Bristol Life – Issue 323

Once and floral

The autumn/winter ’22 interiors trends are in –and they’re not looking remotely shy or retiring . . .

And so, inevitably, autumn advances, and I for one am made up by the prospect of huddling in a furlined onesie for the next six months in an attempt to save on the heating bills. Anyone labouring under the illusion that Uggs have had their day has clearly never tried to live in a draughty 17th-century house; I don’t expect to be removing mine until next April at the very earliest.

In order to warm the cockles, we have a suitably indoorsy new issue for you, led by our hero feature on autumn/winter interiors; there’s a big move towards showy maximalism, but if you still prefer calmer Nordic style neutrals (which to be totally honest, I do) that’s absolutely A-OK too.

We’ve also been pairing beer and tapas at Bar , flicking through the pages of a new book of Bristol art, chatting to guitar man Martin Simpson, shopping at a unique emporium of traders on East Street and checking out a new gallery on Whiteladies Road – there’s plenty to enjoy as you warm your hands around a steamy flat white while casting your eyes around the room for something to burn.

That July heatwave doesn’t seem so bad now, does it? What wouldn’t you give to watch another local journalist attempting to fry an egg on a car bonnet? Happy days. . .

DERI ROBINS

ON ROOMS A HUE nothing shy about the W 2 ARTS INTRO A new gallery for Whiteladies oad WHAT’S ON tand by; the autumn season is gearing up ART Lots of paintings of ristol in one cute book GALLERY emember that new venture we mentioned three lines up? MUSIC The remarkable artin impson BOOKS Another cracking column from our favourite bibliophiles RESTAURANT back at ar , and we’re not even sorry CAFÉ SOCIETY Will tan run out of ristol caf s to visit one day? ossibly, but that day has yet to arrive RECIPE The last recipe for a while from the estimable hil Haughton

During her 70-year reign, and before that as a young princess, HRH Queen Elizabeth II made many visits to ristol, the final one taking place during her Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK in 2012. Here are just a few memories shared by the city over the past few weesk.

1The Queen’s visit to Bristol, Pathe News, 1956

“The royal barge brings the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh along the River Avon to the heart of Bristol. Nearly 400 years ago, Queen Elizabeth I travelled by this same route to visit the city; near the very spot where the first Eli abeth landed, the Lord Mayor of Bristol greets the royal visitors.” Clip from Pathe News

2“This is the Queen speaking from Bristol”, 1958

In 1958 the Queen made history by placing the first long-distance call without using a switchboard operator, from the central telephone exchange in Bristol. @bbcbristol

3University of Bristol, 1958, 1995, 2005

“We had the honour of hosting The Queen on several occasions: in 1958, to open the Queen’s Building, home to our faculty of engineering; in 1995, to open an extension to the dental hospital, and in 2005, to open a new £18.5 million engineering

research facility called BLADE, in the Queen’s Building.”

@universityofbristol

4Harbourside, 1985

In July 1985, The Queen opened the Maritime Heritage Centre and toured the ss Great Britain.

@bestofbristol

5Aardman Animations, 1996

“In 1996 Her Majesty visited our Bristol studio, a special moment in our company’s history, captured for posterity in this photo.”

@aardmananimations

6Bristol Cathedral, 1999

“HM the Queen during a Royal Maundy visit to Bristol Cathedral in 1999.” @bristolcathedral

7Bristol Old Vic, 2012

In 2012 the Queen unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit to Bristol Old Vic, and watched a performance of Peter Pan.

“She made everyone smile. She oked, she asked uestions about the history of the building and she told us stories of JM Barrie reading her stories when she was a child.

“She seemed to have a genuine curiosity in the lives of everyone she met and a true love for the world of imagination, which has made its home in our theatres for centuries.”

@bristololdvic1766

source ditsy, delicate prints, if that’s your thing, but why think small when you could be having it large? From huge retro florals to vibrant colours (ideally both together) this isn’t a look for the shy and retiring

are the most relaxing of all to live with, while the look is supremely easy to pull together, offering an instant gateway to Nordic chic. Hyggetastic, baby!

1. Natural rattan arched screen, £395; Graham & Green, grahamandgreen.co.uk Carmarthenshire Shino Beaker, £28; Midgley Green, midgleygreen.com Laurel light; davidhuntlighting.co.uk Chevron oak sideboard, £1,495; Cox & Cox, coxandcox.co.uk HK Living rattan hanging chair, £256; Mon Pote, monpote.co.uk Pandan wallpaper by Arte; Jane Clayton, janeclayton.co.uk Orchid sculpture, £35; Bo Concept, boconcept.com HK Living fringed throw, £55; Mon Pote, monpote.co.uk Woods and Pears wallpaper by Cole & Sons; Bracey Interiors, braceyinteriors.co.uk Isabella curved sofa, £1,195; Cox & Cox, coxandcox.co.uk

SHOWROOMLAUNCHESCHAUNCEYSNEW

CHAUNCEYS TIMBER FLOORING of St Philip’s, Bristol, is holding its official Launch Week from 10-14 October 2022 to celebrate the completion of its new showroom

Retail and trade clients are invited to come along to explore Chaunceys’ latest product collections, get behind the scenes, and enjoy the week’s exclusive offers and giveaways.

Chaunceys Timber Flooring has been supplying and finishing high uality sustainable wood ooring in ristol since . The family run company moved into its , s ft new space last ctober to support its continued growth and bring all areas of the business together under one roof. The new premises gives it a much larger warehouse space to house more stock and give clients shorter lead times, and is also a fantastic space for clients to e plore the e pansive range of ooring.

“We’ve designed the new showroom to be a rela ing space in which our clients can find inspiration, with our friendly team on hand to guide them through their options,” says Managing Director Ian Tomlinson.

”It’s the best way for our clients to experience the natural beauty of our timber and get expert advice face to face.”

A BRAND NEW SHOWROOM

The showroom itself was fitted out by haunceys’ own in house fitting team, and features many of its most popular ooring products and finishes and reclaimed timber cladding. The space brings together the latest in interior design, including lu ury furniture from o oncept, reclaimed tiles from Maitland & Poate, and a bespoke kitchen from long standing client and local architect, oon esign and uild.

DEDICATED TRADE DAY — 13 OCTOBER

As part of the launch, Chaunceys will be hosting a special Trade ay on Thursday ctober, bringing industry professionals together for an afternoon of inspiration, learning and networking, including industry related talks from esteemed guest speakers. Many of Chaunceys’ prestigious clients and partners are expected to attend, from interior designers and architects to specifiers and builders, as well as retail and hospitality specialists.

“The event is going to be a great opportunity for industry professionals to come together and

celebrate collaborative achievements, as well as looking to the future,” says Ian. ‘It’s also a chance for us to share some knowledge from our years’ e perience in the industry, alongside some inspiring speakers.”

TALK FROM LONDON INTERIOR DESIGNER Chaunceys’ Trade Day will include a Q&A session with o o arr, founder and lead designer of ouse Nine Design. The afternoon event will offer a behind the scenes tour of the production operation at its new ristol and will give attendees a chance to get hands on with some bespoke wood floor finishing, followed by a celebration with cocktails by Gin & Juice in the evening.

A TREE PLANTED FOR EVERY VISITOR In support of the company’s ambitions to continually reduce its carbon footprint and operate as sustainably as possible, Chaunceys is excited to use the launch to kick off their new tree planting initiative. In partnership with ristol based environmental organisation cologi, Chaunceys will be planting a tree for each attendee, and establishing the Chaunceys Forest. n

Find out more about Launch Week here:

LUXURIOUS LIVING A KITCHEN CASE STUDY

Ican describe Sally and Peter’s kitchen as nothing less than deluxe. As I observed the freshly renovated room, I could appreciate how much time and consideration was put into the design. Once we’d settled in and had a chat, I started to dig a little deeper to find out more about Sally’s experience with Gardiner Haskins.

Sally already knew of Gardiner Haskins through a relative, and really got a feel for the company when she came to one of our cooking events. Upon visiting us again, she was able to come in and wander around the showrooms at her own leisure. After soaking up the surroundings and getting some inspiration she spoke to Alec, one of our expert kitchen designers, to get the process started.

The kitchen was originally smaller and in a galley style. The plan was to extend it to the full width of the house and include a central kitchen island. This was hard to envision at first, but Sally was able to create a picture in her mind upon seeing an island unit in our showrooms. She also wanted a “free flowing” space which Alec helped her achieve with cabinets running along only one side of the kitchen to create more space on the other side. It was clear that Sally wasn’t one to shy away from pink tones. An excellent choice for the décor, really making the interior pop. So understandably, she fell in love with the pink island we had on display in-store, and it simply had to be part of her new kitchen. To complement the subtle pink, Alec suggested navy blue and gold to complete the colour palette.

By making the kitchen larger, there is now a lovely Crittall door looking into the lounge. This gives the feeling of an open-plan space yet avoids cooking smells filling both rooms. The kitchen also feels very social, a space perfect for “having friends round to sip wine while I cook dinner”.Byfar, Sally’s favourite feature of her new kitchen is the built-in, double-door pantry and from a glance inside, you can see why. The storage of her dry food is impeccably organised, either in glass containers or placed

strategically in drawers, giving a minimal and uncluttered appearance. Additionally, the pantry accommodates the microwave, scales and coffee machine, meaning space is freed up on the countertops and island.

The gold Quooker tap also gains Brownie points. When Sally’s working from home and needs to jump on a call, she can make a quick cup of tea in no time using the hot water feature. It’s the small things that count.

Peter’s favourite feature would be the plug sockets built into the kitchen island. The intelligent design means they are hidden beneath the surface and need to be gently pushed in order to flip round and be revealed. When the sockets aren’t in use they blend seamlessly into the island.

The rest of the kitchen appliances are by Neff, a range our designers work closely with to supply our customers with the very best products. n

Is your kitchen in need of some vibrancy? Get ahead of the game with Gardiner Haskins. Visit us at Gardiner Haskins Interiors in Bristol or call 01179 gardinerhaskins.co.uk.292288.

Take a step into a vibrant Stoneham kitchen, designed by one of the experts at GARDINER HASKINS, owned by a happy customer in Newport.

Words by Sophie Smith and photography by Carine Butcher.

KITCHEN SYNC

The Kitchen Den was established by Joe and Adam, sharing over 30 years experience in kitchen design and project management.

Throughout their careers they have always had service and quality at the heart of everything they have done. Their extensive experience as kitchen designers allows them to plan kitchens which are functionally excellent but at no point compromise on style.

So often, customers have been thinking about a new kitchen for some time but they just don’t know exactly how to deliver their own vision. That is where their expert team comes in.

It might be a single idea that has inspired you, a tile, an appliance or the colour of a worktop. They will work with you to inspire you and

THE KITCHEN DEN ETHOS...

“We’re not interested in just placing boxes against walls, and we’re not a run-of-themill company. Each design is unique and planned to deliver the best-quality design in order to optimise your space. We are inspired and excited by the products we use in our kitchen designs, planning each aspect and every corner of your kitchen with care, so that not only will you love it, but we will be proud to put our name to it. We have travelled and continue to travel, researching new trends and products to ensure that we are able to offer our clients the best of the best”– Joe and Adam.

develop your ideas in order to deliver a stunning kitchen that you will love for years to come.

The Kitchen Den is a local family-owned business which has been helping clients realise their kitchen dreams time and time again. They love to create sociable spaces; whether you’re baking with family, or dancing around the island, they can help you create your dream space.

Establishing The Kitchen Den has allowed Joe and Adam to select fantastic products from the best British suppliers and local businesses, and provide these to their clients in one seamless transaction. They offer a vast range of kitchens,

worktops and appliances all selected for their quality, aesthetics and function.

The Kitchen Den offers 19 door styles in 22 painted colours, with a choice of 11 cabinet colours. lso on offer are fitted bedrooms and ooring solutions.Their excellent reputation is built on service, quality products and obviously their air for designing beautiful kitchens n

Contact us today to challenge us to create your dream space...

The Kitchen Den Design Studio. 11 - 12 Podville, Great Park Road, Bradley Stoke, BS32 4RU

Call: 0117 450 5280 | thekitchenden.co.uk

Email: Facebookkitchendenbristol@gmail.com&Instagram:@thekitchendenuk

Planning a new kitchen? Not sure where to start? Joe and Adam of THE KITCHEN DEN can help with every stage of the process

Joe and Adam of The Kitchen Den offer unique designs and honest advice based on their wealth of experience

Professional Packing Service Storage

YOUR BLACKLITTLEBOOK

(*Other colours also available)

&BATHROOMSKITCHENS

Hobson’s Choice London Road, Bath hobsonschoice.uk.com

idesign Interiors Bristol idesigninteriors.co.uk

Kutchenhaus Unit 11, Clifton Down Shopping Centre kutchenhaus.co.uk

Nailsea Electrical 102 Gloucester Road nailseaelectricalonline.co.uk

Ripples 88 Whiteladies Road ripplesbathrooms.com

Schmidt 170-172 Whiteladies Road home-design.schmidt

The Kitchen Den Unit 11 & 12 Podville, Great Park Road thekitchenden.co.uk

The Tile and Bathroom Warehouse 6 Eldon Way thetileandbathroomwarehouse.com

CONTRACTORSBUILDING

Bristol City Roofing bristolcityroofing.co.uk

Build Bristol Group thebuildbristolgroup.com

HAL Group halgroup.co.uk

Heads Apart Henleaze House heads-apart.co.uk

JAS Building jasbuildingservices.co.uk

Urbane Eco 15 Avon Valley Business Park urbane-eco.co.uk

CARPETS FLOORING&

Chauncey’s Timber Flooring

Unit 1 St Philips Trade Park, Albert Rd chauncey.co.uk

Eden Hardwood Flooring e enhar woo ooring.co.uk

Oriental Rugs Bookbarn International orientalrugsofbath.com

The Carpet Barn

The Old Coachworks Unit 1A, Bath Road thecarpetbarn.co.uk

FURNITURE

Bo Concept 51-53 Merchant Street boconcept.com

Cox and Cox coxandcox.co.uk

Foxon & Foxon Unit 111, Central Park Trading Estate foxonandfoxon.co.uk

Haskins Furniture 64 High Street, Shepton Mallet haskinsfurniture.co.uk

HUSK Unit D, St Vincents Trading Estate madebyhusk.com

Park Furnishers Eastgate Retail Park parkfurnishers.co.uk

Sofas and Stuff 80-82 Whiteladies Road sofasan stu .com

HOME INTERIORS

Addicted to Patterns addictedtopatterns.uk

Antichi Decori 61a High Street, Hanham antichidecori.co.uk

Farrow & Ball 16 Princess Victoria Street farrow-ball.com

Fired Earth 65A Whiteladies Road fire earth.com

Gardiner Haskins Brunel Rooms, Straight Street gardinerhaskins.co.uk Ikea

Eastgate Shopping Centre ikea.com

Just Shutters Bristol justshutters.co.uk

Mon Pote 217a North Street monpote.co.uk

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Bracey Interiors Waterloo Street braceyinteriors.co.uk

Hannah Redden Bristol hannahredden.co.uk Ivywell Interiors ivywellinteriors.com

K-Interiors 23 Highdale Road k-interiors.co.uk

Liveable Interiors liveableinteriors.co.uk

Main Interiors 384 Gloucester Road maininteriordesign.com

Marta Rossato martarossato.net

Nola Interiors 168 Gloucester Road nolainteriors-bristol.co.uk

Refine Property Bristol efine ro erty.com

LIGHTING

299 Lighting 2C Flowers Hill 299lighting.co.uk

Lumination Gardiner Haskins, Broad Plain lumination.co.uk

WINDOWS AND DOORS Timber Windows 29 The Mall, Clifton timberwindows.com

Vyoo 439a Bath Road vyoowindows.com

Jannik Martensen-Larson’s Nordic edit for Farrow & Ball

Welcome to Urbane Eco and our brand new Phabb House. It’s our unique, holistic combination of Passive House and Building Biology.

This means that not only is it healthy for the planet, but also very healthy for you and your family. The Urbane Eco Phabb House only uses all-natural, non-toxic materials — including untreated wood and chemical-free oils and paint.

• PV panels and battery storage

• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery & combined Air Source Heat Pump

• Triple glazed, energy efficient windows and doors

• Wood fibre insulation - keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter

• Thin joint natural clay block system

• Breathable lime plaster and render

The house also includes rainwater harvesting, with self-watering flower beds — as well as low EMF emissions, with hard-wired data connectivity throughout the house, and a radial electrical supply in all the bedrooms.

Sustainable building solutions 0117 909 8090 | info@urbane-eco.co.uk www.urbane-eco.co.uk

BRISTOL’S INDEPENDENTLEADING BATHROOM

AND TILE SPECIALIST

Within our large showroom we showcase the industry’s leading brands and more importantly we have an experienced, warm and friendly team to help you choose your dream bathroom.

With over 30 Five Star Google and Facebook reviews come see what the fuss is about!

6 Eldonwall Trading Estate, Bristol BS4 sales@ttabw.co.uk Telephone: 01179 770011

THE ARTS

Superheroes, artists and celebrities are all grist to graf-inspired pop-artist Yuvi’s mill. His accessible work teems with social comment and iconic homage; if you’ve been searching for years for a single piece of art featuring The Queen, James Bond, Tommy Shelby, an Alice in Wonderland rabbit and a banana, this one could be for you.

Yuvi’s just one of the exciting artists represented by new Bristol gallery Studio 74; see page 46 for more. studio74contemporaryart.com

Royal Art by Yuvi, limited-edition print, £650

WHAT’S ON ectobertember

EXHIBITIONS

Until 25 September

TESSA BUNNEY: MADE OUT OF ORCHARDS

A new body of photography exploring the cider industry today; at Martin Parr Foundation, martinparrfoundation.org

Until 2 October

FOREST: WAKE THIS GROUND

Explore the interconnected layers above and below the forest floor in an immersive exhibition of sensory delights from a group of international and intergenerational artists, writers, filmmakers etc; at Arnolfini, arnolfini.org.uk

Until 8 October

NAOMI MUNUO: CHANGING FACES

till-lifes, interiors and figures in the mid-century style, partly inspired by the modern masters; at That Art Gallery, thatartgallery.com

Until 30 October

THINK GLOBAL: ACT BRISTOL

Bristol has declared climate and ecological emergencies. How did

we get here? What’s our city’s role in it, and how can we help get out of it? What does a just, green future look like? ig environmental uestions are tackled at hed; bristolmuseums.org.uk

BUILDING A MARTIAN HOUSE

Public art project in the form of a prototype of a real Martian house. ou’ll find it outside hed; you can’t miss it. bristolmuseums.org.uk

THE WORLD REIMAGINED

Groundbreaking national art education project aimed at transforming how we understand the Transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, and its impact on all of us. The Bristol trail consists of 10 globe sculptures: one for each of the nine themes of the Journey of Discovery and one created in collaboration between artist Michele Curtis and local people and communities of Bristol. theworl reimagine .org

SEE MONSTER

(Closing date tbc; currently end of October). The oil rig-turned-artinstallation has a serious purpose; it wants to talk to us about the weather,

and what we can do with structures we inherit. At Weston-super-Mare’s Tropicana; seemonster.co.uk

Until 31 December 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, at the same site, Lebohang reflects on the legacy of colonialism as a shared history; bristolmuseums.org.uk

8 October-8 January RWA OPEN

RWA’s renowned Annual Open Exhibition returns for its 169th year with work from emerging and established artists rwa.org.uk

8 October-15 January LAWRENCE ABU HAMDAN: THE 49TH PARALLEL

A ma or new film commission focusing on the Haskell ree Library and Opera House – a unique municipal site between the jurisdictions of Canada and the USA. Telling stories of permeable borders and impermeable laws,

the work reflects on how free movement, free knowledge and free space are under threat; pike Island, s ikeislan .org.uk

SHOWS

Until 24 September OUTLIER

Another chance to see this moving autobiographical piece of gig-theatre, with the powerful poetics of alaika egode, the exhilarating music of akabol and dynamic animation. Genre-defying and hopeful, Outlier explores the impact of isolation, addiction and friendship on young people coming of age in the often-forgotten places. At BOV, bristolol vic.org.uk

SIX

From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry III take to the mic to tell their tales in an 80-minute celebration of 21st-century girl power. At Bristol Hippodrome, atgtickets.com

Until 8 October REVEALED

A recent incident in police custody

The play’s the thing; Billy Howle gives us his Hamlet at BOV

has stunned the nation; yearold Luther, his father alcolm and his grandfather idney are thrown together for the night, taking refuge at the family’s Caribbean restaurant. As the three men navigate the chaos on their doorstep, their different feelings come to the surface on racism, masculinity, sexuality, parenting and love. ecrets emerge from deep within their family, and they start to see one another and themselves in a new light; at T T, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Until 12 November BEAUTY & THE BEAST Disney’s livier-winning tale as old as time comes back to the Hippodrome as a nice little preChristmas treat; atgtickets.com

24 September COLIN HOULT: THE DEATH OF ANNA MANN Anna ann is back The acclaimed actress, singer and welder (gotta have a back-up returns after five long years to tell the incredible story of her life in the arts in this, her final hour; at T T, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

25 September THE LOST CABARET

A wild comedy cabaret with big ideas and experimentation, from a global collective of alternative comedy makers; at Wardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com

27-30 September

IT BEGINS IN DARKNESS

A dance full of ghosts... In this stark, stripped-back performance, five dancers move through a series of mysterious and experimental rites of passage, processing the fear, anger and confusion which arise from the histories of slavery and colonialism that haunt the present. y Impermanence, at The ount Without; bristololdvic.org.uk

27 September-1 October

THE ONE AND ONLY ... ueen of usic Hall, that is, aka the beloved arie Lloyd, whose signing style embodied a mixture of arch sauciness and gutsy good humour; Alma Tavern, tickettailor.com

28 September-1 October

STILL FLOATING

When someone suggests to h n Dale- ones that he should revive his 2 show about the Isle of Anglesey floating away from ritain,

he’s not sure it’s what the world needs right now. As Shôn explains why he shouldn’t present the show, we find out that sometimes going backwards helps us move forwards, in a funny, uplifting and moving story that makes the real and unreal fit together in one surprising whole. At Wardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com

30 September-1 October

A DEAD BODY IN TAOS

am travels to ew exico to bury her estranged mother. Gradually, she uncovers her mothers traumatic past, leaving her with a terrible decision to make... A new play by former ristol ld ic artistic director David arr, part-mystery, part-sci-fi epic and part-love story, which leaves the audience wondering whether, in the 21st century, freedom is something we should run to or escape from. At ristol ld ic; bristololdvic.org.uk

2 October AN EVENING WITH BRIAN BLESSED

The legendary larger-than-life thesp with the booming operatic voice returns to one of his favourite cities ristol for an intimate night of entertainment, raising funds for local charity. You want anecdotes? rian has anecdotes. T T, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

4 October

JULIE MADLY DEEPLY

Charmingly cheeky cabaret tribute to Dame ulie Andrews by arah Louise- oung; a funny and candid love letter to a true show business survivor. At Wardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com

4-8 October SOMEONE WHO’LL WATCH OVER ME

Three Western men are taken hostage and held by unseen captors in Lebanon. As they wrestle with their differences in a bid to stay alive and sane, they can’t help but develop an extraordinary friendship, balancing the grim reality of the situation with moments of beauty, fantasy and poignancy. y rank cGuinness, inspired by the true account of rian eenan; Alma Tavern, tickettailor.com

7-14 variousOctober,dates

PAPAYA FEST

The Wardrobe goes all Latinx for ctober, with shows that range from a collab between ristolian

www.mediaclash.co.uk

TOPTOBOTTOM: Could we live on the red planet? The Martian House is doing its best to find out; Stones at Encounters; See Monster down at Weston

and Latin American theatremakers, to a mischievous look at (un) maternal instinct by one increasingly knocked-up performer, to a solo show about the life of a queer, autistic, Latinx caterpillar that you didn’t even realise you needed in your life; thewardrobetheatre.com

13 October-12 November

HAMLET

Very hot property Billy Howle plays the role that made Peter O’Toole’s name on this very same Bristol Old Vic stage in 1957. The supporting cast’s no afterthought either, with Niamh Cusack playing Gertrude and Mirren Mack as a suitably ethereallooking Ophelia. bristololdvic.org.uk

MUSIC

1 October MARTIN SIMPSON

The virtuoso instrumentalist with a legacy as one of the foremost acoustic guitar players worldwide brings his current tour to Bristol Folk House; see feature page 48. bristolbeacon.org

11 October

GILBERT O’SULLIVAN

Remember the 1970s, when there was hardly anyone to fancy in the charts, so we did our best with Gilbert in his flat cap? To be fair, the songs were pretty great. At Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com

COMEDY

Ongoing CLOSER EACH DAY

The world’s longest improv comedy soap has recently performed its 200th episode, and continues to bubble away twice a month at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

25 September

KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN: HOME TRUTHS

Kiri’s moved back to her home island of Anglesey, struggled with lockdown and got herself some rescue chickens. Expect jokes about skinny jeans, learning Welsh and white supremacy – something for everyone. At BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

28-29 September

DAVID O’DOHERTY: WHOA IS ME

With lots of talking, some apologising and some songs on a glued together plastic keyboard from 1986, at Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

1 October

ELF LYONS: RAVEN

Comedy it-girl Elf Lyons floats into TFT with her new horrifying comedy show inspired by Stephen King; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

MAISIE ADAMS: BUZZED

With witty observations, highoctane energy and some right good jokes, this show is likely to be better than anything else you had planned tonight, unless arguably you had plans to go dancing with Cher. At Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com

4 October MILTON JONES: MILTON IMPOSSIBLE

Milton reveals the truth about being an international spy, before being given a disappointing new identity which forced him to appear on Mock the Week. Just gloriously daft nonsense or is there a deeper meaning? Every man has his price. Sainsbury’s, where good food costs less. At Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com

5 October

MARK THOMAS:

BLACK AND WHITE

The political godfather of comedy is back doing what he does best; taking down politicians, mucking about, new ideas and finding hope. How did we get here? What are we going to do about it? Who’s up for a sing-song? At Hen & Chicken; henandchicken.com

6 October

MARK SIMMONS: QUIP OFF THE MARK

Mark’s parents have sold the family home, and he has to collect his box of stuff from the loft. Discover what’s in the box in this top-level one-liner show at Hen & Chicken; henandchicken.com

SARAH KEYWORTH: LOST BOY

If comedy equals tragedy plus time, then boy, this is going to be good... a show about rediscovering silliness after a difficult life event. At Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

8 October

HELEN BAUER:

MADAM GOOD TIT

2019’s Best Newcomer nominee returns with an hour about selfconfidence. It’s the year of ‘the self’ and Helen is trying to be the change she wants you to see. At TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

OTHER

Ongoing

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL

The almost-year-round fest with the something-for-everyone remit. Screenings at various Bristol locations; bristolfilmfestival.com

Until 25 September SUSTAINABLE FASHION WEEK

How clothing is produced has a significant impact on the planet, and SFW is back to raise awareness; at various venues, including a catwalk show at The Mount Without. sustainablefashionweek.uk

27 September -2 October ENCOUNTERS

Bristol’s beloved international

film festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with the usual smorgasbord of film, animation and virtual reality; encounters.film

30 September

YOTAM OTTOLENGHI AND NOOR MURAD

The team behind Ottolenghi Test Kitchen reveal how to ‘Ottolenghify’ your meals in an interactive evening at St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

10-14 October

BRISTOL FESTIVALTECHNOLOGY

All that’s brilliant about the inclusive, collaborative and varied ecosystem that is Bristol tech, all in one city, all in one week. Various venues; bristoltechfest.org n

TOP: Butch and Sundance at Bristol Film Fest: still more charisma than the average screen can handle; ABOVE: Yotam shows us how to Ottolenghify

OFARTTHECITY

Beautiful Bristol by Anna Marrow

Introducing the coffee table book that every Bristolian should own…

If we’ve learnt anything from our own Bristol Life Instagram feed (you’re following, right?) it’s this: the thing Bristol loves above all else in this world are lovely pictures of Bristol. If the pictures in question contain a hot air balloon, then joy is unbounded; there’s a real danger of crashing the internet.

What, then, could be more desirable than a collection of paintings and drawings of the city by top local artists, contained in a chunky, pleasingly square-shaped, handy-sized book? That’s what you get with the Bristol and Bath Art Book, which captures the beauty of both towns in a thoroughly lovely way; there are considerably more pics of Bristol, but fans of its genteel little Georgian neighbour will find much to en oy, too. Is it too early to be murmuring the words ‘ideal stocking-filler’?

The book has received plaudits from all kinds of starry types, from Jacqueline Wilson to Stephen Merchant, Mark Strong and the Cooper siblings of This Country fame. Former Bristol Old Vic Theatre School alumnus Jeremy Irons was even moved to write a little ode to it (lovely sentiments, but don’t give up the day job, Jeremy).

You can read all the quotes all in the frontispiece, along with a foreword from Gary Topp of Arnolfini and a preface by the book’s creator, Emma Bennett.

“Bristol is one of the most modern, vibrant, quirky and independent cities you will visit, bustling at the seams with bold creativity,” writes Emma, who goes on to describe Bath as “modern in a less vocal, more understated way”.

After this, it’s straight into the gorgeous pics – and yes, before you ask, several of them feature hot-air balloons. n

The Bristol & Bath Art Book: The Cities through the Eyes of their Artists is published by UIT Cambridge at £14.99 For more uit.co.uk

ABOVE: Bristol by Jenny Urquhart; BELOW: Love Bristol by Anna Marrow

CLOCKWISE: Bristol Old Vic by Kate Dove; Bridge At Sunset by Elaine Shaw; A Walk around Bristol by Sue Porter; The Matthew by Lisa Malyon; Mina Road by Hannah Bunn

STUDIO

Ellena Norman is poised to open a new art gallery on Whiteladies Road. Don’t expect to find echoey bright-white walls, mind . . .

Words by Ursula Cole

Art is in Ellena Norman’s blood. Her family has run their award-winning gallery in Hertfordshire for over 13 years, and now she’s bringing all her experience and passion to a new gallery at 74 Whiteladies Road.

“I have always been immersed in the art world, and watched it evolve,” says Ellena. “I’ve worked in the industry from the ground up, experiencing every aspect.

“Creating Studio 74 has pushed me in unexpected directions. We have worked tirelessly for this to become a reality; now we can finally open our second gallery here in ristol, offering an entirely new concept of what a gallery can be.

“There aren’t many women running art galleries, or many who have my advantage of growing up around the art industry, enabling me to formulate the Studio 74 ethos; this is going to be a new wave gallery run by a new generation of contemporary women, and that’sWhyexciting.”chooseBristol? “I love the close-knit community here, even though we are a city. The gallery space itself helped me realise this is the exact place to be, and create my vision of what a gallery is. We are home to street art, with Banksy a household name. Bristol is unique, diverse, and individual; it doesn’t follow trends, it creates them. I am excited to be part of this culture, which offers a constant environment of inspiration.”

Ellena explains that the philosophy behind Studio 74 is that there should be “no boundaries; to embrace ideas and think beyond the art industry. To help and guide clients on their art journey, to push and expand people’s taste and show how the art world isn’t intimidating or scary, but an exciting world to be part of.

“The ambience is new and exciting; instead of the usual all-bright-white walls in an echoey environment, think decadence and glamour, with an opulent boutique feeling, chandeliers and gold wallpaper. A space that’s cosy and glamorous all in one.

“Studio 74 is an independent gallery with a new conceptual twist. We have a different mindset to most galleries, and the capability to create a totally forward-thinking space, looking to break down barriers and offering a totally unique opportunity to collect art. Whether it’s your first time in a gallery or you’re a connoisseur, we make everyone welcome; our role is to help guide and work with clients to help find their perfect pieces.

“Art is created by people to be enjoyed, questioned, and loved by others. By stepping through the door and chatting to us you’ll soon realise there’s no reason to feel intimidated.”

The gallery represents a wide, eclectic range of art. “Our resident artist is Anna Mazzotta; you may have seen her distinctive charcoals hanging in the Bristol Lido. I am thrilled to be working with Anna; she creates original oils and large-scale charcoal sketches. Her style exudes charisma, bringing to life the glamour of long-lost eras. Her work is all from her imagination, influenced by hedonism and the voluptuous golden ages of cabaret and cinema. She has a totally unique talent for showcasing complex emotions and scenarios with a comical underpinning. She really is leading the way with her unique style, and is a credit to “I’mBristol.currently working with a new artist called Bram Reijnders, who has an incredible

technique. He takes street art to a new level by tearing huge old billboard signage and bonding the layers together to create his canvas. The works are so robust and clever.

“I’m also a massive fan of Uri Dushy, who predominately creates sculpture wall art with 3D elements and metal work, and takes inspiration from popular culture.”

So what would Ellena say to any hopeful artist thinking of approaching Studio 74 for representation?

Have your style nailed, feel confident in who you are and what you are creating. Don’t be disheartened if Studio 74 or other galleries can’t take your work on right now. If it is your passion, then believe in yourself and push forward.”

And her message to potential collectors?

“If your art is purely to elevate interiors then have in mind the location of the artwork, a possible style, and a rough budget guide. Art is a totally unique and personal experience, so keep an open mind. Often you will discover something which you didn’t intend to buy, and that’s all part of the excitement.“Ifyouare looking to cherish one piece, or really get involved in curating your taste with multiple ones, you can speak to us, as the more you discuss and learn about the works you will truly start to fall in love and create your own collections. Ultimately, art is a personal extension of yourself, and you should enjoy every single moment of collecting, so don’t overthink it too much.”

Studio 74 opens at 74 Whiteladies Road at the end of the month. For more studio74contemporaryart.com

“Bristol doesn’t follow trends, itcreates them”

Much of the art is accessible and playful: OPPOSITE: Uri Dushy; ABOVE: Dylan Izaak; BELOW: The Connor Brothers

GOODFINGER-PICKIN’

One of the best-loved acoustic guitar players in the world, Martin Simpson brings his trademark mix of traditional English folk, American blues and his own compositions to Bristol Folk House this month

or s by eri obins hotos by eo rin er

Ifirst met artin impson at a London folk club in the mid-1980s. He was rarely in town for long, typically stopping off mid-tour or en-route to a festival, but when he was, you’d know about it.

Fellow musicians spoke of him in awed tones. He’d turn up at gigs and parties with a retinue of followers, exuding a glamour that made him stand out among the scruffier, beardier folkies and not just because in a roomful of faded denim and ruit-of-the-Loom cheesecloth he was the only one rocking a red-and-black leather biker jacket. Martin had charisma. He remains the only person I’ve ever dated who has his own Wikipedia page.

As there was no Google back then for convenient online stalking, I was only dimly aware that he was regarded as something of a phenomenon, and had been since his early teens. That his touring and recording work in the ’70s and ’80s had brought him to the attention of a worldwide audience, and led to him being courted by the world of rock, which he elected to sidestep. Instead, he headed for the US, where he spent 20 years immersing himself in the great musical traditions of America; it was here he perfected not just his guitar technique, but his banjo playing, too.

ver the last four decades artin has brought his genius, flair and imagination to bear on what we might fondly call British folk. He has improvised it, added to its canon, improved it and undoubtedly helped shape it. No wonder he is described as something of a cult here. And now, after the enforced quiet of two years, he’s headed to Bristol.

“I’m really busy again,” he says. We’re speaking over the phone; he lives in his native Yorkshire, in a home overlooking the Peak District.

“Obviously, lockdown was really strange, not being able to do what I’ve done ever since I was a kid, but now it’s all slotting back, though in a rather frantic fashion. I really loved it when it first kicked off, being able to stay at home; I didn’t have to focus on a performance repertoire, so I could give myself permission to sit out on the porch and practice. I took this opportunity to get really good.”

‘Get’ really good? This from someone who in 2005 was voted by the readers of Acoustic Guitar as the 12th best player in the world. He has 32 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards to his name . . .

“Yeah; but you can always push things a bit harder,” he says.

As it happens, he’d been planning to take his foot off the pedal, figuratively if not literally speaking, before it all kicked off. In ebruary

of 2020, I had a big meeting with my record company and said, I need to do fewer, better gigs and in order to do that I have to come off the road. Be careful what you ask for…”

Because while it’s one thing being “delirious with happiness” at being able to stay at home, in the meantime the music venues suffered.

“Then, as we had a gradual creep back to normality, you realised that people weren’t coming back to the gigs; even if you sold out, only two-thirds of the audience would turn up, and that’s a weird one. At one gig, several members of the audience came up afterwards to tell me how incredibly important it was to them; some were in tears. Live music is so utterly essential for people’s wellbeing.

But hey, now it’s autumn 2022, and he’s halfway through a three-week tour, with one day off for good behaviour. He’s pushing 70 now; isn’t it all a bit, well, relentless…?

h, it’s great it’s basically all I ask for…”

“Live music is so utterly essential forpeople’s wellbeing”

In addition to two records out next year and the current tour, he’s been recording with a band called The Magpie Arc. “They called me up and said, we want to put a band together, and we want you to be in it, but we don’t want you to play acoustic guitar, we want you to play electric – and nobody has ever asked me to do that before. I thought it was a brilliant opportunity to get good at something extra; it’s like a different instrument. I now have this magnificent pedal board, and have had to have lots of lessons; I can do the fingers bit, but had to get used to doing things with my feet and making alarming noises.”

It’s not all about the instruments, though; Martin cares very deeply about lyrics, and at the core of his work is an intricate narrative essence. I remember once playing him a Cocteau Twins record, probably hoping to score cool points. He fairly spluttered with rage. “But you can’t work out a word she’s singing!” (True.)

“It’s all about enunciation – that’s what songs are! Actually, some brilliant singers aren’t very good at it; [long-term recording partner] June Tabor was dreadful sometimes. I’d say, why can’t you sing so that people can hear? She communicates emotion brilliantly, but I want to hear every syllable.”

I have a particular question to ask. Why is it that country music boomed in the USA, with country stars among the richest in America,

whereas folk, or at least acoustic, music remains a niche taste in the UK?

“Hah! How long have you got...?

Country was part of the first wave of commercially recorded music in the US. It became clear this stuff would sell, and an industry grew up around it. That never happened in this country. There were some commercial recordings of traditional English songs released in 1908 on wax cylinders, under the title of Genuine Peasant Folk Singing, which says it all.

“And there’s also this awful sense that England has about itself. Look at Scotland, Ireland and Wales, who were actively dissuaded from preserving their culture; meanwhile, we were going, this is nonsense, this ridiculous Morris dancing and silly old men singing in boozers, why should we be proud of that? And the answer is because it’s actually brilliant, it’s wonderful, it’s storytelling, it’s musically extraordinary.

“It took classical musicians to recognise the value of traditional music – people like Delius and Vaughan Williams. And only in the last few years have we had anything in our education system that caters for people’s interest in folk music.”

Linda Thomson once said of Martin, “how does someone manage to be so good at both American and English traditional music?” He doesn’t see it as an issue. “To me, it always felt like a very broad palette I was taking advantage of. I don’t see all that much difference between the two ends of the palette – English folk songs sung by a black American or a black American folk song sung by me.”

Martin says he loves all aspects of his job – “whether it’s playing live, writing songs, or recording – I love it all”. But surely there’s not much money in recording, these days?

“The market for hard sales, for buying something that actually exists in a tangible form, has fallen to an incredible degree, but now it’s beginning to bounce back, with vinyl having a revival. And in order to get into the charts in the ’70s you had to sell shitloads of records; nowadays, you really don’t. And studios used to be incredibly expensive places; you’d need a big budget to make a record. In contrast, we made [lockdown project] Home Recordings in four four-hour sessions, with some flown-in e uipment. It’s very intimate. peaking of flown-in, listen out for an unplanned guest spot from a gaggle of geese flying overhead on the track Lonesome Valley Geese

If asked to choose the one album he’d recommend to first-time listeners, he says it would be his 2008 record Prodigal Son. “It has some really good songs of mine, really great versions of big ballads, and a Randy Newman song – it’s broad, it’s well-recorded and well-sung, and probably my greatest hit.” In fact, though he modestly refrains from adding this, it was named album of the year in the BBC Folk Awards; track Never Any Good was named best original song of the year.

Martin’s many fans won’t need any persuasion to come along to Bristol Folk House when he comes to play on 1 October; but how about those who don’t know his work? What are they in for? “They can expect to have their hearts opened; to be entertained,” he says.

Which has to be worth twenty quid of anyone’s money. n

For more bristolfolkhouse.co.uk

on t see much i erence betweenthe two en s of the alette nglish folksongs sung by a black American or ablack American folk song sung by me”

EMILY & DAN BOOKSSTORYSMITHROSS

You catch us at a moment of busiestprepareloin-girdingliteraryasweforthetimeofthe

year. September and October is when the publishing machine reaches its optimal production rate, and bookshops across the land (especially those, like ours, with limited shelf space) face the daunting task of selecting the books they’re going to be championing in the crucial prefestive“Pickseason.me!Pick me!” they cry, and we have to exercise a particularly judicious restraint: do we love this book like a child? Are we happy to recommend it to our customers so they can in turn love it like a child? Something to think about next time you’re

browsing the shelves in your local independent. Anyway, here are four books that recently jostled their way to the front.

How To Read Now –by Elaine Castillo

If you’ve ever thought about doing an English Literature degree, this searing series of essays may ust fulfil your academic dreams. Castillo contemplates and critiques our reading culture (not only with respect to books, but generally how we are encouraged and have learned to ‘read’ the world) and the white supremacy which it champions, ultimately arguing for something ‘better’, a more engaged and thoughtful way of reading (hi)stories. She takes to task lauded and not-so-lauded figures such as JK Rowling, Joan Didion,

Nobel Prize-winners with awe and care, and admirable incisiveness. This special book could change the way you read forever.

Ti Amo – by Hanne Ørstavik (translated by Martin Aitken) We should point out with this novel that there are several elements which may make you pause before picking it up. Firstly, it details the gradual demise of the narrator’s husband from colon cancer. directlySecondly,as a result of the first point, it is very sad. Thirdly, and perhaps you might consider it a it’slong.underoneaccounttakingpositiveintopointsandtwo,it’s100pagesBut–andabig,glorious

but – Ti Amo is purely gorgeous, deeply affecting and rewardsmeansinherherØrstaviksometimessometimesWeunforgettable.areprivytothoughtsunderstandable,inconceivable,aspainstakinglyanalysesownfeelings,andthoseofailinghusband,allassembledaminiaturebookthatisbynoeasytoapproach,butamplythereaderfortheirbravery.

The Nation of Plants –by Stefano (translatedMancusobyGregory Conti)

There’s a time and a place for the respectable, English, button-down form of nature writing flowery prose, poignant observations, the contemplation of streams, ponds, a particularly fantastic knot of bark on an exemplary tree. This is not that kind of nature writing (if it is even strictly nature writing). Which is not to say that this book is not one of deep-level plant-

preciation, but rather than aesthetic or spiritual, plant neurobiologist Stefano Mancuso opts for social, political, organisational, and moral appreciation. Can you learn about ethics from plants? Should plants have rights, a constitution? Is there even such a thing as plant ‘behaviour’? Questions with fascinating answers in these pages.

Takeaway – by Angela Hui This memoir of theexperienceunique of growing up in a Chinese

takeaway, one of the only nonwhite faces for miles, but bound and bolstered by a network of other Chinese families across the country in the same situation. Working endless hours to serve the business and the community is placed at odds with the hostility that comes with simply being different, being a teenager governed by the deep-fat fryer, working as translator and secretary for your own parents. Involving, enlightening and truthful.

So you can see the problem: there’s too much good stuff out there. If you visit the shop over the next few weeks and can’t understand why our booksellers are holding a book in each hand with a pained expression on their faces, you’ll know that we’re just deciding. And both of them will probably end up on the shelf anyway.

Storysmith, 236 North Street storysmithbooks.com

New term, new tomes. But which of the fresh releases will make it onto the Storysmith shelves?

“ Can you learn about ethics from plants? Should plants have rights, a constitution?”

parents’workinghercontemplatesdetails.andrichisWelshembeddedfamilyinthevalleyswrittenwithwarmthtenderHuiyouthinherChinese

Estrella

Words by Deri Robins photo Robins

There is no wrong time to visit Bar 44; Clifton’s premier tapas joint is a pan-seasonal delight. September, however, may just the best time of all, because this is when the restaurant teams up with Estrella Galicia for the beer’s national gastronomy month – a UK-wide event that celebrates the best of Spanish food and drink.

There are lots of enticing things on offer, from tapas tours and masterclasses to tasting menus. Those with sufficient time and cash could have a grand old time etting between Edinburgh, Dublin, ewcastle, Glasgow, Cardiff and London, attending every single event, but if that’s not on the cards you need to travel no further than Clifton, where Owen Morgan will be holding a masterclass on 30 September followed by a sit-down lunch.

Never been to Bar 44? Here’s the story. Back in 2018, the restaurant was opened by hispanophile siblings Tom, Owen and Natalie Morgan, who’d honed their ‘tapas y copas’ formula at their Cardiff, enarth and Cowbridge branches before hopping over the bridge to conquer Bristol. Incidentally, if you assumed ‘y copas’ was Welsh, you wouldn’t be the first, but you’d still be wrong. It translates from Spanish as ‘and glasses’; so, tapas and drinks,Bristolbasically.instantly took Bar 44 to its heart. We already had the brilliant Bravas, but this was a little different; not least in the sheer si e of the place. There’s a long bar, two big areas for dining, and private rooms downstairs in the old vaults. It’s all visually gorgeous, with mosaic tiling, murals by Andi Rivas and shelves upon shelves of sherry. Owen is a renowned authority on the latter, and just in case he’s not around to make the point in person, the legend ‘sherry is sexy’ is spelled out in neon over an archway. If you’d always thought fortified wines were ust for Christmas, trifles, and cockney soap legends, prepare to park that particular preconception at the door. opping in to preview the Estrella menu, we spent the first ten minutes, as we always do, exclaiming over how authentically Spanish the place feels. If you block out the Bristol accents, you could easily be in some upmarket tapas bar in, say, A Coruña.

DINING DETAILS

hams, salty and nutty with rich, beautifully marbled fat that all but melts on the tongue. Hand-carving is an art, but at the masterclass, all guests will get to have a go. You’ll also learn to marinade the fat Gordal olives from Carmona, and assemble the gildas – little toothpicks skewered with pickles and boquerones. If you’re quietly thinking “I thought Gilda was a 1946 movie starring Rita Hayworth?” you’re not wrong; this dish, invented at Bar Casa Vallés in San Sebastián, is said to be named for Rita’s femme fatale character, who had, goes the legend, similar attributes: ”green, salty, and a little spicy”.

ext up, you’ll learn to dress a citrussy cured bream, offsetting the acidity with a creamy dollop of avocado. The 4.7% Estrella sets the seafood off to great effect, ust as a pinot or sauv blanc might do if you were going down the vino route.

Bar44,18-20 Regent Street, Clifton 0333 344 4049; bar44.co.uk

The mains come with a darker, stronger brew in the form of the 1906 Reserva – the red wine of the beer world, I guess, and an ideal accompaniment for a deeply savoury dish of ox cheek, cooked so slowly and lovingly in the beer that you could have scooped it up with a spoon, served with sweet pea purée and topped with migas – a crumbly mixture of bread flavoured with bone marrow.

Opening hours Wed 4.30-11pm; Thurs-Sat midday11.30pm; Sun midday-6pm

Prices Owen’s masterclass and lunch costs £65; tapas and beer in the ‘beer and a bite’ menu, £8 Atmosphere Laidback, informal Service Waiter Olly was charming and informed Children? Special menu for niños y niñas

The boo y levels of the beer had risen with each course, so it was in a merry frame of mind that we tucked into a dessert of dark chocolate mousse with olive oil ice-cream –profoundly waistband-tightening, but then that’s what elasticated trousers are for – and a pre-pud plate of aged ayoyo cheese halfgoats milk, half-sheep’s, and very, very strong.

For the privilege of assisting Owen in the kitchen, and picking up the kind of insider knowledge you’ll never get from a cookbook, you’ll pay a mere £65, which includes lunch and beers as well as a lesson in ‘the perfect pour’ from an Estrella expert. Alternatively, just pop into the restaurant during September for an informal ‘beer and a bite’ –a glass of eserva paired with confit duck and smoked morcilla pringa.

Once we were done with the exclaiming, we applied ourselves to the menu, which follows the dishes you’ll expect be cooking and eating at the masterclass. You’ll mostly be helping with the kitchen prep, with Owen finishing off the courses; no need to worry about spoiling the sauces and enduring hard looks from the other guests.

First up, paired with a light and refreshing Estrella Galicia 4.7%, came a trio of pinxtos, including paper-thin slices of Ibérico – the king of all

Once you’re ensconced, you’ll probably end up ordering half the rest of the menu, because ar puts a refined and elegant spin on tapas classics that’s impossible to resist. As you leave, you’ll somehow find yourself booking in for the unday roast with the chori o orkies, manchega cauli cheese and jamon fat roast potatoes. Before you know it, you’ll be requesting the Bar 44 cookbook for Christmas, after which you’ll be able to make tapas like a pro and you’ll roll your eyes at anyone who doesn’t know what a gilda is.

You’ll still want to return to eat here though, because as we may have mentioned. Bar 44 really is a place for all seasons. But do try to pop in before the end of September to do the Estrella beer thing if you can. n

Reach the best in the west a call away

Nice wheels

t’s that time of year again. The fag end of summer, when we cling onto our shorts, pack up our sandals and head off in hope, searching for one more adventure before winter comes. No matter how close or far away from home. Did it myself recently, joined in with the fun and frolics for this very column. Took off to a caf miles away, near Tintern. ery nice it was,Fullytoo.intended to revisit my usual stomping grounds for this SOCIETY CULLIMORESTAN

piece, got my eye on a couple of coffee shops very close to home. Fancied paying them a visit. But, as so often happens, life got in the way. een running around like a blue-backed baboon on a bicycle over the last few weeks. Working. If spending time on boats wide and narrow can ever be called working, that is.

IEither way, local opportunities for relaxing with a coffee and cake have been few and far between recently. Sigh. However, fear not, dear reader, I’m not making excuses. ot looking for sympathy. Because along the way, I did manage to slip in a uick trip one day. A trip out of town, that is.

If you cross the Suspension Bridge leaving Clifton behind, head towards Ashton Court, turn right at the lights, then make for the motorway, you will find yourself passing a very pleasant pub, The George Inn. isited the place lots of times myself. But this time, I stopped. Not for a pint. For a coffee.

A friend had told me about a uiet little coffee shop that had opened up in the car park. The ike hed Caf . We met up for a chat over elevenses. The café itself has a delightful courtyard feel, with outside space, some of it under cover, some not. There are racks for eager cyclists to hang their bikes, and plenty of space for cars and motorbikes.

If you head inside, there are benches inviting you to sit and stay a while. My companion and I went for coffees and cake.

ore serious food is on offer, but we were just passing through, so snacks were the order of the day. There was Extract coffee for our caffeine perk, with a whole host of gorgeous goodies for the sweettoothed snacker. We plumped operative word for the baked cheesecake. ery good it was too. Hit the spot, slap, bang, in the middle.

omething else that worked out very nicely were the staff. Delightful. Their warmth was infectious, even on a slightly soggy day. Mentioned this before, but it’s worth mentioning again. It takes more than good food, fine coffee and a welcoming ambience to turn a café into a sweet spot. One that warms the soul while tingling the tastebuds and making the world a better place. The secret ingredient is staff. Those waiting wonders that make our coffee dreams come true.

So, if you fancy adventure, sunshine and smiles close to home, I can thoroughly recommend this place. n

For more bikeshed.cafe

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

“It takes more than good foo fine co ee an a welcoming ambience to turn a café into a sweet spot’’

The Bike Shed Café: much more than a pitstop for passing cyclists

ACTIONTHEA

Pizzarova’s origins are an unique one. As the taste for sourdough started to grow in 2013, Alex and Jack decided to kit out a Land Rover Defender with a wood fired pi a oven. oving the countryside of Somerset, fresh sourdough pi as were served up to family, friends, and festivalgoers. Eventually in 2015, i arova set down more permanent roots on loucester oad with its first brick and mortar store, which has recently opened back up after renovations.Eightyears on, i arova has opened up shops and kitchens around several of ristol’s thriving cultural hotspots ark treet, apping harf, ropyard, and now ’s orth treet.

“ orth treet has a real bu and a sense of community, like all our spots in ristol, something we really look for when choosing a good site,” says managing director Jack Lander.

e have spent some time getting to know the locals already at pop ups with our friends at ristol eer actory and now we are finally ready to open up fully. I’m really pleased with the work we’ve done in the fit out, to uncover and keep as many of the features of the building

as we can, keeping our environmental impact to a minimum. I think we’ve created a really nice laidback and comfortable space to spend an evening or ust stop off for a uick bite the team have worked really hard to pull it together over the last couple of weeks. e’re really pleased to be showcasing some of the best businesses in the area on our menu too, from beer to basil, and are hoping to do many more collaborations in the coming months. The team and I hope to see many of you down there over the weekend.”

There have been surprises along the way as the team renovated the space. Interest from locals peaked when the crew unveiled a sign from a s laundrette on the premises. There were speculations about whether i arova would keep the sign it would seem fitting, considering they have been feeding their sourdough starter that is still used in pi as today since the s. any will be pleased to know that the sign is well and truly on display for those who come and visit.

That’s not the only uni ue part of this new shop. The team have worked hard to ensure that the fi tures and fittings of the place align with their values around sustainability. ustomers will

be eating at tables made by the offcuts from alley arble, with the helpof ristol ood ecycling ro ect’s timber and overall of cradle to grave materials. n top of this, of the waste produced has been recycled too. As we start to enter the colder months of the year, the community will have their own store to cosy up in for a slice of warmth. ou can find the new branch of i arova at orth treet opening times are Thursday midday pm, riday and aturday midday pm and unday midday pm, with more hours being added in coming weeks. or those who’d rather stay at home, the store is offering a delivery option via eliveroo. i arova will be making the most of the celebrations with a variety of discounts and competitions. n

Find out more by following them on social media. Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn: @pizzarova

The eagerly anticipated, PIZZAROVA has finall opened its doors on North Street

H A N D M A D E S O U R D O U G H P I Z Z A

HAUGHTONPHILRECIPES

A I LI

Tomato ravioli are a delight, much loved by both adults and children.

Ingredients serves 4 For the sugo (tomato sauce)

1 large onion

300 ml tomato passata

Herbs, salt, pepper to season

Grated parmesan to taste

Extra virgin olive oil

For the ravioli

4 eggs g of flour

PreparationMethod of the sugo

. eel the onion, slice it and put in a pan with two tablespoons of olive oil. When the onion is soft add the tomato passata, salt, pepper and herbs. tir and cook over low heat for 5 to 2

2.minutes.eanwhile, heat a pot full of salted water and add the ravioli below when it starts to boil. Cook them al dente, then drain and add them to the pan with the tomato sauce. prinkle

Preparation of the ravioli

. To make the fresh pasta, pour g of flour keeping some aside to add if necessary onto a wooden pastry board. Create a recess in the centre and add the whole eggs, then mix with the fork and at the same time begin to incorporate the flour, bit by bit.

C G2. nce the li uid has been absorbed into the flour, start kneading by hand using your palm, for about minutes. igorously pull it in all directions until the dough is smooth. Let it rest at room temperature for at least minutes, covered with a tea towel.

Cut a piece of dough, flour it and put it through the dough roller of a pasta machine set to the maximum thickness. ass the dough between the rollers to obtain a first sheet which will be thick. old the two edges of the sheet towards the centre, sprinkle again with a very small amount of flour and pass it again between the rollers. nce a rectangular sheet is obtained, lay it on the lightly floured surface and trim the ends with a knife. Divide it into two parts, and pass each one through the rollers again and again, ad usting the machine each time until you have reached the thinnest setting. At this point your fresh egg pasta is ready.

. ur ravioli are half-moon shaped and stuffed with cow’s milk ricotta and Abru ese rigatino cheese. lace small amounts of the filling the si e of a ha elnut at regular intervals onto the rolledout dough.

5. Cut the pasta into circular shapes with the filling in the centre. old the circles with your fingers and as you do, press the pasta all around well, letting the air out. In this way, you reduce the risk of the ravioli swelling and breaking while cooking, letting the filling leak out.

Phil Haughton is the founder of Better Food, a group of awardwinning 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 Thoughtfor is

Phil’s first book. Through a colourful mix of recipes,temptingpersonalinspiringstories,helpful

tips and insightful contributions from 12 thought-leaders and changemakers, 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

FROM£30.24KIMONO,(REDUCED£63)

This cotton kimono by Madam Stolz comes in one size with unisex stripes – so be prepared to share nicely

From Fox + Feather 41 Gloucester foxandfeather.co.ukRoad

shoppingofSoREPORTHEATHERsmittenarewebythepaletteourfrontcoverthatwe’vebeenforsimilarhues

FRENCH CLAY SOAP BAR, £5

Handmade in Bristol by Wild Grove, these soaps will fill any room with an addictive natural essence; 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 long as possible.

From Midgley Green, 26 Alexandra Road, Clevedon; midgleygreen.com

LEATHER REVERSIBLE SORUKA ‘ALICE’ BAG, £80

Each of Soruka’s beautiful handmade bags is crafted from scrap leather, with a fair wage paid to independent artisans in India. ‘Alice’ is part of the reversible range; change the look by simply flipping the flap over to switch from the blue and purple to a brown and snake print.

From Frankly Store, Unit 5, Cargo, 2 Museum Street; frankly.store

ISABEL

Pure femininity, from the ruched puff sleeves to the neat rounded neckline and tie fastenings at the open back.

From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia harveynichols.comStreet

DEVON POTTERY MUGS, £29 EACH

The rich earthiness of Bethan Jones’ beautiful stoneware gives each piece a unique character and beautiful form; these mugs would be delightful individually, and a knockout as a set.

From Midgley Green, 26 Alexandra Road, Clevedon; Midgleygreen.com

BRONTE BY MOON HERRINGBONE THROW, £89.95

Woven from pure new wool for a soft yet durable finish, and ideal for anything from summer BBQs to snug winter evenings.

From brontebymoon.co.uk

POSITIVELY

STREETEAST

We’ve featured Lou Mack in these pages before. She’s a force of nature; the kind of person who makes things happen. Not only is she the owner of the fabulous MACK Vintage, but the founder-director of East St Emporium – a unique retail space she’s established in the heart of Bedminster, which she manages with co-director Sarah Hudd, the owner of upholstery company Wisteria Workshop.

Lou’s background is in T and film, where she worked for many years as a hair and make-up artist, specialising in period makeup and hair (vintage, naturally). She’d often sneak into the costume department, which fuelled her love for vintage clothing, which in her opinion is the most unique, interesting, high-quality, sustainable kind of clothing you can wear.

After a lot of soulsearching and trepidation, Lou left the T and film industry in December 2 , and opened her first vintage boutique in the Tobacco Factory in March 2020. Sourcing vintage clothing and interiors quickly became one of her favourite parts of the job; she says she’s never happier than when trawling around a flea market or bidding at an auction for treasures. She admits it’s hard to put a particularly special piece in the boutique to sell, and confesses to keeping one or two things back for herself; one example being a fabulous black sequinned vintage dress with huge ru ed sleeves that she says she’ll never part with.

However, her new enterprise was destined to be shortlived; three weeks after opening, the country went into its first lockdown. Undeterred – did we mention that force of nature bit? – Lou decided to set up a whole emporium of creative makers and traders, all with sustainability at the heart of what they made and sold.

Fast-forward to September 2021, after a huge building project and a massive team effort from all the members, East t Emporium was born within a beautiful Victorian building with high ceilings, original for a unique

“Vintage is the mostunique, sustainablehigh-qualityinteresting,andclothingyoucanbuy”

East St Emporium: it’s a little like a bricks-and-mortar Etsy; OPPOSITEPAGE: Lou Mack

MEET THE TRADERS

Here are some of the areas and shops at the Emporium – see the website for the full list

GREEN UMBRELLA – Unique handmade children’s clothes and upcycled accessories, bespoke upholstery, and batik interiors, all handmade in the UK.

The traders: Wisteria Workshop, Second Time Around NS, Jo Whiteland Batiks

STUDIO 1 – Original abstract, hand painted art and upcycled hand painted treasures.

The traders: Ciska Collection, Madebymeeex

STUDIO 2 – A collection of independent makers creating an eclectic mix of work including dichroic jewellery, crystals, ceramics, remedies, earth-based products, and vintage treasure.

The traders: Vintage Village Somerset, Dorenev Creations, Rainbow Glass Creations, Made by Ibi, The Rock Show Emporium

STUDIO 3 – The natural crew! Beautiful handwoven wall hangings and cushions, hand-whittled and carved wooden pieces, quirky lighting designs and vintage luminous transformations.

The traders: WeaveloveAmy, Waneyedg, Luminous Revivals, Nook Creations

THE COVE – An independent collective of makers and artists selling ethical clothing, jewellery, plants and terrariums, candles, illustration and more.

The traders: Botanical Boop, Belle Isle Botanicals, HD Mini, Poison Oak Apparel

MACK Vintage – A vintage and inspired clothing and interiors boutique, selling unique reimagined treasures. All the vintage items are preloved which is a fantastic way to purchase an original, quality piece while playing a significant role in a sustainable future. There is no better slow fashion than buying vintage clothing!

features and ample space. The Emporium now has over 60 stockists selling an eclectic mix of products – jewellery, homeware, ceramics, cards, children’s wear, vintage clothing, crystals, plants, terrariums, weavings, artwork, lighting – all under one rather gorgeous roof.

East St is a little like a bricks-and-mortar Etsy; it’s constantly evolving, with new creative stockists joining the family all the time. This month, for example, the Emporium is launching a new home and lifestyle section selling eco-bedding, homeware and kitchenware, as well as eco-pyjamas and accessories. Everything is handmade or sourced in the UK, created by small independent businesses, many of them local.

On every last Saturday of the month there’s an outdoor artisan market directly outside the Emporium, with around 20 independent traders selling from stalls with a diverse range of products –an ideal opportunity to engage the community around East Street and BS3.

The Emporium also hosts a series of events and workshops; at a recent one, weaver Amy taught a oneto-one lesson with Charlotte Church.Lou’svision of setting up a creative family to provide a warm, friendly and inviting environment to shop and hang out in seems to be working. The feedback they’ve had from the customers has been phenomenal and very appreciated.

East t Emporium is all about creativity, community, affordability and sustainability,” says Lou. “There is so much laughter, light and fun here, which is so needed for everybody at the moment.”

They say if you build it, they will come. Lou has built it, so turn up and check it out. Shop small, shop local and support the small business community. n

The East St Emporium,127 East Street; tel: 0117 452 7757; eaststemporium.com; Instagram @eaststemporium; Facebook at East St Emporium

Over 60 stockists now sell an eclectic range of wares at the Emporium (we quite fancy that Bristol table)

BELOWRIGHT: Weaver Amy with Charlotte Church

“The Emporiumis all community,creativity,about a or ability sustainability an fun

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS

Island life

Legal & General has agreed terms with Bristol City Council to invest £350m into Bristol Temple Island, transforming the disused site into a vibrant new urban quarter. With a focus on social inclusion through affordable housing, training and employment opportunities, Temple Island will support the city’s plans to build back better and back the creation of 2,000 new jobs.

Temple Island will complement the wider Temple Quarter partnership, which includes Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and Network Rail.

Designed by Zaha-Hadid Architects (ZHA), Temple Island will include a large capacity conference centre and exhibition space, a 345-room hotel, 550 new homes including 22 new affordable homes and two ma or Grade A office buildings. As part of its commitment to tackle the growing climate crisis, Legal & General’s scheme at Bristol Temple Island will be heated by a District Heating Scheme provided by Bristol City Council and the buildings will target a minimum of BREEAM Excellent status.

Legal & General has invested over £30bn into major urban regeneration schemes in areas such as anchester, xford, Cardiff and ewcastle, using the UK’s pension and savings to drive the economic recovery in these cities. Following the agreement of terms, Legal & General will be launching the first phase of its public consultation on the plans for Temple Island. Over the coming months, Legal & General wants to understand residents, businesses and community groups’ aspirations for the site and together develop a shared vision for this important part of the city.

“Our investment partnerships in cities such as xford, anchester, Cardiff and ewcastle are already delivering at pace, and likewise our vision for the Temple Island will deliver a much-needed new quarter in Bristol,” said Nigel Wilson, CEO of Legal & General.

“The conference centre will attract delegates from

around the world, while the offices and affordable homes will meet an urgent local need and support new ways of living, post-pandemic. We have been attracted by Bristol City Council’s commitment to become a ‘city for all’, aligning with our ambitions to level up across UK regions and cities, using the power of pensions. Alongside, we firmly believe this development offers a perfect complement to Bristol University’s new Innovation Campus, providing space to incubate new talent and start up companies coming out of the university.”MayorMarvin

Rees said that the investment will deliver a much needed boost to jobs and economic growth in Bristol as it recovers from the pandemic.

“The development in Temple Quarter will deliver affordable homes that will play a significant role in bringing people and families to the city centre, within easy active-travel access to jobs and leisure.

“This development is a step forward in our commitment to stretching targets on affordable homes as well as a balanced response to the linked and fundamental challenges of housing, jobs and climate. We are delighted to be delivering through collaboration with our key partners, Legal and General, alongside the University of Bristol and Network Rail.”

For more group.legalandgeneral.com

Temple Island will complement the wider Temple Quarter

HURRY!partnership

The Bristol Property Awards returns to Ashton Gate Stadium on 25 November –and nominations close on 29 September. It’s free to enter and you can nominate your company in any category you think is relevant. Check out the Top Tips on the website, to help make your nomination stand out. bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

It’s a massively challenging time for small inaswasandonline.respondedworkmadeMarket,theshop,inasustainablemakefoundtreatmentshemoreentrepreneurialpositivity.withcontinuesShop’sindependents,retailbutPriorownerBeckPriortofightbackdeterminationandHersisaninspiringjourney–alltheimpressiveconsideringthatembarkedonitfollowingforleukaemia.Aprop-makerbytrade,Beckherselfwiththeskillstoeco-consciousproductsusingmaterials,andsetupdesignstudiocalledPriormade2011.Fromthere,sheopenedanonlinefollowedbyatinyshopinfrontofherworkshopinOldsellingherownsustainablyhomewaresalongwiththeofafewotherlocalmakers.Whenlockdownhit,BeckbygoingcompletelyThebusinessgrewquicklydramatically,andsoonBeckpostingworkaroundtheworldwellashand-deliveringparcelsBristol.

To Beck, it proved the desire of customers to shop ethically and support local makers, even if it could only be online. This gave her new ideas for a larger and more ambitious city-centre shop and onlineBeckpresence.openeda second shop in October 2021 in a huge unit in the Cabot Circus shopping district, directly opposite retail giant such as Harvey Nichols, Apple and Ted Baker. As well as stocking local, independent ethical brands, the shop employs at least ten people, and as a not-for-profit business, puts money, skills and time back into the localHowever,community.thegoing has become tough lately. It’s a tricky time for small businesses; with the triple threat of Brexit, Covid and the costof-living crisis, things aren’t looking peachy. And yet Beck continues to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs of her makers and the community, setting the standard for a modern, agile entrepreneur.

She has evolved the way she runs her business once again, and

Inset: Beck Prior

has turned Prior Shop into a creative community hub, with a rotating timetable of events.

The ofbusinesswomanthatpipelinemaker-to-shop-ownerhastaughtBeckthemostvaluableskillacanhaveisthatagility:fromthatfirstSunday at

the market to a huge retail space, being able to quickly respond is proof of the pudding. And if Beck can pivot, she’s sure to bring the rest of the community with her for the ride, too.

Independents days

We found out a little more from Florence Williams of Prior.

“Prior is a true anomaly in a corporate landscape,” she says. “Fiercely independent, and run as a not-for-profit business, we rub shoulders with some big players in the retail world, while supporting over 150 local artists, makers and designers who make beautiful, sustainable products, to last.

“By bringing handmade, lowimpact goods into Cabot Circus, we provide an alternative shopping experience to customers who are looking for ways to support local makers in their community, while investing money back into our local economy, benefiting us all.

“We run creative workshops, classes and events and exhibitions,

and Beck offers free business mentoring, empowering local people to learn skills that will last a lifetime. There is something in the air at Prior. The staff are happy, the customers are relaxed and engaged with the products, and the curiosity in handmade, well-made, locally made goods is a joy to see. We say ‘buy once, buy well’, and we really mean it. We just hope we can continue to provide a space in which the beautiful work of our makers can be shared with the world.”

Flo explains that the main challenges at the moment are a combination of three things: Brexit, Covid, and the cost-of-living crisis.

“This triple threat has reflected itself in a reduction of sales at the same time as our energy bill has been pushed into the thousands. We are well aware that this is a difficult time for everyone, and are determined to not raise our prices as that would merely push the burden onto our loyal customers. But we are struggling!“Wehad to make the difficult decision to close our little shop in Old Market to focus our energy on our big shop in Cabot, which was devastating, as it was the place where Prior began. We survived Brexit, then we survived Covid, but our energy bills in such a big space are now proving crippling. So we are sending out a warning flare, not just to other small independent businesses, but to our whole community: this is the reality of the British high street. If you don’t use us, you’ll lose us.”

Prior is reinnovating in many different ways to adapt the business to the current landscape.

“We put a call out on our Instagram and asked our newsletter subscribers: help us to help you –

what more can we do? And our community responded! Along with our timetable of exhibitions and workshops, we are transforming our shop into a community hub.

“We are now setting up yoga and Pilates classes, life drawing events, wine and cheese nights, renting out our desk for hot-desking, opening up our gallery space for corporate events hire, and establishing a monthly ‘Meet The Makers’ market, the first of which will be held on 1-2 October. Customers will get the chance to chat with the people who made their products, putting faces to brand names, and ask as many questions about the making process as they like.

“We are exhausting every opportunity available to us, and exploring every avenue. Beck has been an absolute trooper and is endlessly resilient. If your readers have any more suggestions, we’d love to hear them!”

How else can we help?

“Bristolians can help by engaging with us in many different ways. The best thing is to think of us next time you’re on the lookout for a gift, a card, or even an everyday item – we have a whole cleaning section with zero-waste products!

“If you can’t afford to shop or attend a workshop with us, we understand; instead, please join the conversation. Share a post online, mention our name to a friend, pass on our card to someone looking for a unique shopping experience. Talk about the importance of shopping locally, buying well-made products, and supporting local creatives.“Forevery £1 spent at a local business, 63p stays within the local economy, benefiting us all. Show love, shop small, support each other. Let’s build sustainable longevity into our communities.”

For more priorshop.uk

“PRIOR IS A TRUE ANOMALY IN A CORPORATE LANDSCAPE”

ABOVE: Prior supports over 150 makers, artists and designers RIGHT: At its huge unit in Cabot Circus, Prior rubs shoulders with some of the biggest players in the retail world

All items for sale at Prior are designed to be sustainable

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS 2022

Where are the hospices, and what do they do?

We know it’s a free service –how are you funded?

SAVE THE DATE!

The Bristol Life Awards returns on 20 April 2023.

To find out how can you benefit from sponsoring an award, see the webinar on our website, or email

submittingYouco.ukneil.snow@mediaclash.orharriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.ukcanalsoreadtoptipsforacrackingnominationonthewebsite.

WINTER 2022

Nominations open

FEBRUARY 2023

Grand Reveal Day

MARCH 2023

Bristol Life Awards Finalists’ and Sponsors’ Reception

20 APRIL 2023

Bristol Life Awards

For more bristollifeawards.co.uk

teams put in, to make sure we are always here for our families.

CHSW foundedwasin 1991 by Eddie and Jill Farwell, after they experienced for themselves the urgent need for children’s hospice care in the South West. Since then, they have opened three hospices, and no family has to travel more than 90 minutes to receive care.

During the pandemic they adapted to support families virtually and even in their own homes.

How many people are employed by the charity?

We have 379 employees across our three hospices and 35 charity shops. We rely heavily on volunteers and couldn’t survive without them.

Little Bridge House in North Devon, Charlton Farm in North Somerset and Little Harbour in mid-Cornwall. We provide hospice care for children with life-limiting conditions, as well as support for families. This can include respite and short breaks, emergency help, palliative care and expert support at the end of a child’s life.

How many families are you currently supporting?

Charlton Farm supports 204 children and their families. We continue support after a family has lost a child, so we’re also helping 217 bereaved families.

How are children and young people generally referred?

We welcome referrals from family members or professionals. We encourage referrers to be open with families about the role of a hospice in supporting end-of-life care.

We receive an average of 16% from the government, so we rely heavily on voluntary donations: legacies, individual donations, foundations and businesses.

What kind of volunteering roles are there?

Tasks vary according to needs, skills and experience. They might include garden upkeep, event support, charity shop assistance and volunteer driver roles, to supporting group outings.

How did it feel to win a Bristol Life Award?

We were blown away: the recognition is incredible. We can’t continue to do this work without the support of local businesses and individuals. This award is testament to their help, alongside the tireless hours our care and fundraising

Personally, I still feel a little overwhelmed thinking about it. There are some fantastic causes in our city and accepting the award on behalf of this amazing charity is the highlight of my career.

Why do you think our judges were impressed?

This was a hard year, but one of celebration. It marked 30 years since Children’s Hospice South West was founded. The milestone gave us an opportunity to appreciate how we’ve evolved over time. However, we’ve never had to adapt as much as in the last 18 months. In that time we continued to evolve, finding new ways to garner support and pushing forward with new initiatives, at a time when many charities were struggling to cope with the disruption to their usual funding sources. For more chsw.org.uk

Children’s Hospice South West provides support to families who have children with life-limiting conditions. Corporate fundraiser, Amanda Gallagher tells us more

We are a project management/quantity surveying consultancy. As we set up just prior to lockdown in February 2019, we looked at an alternative way to set up a construction consultancy. We didn’t want to be like every other company, and so decided to set up initially in three distinct consultancy parts:

1) The Mode Core – core staff within the business

2) The Mode Family – external subcontractors with whom we work closely, and understand to be the best in their field, consisting of consultants and contractors

3) The Mode Academy – training school for Mode, to provide a pathway through for younger team members.

With relatively low overheads, and with adaptability and e ibility at the heart of what we do, this gave us the ability to thrive during lockdown. This gave us a real advantage over other companies and resulted in all our construction sites managing to stay open while working safely within the government guidelines. This has meant working in an integrated manner with the supply chain and clients in order to make things work.

After going through the pain together, when we came out of lockdown, we had developed really strong relationships with our supply chain and found that the Mode family was born.

Gary Fisher, managing director of MODE, explains the company’s unique approach to consultancy and the key to their lockdown survival TO THE I THINK IT’S TO HAVE A

Fast-forward to 2022, and we are now looking at ways of growing the Mode core, our family and the academy. We are considering various ways of doing this; by geography, by sector and through the provision of other service development arm is also starting to grow, with a view of carrying out more projects for ourselves over the next few years and also looking to develop our very own contracting arm with more reliance on an

At

Here at Mode we always go the extra mile for all our clients and treat everyone we work with like family and friends. Based in Bristol, we are in a perfect location to serve the South West, London and the rest of the UK. The quality of our people is what makes us stand out within the marketplace. e know that without a good team a project is destined to go off-course and fail clients’ expectations. Our people are what makes Mode and as we grow, we will be concentrating on attracting the right people and working for the right clients.

Imperial Park,

Winterstoke Road, residential scheme

Bristol Port

ESTATEGRACEOF

Less than 15 miles from Bristol lies Tomarton Court – an extraordinary country house set in 10 acres of immaculate grounds. On the market for the first time in 26 years, today it doesn’t so much call for a new owner as a new master…

Words by Ursula Cole

The filming of period dramas in the ristol, ath and surrounding areas these days is relentless. Directors ust can’t help themselves; they take one look at all that Georgian honeyed stone, and think what we really need right now is yet another film of Persuasion.

This being the case, anyone fancying a handy side-hustle by renting out their mansions to production crews might well look closely at Tormarton Court, which has all the romance and history any Austen adaptor might re uire.

The Grade-II mansion was once part of the adminton Estate, the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of eaufort. It’s extraordinary to think that this grand property served as a rectory; there again, the rector in uestion was the son of the Duke of eaufort.

The house lies within acres of grounds, which in recent years have opened to visitors for the ational Garden cheme. It’s easy to see why; the manicured gardens are an oasis of calm and tran uillity where you can leave the rest of the chaotic world firmly at the door. Artfully trained foliage frames arches, and seating areas are dotted about in lawns edged by immaculate flowering borders. est of all, if you tire of wafting about with a trug and secateurs like ita ackville West, there’s the rather more 2 st-century lure of a dip in the heated pool.

The gravel drive and forecourt has a pleached hornbeam and clipped box parterre, with a beautiful, fully restored walled garden at the centre of the grounds. There are formal lawns, a highly productive kitchen garden, a flower-cutting garden and espaliered and fanned fruit trees, while a mature laburnum vine and wisteria-covered arch leads to the pool a very indulgent summer spot indeed, with its dining terrace, pool house and barbecue area.

eside the walled garden is the apothecary garden, originating from the th century, with its variety of herbs. Closer to the house is an Italian-inspired courtyard garden, while leading from the main reception rooms are large formal gardens with herbaceous borders, a rose garden and terracing which soaks up the evening sunshine.

THE STORY SO FAR…

Tormarton Court has origins going back to the 16th century with further alterations during the 17th and 18th centuries. However, the house today is largely based on the remodelling that took place in 1812 for Lord William Somerset, a son of the Duke of Beaufort at nearby Badminton Park and rector at St Mary Magdalen Church which stands opposite the house.

The ownership passed from the Badminton estate to the Church Commissioners who in turn sold it to the first Lord Altrincham, Edward Grigg who renamed the house Tormarton Court.

In 1996 the current owners bought the house from the Grigg family and completed a major restoration of the estate.

“It’s easyto

All of these areas are surrounded by parkland, with a wonderful variety of native and specimen trees, a natural pond on the southern boundary and a large copse to the west – and there’s still plenty of room if you fancied to create a tennis court or stabling.

At the heart of the estate – for this is far more than just a home with gardens – is the imperiously aristocratic house itself. It’s vast; maybe not Downtown Abbey-vast, but still very substantial, with its seven bedrooms and myriad reception and recreation rooms.

The ecclesiastical heritage of its former inhabitant is reflected in the entrance hall, with what would have been the rector’s room now being used as a family sitting room. This leads into a spacious central hall, its oval roof lantern lending natural light above a grand oak staircase – just two of the fine period features in a house awash with panelled doors, delicate cornicing, fanlights, stone floors and working fireplaces.

The hallway leads to all the principal rooms, including a sunlit morning room and elegant drawing room, both of which open onto large terraces – features not always found in houses of this period.

The large family kitchen which overlooks the courtyard has a large walk-in pantry and an adjacent breakfast room; there’s also a dining room, library, sitting room and games room, in addition to the inevitable clatter of storage spaces and wine stores (we counted around ten) that no self-respecting mansion should be without.

It would be an incredible home for a multi-generational household maybe you could pool your finances? It’s not like you’d be forced to live cheek by jowl; it’s big enough to have separate wings. It even has multiple kitchens, so no need for ructions between the forensically tidy and the terminally messy.

It’s obviously a cinch for entertaining – we’re thinking garden parties, games nights, book clubs in the library; possibly flannel-clad youths stepping through French windows to enquire if anyone’s for tennis.

The sense of being master of your own estate is underlined by the fact that Tormarton Court has tenants, though admittedly not the forelock-tugging artisanal type of old. The substantial converted barn, which has its own entrance and driveway, is currently let as commercial office space to a local architecture firm, providing both an income stream and an energy unusual to homes in a rural setting.

There’s also the Coach House, currently arranged as office space used largely by the current owners, which already has dual commercial and residential planning consent and could offer secondary accommodation to the main house, possibly as staff uarters, or a home for dependent relatives, either teenaged or elderly, when there’s a mutual desire for everyone to have their own space.

The current owners have lived at Tormarton Court for 26 years – can you blame them? During their tenure they have painstakingly restored the property, including the Cotswold stone roof, boundary walls and outbuildings, leaving this glorious country house ready and waiting for its new owners to step inside and make it their own.

It’s easy to imagine Tormarton Court becoming a house-party hub, rather like a 19th-century society mansion – the kind you read about in the stories of Saki, or PG Wodehouse, for example – the only problem might be limiting the guest list, and persuading people to leave at the end of the weekend. n

HOUSE NUMBERS

Guide price £5.75m

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 5

Reception rooms 6 plus games room

Grounds 10 acres, with pool/dining area and substantial outbuildings

For sale with Savills; savills.co.uk

Portishead, BS20 TO LET – POA

1,395 – 4,964 sq ft

Warminster, BA12

FOR SALE - £850,000 Exl.

An income-producing commercial investment opportunity with future development potential, subject to necessary consents. Situated in a stunning, rural setting with river frontage and large parking. Currently let and occupied as offices to Wessex College Ltd.

Number One Bristol, BS1 TO LET - POA 787 sq ft

A newly refurbished, ground floor office suite forming part of the prestigious Number One Bristol development. Prominently located on Lewins Mead and benefitting car parking within a secure car park to the rear.

Serbert Road, BS20

TO LET/FOR SALE - POA 8,727 sq ft

A fantastic opportunity to acquire a detached, modern building on a secure site of 0.52 acres. Suitable for a variety of uses STP. The property is available to let or for sale.

Sheene Road, BS3 TO LET - £10.00 PSF PAX 2,859 sq ft

The accommodation comprises well-presented first floor offices with air conditioning. There is excellent on-site car parking, and the property is situated within 1 mile of Temple Meads Station.

Rennisons Yard, BS6

FOR SALE - POA

2,988 sq ft

A unique opportunity to purchase within this thriving new development. There are 6 commercial units available totaling approx. 3,000 sq ft, which can be purchased separately or combined.

6 Marsh Street, BS1

TO LET - POA

3,534 sq ft

A stunning period property which has been fully fitted to a high standard as a restaurant, with accomodation over ground floor and basement. The premises is licenced and ready to trade!

Unit 2A Quedgeley, GL2

TO LET - POA

1,870 sq ft

A ground floor retail unit in a popular retail park, with neighbouring occupiers to include Aldi, Boots, and Dominos. The property benefits a predominantly glazed frontage, and customer parking.

Bath Business Park, BA2

FOR SALE £900,000 excl.

5,580 sq ft

A fully let investment opportunity with a well-established tenant offering a Gross Initial Yield of 7.4% and rising to 8.6%. The building comprises a modern, two storey office building.

St Michaels Hill, BS1

FOR SALE - £220,000

591 sq ft

A ground floor retail unit in an excellent location close to Bristol city centre offering approx. 591 sq ft (54.90 sq m). The property benefits Use Class E and is therefore suitable for a range of uses and has one parking space to the front.

Two new-build commercial units forming part of the Harbour Crescent development to be fitted to a high standard. Use Class E – would suit a range of uses. Car parking and bike storage to the front elevation. Marketing

SAM WATTS

Meet the head of programming at the rather remarkable Propyard

Paid a visit to ropyard yet?

If not, you really should.

The transformedhasintestingformercavernoustorpedo-factorythilip’sbeen

into a multi-purpose venue for parties, events and exhibitions, trailbla ing the reinvention of this old warehouse uarter and co-founder am is part of the team behind it all.

What were you up to before opening Propyard?

I worked in the music industry as an artist making music and touring. It’s not something I’ve entirely stopped; the switch was partly due to shows coming to an end during lockdown, and also the desire to work with a collective of people and build something new. I love ristol, and feel very grateful to get an opportunity to have a part in the future of its culture.

Tell us a bit about how Propyard came to be Well, I can’t claim to have ac uired the location, that was all down to the director, ames, who was basically looking for warehouse space for his furniture business. When he stumbled across the space, we ended up having a discussion about its potential, and I convinced him he needed my help...

Tell us a fun fact about the site’s history ur neighbours, who have been here for years, remember the pool that stood where the courtyard is now, and recall the previous owners operating for the D firing torpedoes into it. Which was a bit unnerving during their lunch breaks overlooking the site.

Have your ideas for the space evolved since you acquired it? Absolutely, and they still are, a lot. We thought we would be partly be used as a film studio at the start, not a venue for an

art gallery. The ideas haven’t stopped since.

What has been the biggest lesson so far?

That as soon as you think you fully understand something, be prepared for that to be immediately overhauled.

What was the first event you held here?

The Vanguard street art exhibition afterparty. Apparently anksy was there

What other big events have taken place here, and what others are on your wishlist?

A full spectrum, from Van Gogh: the Immersive Exhibition and The lue Earth summit to music events such as hall ot ade, Cra y , a ie , oni i e and oiler oom. ome of my wishlist is coming true, but I can’t say more ust yet. We are very excited about the next big exhibition. And look out for our incoming Winterland attraction, Hoptoberfest beer festival and our private bookable omeo and uliet Christmas parties.

Can you give us a hint about the next large-scale exhibition?

Let’s say the next one will be of interest to the entire planet.

Tell us a bit about other Bristol companies you’ve collaborated with We’ve loved working with i arova and afra, who have such distinct talents, and have been a big hit with visitors and

the staff. Working with local breweries has been great, too so many to mention that we had to start our own beer festival, Hopyard.

Where do you live, and why?

I live in Eastville. y local store specialises in oroccan food and my fave pub nearby is The lough. I love the area here and in Easton. ever ever dull.

Share a few local’s tips for places to hang out, shop, eat and drink Chaiiwala for breakfast on tapleton oad. Indian omelettes and great chai.

What’s one of the downsides of your job?

Interviews sorry; couldn’t resist .

What’s your philosophy for life?

ou get out what you put in.

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what else would you fancy doing?

I’m happy where I am I’m a firm believer in doing what you want to do.

Are there any jobs you would have been truly terrible at? Well, I was fired from selling advertising space at a radio station, so probably that.

What are you doing immediately after answering these questions?

Eating.

For more propyard.co.uk

“Apparently, Banksy was at the Vanguard after-party”