family. KELLAWAY BUILDING SUPPLIES predicts the top trends for gardens in 2021 and beyond

t’s easy to see the garden as a storage space and little else; however your outdoor space can be versatile and adaptable, and now is the time to make your space the best it can be.

GARDEN BARS Blurring the lines between inside and out is a huge growing trend for 2021, whether that’s creating a kitchen garden, a wellness space or acting as an extension to a playroom. At the top of everyone’s list for the summer are garden bars and outdoor kitchens, along with living room-inspired comforts that bring the indoors out. Host the perfect summer party with a fully stocked bar in your garden, with plenty of room to store drinks and serve your guests; then, when winter rolls around, simply close the serving hatches to transform the bar into a shed large enough to keep your gardening essentials safe.

up your space as well as a variety of decorative stones and pebbles to create features.

GREY, GREY, GREY Grey is still the number one colour trend, thanks to influencers like Mrs Hinch. It’s a perfect scheme for both contemporary and traditional spaces. Whether you opt for grey paving, grey fence paint or grey gravel, there are many ways you can tap into one of 2021’s biggest trends.

and environmentally friendly. It will never warp, rot, splinter or require staining. There are many different finishes to suit any style space, and will last for years to come. You don’t have to just use this as decking; you can use it on walls to create points of interest and even make planters and benches.

GROW YOUR OWN PORCELAIN Porcelain paving is the ultimate low-maintenance, chic product. It absorbs little moisture, so remains moss- and algae-free, as well as reducing staining and being easy to clean. Combining fantastic strength and technical consistency, Porcelain promotes a stylish and contemporary appearance that will appeal to everyone. It’s available in a range of authentic appearances, textures and colours, including wood effect.

DRIVEWAYS AND DOORSTEPS

COMPOSITE DECKING

Doorstep gatherings have been the only option for a while, so its a good idea to give your front garden some TLC. There’s a wide range of block paving, including natural paviors to brighten

Composite decking is a modern alternative to traditional decking, with all the visual characteristics of natural timber, but none of the drawbacks; it is anti-slip, maintenance-free

The ‘urban jungle’ style and growing your own is also on trend this year. Wildflower gardens are popular ways of creating beautiful lowmaintenance gardens; try creating a relaxing haven with tall wild grasses with a secluded bench to get away from life’s busy stresses. For those who aren’t keen on the unkempt look, or who want a high-end look with lower maintenance, planters are ideal. ■

Kellaway.co.uk; 08000 499 788 @KellawayBS on Facebook & Twitter enquiries@kellaway.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29

ARNOLFINI CONTEMPORARY ART IN BRISTOL SINCE 1961

Co-founder Annabel Rees with daughter Natalie at the Kenneth Armitage exhibition,Arnolfini 1965

ARNOLFINI.ORG.UK

@ARNOLFINIARTS

Now we’re sucking diesel! Be prepared for some dates to change, though – check websites nearer to the time

WHAT’S ON 28 May - 28 June 2021

ART

Until 30 May

OPEN STUDIOS ONLINE Go behind the scenes at Spike Island’s studios, meet the artists and learn about their processes and ideas etc – all online; spikeisland.org.uk

Until 13 June

A PICTURE OF HEALTH: WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM HYMAN COLLECTION An exhibition of contemporary women photographers, featuring autobiographical perspectives and social commentaries; online at Arnolfini, arnolfini.org.uk

Until 20 June

JO SPENCE: FROM FAIRY TALES TO PHOTOTHERAPY Drawn from one of the most comprehensive collections of Jo Spence’s works in the world, and focusing on the intersection between arts, health and wellbeing. Online; arnolfini.org.uk

Until 29 August

CHLOE DEWE MATHEWS: THAMES LOG

From the source of the river Thames to its mouth, Chloe has photographed people enacting a range of rituals and routines at the water’s edge; at Martin Parr Foundation, martinparrfoundation.or

Until 5 September

VERONICA RYAN: ALONG A SPECTRUM The largest solo exhibition to date by Veronica, comprising new sculptures and assemblages that combine a wide range of materials and techniques; Spike Island, spikeisland.org.uk

Until 3 January

ISLAND LIFE Photos from the Martin Parr Foundation, this time at Bristol Museum and Gallery as part of Bristol Photo Fest. Also showing: James Barnor’s Ghanaian Modernist, and Lips Touched with Blood by Sarah Waiswa; bristolphotofestival.org IN PROGRESS A collection of solo exhibitions by five of the most innovative photographers and photo-based artists working today; Laia Abril, Hoda Afshar, Widline Cadet, Adama

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

Jalloh and Alba Zari. Part of Bristol Photo Fest. At RPS, rps.org

5-9 June

SIRENS The treacherous song of the siren has seeped into our collective consciousness, but it’s often steeped in cliché and told from the male perspective (sounds familiar). Now, three Bristol-based female artists explore the siren from fresh new angles... centrespacegallery.com

From 18 June

JEM SOUTHAM: THE FLOATING HARBOUR As featured in our last issue: Jem’s fascinating collection of b&w images captured the semi-derelict Harbourside in the late 1970s. At Underfall Yard; bristolphotofestival.org

25-27 June

BRISTOL FACES #3 Painter Varosha Lamb and sculptor Sophie Howard have been creating work based on Bristol people for three years; this third exhibition at Hours sees some well-known faces, as well as many unsung heroes from the city. hours-space.com

26 June-31 October

VANGUARD Big new exhibition celebrating the international street art scene at M Shed; more anon. bristolmuseums.org.uk

SHOWS Until 28 May

THE PLACE AT THE BRIDGE Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory’s new reimagining of Shakespeare’s sonnets, exploring our relationship to the city and each other through the stories of five contemporary characters. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Until 29 May

SHERLOCK IN HOMES: MURDER ON ICE Sharp Teeth require your crime-solving expertise at a remote exploration outpost deep in Antarctica, for the final days of their interactive Zoom murder mystery; thewardrobetheatre.com TOUCHING THE VOID Bristol Old Vic’s revival of the five-star show that went on to wow West End audiences; performed live again in Bristol, and also beamed online across the world. bristololdvic.org.uk

WHAT’S ON opposite page: Let the beer barrels and the good times roll at Craft Beer Fest this page, clockwise from left: Harry & Chris are being epic again; shades of Waterworld in Thames Log; will it really happen? Bryan Adams is down to play Lloyd’s

maestro Seckou Keita and multiinstrumental trio Vishten add up to one of the most popular world music acts around; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

19 June

29 May

COMEDY AT THE GATE Seann Walsh headlines amusingly with pals, including our pal, Mark Olver; ashtongatestadium.co.uk

2-6 June

BRISTOL COMEDY GARDEN Not in the Queen Square big tops this year, but on open-air stages on The Downs, ft. the usual all-stars: Simon Amstell, Sara Pascoe, Dara O’Briain, Nish Kumar, Bridget Christie, Tom Allen and Josh Widdicome et al; bristolcomedygarden.co.uk

3 June

HARRY & CHRIS Raise the Bar is back at St George’s, with an hour of epic spoken word, music and comedy, headlined by Fringe favourites Harry & Chris; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

24 June

PIERRE NOVELLI A night of socially-distanced comedy from the Beacon foyer; Pierre is joined by Bella Hull and MC Travis Jay. bristolbeacon.org

MUSIC 29 May

JIMMY WEBB The Grammy-winning, Motowntrained composer who wrote Wichita Lineman, MacArthur Park, By the Time I Get to Phoenix etc brings songs and stories from working with some of the greatest names in pop, country, r&b, disco – you name it, Jimmy’s written for them. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

1-15 June (selected dates)

CANDLELIGHT Work by the world’s greatest composers, performed by candlelight; at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. feverup.com

3 June

STARLINGS The Latin funk four -piece brings its cutting-edge groove to the St G’s Garden Sessions; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

5 June

CATRIN FINCH, SECKOU KEITA & VISHTEN Welsh harpist Catrin, Senegalese kora

LADY NADE The Bristolian singer-songwriter with the velveteen vocal cords launches her new album Willing at St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

26 June

BRYAN ADAMS Unlikely though it sounds, the raspyvoiced megastar is set to play an open-air gig at Lloyd’s. Time will tell, we guess. bristolbeacon.org

26-27 June

LAKOTA’S SUMMER OF LOVE The club kicks off summer with a secret rave weekend of disco, house and techno headlined by Eats Everything and Wilkinson, destined to be held in some field or another; lakota.co.uk

OTHER

Ongoing

SHOW OF STRENGTH The theatre walks are back, from Crime & Crinolines in Clifton to Blood & Butchery in Bemmie, Bloody Blackbeard and Buccaneers in the centre and the Treasure Island Story Walk for families; check website for full list and times. Good fun. showofstrength.org.uk

Until 31 May

BRISTOL WALK FEST The popular fest treks on, with Covid-secure digital excursions, a variety of walking routes and activities for all ages, interests and fitness levels. bristolwalkfest.com

5-12 June

FESTIVAL OF NATURE This year’s fest celebrates Voices for Nature; held across audio and digital platforms, with virtual and in-person events. festivalofnature.org.uk

From 6 June (Sundays0

ROCK’N’ROLL WALKING TOUR Take a walk around Bristol’s iconic music venues, past and present, and hear tales of the famous bands that played them; facebook.com/ Bristolrockandrollwalkingtour

11-13June

CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL The world’s finest beers from Bristol breweries and beyond + local food and live music from the finest local DJs; bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

27 June

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SERIAL KILLERS Lockdown’s lifted! How shall we celebrate? We have the perfect suggestion! Hold our beers; we’re off to Filton to hear a talk about serial killers. At BAWA Ballroom skiddle.com n

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

NOW OPEN!

STOKES CROFT REVISITED In 2018 we ran an exclusive preview of Colin Moody’s first book: a collection of unposed street shots taken in Stokes Croft and Montpelier. They remain some of our favourite Bristol photos of all time. For this issue, we asked Colin to take a fresh look at the photos, from the other side of lockdown… Words and pictures by Colin Moody 38 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

ere are some photos taken from my first book, Stokes Croft and Montpelier. Reimagined, repurposed for the new world, built on the ruins of the old one.

GET READY FOR THE AIRLOCK Things opening back up. Whole new atmosphere. Are you sure you put the suit on right? Raise your hand and use the track-and-trace sensor, step outside the capsule, and let’s hope Major Tom is listening. OK. ALTITUDE IS GOOD You are at 75,000 feet and falling. And all sensors are trained on the area just outside the old city wall. There seems to be heat coming off Turbo Island. We can lock onto that like a beacon. Down and down we go. Parachute deploys and slows the descent. And there below us, our first glimpse of the world we will call home for the rest of our lives. No, yes, maybe, messages on the walls. Will it be a soft landing? I do hope so. Welcome to your new home. Sensors indicate multiple life forms. Here comes one just as the retros fire. A twowheeled traveller faster than a bowling ball. And you can track them as they guide you out of your post-lockdown airlock malaise.

FINALLY Touchdown. Main engine stop. Take a look around What are these strange objects all around? Small. About the size of a can of hair spray? They seem spent. And these strange markings on the walls. Could be tribal. Is it a warning? “Attempt no landing here?” We will know more after first contact.

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

THE LOCALS SEEM FRIENDLY They look at you with a look that tells you that you are not ready to be shown the secrets of this place. They move in packs. One encounter is all it takes in life to realise that you have been living in a state of semi-permanent arrested development. And this group drives off and leaves you to all that. Welcome to the Croft, dear fellow. Don’t rush this. There was a time before a latte cost more than the price of a meal fit for a pre-gentrified feast. Deploy your probes. Let’s see what else is out there.

THINK, THINK, THINK ABOUT IT Before they tore down the words COMMUNITY. We can still save this planet. They say that the best way forward is probably not on an app. It might be about talking to people and reaching out. Instead of swiping right, reach out. Control-alt-delete won’t feed the soul. Break bread with these people without fear and doubt. Close the platinum glow of your laptop screens for a moment, and watch the ebb and flow, and then step into the stream.

COME ON DARLING Reach out. Be there for each other. And the computer on board starts flashing red. Apparently, the mission has gone wrong. All contact with the interplanetary explorer has gone dead. They have been documenting personal projects. Met a bloke down a side road who was in a band and needed some tech. This documentary evidence is the last transmission from them before they went offline. Two singers, young, prepare for a broadcast, checking each other, doing more

5 6

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

“Bristol is a city like no other. While homogenised life is abundant in this universe, there is one oasis, at least, where new forms of living are being given a landing platform, time after time after time”

PHOTOGRAPHY for each other’s confidence than any self-help manual ever could. Just think of the creativity in this area. You don’t harness it and monetise it. Not exclusively. You expand with it.

THEY CALL THIS WORLD BRISTOL And as we look back at their history, we can see they too have faced many of the same troubles as elsewhere. But here they have built into an unofficial constitution many of the elemental forces that, once unleashed, can put a healing influence on even the deepest trouble.

AND THEN SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENED Upon blast-off they noticed the empty seat. One of the crew had stayed behind. Perhaps their reason was a simple one. They had come to this new world with no real certainty that where they had come from had any of the answers they needed in life. And it was on this land, on this mission, that they had found something that was even more than they had been looking for. People who were open to new ideas. Tribes who did not pretend, like so many, that they had all the answers. The final thrust fired them out of orbit and away back to planet London. Reports would be filed, commendations would be issued. But several on that long journey home could not help imagine their crew member who had stayed behind to be home for the first time in their life.

The captain finished his entry in the log: “We wish our lone explorer the best. We do not expect a report. Last seen heading down Picton Ridge with a local. She looked... happy”. AND SO IT’S TIME TO LEAVE What have we learned? Well, we’ve learnt that the book these images are taken from, named after the place itself, is available at all good bookshops. But more importantly, we have learned that this is a place for anyone who needs it. And I hope that the humans I have met here, who have given me so much love and so many ideas, will, in turn, benefit from that energy returned to them. Bristol is a city like no other. While homogenised life is abundant in this universe there is one oasis at least where new forms of living are being given a landing platform, time after time after time . . . Stokes Croft and Montpelier by Colin Moody is

published by The History Press RRP £18; thehistorypress.co.uk

email: mrcolinmoody@gmail.com Twitter: @moodycolin; Instagram @moodycolin319

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

NEW BEGINNINGS CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL announces the appointment of their new head of the infant and junior school, Mrs Alice Taylor

rs Taylor graduated with a degree in psychology from Cardiff University and later completed a Primary PGCE at Cardiff Metropolitan University. She has a wealth of experience in both the state and private sector, including teaching and leading at the British School of Paris.

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

“I believe that Clifton High School is the exemplar environment for shaping pupils’ intellect and wellbeing, ensuring a successful future,” she says. “My ethos is that teaching should be learning-focused, and knowledge centred with close attention being paid to skills, understanding and attitudes. Finding pupils’ individual brilliance through personalising learning and teaching means taking a highly structured and responsive approach to each child; it is then that we see progression and achievement through a love of learning.” Starting this summer term, Clifton High School has also announced the launch of their new outdoor education provision, Clifton High Adventure. The school has teamed up with Mendip Outdoor Pursuits, Belmont Estate and Oxfordshire Outdoors to create this bespoke outdoor education programme. Beginning in the summer term 2021, the programme will commence with weekly lessons and short courses for the infant and junior school and day visits for all senior years. The aim of the Adventure programme is to enable skill development, rather than one-off introductory sessions – Clifton High hopes to make up for the time children have spent indoors over lockdown and to grow in them an appreciation for the living world. Visits to the Mendip Centre will include offsite forest school, climbing, kayaking, archery, target sports, rock skills and

hiking. Clifton High teaching staff will also lead outdoor curriculum enrichment such as nature studies, art and creative writing. Farm education at Belmont Estate will also be provided for children in Reception to Year 4 to learn about nature, sustainability, non-aggressive farming, conservation, rewilding, foraging and the environment. The infant school will enjoy beach education, where they will incorporate the surroundings of the West Coastline into their curriculum subjects such as art, design, construction, science and drama. Commencing in September 2021, the senior school provision will include weekly extracurricular clubs; curricular field trips including English creative writing lessons in the Mendip Hills, biology lessons on the South West coastline; end-of-year bonding trips and opportunities for coaching on individual pursuit sports. If you would like to find out more about Clifton High School’s Adventure programme, or a chance to see the school, you can contact the admissions team, who will be delighted to answer your queries. ■

cliftonhigh.co.uk | 0117 933 9087 admissions@cliftonhigh.co.uk

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WILD THINGS

“Wild Place is the only UK zoo where bears and wolves live together”

We ran a feature on Bristol Zoo in the very first issue of this magazine. Here’s another one.

The first time a wolf and a bear have been snapped together at a Wild Place watering hole. Photo by Steven Wilson

P BRISTOL ZOO

icture, if you will, the office of a removal company in Bristol. The telephone rings. “Good morning. How may we help you?” “We’d like to move from BS8 to BS10, please.” “Moving house, are you?” “Yep. Along with eight gorillas, a handful of tree kangaroos, a mob of meerkats, some African penguins, a platoon of seals, a couple of dwarf crocodiles...” That’s correct; Bristol Zoo and its current tenants are flitting. After 185 years in Clifton, the zoo is relocating next year to the Wild Place

Project up at Blackhorse Hill. As you might imagine, this will require meticulous planning. The lions, the fruit bats, the pygmy hippos, never mind the aye-ayes, the dikdiks and the Alaotra gentle lemurs, will all need individual attention. So why is the zoo going to such extraordinary lengths to find a new des res? “We want to create a world-class zoo for Bristol and the west of England,” says Nigel Simpson, head of animal collections at both centres. “We’ll be able to do this on the new site of 136 acres – Clifton has only 12 – where we can continue our conservation, biodiversity and education work. “At Wild Place, visitors will still be able to see their favourite animals, from red pandas to naked mole rats, while at the same time learning how these animals fit into our current concerns over climate and ecology. At the new site, various habitats and biomes will allow the animals to roam naturally in acres of space especially landscaped for their individual species’ needs.”

CREATURE COMFORTS

It’s good news for anyone made uncomfortable by the sight of large animals in cages; mention to some people that you’re planning to visit a zoo, and they’ll react with a look of disapproval more befitting an announcement that you’re just off for a spot of bear-baiting. Zoos have earned themselves a bad press in the past – in some cases deservedly so – which has tainted our perception of the good ones. True, the issue of keeping animals in captivity is always going to be vexed, but it’s one that the custodians of Bristol Zoo handle with aplomb. Speak to those behind the scenes, and a picture emerges of a deeply committed group of people for whom the zoo is far more than a visitor attraction; it’s a charity that works not just to promote vital breeding programmes, but to care for animals in the wild. In fact, Bristol Zoo was one of the first in the world to start defending biodiversity through breeding programmes for endangered species. The Zoo saw the first chimpanzee born in Europe in 1934, the first squirrel monkey in 1953 and the first black rhino born in Britain in 1958. Then there were the polar bears . . . “Lots of the pioneering of breeding polar bears was down to replicating what females do in the wild: making a snow cave to hibernate in, and giving birth in the warm and dark, undisturbed,” says Simon Garrett, head of public engagement. “So that’s what we did at Bristol. We made a gently heated indoor area with as little disturbance as possible.” Keepers get closely involved. One has hand-reared kangaroos in a special pouched apron, and the same dedication applies right down to the lowliest orders of the animal kingdom. Dr Grainne McCabe, head of field conservation, has worked tirelessly to reintroduce a native crustacean, the white-clawed crayfish, back into its natural habitat.

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

BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS Dating back to Victorian times, Bristol Zoo Gardens is one of the oldest zoos in the world. At the upper end of the beastie scale are gorillas and lions; reptiles and amphibians range from dwarf crocs to giant tortoises, with birds from penguins to flamingos – which are somehow never quite as Barbie-pink as you expect them to be... bristolzoo.org.uk WILD PLACE PROJECT Animals live in as natural a habitat as possible here, with visitors watching from viewing platforms or hides. It’s home to brown bears, cheetahs, wolves, wolverines, lynxes, baboons, giraffes, zebra and okapi and many more. wildplace.org.uk

Photo by Rob Potter @rob,potter

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

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Sun’s out, fluffy guns out...

FUNNY VOICES

FUN FACTS FOR FUN FACT FANS BRISTOL ZOO is home to 120 different species, most of which are now endangered or extinct in the wild. WILD PLACE is the only UK zoo to have bears and wolves living in the same enclosure. BRISTOL IS ALSO HOME TO THE FASTEST MEMBER OF THE ENTIRE ANIMAL KINGDOM Not the cheetah, nor even the antelope. This one lives near the Zoo, in Avon Gorge to be exact. Several pairs of peregrine falcons nest and hunt in the area. And if the peregrine falcon is doing 170mph, it’s only dawdling along. Speeds of over 200mph have been recorded as the bird dives on its prey. THERE ARE AROUND EIGHT TO NINE MILLION SPECIES OF INSECTS IN THE WORLD So if Bristol Life were to run an Insect of the Month feature, we wouldn’t have to repeat a species for more than 750,000 years. ONE WAY TO DEAL WITH PREDATORS IS TO TASTE AWFUL, although this really only works in the long run. Another good way is to have an exploding head. Camponotus saundersi is an ant found in Malaysia and Brunei. A worker ant can explode suicidally as an ultimate act of defence, taking one for the team. (All ants are company men.) DELILAH, a 58-year-old Western Lowland gorilla, is probably the oldest great ape in the world. Her current address is Belfast Zoo, but she lived at Bristol Zoo until 1992.

THE MEERKATS are highly social animals. They live in large, tightknit groups called mobs or gangs; they’re admirably communityminded, taking turns with tasks such as babysitting, sentry duty or fighting when necessary, for the benefit of the group as a whole, if they’re not too busy sunbathing. NOT ALL PENGUINS hail from the frozen wastes of Antartica; Bristol Zoo has a flock whose ancestral homes are South Africa and Namibia. It’s popularly believed – in other words there’s a meme on social media – that the Chinese for penguin is ‘business goose’, though our etymological expert says that a better translation is ‘stand-up goose’. We’re totally down with that, given that penguins are generally a lot funnier than many of the acts at Comedy Garden.

Outside Bristol, the Zoo’s probably best known for hosting Johnny Morris’ Animal Magic in the 1960s. Johnny, though active in environmental issues, came in for a bit of stick for his funny animal voices. We asked Simon to put his legacy into context. “I grew up watching Animal Magic, and met Johnny a couple of times at the zoo. There’s no doubt that people’s opinions on anthropomorphism are mixed; many scientists over the years have frowned upon it as being ‘unscientiﬁc’ and unhelpful, and have treated animals more like automata to study. “More recently it has become clear that some species at least do perceive and approach the world in ways similar to humans, and for some people a ‘way in’ to relating to them is to imbue them with human traits. I think many viewers, who might not otherwise have developed a further interest in wildlife, became emotionally attached to some species through Johnny’s highly popular shows. “To some extent, there is a similarly blurred line even now. We have wild animals in our care, and we stress that they are not pets; but equally we give at least some of them names, celebrate birthdays, and follow the life stories of individuals. If the outcome is that we encourage as many people as possible to engage with wildlife in a positive way, and help to create a better future for all the species on this planet, then surely a bit of anthropomorphism is OK.”

“We stress that the animals are not pets, but we give at least some of them names and celebrate birthdays”

The gorilla’s full species name is Gorilla gorilla gorilla – in case you didn’t catch it the first time. And here’s a couple more facts from Simon Garrett: “A great deal of oddities happen below the surface of the ocean. For example, there are marine creatures that only grow an anus when they need one and it disappears between uses.” [don’t try this one at home, folks.] “There’s also a marine creature that undergoes a very bizarre metamorphosis. It’s a sea urchin larva that goes about minding its own business in the plankton until a microscopic adult starts to grow inside it. When it’s ready it bursts out from inside, turning the larva inside out and killing it in the process. Think the alien emerging...” Juni, the latest gorilla babe on the block, is named after his mum (Tuni) and dad (Jock)

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BRISTOL ZOO

EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE BRISTOL ZOO LEGEND: REAPPRAISED He’s the most famous car parking attendant since Paul McCartney sang about Lovely Rita. However, he almost certainly didn’t exist. Revived every now and again on a slow day, regularly reported as genuine news, the story concerns someone who for 25 years or so worked as a car park attendant at Clifton Zoo, collecting £1 for every car parked. One day (goes the tale), he didn’t show up for work. The Zoo contacted Bristol City Council, who knew absolutely nothing about the man; they didn’t employ any zoo car park attendants. It was eventually concluded that the man was ‘self-employed’, and having trousered large amounts of cash had now retired to some sun-drenched beach with his ill-gotten stash. The urban legend is, of course, pretty much nonsense. But new research reveals there might just be a kernel of truth in there somewhere. According to the Bristol Archives, from roughly 1958 until the mid-1980s, locals collected voluntary donations from motorists parking near the zoo. One was a Mr Barrett, who supervised parking from 1978, issuing tickets he’d printed himself. It could well mark the source of this excellent story, but it seems unlikely that any fortunes were made.

Photo by @rob.potter

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UPFEST

Upfest: the only occasion when watching paint dry feels sexy. Got any favourite pieces from the past 13 years or so, festival founder Steve Hayles?

SPRAY WATCH 2

ood news, Upfest fans! The festival is back for 2021, with 75 walls being painted over 75 days from now onwards, culminating in a big old August bank holiday event at Greville Smyth Park. While it’s always exciting to see new work going up, it’s sad to see old favourites disappearing under a fresh coat of paint; that’s always been the bittersweet nature of the Krylon game. Luckily, Upfest has an archive high-quality photographs as a reminder, and you can still buy prints of many of the big hitters at the gallery. Speaking of which, what would Upfest gaffer Steve Hayles put in his all-time top ten, and why? In sprayman’s terms, then . . .

1PICHIAVO:

Neptune, created in 2016 on the now obstructed side of the Masonic Pub. The work was by a street art duo from Valencia, whose artworks create a powerful fusion between graffiti style and classical heritage.

2KOBRA:

John Lennon at the Tobacco Factory, painted in 2017. It was a real highlight to watch one of South America’s best- known street artists create this masterpiece. Some erroneously think it wasn’t Lennon at all, but Harry Potter. [It must be a generation thing.]

3INSANE51:

Rise Up at the Ashton Plate. Painted in 2018, the 3D+ mural was the first of its type in the UK. A contribution of print sales from this artwork was sent to support the efforts of the Greek fires in the same year.

4JODY: © NICK CL AGUE PHOTOGR APHY

Cassie was painted in 2016. It was extremely popular with visitors, including one local resident who came to see it every week; she suffered with anxiety, and said the mural brought her calmness.

5CHEO:

Morph & Chas was created in 2017 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of these legendary Aardman characters, painted by a legendary Bristol artist.

6CARO PEPE:

Vote was one of three murals painted for Bristol Women’s Voice in 2018, marking the 100th anniversary of the first women in the UK receiving the right to vote.

7SMUGONE & EPOK:

The Witch – an unofficial title of the incredible collaboration between SmugOne and Epok, who were the first artists in 2012 to take on the Masonic. Still one of our favourites, almost ten years on. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 63

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UPFEST 7

8GOIN:

Snow White. This French stencil artist known for his dark and sometimes controversial artwork has been a long-standing friend of Upfest, exhibiting almost every year since 2008.

9ZOE POWER:

Deeds not Words, the second of three walls with Bristol Women’s Voice in 2018 – a bright and bold celebration of the anniversary of suffrage for women in the UK by one of Bristol’s rising stars in the modern-day mural movement.

10IRONY & BOE:

Chips, a collaboration mural named by the building’s owner, has welcomed visitors to Ashton since 2017 and is still in place today. It was created by artists known for working with the location of the artwork to produce site-specific interventions. For more upfest.co.uk

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RULE-BREAKIN’ RISK-TAKIN’ ECO-THINKIN’ SMART-LIVIN’ KRYLONSPRAYIN’ CIDER-SIPPIN’ NIGHT-BUZZIN’ MUSIC-MAKIN’ SOURDOUGH-BAKIN’ COOL-TALKIN’…Bristol!

FIVE SENSESOF THE

BRISTOL Bristol! Officially the best city in the UK (read the polls, all other cities, and weep). The tourist brochures always bang on about the sightseeing, but how about all the flavour-tasting, aroma-smelling and sound-hearing? We’ve gone for the full sensory overload…

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sights THE FIVE SENSES OF BRISTOL

Seeing the cherry pickers going up in Bedminster – must be time for Upfest, then!

The glitter, feathers and rainbow colours of Weird stuff Pride Parade. Generally followed a few weeks appearing with later by the glitter, feathers and rainbow colours no warning: tentacles of St Paul’s Carnival emerging from a building, foam tubes covering the head of a statue, or a giant model of the Moon floating on the harbour. Or an Deer emerging from angel in the Bearpit. the early morning Or Darth Vader on the mist at Ashton Court plinth formerly known – usually snapped, as as Colston… here, by Sam Binding, along with the other The cheerful foxes, dawn raiders hares and other beasts painted by Alex Lucas on walls PeopleThe Christmas and doors in Stokes watching from Steps. At any Croft and Bedminster any restaurant or time of year, but – check out her new café window on especially at Christmas poodle mural on North the Cheltenham or Street – not least her Gloucester Roads. own ‘Bird House’ Never a dull moment home on Picton Street

Spotting familiar Bristol landmarks on the small and big screens (admittedly less of a novelty every year) The Frank Matcham interiors of the Edwardian Hippodrome

“Classic Bristol! Elegant Georgian buildings on one side, hip hop graffiti on the other” Jamie Oliver

The former BT radio tower at Purdown as you come onto the M32: you’re back in Bristol

Walking through Luke Jerram’s spectacular Palm Temple at Bristol University. It’s like entering a mirror cave of rainbows

Managing to get eyes on a fresh new Banksy before it’s tagged, covered in perspex or carted away

Painted houses – all across the city, from the pastel terraces lining the steep slopes of Totterdown to Clifton Wood to Princess Victoria Street (right) – which always looks a bit like a back street in Andalucia to us

Never quite knowing what you might see when you look up at the sky…

The name plaques on the back of the chairs in Bristol Old Vic (the view from Alan Rickman is particularly good). Also the light filtering in through those beautiful new shutters in the café bar

The Art Nouveau façade of Everard’s printing works

Yellow Bristol Ferries chugging up and down the harbour – especially Brigantia, with its Gromit on the prow

The jumbled, eclectic Bristol skyline – strata of history unfolding before your very eyes

The view from the little balcony that projects from Vincent’s Cave over the Avon Gorge. Possibly not one for acrophobics, who may be better off admiring the vista from the café at the top of the Observatory

“The ‘string of pearls’ across the sky during the brilliant Balloon Fiesta” George Ferguson

Watching the peregrine falcons swooping through the Gorge

Gone, loved, but not forgotten during the life of this magazine… The Canopy & Stars Crane @29 tree house outside M Shed … The Bristoland sign that sprang up mysteriously on the Portway, and was just as mysteriously rearranged to ‘It’s bland’ before being removed altogether... Luke Jerram’s giant waterslide that ran for one daft, blissful day in 2014. We also loved Wildwalk, especially the luridly coloured poisonous frogs, and IMAX, and the surprisingly diverting British Empire and Commonwealth Museum . . .

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sounds THE FIVE SENSES OF BRISTOL

The Bristol accent. Why end a word in a vowel if you can add an L?

The bells of St Mary Redcliffe shaking the walls of the Benjamin Perry Boathouse, terrifying the seagulls into flight

Heading up to Breaking Bread for the food and drink, and staying for that sweeeet reggae music

Top bands playing Lloyds at Bristol Sounds, on their way to or back from Glastonbury. Please don’t buy a penthouse at Harbourside if this prospect does not excite you

The revving of hundreds of Santas on Bikes rounding a corner in December. Noisier than the Naked Bike Riders, but a lot easier on the eye

The word ‘Totterdown’ – quintessentially English, Dickensian almost. And as satisfying to say as munching crusty toast

The dulcet tones of ‘one bacon and egg bap’ being shouted from the hatch of Harbourside food hut Brunel’s Buttery

The hubbub and laughter on a busy King Street on a sunny Friday evening after work

“Just drove from Bristol with the new Springsteen album on stereo. God, I was furious at the ‘man’ as I pulled into Reading services for a latte.” @StephenMerchant

“Smiiith! The roof has just come off here at Ashton Gate, in stoppage time… Bristol City 2, Manchester United 1...“ – the historic day in 2017 when Bristol City beat Manchester United

Bass tremors on Thekla mid-gig; the acoustics aren’t the best in the world, but the novelty of watching favourite musicians on a boat never gets old

Live music at The Louisiana – a barometer for new bands for over 25 years. Also at the Galli, The Exchange, Star & Garter and Trinity

Passengers actually saying “Cheers Drive” as they step off a bus

“Here they come again, oh it’s off the post, LEE BROWN…… GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL, what a moment, Bristol Rovers ……..PROMOTION!”

The fact that you can whisper to someone in We The Curious and they’ll still be able to hear you 20m away on the Whisper Phone

The visceral roar at Ashton Gate as Luke Morahan slides over the whitewash to keep Bristol top of the Gallagher Premiership

“The tortured melody of twisting metal and plastic as yet another 4x4-driving idiot with an overdeveloped sense of their own importance fails to negotiate the Waitrose car park in Henleaze” Eugene Byrne Birdsong in Leigh Woods on an early morning dog walk

The roar of a Kam Kelly being hot-air balloon a effortlessly amusing few hundred yards on Sam FM, despite from your window – the fact that it’s only followed, less enjoyably, 6.15 in the morning by the frantic barking of every dog in the neighbourhood

The Old Duke Pub zinging out live jazz; traditional, bebop, hard bop, mainstream, swing. Or buy a pint and make a request

Deborah Miller’s high note in Unfinished Sympathy, when Massive Attack played their homecoming gig on The Downs in 2016

Buskers #outsidefini

STOKE’S CROFT IN FIVE SENSES “Bite through the crust of a bread roll in the pop-up bakery at the bottom of Nine Tree Hill, and head down Picton Street to the assorted tea cups, fly swats and rocking chairs in the street sale on the pavement outside Galliford Stores. Bedroom music is hanging over the street like bunting on a Saturday morning in May. “But it’s drizzling now, as you pass the sharp edges of aluminium wall ties poking through the ancient stonework of Woodmancote Road, and smell the metallic oily tang of cycle-splashed drizzle and the unique blend of fox musk and yesterday’s recreational smoke. “At the junction is the constant slow-motion stop-frame animation of street art as you plunge into your favourite restaurant, serving delicious simple food in an atmosphere you’d want to come of age in. And what better way to end your evening than in the flicker of film light in the independent Cube Microplex?” Tom Morris, artistic director, Bristol Old Vic

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smells

The mingled aromas of world cooking as you amble through Cargo. What’s it going to be tonight – Mexican? Spanish? Indian? Pan-Asian? Burgers? Pizza?

THE FIVE SENSES OF BRISTOL

Paint fumes during Upfest. We love the smell of Krylon in the morning

The aroma of Wogan coffee that smacks you round the face when you walk inside the roastery. Inside this unassuming warehouse next to Cabot’s lies a magical operation in which bland green coffee beans are roasted into Bristol commuter fuel

The siren lure of baking smells beckoning us through the doorway of Harts* * Other bakeries also available; see page 92

The fresh, earthy smell of fruit and veg in that little honesty box shed at The Ethicurean

New, freshoff-the-press books at Storysmith. Try pressing your nose against a Kindle or an iPad; it just isn’t the same The mingled aromas of world cooking, incense and god knows what else at St Nick’s Market

Within 100 yards in Montpelier you can smell garlic from Bianchis, chilli heat from Thali, fresh bread from Herbert’s and weed from the flats next door… A full-bodied red being brought to your table at Kask Wine. You almost expect to see wafty lines in the air; mmm, Merlot…

The sweet smell of success emanating from the office doorways of the Queen Square professionals

The mustiness evoking mediaeval plots, fear, murder and mayhem that pervades every corner of 9th-century Berkeley Castle. It’s mind-blowingly ancient

The heady scent of exotic blooms in the glasshouses at Bristol Botanic Garden, hidden down a slope behind a kitchen garden; if you didn’t know they were there, you could easily miss them

Freshly laundered sheets on a comfy bed at the Avon Gorge hotel. Choose somebody nice* to share them with (*or naughty; it’s up to you)

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A crisp, classy, citrussy spritz of Jones & Modha eau de parfum Number One. Ethical, sustainable and made in Somerset

Fresh cheese at The Bristol Cheesemonger: turophile heaven

Crispy fried bacon and sausages, promising the best brekkie in town. But where’s it to, though? Rosemarino? Lockside? Source? Brunel’s Buttery? It’s a controversial one, this. We’re staying firmly on the fence

The new-leather smell of a designer handbag from Harvey Nicks that you definitely can’t afford, but you know you’re going to buy anyway

Street food at Finzel’s Reach Friday market

“The distinctive smell of MTN 94 spray paint being used to create a new mural piece down North Street. The fragrant aroma of a super-strength herbal cigarette being smoked by someone on the back seat of the Number 76. The cheerful yellow and black of a can of Thatchers held by a drunk shouting person lurching unpredictably up Stokes Croft. The diverse array of shopping trolleys that can be spotted being pushed up and down East Street.” Andy Council, street artist

The salty sea-air tang at Westonsuper-Mare, mingled with the smell of vinegar hitting hot chips

“The occasional whiff of brewing over the Bristol Beer Factory in North Street. I always lamented the loss of it on Bristol Bridge when George’s Courage Brewery closed. Many were relieved, I know – not me!” Andrew Hilton

“Bicycling along the harbourside to work is literally a breath of fresh air, with a subtle tang from imagined salt-water. The smell of the first cup of coffee of the day, sipped looking across the harbour in the morning sun. I saw a rainbow stretched from the Suspension Bridge to the centre, perfectly framing the gentle hills of the city.” Alasdair Sawday

tastes

Proper worldbeating pasta – we’re having the cacio e pepe at Bianchis, carbonara at Pasta Loco and something stuffed by Joe Harvey at Ripiena

A bacon butty at dawn on the launch ground at Bristol Balloon Fiesta

THE FIVE SENSES OF BRISTOL

A Pieminister pie with a generous slug of gravy and creamy mash. Favourite flavours vary month to month, but it’s hard to beat The Mothership

Trying out a new craft beer or six from a choice of over 30 breweries, ideally mopped up with an Asado burger at Bristol Craft Beer festival. Elliott Lidstone’s seasonal, modern Engish cuisine at Box-E – sit up at the chef ’s table if you can

Sometimes, late at night, when options are limited, and even when they’re not, it has to be a kebab from Jason Donervan, right?

The Iberico pork sandos at Seven Lucky Gods. Once bitten, forever smitten

A bowl of curry and dal, generously shared by cooks with the whole community at the annual Iftar feast on Mark’s Road in Easton

Vinegar-drenched chips and cod in crunchy batter from Salt and Malt, best eaten while dangling your legs over the wharf at Harbourside

A double scoop of Swoon gelato to eat on College Green on a hot sunny day. Actually, any day. Ours is the pistachio, if it hasn’t run out

Eat a Pitta at St Nick’s – you’ll spot it easily, it’s the one with the longest queue

An incredible cake from Ahh Toots. Even Morph is a fan….

“Whiteladies Road at 6am, quiet, purposeful, a secret meeting of those who love mornings, runners, fishmongers and bakers” Mitch Tonks

The moment you realise that sherry takes on a whole new flavour when expertly paired with food – no better place for this than Bar 44

Flavoured gins and vodkas from Espenson Spirits. We’ve tried most of them, and plan to sample the limited-edition chocolate orange gin as soon as humanly possible

This mushroom parfait on the brand new Pony North Street menu. Trust us on this one...

Drinking your way through the Bristol Icons menu at Hyde & Co. Let’s kick off with a Mauretania: bourbon and rye, passionfruit, tarragon and ginger kombucha. OK, next? Everything on the intricate 20-course menu at Casamia. Don’t expect to know what you’ll be eating in advance, or to be offered alternatives; bring an open mind

The first sip of chilled Old Bristolian after work at The Apple cider barge

“I have very happy memories of Bristol from writing Jamie’s Great Britain. It’s a vibrant, diverse, exciting city with a rich food culture, and I hope to return soon” Jamie Oliver

The fizz of Prosecco at the gossipy opening night of a new play or exhibition; or perhaps at the reception of the Bristol Life awards?

The first espresso hit of the day at Little Victories

8 TOP PLACES FOR TAPAS • Bravas • Gambas • Olive Shed • Paco Tapas • Poco Tapas • Muiño • Bar 44 • Root

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touch

The breeze in your hair as you take a trip up the harbour on a visiting tall ship at Harbourfest

Cooling down on a hot day as you paddle in the water of Cascade Steps or Millennium Square

The sense of Bristol history as you pass into Broad Street through the arch in the old mediaeval wall, to be confronted with a piece of modern street art, in the form of Conor Harrington’s The Duel of Bristol

Sliding into the waters of the Lido. Ten lengths means you’re totally allowed pudding in the restaurant afterwards

The tactile feel of woods from around the world beneath your fingers at the Hollow sculpture in Royal Fort Gardens.

All the luvvie feels as you gaze at walls covered in signed photos of famous thesps past and present at Renato’s on King Street

THE FIVE SENSES OF BRISTOL

“Seeing clay come to life is quite a magical thing. You can see the material moving and suddenly gaining a character, somehow” Nick Park

Grass tickling your bare toes as you sit in one of Upfest’s socially distanced hearts on Queen Square, College Green or Castle Park The blast of hot air from a balloon burner, keeping you surprisingly toasty at 1000 feet

The Clifton rock slide. Polished to smooth marble perfection by generations of Bristol backsides

Linking arms with the bronze life-sized statue of Cary Grant on Millennium Square. Pretend you’re Audrey Hepburn, and have your photo taken

Bristol rain on your face. Some of us find it refreshing. Luckily

Cobbles underfoot on Welshback and Queen Square. Less ideal if you’re rattling along in a 20-year-old car with zero suspension

Patting the rough fur of a mutt at ARC Bristol after you’ve taken it for a long walk. Generally also the moment you cave in and decide to adopt it

Most of the giant The opulent luxury Grand Appeal of the seats at Gromits have gone Everyman as you settle from public spaces; but in for two hours of luckily you bought a movie-going luxury ceramic figurine of your favourite, which you can pat whenever you like…

. . . and a few doors up, the tangible frisson of excitement in the bar as the Limbic Cinema projection announces that the doors are open. Showtime!

The surprising heft of a Bristol Life Award as you lift it triumphantly in the air

“The relief of seeing a First Bus finally hove into view. I mean, you act all responsible and leave the car at home, have a load of beer, and then wait for ages for the bus from the centre standing near those little gushing fountains. When I’m elected mayor, I’m doing something about this” Eugene Byrne

Touch-screen whizzery at We The Curious. See if you can make your hand turn invisible on the piano exhibit, or if you can locate your soul...

The cold, damp air and slippery stone floor of Redcliffe Caves during the Bristol Open Doors festival. Spoo-ky . . .

The sense of peace in Arnos Vale cemetery as you stroll among the 50,000+ graves honouring Bristol’s great, good and just plain average

The multi-sensory delights of Bristol Life: • The satisfying thump as it hits the doormat • The clean look, smell and feel of its shiny new pages (Disappointingly, it doesn’t taste that great...)

FINALLY... the smug sensation you get whenever you remember that you have chosen to make Bristol your home

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SPONSORED CONTENT

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN Is knee pain preventing you from enjoying an active life? NUFFIELD HEALTH has a variety of treatments that can help

e all know that keeping active is one of the key ingredients to living a healthy life. In the last year, the closure of gyms and leisure facilities has made an active lifestyle more difficult, but for some it is a painful knee that prevents exercise. When knee pain interferes with normal activity, it’s time to act and seek medical help. A visit to an orthopaedic surgeon will help to determine if the pain is caused through injury or a more long-term issue, such as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterised by inflammation and ‘wear and tear’ damage to the knee, and when symptoms first appear, much of the damage has already been done. The process of damage and wearing out of the knee joint cartilage surface eventually results in the bone grinding on bone, which is a painful and disabling condition, and in Bristol alone, there are around 26,000 people aged 45 and over with symptomatic knee arthritis.

THE SYMPTOMS The predominant symptoms of knee arthritis are pain and stiffness, which range from mild to severe. In more severe cases, it can be a constant disabling pain, which makes walking very difficult or impossible. Sleep can be disturbed and the normal activities of daily living may become difficult to perform. Roughening of the knee joint surface may also lead to catching or clicking, and swelling is often seen.

THE TREATMENT Following a diagnosis of arthritis, there are a range of treatments available. For those patients who are hoping to avoid surgery, there are less invasive, non-surgical options available, including physiotherapy, simple painkillers, antiinflammatory tablets, and injection therapy, such as steroid injections. Another new technique available is Platelet Rich Plasma treatment (PRP), which uses a patient’s own anti-inflammatory cells to promote the healing of injured joints. If there are symptoms of mechanical locking or stiffness in the knee, keyhole surgery could be an option, but while this may help to improve symptoms, it cannot reverse the arthritis damage. If the pain is severe and you have exhausted non-operative treatment, then you may decide to proceed with a knee replacement. Knee replacement surgery has evolved, with innovative, state-of-the-art robotic-arm technology now available to assist the surgeon with the procedure. This brings a range of enhanced benefits for the patient, including even greater surgical precision, which in turn leads to decreased post-operative pain and faster recovery. Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital is currently the ONLY hospital in the city to offer robotic-arm assisted knee replacement surgery, highlighting Nuffield Health’s commitment to providing patients with the best possible treatment. Additional safety measures are currently in place to ensure our hospital is Covid-19

secure, and our team of consultant orthopaedic surgeons specialising in knee surgery include Mr Jonathan Webb, Mr Richard Baker, Mr Damian Clark, Mr Hywel Davies, Mr Sanchit Mehendale, Mr James Robinson and Mr James Murray. Call our enquiries team on the number below, who will be able to assist you in booking a consultation. Some of the treatments we offer for arthritis: - Physiotherapy - Steroid injections - PRP injections - Weight-loss therapies - Knee replacement surgery, including robotics It doesn’t matter if you want to climb a mountain (travel restrictions permitting!) or simply tidy the garden, any symptom that prevents or limits your ability to do the things you love is cause for concern. With a little help, a bad knee doesn’t have to impact your quality of life. ■

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our consultant orthopaedic surgeons, call 0117 911 5339, or visit our website: www.nufﬁeldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol.

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OPINION KAM KELLY

Super Trooper Hoping it might complement our Village Bristol feature this issue, we invited our favourite local DJ to tell us all about his ’hood. We should have known better…

or the 300th edition of Bristol Life, I suggested they photoshop my head on to the body of Gerard Butler from the poster of the movie 300. Didn’t even get a reply to that email. I guess some suggestions really are genuinely best left undignified by response. Instead, I was told to take a good look at ‘my area’. My reply to that email was, rather unsurprisingly, left undignified too. Upon rereading the original message it dawned on me that

they wanted more a geographical piece than a biological one, which was a relief, as there really wasn’t much to write about the latter. St George is ‘my area’. It’s so good that it gets its own national celebrations every year, when we whip out the bunting on 23 April for St George’s Day. It’s also the most showbiz part of Bristol, with movie-lovers from all over the world making the pilgrimage to this corner of the city, steeped as it is in cinematic history.

“Upon rereading the message, it dawned on me that they wanted more of a geographical piece than a biological one”

As you know, St George was originally called Ford’s Forge, after Harrison Ford and his contributions to so many movie classics. Star Wars, Blade Runner, Indiana Jones. Then 1998 struck, and brought with it Six Days, Seven Nights. The residents of Ford’s Forge were generally considered a laughing stock, not only by the rest of Bristol but also by cinephiles the world over. As luck would have it, the movie Out Of Sight starring George Clooney also came out that year, and so Ford’s Forge hastily became St George. True, he may not be a saint just yet, but we St Georgians are an optimistic lot, and the fact that GC married a human rights lawyer is a hopeful step in the canonical direction. Within the boundaries of St George, Troopers Hill is found to the left of Crews Hole Road, or to the right of it, depending on which way you’re heading. On a map dated 1610, you can clearly see that Troopers Hill was originally called Harris Hill. You probably think we renamed it Troopers Hill after the Storm Troopers from Star Wars. Wrong! We favoured the film Starship Troopers when it came to rebranding our local summit. Due to his tireless efforts in the Mission Impossible franchise, many of us were keen to honour Tom Cruise by naming our main drag

after him. Cruise Hole Road was proposed, but received a nineand-a-half week shun when it was put forward at the local parish council meeting – yes, even the length of a shun is based around the movies here. When it was agreed that Cruise Hole Road might carry an unfortunate innuendo, we looked at the back catalogue of actor, comedian, activist, etc Terry Crews instead, and concluded that he was fully on-brand. And so Crews Hole Road was born. It’s also easy to discern homages to the movie industry in the names of our pubs. One was constructed just to the right of Crews Hole Road, or to the left, depending which way you’re heading. That would be The Raging Bull Inn, referred to more commonly as The Bull, or very rarely, The Rager. Please avoid using any of the above as a reference should you be writing a dissertation on the History of Bristol, as some of it may not be entirely accurate, and there is still definite uncertainty as to whether The Rager is on the right or the left of Crews Hole Road; depending on which way you’re heading. This feature is brought to you by the “Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man,” line from The Big Lebowski. Kam Kelly’s breakfast show airs every weekday from 6am, Sam FM Bristol, 106.5fm

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

It’s the question on every foodie’s lips at the moment: so, what’s the new Pony really like? Words by Deri Robins

“You won’t ﬁnd a better example of where the Bristol food scene is at right now”

THE PONY NORTH STREET

RESTAURANT

ome movie critic or other – it might have been Julie Burchill, graces; former Michelin star or no former Michelin star, pretension has though I couldn’t swear to it – once wrote that she didn’t no place at the Eggleton table. We were on the button. Though this was actually need to watch a film to write an accurate review; the first night, when mistakes are not just forgiveable, but half-expected – just the name of the director and a plot synopsis would do. attending a soft opening can feel a bit like turning up too early for a dinner She could fill in the rest. party, and finding the hosts still trying to wrestle the kids into bed – service We could probably have done much the same thing was seamlessly polished, the only glitch being a pesky cash machine. for The Pony North Street. Tickets for Josh and Holly We hadn’t bothered trying to second-guess the menu, but we’d Eggleton’s new bistro went on sale at 9am on 20 April, and sold out faster scribbled down things like ‘seasonal’, ‘celebrates local produce’, and than you could say ‘restaurant opening of the year’. This wasn’t a gamble; ‘unfussy yet inventive’, which is essentially what we got. What we hadn’t this was the Eggletons. Bristol knew what to expect. predicted, having paid forward without having eyes on the menu, was the But where’s the fun in guesswork when you good variety; each of the four courses had five can actually pay a visit? Especially now that choices, at least one of them veggie, and we we’re able to dine out in proper rooms again. wanted to eat it all. DINING DETAILS Rooms with actual walls and roofs! Who would While the girl child demolished a dinky The Pony North Street, 291 North Street, BS3 1JU have thought we’d miss ceilings so much? ‘snack’ of lobster macaroni, permitting me theponynorthstreet.co.uk Don’t get me wrong. We were thrilled – a minuscule swipe of the sweet, luscious, Opening hours Wed 5:30-9pm; Thurs-Sat 12-1:30pm, thrilled! – when restaurants opened their densely seafoody sauce, I was in audible 5:30-9pm; Sunday 11am-4pm terraces last month. It was all smiles and giggles raptures over a punchy steak tartare cut with We visited Wednesday evening at first, but the novelty of shivering in two coats fermented chilli, anchovy and picked onion Prices £47.50 pp for four courses; pay ahead beneath dripping canvas while a stiff breeze – as complex as it sounds, and somehow even Drinks Well-priced wines, cocktails and beers blew in off the Avon soon began to pall. Our more exciting than the sum of its parts. Atmosphere Relaxed and unpretentious capacity for the Blitz spirit turned out to be She then progressed to a starter of cured more weather-dependant than we’d imagined. trout with pickled green tomatoes, floating in Service Slick, friendly, welcoming The prospect of indoor dining, then – an emerald pool of honeydew dressing. It had Disabled access All on one floor and not at any old restaurant, but the hotly a kick I couldn’t immediately pinpoint. “Dill,” Veggie At least one option per course anticipated Pony NS – verged on the thrilling; pronounced the child, who knows her onions, Summary How soon is too soon to book again? so much so that we left home far too early, and and indeed her apiaceaen herbs. ended up with so much time to kill on North My dish of the night was the mushroom Street that we could probably have knocked up parfait. Silky smooth and boskily flavoured, a mural for Upfest before dinner. prettily presented in a glass jar strewn with leaves and hazelnuts, its We did jot down a few predictions before coming, though. We guessed instagram fame is surely assured. It’s not every day I’m won over by a that Josh and Holly would want to honour the heritage of the Pony & plant-based version of a meat favourite, but Bristol’s ducks and chickens Trap, the family’s once-Michelin-starred gastropub in Chew Magna, can now breathe easily in my presence; their livers are safe from me. but mix it up with the festival vibe of Breaking Bread. We weren’t far off, A tender chicken breast bathed in lemony sauce and a smoky slowthough in reality the décor turns out to be more thoughtful than that. cooked rib were just the kind of mains you pray you’ll stumble across in An unassuming door down a side street opens into an L-shaped space. a backstreet bistro off the Boulevard Saint-Germain, before grumpily The walls are a beautiful cobalt blue, there’s a tent-shaped roof, and a settling for the kind of bog-standard steak frites you can get at Côte. window with irregular, Mondrianesque panes. Fairy lights twine up pillars I rarely order pudding, but to skip one-fourth of a set menu would have like ivy, a shelf heaves with old photos showing good times at the Pony & smacked of profligacy. With its soft, pillowy peaks, my walnut whip Alaska Trap, and framed archive menus line the walls. looked like something the architect of St Basil’s Cathedral might have The second part of the L is even more striking. There’s an industrial come up with if he’d had a meringue period; baked, flambéed and set in a feel to proceedings here, reminding you that Bristol Beer Factory is just puddle of glossy dark chocolate sauce, it was the kind of magpie dish Josh out the back. Under the watchful Eggleton eye, head chef Hugo Harvey, might have conjured up during his stint on The Great British Menu. who’s done time with Nathan Outlaw and Todd Moses, presides over a The Pony North Street is everything we’d hoped it would be, and more. gleaming stainless-steel open kitchen, to which boxes of fresh produce Assured, creative cooking, served by a team with hospitality running are delivered throughout our meal. Up above, among the girders and big, through its veins, devoured in classy yet relaxed surroundings with a dash globular bistro lamps, a huge oak branch sculpture creates a canopy over of festival élan. You won’t find a better example of where the Bristol food our heads; half-art installation, half-enchanted forest. scene is at right now than at this cool, urban little sister of the Pony & We’d anticipated slick yet deceptively laidback service, with no airs or Trap; but of course we’d guessed that even before we came . . . n

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Let’s Grow Together

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CAFÉ SOCIETY 300 STAN CULLIMORE

Bean there

This isn’t just any old Café Society. This is Best of Café Society….

t’s not every day an old friend gets to be 300 issues old. Definitely worth saluting the occasion. Rather than candles, cake and fizz, the editor tells me that to mark this magnificent milestone, the magazine you are enjoying right now is going to be no ordinary thing. Instead, it is going to be a heady celebratory brew filled with, ‘best of ’ type pieces.

So, in honour of three centuries worth of straight-talking, localword infotainment, I would like to add to the festivities with a round-up of highlights from Café Society’s quiet corner. There are many coffee shops that stand out as being beyond awesome. Some, alas, no longer with us. The Friary Cafe on Cotham Hill, for instance. For many years it was my favourite haunt, offering a veggie breakfast, complete with builders’ tea, that was so close to perfection they could have shared a letterbox. But that was then. Now, all that remains are delicious memories.

“The Friary Café was so close to perfection that they could have shared a letterbox”

And a noodle bar, last time I checked. Luckily, other gems in the jewel box of café land are still alive and kicking. Seems churlish to pick out just a handful of examples from the countless charmers out there, but limited space leaves no choice. The first gem out of the hat must be Number 12. A bijou place in Clifton on King’s Road, just off Boyce’s Avenue. If I had to pick just one café for coffee and cake, this would be it. Next on the list would be Bakesmiths on Whiteladies Road. All-round loveliness, and sausage rolls that make the world a better place. Moving on down to the harbourside, you’ll find Spoke & Stringer just across the water from the ss Great Britain. If you’re looking for coffee and views to set your heart a-flutter, then this is the place to be. Crossing the water and heading towards Wapping Wharf will take you to Mokoko Coffee & Bakery. Which is, in my books, the best place in town for mixed plates of salad, quiche and savoury consumables. And coffee, obviously. I could go on, but you get my drift. The cafés of Bristol are a

multicoloured myriad of marvels, just waiting for you to dive on in and taste the rainbow. Better still, to my mind, there is every chance that the best is yet to come. Even in these weird old times, Bristol’s café society is moving onwards and upwards, with new exciting spots opening up all around – the Little Shop & Pantry in Henleaze, and Burra in Redland being just two such happy places. Better yet, some entire areas are adapting to survive and, hopefully, even thrive in the strange new normal. Cotham Hill, for instance, pedestrianised and blazing a bright new trail, with outdoor dining, drinking and cake consuming on offer. Helping to ensure that the café society experience will remain fresh, exhilarating and a thing of beauty in this thrilling little town we all call home. Seems like the future’s bright, the future’s caffeine soaked. Huzzah – here’s to the next 300! n

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

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FOOD & DRINK

GOOD IN BREAD

The anniversary cupcakes are on us, once we’ve decided which baker to order them from. Here are some of our favourites; you probably couldn’t live on their cruffins alone, athough it might be fun trying . . .

few years ago, during one of those Twitter spats that makes you curse the invention of the internet, sourdough – or to be precise, 24-day aged, organic sourdough – was cited as the evil spawn of Bristol gentrification, its literal and metaphorical rise having allegedly ruined the traditional nature of the city. It was a vicious and quite unnecessary attack against the innocuous yeasty starter, which has, after all, done nothing more than offer an alternative to white, brown or wholemeal bread. Us? We can’t get enough of the stuff. We love an artisan baker, with their cruffi ns and doughnut flavours of the week. Doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy an old-school white bap or custard slice too, mind . . .

1BAKERS & CO

Part of the Season + Taste group who also run Gambas, Bravas, etc, Bakers & Co is an artisan sourdough bakery and café on Gloucester Road. As well as knocking up excellent loaves of bread, they’re big on pastries and sweet treats, with croissants, chocolate babka and brownies often on the menu. Pair with a coﬀee from local roastery Extract, and you have the perfect pitstop on your way up the Gloucester Road.

2PAPADELI

On the corner of Alma Road and Whiteladies is Papadeli, whose legendary cake counter heaves with sweet treats such as New York cheesecake, Rocky Road and spiced carrot cake, as well as savoury delights. While you’re in, raid the deli for everything from cheese and condiments to wine and beer, sourced from quality producers across the UK and Europe. Prepare to leave with more than you originally went in for.

AHH TOOTS

Formerly based in St Nick’s Market, Ahh Toots can now be found at the bottom of Christmas Steps. The cake shop is run by two bakers known for their incredible decorating skills, resulting in cakes that are as

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amazing to look at as they are to eat. As well as grabbing slices on the go, you can order showstopping creations for special occasions.

4PINKMANS

Sourdoughnuts are the big attraction at Pinkmans on Park Street; their signature bake is super light, and ﬁ lled with irresistible ﬂavours such as chocolate pecan brownie. The team also whip up standout cakes, breads and pastries, as well as breakfast and lunch dishes such as toasties and soup.

5HART’S BAKERY

One visit to Hart’s and you’ll ﬁ nd yourself unable to resist popping in anytime you’re passing through Temple Meads – it’s located under one of the station arches. They’ve recently launched an online shop for preorder and collection, too.

6THE BRISTOL LOAF

After proving a hit with the folk of Redﬁeld, Bristol Loaf opened a second branch of their bakery and café on Bedminster Parade; from next month they’ll also be operating a third site in the foyer of Bristol Beacon. Swing by any of the branches for brilliant bakes and light bites, including plenty of veggie options, all made using organic ingredients.

7FARRO

Even before opening the bakery in St Paul’s, Farro’s breads and pastries were loved by Bristol foodies due to their regular appearance at local markets. Expect nothing less than expertly made, beautifully presented bakes, especially the ﬂaky pastries they specialise in.

8MARK’S BREAD

Locals in Bedminster will be well acquainted with Mark’s Bread on North Street. The original bakers behind this South Bristol institution hung up their aprons at the start of the year, but their talented team have kept up the award-winning standards, with ﬂavours of the week alongside the staples.

9EAST BRISTOL BAKERY

You can watch the bakers work their magic at this open-plan craft bakery on St Mark’s Road in Easton. With a focus on top-quality local ingredients, their award-winning ‘real bread’ is about as far from supermarket sliced as you can get. The seasonally changing cake counter is a real treat, too.

10THE ASSEMBLY BAKERY

There are two branches: one in Old Market and one in Wapping Wharf. The team use slow baking methods to create their sought-after breads, pastries and cakes, and it’s also worth swinging by for the daily special sandwiches, made with freshly baked bread and hearty ﬁ llings.

11JOE’S BAKERY

The oldest working bakery in the city, with a 150-year history. The current owners have been running it for more than 30 years, and keep customers returning with their cracking mix of classic, artisan and craft bread and confectionery. Look out for their cruffi ns – a hybrid of a croissant and a muffi n, with a variety of fi llings, including locally made jams by Bishopston Supper Club.

12HOBBS HOUSE BAKERY

This family-run chain also goes way back, having started out in the 1920s in the Cotswolds. Their Bristol branch is on the Gloucester Road, where you can pick up their renowned sourdough bread, made with a 65-year-old starter, along with a host of other handmade treats. This list above was compiled by Kavita Ashton for the excellent Visit Bristol website. But as we felt it should really be a baker’s dozen, we’ve also added in...

13BAKEHOUSE

Just launched in Old Market from the team behind Bakesmiths and Cakesmiths – a bakery and coﬀee shop serving fresh bread and toasties, along with something excitingly called a ‘cake innovation hub’. Check out the original branch of Bakesmiths, too; you’ll ﬁ nd it on Whiteladies Road.

BUTCHI + GOSMOS FACE MASK, £7.50 If you have to mask up, you may as well do it Bristol-style. These locally made ones come in ﬁve sizes, with a range of funky patterns From That Thing 45-47 Stokes Croft thatthing.co

MADE IN BRISTOL We're all about featuring indie Bristol shops; that's our bag. In this issue, however, it's only stuff made in Bristol that makes the cut... NOVA SCOTIA BY TOM WHITE, OIL ON CANVAS, £2,500; A2 PRINT, £125.00 Has any corner of Bristol not been painted by the estimable Tom? From cliftonfineart.com, 12 Perry Road; cliftonfineart.com

SHIPSHAPE AND BRISTOL FASHION FIGURINE, £45 See the local sights from the comfort of your very own Gromit, designed by Aardman's Sarah Matthews. All proﬁts to the Grand Appeal From gromitunleashedshop.org.uk

GEO VESSEL, £28 Beck creates contemporary, sustainable homeware, much of which is sold in her Old Market shop. These versatile little vessels are equally at home holding cactii, pens, ear studs or what have you From Prior Made, 58 West Street priorshop.uk

CIRCLE & HEXAGON BRASS EARRINGS, £22 Elaine from Ava & Bea has a background in ﬁne art and printmaking – skills she brings to the fore in her jewellery designs From avaandbea.co.uk

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ED’S S CHOICE LEOPARD GOLD-PLATED EARRINGS, £22 By Mara Studio, run by Miranda, a Bristol-based jewellery maker and macrame expert with a unique, boho style. A Mon Pote bestseller, we're told From Mon Pote 217 North Street monpote.co.uk

BALLOONS OVER BRISTOL BY CLARE HALIFAX, £225; FRAMED, £335 An uplifting (!), limited-edition screen print. Check out the gallery for more Bristol art From smithsongallery.co.uk

FOUR CERAMIC OWL COASTERS, £21.99 Unmistakeably by Hannah Turner. If, unaccountably, owls aren’t your bag, other critters are available, including some new moths From hannahturner.co.uk

GOLD BANGLE, £4,495 Classic with an inspirational twist; 18ct Fairtrade gold bangle with a bead etched with ʻThe Spirit’ From Diana Porter 33 Park Street dianaporter.co.uk FACIAL CREAM, £20 With organic rose and geranium; 100% vegan From Bristol Artisan 3 Lower Redland Road thebristolartisan.com

THE GREAT WAVE MUG, £12 While obviously referencing Japanese artist Hokusai, the mug is made right here in Bristol – and the design carries an eco message that also feels exceedingly local From Stokes Croft China, 35 Jamaica Street; prscshop.co.uk

MILK JUG, £36-£48 We love the contrast between the witty open carton design and the classic willow pattern; handmade by Hannah using traditional slipcasting methods From hannerysgaard.com

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A LOVE OF LOCAL

BOXLOCAL is a hamper company with a difference: it’s reinventing the gifting market . . .

nlike mainstream hampers that typically use mass-produced, off-the-shelf brands, Boxlocal exclusively sources premium products that are independent, sustainable and – most importantly – local to Bristol and the surrounding areas. Much of Boxlocal’s success to date is attributable to its relentless focus on its three core values:

LOCAL From Shipshape and Bristol Fashion Gin (Long Ashton), to neighbourhood bakery - Fika Bristol (Southville), Boxlocal now stocks over 140 products from over 50 small-scale suppliers. The beating heart of Boxlocal is the local produce, as its founders, sisters Kate and Bethan, explain. “We exclusively work with local independent suppliers in recognition that there are amazing businesses on our doorstep that should be celebrated. That’s what sets us apart from large corporate gifting businesses, and that’s what we attribute our success to. We want our produce to have a story, to be sustainable and for customers to feel that the heart and soul of a local producer have gone into each product. “In return for the fabulous produce and sustainable initiatives our suppliers use, we do everything we can to raise their profile to our ever-growing corporate and online consumer customer base.”

SUSTAINABLE All of Boxlocal’s packaging is 100% recyclable and reusable, and in 2021 they partnered with local zero-emissions delivery service Zedify to deliver boxes

emission free to Bristol postcodes, contributing to Bristol’s clean air initiative. “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint wherever possible, and always look for the same commitment in the suppliers we choose,” says Bethan.

CHARITABLE With every Boxlocal purchase, a contribution goes towards a local Bristol charity which, for the past 12 months, has been the Grand Appeal; a charity close to Kate and Bethan’s hearts. In addition to their usual donations, they raised £4,000 for the Grand Appeal in December 2020 through their own fundraiser. ■ Whether it’s corporate orders or a personal gift, Boxlocal can support you with your gifting needs whatever the occasion. Local and UK Delivery. Find out more at www.boxlocal.co.uk

OUR STORY Kate, a mum of two, started the business in 2018 from her garage, packing each box herself. With Kate’s sister Bethan joining in 2021, their vision of a local gifting company has now become a reality, and today Boxlocal is an established online brand with a growing, high-quality client base base. Boxlocal remains true to its roots and is still extremely flexible and agile in its offerings, from personalised birthday gifts to large corporate event boxes and everything in between.“We’ve experienced fantastic growth in demand for our bespoke gift boxes, and 2020 saw Boxlocal’s busiest year yet. What we love most is the feedback we get from our customers, telling us we’ve made someone’s day. What excites us hugely is the future of Boxlocal; we feel we’ve created something special, and with growing demand for our unique gifts, we can’t wait to see what 2021 holds for us!”

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MEET THE

AGENCY They’re the campaign-builders, the event-promoters, the brand-creators, the marketing gurus and the digital ninjas – but which one is the perfect partner for your business?

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KELLY PEPWORTH

What sets you apart from other agencies? At Loom we think of ourselves as an extension of our clients’ business. We fully integrate ourselves into their business, taking on their goals as our own and actively building strong, long-term relationships. Which clients are you currently working with? We’re lucky to work with a diverse range of clients across B2B and B2C and a wide range of sectors. Some really exciting new businesses have chosen us to run their digital marketing this year, including an increase in eCommerce businesses keen to build on their digital channels. Why did you get into agency work? I love the variation. No day is the same. There are always new puzzles to solve and new businesses and markets to learn about. It is challenging and rewarding in equal measure. What do you find most rewarding about your role? I love seeing the tangible impact of our work on businesses. More sales or leads is just the start. We see businesses outgrow office space, exceed targets year on year, win awards, and create highly successful businesses that the owners are proud of. Why should a business utilise your services? One simple reason is that we care. We choose very carefully which businesses we work with, but once we find a good fit we do everything we can to make the digital activity a success. We get enormous satisfaction from seeing businesses succeed and grow and we feel so proud to be a part of that journey.

What sets you apart from other agencies? The passion and determination of the Speed team to make a difference. I know I’m biased, but they do put their all into every piece of content, every creative idea, every campaign. They are truly committed to the success of their clients. Which clients are you working with at the moment? We have some great clients right now, including Department for International Trade, BRITA, sk:n and Barclaycard. Our client list is varied, with business and consumer-focused clients, from market leaders and challenger brands to entrepreneurial start-ups. How has your industry changed in the last 10 years? The rise of digital media has made a huge difference to the way brands and businesses engage. Media relations and brilliant storytelling is still at the heart of Speed, but the variety of comms channels and content formats we deploy is now so diverse – it’s a really exciting time to be working in the sector. Why should a business utilise your services? Every business engages with people, whether recruiting, selling, educating or inspiring them. The best way to connect with your audiences is to build a great story around your brand. PR is the most effective way to do that. What is the oddest thing you have done in your role? I once helped a mermaid across London Bridge for a photoshoot.

LOOM DIGITAL 0117 923 2021; loomdigital.co.uk

SPEED 0117 973 3300 speedcommunications.com

Tommy Pearson

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MARTIN POWELL EMPICA 01275 394400 empica.com

What sets you apart from other agencies? We stick to what we’re good at. We help businesses and other organisations to achieve their ambitions through great PR and effective, well-structured communications. Which clients are you working with at the moment? We’ve been in business for over 30 years. Bristol is our home; most of our clients are based in the South West, but many have national and international operations or aspirations. They range from lawyers, accountants and property professionals to schools and charities. Our newest client is the College of Paramedics, which is based in Bridgwater, and represents more than 20,000 students and paramedics across the UK. What is the most challenging brief you have faced? We are crisis specialists, handling the media when things go wrong. Challenges have included supporting businesses through the announcement of mass redundancies, dealing

with national coverage of a major fire that destroyed a business and many incidents involving deaths and serious accidents. Helping to take the media pressure off management teams is rewarding. What bespoke services do you offer clients? We provide tailored media training and crisis training courses for management teams and we have in-house video production alongside our experienced writers. Tell us something we may not know about you Empica looked after the global publicity for the world’s first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, for more than 20 years with coverage on four continents, and is regarded as a world-leading PR expert for clients in the fertility sector. Why should a business utilise your services? We will care as passionately about your business as you do, and work hard alongside you to help you achieve your goals.

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PHIL ROBINSON

What sets you apart from other agencies? Working with clients we love on projects we believe in! We’re inventive, disruptive and connected. Which clients are you working with at the moment? Our big campaign right now is the Bristol City Centre BID #LoveBristol campaign, as well as the Where’s It To? high street campaign, celebrating shopping locally! We’ve also just opened Leonardo Hotel Bristol Glassfields, a new kid on the block on Temple Way. What is the most challenging brief you have faced? Helping bring people back to the city centre with confidence last summer was a pretty epic brief but the #BristolTogether campaign was definitely a career highlight for many of us in the team. What do you find most rewarding about your role? Shining a light on incredible businesses in the culture sector, building communities and making people smile. Why should a business utilise your services? We’re incredibly results-driven and truly integrated. We don’t stop until we’ve achieved your vision. We’re specialist in culture, community and technology so if you’re in those worlds we’d love to hear from you! What is the oddest thing you have done in your role? How long have you got? Organised for some Invisible Circus performers to jump out of a giant cake in Amsterdam? Become BBQ judges alongside Grace Dent (who is now vegan BTW!)?

What sets you apart from other agencies? Three things – ability, attitude and ambition. From great client service, copywriting and design, through to cutting-edge digital capabilities. We have the ability to do everything in-house. We also have an attitude that anything is possible – we won’t be limited by the size and scale of a challenge. And our ambition to achieve more for and with our clients is irrepressible. Why should a business utilise your services? We listen, we understand and we work together to achieve our clients’ objectives. Because we have the full range of marketing services in-house, we’re that rare commodity – an agency that really is a one-stop shop of disciplines, keeping costs down and quality up. And we’re a nice bunch of people – it’s always our aim to make every project enjoyable. What bespoke services do you offer clients? Because every client has unique needs, everything we do is bespoke. Whether it’s brand development, marketing strategy, web build, design, writing or any of the services we provide, there’s no one-size-fits-all or off-the-shelf option. How has the pandemic changed the way you work? We’ve long been used to working in an agile, fastpaced world, but the pandemic has only amplified that. We’ve become even more responsive and proactive in meeting our clients’ needs, and found new ways of applying the advantages of digital marketing that haven’t just ensured business continuity, they’ve actually helped our clients thrive.

PLASTER 0117 953 0320; www.weareplaster.com

ANDREA SEXTON

ADMIRE PR LTD 07887 997922; admire-pr.com What sets you apart from other agencies? We are a team of curious, thoughtful and talented individuals who wholeheartedly adore public relations. We live and breathe our work. Our clients are our stars, and we like to keep in the background as their cheerleaders. We are completely transparent with our pricing, and in fact have listed it on our website. Which clients are you working with at the moment?

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PROCTOR + STEVENSON 0117 923 2282; proctors.co.uk

The Plaster Cast

Phil Robinson

One of our policies is not to trade on the name of our clients. We work with many Bristol- and South West-based companies and individuals, and enjoy being part of their marketing function, keeping them front of mind and helping them to grow their businesses. How has your industry changed in the last 10 years? Well the onset of digital is an obvious one. In many respects, PR remains the same as it did when I started out over 15 years ago. For people, by people, and that will always stand. Now we have more channels to work with and that is exciting – plus I don’t need to make press reports with scissors and glue any more! Why did you get into agency work? In my previous career I was a professional athlete and I did my own press and sponsorship. I got into brand management for a sports clothing company to help fund my sport and realised that PR was my ‘thing’. I’ve not looked back since. What is the most challenging brief you have faced? Oh I wish I could talk about it – I’m still on the NDA. I adore a challenge, especially when there are multiple stakeholders involved. What is most rewarding about your role? Seeing our clients in the press is always, without fail, the best feeling. We want them to succeed and

adore it. I’m well-known for my office happy dance! What is the oddest thing you have done in your role? I honestly should write a book about this. The stories I have! I was once a human signpost at an event at East of England showground when I ran the press office. Weird moment indeed. What bespoke services do you offer clients? Every project is unique, so in that respect everything we do is bespoke. One of the best ways to start with us is to book the Ignite session where we do a deep dive into the client’s business and marketing strategy and come up with ways where PR can integrate and add value. What does your industry mean to you? In simple terms, I love it. Every day I get up excited to work for our clients. I feel so very grateful to be able to say that. One of my huge passions is bringing young people into PR, and that’s why I mentor several young people and also offer internships and apprenticeships. How has the pandemic changed the way that you work? We are all remote now, and as a team we love it. Obviously it comes with its challenges, but we are enjoying creating a new vibe and way of working together. And they don’t get to hear me sing so much, so I think on the whole the team think it’s a blessing…..

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS BUILDING MOMENTUM

Calling all entrepreneurs…

ristol is one of the most innovative cities in the UK, and a major hub for start-ups. Stand by, then for EntreConf – a new virtual conference for entrepreneurs, held on 1 July. The event seeks to inspire start-ups and scale-ups with some powerful insights, and to link them with key advisers and partners. Seven big name sponsors have already signed up, and an innovative tickets scheme is in place (you’d expect no less, given the nature of the conference). “Our sponsors are gifting tickets to entrepreneurs,” says event organiser Claudia

Butler of MediaClash, publisher of Bristol Life. “It means that many will be able to access this compelling content for free – and develop crucial partnerships.” The ﬁrst tranche of sponsors features Bath Spa University, law ﬁrms Bevan Brittan and Burges Salmon, Swiss private bank Lombard Odier, technology companies Rocketmakers and Storm Consultancy and the University of Bath’s School of Management. Further sponsorships are available, including opportunities to sponsor a special entrepreneurs’ dinner in real life in the autumn; for details, contact annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk For more entreconf.com

And from one new event to one now embedded in the local calendar, the Bristol Property Awards, which now has a 2022 launch date of 8 June, when nominations open. Bristol teems with clever property companies shaping the city’s destiny. Designed to celebrate this dynamic sector, the Awards cover every aspect of property, from residential to commercial, from lettings to new builds, civic buildings to bold reimaginings. Here’s what Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees had to say about it all back in 2019. “I welcome these awards, which focus attention on all aspects of the Bristol property scene, celebrating successes in the city. I am especially pleased that there are categories that recognise the role property companies play within the community, including the provision of much-needed social housing, and awards that highlight the importance of environmental and sustainable initiatives.” The Bristol Property Awards is the largest gathering of property professionals in the city. To discuss how sponsorship might beneﬁt your business, talk to harriette.dixon@mediaclash. co.uk or neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk For more bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

Bristol bounces back

The nominations for this year’s Bristol Life Awards exuded optimism and positivity . . .

ig thanks to everyone who tuned in to our Grand Reveal Day on 28 April, when we announced the shortlist for this year’s Awards; if you missed it, you can still watch the recorded event on YouTube. We learned that a record 413 businesses had nominated, from sectors right across the city: from retailers to restaurants, culture to charity, health to hospitality, legal to leisure. Taken together, they provide a fascinating snapshot of Bristol business, from the smallest indies to the largest corporates. We also learned that despite all the obstacles and worries borne on the wings of Covid, all sectors are coming back with optimism and determination. SPONSORSHIPS For remaining options, please contact harriette.dixon @mediaclash.co.uk or neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk FINALISTS See our website for the full list TICKETS Please join the waiting list via our website to be the first to know when tickets are on sale.

As one business put it, “This time has cemented the friendships within our team and proved to us all the loyalty and commitment between us. We’ve all forged deeper friendships with our clients, too, which will be long-lasting. We’ve learned a lot – and we now look forward with positivity and strength.” Next, it’s over to our impeccably impartial panel of judges; details to be announced shortly. In the meantime, get 16 September in your diary, when the winners will be revealed at this year’s Awards ceremony at Ashton Gate. We can’t wait to welcome you in all your finery to the most hotly anticipated and most glamorous business event in the city. For more: bristollifeawards.co.uk; @BristolLifeAwds

AWARDS The Bristol Life Awards ceremony will be held on 16 September 2021. Nothing beats being there… SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for all updates SPONSORS We thank our sponsors so far on board for 2021, led from the front by our headline sponsor,

Marsh Commercial. Our category sponsors are: Anderson Financial Management, British Corner Shop, Brunel Insurance Brokers, Burston Cook, CMC Marquees, Curo, SLX, Spaces, Thatchers, Total Produce and VWV; and of course, Bristol Life itself. Our feature sponsor is Triangle Networks, and our silver sponsors are Clarke Willmott & Proctor + Stevenson.

“I just wanted to say how much I, and everyone around me, enjoyed the night. It was a fantastically well organised evening with a great atmosphere; we were, however, very surprised to win.” Martin Bisp – Empire Fighting Chance

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS: A HISTORY...

As this is our 300th issue, here’s a quick reminder of how it all began. The first Awards were held in 2017. Having looked at several possible venues, we finally decided to create our own: a massive tent in Lloyd’s Amphitheatre, built by Clifton Marquees – the biggest of its kind ever seen in the city. Tickets still sold out. We repeated the trick in 2018 and 2019, building a larger marquee each time. One starry stand-up host succeeded another, from Mark Watson to John Robins, while entertainment ranged from a set by the Bristol Reggae Orchestra to Jody Thomas spraying the Suspension Bridge on canvas. In 2020, unable to host a live event, we took the whole thing online. Despite the inevitable rough-and-ready nature of Zoom, it was a heartwarming event, as people accepted awards from their own homes, surrounded by partners, kids and dogs; some dressed up, others were in onesies. This time, we didn’t judge. And now, in September 2021, we’ll be back with a fully live ceremony at Ashton Gate. Tickets invariably sell out quicker than Harts’ mince-pies on Christmas Eve, so we strongly suggest you head to the website and join the waiting list pronto.

THOU ACCELE R THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN

The Conference for Entrepreneurs is open to join: insights, inspiration, advice

UGHT E RATORS ENTRECONF: AT-A-GLANCE Virtual conference July 1, dinner IRL autumn Thought leaders: NewBusiness approach Kinetic thinking: entrepreneurs’ wisdom and learnings Practical: advice, support from leading professionals The EntreLeague: coolest start-ups revealed Partnerships: from angels to marketers and best tech Plus: keynotes, presentations, round tables, interviews

REGISTER ON SITE Unique ticket approach: Sponsors gift you tickets First tranche of tickets available now More sponsors, more gifted tickets Once gone, either Waiting List or pay Join us on July 1…

OUR SPONSORS, CURRENTLY:

CONTENT: claudia.butler@mediaclash.co.uk

COMMERCIAL: annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

CONCEPT: greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk SITE: EntreConf.com Register now for July 1

SPONSORED CONTENT

PLANNING AHEAD Amy Nunn, Associate at INCE METCALFES, outlines how to safeguard your family home with a life interest trust

hen the need for care arises, many couples are concerned about funding long-term care and having to sell their property to meet care home fees. Individuals with a capital of more than £23,250 are expected to fund their own care with no contribution from the local authorities. Amy Nunn, Associate in our private client team, explains how setting up a life interest trust can safeguard your most valuable asset: your family home.

WHAT IS A LIFE INTEREST TRUST? A life interest trust is a type of trust commonly used for care fee-planning, and in cases where there are children from multiple relationships. It is mostly used by couples to protect assets held in trust, such as a share in the family home. This trust is often incorporated in a couple’s wills and enables a couple to ensure that in the event of one of their deaths, their share of the family property will be held in trust for the benefit of the survivor. For this to apply the residence must be owned as ‘tenants in common’.

HOW DO THEY WORK? By having a life interest trust in the will, on the first death, the assets will be protected and will not be taken into account by the local authorities

when assessing the survivor’s capital for care funding. If the survivor later had to go into care, the survivor’s own share of the property will be used to fund their care while the other half will be protected in trust. In addition, it is possible to draft the life interest trust in a flexible way so that on the first death, the survivor has the right to remain in the property for their lifetime. At the end of the trust period, the property could pass to the chosen beneficiaries under the will, which could be the children. The life interest trust can also apply to other properties if the survivor decides to move to a smaller property, also known as downsizing. Trustees will need to be appointed to administer and deal with the trust. It is important to choose your trustees carefully as trustees must act unanimously.

invested to produce an income for the survivor if they are unable to live in the property.

HOW CAN WE HELP? Our private client department offers wills, probate, tax and trusts services, including making a will, creation of trusts, lasting powers of attorneys and inheritance tax planning. We specialise in preparing life interest trusts for our clients to meet their particular needs. We can review the way your property is owned and sever your joint tenancy if necessary. If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact us. We offer a 30-minute free consultation, and we will be pleased to discuss your personal and financial circumstances with you so that we can provide you with the best advice. ■

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A LIFE INTEREST TRUST? Life interest trusts can meet your specific needs and circumstances. For example, additional clauses can be included to provide more flexibility and protection, such as a power to authorise the trustees to purchase another property, to invest the surplus of the deceased’s share for the survivors benefit, to advance or lend capital to the survivor and for the deceased’s share of the proceeds of sale to be

Visit incemetcalfes.com for more information. Call 0117 911 2579 to have an initial conversation.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

L-R: Debora Farrell, Kristian Sultana, Alexandra Wood, Simon Fox, Mark Saunders, Ella Johnston

THE PROFESSIONALS Local property law firm INSIGHT LAW continues to experience a period of growth despite economic uncertainties in the wake of Covid

nsight Law, a specialist property law firm with offices in Bristol and Cardiff have welcomed five new members of staff to their team since the beginning of the year, in the first step of the firm’s ambitious plans for 2021. These professionals have been brought in to assist the ever-growing workload across the three separate and specialist property teams, aiming to keep their client service levels high and turnaround time swift, especially in light of the SDLT incentive deadline coming to an end in June 2021. The firm, which was founded in 2012, operates as a specialist property only law firm, meaning their sole focus is on the legal aspect of property transactions, making them true experts in the field. They provide expert property advice in three niche areas within this market, namely in residential property, commercial property and buy-to-let/investment property, with a dedicated team of professionals for each. The firm’s slogan – ‘We talk property’ – serves as a constant reminder of how the firm is operated: client-centric with an emphasis on providing exceptional communication with clients, agents, brokers and other third parties. 2020 was turbulent and challenging in many ways, however, where many businesses initially struggled to cope with the changes forced 116 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

upon businesses by the Covid pandemic and consequent government regulations, Insight Law was already well prepared and was able to quickly adapt to the new circumstances and continue operating. Like most businesses, Insight Law’s staff had to adjust to working from home as offices were forced to shut. The firm’s management acted quickly, investing in new telephone systems, case management software and offering its staff a work-from-home allowance. After a productive end to 2020 and an excellent first quarter in 2021, Insight Law looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that will present themselves in the coming months and believes with the new staff that have joined the firm and the continued dedication, resilience and commitment of the firm’s existing staff members, they are well placed for a productive and profitable year ahead. ”The management team at Insight Law and I have been absolutely delighted by the response of the staff to the difficulties we all experienced in 2020,” said Managing Director Simon Fox. “Throughout various lockdowns and restrictions, the staff showed great resilience and dedication to cope with the situation and to ensure that clients’ transactions continued uninterrupted. Everyone really pulled together, so credit where it’s due! We have had an extremely busy start to 2021 and that seems to be continuing

at the moment. As a result, we are hopeful of a profitable year of trading despite the uncertainties that still exist. I have no doubt the new staff that have joined the firm will continue the good work looking after our clients and seeing their transactions through to the end.” ■

Why should you appoint Insight Law to work on your property transaction? Insight Law’s specialist property teams based in Bristol & Cardiff are part of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme, so you can rest assured the teams are highly-skilled and focussed on client care. - Experienced & fully-qualified staff - Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority - Accredited by The Law Society - Bespoke service - Fixed-fee with no hidden extras 0117 925 6257 (Bristol) 02920 093 600 (Cardiff) insight-law.co.uk

WE DO FAR MORE THAN JUST FILE YOUR ACCOUNTS A PRACTICE OF CHARTERED MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS TO HELP YOU TO MANAGE YOUR BUSINESS ALL YEAR ROUND… NOT JUST AT YEAR END

evansentwistle.co.uk 432 Gloucester Road, Bristol BS7 8TX t: 011 924 7767 e: mail@evansentwistle.co.uk Accou nt a n cy | C o rp o ra t e F in a nc e | Tax ati o n | B usi n ess Ad vi so r y | Pr i vate Cl ie nts

Known as one of the best family law teams in Bristol. Call us for personal and expert advice in respect of your situation and we promise to do everything we can, to get the right outcome for you.

Mark Sage

Elizabeth Bruce

Ashley Palminteri

Ofﬁce: 0117 989 7963 Mobile: 07748 810354

Ofﬁce: 0117 989 7970 Mobile: 07769 224502

Ofﬁce: 0117 989 7960 Mobile: 07702 308635

Telephone: 0117 925 9539 | Please quote ‘BristolLife’ when calling | www.thefamilylawpractice.co.uk

Mode is a consultancy offering project management and cost consultancy services within the construction industry. With over 30 years in the construction industry, Gary Fisher set up Mode with a view to offering both project management and cost consultancy services in a better way for our clients. We work with our clients, not for them and live and breathe their issues every day 24/7, setting up processes and systems for each and every one of our clients. At Mode we have always had a different approach to consultancy and that is why our marketing slogan is #bethebluefish. We work with our clients, working from site, offices, wherever we are required and from this gain a real understanding of our clients day to day issues.

07581189083 ● modeconsult.com ● garyfisher@modeconsult.com

PROPERTY A PL ACE TO C ALL HOME

Bristol's changing rapidly, with whole new communities starting to appear, north, south, east and west of the city . . .

HANGAR MANAGEMENT

The first homes have been released for sale at The Hangar District, the first phase of the massive Brabazon development in Filton, with some apartments costing less than £200k. Just like the pioneering airplanes that were formerly built on this site, this new community is designed to be different. "Built of solid red brick by award-winning architects, the houses are spacious, warm and welcoming," they say. "With the historic Hangar 16U reborn as its local, social hub on the edge of Brabazon Park, The Hangar District is set to become one of the best areas to live in Bristol.” For more brabazon.co.uk

The central Brabazon area could look a lot like this . . .

ALL ABOUT THE BASE

PROGRESSIVE METAL One of the few remaining undeveloped sites on Harbourside, the former HQ of metal merchants McArthur on Gas Ferry Road has been acquired by Guinness Homes, who plan to start building 142 high-quality one- to threebedroom apartments along with commercial space this summer. The name of the new development is McArthur's Yard – no jokes about cakes being left out in the rain, if you please. Register at guinnesshomes.co.uk

First Base has secured planning consent for the £175m Soapworks development on the site of the old Gardiner Haskins warehouse. The mixed-use proposals are designed to drive Bristol’s post-Covid recovery, delivering future-proofed and flexible modern workspaces, affordable homes and a vibrant food and drink offering close to the city centre. The Grade-II 1860s soap factory will undergo a sensitive restoration, with two new buildings, a public square, new pedestrian routes and Bristol’s first purpose-built food hall. “Soapworks will be a live, work and play neighbourhood, supporting people and the planet with a new ecology of independent retailers, food operators and cafés, as well as cultural uses, to attract and retain talent in the city centre,” says First Base project director Lucinda Mitchell. Soapworks will also support Bristol’s One City plan and climate strategy by revitalising an underused brownfield site, supporting active travel and utilising 100% renewable energy. The project will deliver over £200 million of social value, including local employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities. First Base has also committed to the Bristol Property Inclusion Charter, which pledges to support women, LGBT+, BAME and other groups under-represented in the construction sector. For more firstbase.com

hen this magazine launched in 2004 there was a property on the cover. There was one on the next cover, too. And on the following 192. Inside, a sizeable chunk of the pages were given over to – yes! – property. Flicking through, you get the sneaking suspicion that the lifestyle features were a little tokenistic. What can we say? This was the noughties, when house prices and school catchments were all the chattering classes ever chattered about. We even called the magazine Clifton Life, because back then, Clifton really was the place where everyone aspired to live. However, as you trace the history of this magazine, a gradual shift emerges. Not only in the way that we’ve broadened our arts, food and shopping focus, but in the variety of homes and postcodes we feature. We still love a Clifton classic, but the likes of waterfront apartments and heritage redevelopments have become increasingly sought-after, some of them carrying price tags that rival homes in the rarefied heights of BS8. We could easily devote this whole issue to the outstanding properties we’ve featured down the years – maybe one day we’ll be crazy enough to do just that. In the meantime, here are some of the best we’ve ever featured, from Georgian town houses to Harbourside newbuilds to country piles.

STONE LOVE

Hot harbourside homes. Lush loft conversions. Georgian gems, and rad regenerations: we’ve featured them all, over the past 300 issues…

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BEST PROPERTIES THE GARDENS THAT CAME WITH A HOUSE… Sometimes, it’s the outdoor space that seals the deal

5 3

RAYNE THATCH Featured in 2004: price £1.5m An enchanting Edwardian lodge, originally designed as a party retreat for a scion of the Wills family. The killer USP, though, was the series of bathing pools and cascades in the garden, with rustic arches, gorges and grottoes, fit for a pre-Raphaelite nymph.

HANHAM COURT Featured in 2011: price £2.5m True gardeners would have coveted this property even if the house had been a rickety lean-to. As it was, Hanham Court, with its Norman origins, was at least as grand and beautiful as its grounds.

THE CLIFTON CLASSICS

Whether it’s the mellow glow of limestone or pretty pastel stucco, we’re a sucker for a bit of Georgiana

TRAFALGAR HOUSE Featured in 2004: price tag £1.85m The cover of our first issue: a Regency mansion with Tuscan touches and palatial proportions. Interest was sky-high – quite literally, with some potential buyers arriving by helicopter. The house recently starred in Poldark, pretending to be George Warleggan’s London pad.

PRINCE’S COTTAGE Featured in 2005; price tag £1.1m “A home of such singular loveliness that it stops you in your tracks,” we raved after visiting Prince’s Cottage, originally designed by William Paty. Some cottage! It stands at the entrance to The Paragon, our cover star last issue.

ROYAL YORK CRESCENT Featured in 2012: price tag £2.25m Number 7 was a rarity, being a complete house on this prestigious row, and along with the views, the Georgian proportions, etc etc, had one of the most gracious refurbishments we’ve seen.

SION HILL Featured in 2014: price tag £2.35m It was the white stucco and jaunty striped canopies of Sion Hill that did it for us, reminding us of Cecil Beaton’s black-and-white sequence from My Fair Lady: “If Audrey Hepburn’s hat was a house, it would be this one,” we mused whimsically at the time.

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BEST PROPERTIES THE RURAL RETREATS

It would be difficult to tempt us away from the city. Difficult, but not impossible . . .

PIERS COURT Featured in 2005: price tag £2.75m We’d have lusted after this dolls’ house of a home even if it hadn’t once belonged to Evelyn Waugh, who bought it for £2k in 1936. Its blissfully serene facade belies the fact that it had a colourful time of it during the Civil War.

THE LAKE HOUSE Featured in 2019: price tag £1.395m Built in the 1960s, remodelled in 2101, this long, timber-clad house exuded log-cabin Scandi vibes; but it was the spectacular rural view down to Blagdon Water that sealed the deal for us.

10 THE GRAND DESIGNS

We’ve admired many a multi-million new build, from chi-chi suburbs such as Sneyd Park to more central areas of the city

THE BLUE HOUSE Featured in 2012: price tag £1.695m The Blue House on Mariner’s Drive had its credentials sealed as a modern architectural marvel when Kevin McCloud featured it on Grand Designs.

WEST END Featured in 2020: price tag £1.5m This 1991 architect’s home in Kingsdown was a little bit Modernist, a little bit Brutalist, and wholly contemporary; we gushed over its Crittal windows and cast-concrete features, and stuck it on the cover.

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WATERSIDE LIVING

By the late noughties, a new wave of upmarket new homes made living on the harbour a seriously sexy proposition. In recent years we’ve featured Acorn’s Brandon Yard, City & Country’s reimagining of The General, Generator South West’s Huller & Cheese, Cubex’s Finzel’s Reach – and, of course:

WAPPING WHARF Featured several times between 2019-2020: prices from £255k If we had a Bristol Pound for every time we’ve fantasised about owning one of Umberslade’s Wapping Wharf penthouses, and being able to eat out at a different Cargo restaurant every night, we could probably afford to buy one of the damn penthouses.

14 OTHER COOL URBAN HOMES

And it’s not just down at the waterfront that fabulous contemporary apartments were springing up…

PAINTWORKS Featured in 2017: prices from £238k So much more than a cluster of homes, Paintworks describes itself as ‘a creative quarter that offers a fresh, exciting, collaborative way of living’ – and that was even before it got its hands on the Martin Parr Foundation, the RPS and those darling little Airstream cafés . . .

ELECTRICITY HOUSE Featured in 2018: penthouse flat, price tag £1.15m From the Art Deco curves to the panoramic views and immaculate décor, this top-floor apartment in the bullnose of the building is one of the sexiest apartment we’ve ever featured.

DIVINE CONVERSIONS

Deconsecrated churches, redundant barns, old schoolhouses: in 17 years of property showcases, we’ve had ’em all.

THE TYTHE BARN Featured in 2017: price tag £1.5m Not a sliver of cottagecore tweeness to be found in this Norton Malreward home, which won awards for its design quality. n

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THE RETURN OF OPEN-AIR GIGS In 2014, a series of gigs returned to Lloyd’s; now called Bristol Sounds, they’ve been an almostannual event ever since. In 2016, Crosstown and Team Love also introduced the Downs Festival, which brings international A-listers to the city. Bristol Life highlight: Standing in torrential rain on The Downs as the opening notes of Unfinished Sympathy drifted across the crowd.

THE WORLD PREMIÈRE OF MARY POPPINS

Thanks to Cameron Mackintosh’s Bristol links, the world première of this massive revival launched at the Hippodrome in 2004, with an unforgettably OTT afterparty at Zero Degrees. Bristol Life highlight: Meeting legendary composer Richard Sherman, whose classic Disney songs are woven into all our childhoods.

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES (COME ON!)

THE BANKSY EFFECT

In 2009, the Banksy v Bristol Museum takeover had visitors queuing all the way up Park Street. “Bristol has always been very good to me. I decided the best way to show my appreciation was by putting a bunch of old toilets and some live chicken nuggets in their museum,” he said. Bristol Life highlight: Bansky incorporated a copy of this magazine in the burnt-out ice-cream van that took centre stage. We decided not to over-dwell on the significance of this fact.

DISMALAND

In the summer of 2015, Bansky opened his twisted ‘bemusement park unsuitable for children’ at The Tropicana at Westonsuper-Mare; that wonky end-of-the-pier organ music will stay with us forever. After it closed, the building materials were recycled into shelters for homeless migrants, while “the specially trained surly and unhelpful staff were relocated to Virgin customer services.” Bristol Life highlight: Jimmy Cauty’s dystopian model town.

Just a few of the fun, inspiring things we’ve seen and written about in the past 300 issues, with a few highlights of our own

EVERYTHING EVER CREATED BY LUKE JERRAM

EVERYTHING AARDMAN HAS EVER DONE (BUT ESPECIALLY THIS MORPH)

In 2005, we went behind the scenes of The Curse of the Were Rabbit. “Some people were in charge of vegetables for two years,” they told us. “Others just do eyes. They do start to crack, after a while…” Bristol Life highlight: Peter Lord made us a special Morph for our 250th issue.

THE GROMIT AND SHAUN ART TRAILS

UPFEST

Founded in 2008 to allow a group of like-minded artists to get together for a day of painting; now the biggest street art festival in Europe. Bristol Life highlight: The 2016 festival gave us one of our all-time favourite covers, by festival artist Gemma Compton.

In 2013, Grand Appeal and Aardman launched their first trail: 80 giant, hand-painted fibreglass Gromits, placed across the city. A Shaun trail followed in 2015, with Gromit Unleashed 2 in 2018. So far, the Grand Appeal has raised over £40m for Bristol Children’s Hospital. Bristol Life highlight: Snapping Paula Bowles’ The Wensleydale Kid in 2018 as we sailed over the Gorge in a hot air balloon. The only thing that would have made this moment more Bristol would have been if we’d swigged cider from a can of Thatcher’s while munching on a Clark’s pie.

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

CARGO

The first shipping containers opened in 2016; today they offer the biggest group of indie shops, restaurants, cafés etc you’ll find anywhere. Bristol Life highlight: The taster tour that ended at Pigsty, where the Jolly Hog Porker Platter threatened a Mr Creosote moment.

From the Palm Temple at Bristol Uni to the Moon floating on Harbourside, Bristol’s multi-disciplinary artist has brought us one delight after another. Bristol Life highlight: Swishing down the waterslide Luke installed on Park Street one sunny day in 2014.

AND THAT’S EVEN WITHOUT MENTIONING... Skins, putting Bristol on the map in 2007 … the launch of M Shed in 2011… all the festivals that have sprung up since we first launched, from Slapstick to Love Saves the Day to Valley Fest to the Light Festival… the Canopy & Stars treehouse at Crane 29 in 2017... the Darth Vader balloon floating over the city in 2019... the launch of Breaking Bread in 2020… the Upfest #BristolTogether hearts... and all the other weird, wonderful, quintessentially Bristol things that have happened in between. It’s never bloody dull round here.