Bristol Life - Issue 302 by MediaClash

ISSUE 302 / JULY 2021 / £3

SEARCH PARTY WE’VE FOUND THE BEST PLACES IN TOWN FOR A KNEES-UP

6 TIPS FOR BETTER EATING!

STRIKE A POSE ISSUE 302 / JULY 2021 / NO. 1 PARTY ANTHEM

JEN REID: ACCIDENTAL PROTESTOR

AND ANOTHER JEN! THE COLOURFUL WORLD OF JENNY URQUHART

HOMEGROWN IT’S ALL CHANGE, UP AT THE TIPIS

COAST DEF

BEACH BUYS’ GREATEST HITS

PIN ME

THE BRISTOL MUSIC MUSEUM IN YOUR POCKET

A-FISH-IONADO HOW TO COOK LIKE MITCH TONKS

THEREʼS PLENTY TO SMILE ABOUT IN BRISTOL THIS MONTH…

EDITOR’S LETTER

It’s your party...

... and we know just where you’re going to be holding it...

e don’t follow a scientific formula when it comes to putting an issue together. It’s mostly a question of seeing interesting stuff, and thinking, “Oh, that’s nice; let’s cover that”. Sometimes we end up with a bit of a theme going on, but mostly we aim for a varied and eclectic bunch of features that neatly hold a mirror up to the city in any given month. That said, we always tend to end up with a strong food element in the mag, and this issue’s no different; we have nine pages of reviews, interviews, recipes and news, along with a six-page special on some of the best places in town to throw a party. Our big interview this month is with ‘accidental activist’ Jen Reid; Colin takes a look at Bristol moments that could have come straight from the movies; Jenny Urquhart proves that it’s really not that difficult to paint Bristol, and our fingers go a-walking on a new location-based digital museum project offering a boxfresh way to discover the local music scene. Oh, and our society pages are back! It makes us happy to see people out again, at launches and other events, so if you happen to be throwing a shindig then do let us know. Finally, the photo on our front cover? We spotted it when we were checking out the new Leonardo Glassfields hotel; in case you don’t recognise those zigzag doors, they’re in front of Bristol Old Vic’s props lock-up down at Spike Island. Hope the summer’s shaping up well for you, and that you’re enjoying all the rainbows – thanks for those, Bristol Council, Bristol BID and the LGBT+ community – and happy Bristol Pride month, all...

DERI ROBINS Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

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Issue 302 / July 2021 COVER NO LAUGHING, NO BARKING: lock-up doors, Spike Island; photo from the Leonardo Glassfields, page 54

EVENTS

10 PARTY FEARS 2 Forgotten how to throw a party?

This lot definitely haven’t

ARTS

20 WHAT’S ON Look, it was all correct at time of going

to press, ’mkay?

24 THE BIG INTERVIEW Accidental activist Jen Reid 28 ART Paint the town red... and blue... maybe yellow... 30 BRISTOL HEROES Bristol: the movie 34 MUSIC The museum in your pocket

FOOD & DRINK

40 RESTAURANT A good deed in a naughty world 42 FOOD NEWS Eat, drink, Bristol-fashion 44 FOOD FOR THOUGHT Ever wanted to eat better? 46 RECIPE It’s only renowned fish-botherer Mitch

Tonks...

49 CAFÉ SOCIETY Beans on North Street 54 HOTEL “The comfiest beds in the UK”

SHOPPING

50 EDITOR’S CHOICE Beach buys greatest hits 53 WINDOW SHOPPING Sink or swim

BUSINESS

65 BRISTOLWORKS White-collar Bristol

PROPERTY

75 PROPERTY NEWS Building the city 77 JACK HEAD Rental sector support (or the lack of it) 80 SHOWCASE A Seawalls box-ticker

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT 9 BRIZZOGRAM 59 SOCIETY 90 BRISTOL LIVES Matt Griffiths

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, Milly Vaughan, Jack Head 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 West Country-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

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

SPOTLIGHT

Festival

FLIGHT CONTROL

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta won’t be holding a big ground event at Ashton Court Estate this year; instead, there’ll be a packed Fiesta Fortnight, with flypasts and ballooning spectaculars. “We’re determined to put a show on for the city, and we’ll deliver a number of launches during the first two weeks of August for everyone to enjoy from the safety of their own homes and communities,” say the organisers. If you’d like to nominate locations you’d like to see the balloons launch from – and already hundreds of suggestions have poured in – head to the admittedly unwieldy forms.office.com/r/nUp8QzfPVP

Music

THE BITCH IS BACK

Tiny dancers of Bristol rejoice: Elton John will be playing Ashton Gate Stadium on 22 June 2022. No, it’s not another tribute act, mercifully; it’s not an outdoor screening of the Rocketman movie. It’s actual, legendary, in-the-flesh Elton, who’s chosen Bristol for the last English date on his final (absolutely, definitely, this time we actually think he means it) world tour. And in case you’re worrying that at the age of 75 Elton might suddenly come over all shy and understated, be reassured. “I’m going to go out in the biggest possible way, performing at my very best, with the most spectacular production I’ve ever had, playing in places that have meant so much to me throughout my career,” he says. The tour, which has been going on since September 2018 (yes, it’s that big), has already won accolades across the world, including the iHeartRadio award for Tour of the Year, Pollstar’s Major Tour of the Year, and Billboard’s Top Rock Tour. Expect a dazzling journey through an incredible career, with never-seen-before photos and videos, and every Elton song you’ve ever loved from the past 50 years. They don’t make them like this any more, so let’s help to see his career out in style. Until the next ‘final ever’ tour announcement, that is. For more EltonJohn.com; ashtongatestadium.co.uk

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Community

PRIDE IN THE CITY

We’re pretty sure we know which corner of the city will win the ‘most instagrammed’ award this month; that’ll be the newly painted puffin crossing on Wine Street, created to celebrate Bristol Pride 2021. The crossing represents the Pride Progress flag, extended beyond the classic six-stripe rainbow with black, brown, light blue, pink and white stripes, to include the trans community and LGBT+ people of colour. It’ll have stiff competition, however, from the rainbow hearts painted on College Green and Castle Park by Upfest, for Bristol City Centre BID, as part of its ongoing #LoveBristol campaign. The #LoveBristol logos in Broadmead are also being turned into rainbows; there’ll also be a special light installation. This year’s Bristol Pride programme runs until 16 July, with the usual smorgasbord of delights from cabaret to comedy, circus, theatre, the dog show and the Queer Vision film festival. The Parade March and Pride Day events will be postponed until later this year. bristolpride.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT AIN’T NO FEST LIKE A HARBOURFEST

Bristol, summer of ‘21. Pride is (mostly) happening. The Balloon Fiesta is (sort of) happening. But Harbourfest can’t. As a small consolation, here are some memories from down the years, from motorised skips to cardboard boats and the world’s smallest tall ship; from Roni Size to DJ Derek, dance and circus, fireworks and light-mapping, and a huge variety of water sports. Oh, and did we mention the boats… ?

@bristolharbourfest

@colinraynerphotography

@neiljamesb

@bristolharbourfest

@bristollifemag

@bristolharbourfest

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PARTY FEARS 2

PARTIES

Worried that you’ve forgotten how to throw a party? Fear not! Bristol has a heady selection of venues and events planners poised to make it all happen, whether it’s a big family celebration, a corporate bash or an afterwork jolly. (Whisper it quietly: we’re even getting press releases about Christmas parties . . .)

“In Old City you have the decadent speakeasy glamour of Milk Thistle, while in Bedminster, Rope Walk brings the street art vibes”

arties. Remember those? People you love/like/have to work with, all gathered in the same place to eat, drink, chat and boogie on down. There’s a real sense of people wanting to make up for lost time at the moment, so if we were you, and you have a big event looming, we’d book a venue up sharpish, whether it’s the speakeasy glamour of Milk Thistle, street-art vibey Rope Walk, the Mittel-European glamour of Klosterhaus, or . . .

and also doubles as a meeting space, with a projector screen, for up to 12. The heated stretch tent fits up to 50 guests. What’s on the menu? Casual dining, from wraps, burgers and pizzas to daily specials. Extensive cocktails list. Where’s it to? Paintworks Central Trading Estate (Bocabar Paintworks); 1 Hawkins Lane (Bocabar Finzels); bristol.bocabar.co.uk

BAMBALAN

The tipi village can now be hired for your very own shindig Sum up the vibe… It’s like having your own private festival, catered by top chefs – Josh Eggleton of The Pony and Trap, Ben and Joe Harvey of Bianchis – combined with drinks from The Pipe and Slippers and The Love Inn. The Pergola has a stage, audio and lighting rig for gigs and performances, as well as meetings, conferences and presentations. Team Canteen has its own kitchen and is the perfect choice for supper clubs, food pop-ups, demos and workshops. The Pipe and Lovers is an outdoor pub garden covered by stretch tents, while the Homegrown restaurant comprises four adjoining tipis. How many guests? Between the various options, 30-500. What’s on the menu? Just some of the best food and drink in the city. Where’s it to? The Downs, Stoke Road; breakingbreadbristol.co.uk

City-centre fun times and sunshine food for sharing Sum up the vibe… Friendly and relaxed, with a vibrant interior and one of the best roof terraces in Bristol. Ideal for big groups wanting great food and drinks with the option of DJs and entertainment. How many guests? Indoor space for up to 200, which along with that huge roof terrace brings the overall venue capacity up to 400. What’s on the menu? Woodfired sourdough pizzas, Mediterraneaninspired small plates and sharing-style party menus. Where’s it to? Beacon Tower, Colston Street; bambalan.co.uk

BOCABAR

Both Bocabar Paintworks and Finzels mix the industrial feel of the original buildings with a loungey, chilled-out décor Sum up the vibe… Bocabar Paintworks is housed in a fairylit redbrick warehouse, decked out with vintage tassel lamps and comfy sofas. Bocabar Finzels occupies one of the old Courage fermentation buildings on the waterfront, with rustic wooden tables and stools, velvet drapes and a large, festoon-lit, partly covered outdoor terrace. How many guests? At Paintworks, the dining room can be partitioned off for private parties for up to 75; sofas in the lounge can also be booked for up to 50. At Finzels, a private dining room seats up to 10

BREAKING BREAD

BRISTOL HARBOUR HOTEL

Luxury events space in Bristol’s old quarter Sum up the vibe . . . Occupying one of those grandiose former banks in Old City, the historic building is beautifully decorated and specialises in bespoke events to suit clients’ needs and ideas. How many guests? The cocktail bar fits 10-80; the Sansovino Hall up to 400. The Harbour Kitchen restaurant can be hired for up to 80 guests, and the vaults events room next to the spa is available, too.

PARTIES

left: Festival vibes at The Pergola; above: the clue’s on the wall, just above the stag

What’s on the menu? Five-course banquets featuring local produce; sharing platters, canapés, buffet carts; retro-inspired snacking foods, such as mini-burgers and fish-and-chip cones; afternoon tea, themed cocktails and retro sweets, and plenty more. Where’s it to? 53-55 Corn Street; harbourhotels.co.uk

main attraction, alongside loaded fries, fried chicken and soft shell crab buns and a great selection of vegetarian and vegan sides. Where’s it to? 30 Clare Street; fourwisemonkeysbristol.com

COSY CLUB

Sum up the vibe…The barge has unrivalled views across the harbour to the ss Great Britain – and you’ll never get bored of those sunsets. How many guests? The lower deck is a cosy, wood-lined space for up to 100, while the Hold Bar has a full stage, lighting and PA. A dedicated team is on hand to plan events of all kinds. What’s on the menu? All catering options are as ethically and locally sourced as possible; there’s a fully vegetarian, vegan and seafood-focused menu using ingredients, from their farm in Backwell and organic West Country suppliers. Formal dining, buffets, canapés, late night snacks; Bristol Beer Factory beers, spirits from local distilleries and so on. Where’s it to? Hotwell Road; grainbarge.com

Beautiful Grade-II building in yet another of those grand old former banks in the heart of Old City Sum up the vibe… The opulent interior is a showstopper. Soaring arches, lightwells, walls covered in murals and quirky framed art, chandeliers, taxidermy and vast pot plants; it’s like a time-capsule from a more elegant age. How many guests? The Peacock Room can host 30 standing or 18 seated. The Mezzanine can host 40 people standing, 32 seated. What’s on the menu? Drinks and nibbles or a range of lavish sit-down three-course meal packages. Where’s it to? 31 Corn Street; cosyclub.co.uk

FOUR WISE MONKEYS

Retro-Asian inspired vibes in Old City Sum up the vibe… It’s the perfect alternative party venue, offering Asian-inspired dishes, expertly made cocktails from Hyde & Co’s bartenders and a buzzing atmosphere; ideal for groups really wanting to let their hair down. How many guests? With space for exclusive hire for up to 80 people and space for DJ and entertainment, it’s a great spot for bigger parties. What’s on the menu? A menu of Pan-Asian inspired small dishes that are perfect for sharing. Their famous katsu sando is the

GRAIN BARGE Party ahoy . . .

THE IVY CLIFTON BRASSERIE

Private fine dining in Clifton Village. Sum up the vibe…Another elegant venue in a former bank, the Brasserie has two intimate private dining spaces: the Eastern Room and the Western Room. Brass chandeliers, polished parquet and brassstudded navy leather chairs add to the charm and sophistication. ` How many guests? The Eastern Room seats 12 and 24 standing; the Western Room seats 16 and 32 standing. What’s on the menu? Perfectly executed classics, from chicken Milanese to The Ivy’s shepherd’s pie. Where’s it to? 42-44 Caledonia Place; theivycliftonbrasserie.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 13

PARTIES KLOSTERHAUS

Modern take on a grand Mittel-European café Sum up the vibe… The Grade-I building started life as a Dominican friary in the 1200s, later becoming a Quaker Meeting House in the 1700s. Its original residents and visitors would be hard pushed to recognise the place today, with its fabulously glamorous bar taking centre stage within the soaring double-height main room. How many guests? The intimate private dining room can seat up to 30, while Cutlers Hall seats up to 80 guests or standing parties up to 170. Bakers Hall can seat 60, with receptions up to 110, while the Sunken Terrace, the perfect outdoor spot for alfresco networking events or drinks parties, up to 100. Klosterhaus can be hired in its entirety for up to 260 for a seated or 350 for a standing event. What will we be eating and drinking? Mittel-European classics and German favourites, served by exceptional staff. An extensive curated wine list and specially created cocktails. Where’s it to? The Friary Building, Quakers Friars; klosterhaus.co.uk

MILK THISTLE

Gentleman’s club meets quirky Bristol cool Sum up the vibe… Old-school luxury, exceptional cocktails and great food, in one of the most opulent buildings in Old City.

How many guests? Smaller groups can indulge in private whiskyor spirit-tastings in the secret vault (up to 16) or a private dinner party in the Attic (up to 16). Larger groups can host a cocktail and canapé reception, buffet, or party with DJs in the Lounge (up to 60). The venue can also be hired exclusively, giving groups of up to 120 full rein of the entire four storeys. What’s on the menu? Private dining includes a three course banquet, while smaller groups can choose from a buffet or canapés. Where’s it to? Quay Head House, Colston Avenue; milkthistlebristol.com

THE OX

Stylish steak restaurant and cocktail bar in a basement bank vault (what is it with Bristol and old banks?) in Old City Sum up the vibe… Tucked under the Commercial Rooms, The Ox has classic speakeasy vibes, with Pre-Raphaelite murals on the walls and a serious attitude to steak in the kitchen. How many guests? Exclusive hire for up to 80, or semi-private dining in the Green Room for up to 30; ideal for working lunches or big celebrations. What’s on the menu? The Ox serves some of the best steak in town, though pescetarians, veggies and vegans are catered for too. Where’s it to? The Basement, 43 Corn Street; theoxbristol.com

THE ROPE WALK

Traditional Bedminster pub with street-art murals

Sum up the vibe… Fabulous atmosphere and a warm

welcome. The well-stocked bar offers a good selection of draught beers and homemade food, while two outside spaces have been painted by local street artists. There’s also a formal function room for corporate events. How many guests? The function room can hold up to 50; you can also hire the whole bar and garden areas. What’s on the menu? Homemade tucker using fresh ingredients, for all dietary requirements; they’re a big hit with vegans. Where’s it to? 5 Nelson Parade; ropewalkbristol.co.uk

SMOKE & MIRRORS

City-centre parties and events delivered with a touch of magic Sum up the vibe… A 44-seat boutique theatre with full PA and lighting system, two large TVs and high-speed internet access, state-of-the-art sound system and professional staff. The Smoke & Mirrors Comedy Theatre Bar is the perfect addition to your private party or event, with a wide range of entertainment. How many guests? With seating for 44, and 40+ in the bar area, you can have an intimate personal show or watch comedy as it should be experienced, with full lighting and sound. What’s on the menu? Drinks from cocktails to real ale, as well as an extensive wine list. Stone-baked pizzas with fries, garlic bread etc. Where’s it to? 8 Denmark Street; smokeandmirrorsbar.com

opposite: Izakaya cool at Four Wise Monkeys

top: Dine in the company of nymphs at The Ox right: Klosterhaus – the Quakers wouldn’t

recognise the old place . . .

THE EVENTS PLANNERS

“We focus on the events that most people would attempt to do by themselves and realise (often too late) they should have delegated,” says Luena Holliday of Hip Hip Events. “Whereas many couples will consider hiring support to make their wedding day special, the concept of doing so for other types of events is relatively new in the UK, but is definitely changing fast.” The team are poised to take on birthdays, hen parties, anniversaries, engagements and more; instead of having their own in-house catering, they partner with other top suppliers to deliver the precise type of catering clients require. “This flexibility means we can cover any brief with the same high standards and have the ability to offer whatever you have in mind, from a private chef for a breakfast, an award-winning chef for dinner, grazing boards, sushi chefs for a private masterclass, an Italian party menu, mixologists; you name it – we can deliver.” For more hiphipevents.co.uk

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Weston Lodge Shooting Ground

Est. 1992

Stag & Hen Party? Looking for an exciting action packed corporate activity day out with colleagues or an exciting Stag and Hen day for friends? Just 20 minutes from the centre of Bristol, we are totally dedicated to making your party a memorable one all at a great price! We offer karting on our purpose built track with jumps, and also a Quad trail on our 300cc quads which is open all year round. The Rope Walk has a beautiful function room for corporate events or for larger parties why not hire the whole bar area? Two lovely outside spaces with local artwork adorning all the walls inside and out. We also cater for all events and all our food is homemade and locally sourced.

5 Nelson Parade, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4JA Tel: 01179635124 | Email: ropewalkbristol@gmail.com

www.ropewalkbristol.co.uk

Why not give clay pigeon shooting a go? Whether you are a sure shot or couldn’t hit a barn door, you’ll be expertly taught on our 5 shooting stand layout.

www.westonlodgeshootingground.co.uk

YOUR HAUS AWAY FROM HOME Join us inside the restaurant or come and dine alfresco on one of our terraces. Enjoy a menu of Mittel-European classics and German favourites. Planning an event? We have three stunning private dining rooms which provide the ideal setting for any occasion.

THE FRIARY BUILDING, QUAKERS FRIARS, BROADMEAD, BRISTOL BS1 3DF 0117 452 3111 INFO@KLOSTERHAUS.CO.UK

WHAT’S ON 9 July-9 August 2021 Dates are changing all the time, so check websites before visiting

ART

has positive representation. Tobacco Factory, and online; tobaccofactory.com

JEM SOUTHAM: THE FLOATING HARBOUR Black-and-white images capture the semi-derelict Harbourside in the late 1970s. At Underfall Yard; bristolphotofestival.org

Until 29 August

Ongoing

CHRIS HOARE: GROWING SPACES Chris chronicles Bristol’s allotment community, both official and unofficial, at Royal Fort Gardens; bristolphotofestival.org

Until 15 July

JAY HARPER: PEOPLE Figurative painter Jay focuses on people in works heavily influenced by shape and space. At That Art Gallery; thatartgallery.com

Until 26 July

FRANK BOWLING A major exhibition with one of Britain’s greatest living abstract painters. At Arnolfini, arnolfini.org.uk

Until 7 August

LGBTQ+ FACES OF BRISTOL Photographer Karen Freer’s project to empower the LGBTQ+ community in Bristol, by ensuring that everyone

CHLOE DEWE MATHEWS: THAMES LOG From the source of the Thames to its mouth, capturing a range of rituals and routines at the water’s edge; at Martin Parr Foundation, martinparrfoundation.org UPFEST Over 75 days, 75 walls are being painted by artists on the streets of Bedminster. upfest.co.uk

Until 5 September

VERONICA RYAN: ALONG A SPECTRUM The largest solo exhibition to date by Veronica. spikeisland.org.uk

Until 31 October

VANGUARD Mega street art exhibition at M Shed celebrating the role of Bristol’s creatives in the development of UK street art, with rare works, 1990s archive material and brand-new pieces, too. bristolmuseums.org.uk

Until 3 January

ISLAND LIFE Head to Bristol Museum for this

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fascinating exhibition of photos showing the UK at play, protest and leisure over nearly a century. Also showing: James Barnor’s Ghanaian Modernist, and Lips Touched with Blood by Sarah Waiswa; bristolphotofestival.org IN PROGRESS Solo exhibitions by five innovative photographers working today; Laia Abril, Hoda Afshar, Widline Cadet, Adama Jalloh and Alba Zari. Part of Bristol Photo Fest. At Royal Photographic Society, rps.org

Until 6 January

VAREKI (WHEREVER) RWA tour a selection of vibrant artworks to community venues across Bristol, as a pop-up while the gallery’s closed for refurb; rwa.org.uk

SHOWS Until 10 July

THE THREE SEAGULLS Endurance. It’s not for the fainthearted. Chekhov understood that... Sally Cookson weaves together three seminal takes on The Seagull, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School does the rest. At BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk RUSSELL HOWARD: RESPITE The home boy’s back, and still trying

to make sense of a world that’s spinning out of control. Good luck, Russell love. Venue changed: now at Ashton Gate atgtickets.com

13 July, 25 August

CANDLELIGHT BALLET Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and other balletic works, in an intimate candlelit setting. Magic! At Bristol Museum: feverup.com

13-15 July

HOW TO LIVE A JELLICLE LIFE ... lessons learned from the 2019 ‘hit’ musical CATS, in Awkward Production’s one-man comedic parody. Come along for a silly, queer and unquestionably jellicle time almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

14-17 July

OUR HOUSE: A MADNESS MUSICAL Bristol School of Acting presents one of those shows that strings the plot around tunes from a band. It’s set in Camden 1984, so no prizes for guessing which. redgravetheatre.com

15-17 July

THE STORY OF GUTS A dark fantasy tale that plays by its own logic and tugs at the heart; from BOV’s newest cohort of

WHAT’S ON

OPPOSITE PAGE: There was no social distancing back in 2018, but Summer Street Party by Clementine Schneidermann and Charlotte James looks weirdly prescient at Island Life THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Positive representation of LGBT+ Bristol at the Tobacco Factory; this Craft Beer Fest guest is definitely going to need a bigger glass; Chase + Status make tracks to Greville Smyth

young theatre-makers from Made in Bristol; bristololdvic.org.uk A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Confused couples compete for the wrong person’s aﬀection. Competitive performers try to steal the show. Combative fairies battle for supremacy. Two actors play them all. It can only be Out of Chaos, back at TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

16-17 July

THE CURSE OF THE SAPPHIRE BLADE Two bounty hunters, a mercenary, a pixie and a living legend, what could possibly go wrong? Black Dog Productions reveal all in their latest fantasy romp; at Alama Tavern, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

24 July

GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS An all female-show at St George’s celebrates 10 years of a collective that empowers women in music; ft. Beth Rowley; Eliza Shaddad a Scottish-Sudanese ethereal grunger; Isolde’s Murmuration Choir and Samantha Lindo. wearegirlsgirlsgirls.com

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 new The Mansion Through

Time: At Home With The Smyths at Ashton Court; check website for full list and times. Good fun. showofstrength.org.uk ROCK’N’ROLL WALKING TOUR (SUNDAYS) 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

Until 16 July

BRISTOL PRIDE Two weeks of LGBT+ favourites including Pride Night + the oﬃcial afterparty at O2 Academy, the Dog Show, a drag Cabaret Night featuring queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Comedy Night, Circus Night, Theatre Night and Queer Vision Film Festival. The March and Pride Day events have now been postponed; bristolpride.co.uk

17 July-1August

FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY Both digital and on the ground archaeological events designed to help you unleash your inner Indiana Jones. archaeologyuk.org

18 July

GREAT WESTON RIDE Two-wheels good, as the annual

acclaimed Ride set oﬀ from Bristol to WSM. Eight diﬀerent routes available; greatwestonride.com

24-25 July

international big hitters. Plus local food outlets and live music from the ﬁnest local DJs; bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

LAKOTA’S SUMMER OF LOVE Get ready to party like it’s 1992: the club kicks oﬀ summer with a secret rave weekend of disco, house and techno, in some ﬁeld or another; lakota.co.uk

VALLEY FEST The family-friendly, eco-conscious, foodie-heaven fest returns to put the chew in Chew Magna, with Deacon Blue, Texas and Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the main stage. valleyfest.co.uk

GREVILLE SMYTH LIVE Chase + Status run the DJ set on the 24th, Sonny Fodera + Gorgon City present Back to Love on the 25th: a weekend dance party at Greville Smyth Park; grevillesmyth.live

1-15 August

28 July - 1 August

5-8 August

CINEMA REDISCOVERED Watershed’s annual ﬁlm fest showcases new restorations, contemporary classics and ﬁlm print rarities, screened in and around Bristol; watershed.co.uk

30 July-1 August

BRISTOL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL With the world’s ﬁnest beers from local breweries, national and

BRISTOL BALLOON FIESTA Balloons will take to the skies this summer, as part of the inaugural Fiesta Flypast, but no event at Ashton Court. bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk VOLKFEST Bristol’s grass roots VW show and camping weekend returns to Wild Country Lane; bristolvolksfest.co.uk. FILM & FOOD FEST The Bristol leg of the new socially spacious festival: outdoor cinema with classic movies and new releases, stand-up comedy, local street food and short films from regional film makers. filmandfoodfest.com ■

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United Souls, United Goals: street art of Jen by Mr Cenz and Inkie in Stokes Croft, photographed by Steven Stone @stevenjistone

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

SURGE OF POWER

On 7 June 2020, Black Lives Matter protesters in Bristol toppled the statue of slaver Edward Colston and dragged it oﬀ to the river. One woman spontaneously climbed up onto the empty plinth, and struck the iconic Black Power pose. Her name was Jen Reid . . . Words by Greg Ingham Main photo Steven Stone; photo overleaf by Colin Moody www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 25

THE BIG INTERVIEW

en Reid shares a birthday with Edward Colston. Commonality beyond that? Well, other than a Bristol connection, and a certain moment in time on the afternoon of Sunday June 7 2020, not so much. “He was a slave trader, and his statue was replaced by an image of a black woman with her fist raised! This man kidnapped and killed my ancestors…” The raw power of those words resonates. Yet what’s striking about Jen, here and throughout a warm, engaging, witty conversation that was even joyful at times, is that she spoke openly and unguardedly, without rancour, and without any of the inhibition of the recently-prominent who has been subject to social media critiques – her every last motivation for that striking pose second-guessed and sometimes excoriated. Not knowing her then – and not really knowing her now, beyond this, to be honest – I sense that she is not much changed by it all. But if not in character then certainly in sense of purpose. She explains that she now feels she has a sense of duty, a responsibility. She’s not a figurehead or a leader or someone seeking the limelight – she’s the “accidental protester” after all – but someone who now has a voice and can be heard. “I felt people were looking at me for answers. And I don’t know – I don’t have the answers! A friend said, ‘you have a duty, people are looking for support or to carry forward this conversation. You can’t shy away from this.’ (In passing, she really doesn’t seem like someone who shies away from anything. Nor who needs a prompt from friends to act.) “This was my first ever protest. But without a doubt there’s a sense of duty, particularly to kids. That’s my passion; they’re the future.” And on this, see the box on the right about her first book. But what of That Plinth Moment? How far was it planned as a conscious act? Jen explains that it was all instinctive that day, from waking and deciding that she just had to go on her first protest to show solidarity following George Floyd’s death; to the protest (“everything felt different that day – people from all walks of life, all nationalities coming together”); and taking a short cut, intending to return home. A text from a friend alerted her to Colston’s statue being toppled and having to see it – and the rest, as they say, is her-story… “The crowds going crazy – it was a joyous, joyous moment. I stood there looking at him – a man I had seen when working in an office overlooking it. And there he was, pulled down: the best thing was him having a box of Jamaican jammin’ juice all over him. “A friend of mine suggested I get up there on the plinth, so –” Do you normally do anything your friends suggest? She laughed: “There are plenty of things I’ve been known to do that my friends have suggested. . .” She couldn’t easily get up, and nearly gave in. Her husband insisted she did (again in passing, so the idea was a friend’s, the insistent help was

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REID ALL ABOUT IT

Jen Reid’s first book will be published in spring 2022, around the second anniversary of the toppling of the Colston statue. Called A Hero Like Me, it’s a fully-illustrated picture book based on Jen’s remarkable role on that iconic day. It’s been fictionalised from the point of view of a child, by best-selling US author Angela Joy, and highlights the need for statues to represent all children, everywhere. “Angela and I both have a shared experience in relation to statues and who they represent,” says Jen. “I wanted to write this book to inspire the change-makers of tomorrow and encourage young readers to use their voice and stand up against social injustices.”

her husband’s – not so much accidental protester as reluctant.) Clambering up on the plinth may have been iconic, heroic even..? “So up I went, very ungracefully on my tummy, looking down – and then I realised I was petrified of heights. But too late, with everyone cheering me on.” It’s almost comedic. This defining moment externally, experienced so differently internally. “It was an instinctive moment. I later named Marc Quinn’s statue* A Surge for Power, because that is exactly how I felt. A surge of power had gone through me, and I assumed that position instinctively.” That fleeting moment resonated: a proud, confident black woman standing resolute, standing on the plinth of a deposed slave trader, dressed as a Black Panther (“I’m dressed like a Black Panther because – what’s changed since then? I’m here to protest about a man killed by the police.”) No wonder the sculptor Marc Quinn sought to capture the moment, though Hollywood might have paused before such an overt metaphor. But what now, beyond the book? There’s a series of visits to Bristol schools, to discuss her experiences, of symbols and statues with kids. Possibly visits to companies to discuss diversity. And Bristol as a whole? She contrasts it with another slave trading city, Liverpool – which has a poignant, enlightening, humbling Museum of Slavery – with Bristol, which, well, has a small plaque on Harbourside. “I think this is very embarrassing – a tiny little plaque in commemoration of the enslaved? It’s not enough. There’s an opportunity now, while the conversation is live, for Bristol to actually do something.” This sounds likely to revolve around arts and education. And with momentum, with righteousness, with a steely-yet-fun straightforwardness and with the clear need, you wouldn’t bet against this accidental protester becoming a highly effective activist… ■ * A Surge of Power, a black resin statue of Jen by Marc Quinn, appeared on the empty plinth on 14 July 2020 but was removed by the council within 24 hours

ARTS

PAINT THE TOWN

enny Urquhart doesn’t just paint Bristol – she does a mean coastal scene, too – but it’s her colourful, uplifting depictions of the city that we love the best, especially those featuring landmarks such as the Suspension Bridge and the Gorge, hot air balloons, and the higgledy-piggledy terraces of Cliftonwood. Hers is a chromatastic vision of the city that we’d like to live in, all of the time. Maybe it’s because she was formerly a teacher (biology, not art, as you’d assume), Jenny spent part of the first lockdown creating a YouTube video guide called How to Paint Bristol in Easy-Peasy Steps. “I wanted to encourage people to have a go at painting, just using any old materials that they had lying around at home,” she said. “Hundreds and hundreds of people, young and old, had a go, even though many of them

Ever wished you could make great art in the style of Jenny Urquhart? These Bristol kids had a go, and just look what they came up with... hadn’t picked up a paint brush since they were a child.” Jenny decided to set a competition for children aged 8 to 16, with the chance for two winners and their parents to accompany her on a hot air balloon ride offered by Elite Air UK. “We had so many entries, so it was really tricky to choose just two. I finally picked the ones that most caught my eye. George’s use of muted colours is just beautiful, and reminds me of Bristol on a cold winter’s day. Heidi’s is also stunning, and I particularly love her firework details and lights along the bridge; it’s such a familiar sight in Bristol at night. “It just proves that anyone can have a go at art and produce their own unique painting for their own walls. You don’t need to buy expensive equipment; just a few tubes of paint and a piece of card or paper. And if you don’t even have brushes at home, why not just use your fingers?” We were completely wowed when we saw what the kids had come up with, as was Jenny. “Clearly anyone can do my paintings, and often much better than I can,” she said. Well, we’d beg to disagree there, but we’re inspired nonetheless; it also strikes us as an ideal summer holiday project. You can still watch the video on YouTube, and have a go yourself – just search for Paint Bristol in Easy-Peasy Steps. n For more: jennyurquhart.co.uk; eliteairuk.com

clockwise from top: Pics by Ethan Armitage, Katy Cribbs, Artie Feltus and Georgia Rose Johnston

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George Farr and Heidi Crane with their winning pieces

FREEZE FRAME Close encounters of the Bristol kind Words and pictures by Colin Moody 30 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BRISTOL HEROES

o you ever feel that life looks exactly like a movie? You know what I mean. A bunch of students comes striding around the corner past Wills Memorial, sucking down bubble tea with real enthusiasm. The sun catches their stressed 501s, and you can hear the opening tune from Reservoir Dogs in your head. Or when it’s late, and you pass by a café on the corner and see the waitress on her break, looking like she’s in a Wim Wenders masterpiece. Bristol, West Country. The movie. All the heroes in this mini-series are starring in a micro-filmic moment, that just appeared, maybe for a fraction of a second, when the mood, and the light, and the personality, hit the camera just right.

Alien movie. Looks like that beam of light is about to take this fellow away to another galaxy. In fact, it was one of those lightshow signs that were projected across the city last Christmas, to lift everyone’s spirits. I don’t know what this guy was looking at, other than right into the light itself. But after all that Great Pausing, wasn’t it great not only to have light at the end of the tunnel, but also to look and see the light?

That Terry Gilliam film he never finished, perhaps. In fact, it’s the 12ft tall Corvus Angelicus performers who took a magical stroll through St Paul’s during one of the lockdowns. It was magical. There was this one kid, aged about five, who was so sure they were real, until the bigger brother leaning out the next window called it fake news. But when I go to see a magical piece at the movies I want it to be real. And just for a second there, when you first glance, this could be a magical moment from that Fellini film you imagined you saw, and if angels are real, what else could be possible? To believe that for a moment. And during lockdown too. With the little helpers carrying the signs behind, that you can’t see, which read “do not follow”. Magical

“If angels are real, what else could be possible?”

The Da Vinci Code? Maybe a clue has been discovered relating to an ancient secret above the roof cavity in the old cathedral. No. In fact, this is the secret roof space above our Cathedral, where few have ventured. It was a guided walk with the fab @igersbristol crew to some magical places. This is where, if you look real hard, you might find the signatures of the mediaeval craftsmen who made these highest of the high ceilings float so effortlessly close to God. And above that? A movie moment.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 31

BRISTOL HEROES

With so many natural tides and forces at play around us, we get some amazing weather patterns. So every now and then, the weather coming in the split between us and Wales seems to gain more energy that it can deal with, and mega clouds form. This is a festival close to Bristol, just before it started hammering down and everyone sought sanctuary with soggy sandwiches in the back of 4x4s. But in black and white it could be a still from a monochrome classic from the 1950s, where aliens under cover of clouds were about to launch an Earth invasion. Strange light plays in the vaults of this mega cumulus, and perhaps the laser beams are about to fire at the unprepared wellied humans below. Sounds like a classic Sunday afternoon film to me.

She works in a movie store. 20th-Century Flicks, to be precise. And in this scene, that special person, possibly Hugh Grant, maybe Michael Fassbender, is about to walk in, and the story begins. Maybe it’s that classic plot: they’ve accidentally returned the secret government file that looked like a DVD in the

“Strange light plays in the vaults of the cumulus, and the laser beams are about to fire at the unprepared wellied humans below” 6

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

4 5

7 8

rental box, and have to begin a tortuous series of encounters to get it back. This store, and the film knowledge behind those rimmed glasses, is a Bristol hero, and the ideal destination for your movie moments.

Is it one of those scenes from the new Shane Meadows rockumentaries about those bands from the ’90s that we so adored? Nope. But we do have many of our own unique musical live-events moments. I’ve been enjoying sharing some of my Harbour Festival photos recently, and if memory serves, this is Roni Size’s DJ deck from the stage just before he came on. If you were there, take a look at the crowd: see if you made it into this minirock-doc.

Where we look at art. but we are also part of the art. Seems like Nick Cave might be in this one. And then he sings songs about love and loss, and it all just somehow ties together real nice and mellow-like. Probably at the Watershed, and probably gonna change your life. Photo actually looks like it’s taken at RWA.

The last shot of the movie. Dad’s got the kid safe and sound, and it’s a celebration. All the loose ends tied up, pink boat has saved the planet, and in pure joy Dad gives his kid that throw-in-the-air-and-catch-you-again moment. Freeze. Music plays. Probably drop some Idles in

there, cos if we’ve just saved the planet then it needs that new punk sound. Film’s called We are the Boat. Won’t be a sequel. Colin is available as a ‘mini-mobile PR/marketing/ social media unit’, to shoot striking street-style photographs at live events: parties, launches, promos and performances, for impactful immediate social media. Fees start at £100 for a two-hour package. email: mrcolinmoody@gmail.com Twitter: @moodycolin; Instagram @moodycolin319

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

LOCAL SOUNDS

PIN ME

Q: Apart from the obvious Bristol connection, what do Portishead, Idles and The Wurzels have in common? A: Their backstories (and those of many other artists) are revealed in a new, location-based digital museum that oﬀers a fresh way to discover the local music scene…

t’s free, it’s easy to use, it doesn’t require a datahungry download, and it promises to tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Bristol and Bath music scene, along with a bunch of stuﬀ you didn’t even know you wanted to know. Here’s how it works. Walk the city streets with the map open on your phone, and head to one of the 250 geo-tagged pins to unlock stories, sounds and experiences. All the information has been gathered from a wide range of artists, local characters, labels, clubs, venues, record stores and festivals that form the fabric of Bristol and Bath’s musical landscape, past and present, who explain why these locations are important to them. Their stories are told through photographs, video, audio, podcasts, music and experiences across the two cities. Music from down the ages is celebrated, from St Pauls’ sound systems to The Wurzels’ connection to a certain Nailsea pub. You’ll hear Portishead talking from a Bristol studio about recording their début album Dummy, the story of Bath’s former rock venue The Pavilion, and an exploration of Bristol’s thriving electronic scene, dominated by up-and-coming female artists. From punkers-dujour Idles and Rita Lynch, from Sarah Records to Tears For Fears, via venues

such as The Granary, Lakota, Moles and Thekla, you’ll be drawn into the local cultural geography, discovering new music and exploring unfamiliar parts of both cities.

“It’s a fun way to add colour and interest to a familiar commute, and will lead you down fascinating rabbit holes” Using cutting-edge technology from geolocation specialist Landmrk, and the latest mobile technology, the project visualises the sights and sounds of the two cities via 4D audio reactive visualisers, 3D photogrammetry scans, archive posters in augmented reality and exclusively recorded mixes. One of the aims is to support the ecosystem that makes up Bristol and Bath’s musical scene, driving muchneeded custom to record shops, music venues, shops and public spaces. Equally, participants are encouraged to buy music by the artists they discover through the platform, via supporting links. “Bristol and Bath have an incredible music heritage that has been thoroughly

documented and exhibited over the years by some amazing researchers, galleries and writers,” says project leader Ben Price. “This project aims to celebrate, support and tell the stories of the music in these cities in a new and engaging way – speciﬁcally, by immersing people within the geography of both places. With Covid restrictions being lifted, what better excuse to get out and about than to discover some amazing music and above all, the chance to educate yourself about some amazing stories?” Since the full edition of the tour is available for free, contributions from participants will ensure this cultural resource can remain permanently in the city and be experienced by future generations. Although there’s already a huge range and quantity of stories pulled together through the project, there’s also a ‘submit a story’ button on the platform, which welcomes any ideas that might help expand the platform’s resource and the scope of the map’s size and content. Give it a whirl; it’s a fun way to add colour and interest to a familiar commute or weekend amble, and may well lead you down fascinating rabbit holes. Exploring Bristol dubsteb with Pinch, perhaps; reading about Big Jeﬀ’s top four Bristol gigs, taking a hologram tour with DK Krust, or looking back at four decades of sound systems . . . ■ The platform can be accessed on your smartphone at everythingismusic.io

TOP ROW FROM LEFT: Just; Kahn; Adge Cutler at the Royal Oak; Roni Size SECOND ROW: Yushh; Rita Lynch; Maximum Joy THIRD ROW: Dummy; 2 Kings Studio; Idles BOTTOM ROW: Automatic Diamini; Tears for Fears; Fred Wedlock and Acker Bilk

GARDENS OF DELIGHT From plants to fences, spas to machinery. Bristol’s local experts are poised to ensure that everything in the garden’s lovely

COLOURFENCE

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476 BATH ROAD, SALTFORD, BRISTOL, BS31 3DJ TEL: 01225 874 874; URSELL.COM At Ursell Pools & Wellness we offer a comprehensive service, from concept and design to completion and ongoing servicing. Using our own in-house design team, working alongside our workshop of skilled craftsmen, we make our own saunas, steam rooms, heated loungers and anything else spa-related. We can work directly with a client but are also very happy to work with architects or designers on a wide range of schemes. Whether commercial or residential, we are always excited to talk about your new project. If you are looking for a large pool or a small outdoor sauna, we’re able to create the perfect solution.

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

With lockdown restrictions easing this month we can all look forward to more family gatherings, garden parties and some sense of normality over the latter part of the year. Since the pandemic, our gardens have become a more important part of our lives, both in terms of the time we spend in them and what we use them for, whether its purely for gardening or entertaining friends and family. It’s the ideal time to invest in a ColourFence: metal fencing that not only provides a beautiful aesthetic for your garden, but will also save you time, money and effort for years to come.

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MIDDLECOMBE NURSERY

WRINGTON ROAD, CONGRESBURY, BS49 5AN TEL: 01934 876337; MIDDLECOMBENURSERY.CO.UK An award-winning, family-run, traditional plant nursery in a slightly hidden but beautiful countryside setting with display gardens and a coffee shop. The nursery has an extensive selection of hardy shrubs and perennials, many grown on site, along with an interesting mix of specimens, trees and climbers and seasonal staples such as bedding, fruit trees and seeds. Their shop is filled with gardening essentials including plant feeds, tools, potting accessories and composts. An eclectic collection of garden treasures, some old and some not so old, fill the indoor displays and beautiful gardens. CUPPA Coffee Shop serves quality coffee, savoury pastries and cake which can be enjoyed indoors or in the garden next to the wildlife pond, overlooking the nursery.

WHITEHALL GARDEN CENTRE

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Whitehall Garden Centre is an independent family business run by the Self family. There are three garden centres located in Lacock, Whitchurch & Woodborough. At Whitehall you can find everything you need for your garden all in one place, from luxury garden furniture, fire pits, BBQs, gardening sundries & accessories, plants & trees, gifts & homewares, fashion, toys, and a freshly stocked Farm Shop using local suppliers. Whitehall Garden Centres prides its self on being your store of choice when it comes to all your gardening needs and is here to help you make your garden a relaxing sanctuary you can escape to after a long day.

One of the key considerations in garden design is the ability to connect the design to the architecture of the house. The design also needs to reflect the personal taste and needs of the clients, as well as to enhance their lifestyle. With the project pictured above, I not only wanted to create a garden that was functional and aesthetically pleasing within the garden, but to create something that had a visual impact from inside the property. I wanted to create something that reflected the stunning interior of the house, but also fitted the exterior as if it had been designed along with the house. Call us today to see what magic we can work on your garden.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Picture credit: eightysixstudios.co.uk

BUILD BRISTOL

Construction on the cards? THE BUILD BRISTOL GROUP will get the job done and dusted

annah Walkiewicz is the Founder of The Build Bristol Group a 4 times Bristol Life Award finalist who also received Highly Commended at the 2019 Bristol Property Awards.

WHAT DO YOU DO... The Build Bristol Group is a commercial & residential construction company. We are proud to offer design and build – managing the whole project with a turnkey service from start to finish.

HOW DID YOU START.... Back in 2013, we identified an opportunity in the market for not just a good building company but an excellent one. From modest beginnings with a select few builders and craftsmen, we are now in our 8th year and have a brilliant team of 25.

WHY APPOINT US... The Build Bristol Group offers clients a

turn-key service for clients who’ve never undertaken a build it can be daunting we have a core team of Architects, designers and project managers who will help you through the whole process. Hannah also understands city living with a family…as a busy Mum to 3 school aged children! Hannah says ‘I often ask clients what they need to get from their home… I ask the question are you happy here? Do you have the foundations of what could be a brilliant home then investing in it makes sense.’

RECENT PROJECT... We’ve recently finished this beautiful family home in Henleaze, Bristol. The house hadn’t been updated in a very long time so required a full renovation. We also added a huge kitchen extension. The end result is a stunning space for the whole family to enjoy.

WE LOVE... One of the core strengths of our business is working with equally brilliant local businesses

in both Bristol and Bath. Lucy and Tim’s project saw us work again with Thomas Speed a brilliant Bristol based Architectural Designer. The kitchen has been designed by Eighty2 a Bristol based kitchen company. n

The Build Bristol Group Consultancy | Design | Build 01179 091969 www.thebuildbristolgroup.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 39

HOMEGROWN Same team. Same turf. New menu . . . Words by Deri Robins

FROM LEFT: Joe Harvey, Ben Harvey and Dom Borel of Bianchis; Josh Eggleton

RESTAURANT

hat’s correct. We’re up at the tipis again, and we’re not Somehow, it is. The site’s been tweaked, with a newly added pergola even sorry, because since we last reviewed Breaking Bread, for events and shows, but everything else is pleasingly familiar; the amber back in September 2020 there have been some major glow within the tent; the bustle of the pop-up kitchens, and those fun tweaks to proceedings that demanded to be checked out. festival-style loos that by rights should be awful, but aren’t. And even if Those who keep abreast of the rapidly changing front-of-house god Dom Borel wasn’t there in person when we visited, Bristol food scene may wish to skip the next couple of his spirit was fully in evidence, with his trademark personal welcome paragraphs; if not, here goes. Breaking Bread – effectively, written at the top of the menu, and new wait staff hitting that sweet a mini-hospitality village under canvas on the Downs – was created last spot in which deft professionalism is masked by a deceptively easy-likeyear as an emergency response to the pandemic between the Eggleton Sunday-morning mien. and Bianchi families and the teams behind The Love Inn, The Pipe and The first course was the Homegrown philosophy on a plate, in the form Slippers and Team Love. Unable to run their permanent restaurants, of an exquisitely pretty little trio of snacks, including a green gazpacho, pubs and events due to lockdown restrictions, they created a new, socially whose intriguing flavour – a little bit parsley, a little bit celery, a hint of distanced space that allowed them to keep aniseed and curry – derived from lovage their own businesses afloat, save around 100 picked in the Pony & Trap gardens. staff from furlough, or unemployment, while A three-cheese arancini ball under a mop DINING DETAILS preventing many local suppliers, growers and of grated parmesan was made not from rice Homegrown, Breaking Bread, The Downs; producers from going under. but from spelt from Sharpham Park, while a breakingbreadbristol.co.uk And it was great. On a sunny day, with sweet Bath Harvest rapeseed cracker came topped Opening hours Wed-Sat 12-9pm; Sun 12-4pm reggae music filling the air, you felt you were at with wild garlic mayo and Heart of BS13 We visited Friday lunchtime a cool little foodie festival; all it needed was a flowers and herbs. That’s half a dozen local Prices £45 Wed-Thurs; £49.50 Fri-Sun; pay ahead market (which, in fact, this year it’s acquired – suppliers who don’t have to sell a kidney to Drinks Good international wine line, cocktails, local the first one took place on 4 July). Quicker than buy their kids new school shoes next term, ciders and beers you could say, “OMG, that’s so Bristol,” tables right there. Vegetarian Apart from a fish and a meat mains option, at the two restaurants at the site – the Pony & The five-a-day rainbow continued with the it’s all veggie Trap and Pasta Loco – sold out, and continued ‘Bristol green belt and allotments’ course, and to sell out on a monthly basis, until the tents in case you start to fret that a plateful of fresh, Atmosphere Chilled were packed away in October. peppery salad leaves and crunchy raw veg is a Service Friendly, invested Over autumn and winter, big changes little too virtuous to be fun, know that you also Disabled access The site’s all flat, and accessible toilets took place away from the site. With a heroic get a double pot of butters, one herby and one can be arranged in advance indifference to what it would mean for their devilled, to slather on just-baked sourdough. Children Sure, but they’ll have to eat from the set menu Michelin star (ie, they’d lose it), the Eggleton Our mains of spaghetti verde was an family closed their flagship gastropub, the effulgently pretty dish of leaf-green pasta and Pony & Trap, announcing that it would reopen at some point as a kind Wye Valley asparagus, topped with a golden egg yolk and bumped up of cooking school/restaurant/community interest hybrid; instead, they an exciting further notch by hazelnut butter. The ‘from the dairy’ course launched a new bistro, The Pony North Street in Bedminster. They closed paired cheese from Wandering Ewe with bread made from Bristol Beer Yurt Lush, but opened a new country inn, the Queens Chew Magna. Factory’s Milk Stout, while a pud of sea salt caramel torte was made with And how about the Bianchi cookin’ cousins? It was all change there, cream from the Chew Valley and Somerset cider brandy. This isn’t just a too, with lovely Montpelier trattoria Bianchis becoming a shop (it’s a trat menu; it’s a culinary love letter to the South West, and all the small fishagain now), and deli La Sorella regenerating as Bar Ripiena. Pasta Loco farmers, veg-growers, butchers, bakers, drinks makers and dairy owners reopened this spring, thank goodness, with a new outdoor terrace. who toil therein. Still with me? OK, let’s head back up to the tipis. This year, rather than Homegrown wants to simultaneously whet your appetite for its expertly running their own discrete restaurants side by side, these twin titans of prepared dishes, and for positive change on a local level. But the guys also Bristol hospitality have collaborated on a single menu called Homegrown, know that you’ve come here to have a nice time. You don’t have to gaze focusing on local produce and ingredients from some of the South West’s longingly at your rapidly cooling food while a soapbox-mounted waiter best suppliers and producers, all of whom are lovingly listed on the back bangs on about the precise GPS of the allotment your radish was dug up of the wine list. in, or the exact components of the fodder used to fatten up your organic The question that we’d quietly been worrying ourselves with was saddleback pork, or the star sign of your sustainably farmed trout. All the this: in 2021, now that everyone’s so busy juggling their multiple, newly information is on the menu; they’d like you to read it, obviously, but just reopened/opened/repurposed restaurants, would the experience at being there is enough. Homegrown is a good deed in a naughty world; Breaking Bread be as great as it was last year? but eating ethically has never felt more effortless or enjoyable. n

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FOOD & DRINK S N A P S H O T S O F B R I S T O L’ S F O O D S C E N E

Right; there’s loads to rattle through this month, so fasten your seatbelt, and maybe undo your belt buckle a notch or two…

THIS FLOATS OUR OAT

Remember the nostalgic sound of the milk float? The electric whirr of the little truck weaving through the slumbering early-morning city streets? The clink of bottles in a crate? The sleepy nod to the next-door neighbour as you step out onto the doorstep to pick up the pints in your dressing gown? (At least, we hope you were wearing a dressing gown.) One such float has made a comeback, this time in the form of a store on wheels. Oat Float is a zero-waste delivery service founded by Sam Holland, Renwar Karim and Anna Raphael, who’ve renovated a 1974 vintage float that now delivers quality food and household essentials to various postcodes; you can either make a booking for your street, or find the float at one of many regular Float Stop locations. With a focus on reducing plastic pollution and cutting down on food waste, customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to fill up with goods, from pasta and rice to dried fruit and nuts, olive oil and spices. The business also stocks and refills cleaning liquids and toiletries, too. For more oatfloat.com

BANK!

Meanwhile, over in Totterdown, new café and cocktail bar Bank has opened in, well, a former bank. (It was a Lloyd’s, since you ask.) Bank is owned by UK Barista Championship finalist Dan O’Regan, who wanted to combine the holy trinity of coffee, craft beer and cocktails in one place. We’re loving the puntastic names of the latter, from Chai it on with Me to Is this the Way to Amaretto, though we believe that manager Paddy here strongly recommends his El Martini Mexicano… bankbristol.com

‘THE PERFECT WINE BAR’

ONE DOOR CLOSES…

…but another one opens. Along with the rest of Bristol, we were saddened to hear that Josh Eggleton and Luke Hasell’s mighty Yurt Lush was to close (there again, it was only ever intended to be a temporary structure, so we’re lucky to have had it as long as we did). But on the plus side, the Eggleton clan have just opened a new venture, Queens in Chew Magna: a proper local pub full of charm, character and great food and drink, with rooms for staying over. thequeenschewmagna.co.uk

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Bar Ripiena has opened on St Stephen’s Street, next door to Pasta Ripiena. It’s the latest venture from the Bianchis group, who previously ran deli La Sorella on the same spot. “We’ve often received compliments for the wine lists Dom and Deri knock back the shots at our restaurants, and we feel now it’s time to really express our passion for wine fully,” said the clouds are grey prop up the bar with Dom Borel. a big red.” “We’ve taken inﬂuences from our There’s a range of artisan charcuterie, friends across Italy, particularly Lake cheese, etc, to mop up the booze; Bristol Como, to bring you our version of the Life can also attest that the tequila shots perfect wine bar. Our collection spans the world, from old to new, for every occasion are *closed ﬁnger and thumb emoji* excellent. Check their insta feed @barripiena and collection. If the sun’s out, grab a for special regional wine events glass of bubbly under our gazebos, or if

FOOD & DRINK COMING SOON

HYDE & CO & FLOUR & ASH &... Hyde & Co are opening a new restaurant on Whiteladies Road, bringing back the Glo Road’s much-missed Flour & Ash pizzeria with a fresh new look and feel. The group ﬁrst originally brought Flour & Ash back during lockdown as a pop-up at Bambalan; they’re now stepping this up into a new 140-seater restaurant and bar, with an open pizza kitchen, a terrace at the front and plans for an outer dining area at the back. The restaurant is scheduled to open in late July; keep an eye on @ﬂourandashbristol on Instagram.

Dining, retail and leisure operators BOXPARK plan to open a new food hall within the old O&M Sheds on Welsh Back next summer: a 20,000 sq ft array of restaurants, bars and community spaces with an outside terrace overlooking the harbour. Not only is it the group’s first venture out of London – they have one in Shoreditch, hipster fans – but the venue marks the debut launch of the company’s new BOXHALL concept. BoxHall promises to feature the best local and independent restaurants, street-food traders and suppliers, as well as regular guest pop-ups. Committed to local people and produce, BoxHall will feature a roster of acclaimed Bristol chefs; the venue will offer an all-day social dining experience with food, drink and events all under one roof, and a complementary events programme showcasing the best of Bristol’s music scene, local art shows, live screenings and gaming. For more boxpark.co.uk

KEEP IT LOCAL

The COPPACLUB group – you know, those mostly London chain of bars, some of which have cool little igloos – is opening a site in Clifton Village on 14 July. Spanning two floors, the 200-cover all-day venue promises to combine the best elements of a café, bar, restaurant and lounge: the Coppa feel, if you’ll excuse the phrase, is for a private members club experience, without any membership fees. Situated in a former linen works, the interiors take inspiration from the building’s original features, with colonnades and exposed brick walls. Furnishings-wise, dark blue leather banquettes, wicker pendants and hanging foliage have been ordered up, along with blush pouffes and sofas and striking artwork. coppaclub.co.uk

Food and drink discovery platform Wriggle has launched a new ‘Foodcation’ campaign, in a bid to encourage staycationing Bristolians to support independent food and drink venues. Wriggle app- and website-users can access a series of unique tours across Bristol neighbourhoods, made in collaboration with independent restaurants, cafés and bars. The self-guided tours include walking or cycling routes of the neighbourhood, with regular stops for food and drink at popular local venues included in the price of the ticket. There are six tours to book right now, but there are already plans to launch more in neighbourhoods across the city and surrounding areas in the coming weeks. getawriggleon.com

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT? Alex Hayes, of Squeezed burgers fame, that’s who. Alex opened his new hotdog emporium Dogtown in mid-May, but we’ve only recently got around to sampling its sassy, sausagey goodness. These dogs are massive, both in girth and height, and you’ll definitely want all the toppings, from jalapeno queso sauce to masala BBQ sauce and roasted ketchup. Wash ‘em down with a beer slushy. We’d give it a thumbs-up emoticon but these bad boys are definitely a two-handed job. Find Dogtown at Cargo; bristoldogtown.co.uk

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EAT BETTER

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Want to connect with nature, nourish your body and support local food production all at the same time? Phil Haughton of Better Food has six tips for eating and buying better

ature is a healer. As a society, we have gradually journeyed towards a time and place where natural life is a sideshow at best, but the pandemic has awakened us enough to shift this way of thinking. “At the start of 2020, we saw a global shift in behaviour,” says Phil Haughton. “In parallel, we’ve also seen a small temporary reduction in our CO2 impact on the planet. This has helped nature to start creeping back in, and for people to start breathing cleaner air again. We did it in a matter of weeks. There is now a pressure to rush back to economic growth as fast as possible, but we must take those lessons learned and be part of building a better world.” So, what can we all do to make positive changes? Phil gives us his top six ways to connect with nature, eat well and support the local food economy.

Phil Haughton is the Founder of Better Food, a group of award-winning stores and cafés in Bristol that specialise in organic, local and ethical food and products. He is also a speaker on the subject of organic food, farming and community, and the author of the book Food For Thought.

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Grow your own. The greatest action we can all take to mend our food system is to grow our own food, whether it’s in a windowbox, a garden, an allotment or by joining a shared growing project. Your own produce always tastes so much better, and it’s immensely satisfying to grow.

Choose fresh rather than processed. Since the 1950s there’s been a cheap food policy operating in the UK, which has led to an immeasurable decline in food quality. We can counter this by cooking with fresh raw ingredients instead of those grown in laboratories and factories.

Food for Thought is Phil Haughton’s first book. Through personal stories, recipes, tips and contributions from thoughtleaders and change-makers, Phil shares his passion for organic farming and his mission to create a world where food, nature, business and community can all thrive together in harmony. £15.99; betterfood.co.uk

Go back to eating seasonal fruit and veg. Let’s swerve much of the out-of-season imports, and celebrate our fresh produce during its natural season. Let’s import citrus from Europe, because we can’t grow it here, but go back to being extremely good applegrowers in the UK. Eat only UK asparagus, strawberries, cauliflower and cabbage. Extending our own UK seasons using greenhouses and polytunnels makes sense, and helps growers commercially to spread income over more of the year.

Choose freshly baked rather than supermarket bread. Today’s manufacturing technology gives bread a longer shelf life through the use of chemicals. Sadly, supermarkets continue to sell ‘fake’ good bread, labelled as ‘multi-seed’ or ‘natural wholemeal’; terms that conceal the fact that most of them are just factory-preserved loaves with added foods to make them seem healthy. Buy locally baked bread, or enjoy the renaissance of home bread-making. Find out about some of the old varieties of wheat that are available.

Support small, organic, free-range chicken farms. Commercial egg-laying chicken farms have in excess of 4,000 birds and often up to 30,000 in one unit. These birds have little access to the outdoors even when in full lay, and even if they are ‘free range’. A really good organic free-range unit will have no more than 2,000 hens, all of which have daily access to outdoors from an early age. Find one that’s local to you. Think organic and local. Organic farms can offer havens for wildlife, producing food in a way that reduces environmental pollution, promotes biodiversity and fights climate change by sequestering carbon in soils. Plus, organic livestock is an essential, due to the high standards of animal welfare guaranteed. These animals are fed a more natural, GM-free diet and come from well-managed farming systems that don’t routinely use antibiotics. Buying from a good, local organic farm really does help your immediate environment. Look out for a new regular recipe column with Phil starting in Bristol Life next month. For more: philhaughton.com

Better Food offers the pick of ethical, organic baked, reared and grown goodness; you can also order a delivery from Good Sixty

HE’S A SOLE MAN Mitch Tonks is on a lifelong mission to enthuse us with his passion for fresh, locally caught seafood. In his new Rockfish cookbook he shows us exactly how to source, prepare and cook it; now, that’s a-moray . . .

eafood chef, restaurateur and all-round a-fi sh-ionado Mitch Tonks was born in Weston-super-Mare. One of his fi rst restaurants was FishWorks on Whiteladies Road; today he concentrates his efforts on his string of Rockfi sh and Seahorse restaurants along the south coast, but he’ll always be a Bristol boy in our book. Speaking of books, Mitch already has six under his belt, but he’s always wanted to write a cookbook drawn directly from the Rockfi sh menu. “Not all of the dishes are served in our restaurants, but I think of them as Rockfi sh seafood nonetheless,” he says. “These are dishes that I cook at home. Each one is easy to achieve in any kitchen, and I hope you have fun cooking them.” Mitch’s mission is to inspire a love and appreciation of fresh, locally caught seafood – indeed, the Rockfi sh mantra is “fi sh so fresh that tomorrow’s fi sh are still in the sea.” He says that he’s enjoyed having no boundary or style to stick to in the book; as well as classic fi sh and chips, there’s grilled fi sh, curries, Asian salads and so on. Fancy a quick taste . . ?

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FUN STUFF WE LEARNED FROM THE BOOK: • Although most chefs are big fans of cuttlefish, nearly all that’s landed at Brixham (and there’s tons of it) are exported to Spain and Italy. Mitch reckons it’s even better, and more versatile, than squid. • To cook perfect chips Rockfish-style, leave some of the skin on and don’t cut them in a uniform way. • A scannable code in the book takes you to the Rockfish playlist, so that you can listen to the same tunes as the chefs while you’re cooking . . .

RECIPE CHILLI SEAFOOD RAMEN Serves 2

“I enjoyed a wonderful tour of Japan a few years ago,” says Mitch. “As you can imagine, the seafood was fabulous, and eaten everywhere. We went on trawlers, to sushi and noodle bars, and to eel restaurants to name a few, and every one of them was a new experience, some very challenging. “Every few days, though, I craved noodles, and we often dived into ramen bars late at night for a bowl of deeply satisfying porky, fatty noodle soup and some cold Kirin beers. On the coast we ate seafood ramen. I came up with this simple go-to recipe for when I have the ramen cravings. It’s not a purist recipe, but it’s an easy one that everyone can do. “While I loved the food of Japan, I did become aware of how much seafood was eaten across the country. At the famous Tsukiji ﬁ sh market, over £10m was traded in seafood every day – in four days they would have sold the entire year’s landings at Brixham. It makes me think a lot about the pressure we put on our oceans, and how really small scale ﬁ shing is in UK waters.”

Method 1. First make the stock, which is where you get all your ﬂavour. Pour 750ml water into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken powder, mirin, garlic, ginger and soy and stir, then continue to simmer for 7–8 minutes. Add sriracha to taste (I like a salty chilli-tasting broth) and season with more soy if needed. Add the prawns, scallops, mushrooms and squid, and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to lightly poach the seafood and mushrooms.

2. Cook the noodles as per the instructions on the pack. Drain and divide between two bowls. Bring the stock and seafood just to a simmer. Add the crab, if using, then ladle over the noodles. Garnish with the spring onions, coriander and chilli, and nestle the eggs where you can against the edge of the bowl.

Ingredients 2 tablespoons chicken stock powder – you can buy this from Asian stores, and it’s much better than stock cubes A dash of mirin cooking wine 3 garlic cloves, grated 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger A dash of light soy sauce Sriracha chilli sauce, to taste 10 raw king prawns, peeled 4 scallops without coral, each cut in half horizontally 6 fresh shiitake or chestnut mushrooms, finely sliced 1 small cleaned squid, cut into rings – about 60g 2 packs instant ramen noodles – about 65g each 100g fresh hand-picked white crab meat (optional) 4 spring onions, finely sliced A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped 1 fresh chilli, finely sliced 2 eggs, soft boiled and peeled

Rockﬁsh the Cookbook costs £18, hardback; buy it at therockﬁsh.co.uk For more mitchtonks.co.uk

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CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Bean a long time coming Proving that all good things – in this case, beans – come to he who waits

nfinished business; there’s a lot of it about, at the moment. More than you could shake a baked bean tin at, if that’s your thing. Either way, this week’s coffee house of choice is a perfect example. Albatross Café, nestling down on North Street, Southville. Or Bedminster, depending who you ask. It’s a cute and charming café, with welcoming ways and oodles of kerb appeal. Most

“My roving eye chanced upon a brunch menu propped up by the till, offering a pleasant mix of hipster toasties and sourdough specials involving avocado”

inviting. Hard to resist. In fact, didn’t even try to, but it was still a tricky place to get inside. Took me several attempts before successfully stepping over the threshold. You see, I’ve had my eye on this café for a few months now, but for various virus-related reasons I never got round to visiting First time I tried to sneak in for a coffee, lockdown got in the way. Next time, there were too many punters, so lock-up rules meant I couldn’t get through the door. Sigh. But this time, ah, this time was different. Third time was the charm. And what a charmer it is. The adventure began when a mate and I were out and about on our tiny but well-meaning motorbikes. Or scooters, depending who you ask. We buzzed around the south side of town, successfully completing a whole heap of chores, until everything was ticked off the list. At which point, it was time to do something else. As the sun was shining bright, the big hand was tiptoeing towards twelve and all was well with the world, we decided to celebrate with a spot of elevenses. The café owners have set up some rather lovely benches outside, but on that day, at that hour, it was far too scorchio to even think about sitting outside for more than a few seconds. Which was a rather lovely problem to have, to be honest. So

we went inside to seek out some cooling shade. The original plan was for a short-and-sweet coffee-and-caketype stop. The cakes on show were mightily magnificent, and would easily have done justice to our appetites all by themselves. However, it was not to be. My roving eye chanced upon a brunch menu propped up by the till, offering a pleasant mix of hipster toasties and sourdough specials involving avocado. However, at the top of the page, shining out like a sublime beacon of bright joy, was an item that sent any thought of cake scurrying to the far side of the room. I’m talking here about home-baked beans on sourdough toast. With feta cheese crumbled on top. Resistance was useless. Reader, I married them. Well, actually, that’s not quite true. I ordered them, ate them and was replete. But it felt good enough to be a honeymoon. Honest. Sigh. Can’t beat a bean feast, even on a ridiculously sunny day. Though, to be fair, the slice of almond and clementine cake that followed for afters did a fairly good job. Albatross Café; worth the wait. Definitely. n Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer For more stancullimore.com

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CANVAS BAG, £39 Classic tote in a sailor stripe, guaranteeing that even a shopping trip to Clifton feels like a jaunt to Cornwall From Truce, 54 Princess Victoria Street; truceonline.co.uk

GLOBAL AFFAIRS NECKLACE, £7.10 Designed for younger fashionistas, but frankly we’re not ruling it out as an occasional kitschy addition to our own summer wardrobe From MonPote, 217 North Street monpote.co.uk

COAST DEF We may have 99 problems, but the beach ain’t one

MAGNETIC FLISH FLASHLIGHT, £4.99 The perfect tackle box accessory, no? From Iota, 167 Gloucester Road iotabristol.com

PLACEMAT, £5.75 Sustainable cork mat with mackerel motif; matching coasters also available From Vinegar Hill 46 Queen’s Road; vinegarhill.co.uk

LARRY LOBSTER, £15.99 From the Jellycat range, needless to say, and here to make you shake, scuttle and roll From Soukous 44a, 46 Cotham Hill soukous.co.uk

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SEAWEED AND SAMPHIRE BATH ESSENCE, £18 Designed to evoke memories of days by the sea, with the energising fresh air and salty mist on your skin From Fig 1 Gaol Ferry Steps ﬁg1.co.uk

SUGARHILL BOUTIQUE SUNDRESS, £43.20 This delightful chambray frock is giving us all the seasidey vibes From Fox + Feather, 41 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

GULL AND CHIPS BY ALEX LUCAS, LIMITED-EDITION PRINT, £200 This is how we like our Weston-super-Mare gulls; in a print, safely away from our chips From Clifton Fine Art 12 Perry Road cliftonﬁneart.com

FERNANDO THE FISH CLOCK, £POA George Nelson originally designed this clock in 1965 for Vitra, who have seen absolutely no reason to change it ever since From Oskar Furniture, 47 Whiteladies Road; oskarfurniture.co.uk

WHITE CERAMIC HOUSES, £36 Set of six; unglazed, and polished to a pebble-like ﬁnish From hannerysgaard.com

ED’S CHOICE NORSE PROJECTS SHORTS, £47.50 Made from cotton twill, over-dyed in cadmium orange, ensuring that you always bring the sunshine From Maze Clothing 26-28 The Mall; mazeclothing.co.uk

BLOOMINGVILLE THROW, £18.90 In recycled cotton From From Fox + Feather 41 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

BLOOMINGVILLE TOY BOAT SET, £25 Nostalgic little set of wooden boats on wheels, in jaunty nautical colours From Maze Clothing, 26-28 The Mall; mazeclothing.co.uk

FISH PLATTER, £26 Looks like china, made from melamime, and deﬁnitely not just for serving ﬁsh From Pod Company, 24 The Mall; thepodcompany.co.uk

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WANTED We buy for cash

SCRAP GOLD & PLATINUM Simply bring your old jewellery to our showroom in Bristol or send it in to us by special delivery. (Please give us a call for more details) On your behalf, we can also sell re-saleable, unwanted jewellery items in our windows on a sale or return basis. Photo ID required in all circumstances.

KEMPS OF BROADMEAD 33 Union St, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 2DJ T: 0117 926 4888 | www.kempsltd.co.uk Email: kempsbroadmead@gmail.com

WINDOW SHOPPING MILLY VAUGHAN

Paolita swimsuit £235, Harvey Nichols

Paolita swimsuit £210, Harvey Nichols

Polka dot bikini top £14.39, bottoms £13.19 (sale) Fox + Feather Board shorts £50, Finisterre

Bikini top £135, sarong skirt, £220, Harvey Nichols

Recycled athletic top £50 High waist bikini bottoms £35, Finisterre

Sink or swim

Yellow printed bikini, £220, Paco Rabanne

It may be holiday season, but you won’t find any ‘beach-body-ready‘ angst in Milly’s latest column . . .

f youth is wasted on the young, then this proverb is a barb in the thorny subject of body image. For there is an irony in that, as my body frays around the edges from the wear and tear of life and giving life, I genuinely care less about what I perceive people think about it, and I regard my body with more detached care.

Something that can only come with years tucked under your belt and tales to tell. No wonder my great-granny was such a wise old minx, who only wore knickers in her latter years when she was force to sit one leg up in the chiropodist’s chair. She knew. She tried to tell me when I was a self-conscious teenager to just get on with my

“I like to imagine Mother Nature reclining on her sun lounger somewhere, winking at us from behind her dark glasses with sardonic humour”

Panza cheetah bandeau bikini top, £110, bikini bottoms, £110, Harvey Nichols

given lot. To wear a bandeau bikini top to make the most of my flat chest, rather than waste all that pointless energy wishing it otherwise, and then simply move on. Fresh stretch marks, keyhole scars, boobs and all. And now, twenty-odd years on, I am basically the same − give or take − but crepier, with a few idiosyncrasies to add to the mix, and yet I am more tolerant of it now than I was before, when I was in so called ‘better shape’. When I take my kids to the Lido, I relish queuing up among a collection of different female body shapes. It feels like a sledgehammer antidote to the social media perfection breathed in on a daily basis. The same goes for the sauna and steam rooms of Austria, where it is nationally frowned upon to wear anything inside. As we Brits are coyly pulling up our towels to hide the fleshy abundance beneath, the

Cleopatra swimsuit, £240 Harvey Nichols

Austrians, both men and women, sit there completely at ease with it all hanging out, big and little, pert and the not-so-pert. Life is, at times, a bloody hard slog, but as the brilliant Glennon Doyle puts it, “we can do hard things”. I like to imagine Mother Nature reclining on her sun lounger somewhere, winking at us from behind her dark glasses with sardonic humour, because by the time we have earned a few metaphorical and physical scars, we literally can’t be arsed to hide them any longer. So this summer, help yourself by buying a swimsuit that vaguely suits your shape, but from there on in, channel your inner Austrian and own it. Remember, nine times out of ten, people aren’t judging you, being too wrapped up in what they look like in their tankini to worry about your muﬃn top. ■ @millyvaughan on instagram camillapettman@mac.com

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HEART OF GLASSFIELDS Cool, contemporary, eco-friendly spaces adorned with Bristol art. Insanely comfortable beds. Large bathrooms. Sleek bars and dining spaces: with The Leonardo Glassfields, Bristol has gained the ideal base for a city-centre staycation. We sent a very willing Louise Trimby in for a test-drive….

he Leonardo Glassfields is the European chain’s first purpose-built hotel in the UK. You’ll find it on Temple Way in Old Market, an area fast becoming one of the most creative, coolest hubs of the city – a singularly appropriate setting for this ecologically-sound (it’s the first UK BREEAM-accredited hotel in the UK), design-aware building. While the building is wholly contemporary, the welcome we received at the desk epitomised good oldfashioned hospitality. Politely hovering a few metres back while the couple ahead of us checked in, we took the opportunity to absorb our surroundings. The Leonardo, we decided, is hip, without being hipster; there’s plenty of exposed brickwork and ducting in the bar, dining area and remote working area, but not oppressively and uncomfortably so. The vibrant colour palette on the walls and furnishings adds warmth and atmosphere, saving all those clean mid-century lines from airport-lounge blandness. Once checked in, we decamped to our room on the sixth floor. We were in a double room with bathroom and views across the east of the city, which are, admittedly, pretty much the same as any view across any city in the UK. The room was generously proportioned, containing all the bits and bobs that guests at an upmarket joint might expect to find, from fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities to a large TV. Here the contemporary décor is all soothing greys, with Bristolrelated artwork on the walls and a pop of colour in the soft furnishings. It was a room to enjoy returning to after a night out. The bathroom was also a good size, with a walk-in rainfall shower, large mirror and enough space to accommodate a plethora of beauty products; the toiletries supplied were of high quality and there was no

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opposite clockwise: You’ll find this photo of a Spike Island lock-up

in many of the rooms; sleek public spaces, and contemporary bedrooms with ‘the most comfortable beds in the UK’

skimping on the size; a very nice touch. We met friends at Left-Handed Giant on the river for food but spontaneously veered off to Le Vignoble next door for cheese, charcuterie and excellent wines. After dining, we returned to Old Market and To The Moon, a cool but friendly bar on Midland Road that’s a bit of a hidden gem (you’re welcome). The bar has a carefully curated selection of classic cocktails and a superb spirits list, but also caters for ale- and beer-drinkers, and has a relaxing ambience for whiling away a couple of hours. The Leonardo group pride themselves on having the most comfortable hotel beds in the UK, and this was borne out by the fantastic night’s sleep we had. The curtains did their job and blocked out the light, the air con was quiet and we didn’t hear a single car all night, resulting in us waking refreshed and very ready for breakfast. The hotel is very Covid-secure, but subtly so, even in public areas. The breakfast was still buffet-style, but guests had to socially distance, and the staff brought the hot elements to the table. The breakfast was excellent, with a good choice of continental dishes including gluten-free and dairy-free options; our full-English was perfectly cooked and tasted on-point. We also noted how pleasant it was to have dirty crockery cleared from our table quickly rather than piling up. After breakfast, we checked out in leisurely fashion at noon; this too went smoothly, and off we went, relaxed, refreshed and extolling the benefits of a staycation. For more leonardo-hotels.com/leonardo-hotel-bristol-glassfields

HOTELS

BARK LIFE STAN CULLIMORE

Sward play

It’s the last in the current Bark Life series. Let’s go out with Bristol’s ﬁnest green space

ll good things come to an end, no matter how much one might wish otherwise. Biscuit packets run out, beer bottles run dry and now this wonderful feature, enjoyable though it has been for the last few issues, has run its final furlong. Chased its final stick, wagged its final tail and chewed its last tennis ball. In short, the end is nigh for Bark Life. However, change is not always a bad thing; sometimes it is entirely for the best. For instance, to celebrate our last Bristol Life walkies together, the dogs and I, along with a couple of small but perfectly formed grandkids, went up to the Downs: surely, for anyone’s money, the biggest, brightest and best of jewels in the sparkly crown of local parks. Of course, to do the place justice would require far more than the mere 700 words allotted to this modest

column. So to save time, I shall pass over the joys of Goat Gully, with its newly arrived goaty additions, and skirt around the wonders of Seawalls, with its welcoming ice-cream van and wide open views of the West. Forget all about Butterﬂy Alley, that bit of delightful wilderness between the Zoo and the place where visitors’ cars used to park. Instead, I shall mainly focus on the section between the water tower and White Tree Roundabout. If parks are the green lungs of a city, open spaces that allow its citizens to pause, unwind, breathe and relax, then this particular wide green part of the world is more than pulling its weight. Managing to be all things to all sorts of people. The heart, soul and receptacle of perky, parky happiness for huge numbers of locals. We went up early one evening, when the sun was still high enough to shine, but low enough not to burn. The trees were wearing their best summer clothes, the dogs were ﬁlled with that

peculiar doggy joy that knows no bounds, and the kids were wearing wonderfully weird outfits. In short, all was right with the world. We began by strolling around the outer edges of the green sward, with trees on one side and beaten-down paths on the other. Those bare soil grooves worn away by countless numbers of joggers, as they plod their weary way to infinity and beyond. As we walked, we passed various groups enjoying the calm evening air, amusing themselves with a glorious array of pastimes. One circle was singing, presumably a choir having a practice. Another was playing tag rugby, a sport I remember from back in my youth. Yet more folk were taking part in some kind of outdoor exercise class, en masse. To complete the picture, a handful of hot air balloons drifted lazily overhead as we stood in the middle of the Seven Sisters: that fairy ring of trees, with their three older sisters nearby. All in all, it was a perfect example of park life. A celebration of all that is right and good with recreational spaces. Made the soul swell and the heart rise to see so many having so much fun in one single, open space. Praise be to parks. All of which makes me mightily grateful to those ancient forebears of ours, those wise and generous folk who chose to bequeath this space to us all, in perpetuity. Didn’t they do well? Just proves there are some things you can’t put a price on. If you tried to work out the enjoyment, delight and wonder that this green paradise has brought to the city over the years, tried to put it all into pounds, shillings and pence, then the place would be worth its weight in bitcoin. Or whatever else is racing up the crypto charts. Next time you or I visit a park, with or without a furry friend, let us remember to give thanks to whoever put it there in the first place, and looks after it nowadays. Parks and park people of Bristol, you are an added joy to living, you bring forth happiness and pleasure day after day. The dogs and I salute you. Over and out. Woof, woof. ■ For more: stancullimore.com

“The Downs is the heart, soul and receptacle of perky, parky happiness for huge numbers of locals” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 57

SNAPPED AC ROSS BR IS TO L , O N E SH I N D I G AT A T I M E

Joc Wellby and Kellie Hasbury from Plaster

Lorne Kramer and Nathan Lee Caroline and Ben Peel, with Rob and Meg Howell of Root

PONY NORTH STREET

You don’t need a soft launch when your crew’s this tight: instead, Josh and Holly Eggleton, with head chef Hugo Harvey, went straight for it, opening the most anticipated new restaurant of the year on a packed opening night on 19 May Photos by Chris Cooper shotaway.com

Josh with Chris Birkett, Dave Harvey and Tom Paine from Team Love Frank Atkinson and Dean Wring

Head chef Hugo Harvey

James, Claire, Adrian and Emma, Wogan Coffee Team Pony North Street; Holly Eggleton far left, Josh Eggleton far right

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SOCIETY

Scott Hendry on decks

Lokey and Doug Gillen

Gardna, Bish and Anna

VANGUARD

There’s cool, and then there’s ‘oﬃcial party for the Vanguard street art show, at a venue so new it doesn’t even have a website yet’ cool. It’s called Propyard, and it’s in St Phillips...

Steve and Emma Hayles of Upfest

Jen Reid Laurence Hoo and Ali Reid

Deri Robins and Jody Thomas

Art Tart Jo Hook and Ben of Temwa

Sam Watts and Dre

Deri with Inkie

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS CLOCKWISE: Faruk and Shilpi in their allotment; Joy Carey; organic veg box delivery

Gold standard

ristol has been oﬃcially awarded the status of Gold Sustainable Food City. It’s only the second city in the UK to achieve this status, which recognises the incredible work undertaken across Bristol’s food system, seeking to solve social, environmental and economic issues. The win is down to citywide initiative Bristol Going for Gold, with a team working behind the scenes to gather evidence and tell the story of Bristol’s food system and all the wonderful projects, organisations, and individuals within it, culminating in the creation of the award-winning bid submitted to Sustainable Food Places. “How we produce, trade, eat and waste food inﬂuences the most pressing issues facing us today, from climate and ecological breakdown to human health and wellbeing, from poverty and justice to animal welfare,” says Joy Carey, a director of Bristol Food Network.

“The gold status demonstrates that Bristol is on the right path to a more sustainable, fairer and healthier food system. It shows we’re a city that cares about and considers the impact of our food decisions on human health and wellbeing as well as the future of our planet. “Achieving this award has literally taken the whole city, and that is why we can all be proud of it. Bristol Food Network had brilliant support from our coordinating partners, Bristol City Council, Bristol Green Capital Partnership and Resource Futures, who have led the new Food Waste Action Management Group. “The initiative has also beneﬁted from the expertise of Feeding Bristol, Avon Wildlife Trust, Incredible Edible Bristol and Bristol Food Producers. We’re so proud to have been part of such a productive partnership, as part of our own mission to achieve a joined-up fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system in Bristol.” For more goingforgoldbristol.co.uk

BANG THE DRUM Local agency Mytton Williams’ mailer for leading travel brand 3sixtystudio has picked up a major Drum Award – a global awards programme which recognises the best practice, the best companies and the best people from across the marketing and communications industry. “The idea was to highlight 3sixty’s absurd returns they provide for their clients,” they said. “They specialise in designing and optimising websites for the tourist industry, and regularly produce results such as a 266% increase in sales. “So we took iconic destinations from around the world and exaggerated their size to match the stats. Amen.” For more myttonwilliams.co.uk; www.3sixty.co.uk

BRISTOLWORKS CLOCKWISE: Greg Ingham, Hayley Blacker, Chris Thurling, Andy Smith

MEDIACLASH PRESENTS RETAIL OF THE RIVERBANK Longwell Records has landed in Cargo 2. The shop has been a favourite with Bristol vinyl-heads ever since they opened the original branch in Keynsham back in 2016. “We’re a proper old fashioned record shop, with a hint of hipster snizzle if you come in on the right day,” they say. The new shop stocks new and used records and T-shirts with designs by local artists, including Oli T and Inkie. And from tunes to tomes: coming soon to the Wharf is indie bookshop Bookhaus. Owners Jayne Pascoe and Kevin Ramage say they want to host book groups, author readings and other events; the shop will open in mid-July in a bright triple-unit on the ground floor of Hope Quay on Rope Walk. “Bookhaus will offer the very best in contemporary literature with a focus on diversity and a global outlook,” said Kevin. “We also plan to be particularly strong in history, science and current affairs: books that address the burning questions of today’s world.” For more wappingwharf.co.uk

... a Bristol Life Business Surgery on co-working spaces, with Hayley Blacker of Interaction, Chris Thurling of Breaton Creative Industries and Andy Smith of Knight Frank Business at Interaction has become progressively busier since September, says Hayley. The data-led office design and fit-out service is helping organisations and businesses adapt to post-lockdown; employees will continue to work at home for at least part of the week, in a hybrid approach destined to become increasingly common. Hayley believes that a new dynamic means that offices are being transformed into ‘destination workplaces’, with occupancy lower than in pre-pandemic times. “Offices will become great productive places to be. You’re not going to come in now to sit at your desk to do Excel spreadsheets. You’re going to come in for team meetings, collaborative moments; companies want us to help shape their places to suit that.” According to Chris, the creative sector

in general doesn’t want to be confined to business parks. “I’m always really disappointed when I see developments which are just office buildings plonked down somewhere sterile; so much of it is just boring, depressing, unimaginative. It might attract a certain kind of business, but not the sort of businesses I work with.” Andy from Knight Frank pointed out that the property business in general is slow to change, but believes the market in Bristol is beginning to respond to the new conditions. The sector is increasingly aware of the fact that creative businesses are an integral part of the city’s economy. Another significant segment of Bristol’s financial profile is the tech sector, and here Andy believes developers and property companies are helping to accommodate this. You can still watch the full surgery on You Tube; search for Bristol Life Business Surgery, Interaction

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BRISTOLWORKS

BRISTOL PROPERTY AWARDS

SPONSORSHIPS For remaining options, please contact harriette.dixon@ mediaclash.co.uk or neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk FINALISTS See page 62 for the full list TICKETS Please join the waiting list via the website for tickets to the Bristol Life Awards 2021 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. And then also our other category sponsors: Anderson Financial Management, British Corner Shop, Brunel Insurance Brokers, Burston Cook, Curo, Lexus Bristol, SLX, Spaces, Thatchers, Total Produce and VWV; and of course, Bristol Life itself. Also including our feature sponsors Bristol Sport and Triangle Networks and Silver Sponsors Clarke Willmott & Proctor + Stevenson.

The Bristol Property Awards celebrate the whole of the dynamic local property sector, from residential to commercial, lettings to new builds, civic buildings to bold reimaginings – and this year, just like the Bristol Life Awards, they’ll be held once again IRL, on 12 November, also at Ashton Gate.

The hottest tickets in town

The Bristol Life Awards are roaring back IRL in September 2021. Get involved....

he nominations flooded in. The finalists were chosen. Now it’s all eyes on Ashton Gate on 16 September, when the city’s premier business awards ceremony roars back in all its eye-popping glamour. Last year’s virtual awards saw thousands watching online, with top-quality nominations, a diverse set of finalists, excited sponsors and winners, and appearances from Bristol luminaries. This year, however, the organisers of the Bristol Life Awards are making up for lost time, with an unmissable, memorable live event. The Bristol Life Awards are the business highlight of the city. These are the most prestigious, most tightly contested Awards, with the greatest number of local companies involved. And winning an Award is a powerful accolade; backed by a massive marketing campaign, this annual event has become a huge celebration of businesses in Bristol and the surrounding area. Tickets for the black-tie and posh frock event invariably sell out, with many on the waiting list. Bookings are not currently being taken, but you can register below to join the waiting list.

NOMINATIONS Nominations are now open; it’s free and easy to enter your company, with tips for making a strong case on the website. The organisers know it’s been tough for many businesses over the past 15 months, so there’s a special part on this year’s nomination form where you can explain how you have responded to the pandemic – for your business, for your team and for your community. The judges know what challenges everyone has had to face, and will be looking for the smart ways that businesses have responded. To nominate, see bristolpropertyawards.co.uk SPONSORSHIP Sponsors are at the heart of the Bristol Property Awards; to associate your brand with this unique event, benefit from its reach and engage with all the key companies and individuals in this vibrant and lucrative sector, get in touch: Harriette Dixon, head of partnerships: harriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.uk Claudia Butler, events and brand manager: claudia.butler@mediaclash.co.uk Neil Snow, Bristol Life advertising manager: neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

For more: bristollifeawards.co.uk

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

E-SCOOTERS & ME

Sophie Hamilton, personal injury specialist at INCE METCALFES, outlines the law and gives her thoughts on the increasing prevalence of e-scooters across Bristol.

live and work in central Bristol, so can’t help but notice the increased appearance on our roads (and pavements!) of electric scooters (or e-scooters). However, the impact of more vehicles on our already crowded roads cannot be ignored. The use of electric scooters has certainly aroused significant interest and debate, with much discussion over their safety for the scooter-users themselves, as well as the other road users they come into contact with. As a pedestrian, I can see how they could be a great, cheap and environmentally friendly substitute for cars for short journeys around the city, although I have yet to try using one myself. As a solicitor specialising in injury claims, I can’t help but think about the consequences if something should go wrong.

e-scooters are classified as motorised vehicles and are therefore subject to the same legal requirements as any motor vehicle. However, it is very important to understand that privately-owned electric scooters are illegal for use on pavements and footpaths and can only be used on private land with the owner’s consent. Only the official Voi-rented scooters can be ridden on the public highway, and anyone riding their own private electric scooter will be committing a criminal offence by using it on the road. To use the Voi rental e-scooters you must have a full or provisional driving licence and be at least 18 years of age. As with driving any other motor vehicle, you must, for example, drive in a safe manner, you must not drive on pavements and you must not ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

THE BACKGROUND

THE REALITY

Bristol and the surrounding region is currently part of a number of nationwide governmentintroduced trials of the Voi e-scooter, for both ‘hop-on, hop-off’ journeys and for longer-term rental options. The trial started in the autumn of 2020, and since then Voi have steadily been increasing the number of available scooters. Voi themselves say “Riding a Voi scooter is the perfect way to get around the city, while sparing it from both noise and pollution.” However, it is also possible to buy electric scooters privately, and there are some significant legal differences covering the official rental of e-scooters and private scooters.

My concern, particularly as a pedestrian roaduser, and as an injury claims lawyer, is that the law surrounding the use of electric scooters is confusing for many, and untested. The electric scooters are small and fun to use, so inevitably attract younger riders, who in particular may simply not appreciate that they are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles. E-scooter riders riding on pavements and not obeying traffic signals are not only a source of frustration, but could potentially be very dangerous, both for the riders and other road users, particularly pedestrians. Unfortunately, as is the case with all motor vehicles used on the road, the potential for injury, possibly serious, is always there. If you are injured by or using a Voi e-scooter you may have the reassurance that there is insurance in place

THE LAW This is where it gets complicated. At the moment,

if you need compensation, but it is likely that a private e-scooter rider won’t have insurance, or the financial means to meet a claim, so you will be left out of pocket. Of course, the purpose of having the e-scooter trials, like the one currently running in Bristol, is to try and identify and address the issues caused by the use of this ‘new’ mode of transport. Already the Voi scooters’ speed can be limited according to the area they are in, and Voi are considering adapting their scooters to make an artificial ‘noise’ so that sight-impaired road users in particular, can hear them coming.

THE FUTURE No doubt the debate will continue, as the trials of e-scooters expand around the country, as to the risks and benefits of this new form of transport. I have only been able to scratch the surface of the issues in this article. I would hope we are able to integrate e-scooters into our lives in as safe and managed way as possible, but sadly it is inevitable that there will be injuries, and this will be a fastdeveloping area of law. ■

Sophie Hamilton is a personal injury specialist at Ince Metcalfes. Contact the team at info@incemetcalfes.com or call 0117 405 5896 for more information. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 71

SPONSORED CONTENT

NEW FACE ON THE AMD BLOCK AMD SOLICITORS welcome Kate Walsgrove to its growing private client team

ate qualified as a solicitor specialising in wills, trusts, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney in 2016 at Legal 500 firm in Surrey. After qualification as a solicitor, Kate went on to complete a Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP) diploma in estate administration.

STEP is an internationally recognised qualification, and its practitioners are known to demonstrate the highest standards of knowledge and best practice when advising families across generations. Kate completed the diploma in 2019, achieving a distinction. In 2020 Kate was awarded a STEP Excellence Award. This award recognises the highest achievers across all STEP qualifications globally. While working in Surrey, Kate was appointed as secretary of Young Surrey Lawyers, a division of the Law Society, and ran a number of events and talks for junior lawyers in Surrey. Kate also served as legal counsel to the trustees of a Surrey-based care home, helping them navigate a range of legal issues where required. Kate has previously been interviewed on BBC Radio Kent, where the topics of discussion included: why to make a will, leaving legacies for care of an animal and claims against an estate. Kate is also a member of Solicitors for the Elderly, a specialist group of lawyers to support and advise older and vulnerable people. Following her relocation to Bristol, in 2021 Kate was appointed as secretary of the Bristol branch of STEP. Kate now lives and works in Henleaze and is passionate about making highquality, affordable legal advice accessible to everyone in her local community. In the past, she has been involved in a number of events and talks which provide advice to the local community on issues such as lifetime tax-planning, willmaking and lasting powers of attorney. Kate’s particular area of interest is administration of complex estates and trusts.

“THE ADDITION OF KATE’S EXPERTISE TO OUR TEAM CONTINUES OUR COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN OUR HIGHLY EXPERIENCED PRIVATE CLIENT SERVICES FOR AMD CLIENTS” Director Grant McCall welcomed Kate to AMD by saying: “We are delighted to welcome Kate. The addition of Kate’s expertise to our team continues our commitment to strengthen our highly experienced private client services for AMD clients”. Kate will be based at the AMD offices at 100 Henleaze Road but will be able to meet clients throughout all four offices. ■

For advice on the administration of estates and trusts and other private client matters, please contact Kate or any other member of our team on 0117 962 1205, email info@amdsolicitors.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 73

PROPERTY BUILDING BRISTOL

Development plans...

COMING SOON…

...and the charming Kofi Lounge

GATE UPDATE

Plans for the new sporting quarter at Ashton Gate have been submitted to Bristol City Council. It’s hoped that the proposals will go before a planning committee before the end of the year, with a view to starting building work in 2022 and completion in 2024/5. At the heart of the proposals are a 4000-seater sports and convention centre, at which the Bristol Flyers Basketball team will be joining Bristol City and the Bristol Bears at their BS3 home. However, the quarter will also

COURT FAVOURITE

include a multi-storey car park, hotel, gym, new homes and office space and an improved sports bar, known as the fan village. Oh, and in the meantime, do check out new café Kofi Lounge on the ground floor of the South Stand, open on match days and Monday to Friday; it’s a delight, with Bristol murals by Arthur Dickson-Bell on the wall, and highquality ethically sourced coffee, cakes and bagels on the menu. For more ashtongatestadium.co.uk

Redland Court held an open day on 3 July, offering a first opportunity to see inside this landmark development. Missed it? You can still book to visit these very individual homes, where no two apartments, duplex or newly built houses are the same. For more redlandcourt.co.uk

Propyard, ‘Bristol’s newest cultural destination’ is opening, well, any time now. The new venue is housed in a former MOD torpedo factory on Feeder Road, with socially distanced space for 500+ within a huge warehouse space and a tipi garden. See also page 61. Keep an eye on propyard.co.uk

MIND THE GAP In partnership with the Bristol Housing Festival, BDP architects have come up with a new concept of council-owned eco-homes. The Gap House – nine one-bedroom, two-storey homes – is designed to offer affordable net-zero housing which would be created on a disused garage plot in Horfield. For more: bdp.com

PROPERTY JACK HEAD

Taken for granted Has rental sector support been completely overlooked?

ften at odds with each other, it’s unusual for the UK’s landlords and tenants to feel mutually disgruntled by the same issue. However, at the moment, both parties have very good reason to. While Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s celebrated government support package has gone to great lengths to help most other key sectors during Covid, the pandemic has left landlords

and tenants who are in need of ﬁ nancial support feeling completely overlooked. A recent report by the National Residential Landlords Association estimates that 640,000 tenants have run up rent payment debts over the course of the pandemic, and while the government paid towards people’s meals out last summer, struggling tenants found very little in the way of support. The Private Rental Sector (PRS) has been a great success for housing in our country.

“While the government paid towards people’s meals out last summer, struggling tenants found very little support”

The PRS grew rapidly with the liberalisation of the legislation that allowed more ﬂexibility in tenancy agreements with the introduction of the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. In the late 1990s and 2000s, the sector grew and became an important feature supplementing the loss of public housing. Interestingly, the PRS is principally made up of private individuals who own one or perhaps two houses. In 2010, a government survey found that 78% of all landlords in the PRS owned one property. These are people who have invested in property to provide for their future or as a pension. All the vast majority of landlords want is a steady reliable tenant. They are not rogue landlords, as has been characterised over the last few years. These private landlords, many of whom have a mortgage against their investment, are not large corporate entities running as professional businesses, and the government knows this.

With eviction proceedings being made all but impossible during the pandemic, why are landlords expected to act as interest-free banks and take any late rent payments on the chin? Regrettably, because landlords are increasingly being taken for granted by our government. I don’t buy that support for tenants and landlords was too challenging or too expensive to be considered properly. There were some really simple options, like long-term interest-free government loans to tenants who could prove hardship. It’s about time the government start appreciating the private rental sector. All people deserve a place to call home, and all landlords should be given support and gratitude from our government for the important role they play within our country. Jack Head is the founder of Bristol agency Boardwalk Property Co. and The Letting Game instagram: @thepropertypatron email: jack@boardwalkpropertyco.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 77

AVONWOOD

Why compromise on your next home, when you could be ticking every single box? By Ursula Cole 80 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

ouse-hunting can be a dispiriting affair. The perfect home rarely manifests itself; it’s almost a given that you’ll eventually settle on a compromise, reluctantly crossing through at least one of the original ‘must-haves’ on your list. Avonwood, however, ticks an almost unfair number of boxes. You won’t need to sacrifice the architectural splendour of your dreams for an equally impressive view; it has both. Love period charm, but don’t want to live in a draughty museum? Avonwood brings all the Georgian style, but has acquired thoroughly modern manners that make it as spick and span as any new build. Craving privacy and seclusion, but can’t be doing with remote rural living? Avonwood’s tucked away on Seawalls Road, in desirable Sneyd Park, close to Clifton Village. Not that you’ll want to leave the house very often, to be honest, as you’ll have your own cinema room, a gym, and an incredibly pretty tiled spa. Oh, and a separate cottage. Oh, and a vineyard. And amazing views over the Gorge . . . But let’s begin at the beginning. Avonwood is approached, as all the very best houses are, by a long private drive. You’ll probably park up at the front of the house, but if you carry on a bit you’ll reach the cottage beyond. The main house – designed in a quirky wedge-shape, its Georgian symmetry best appreciated from the back – spreads lavishly over four floors, with the main rooms all facing

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 81

0117 961 2709 www.bespokeframelessglass.com info@bfglass.co.uk Bespoke Frameless Glass ltd, 8b Avondale Business Centre, Woodlands Way, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1AW

The cinema room (Harrison Ford not included in price)

south over the Gorge. The vast 37ft drawing room and adjacent dining room lead to a full-length balcony, while a similar trick is pulled off by the 37ft kitchen/breakfast room at garden level, which opens to a verandah; a summer house stands nearby, beckoning you across the lawn. There’s a study and en suite bathroom on these two floors too, along with a laundry, and – something you never realised you wanted until now – a ‘butler’s pantry/ reading room’. Four bedrooms with as many bathrooms occupy the first floor, but even more exciting is the lower ground level, which is wholly given over to luxurious leisure pursuits: the aforementioned cinema, beautifully tiled steam room and gym. The sizeable gardens – over three acres – are landscaped and terraced to provide the maximum balance of space and seclusion, with a terrace and BBQ patio; further afield are wild areas of flower meadow and shrubs, interspersed with woodland walks. The vineyard has recently been re-planted with Chardonnay grapes, with potential to provide about 1,200 to 1,500 bottles a year. And if you want to invite friends to share the harvest – and we quite understand if you don’t – they can sleep it off later in The Cottage, which has its own kitchen, living room, bedroom and shower room.

HOUSE NUMBERS Where? Seawalls Road Reception rooms 2 plus study and large kitchen/family area Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 Other rooms Cinema, gym, steam room

Outside 3.13 acres: formal gardens, vineyard, BBQ terrace, wild meadow and woodland; detached one bedroom cottage and summer house Guide price

£2.95m

For more: Savills Clifton, 20 The Mall, Bristol BS8 4DR 0117 933 5800 savills.co.uk

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

BRISTOL LIVES

“The pandemic has hit our pupils hard, and we’re keen to reach as many of them as possible”

MATT GRIFFITHS

Matt’s the Bristol programme coordinator for Action Tutoring – an education charity supporting pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, and helping them to fulfil their academic potential

e’ve had all sorts on these back pages. Actors, chefs, authors, the heads of art venues; you name it. But I’m sure none of them will mind if I say that very few make more of a positive difference to the Bristol community than Matt and his colleagues at Action Tutoring.

I worked as a history teacher

at a secondary school in Leeds before moving back down to the South West to be closer to friends and family during the pandemic. Working as a teacher, I saw first-hand the difficulties that disadvantaged young people face in mainstream education; and this is what drew me to Action Tutoring.

A typical morning at Action Tutoring involves a lot of

organisation: liaising with our fantastic volunteer tutors, communicating with schools and devising strategies to better support our pupils. In the afternoon, I’ll probably head off to one of our Bristol schools to oversee the delivery of a tutoring session. This is usually the highlight of my day.

Unfortunately, in this country, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds

don’t do as well as their peers academically. It’s not because they’re any less able, but because they don’t have access to the same opportunities or support. Action Tutoring works with schools to ensure these pupils can reach their potential by providing targeted English and

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

maths tutoring to them, delivered entirely by volunteers. The tutoring helps them to tackle any obstacles they’re facing, improve their study skills and build their confidence, meaning they can go on to succeed in whichever path they choose. The pandemic has hit these pupils particularly hard, and we are keen to reach as many of them as possible to make sure it doesn’t significantly impact their future prospects. We work very closely with our partner schools. Our aim

is to offer more targeted support to pupil premium students who are not currently fulfilling their potential. The schools provide us with a list of pupils who they feel will benefit most from tutoring sessions. At present, we work with Years 5 and 6 pupils in primary schools. In secondary schools, we work with Years 7, 10 and 11. So far this academic year, we have run a total of 1,561 tutoring sessions for secondary school pupils in Bristol. For primary school pupils, we have run 1,018 sessions. This is without taking into account the many hundreds of sessions that we have run during the current summer term. In Bristol next year we are aiming for a 41% growth in programme numbers, so there is lots of work to be done. Thanks to the National Tutoring Programme’s support, we have been able to

grow more this year than ever before. This has enabled us to reach many more disadvantaged pupils, those who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic.

Recently I have been working closely with a Y5 pupil with

severe SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) needs. Prior to tutoring sessions with us, he would only come in to school once a week, and really struggled in the classroom environment. Having targeted 1:1 support with his tutor over the last term has really helped to build his confidence and self-belief. He is now coming in to school three days a week, and his teacher has noted a huge improvement in his engagement in class. We always need volunteer tutors! Head over to our website

to sign up, and discover what tutoring with us will entail.

We are now also offering online tutoring, which is a

great option for anyone on a busy schedule, less able to get to school locations or continuing to socially distance.

I live in Easton, which is great. I love the fact that you can meet people from all sorts of backgrounds, and enjoy exploring different areas in east Bristol. There are also great music venues and pubs nearby. Favourite restaurant, bar, café, shop: Dough Heads, The

Red Lion, No.12 Easton, Idle Hands.

My most regrettable habit?

Ruminating.

Secret skill? Table tennis…

Could you be an Action Tutoring volunteer? Apply at: actiontutoring.org.uk