Bristol Life - Issue 317

ISSUE 317 / EARLY SUMMER 2022 / £3

ISSUE 317 / EARLY SUMMER 2022 / THE OUTSIDERS

THAT’S SO BRISTOL HONESTLY, IT COULDN’T BE ANYWHERE ELSE…

COTTO

WINNER, WINNER, ITALIAN DINNER

NORDIC, BUT NICE

A SOMERSET HOME STRAIGHT FROM YOUR SCANDI DREAMS

ALL DRESSED UP…

… BUT NOWHERE TO GO; HOW FIVE BRISTOL CREATIVES SURVIVED THE PANDEMIC

RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN

CINEMA’S OUTSIDERS AND REBELS: REDISCOVERED

EDITOR’S LETTER

12 W

Exiles and emigres

Casablanca. Swedish leading lady, Hungarian director and Austrian composer. A supporting cast made up of Germans and Middle-Europeans. Themes of exile and displacement, and risqué material slipped past the censor: why one of Hollywood’s greatest movies was European to its core . . .

hat, you may ask, with some justification, are a pair of 1940s Hollywood icons doing on our front cover? And why are there two more, posing gorgeously, on the editor’s letter page? Sure, they’re cool – nobody has ever been cooler – but what do Bogart, Bergman, Stanwyck and MacMurray have to do with the Bristol price of fish?

Two words: Cinema Rediscovered, the Watershed festival dedicated to putting classic movies back up on the big screen where they belong. As curator Mark Cosgrove says, “Other art forms have their temples – museums, galleries, opera house, theatres. For films, cinema is where they can truly come alive.”

The festival launched in 2016; taking inspiration from Italy’s pioneering Il Cinema Ritrovato, but adding a distinctive Bristol twist, it’s now regarded as the country’s leading classic film fest. No surprise there. Bristol, after all, is now the UK’s unofficial capital of cinema, designated a UNESCO City of Film in 2017 and with a reputation for great screenings and location filming that’s growing every year.

This year’s Cinema Rediscovered offers a five-day binge-viewing of the classic, the unknown, the risqué, the thoroughly entertaining and the shape-shifting, though rediscoveries and restorations. The strand that jumped out and spoke most loudly to our rebellious Bristol hearts, though, was Pre-Code Hollywood: Rules are Made to be Broken, featuring movies made before the Hays censorship code was enforced.

We knew at once that we wanted those words on our cover. We thought Bristol would relate to them.

We cheated a bit, though, because the cover image is actually taken from another strand, When Europe Made Hollywood; an equally fascinating look at how European emigres – the stars, directors, writers, moguls, composers – came to shape and influence the industry. But we’re not apologising. After all, rules are meant to be broken . . .

DERI ROBINS Bristol Life editor Follow us on

@BristolLifeMag;

@BristolLifeMag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 3

Issue 317 / Early summer 2022

24

COVER Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity – part of the When Europe Went to Hollywood strand in the Cinema Rediscovered festival (page 12)

ARTS

12 ARTS INTRO Bristol didn’t invent rule-breaking,

you know

16 WHAT’S ON Edging into festival season now 24 BRISTOL CREATIVES How five performers navigated

the pandemic

32 BRISTOL HEROES That’s just so Bristol 37 BOOKS Hold the fantasy, give us the facts

FOOD & DRINK

46 RESTAURANT Cotto – it’s here...

50 FOOD & DRINK If you’ve ever longed to see Jon and

Tristan of Pieminsiter dressed up as the Queen, you’ve come to the right page 52 RECIPE Fritter comforts 55 CAFÉ SOCIETY How Ashley Down turned Stan’s frown upside down

SHOPPING

56 EDITOR’S CHOICE A little bit of self-care

LIFESTYLE

48

59 HEALTH & BEAUTY A new salon on the block 62 BATHROOMS If the kitchen is the heart of the home,

the bathroom should be its spa

BUSINESS

69 BRISTOLWORKS What happened in the mayoral

referendum, and a big report from our Property Symposium

PROPERTY

76 THE CHANGING CITY becasuse, as you may have

noticed, it is . . .

82 SHOWCASE Nordic, and very nice

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT 9 BRIZZOGRAM 98 BRISTOL LIVES Jane Porter, gardener

82 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, Storysmith Books, Phil Haughton Commercial manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Craig Wallberg craig.wallberg@ mediaclash.co.uk Business development 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, Carriage Court, 22 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

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

SPOTLIGHT On the box

PAYBACK TIME Our favourite bad (though not too bad, just lovably bad) Bristolians are back next month for season two of The Outlaws.

Stephen Merchant’s brilliant, hilarious comedy-thriller – and yes, we would say that, obviously, but it genuinely is – follows seven people from different walks of life who are forced to complete a community payback sentence together.

Season one was the BBC’s biggest comedy launch of 2021, with a top-notch cast including Christopher Walken, and has been streamed 11m times on BBC iPlayer. In the second season, the Outlaws still have time to serve on their sentences, but now they must also face the fallout from their actions. Can they save themselves without sacrificing their souls? More importantly, will it be as laugh-out-loud funny as season one? We’re counting on it.

Get out your Bristol spotters guide, because once again, the city plays a starring role.

“Bristol is so visual and distinctive, and it has so much personality, but you rarely see its playing itself on screen,” Stephen said last year.

“It’s used mainly for period pieces, or doubling as somewhere else. So it’s fun to try and make the city a character in the show.”

Missed season one? We’ll let you off with a caution. Besides, it’s still up on iPlayer…

For more bbc.co.uk

Ukraine

#BRISTOLSUPPORTSUKRAINE The HELP! Concert headlined

by IDLES and Portishead at O2 on 2 May has raised £90k to date through ticket sales and merchandise; all donations go towards the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, and will be matched by the UK government On 14 May, Bristol Beacon also hosted a Ukraine benefit event curated by Bristol’s Bozarts Band. The Ukrainian night of music, spoken word, celebration and remembrance featured actress Patrycja Kujawska (formerly of Kneehigh Theatre, a major Bristol Life girl-crush), soprano Katy Garden and pianist Veronika Shoot.

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

Joe Talbot doing what he does best

The immersive event allowed attendees to roam the different spaces and levels of the foyer, and be able to get up close to those performing.

All donations went to the Disasters Emergency Committee.

For more bristolbeacon.org

Bristol Zoo

THE ZOO AND YOU It’s just months away from closing its Clifton site – in September, to be exact. But before they pack up and move all the animals – we’re kind of picturing the train scene from Dumbo here – Bristol Zoo is inviting you to celebrate its long, rich and varied history.

Between 28-29 May, you’ll be able to explore the archives and artefacts from the Zoo’s 185-year history. Most of the collection, including old relics, photos, film footage and records have not been shown in public for decades.

A programme of talks will also help to revive old memories and celebrate the important role Bristol Zoo Gardens has played in the evolution of public zoos, and its world-renowned conservation work.

For more bristolzoo.org.uk

Heeere’s Johnny....

SPOTLIGHT

BRISTOL GETS HIGH

You’re never alone with a drone, though a balloon will do just as well. Who can spot their house / workplace / favourite pub in these shots? And is that your boat?

Can we have a go on it some time....?

@hunchvisits

@shot.byjose

@bristolballoon

@jamesmarkhamuk

@bristollifemag

@sambinding

@richwphotos

@brynwebley

@bristoldrones

@chrshill

@sonyalpha

@tomaesh

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 9

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

Casablanca: they’ll always have Paris; BELOW: Marlene: The European female’s here

REBE S AN OUTSI ERS

W

hat would Hollywood have been without the European talent that flooded into A between the 1930s and 1950s?

Many of the biggest players of its golden age had emigrated from Europe, many for political reasons. With them they brought a unique attitude and style; from directors drawing on the early noirish traditions of erman filmmaking between the wars, to leading ladies who e uded the mystique of more ancient civilisations – something that Evelyn Waugh summed up as “the intangible, the veiled face in the fog, the silhouette at the lighted doorway...”

Casablanca is the perfect e ample of the emigré movie. The leading lady was Swedish, director Michael Curtiz was Hungarian, composer Ma Steiner was Austrian, while most of the cast were from ermany and central Europe, and sounded it: Conrad Veidt, Paul Henried, eter orre and Claude Rains. The movie’s themes concern escape, 12 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Cheers Drive! Bob Mitchum in Cape Fear; BELOW: Nobody epitomised ‘pre-Hays Hollywood’ better than Harlow

exile and survival, while the central love triangle is comparatively risqué; in most Hollywood films at this time, even married couples were shown occupying twin beds, but we’re left in little doubt about the exact nature of the relationship between Bogart and Bergman.

(Bergman, Cary Grant and Claude Rains pulled off a similar trick four years later, when Hitchcock slipped Notorious past the censor.)

Casablanca features in the Europe Goes to Hollywood strand in this year’s Cinema Rediscovered festival (see also page 3). However, it’s just one part of a tantalising programme; we’re intrigued by Rules are Made to be Broken, for example, which screens some of the risqué movies made before the 1930s Hays Code was enforced. There’s also a 60th-anniversary screening of Bristol-born ee Thompson’s influential thriller Cape Fear; 4K restorations of David Lynch’s deliriously enigmatic Lost Highway, and Kinuyo Tanaka’s intensely moving Forever a Woman; a celebration of female filmmakers from the lobal South, and a look at why aris became the go-to place for so many Black American creatives.

Watershed is the main venue, but there’ll also be events at the Curzon in Clevedon, 20th Century Flicks and Arnolfini. Come on; it has to be a lot more stimulating than the latest MCU in a multiplex.

“We’re left in little doubt about the exact nature of the relationship between Bogart and Bergman”

Cinema Rediscovered runs 20-24 July; watershed.co.uk/cinema-rediscovered www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 13

Discover the magic of CBD & CBG A refreshingly soothing formula like no other

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WHAT’S ON

20 May-10 June 2022

EXHIBITIONS Until 28 May

ABU BIRKINSHAW “I make paintings that narrate my own lived experience as a queer artist; they are a synthesis of my day-to-day life,” says Abi. At That Art Gallery; thatartgallery.com

Until 29 May

PAULA REGO: SUBVERSIVE STORIES Th British-Portuguese artist exhibits her disturbing, provoking images; at Arnolfini, arnolfini.org.uk

GORDANO TEXTILE ARTISTS Nine artists exhibit work in a wide range of techniques; Bristol Guild, bristolguild.com

A new commission sees the artist rendering monoliths and megaliths in thread-bound newsprint. Spike Island, spikeisland.org.uk

Until 12 June

Until 21 August

HOLDING THE BABY Photographic work by Polly Braden, creating a portrait of the resilience of single-parent families facing austerity. At Arnolfini; arnolfini.org.uk

DONNA HUANCA: CUEVA DE COPAL Site-specific interdisciplinary installation by a rising star of the art world, focusing on the human body.

Arnolfini, arnolfini.org.uk

CAFÉ ROYAL BOOKS: DOCUMENTARY, ZINES AND SUBVERSION With 500 zines and 167 photos, this new exhibition celebrates the work of publishing house Café Royal Books, which has produced weekly publications focusing on postwar documentary photography. At Martin Parr; martinparrfoundation.org

Until 5 June

Until 19 June

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Still at M Shed, with this year’s set of winning images of the natural world; bristolmuseums.org.uk

Until 11 June

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 163 The world’s longest running photography exhibition;105 works by 60 photographers on display at RPS Gallery; rps.org/ipe163

Until 4 September

GRAYSON’S ART CLUB Artworks chosen by Grayson and Philippa Perry and guest celebs during the TV series of the same name; at Bristol Museum, bristolmuseums.org.uk

ME, MYSELF, I Our most venerable gallery, RWA, reopens with a new exhibition of artists’ self-portraits; rwa.org.uk

VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE Step into over 300 of Vincent’s drawings, and paintings, via floorto-ceiling digital projections, VR headsets, roomsets and more; at Propyard, vangoghexpo.com

Until 17 July

Until 31 December

TANOA SASRAKU

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LEBOHANG KGANYE:

LEAVE THE LIGHT WHEN YOU LEAVE FOR GOOD The Georgian House was once home to a sugar trader and his enslaved staff; now ebohang reflects on the legacy of colonialism as a shared history, at the same site; bristolmuseums.org.uk

28-29 May

UPFEST Europe’s largest street art festival returns to BS3; in the run-up, many artists are already busily spraying walls in the ’hood; upfest.co.uk

28 May-18 September

ERIC BAUDELAIRE & ALVIN CURRAN: WHEN THERE IS NO MORE MUSIC TO WRITE Documentary installation exploring Curran’s life and work against a backdrop of radical political movements during the ’70s; Spike Island, spikeisland.org.uk

4 June

SOCIETY’S PILLS ART FAIR A new path into the Bristol art market; showcasing the work of contemporary British and

THE ENGLISH AT PL AY BY PATRICK WARD, CAFE ROYAL BOOKS

WHAT’S ON international artists, from the emerging to the established. At The Station; societys-pills.com

biggest UK tour to date. Connected centres around social media and the digital era, and how this connects us all. Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

SHOWS

7-8 June

Until 21 May

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN The acclaimed stage production of the old MGM charmer is here to make a splash (literally; there are over 14,000 l of water on stage every night . on’t wait for a rainy day; Hippodrome, atgtickets.com DREAMWORLD Amelia ann’s debut comedy: a fever dream of pop nostalgia, childhood dance shows, queer identity and suburban village life. At Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

Until 29 May

MAYFEST Bristol’s biennial international festival of contemporary theatre returns to theatres and public spaces; mayk.org.uk

24-28 May

DERREN BROWN: SHOWMAN We know it’s erren’s first live show in si -years’; the rest, you’ll be unamazed to hear, is a closelyguarded secret. He started here in Bristol, y’know. At Hippodrome, atgtickets.com

27-28 May

MEDIOCRE WHITE MALE Our hero is 30, still living in the same town and trapped in a job where he can’t open his mouth without offending a younger colleague. He longs for a simpler time of okémon cards and stable pronouns; but nostalgia is always dangerous… At The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

30 May-4 June

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Let’s do The Time Warp AGAIN; Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical refuses to lie down and die,; Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

31 May-2 June

NO EXPECTATIONS: THE UNSCRIPTED DICKENS A new ickensian story made up every night by the creators of Closer Each Day: At The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com OPPOSITE PAGE:

Dubioza Kolektiv, scrubbing up backstage at Trinity; THIS PAGE, TOP: Cafe Royal Books. At least he was wearing his helmet. Oh...; MIDDLE Spray for Bristol: Guy Denning at a previous Upfest; BOTTOM the fact that there appear to be five March sisters is the least strange thing about these Little Wimmin

5-6 June

DIVERSITY: CONNECTED The Britain’s Got Talent winner’s

LITTLE WIMMIN Impermanence presents Figs in Wigs in a live art, feminist ‘mutation’ of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel into an unrecognisable cartoon catastrophe that talks about climate change, astrology and the infinite nature of the universe. S Beth still dies. BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk WE’VE GOT EACH OTHER aul O’ onnell attempts a jukebo musical based on Bon Jovi, but without the budget, in a LOL show celebrating the community that’s formed when people come together and… believe. TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

8-9 June

POTATOHEAD Freddie Hayes’ debut solo show featuring puppetry, stand-up comedy, physical theatre, film, singing, dancing and plenty of potatoes, directed by Sh t Theatre Wardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com

MUSIC 22 May

DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV One of the best live outfits in Eastern Europe. Along with local Balkan flavours, their musical influences come from all over: ska, punk, reggae, electronic, hip-hop etc. Trinity, trinitybristol.org.uk

24 May

BRISTOL BEACON PRESENTS: JUSTIN ADAMS AND MAURO DURANTE A hypnotic, vivid instrumental tapestry comprising urante’s native Italian traditions, American folk, and Adams’ post-punk approach; at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com THE WANDERING HEARTS The London-based alt-country/folk Americana (phew) group comes to Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk

26 May

THE KILLERS Brandon and the lads finally come to play Ashton Gate, supported by Welsh legends The Manic Street reachers; ashtongatestadium.co.uk

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111 Coldharbour Road, BS6 7SD tel: 0117 944 6244 | email: art@coldharbour.co.uk

Skylines

An exhibition of new work by Huw Richards Evans 10th June to 21st July. www.coldharbourgallery.co.uk | x @coldharbourgallery

WHAT’S ON GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT/FUNKADELIC The godfather of funk lands the Mothership at O2 in a series of farewell shows. academymusicgroup.com KIM GORDON Influential alt-rock from a legend of the ’90s; Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk

27 May

SISTER NANCY & LEGAL SHOT SOUND The first solo female to record hits in the studio, and a formidable female voice on the dance hall scene for over two decades; Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk 28 May DOT TO DOT The annual lineup of innovative, e citing and groundbreaking acts play intimate spaces across Bristol; dottodotfestival.co.uk GARDEN PARTY Bristol Cathedral offers a sedate alternative to lasto, with bunting, music, local food bar by Espensen Spirit; bristol-cathedral.co.uk

1 June

UB40 The reggae-popsters had 0 single hits, but haven’t had the easiest of rides in recent years, with key members departing, law suits and what have you; but the current line-up is coming to O2 regardless; academymusicgroup.com

2-26 June

FESTIVAL OF VOICE St eorge’s new month-long celebration of the power, beauty and universality of the human voice, with a mi of internationally renowned artists, grassroots choirs and everything in between. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

3 June

CIRQUE DU SOUL: SUMMER SHOWDOWN The 21st century’s Moulin Rouge, where burlesque meets bass, in a travelling collective energy of colour, magic and dance. At Motion; motionbristol.com DUTTY MOONSHINE BAND A meeting of 1920s sounds and dirty bass; the unstoppable 14-piece dancefloor monster fuses live brass, keys, drums, digital hardware, and vocals, inspired by the big bands of days gone by. Trinity, trinitybristol.org.uk

3-4 June FROM TOP:

Wild abandon at Love Saves; defensive body language from Mark Watson, and an “unprecendented night of life and laughter” from a blissed-out Simon Anstell. We want whatever Simon’s having . . .

LOVE SAVES THE DAY The Bristol-born fest celebrates its 10th anniversary with its biggest ever edit, at

new home Ashton Court. ove Saves The Night RUN is at Motion on the 3rd. lovesavestheday.org

5 June

SUMMER SESSIONS Bambalan continues to bring the best international s to Bristol’s best rooftop terrace, for a series of day parties; bambalan.co.uk

9 June

THE BIRTH OF POP Bob Stanley in conversation with ete aphides at St eorge’s, charting the story of popular music from the invention of 7 rpm shellac to the beginnings of rock; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

9-12 June

FOREST LIVE Rag’n’Bone Man, Keane, Madness and Te as are the crowd-pleasing headliners at Westonbirt, in a beautiful forest setting; forestryengland.uk

COMEDY Ongoing

CLOSER EACH DAY The improv comedy soap continues to bubble away twice a month at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

22 May

MY DAD WROTE A PORNO What would you do if your dad wrote a dirty book? Ignore it? Not amie Morton. He reads it to the world...

The team behind the hit podcast come to Hippodrome, atgtickets.com

25-26 May

JOHN HEGLEY: DRAWINGS OF DROMEDARIES (AND OTHER CREATURES) We’ve been watching ohn do his whimsical poetry, songs and story thang since the ’ 0s; he’s still got it.

Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

27-29 May

WELLS COMEDY FESTIVAL Wells is a tiny town that likes to punch above its weight, and never more so than with its annual comedy fest. Headlining this year are Harry Hill, Al Murray, Reginald Hunter, Shappi Khorsandi, Mark Thomas, Mark Watson, etc. wellscomfest.com

28 May

SIMON ANSTELL: SPIRIT HOLE “A blissful, spiritual, sensational e ploration of love, se , shame, mushrooms and more. If you yearn for a night of unprecedented joy and laughter book now,” they say. Count us in At Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

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WHAT’S ON 29 May

BIANCA DEL RIO Comedy queen and u aul s rag ace champion Bianca brings her Unsanitized Comedy Tour to Bristol Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

3 June

STEVE BUGEJA: TRIED TO START HIS OWN NICKNAME One of comedy’s most exciting rising stars comes to Wardrobe.

“Quiet, punctual, tidy and good company” *****” according to Andrew, Brighton Airbnb... thewardrobetheatre.com

4 June

CHLOE PETTS: TRANSIENCE The debut tour for Chloe, who uses her trademark cerebral laddishness to examine her desperate attempts at living in the moment and her strictly non-romantic love for men; Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

8 June

PATRICK KIELTY: BORDERLINE The Norn Irn stand-up returns to his satirical roots with a personal take on borders, national identity and the future of the Union in a post-Brexit landscape. At Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

9-10 June

TOP: Cut along the dotted line: Patrick Kietly ponders borders; RIGHT: Yes, we know we always use this photo for the Craft Beer Festival; we like it

Screenings at a wide variety of Bristol locations; bristolfilmfestival.com

Until 29 September, selected dates

SHOW OF STRENGTH The highly infotaining theatre walks; choose from Blood utchery in edminster lood lackbeard and uccaneers rime rinolines in lifton aints inners in t eorge s and more; showofstrength.org.uk

JOANNE MCNALLY: THE PROSECCO EXPRESS Joanne is in her late 30s with no husband, no kids, no pension and no plan. If she doesn’t birth anything, who will be obligated to watch her die so she doesn’t have to do it alone? When a man on a dating app identifies as spiritual’, is it safe to assume he has the personality of a spoon? Etc; at Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

Until 28 May

10-11 Juney

BRISTOL WALK FEST The month-long walking festival, offering a variety of ways to e plore the city; bristolwalkfest.com

THE SHADE PULLERS & LASH STACKERS SOCIAL CLUB Drag-cabaret wrapped in a theatre show at a working man’s club;; a cultural mingling of boomers and zoomers, false eyelashes and flat-caps, tinsel and tombola. ress anywhere from Tom Jones to Grace Jones, and don’t forget your ticket for the meat ra e... At The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

OTHER Ongoing

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL The almost-year-round fest, with a something-for-everyone remit.

FREE PARTY: A RETROSPECTIVE A week long exhibition at Lost Horizon, created by some of the original founders of the movement back in the early ’90. Ft. photos, art and audio from those who lived it, as well as several ticketed club nights hosted by the original sound systems of the time. losthori onlive.com

Until 31 May

20-22 May

FOODIES FESTIVAL The biggest food fest of the year, ft. celebrity chefs and toppermost of the poppermost musical acts; on the Downs, as per. foodiesfestival.com

24 May

BRISTOL LIFE BUSINESS CLUB A fine lunch at Harbour Hotel, with guest speaker Nick Hounsfield of The Wave: eventbrite.co.uk

2-5 June

BEDMINSTER BEER TRAIL

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A lager (sic) than life Jubilee Weekend comes to BS3. Can’t make those dates? You can follow the trail at any time; bedminster.org.uk

4 June

THE BIG TENT FESTIVAL This year focused on Transitions; an opportunity to have your say on the issues that matter to you, in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Queen Square; bigtent.org.uk

CRUSTY DEMONS The pioneers of extreme sports at the forefront of the wildest world record stunts and motocross performances are coming to the UK for the first time in 1 years, with their biggest show ever; Ashton Gate, tickets.bristol-sport.co.uk

10-12 June

7 June

FESTIVAL OF NATURE The UK’s largest free celebration of nature brings its annual programme of nature walks and talks, wildlife workshops and digital events to Bristol and Bath. bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature

BRIAN BLESSED The larger-than-life actor, writer and presenter known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and T takes us on an eloquent trip down memory lane; Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

10-11 June

CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL A weekend celebrating all things beer, with street food, music etc, at Lloyd’s; bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

VOLKFEST Ws, music, Ws, camping, more Ws; the traditional grass roots olkswagen show and family weekend is back at Long Ashton; bristolvolksfest.co.uk

10-18 June

10-19 June

BRISTOL RUN SERIES 15K Whatever your running experience, you are invited for one, two, three or all four of the virtual events in the University of Bristol Run Series 2022; shop.bris.ac.uk n

ARTS

ALL DRESSED UP AND NOWHERE TO GO

During the pandemic, a local photographer and writer set out to chronicle the challenges facing Bristol creatives. Without an audience, who even are we when we’re alone, and how do we cope?

I

Photos Joe Short; joeshort.com Words Dionne McCulloch

f a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? How does an acrobat thrill without gasps from the crowd?

What does the harpist feel when no one is listening? Can a pantomime artist make children laugh over Zoom?

For most of us, the world screeched to a halt in March 2020. For the ones who dressed up to entertain, livelihoods were shifted, identities lost.

So, who even are we when we’re alone, and how do we cope?

That was the question that occurred to photographer Joe Short and writer Dionne McCulloch. During the pandemic they embarked on what became an award-winning project, All Dressed up and Nowhere to Go, e amining the effect lockdown had had on those who performed for a living.

To their surprise, they found that most performers hadn’t felt sad, lost or alone. “They’ve slowed down, felt deep gratitude, taken time just to play or invest in buried passions. A cabaret artist took up rollerskating.

A belly dancer became a climate activist; a magician started a fine arts degree, and the high-wire walker kept walking – a foot above his lawn.”

In other words, “When the audience is gone and the lights go out, we can still make the deepest connections – with ourselves”.

In this feature, five Bristol creatives tell us how it went down for them.

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LADY NADE, SINGER/SONGWRITER

“I had an entire year of touring planned to promote my second album; everything was cancelled. I managed a handful of sociallydistanced, outdoor live shows between the lockdowns. People couldn’t sing along; I couldn’t interact with the fans. Because people were so starved for live music, and my shows are intimate, I still felt close to the crowd, but the online shows I’ve done are difficult. I have no clue how the audience feels.

“I used to try to fit in, to be the person I felt others wanted me to be instead of myself. I’ve turned to crystal healing and meditation, and felt connected to a higher power in the universe.

“I buy myself flowers now. There’s this cra y e pectation that someone else should give us the things we love, but why? The best things we give ourselves come from ourselves, like praise and affirmations, so I want to use my platforms to encourage others to celebrate themselves. It’s not selfish to self-love. It’s important to celebrate yourself.”

For more: ladynade.co.uk

t s not selfish to selflove. It’s important to celebrate yourself

Lady Nade: “I turned to crystal healing and meditation, and felt connected to a higher power in the universe”

ARTS DAVID DOWNIE, ACROBAT

“Besides performing at a festival in Wiltshire and entertaining the Queen at Windsor, I had a fantastic year planned as one of a trio of comedy acrobats. We do physical stunts, we take risks and, if the audience is amenable, it can get risqué.

“It’s entirely spontaneous and alive. We work the audience so that every performance is different. Without the audience’s interaction, there is no show.

“Everybody has been fi ing up their homes, so I was able to find work painting and decorating, so the money has kept coming in, but I’ve desperately missed performing. I’ve learned I’m resilient, I can always find purpose, so my mental health has been OK through this time.”

For more facebook.com/david.downie.9028

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

“How does an acrobat thrill without gasps from the crowd? What does the harpist feel when no one is listening?”

MS MERLIN, ENTERTAINER

“I perform to express myself. Really, I’m a professional dresser-upper; I show my personality through clothes, dance and movement. When I hear people laugh, clap and cheer, I feel connected to them – it’s a deep, immediate and rewarding feeling. It propels me.

“I started singing lessons during lockdown, and it kept me on track; human connection and interaction is the only way to stay sane. And I took up rollerskating, which lets you naturally socially distance while e pressing yourself and keeping fit. It’s an absolute joy.

“During this time, I realised I was working too hard and leaving little time for the things that make me happy. I’m going to charge more and work less. It’s scary to grow your own value as a creative. ou start out in this field because you love it, then feel guilty asking for a reasonable rate. No more. From now on I recognise my time as being as valuable as any man’s.”

For more msmerlin.com

CHRIS BULLZINI, FUNAMBULIST (TIGHTROPE WALKER)

“There’s total silence as the crowd realises the gravity of the situation. The music starts, and I step onto the wire. When I do a headstand or hang by my toes, they cheer and clap, and it reminds me they are there, and they care.

“In 2020 I would have felt the gaze of several thousand people, suspended in empathy, watching me walk a tightrope from a multi-storey car park to the steeple of the church in Newcastle-under-Lyme. I’ve been a funambulist for 20 years; it’s my only income, it’s my life.

“It’s been a real struggle, but I managed to make something. I gathered five musicians and six circus performers, and we made a piece of performance art over Zoom that will be part of a BBC documentary about the freedom and beauty of our work. But it was also melancholic, as there was no audience.

“I will create more space in my life to do the things I love and to feel nourished. To spend more time with family. But I want to get back into the air. Through the wisdom I find walking the wire, if I can embody even a small percentage of it into my daily life, I’m a better person.”

For more ropewalker.me.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 27

ARTS PHILIP RINGLAND, MAGICIAN

“I missed the laughs, more than anything.

“I’ve been a magician for so long that it’s muscle memory, so I don’t need to practice to stay in tune. Performing is never about me; it’s about the audience and their experience, and with this knowledge comes a certain freedom. When you share the tension with the audience, you become an instant family.

“Receiving an unconditional offer from Cheltenham to study fine arts softened the sting of lockdown, though doing work remotely has been challenging.

“I got Covid in a bad way, and after weeks of suffering, I started making notes for my son. I thought this was it. My fragile mortality revealed. I walked outside under a full moon and took a deep lungful of cool air, the best breath of my life, and I felt hope. Magic is everywhere”. n For more facebook.com/Ringlandmagic

“I walked outside under a full moon and took a deep lungful of cool air, the best breath of my life, and I felt hope. Magic is everywhere” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29

SPONSORED CONTENT

THINK PINK

A case study by GARDINER HASKINS showcases Becky and Noel’s newly renovated kitchen, in which they have created a wonderland of colour

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ecky and Noel heard about Gardiner Haskins through a neighbour who’d previously had a stunning kitchen design put together by one of our designers, Alec Yull. They spoke very highly of him, convincing Becky and Noel to get in touch.

Becky and Noel had moved in the last few years, and were doing up the house as and when they could. The kitchen refit took place during the pandemic; a risky time for businesses, and Becky told us that when considering a selection of kitchen designers, some wouldn’t even talk to her.

In contrast, she was incredibly impressed with the service she received from our team at Gardiner Haskins, who took the time to help with her vision, making for a stress-free process.

The colour scheme Becky opted for was a cool, matt blend of navy blue, pale grey, and candyfloss pink. The shades are part of a Shaker-style range of kitchen by English Rose, featuring bright white countertops and a large double sink.

For dry-food storage, Becky and Noel went with a spacious, built-in pantry by Mackintosh kitchens. Once opened, it reveals a gorgeous interior of solid oak shelves, fashioned with wicker and wooden baskets 30 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

which slot satisfyingly into the spaces provided.

Conveniently, all the family’s dry food can fit behind those double doors, leaving room in the other cabinets for kitchenware.

Becky has multiple favourite features in her new kitchen. The first is the built-in bin unit on the kitchen island which includes the recycling, general and food waste. Her second favourite is the tall standing freezer by Neff, with big, spacious draws to store plenty of food.

It’s all about the little touches. For example, our designer Alec suggested a certain dishwasher because it’s very quiet when in use – ideal for an open-plan space to prevent noise disrupting enjoyment of the TV. A Quooker tap was also recommended by Alec and the fitters; it’s turned out to be well worth the money and a brilliant feature within their kitchen.

Despite the newness of the kitchen, Becky achieved the traditional look she was going for. The Smeg range cooker is striking in black and gives a classic feel. Originally, Becky asked for a gas stove; however, Alec suggested the induction hob and they were swept away by the technology. The safety aspects are also a bonus for anyone with children.

Sitting between the hob and the cooker hood is a stunning set of patchwork tiles. Becky and Noel opted for hanging lights giving off a warm,

ambient glow with undercabinet kitchen lighting to brighten the work surface below.

Becky loves the new open- plan kitchen. It creates a social environment – ideal for summer when they start having friends over. Even though she and Noel struggled to envision how the completed kitchen would look at the beginning, the artist’s impression Alec put together for them was “bang on” when compared to the final project. They said the kitchen is of excellent quality and have since recommended Gardiner Haskins to lots of people. n

To upgrade your kitchen and fill your friends with envy, book your free planning and design consultation at Gardiner Haskins Interiors kitchen showroom; see gardinerhaskins.co.uk or call us on 01179 292288.

1

THAT’S SO BRISTOL There are good days, and great days – and then there are days that could only happen in this city…

Words and pictures by Colin Moody

PHOTOGRAPHY

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t’s all about the things that make it just so, so Bristol. You know; like when Jason Donovan turned up at the Jason Donervan. As a street photographer, it’s those little moments when Bristol shows itself. It’s like we’re a whole city of people who read the motto in the cracker one Christmas and based a whole lifestyle round it.

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Before I came to Bristol, I would have said a pot of paint was just that; a tin cylinder full of paint. Maybe for a feature wall at home, at best. She needs a lick? Go get a tin, make it happen. That’s about it for the joy of paint. But here, in this city, I’m trained to think deeper now. One pot of paint empty by the side of the road, and that’s when I look up and glance around… something has probably gone up. Mural, street art, what’s new today.

There is an eco-system at work here, that Attenborough hasn’t yet tapped into his consciousness. Tagger turned to wildstyle letter-former. Wild young thing tamed through appreciation turns to muralist. Muralist hired like Emily oy Rich here, and Tom off camera for the latest Bristol Nights campaign, to draw attention to unwanted attention, and it’s only a blooming career! Homegrown, one paintbrush or nozzle at a time.

Next time you open a tin at home, even if it’s only for that accent wall, go on: give it a try. Squiggle out some animal shapes, some free forms. Nine times out of ten you’ll just flat-paint over the lot, but maybe, just maybe, we might see you at Upfest next year. If you dare to dream, it can come true.

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Number 2 goes to this random dancer. Who she was I will never know; until we undoubtedly bump into each other at a festival this summer.

There was music playing in this tunnel under Temple Meads, and she was on roller blades. So then the moves came out. It’s practically chemical, the whole moment.

-I 2 = B X being that extra energy we seem to have, to lift our spirit and react to raw input.

Y being the ability to say “Yes, I love this beat,” and release any remaining… just a mo, that’s the next part.

I being inhibitions.

Square the whole lot. Equals Bristol.

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eff. Big Issue seller. Bristol treasure.

When did you know you were coming out the other side of the chaos and brain-randomising effects of the lockdown? Maybe you ain’t there yet; been to that new club in London called Number 10? They’re still coming down from the whole shebang of that era. For sure.

Well, here in Bristol, I knew I was getting clear of angst and frustration when I fist-bumped eff Knight in Stokes Croft, and he told me that today the sun will shine, and it will shine on the inside, too. So here he is, in dappled shade, so I can share that moment with you.

Doors are open now, folks. Let’s rock.

“It’s like we’re a whole city of people who read the motto in the cracker one Christmas and based a whole lifestyle round it” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 33

PHOTOGRAPHY

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Long before the government had started the paperwork, people in Bristol rose up and offered their homes and hearts to Ukraine. Here is a window, part of a local art trail and a powerful response from an artist. Two lampshades and some pelmets, and a whole population of dolls and figurines to show how we stand with the people of Ukraine.

That’s so Bristol. No one here has successfully stood on a soapbox to talk about shutting the door because we’re full.

Being a port city has a lot to do with that; and being able to walk the whole thing in a day. Now, if we can just fi the buses, then zoom, we will have it all.

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5

Martin Parr Foundation launch party.

You visited yet? Oh boy; all the street photography and documentary input your brain could need, and always challenging, surprising content.

Let’s raise a glass to the launch party. Bristol does them so well. There might be nibbles, maybe locally sourced food, some Booty Bass if you’re lucky, and perhaps some interactive interventions. Later there could be sourdough pizza and something amazing.

Cultural meeting points: we could all do with a few more, but as the programming at our art bodies continues to diversify, we will all, one day I hope, join hands that are not holding the complimentary beverage and walk forward.

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People don’t believe me when I tell them that these two happy sun-soaking peeps were just lying like this in the grass. I photographed them for Bristol City Centre BID’s hearts campaign. It does look 100% set up, but it’s real.

Right down to that radiation of positivity coming back

off them. No need to move the mobile phone two inches to the left to make it more composed. Life and art lock together, and it just feels right.

Don’t see that every day.

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They call it psychogeography. There are places in every city where there is a physical and mental power and flow around certain places. The former Colston plinth has to be one, in our city.

The energy is still moving.

So, when one group recently put up posters of people who we should celebrate and be proud of, at the place that in terms of psychogeographic power is an 11, I, for one was pleased. Here, up goes a poster of Paul Stevenson, a campaigner and citizen that we can be proud of.

That’s so Bristol.

“There is an eco-system at work here that Attenborough hasn’t yet tapped into his consciousness”

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And to finish, here is a 120ft tall minion eyeballing a member of the ground crew at the Balloon Fiesta.

How has your day been going? Has it been a so-so Bristol kind of day? Pick up this copy of the Bristol Life, roll it up and shove it into your back pocket, whack on the headphones, put on the next cool track – mine today is gonna be Peter Schillings’ excellent Major Tom – then get out there and go have a Bristol day.

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

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. Fees start at £100 for a two-hour package. email: mrcolinmoody@gmail.com Twitter: @moodycolin; Instagram @moodycolin319

EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS

made eminently readable, spinning the history of an area of immense geopolitical strife seamlessly alongside the more immediate and emotionally raw family drama.

They say truth is stranger than fiction; and it can definitely be just as fascinating . . .

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f you were being unkind to booksellers (and you should never be unkind to booksellers), you could accuse them of spending too much time in worlds fantastical and imagined, caught up in fictitious situations which have no bearing on the world’s precarious rhythms.

It’s not a completely ludicrous charge: so much of our reading diet, and the way it’s marketed to us, is based on escapism. So take this issue’s column as a step towards redressing the balance.

As people who live perennially in a world of fiction, this month we’ve veered back towards reality,

and in particular we’ve been a bit preoccupied with memoir, so here are four volumes that have spoken to us directly from the real world.

My Fathers’ Daughter – Hannah Azieb-Pool An incredible memoir of lost and reconnected families. HannahAzieb Pool discovers that the Eritrean family she never thought she’d meet desperately wants to see her, and she decides to travel across the world to a community and culture remotely distant from her own adoptive UK upbringing.

The interactions are charged and intense, knotty and difficult to process, but Pool’s prose is so engagingly approachable that these deeply complex events are

Please Miss – Grace Lavery We immediately bestow upon this book the award for the year’s best subtitle. By giving this memoir the alternative title of ‘A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Penis’, Grace Lavery won us over before we’d even opened the cover, but fortunately it happens to be a first-rate memoir in its own right. Describing herself as an ‘unreformed omnisexual chaos Muppet’, Lavery’s story of addiction and gender transition is riotous and outrageously funny there is some very deliberate glee in its audaciousness, and it remains playful even in the more troubling periods of her life. Messiness and charm and rampant debauchery in equal measure.

Boy Friends – Michael Pedersen We were lucky enough to sna e an advance copy of this beautifully wrought book, which will be hitting the shelves in July. Written in part as a response to the tragic death of his friend (and songwriter

“Lavery’s story has messiness and charm and rampant debauchery in equal measure”

of the dourly brilliant indie band Frightened Rabbit) Scott Hutchison, poet Michael Pedersen assembles his frazzled and jumbled emotions into this unconventional memoir, which is as much a celebration of platonic love as it is a mourning of its loss. Through road trip reminiscences, periods of loneliness and letters to the friend he lost, Pedersen’s approach to the enormity of grief is big-hearted and buoyant, but for every pang of sadness it conjures there is an equal and opposite rush of hopefulness and gratitude.

Things I Have Withheld – Kei Miller We are especially excited about the arrival of this title in paperback, as it’s the book we’re championing in partnership with this year’s Jhalak Prize. If you missed it in hardback last year, now is an excellent time to explore: we loved the mix of deftness and directness in these essays on life – sometimes taking the form of letters to the likes of James Baldwin and Liam Neeson – in which Miller examines in forensic prose the damage visited upon black identity across the world in ways that remain unseen and unreported, and the privileges that are yet to be unlearned. It is such an enlivening read, and one delivered with grace but without fudging the real substance.

Not to be too ‘fairytale ending’ about this, but don’t you think these real-life stories have the same scope and vision as the wildest flights of imaginative fancy?

Maybe we should hang out in the real world a bit more.

Storysmith, 236 North Street storysmithbooks.com

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE TEACHER What makes a great teacher? There’s much more to it than prepping for exams: it’s also about building confidence and encouraging children to reach their full potential.

Meet some of the dedicated people inspiring the next generation... of nowhere surrounded by beautiful grounds and woodlands when in actual fact we are just a couple of miles from the sea, 5 miles from the centre of Bristol and next door to an animal sanctuary! Not many schools have giraffes as neighbours!

LU SHEPHARD

THE DOWNS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 01275 852008 thedownsschool.co.uk Tell us a little about yourself...

I’ve been at The Downs for 14 years, I think!

(I may need to check with HR!) I grew up in Nailsea, went to school in Clevedon. I still perform regularly as a professional musician, I’m a mum of 2 and volunteer boat crew with RNLI Portishead.

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

What subject did you most enjoy at school?

Music! I had an incredible Director of Music.

He had a fierce no-nonsense approach but really got the best out of every pupil. He spotted that I was quite disruptive during cookery lessons so pulled me out of them for extra instrumental practise. Unfortunately, as a consequence, I am still completely useless at cooking!

How does your school differ from others?

Our location. It feels like we are in the middle

What are you most proud of professionally?

This year we allocated a weekly timetabled session to a performing arts programme for all year groups. We have had visiting local artists, learnt about music and theatre technology, created set models, put on a whole school production of ‘Scrambled Scrooge’ and we are now working on our end of year celebration which will see every single pupil singing, acting and dancing! With such a dynamic team, talented pupils and the resources we have at The Downs I can’t wait to see what the new academic year brings!

What challenges come with the role?

We are an exceptionally busy school and we love to make the most of the grounds and the weather, this does mean that locating pupils can be tricky! It’s not unusual to find yourself trekking through the woods to find your pupil toasting marshmallows on a campfire with forest school.

SPONSORED CONTENT MARTYN COX CLIFTON COLLEGE 01225 315 7110 cliftoncollege.com

NEIL GLANVILLE

What do you most enjoy about teaching at Forest School?

I love being outdoors and sharing my knowledge with children. If they pick up even the smallest snippet of information from one of my sessions, I believe their inquisitive nature will set in and they will continue to take an active interest in their environment.

How long have you taught at your school?

I have taught at Tockington Manor School since 2008. I started as the head of science before becoming the deputy head academic this year.

What subject did you most enjoy at school?

I was really inspired by a teacher who took a class called Rural Studies. This involved going out into the school garden and digging it up; this sparked my interest in nature, and is ultimately what led me to working at Forest School in Clifton College.

TOCKINGTON MANOR SCHOOL 01454 613229; tockingtonmanorschool.com

How does your school differ from others?

Our ethos of ‘making the most of every moment’ is so important in today’s fast-paced culture.

We encourage our children to make the most of their childhood while helping them build their confidence and achieve their full potential in all areas, including academically, musically, sports related and their social and emotional well-being.

They leave us in Year 8 with the attitude and aptitude to succeed.

Martyn Cox

What do you find most satisfying about your job?

I love hearing parent’s feedback about Forest School, mainly relayed from their children’s experiences. Parents tell me that it’s made their children more confident by getting outside and socialising with other children, and that to me is so satisfying.

What are the qualities of a good teacher?

A teacher needs to be patient, kind, understanding and most of all they need to have a sense of humour – I am renowned for my ‘dad jokes’.

Developing a relaxed classroom environment is key to enabling children to feel at ease, and this is when they will make the most progress.

JAMES MURPHY-O’CONNOR

HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS 01600 710401; habsmonmouth.org Tell us about your family of schools...

Based in the heart of the Wye Valley, we have a tremendously supportive community. With inspirational and dedicated subject-specialist teachers, we provide the perfect balance of education for children aged 3-18 through our structure, known as the Monmouth Model.

Neil Glanville

MRS ALICE TAYLOR

CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL 0117933 9087; cliftonhigh.co.uk

What opportunities are there at the schools?

The opportunities are endless for our day and boarding students – whether in sport, music, drama or dance. We have around 130 early-morning, lunchtime and after-school co-curricular clubs and activities, ranging from clowning to computer coding.

Do you offer scholarships and awards?

Yes; we offer academic, music, sports, and dance scholarships for both boys and girls applying to join us at the beginning of Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.

We offer art and design scholarships and drama and theatre arts scholarships to pupils joining Year 9 and Year 12. We are delighted to offer scholarships and awards to candidates who excel.

In the last academic year, what made you inspired to be part of the schools?

We have always been proud that Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools are so much more than what happens in the classroom. We launched our coeducational Monmouth Prep School in September 2021 and the response from our children, pupils and staff has been incredible. The combining of the two single-sex schools involved a lot of work and planning, but the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive.

What do you most enjoy about teaching?

I enjoy shaping the minds of future generations. I feel proud that many of my pupils have gone on to study science at university, and have chosen a career path based on the foundation that started here at Tockington Manor.

What did you most enjoy at school?

I loved trying new things, which is why I am passionate about ensuring the curriculum at Clifton High is varied, challenging and pupil focused. Having a wealth of opportunities at a young age enables children to find and develop new interests and skills early on.

James Murphy-O’Connor

What advice would you give your 10-year-old self?

Be kind, be empathetic, listen and make the most of every opportunity. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Work hard and enjoy the process of learning!

Where did you begin your career?

I began teaching A level psychology, before realising I wanted to teach a wider subject range. I investigated Primary School teaching, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I then went on to complete my PGCE and gain a breadth of experience working in a variety of schools.

Mrs Alice Taylor

Tell us about your school...

We are a leading, selective school for 3-18 year olds in the heart of Clifton Village. As Head of Infant and Junior School, I’m proud that our aim, ‘Realising Individual Brilliance,’ and our values, ‘Curiosity, Empathy, Love and Direction’, are more than just statements – they are embedded in the culture of our School.

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

COTTO BAR & KITCHEN

It’s the most exciting opening of the year – but then we knew it would be . . .

Words and main pic by Deri Robins

RESTAURANT

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ook; I know nobody likes a namedropper, but bear with though there’s a brief spate of bickering over the fourth; she wants the me. Back in the 1990s, I had the inestimable pleasure of asparagus, I want the garlic crema. We order the asparagus. interviewing that Nicest of Living Englishmen, Michael Palin.

It’s hard to go wrong with arancini, though a surprising number of Michael’s family occupied two houses in a street in Gospel Oak, places do. Head chef Martin Stone’s are truly great, the golden crispy but they weren’t next door to each other; he had to wait, in a crumb encasing a silky, whisper-light filling, the rice relegated to a polite, patient and somehow very Palinesque way, for the owner of the supporting role. The flavour is parmesan; simple and unimprovable. middle house to sell up before he could own three in a row. istachio-flecked homemade salsiccia sausages are served warm in Not unlike the members of the Bianchis group, then, who for the chunky slices, with sweet juicy figs and the slight bitterness of marjoram, past few years have run Pasta Ripiena at 33 St Stephen’s Street, and while the firm and crunchy new-season asparagus is elevated by a smoky Bar Ripiena at number 29. Finally last year, the business in between ricotta. The dish we have trouble sharing nicely, though, is the insalata moved out, and they were able to knock through. The result: Cotto of octopus; tender tentacles tossed with jersey royals, with red onion and Bar and Kitchen. And lo, Bristol rejoiced, for when it came to thrilling capers for piquancy. Eyes narrowed, we silently dare each other to take new openings, 2022 had been a bit slow off the mark. Slow for Bristol, more than their fair share. We nearly order a second helping, but hold anyway; if this was Doncaster, say, or Swindon, it would probably back in the knowledge that substantial mains are on their way. count as a record year. Whatever; among Bristol’s foodie cognoscenti, Having once kept a bunny as a pet, I’m too squeamish to order a Cotto’s arrival was greeted with the kind of feverish enthusiasm usually dish involving one of its wild relations. However, the daughter is made reserved for the second coming. of sturdier stuff. I sneak a guilty forkful of her While all the restaurants in the Bianchis gnocchi in rabbit ragu, and have to admit it’s group serve Italian cuisine, each one is different. terrific, the gamey meat and soft pillowy gnocchi DINING DETAILS asta Ripiena, for e ample, specialises in stuffed slicked in a subtle, herby sauce.

Cotto, 29-31 St Stephen’s Street; 0117 329 2560; pasta, Bianchis is a lovely tablecloth-and-napkin I’ve chosen an ocean-blast of a dish, in the cottowinebarandkitchen.co.uk trattoria, and I won’t insult your intelligence by form of pici with Cornish crab. The pici, a kind Opening hours Tues 5.30-11pm; Wed-Thurs explaining the USP of Pizza Bianchi. However, of fat, kinky spaghetti, comes al dente, Italian 5-11pm; Fri-Sat midday-2pm, 5.30-11pm they all share a similar ethos: honest, unshowy style, ie with more bite than most pasta served Prices Small plates £3.5-£7.5; mains £10-£16.5; cooking, based around beautifully combined, in the UK. Tangled with the rich seafood and puds £6-£7 top-quality, seasonal ingredients. sweet, aromatic datterini tomatoes, it leaps Veggie A wide and lovely choice Their latest opening is this philosophy on straight from the fork to my dish-of-the-year list. a plate. Cotto just means ‘baked’ or ‘done’ in The pasta is washed down a treat by a bottle Wine Taken seriously; mostly Italian Italian, and the vibe here is all about home of Marco Felluga Just Molamatta Bianco; clean, Service Charming, informed and invested cooking, served in an informal, cosy atmosphere, crisp and buttery with aromas of vanilla and rather as if customers were guests seated around caramel. Oh, OK, I looked that up, in case this is the Bianchi family’s dining table. read by sommelier Noah, who’s curated a great, mostly Italian, wine list.

To pull this off, you need top-notch staff, but then that’s something The wine, bookended by prosecco to start and limoncello to finish, is this group tends to specialise in. We’re not sure how they manage to find enough to make us forget that we’d decided not to bother with pudding. all their exceptional front-of-house people; do they arrive fully formed, We share a bay leaf pannacotta, set off by pretty-in-pink rhubarb that’s with a god-given gift for hospitality, or do they undergo a bootcamp in simultaneously sweet and tart, as rhubarb is wont to be. The delicate, charm conducted by charismatic co-director Dom Borel? Either way, almost savoury pannacotta has a perfect Carry On wobble, and is about Bianchis have put another great team in place for Cotto, where the as steady on its feet as we are by the time we leave Cotto, because service is so warm and seamless that you’d keep coming back even if the somehow a pair of tequila shots have also materialised on our table. kitchen was just unpacking salads bought in from Pret.

A final, feelgood note: if the dish you choose has the letters CCC The decor is simple, with wooden tables and lampshades resembling (Cotto Community Contribution) after it, £1 goes to the restaurant’s little paper bags. The menu is brief, with small plates ideal for sharing chosen charities; looking out for the vulnerable people in the city is and half a dozen mains. “Good food and wine doesn’t have to be something to which this group has long and laudably been committed. complicated,” reads the mission statement; if the menu was expensive, Opening a new restaurant in 2022 can’t be easy, but once again, Dom this might come across as a bit disingenuous, but starters begin at the and e ecutive chef Ben Harvey have made it look effortless, as if they’d pocket-money price of £3.5, and no mains costs more than £16.50. simply acquired a vacant site, sprinkled it with fairy dust and whispered The delightful Satya advises that four small plates are about right a few magic words. How all aspiring restaurateurs must wish they could for two. The daughter and I are in agreement over three of them, lean in to hear those words, and bottle some of that dust . . .

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

NEW BUSINESS

FOOD & DRINK PRODUCER

FINALIST

FINALIST

FRESH FISH IS THE BEST FISH THE CONSCIOUS FOOD CO

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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

Hot plates, cool drinks – the Bristol summer’s looking very tasty indeed, and we haven’t even got to Boxhall yet . . .

COURT FAVOURITES With a weather eye on the warmer, longer evenings, two of our biggest new venues have launched their courtyard series.

Music, arts and food venue Propyard is extending its events roster with free-to-enter al fresco Courtyard Socials.

To the tune of live beats from Bristol’s best DJs, the sessions will take place every Thursday and Friday, as well as the occasional Saturday, from 6-11pm in the huge courtyard.

Expect a big selection of craft beer from top local breweries, along with wine, cocktails and cider; food vendors include Bristol Life Awardwinner Pizzarova, and Middle Eastern-inspired Jafra.

There’ll be a festival vibe going on, it’s dog-friendly, and kids are welcome until 8pm.

We’re not sure what happens after that; the arrival of the Child Catcher, perhaps.

For more propyard.co.uk Not a million miles away, Lost Horizon HQ has also launched its own Courtyard with a capital C, with a full drinks menu, street-food vendors, DJs, live music, VR fun, table football, ping-pong, and ShangrilART exhibitions.

Local brews include Arbor Ales, to accompany slow-cooked, locally-smoked produce from Big Nathan’s BBQ , fresh, protein-packed bowls by oki oké, woodfired pizza from Slice One, Caribbean Tex Mex fusion from Tubby’s Corner, and organic recipes by Good For Bellie; more to be announced.

For more losthorizonlive.com FROM TOP: Propyard, Lost Horizon

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RE-BOOT

It’s been quite a while coming, but it’s pretty enough to have been worth the wait. If quirky instagrammable boutiquery is your thing, head directly to The Boot Factory within the Artists Residence hotel – a new all-day hangout and neighbourhood hub on Portland Square, just a five-minute carrier-bag-schlepp from Cabot’s Circus. It’s a café, it’s a bar, it’s a party venue, serving brekkie and brunch, bar snacks and pizzas, it has a dinner menu coming soon and it has a big red SNOG sign on the wall. We ask no more.

For more artistresidence.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK More tasty bites…

SAY ¡HOLA! …

…to Picaro, a new, family-run Spanish tapas bar which has just opened on the intensely foodiecentric Chandos Road on the old Aaron’s Jewish deli site.

Picaro – the name translates from the Spanish as ‘rogue’ – is run by amigas Maria Garro de Oro and Mònica Worlsey. “Come for a drink and something to eat, and you’ll be transported to a little corner of Spain,

with a lot of laughter and chatter in our native Spanish language,” they say, temptingly. “Like all Spaniards, we believe that sharing food is the best gift of all, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you into our neighbourhood tapas bar and sharing the dishes we grew up with. There are so many dishes we want you to try – we’ll surprise you every day…”

For more picarotapas.co.uk

… AN EQUALLY WARM CIAO!...

FIRE, FOOD AND MUSIC As this page is apparently brought to you

by the Google translator, we’ll start by explaining that the South African word ‘ubuntu’ sums up essential human virtues such as compassion and humanity.

It’s also the name of a new independent food collective, which curates unique e periences around food and fire, creating space for people to come together while building a resilient future for food, working with regenerative farmers, local artisan producers and other indies.

Coming up on 27 May is a fire session supper club with Come Bye Festival at the Crypt Courtyard at The Mount Without, and an open-fire cooking workshop with Limeburn Hill Vineyard on 17 June; keep an eye on the website for summer dates, and look out for their cheffing demos at festivals; we’ll be checking them out at Valley Fest.

For more ubuntufood.com

… to Magari; opened in April in a couple of units at Cargo, this tiny new Italian serves authentic, home-cooked food designed for sharing. Fresh pasta is made on site every day, as the basis for a vegan, vegetarian and meat-based menu focusing on locally-sourced ingredients from the South West – “but in surprising ways”.

“Everything in Italy revolves around food, and the most important thing is sharing it with each other,” say co-owners Gilda Lombardi and Delphi Ross. “Taking time out of our day to sit, chat, eat and drink wine. roups of friends, first dates, parents and kids, whatever; just take a leaf out of the Italians’ book, and do it with each other…”

Oh, and the name Magari? It means ‘let’s hope’, which we think is kind of nice.

More on insta @magaribristol

… AND A ROUSING G’DAY! ….

…to the new branch of Burra, which after a successful 2021 launch on Lower Redland Road has just opened a second branch, this time on the Gloucester Road.

With the same Antipodean theme and ethos (explainy: it’s co-owned by Bristol Bears players Luke Morahan from Australia and Jake Heenan from New Zealand), the café promotes an ethical lifestyle through dishes created from organic, locally sourced produce. There are brunches, rice bowls and baked goods from the likes of Hobbs, Farro and Exploding Bakery, including (sure to bring a tear to nostalgic Australian eyes) TimTams.

There are plans to renovate the garden out back, and create a patio at the front, while the interior walls are lit up by an amazing new kookaburra mural by Nick Harvey, @kin1official on Instagram. For more burrabristol.co.uk

AMUSES BOUCHES… The new four-star Clayton Hotel has opened on Broad

Street, and in a rather inspired nod to the original Art Nouveau façade of the Everard’s Printing Works that frames the entrance, Inkie has been commissioned to create a new reinterpretation of the Everard’s Angel in his Ink Nouveau style. As a further part of the Everards Printworks development, Ink has also restored his See No Evil piece on Nelson Street. claytonhotels.com Soccer supremo Gareth Bale has planning permission

to open Par 59, an indoor adventure golf centre next to Lane 7 at Harbourside this autumn. Not everyone is thrilled about it, though; the council received around 100 objections from local residents, concerned that golf or no golf, it’s still a bar. Details such as opening hours have been tweaked accordingly. par59.com Book a table at Pieminister over the Jubilee Weekend and you’ll be treated to Pieminister’s Brunch Royale. There will be

flags, the drinks will be posh and prizes can be won if you wear a headscarf or crown à la HRH. The group is also working with the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), raising both funds for, and awareness of, their life saving services; new pie feast, the It’s All Gravy (any pie with chips, cheese, crispy onions and bottomless gravy) costs £11, with £1 going to CALM. They’re also donating 20p for every can of Pieminister 5% lager. pieminister.co.uk

Queen Jon and Princess Tristan of Pieminister

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RECIPES PHIL HAUGHTON

Quick and easy to make, these fritters are ideal for a summertime meal.

Choose your favourite veg, keep it seasonal, dial up the spiciness (if you like), and cool down with a fresh raita . . .

SPICED VEG FRITTERS This may be the perfect veg box recipe, as it’s very quick and incredibly adaptable any veg will do. Just pick your favourite, or the best of what’s in season; or whatever you find in your fridge.

Include finely diced onions and garlic for extra flavour. Add pizzazz by serving with sweet chilli sauce or a yoghurt raita and a simple salad on the side. Chickpea (gram) flour is gluten-free.

Recommended combinations: • Courgette, onion and mint • Grated beetroot and fennel • Shredded kale with cumin and cayenne • Grated squash and sage • Grated carrot and parsnip with cumin and fresh coriander.

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Ingredients Makes at least 8 fritters 1 0 g gram chickpea flour 00 g grated or finely chopped veg Fresh herbs and spices of your choice Salt and pepper to taste Oil for frying Method In a large bowl mi the flour with water to a smooth double cream consistency. Stir in the vegetables plus any herbs, spices and seasoning.

• Heat the oil in a frying pan and then put heaped tablespoons of the mixture into the pan.

• Fry for about 2 minutes on each side until the fritters are crisp and starting to brown.

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. Better Food won Best UK Independent Retailer at the 2021 Soil Association BOOM awards. Phil is also a speaker on the subject of organic farming, and author of the book Food For Thought, from which this recipe is taken.

Food for Thought is Phil’s first book. Through a colourful mix of inspiring personal stories, tempting recipes, helpful tips and insightful contributions from 12 thought-leaders 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.

For more: betterfood.co.uk

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St George: Southville Deli.

Fishponds: Artichoke Wholefoods.

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CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Power to the pop-up Stan finds his frown turned upside down, on Ashley Down

T

his issue’s coffee shop of choice is the really rather jolly ubilee Food Hub Café. An unexpected oasis of calm and delight that I stumbled across quite by accident. Very glad I did, too. Changed my worldview in a few short, sweet, sips. Allow me to explain why.

Some days, dear reader, I genuinely wish I hadn’t got out of bed. Feels like the effort was wasted. Everything that happens is completely rubbish. Don’t know if you have ever had days like these, but I find they are no fun whatsoever. Life seems to stagger from one calamity to the next.

Like a drunken badger in a pottery shop. You have to dig deep within your soul to stop the screams from coming at times like these.

It was on one such day I found

“Life seems to stagger from one calamity to the next.

Like a drunken badger in a pottery shop”

myself driving down Ashley Down Road. Going past the new Dye Works houses of St Pauls, sneaking through a quiet backwater, heading for the M32 roundabout.

As I ducked and dived, scowling to myself miserably, a blackboard sign appeared on the pavement, quietly announcing the presence of a pop-up café. On Thursdays and Fridays only. 8am to 2pm.

Normally, I would make a note of such things, so I could revisit at a later date. But on that particular Thursday, and at that particular time, I was in no mood for normality. I was in the mood for anger and madness. For howling at the moon. Which is when I had a sudden epiphany. Suddenly I knew exactly what was needed.

Time out. Aaahhh. Time out, to reset and refocus. So I slowed down, parked up and strolled back to explore.

I was soon standing on Conduit Place, next to Ashley Street Park and Playground, which is a sweet little space all by itself. The café turned out to have a very friendly feel inside, with lots of lovely-looking food to tickle the tastebuds. Which is no surprise, as it is a spin off from the ubilee Food Hub; a splendid setup that is looking to transform our relationship with food.

Their website proudly proclaims that they want to offer the finest local, organic produce from the best local farmers and producers. Coffees are made using

Triple Co Roast organic coffee and Bruton Dairy organic whole milk; sourdough pastries are from Bakers & Co. They also stock most of the produce from their online delivery shop too, so you can buy Stream Farm’s organic, regenerative meat, sustainably farmed trout, organic eggs and apple juice, plus organic cheeses from Bath Soft Cheese, Edible Futures salad and veggies, award-winning charcuterie from Trealy Farm, and much more besides.

Basically, they want to shift a little of the power away from distant supermarket shareholders into the hands of local people.

Which is enough to make me love them a just little bit, right there and then.

Moments later, sitting in their pretty courtyard garden, sipping a delicious coffee, taking in the fresh greenery, blossom and sunshine all around, listening to small children laughing happily in the park next door; well, the frown fell from my face, the anger seeped out of my soul, suddenly the world was a wonderful place all over again.

Whatever your mood, I can thoroughly recommend giving this place a visit. It is definitely worth it. You might even pick up some seedlings or top-notch groceries to take home. n Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer stancullimore.com

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MOA DAILY CLEANSING RITUAL, £22 Super-soft bamboo face cloth and a 50ml pot of The Green Balm,

by Magic Organic Apothecary, to give your skin a balancing deepcleanse and remove excess oils and impurities From Fox + Feather 43 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

SELF-CARE

As we hurtle towards the hot, drying days of summer, it’s never been more important to nourish our skin and hair.

At least, that’s our excuse for loading up with these aromatic, proven-towork goodies…

HARMONY OIL, FROM £22 With marula, blackcurrant and watermelon seed; lightweight and non-greasy, yet nourishing and balancing. Gorgeous...

From Wild Source Apothecary wildsource.co.uk

DRIFT DEEPLY BATH SALTS, £26 Unwind and reset with this calming blend of organic oils and salts – perfect for a moment of peace at the end of a long day From Prior Shop, 58 West Street priorshop.uk

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LAVENDER & PATCHOULI SOAP, £5 Handmade in Bristol by Wild Grove, with an addictive aroma; each bar is made using a hot process in which the ingredients are added in at the end, so they keep their potency and aroma as fresh as possible From Midgley Green, 26 Alexandra Road, Clevedon Midgleygreen.com

PINK HIMALAYAN SALT SOAK, £10 Turn bathtime into the ultimate energisging experience with these mineral-rich, beautifully scented salts enriched with vitamin E. Made in Cornwall by Bloomstown, from all-natural ingredients; 10 of profits go to to environmental and social causes From Frankly, Unit 5, Cargo frankly.store

TERRIBLE TWINS BATH SALTS AND LIQUID SOAPS, FROM £29 Poured by hand into reusable amber glass laboratory bottles, to add a touch of Scandi chic to the bathroom. PS we were entertained to learn that björk translates as ‘birch’.

You’re welcome From Maze Clothing, 26-28 The Mall mazeclothing.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE

EVE LOM MOISTURE CREAM, £85; CLEANSER, FROM £60 There’s a reason so many celebs have Eve Lom on their bathroom shelf; the cleanser is one of the most innovative and effective skin heroes out there, while the moisturiser provides all you need from one, lu urious, multi-tasking cream. We’d go so far as to say essential’ From Harvey Nichols, 27 Philadelphia Street harveynichols.com

LA PRAIRIE WHITE CAVIAR ESSENCE EXTRAORDINAIRE, £346 A lu ury item, and it looks, smells and feels it, from the beautiful packaging to the sensation of the silky, opalescent lotion as it glides onto the skin, leaving it firmer, more glowy, plumper and more hydrated From John Lewis, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, johnlewis.com

HOLY WATER SEA BATH SOAK, £15 ead Sea salt, foraged Atlantic kelp, Beer Beach bladderwrack, French green clay and peppermint essential oil combine to freshen your bath while delicately deto ing your skin. Made by an organic herbal apothecary based down the road in Bath From Mon Pote 217 North Street monpote.co.uk

PHYTO-TOUCHE ILLUSION OF SUMMER, £85 Sisley’s ultra-gentle bron ing gel-powder gives a natural sunkissed comple ion to pale skin tones and illuminates tanned skin, while the unique te ture evens out the comple ion without without overloading the skin From Harvey Nichols, 27 Philadelphia Street harveynichols.com

AVEDA BOTANICAL REPAIR STRENGTHENING OVERNIGHT SERUM, £40 A game-changer’ according to Sam at Hair at , who knows hair. The serum absorbs quickly, strengthening hair from the inside out, meaning that you wake up to stronger, healthierlooking hair after just one night.

From Hair at 58, 58 Cotham Hill hairat58.co.uk

BEARD AND AFTERSHAVE OIL, £19.96 Mr Blackman’s beautifully blended beard and shave oil, in grapefruit and caramel tobacco; try not to lick it From BAM Bristol 104-108 Belle Vue Road bambristol.co.uk

PERFECT NIGHT’S SLEEP MAGNESIUM BODY BUTTER, £36; PERFECT NIGHT’S SLEEP ESSENTIAL OIL, £20 The super-floral lotion is blended with magnesium, which helps to balance the sleep-wake cycle’ and supports production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin; the oil is a comple blend of 19 of the purest essential oils, blended to help you rela From Neom Organics, H Beauty, The Mall Cribbs Causeway harrods.com

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

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FERGAL DOYLE HAIR Meet the newest kid on the Bristol salon block Words by Nell Robins

F

ergal Doyle grew up in a small town outside Dublin. “After years of Barbie hair-destruction, I convinced a salon owner into employing me for my first summer job, sweeping, shampooing, and making tea”, he says. He was 12 years old; he’s been addicted to hairdressing ever since.

During his career, Fergal’s been a global educator for Wella Professionals, won international awards for his work and taught

The salon, and the final effect

hairdressers around the world.

His CV includes working for hairworld giant Trevor Sorbie, as style director in the Brighton salon; during this time he was at London Fashion Week for five years in a row, styled big names like Cara Delevigne, and worked on shoots for Chloé.

At a drag bar in Gran Canaria, Fergal met a guy from Thornbury.

As well as falling for the man, he fell in love with Bristol and relocated here with his new husband five years ago. ast

year, after running a temporary ‘Content Creation Corner’ from their home during the pandemic, he took a leap of faith to open his own salon.

When it came to choosing the location, Fergal knew he didn’t want to be in the centre of town; he was looking for something more accessible, where he could make the experience as enjoyable and relaxing for his clients as possible.

He chose the a uent villagelike suburb of Stoke Bishop.

Here, he says, “the salon adds a creative spark and air of sophistication to an already upmarket high street (and possibly one of the last with free on-street parking!)”

He wanted to stand out from the traditional salon model, so offers optional silent services’ where clients can quietly enjoy their haircut in peace, uninterrupted by small talk. There are also late-night openings on Wednesdays for those unable to visit during the working day.

And he’s continuing his work as an experienced educator. “I want to share my skills and knowledge with local professionals, so I’ll be holding seminars and courses offering upskilling and capability training, as well as hosting fellow hairdressing industry icons from the UK and around the world.”

So, what’s the Fergal Doyle experience like? First impressions: the new salon is warm and welcoming, decorated with neon signs and stacks of colour

products, with a delicious jar of goodies on the counter. The reading matter is on another level from your standard salon fare, including style books from Alexander McQueen.

This was the first time in a salon where I’d been made to fully understood every aspect of each treatment, right down to the amino acids strengthening my hair. It was almost like a – very interesting – science lesson, along with a relaxing salon experience.

I’d gone in for a refresher and balayage.

Fergal’s speciality is colour; in particular, full-colour transformations.

He questioned the tones of colour I was after, suggesting a different shade of blonde to complement my skin tone. He also restyled my hair, cutting a more gentle shape around my face, and layering it to take the weight out to encourage my natural wave. He also gave incredibly helpful advice on managing my scalp, an ongoing annoyance to me, using a brand I had never heard of before.

Fergal seems to have hit the Stoke Bishop sweet spot, and word is spreading beyond the ’burb; he’s busy that he’s turning away customers and is about to recruit another stylist. I’m booking my top-up cut-andcolour while I still can . . . n

“This was the first time d fully understood every aspect of my hair treatment”

Fergal Doyle Hair, 19 Druid Hill 0117 244 3165; fergaldoylehair.com Freehand balayage £130 Cut & style £45

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Introducing 2 of the latest high technology Face & Body treatments

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY IN WALES at Beauty Within medi-spa, near Cardiff

BRAND NEW, there hasn’t been anything out there like this for 12 years! Changing the way you think about brow and neck lift, line and wrinkle reduction, tighter and brighter skin!

A one of a kind technology (HIFEM) that can burn fat and tone 9 areas of the body. It’s the only award-winning, non-surgical treatment in the world that burns 30% fat and builds 25% muscle as well as tightening the skin.

TM

Sofwave is the latest Synchronous High Intensity Ultrasound parallel beam technology (SUPERB) technology to revitalize the skin through innovative stimulation of the production of new collagen. FDA cleared to lift the eybrow, lift lax skin of the submental (underneath the chin) tissue, lift lax skin of the neck tissue and reduce facial lines and wrinkles.

· 30% less fat (on average) · 25% increased muscle (on average) · One treatment equivalent to 20,000 sit ups. · Improved posture, strengthened core and pelvic floor · Reduced lower back pain

• No down time • One 30 minute treatment • Lasts up to 18 months • 100% non invasive • Safe & effective • Clinically proven • All skin types

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A younger you next time you look in the mirror. It is SUPERB

For more information: Beauty Within Medi Spa, 10 High Street, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, CF71 7AG London 3 hours • Birmingham 1hr 30mins • Bristol 50mins • Cardiff 15mins Tel: 01446 774980 | Email: info@beautywithinspa.co.uk | Online: beautywithinspa.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT James Scrimshaw of CURA CLINICAL explains how new technologies are providing effective answers to people’s pain and suffering

A

t CURA we’re always striving to find new ways of effectively treating people’s injuries. After working for 26 years with people in pain, I identified a significant lack of options for many people for whom hands-on care/rehab was ineffective, yet who weren’t ready for, or suited to surgery or other invasive procedures.

In my search to solve this problem, my practice has adopted several cutting-edge non-invasive technologies that initiate healing, improve function and manage pain in the most chronic of conditions, be it arthritic, old injury or post- surgical pain. We use a combination of MBST cell regeneration from Germany, Class IV Laser from the States, and new to market pain-management device Biowave to provide a multilayered approach to healing and painmanagement. n

We’re really pleased to continue working alongside the Bristol Bears in aiding their elite squad recovery. “We’ve had great outcomes from using the MBST facilities at Cura Clinical for several team members,” said team manager, Jack Targett. www.bristolbearsrugby.com/teams/operations/ jack-targett-1

CASE STUDY 1 I saw Jeremy, who is an interesting MBST success story, on Monday for a follow-up. He’s a fit, strong chap who was really struggling with an unstable lower back in 2018/19. I must have seen him 20-30 times that year trying to manage relapse after relapse. After taking a closer look at his X-ray we noted a distinct degradation of his L5 disc and joint - and therefore found the cause of his instability. He was on a path to surgical intervention, so we decided on a course of spinal cartilage regeneration in 2019. Since then his back has stabilised significantly with only one minor episode in the last 3 years, a huge decrease in pain and about 50 fewer visits to the chiropractor! We’re both really happy with this outcome.

CASE STUDY 2 I’ve just had the pleasure of discharging George completely pain free, 5 months after having MBST for arthritis of his right shoulder and elbow. He’s gone from constant aching, night pain and difficulty even lifting a cup of tea to feeling 100% again! He’s back to bowls and lifting a pint! Lovely chap, great outcome.

WET, WET, W

We can almost guarantee the neighbours won’t have an identical splashback: by Red Dog Glass Design

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“If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the bathroom should be its spa”

, WET

BATHROOMS

Thought the bathroom was just a place to get scrubbed up?

You’re missing the point; it can, and should, be so much more…

T

here’s a reason most bathroom doors have locks.

Obviously, it’s partly to avoid potential embarrassment – nobody wants their partner barging in when they’re halfway through shaving their legs/ bleaching their moustache/worse – but there’s also something pleasingly symbolic about shutting out the rest of the household. A locked door carries a clear message: “This is me time. Keep out”.

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the bathroom should be its spa; a soothing retreat, filled with fluffy towels and gorgeouslyscented unguents. Perhaps the odd trailing plant; they enjoy a steamy relationship as much as the rest of us. Any care and investment you put into the room’s design and decoration will repay you a thousand times over, so to help you achieve this interiors nirvana we asked a few local experts to talk us through the latest ideas, trends and colourways.

A BIGGER SPLASH

“Wet rooms are on the rise,” says Sophie Smith of Gardiner Haskins, firmly. “More and more people are choosing to indulge in the contemporary aesthetic and convenience promised by this type of bathroom space. To minimise the splash, and add another dynamic, opt for an open shower enclosure.”

MAKE IT BESPOKE

“There’s a huge choice of products on the market,” says Chris Payne, senior designer at Ripples. “However, people are constantly striving to make their own space truly unique to themselves. With this in mind, bespoke fi tures and fittings are a popular trend in bathrooms right now; whether it’s having the bath painted to your own exact colour choice, or having a vanity unit made especially for you, the possibilities are almost endless. Every bathroom should be unique and as individual as its owner, and our clients are really embracing this.”

Speaking of individuality, artist Sally Couldon makes fabulous splashbacks at her Red Dog Glass Design studio.

“People no longer see the bathroom as just a functional, serviceable room, but are looking for more of an experiential space,” she says. “It offers the ideal opportunity for people to make a very personal artistic statement, and perhaps create a slightly theatrical space that’s ready for all the life you can throw at it.”

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ROOM WITH A HUE

“Be bold, be playful and create a bathroom with a unique impact,” says Sophie of Gardiner Haskins. “While neutral tones such as grey were trending five years ago, quite the opposite is happening in 2022. eople are painting with their personality, and having fun by picking more vibrant colours – especially pinks and greens.”

“Monochrome is both hugely on-trend at the moment, and also makes a timeless choice,” says Chris ayne of Ripples. “Matt-black brassware and shower frames continue to grow in popularity, and are neutral enough to allow for the introduction of colour, pattern and te ture throughout the rest of the design. Stiffkey blue and dusky pink are also popular choices right now, and work beautifully against warmtoned special-finish brassware, such as brushed bron e or gold.”

SIGN O’ THE TILES

“Beautiful tiles in eyecatching formats, finishes and layouts are a key element of a bathroom’s design,” says Colin Roby-Welford, creative director at Fired Earth. “We’re seeing a noticeable trend towards using more colour, too. Sophisticated, dusky pinks exude a sense of spa-like calm without being in any way cold; they create a really fresh, uplifting backdrop for white baths and bowls in natural light, and look warm and flattering in candlelight. Try them with metallic finishes such as brass and antiqued gold, combined with plenty of vibrant green plants, for a relaxed, modern scheme that’s perfect for bathrooms.

“Mosaics are also a key trend, with unusual formats such as triangles, pickets (elongated hexagons) and Arabesque patterns being a great way to introduce une pected curves or lines to a scheme. These can be used to complement or contrast with other shapes within the bathroom, to create visual interest and a real sense of character, even in a pared-back interiors scheme.”

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ABOVE: mosaics and geometrics, such as these Bert & May

tiles by Fired Earth, make an instant impact

CHOOSE A FAVOURITE LINE FROM THE CURRENT RANGE… SOPHIE, GARDINER HASKINS: Rak-Feeling “If you crave colour co-ordination, like we do, the Rak-Feeling range is the one for you. We love how you can create harmony in the bathroom by matching the colours of the shower tray, washbasin and WC unit. Choose from a selection of shades including white, greige, cappuccino, grey and black to set the tone.”

Merlyn “The Merlyn enclosures are ones to watch. With 10mm glass, these are the thickest you can buy. A further fascinating feature is the light-up motion sensor handle, giving your shower a futuristic feel.”

CHRIS, RIPPLES: “Concrete basins continue to surge in popularity due to their tactile texture, unique finish and exciting colourway options.

Our latest collection come in a number of interesting shapes, too, from triangular and hexagonal to tall column options.”

BATHROOMS

“The mirror can charge your toothbrush, tell you the time and the temperature while playing your favourite playlist . . .”

ABOVE: Sea-green tiling sets off this Roper Rhodes Aruba collection at Gardiner Haskins; RIGHT: Pink and the palest marble create an oasis of serenity at Ripples

(DON’T) RIP IT UP AND START AGAIN…

“ ittle changes can make a big difference, especially within a bathroom setting, and there are several ways to breathe new life into the room without having to strip out and start again,” says Chris ayne, who offers his top three tips: “One; change the mirror. There is a massive choice, and illuminated mirrors are the perfect choice for adding a layer of lighting which is both practical and atmospheric. If you have power to the area where the mirror is, you could install a beautiful illuminated mirror which can change colour depending upon your mood, never steam up and even charge your toothbrush and your phone It could even tell you the temperature and time while playing your favourite playlist.

“Two; switch out the basin. Changing the basin and adding a vanity unit for storage is relatively simple, and can transform the look and function of your bathroom. There’s a very wide range of styles, from traditional floorstanding units to more modern wall-mounted vanities, depending on the style of your space and how much storage you require “Three; tiling. While retiling your whole bathroom is not always possible, it’s often achievable to change one wall and create a focal point within the room. This can sometimes be done by simply tiling over the e isting tiles, allowing you to introduce a new colour, pattern or te ture to your room without the effort of removing the e isting tiles.”

EASILY LED

“Add some E lighting to those mirrors,” says Sophie Smith, echoing Chris’s thoughts above. “The lighting can be subtle, and fitted behind or beneath your mirror, or you can opt for lighting to create a border around the outside. Adding E lighting can make your bathroom look bigger, brighter and more inviting.” n

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SMALL ENSUITE? NO PROBLEM Not all ensuites are big, but the trick is maximising the room’s potential by organising it in such a way that it gives the impression of a light, spacious and joy-to-use space, says KELLAWAY BATHROOMS

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nsuite bathrooms are an escape room, especially when the family bathroom is in high demand. So, if we use a compact design and creativity, we will be able to achieve great results. If you have a space which is awkward to use and has the potential of being cramped, try some of the very clever small ensuite ideas listed below to make the most of your space.

1. DECIDE ON A RELAXING DESIGN What relaxes you? Which colours make you feel totally chilled? Don’t forget that this space will be yours to enjoy after a busy day and first thing when you wake up. Don’t be afraid to express your style – be that in a statement tile, luxury sink or colourful taps.

2. DECIDE ON THE LAYOUT You should consider two main things: the shape of the room and the plumbing points. Using these aspects to your advantage will make all the difference. For example, in a narrow space, consider having all sanitary wear positioned against the same wall in a galley style, whereas in a square shaped space, you could have a build-in storage space or section off a space for a shower enclosure.

Wetrooms are often one of the first solutions that spring to mind when dealing with a room that seems small. However, they do not work the same in all shape rooms. Some shapes just don’t work. Limiting the amount of tiling will not only save you money but will make the room feel bigger. A balance of larger areas of tiling with painted plaster tends to work better.

3. MAXIMISE SPACE BY CHOOSING SPACE-SAVING STORAGE AND SANITARYWARE Compact loos, sinks and storage needed? We have them all. Just make sure to measure your space before purchasing anything to ensure a good fit.

4. CREATE THE ILLUSION OF A BIGGER SPACE You can do this in different ways: freestanding sanitaryware allows the entire floorspace to remain visible, providing a great trick for a spacious appearance; delicate shelving units with items such as soaps and plants on display; mirrors not only fulfil a functional role but help create an illusion of space by reflecting light around the room; use of neutral colours or bold patterns; and finally, substituting a normal door with a sliding or pocket one.

5. CREATE A WETROOM Yes, we said that a wetroom may not always be the solution. However, we also said that this is dependent on the shape of the room. When they work, use a simple shower screen which is not only practical but it gives the impression of a bigger space.

6. CREATE A FEATURE OF A SMALL SPACE Modern bathrooms are all about a sense of sanctuary and luxury. By installing an interesting storage solution, impactful towel rails or light fittings you can turn simple fixtures into features. n Kellawaybathrooms.co.uk; 0117 942 6050 @Kellawaybathrooms on Facebook enquiries@kellaway.co.uk xx I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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

THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN

ENTREPRENEURS’ STIMULUS: 30 JUNE STUNNING KEYNOTES

PHIL HARRISON Google, Xbox and PlayStation legend

LEVI ROOTS Dragon’s Den star, Foodie entrepreneur

PANELS FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Funding • Marketing • Idealism Female entrepreneurs • Exit strategies

CONFERENCE PASSES, VIRTUAL EVENT

Experts’ choices of 30 leading entrepreneurial companies revealed

Free via site: entreconf.com

ENTRELEAGUE

Sponsors Associates and Partners

Bristol Creative Industries, The Female Edge, MediaClash, Rocketmakers, Storm Consultancy CONTENT: claudia.butler@mediaclash.co.uk

EntreConf.com

COMMERCIAL: annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk

@Entre_Conf June 30

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS Marvin Rees will stay on as mayor until 2024

Big names for EntreConf

. . . and its voted out the mayoral system

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£2.4M

The amount in grant funding that’s been announced for Bristol’s culture and arts sector.

The Cultural Investment Programme began in 2018, with the aim of supporting artists and cultural institutions. Previous receivers of the grant have included Bristol Pride and Paraorchestra. Organisations, venues and event organisers can now apply for funding from Bristol City Council at bristol.gov.uk

Bristol has spoken ack in 2012, Independent candidate eorge Ferguson was voted in as the first elected Mayor of Bristol. His successor Marvin Rees (Labour) was voted in twice.

But now, ten years later, it appears that over half of Bristol – or at least, half of the 29 per cent who turned out to vote – doesn’t want a mayoral system after all. The mayoral referendum held on 5 May saw 56,113 people (59 per cent) voting for a committee system, with 38,439 (41 per cent) wishing to keep the role of an elected mayor. The new system will be implemented in 2024, at which point all councillors will be up for re-election.

Until then, Marvin Rees – the first person of black African heritage to have become a directly elected mayor in a major European city – will serve out his current term.

Those opposed to the mayoral system claimed that the role invested too much power in one person, hailing the result of the referendum as a chance to reset democracy in the city. However, Marvin, who had already stated that he would not

The Big Number

run for a third time, claimed the referendum had been a distraction from larger and more pressing issues, saying the committee was a “very poor system” that would not tackle critical issues as effectively as a single leader.

“Despite real concerns, I hope the committee system can deliver for our city – continuing our administration’s momentum in building a better Bristol in the face of enormous challenges, not least the national cost-of-living crisis, the global migration crisis, and the climate and ecological emergencies,” he said.

“We’ll keep working hard over the next two years to keep delivering for Bristol. 2024 will see different council governance, but will also see a further transformed city: our arena and the Bristol Beacon open; over £400 million of clean energy investment rolling out; completing the largest council house project in a generation; bringing more jobs like Channel 4’s to Bristol; and building even more affordable homes for Bristolians.”

For more bristol.gov.uk

Two remarkable keynote speakers have been announced for EntreConf, the conference for entrepreneurs returning on 30 June. And tickets are now on sale.

EntreConf aims to provide inspiration and practical advice for entrepreneurs, linking them with advisers.

New speakers are Levi Roots, food entrepreneur, reggae name, Dragon’s Den success story and now chair of St Pauls Carnival. Another is videogames guru Phil Harrison, VP and general manager for Google, running its games activities; he formerly led Xbox games development for Microsoft, and prior to that was president of Sony’s PlayStation games studios worldwide.

Sponsors to date at this virtual event are Burges Salmon, Lombard Odier and the University of Bath.

For more: entreconf.com

Thank you to our keynote speakers Lucian Cook and Jennet Siebrits for their brilliant insights. Thank you also to all of our sponsors: to Action Net Zero, Futureground, GA Energy and Interaction.

TOP ROW: Basil

Demeroutis (FORE Partnership), Bianca Laura Latini (Buro Happold), Cerys Williams (Sero Homes), Chad Griffiths (Principality), Chris Ambrose (Coutts); MIDDLE ROW: Helen Rumford (GA Energy), Lucinda Mitchell, First Base (Soapworks), Mike Borne (Interaction), Nick Fairham (BDP), Nick Hodges, (Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios); BOTTOM ROW: Nick James (Futureground), Pam Barbato (Action Net Zero), Pepper Barney (BiBO), Sam Goss (Barefoot Architects), Simon Peacock (JLL)

SP E CI A L RE PO R T SUSTAINABILITY AND PROPERTY

Building better Our recent Property Symposium saw property experts exploring the crucial topic of sustainability

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hat sort of a world do we want to create in terms of sustainability in property? How does legislation and changing customer concerns affect property – both for commercial and residential? And what are some best practice examples to stimulate and inspire us?

All these questions were up for vigorous debate during the recent Property Symposium, hosted by Greg Ingham, chief executive of MediaClash. The conference featured keynotes, panel discussions and networking sessions and had a stellar cast of contributors, from regional operators to some of the world’s biggest real estate companies. Here are insights from the discussions…

INSIGHTS FROM LUCIAN COOK, HEAD OF SAVILLS’ RESIDENTIAL RESEARCH TEAM Lucian reported on the scale of the sustainability challenge for the residential property sector, and discussed how hitting net zero might be achieved.

“There has been a significant reduction in carbon emissions since the mid- to late-2000s, but residential

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

Lucian Cook

is the outlier,” said Lucian.

His analysis showed that in the UK, residential is responsible for 68.1million tonnes of carbon emissions each year, a sizeable 20 per cent of the total percentage of carbon emissions.

Improvements have been made, with new properties being brought to the market, but there is still a major legacy problem with older houses, specifically because 6 per cent of older households use gas as their heat source.

How can this situation be changed?

“There is a three-pronged approach. You need to tackle energy usage, decarbonising heating sources (getting away from the gas boiler), and improving energy efficiency.

“We need to increase the investment of energy efficiency in our homes by 700 per cent.

“It’s important to note, there is no single solution to this. Looking at every individual measure – the most

recommended improvements range from simple, low-cost interventions for pre-war property houses like insulating hot water cylinders (£23) to more expensive changes like having bigger solid wall insulation (£9000).”

“If you were to implement all these suggestions from the EPC across the nation it would come to a staggering £330bn.”

In terms of policy changes that may be implemented, Lucian outlined a number of options: increasing energy taxes for energy is highly political and looks like an unlikely choice for now, grants and green finances can only go so far given the financial challenges, and mandatory EPC standards at point of sale are probably too draconian a choice for the government.

One option that looked probable, concluded Lucian, is a phasing out of the gas boiler, through various means.

BRISTOLWORKS

LIVE PANEL SESSION ON FINANCE: SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS with Basil Demeroutis (FORE Partnership), Cerys Williams (Sero Homes), Chad Griffiths (Principality) and Chris Ambrose (Coutts) The live panel session looked at the impact of sustainability on property financing: how can property developers and financial lenders afford’ looming sustainable costs on new buildings?

Cerys Williams touched on the positive impact that increased EPC ratings are having on property prices.

Her research showed that if a property had increased by two E C bands, this resulted in an increase in the house value by 12 per cent, while an increase in three EPC bands meant an increase of over 19 per cent.

All good news for the property developers and a great incentive for them to build green.

But what about for the individual?

How can they afford to buy green properties? The panellists discussed that with rapidly rising costs of energy bills in the UK, the cost of living sustainably was looking more appealing to the general public.

Basil reported that in New ork new laws have come into play whereby landlords are being ta ed if they don’t improve the energy performance of their building.

“We can’t continue to buy and consume carbon with impunity,” said Basil. “Things like the introduction of carbon ta in the US are to be applauded.”

Chris reported that Coutts currently has an encouragement rather than punishment’ relationship with their clients; instead of introducing ta es, they have chosen to offer schemes like green mortgages and free rebate so that people can understand the financial benefits of being green.

Chad added that at Principality they also offered similar projects to encourage clients to go green; through their green development scheme – whereby they lend more and reduce their fees – they help clients with increased sustainability-related fees.

LIVE PANEL SESSION ON RETROFITTING: LEGISLATION, RESPONSIBILITIES with Helen Rumford (GA Energy), Sam Goss (Barefoot Architects) and Simon Peacock (JLL) This session focused on the impact of legislation on property, specifically around retrofitting and recasting older properties for future realities.

The panel discussed the comple ities and uncertainties surrounding sustainability – and how, while there is enthusiasm from many quarters, not everything is in place to make the changes that need to be made.

“Sustainable design necessitates things which look different,” said Sam. “They might need different materials, which aren’t necessarily in keeping with the surrounding conte t.

There is a hesitation for property developers and planners to accept that. This disruptive change to the retrofit world is not being kept up with by planning legislation – we’re seeing a wave that’s ahead of the government curve. It is causing us issues.”

So, if there are changes that need to be made with legislation, what should they be?

“A comprehensive retrofit strategy which is all encompassing,” said Sam. “The government should make rules that E C ratings on houses should have a bare minimum of A or B to make a sale.”

Simon added that one of the issues facing the retrofit work is the sheer volume of work that needs to be done set against the shortage of contractors available at the moment. Within the conte t of the government’s aim for buildings to have an A, B or C rating by 20 0, he cited that 6 per cent of offices in Bristol would have to be given an uplift the ne t eight years.

“There’s a lot of work to be done,” he concluded.

Helen added that because of this shortage of contractors, it is important for businesses to start thinking about how they might need to renovate their office building now, so that we’re not all trying to do it at the same time.

INSIGHTS FROM JENNET SIEBRITS, HEAD OF UK RESEARCH AT CBRE Jennet reported on the sustainable issues for commercial real estate, identifying trends, analysing the market, and providing insight and ideas.

Jennet Siebrits

She reported that rocketing energy prices have been a key factor in making companies sit up and look to make changes in how they manage their properties in a more sustainable way.

The UK target is to reduce greenhouse gas from by 6 per cent by 20 0, from its 2019 levels, and to achieve net ero by 20 0.

Currently around 40 per cent of CO2 emissions come from building environments – within that number commercial accounts for 20 per cent, residential 70.

In keeping with the aris agreement, ennet said that commercial property has to reduce CO2 between 2022 and 20 0 by a staggering 94 per cent. The main sustainability issues surrounding commercial issues are a need for a deep and wider strategic coverage of sustainable issues, tightening regulation, a need to better understand the green premium’, and understanding what the right path to net ero is.

She added that there’s an even more immediate issue than sustainability for many commercial property landlords and tenants: occupancy post-pandemic and WFH. FT reported recently that return has stalled, at maybe as low as 2 per cent, definitely well below prepandemic levels.

LIVE PANEL SESSION ON VISIONARIES: THE NEW BUILT ENVIRONMENT with Mike Borne (Interaction), Nick Fairham (BDP), Nick Hodges (Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios) and Pepper Barney (BiBO Studio) The session began with the panel discussing how they encourage clients to get on board when it comes to creating a green property.

Nick said that it’s about taking clients on a journey with you. He e plained that with sustainability, it’s not just about materials and carbon, it’s about the bigger picture – how sustainability impacts health and wellbeing and issues around bio diversity. By looking at the conte t, you can tap into what the clients’ ambitions might be.

“WE’RE SEEING A WAVE THAT’S AHEAD OF THE GOVERNMENT CURVE”

LOOK OUT FOR THE PROPERTY AWARDS 2022!

The Property Awards are all returning to Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter later this year.

21 October Exeter Property Awards; exeterpropertyawards.com 4 November Bath Property Awards; bathpropertyawards.co.uk 18 November Cardiff Property Awards; cardiffpropertyawards.co.uk 25 November Bristol Property Awards; bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

Pepper chatted about the emphasis on regulations points. She said that with the retrofit movement, and thinking about how to decarbonise properties in general, they’re addressing the minutiae of the e isting housing stock – in short, how this is affecting individuals and their budgets.

Nick Fairham finished by adding that while sustainability has its challenges it also drives innovation and creativity.

“It allows us to e plore new ideas,” he said.

LIVE EXPERT PANEL SESSION SUMMARISING TODAY’S EVENT with Bianca Laura Latini (Buro Happold), Jennet Siebrits (CBRE), Nick James (Futureground) and Pam Barbato (Action Net Zero) The panel discussed some of the themes raised during the symposium.

“The key reflection for me is thinking about the scale and pace of change that is needed – from an industry that’s arguably not good at change,” said Nick ames.

“There are lots of positive things we can be doing; we’re not shopping’ for technical fi es, it’s more than that.

It’s a systemic change that is needed, which will present both challenges and opportunity.”

Fancy watching the whole Property Symposium? Search for ‘Property Symposium’ on YouTube. For more news on our events, head to mediaclash.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 71

BRISTOLWORKS

likely to be taxed on the marital assets you receive. There is a lot to look at, to ensure you only pay the tax you should, and there are ways you can structure a settlement as part of wider tax planning.

Things like property division can have a huge impact on your finances.

Make sure you do your research, and if you haven’t got time, or find everything too confusing, that’s what a financial adviser is there for.

FINANCE

Money doctor CHERIE-ANNE BAXTER, marketing director at Unividual, looks at some key changes to the divorce law

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pril saw some key changes to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act. It’s about time there was a focus on reducing conflict among divorcing couples, allowing people to end a marriage jointly.

Our finances are intrinsically linked with the people we share our lives with. When it comes to managing your money, where do you even start if you are thinking of separating?

Here are seven things to consider regarding your finances when planning to end a relationship.

Take stock On deciding to support yourself, you need a clear understanding of your personal finances to start building financial independence. Start plotting out which accounts are in your name,

and what the position with your wills and life insurance is. Get a handle on credit and your credit score; for example, how much debt you have, and what is in your name.

Sometimes people underestimate their living expenses when they produce budgets for divorce negotiations, so make sure you put together an accurate budget.

Build your team A breakup or divorce is like having several journeys at the same time.

There’s the emotional, financial and legal journey – and the last two can easily derail the first.

Getting in touch with a reputable family lawyer, and a financial adviser who has worked with clients in a similar position, right at the beginning of the journey, ensures that all your decisions are right from a legal and financial perspective. ou should also consider contacting a divorce coach to

help you move through your emotions, overcome challenges and rediscover yourself. This team will help you create the future you want for yourself.

Don’t forget pensions It’s surprising how many people miss out pensions in a divorce settlement.

There are two main reasons for this. It isn’t compulsory to split a pension, so some settlements leave this out; also, it‘s hard to quantify the value of a pension. For a fair settlement, pensions should be taken in to consideration, and anyone who has taken periods of time off work to care for family shouldn’t be at a financial disadvantage later in life. et advice on pension-sharing, offsetting or earmarking, and discover which option is best for your situation.

Don’t get lumped with a huge tax bill After a divorce is finalised, you are

Don’t get too attached to the family home Hanging on to the marital home is a common objective; people often don’t want the upheaval of moving. This can impair good decision-making; perhaps keeping a house in exchange for entitlement to a spouse’s pension.

The reality is, after making those sacrifices, it is common for people to sell their home after a divorce, so they can have a fresh start.

Change your will eople assume a divorce nullifies a will. This isn’t the case; it is a legally binding document, so if you do not change your will your spouse will remain a beneficiary. This is also the case with beneficiaries in life assurance, or expression of wishes for pensions. These things will all need to be changed.

Post-break-up plan Your divorce or break-up isn’t going to be easy. Financial planning and coaching, along with wellbeing support, can help you transition into your new lifestyle. By prioritising your financial goals and producing a plan that oo es financial independence you can start to reach the new goals you set yourself in life. These are the building blocks of your own journey to financial independence.

For more: unividual.co.uk

Offices in: Henleaze, Whiteladies Road Clifton Village, Shirehampton 0117 962 1205 www.amdsolicitors.com

PRIVATE CLIENT - FAMILY - PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL

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PART 36 OFFER Nick Howell of AMD SOLICITORS discusses how their commercial litigation team can help

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e encourage our clients to make an early offer to settle. An early offer can help you minimise the costs involved with progressing your claim.

Making the offer a ‘Part 36 offer’ puts further pressure on your opponent to settle, as the cost consequences can be significant.

WHAT IS A PART 36 OFFER? Part 36 is a provision of the Civil Procedure Rules that is aimed to encourage parties to settle their claims and to penalise parties that do not accept an offer that they do not beat at trial.

Offers can be made by both parties, and will be deemed either a claimant’s offer or a defendant’s offer.

REQUIREMENTS OF A PART 36 OFFER: • The offer must be in writing; • It must be clear that it is pursuant to Part 36; • It must specify a period of not less than 21 days (which is known as ‘the relevant period’) within which the offer can be accepted; • It must also state that the defendant will be liable for the claimant’s costs if accepted; • It must state whether it applies to whole or part of the claim; • It must state whether it takes into account any counterclaim.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OFFER IS ACCEPTED? If the offer is accepted, the claim is stayed. The defendant will have to pay the sum within the offer and the claimant’s legal costs. The legal costs will be assessed (by a court) if they cannot be agreed between the parties.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OFFER IS REJECTED?

consider the costs. If the judgment is equal to or better than the offer, the judge will penalise the person that has rejected this offer.

Example: at the hearing, the judge awards the claimant a sum of £35,000.

Scenario 1: the claimant made a part 36 offer of £30,000. As the claimant has done better than their offer, the defendant will be penalised with the following cost consequences: • Interest on the judgment at 10% above base rate from the date on which the relevant period expired; • Costs on the ‘indemnity basis’ from the date that the relevant period expired. This means that the court would only deduct any costs it considered unreasonable (whereas on the ‘standard basis’ would also deduct any costs it considered disproportionate); • Interest on those costs at 10% above base rate; • An additional sum of 10% of the amount awarded (up to a maximum of £50,000) and 5% of any amounts awarded above £500,000 (up to a maximum total of £75,000).

Scenario 2: the defendant made a part 36 offer of £40,000. As the defendant has done better than their offer, the claimant will be penalised with the cost consequences below: • Costs on the ‘indemnity basis; • Interest on those costs at 10% above base rate. n

If the offer is rejected, and the matter proceeds to trial, the judge will not be aware of the offers until after the claim has been decided. Once the claim has been decided the judge will then

If you need advice on anything in this article or any other commercial litigation enquiries then please contact Nick on 0117 9621205 or by email on info amdsolicitors.com have offices at Henleaze, Clifton and Shirehampton. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 75

ALTERED STATES

The Bristol cityscape is changing dramatically, with entire new communities springing up north, south, east and west of the city…

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PROPERTY

f you were returning to Bristol after, say, a decade or so’s absence, you’d be sure of a big surprise.

Sure, there are still corners of the city where you can find reassuringly familiar sights; solidly eorgian Clifton, for e ample, has left no room for 21st century meddling, and you’d find the historic arts venues and museums in the city centre pretty much as you left them although Bristol Old ic’s new foyer is likely to make your jaw drop .

Other neighbourhoods have smartened up their act beyond recognition. Once grungy and downbeat, Bedminster, Stokes Croft and the loucester Road are now thriving thoroughfares that more or less successfully balance hipsterdom with a solid family vibe; gentrified they may have become, pricing out those on lower incomes, but at least retaining a strong community vibe; independence and independents are highly pri ed here, from old-school traders to artisan producers. Check out Bristol Council’s Where’s it To? campaign online to see what we’re on about.

We’re not just talking a lick-of-new-paint-and-anew-branch-of-Bristol- oaf gentrification. We’re talking whole new developments – some of them handsome towers of glass and timber, raised from the ground at Wapping Wharf and aintworks, others heritage makeovers, from The eneral in Redcliffe, Factory No.1 on East Street, the new Carriageworks in Stokes Croft and Redland Court in, well, Redland. There’s the transformation of the old ardiner Haskins site into Soapworks, a mega new mi ed-use development blending the businesses of Temple uay with the bustle of Old Market; plans for ove ane in St aul’s, and perhaps the biggest and most dramatic of all, the transformation of the old Filton airfield site into a whole new neighbourhood known as Braba on.

If you’ve been away for a while, you may need to get your bearings.

And try not to stay away so long again, because we can promise you that in a further ten years the city will have become even harder to recognise; if you relish the grungy post-industrial vibe of St hilip’s, for e ample, or the shabby laidback cool of Old Market, enjoy them while you can, because nothing this central is going to remain undeveloped for much longer.

We spoke to some of the people involved in creating the modern city – starting with those marketing that major new community in Filton.

“Braba on is a brand-new district being created outside the city centre,” says icky udbridge, director of residential development sales at Savills Bristol. “The scheme provides high quality, urban-style accommodation, along with e cellent links to the motorway network and into the city. The homes are e ceptionally welldesigned, with impressive attention to detail from the inside out, and sit within a genuinely exciting new part of Bristol. The district will be home to the new Bristol arena, alongside many features such

Not just new homes and an fancy arena, Brabazon is virtually a small new town

TOP: Elegance at The General

LEFT: Red-brick heritage at Factory No.1

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 77

PROPERTY

ABOVE: How the new park might look at Brabazon; BELOW: Redland Court

as a huge new park and a vibrant mix of shops, bars and eateries, and will undoubtedly change the face of North Bristol.”

Meanwhile, closer to the city centre, the Juniper Homes team has just completed the historic Redland Court project, with all these very special homes now sold or under offer.

“We’ve had to contend with factors such as Covid and Brexit, but I feel we have brought these landmark buildings, back to life,” says director Jon Morgan, “preserving historic features and creating an exceptionally high standard of homes for new generations – that’s something to be proud of.”

Another major player when it comes to heritage redevelopment is the City & Country group, whose main focus in recent years has been on two luxury apartment developments: The eneral in Redcliffe and Factory No.1 in Bedminster.

“Both offer the convenience of modern city living, combining characterful listed buildings with stylish new apartment blocks, private parking and concièrge services,” says comms director Alex Reid.

“At Factory No.1, a new collection of conversion homes has just launched in Regent House. In the Grade-II redbrick building that served as the HQ for the Imperial Tobacco Company, unique spaces have been converted into apartments, while original features have been restored and reinstated, such as wonderfully high ceilings, fireplaces and ornate cornicing.

“Meanwhile just two apartments remain at The General, the Grade-II* building which City & Country has been restoring since 2014. Now complete, the building is known for its outstanding homes and attractive riverside location on Lower Guinea Street, while also being home to two of Bristol’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Casamia and Paco Tapas.”

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

A sellers’ market

“Demand for property in Bristol is particularly strong, especially for city-centre and urban apartments,” says Vicky Dudbridge.“One- and two-bedroom apartments have been e tremely popular, and there is not enough supply to fulfil demand, with just a handful of developments, such as Paintworks and Factory No.1, having availability.”

“I think it depends on whether you are buying or selling a property,” says Jon of Juniper Homes. “The market has been kind to sellers; buyers are having a harder time right now. The lack of stock pushes prices up, and makes it harder to get on the ladder or to move up it. We seriously need to improve our planning system and speed up the time it takes to get new homes into production.”

What buyers want, what they really really want

“Home working has become an important consideration for many buyers since the pandemic, and this includes good internet access as well as a dedicated space to work,” says Vicky Dudbridge.

“Lockdown also prompted buyers to put more emphasis on outside space, and this continues to be a priority for many.”

“A great location with walkable amenities still tops buyers’ ‘must-have’ lists,” says Jon Morgan. “The Covid-driven quest for outdoor space, fast broadband and clever use of space are also here to stay. Also, high-standards of finish and a quality YOU HAVE BEEN READING specification never go CITY & COUNTRY out of fashion. cityandcountry.co.uk “Eco-credentials affect running costs, SAVILLS and given the rise in savills.co.uk energy bills, we are looking at every angle JUNIPER HOMES to improve our homes’ juniperhomes.co.uk eco-credentials.” n

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PROPERTY

NORDIC, AND NICE On the site of an old forge and petrol station in north Somerset, Lizbeth Holstein and Sebastian albraith-Helps have built an e traordinary, sustainable home – and now it’s on the market Words by Ursula Cole

T

he clue lies in its name: Wellness House and Cottage is a home with a strong connection to the natural world, with sustainability at its core.

As you glimpse the house at the end of a quiet country lane in North Wootton, the first thing you’re likely to notice is the striking black tin cladding; it’s a vernacular nod to the former forge that occupied this site, while being somehow reminiscent of those wooden Scandi retreats that clutter up our Pinterest boards.

Wander inside and you’ll discover an e acting approach to light and space, with a focus on natural materials and energy efficiency that’s designed to support a more sustainable way of living.

The house has wonderful views across open fields and woodland, and the main living room is designed to make the most of them. Huge picture windows, framed in a panel of red-stained larch, make a strong visual connection with the gardens and backdrop of rolling hills.

Mostly open-plan, the kitchen, dining and living space is geared both to entertaining and family life. The lounge centres around a large modern log-burning stove, solid anish birch flooring runs underfoot and e posed steel beams intersect high-pitched ceilings, creating a sense of volume and open space. Sliding glass doors open the entire area onto the decked terraces.

Upstairs, the main bedroom, dressing room and large en-suite bathroom are beautifully proportioned, bright and quiet in equal measure.

A timber-framed garden studio provides a fle ible space for home working, or a creative workshop, with e cellent natural light and views onto the gardens. A shepherd’s hut provides a further, fun space for overflow accommodation.

With wellness and a connection to the natural

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PROPERTY surroundings paramount to the design of the house, a natural swimming pool makes a central oasis in the landscaped gardens. There’s a timber-clad sauna directly opposite, with an outdoor shower built into the glasshouse.

A natural landscaping scheme incorporates swathes of wavering grasses, herbaceous borders and raised beds for vegetables and flowers. Tall specimen trees border the plot, providing dappled shade in the summer months.

In addition to the main house, there’s a two-bedroom cottage with private gardens and terraces. Renovated with care and sensitivity, the interior combines original details with light, modern touches and a calming, neutral colour palette. The cottage currently provides a good income as a holiday rental.

Looking around this extraordinary home, it comes as no surprise to learn that it’s been created by a couple with perfectly complementary specialisms: artist Lizbeth Holstein, and property project manager Sebastian Galbraith-Helps.

Lizbeth and Sebastian have lived in the area for decades, and came across the derelict forge and petrol pump station by chance; hankering for space to build a sustainable home and creative studio, they took a punt and bought the plot.

Despite an initial planning rejection, they managed to convince the parish council that replacing the forge with an eco-friendly house was a viable plan. While drawing on references such as the local barn vernacular, Nordic TV series and Lizbeth’s love of mid-century design, the couple built it as close to Passivhaus standards as possible, making sure that the house didn’t drain the surrounding resources.

“We lived about half a mile up the hill for 10 years in an old renovated Victorian farmhouse,” says Lizbeth. “We’ve always had small dachshunds, and never walked very far with them, but then we got a whippet and had to take her much further.

“That’s when we came across the forge. It once made shoes for horses, and was then used by farmers to mend their tractors. There was even a fuel pump where they would fill up

with diesel. The plot was also home to an old cottage, so there was a lot of potential.”

“When we first told people we were going to buy an old petrol station and turn it into an eco-house they didn’t believe us,” says Sebastian. “The plot had to be sold as a going concern. Our plan was to get rid of the petrol pumps and the garage and turn the existing cottage into an Airbnb rental. It has been completely renovated by Lizbeth and our daughter, and it’s been really beautifully done. We used the rest of the site, where the forge was, to build a bigger house, which is where we live now.

“We knew we had to build something new if we were to embrace all the recent innovations in house building. The house nearly meets the Passivhaus standard. We would never get this quality of house if we’d just renovated the old forge.”

“We are partial to a Nordic noir mystery and a lot of them seem to feature homes with incredible burnt-larch black cladding or metal cladding – and they always seem to be black,” says Lizbeth.

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hen we first told people we were going to buy an old petrol station and turn it into an ecohouse they didn t believe us

“We love Scandinavian design, and are really drawn to that aesthetic, but we also wanted to nod to the agriculture barns of the area.

“On the exterior, to elevate the black façade and make it look more architectural, we faced all the windows with a panel of larch, which we then stained a lovely red, the colour of cedar.

That was also a nod to mid-century design: a lot of the furniture from that period is black, mahogany or teak, and I love that combination.

“I wanted to use natural materials, so we have solid anish birch floors throughout the interior, and all the windowsills are lined with stone and frame the views really beautifully.

“The house is very much a blank canvas – we haven’t put any colour on the walls, so that it showcases the art we’ve collected over the years.”

Lizbeth particularly loves her birchply kitchen. “It was on my mood board for years, and ply is such a beautiful material. We found a local architect in Frome who’s developed this system for laser-cut ply. It’s a really efficient way of building.”

“Lizbeth is all about what you see, but I’m more about what’s going on in the background,” says Sebastian. “Inside we have a system that repurposes the air 30 times an hour, so no matter what the exterior temperature is, this house is always at 20 degree Celsius. You never need to open

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PROPERTY

the windows on a horrible day because the air is being recirculated all the time. The house is incredibly comfortable to live in.

“We also created a natural swimming pond. We see the birds taking a dip in the summer, then walking on the ice in the winter. It’s really beautiful. All the rainwater from the roof goes into it. It’s not like having a swimming pool: it isn’t high maintenance, there aren’t chemicals or any PH balancing to do, and it doesn’t rinse the area’s resources.

“There are ama ing benefits of cold-water swimming, but the real joy of having a body of water with lovely plants is that it attracts swallows and dragonflies. It’s also a lovely social space for all ages in the summer. After our cold-water swims, we stand under the hot water of our greenhouse shower, which sits with our plants. It makes me smile every single time – no matter what the weather’s like.

“We have a vegetable patch outside the kitchen window, which was a really considered decision. It’s nice to see what’s ready to harvest. We’ve got another one further down the meadow that’s for veggies that don’t need as much attention, such as carrots and potatoes.

“The next owners of this house might appreciate the fact that, although it’s open-plan, there are dedicated silos to escape to. Lizbeth’s studio, for example, could be turned into whatever they like. During the day, we are on the same plot but we aren’t on top of each other, which has worked really well.

“We host a lot here – we are less than two hours from London, and have a constant stream of friends and family coming down to stay. We’re very popular during the Glastonbury Festival . . .”

And finally, from i beth: “We are very lucky because the land around us isn’t really used for anything. It really feels like the whole area is protected: there’s no heavy farming or machinery. We have sheep and a few cows next to us as neighbours. It’s bliss.”

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HOUSE NUMBERS Bath/shower rooms

Where North Wootton, Somerset What? Sustainable modern home in peaceful Somerset countryside Price Receptions Bedrooms

£1,995,000 41ft open-plan 3

3

Outside Separate cottage used for Airbnb; studio, sauna and natural swimming pool in landscaped gardens of around 2.5 acres Contact The Modern House; 020 3795 5920; themodernhouse.com

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COMMERCIAL BUILDING – MAY SELL!

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ICONIC OFFICE FOR SALE • An impressive building providing open plan office accommodation • Refurbished to a high spec •Approx. 10,713 sq ft •Generous car parking •Suitable for a range of uses (STP)

MODERN WATERFRONT OFFICE TO LET • Modern, open plan ground floor office • Waterfront views • Approximately 1,575 sq ft • Fully glazed frontage • Excellent location close to Finzels Reach

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Jayne Rixon MRICS

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Finola Ingham MRICS

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BRISTOL LIVES

“The idea I want to communicate is that you can evoke a place you love through plants” the forecourt reflects this new, welcoming space for the city, and brings a splash of colour to the building. I love the Highline in New York by Piet Oudolf; I used it as inspiration for the RWA by thinking about the planted areas as nature bursting through cracks in paving.

I love Royal Fort Gardens.

JANE PORTER

Unlike a certain late-1970s new-wave singer, this Bristol garden designer does want to go to Chelsea . . .

J

ane Porter is having a busy year. There’s her regular work; she designs gardens for both residential and public clients, the latter including Bristol Museums. She’s also just designed the planting for the newly refurbished RWA garden, and will soon be exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, in the newly judged container category.

It all began when Jane moved into a house with a garden that had belonged to a very experienced vegetable grower…

Feeling like I’d inherited something special, I did a

course on edible gardening at Windmill Hill City Farm.

Then I found out there was a horticulture course at the Botanic Gardens, so I did that at night school, and when I qualified I started working part time as a

gardener. Pretty soon I was doing simple designs and helping out at flower shows, where I got the bug for design.

I was working in a job I was very unhappy in when a friend

posted on Facebook that she didn’t know what to do with her garden. I asked her if she’d let me do a makeover, and she agreed. That project gave me the confidence to do more, and soon I had enough work lined up for me to leave my job.

I look after the Georgian House Museum garden, and

I work with a lovely team of volunteers at the Red Lodge Garden. All the planting is true to the original planting.

The RWA is at an exciting point in its development – the

new refurbishment has brought so many much-needed changes.

The planting I’ve designed for

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The gardens were beautifully landscaped in the early 1800s, and now, in the grounds of Bristol University, it remains a beautiful place to go.

My own garden is always evolving, and the place I try out

new plants. We live in Windmill Hill, and the garden is 5m wide and 25m long. I have created lots of different areas; a patio I built myself from bricks I found in skips, a path through large beds of planting, a paved area with a pergola for dining, vegetable and soft fruit beds, a pond and a seated area that gets the evening sun. We live near a park, so the kids have space to bike there, and luckily they don’t play football.

I love plants that remind me of places, particular memories

of when I first saw them, or the people who introduced me to them. For instance, I love Briza grass because my aunt showed it to me in her friend’s house, and it reminds me of the affection she had for them. On the downside, now it’s bloody everywhere!

I was born in Scotland and left when I was three, but my heart stayed there. For Chelsea I’ve designed a garden for someone from Scotland who doesn’t live there, and filled it with plants that remind them of the

landscape. With containers, you can choose your soil regardless of where you live. Scotland has a predominantly acidic soil, so my plant choices are all happy in ericaceous soil.

This is the first Scottish garden at Chelsea in 17 years, so

it feels like quite a responsibility.

Rather than try to represent the country overall I have thought about what I think of when I think of Scotland, and made it personal. The idea I want to communicate is that you can evoke a place you love through plants, and inspire people to think about what place they would like to bring into their own outside space.

Secret skills? I make very

realistic looking cakes. Things like a swan, Ann Boleyn’s head rolling off the block, a curled-up snake and a hernia operation . . .

My most regrettable habit is

buying plants with nowhere to plant them.

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