Bristol Life – Issue 353

HOT SPOTS

Gotta love a June issue. There’s a fresh batch of street art to marvel at, musical festivals to preview, meals to be taken out of doors (what do you mean, it’s only 10 degrees? Get a grip, we’re British).

Much as we’d love to be fully comprehensive with our annual al-fresco dining guide, the number of tasty options far exceeds the available page space, so you’ll just have to regard our 10-page feature as an entry-level guide. If you have a favourite restaurant we’ve left out, why not drop us an email? We may totally ignore your suggestion, of course, but there again, it may make its way into next year’s guide.

Every time we hear a bit of development news affecting Lloyd’s Amphitheatre we get nervous; it really is the city’s urban summer playground, hosting everything from food and drink festivals to concerts, and we’d hate to see anything changing that. But since we’re still golden on that front, we’re hugely looking forward to this year’s Bristol Sounds – expanded into a seven-date run which includes four full-day events. If forced at gunpoint to pick just one of them we’d have to choose Before Midnight with Annie Mac, who by an amazing coincidence happens to be the subject of this issue’s Big Interview. Turn to page 40 to read why she loves playing in Bristol so much; Annie, you can come again!

Most regional theatres bring out their big guns in autumn and spring, with long, lucrative tranches of panto in between, but Bristol Old Vic has just opened a month-long run of the very new and exciting A Child in Science, based on the stories of the IVF pioneers. We couldn’t decide who we wanted to talk to most, author Gareth Farr or stars Tom Felton (yes, yes, Draco Malfoy, get over it) and Meg Bellamy, so we spoke to all of them.

All this, along with all the regular, high-quality infotainment shizzle you know and love. We feel this issue pairs perfectly with a frozen margarita al fresco – but there again, what doesn’t?

. . . on the walls of BS3; Colin introduces some of the artists blessing Bristol with their talent at this year’s Upfest Presents

DERI ROBINS

Bristol Life editor

@BristolLifeMag

Issue 353 / June 2024

ON THE COVER

Gambas in the sunshine – you could be on the Med! More suggestions for your al-fresco delectation on page 10

ARTS

27 ART PAGE Grab a bit of Love Action at Bristol Pride

28 WHAT’S ON Summer in the city

FOOD & DRINK

SHOPPING

Business development manager Tony Robinson tony.robinson@mediaclash.co.uk Production/distribution manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@ mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bristol Life MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 Circus Mews, Bath, BA1 2PW 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash. We’re a West Country-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath and Bristol. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

MERCHANT’S VENTURE

After a slightly iffy and, let’s be honest, rather patchy and implausible second series, eason 3 of The Outlaws is now available on the BBC – and thankfully it’s a return to form.

tephen Merchant’s dramedy continues to chronicle the misadventures of a group of mis ts thrown together by a community payback sentence in Bristol. As well as being reunited with all the characters – even hristopher Walken’s rank is brie y among us, literally phoning it in from the the new series offers another ne opportunity for Bristol location-spotting, from nowle to lifton, edland to edcliffe, with many scenes shot at St Werburgh’s city farm.

“The show is very much a love letter to Bristol, said tephen, who plays hapless lawyer Greg. “I love that we get to feature different pockets of the city, and in series three we are in a city farm.

Actor essica unning iane says the farm has been her favourite location so far. t’s so amazing to see it all come to life. ome of the places were already here

on the farm itself, but our props and art departments made all the signs, and built this massive shed.

We were surrounded by goats and pigs, says arren Boyd ohn . made friends with a little family of goats, and didn’t want to leave. I made it my mission every morning to go and say hi. I didn’t know goats were as affectionate as they seem to be.

“We wanted to make sure we showcased Bristol in every light,’ says Bristol actor amba ole Ben . When people approach me when ’m out and about, they talk about how much they love the show, and they always mention the roads that they recognise, the buildings they recognise, the art on the walls that they love. think that’s really nice, because we wanted to make sure that the whole of Bristol felt a part of this story; it didn’t belong to The Outlaws, it belongs to Bristol.

All episodes of The Outlaws are currently up on i layer; get ’em while they’re hot. www.bbc.co.uk

Nature

ISLANDS IN THE STREAM

You never know what you’re going to see down Harbourside. It could be a mermaid; we’ve had a few of those. Or maybe a oating Moon, or a sculpture made of rubbish; we’ve had those, too.

And now we have this living ecosystem island’, created by eco-technology rm Biomatri Water olutions, and planted by volunteers in Millennium quare during the opening weekend of the Festival of Nature.

After being launched at Lloyd’s Amphitheatre on une, the islands were towed by the Bristol harbourmaster to apricorn uay, where they’ll add over

plants from native species to the river’s habitat, improving the wildlife and biodiversity of the area and providing a haven for birds.

“It’s wonderful to see nature being celebrated and cultivated in such a visual way with these incredibly innovative oating ecosystems, said avita Wilmott of the Festival.

“They will bring greater biodiversity to Bristol’s urban areas and therefore make us more resilient to climate change, ultimately making Bristol a more pleasant and healthier place to live.

www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature

MasterChef THE SPICE WAS RIGHT

n a scenario which would have astonished ames erriot, Bristol vet Brin irathapan has won the th series of MasterChef. ongratulations from us Maybe we’ve watched too much Aardman, but we can’t shake an image of Brin’s animal patients eyeing the screen nervously as he sliced up his honey-glazed octopus, spiced venison loin and beef short-rib. Brin’s parents are from ri Lanka, which, he says, has given him an amazing spicy culinary background. he areas of cooking I love are an amalgamation of my Tamil Sri Lankan heritage and my British upbringing. have a passion for creating dishes with bold avours, but re ning them to high standards with uropean techniques. like to pull avour combinations from all over the world and create balanced dishes. an we hope for a restaurant, Brin www.bbc.co.uk

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COAST DEF

You don’t need to travel far for a bit of sea air: whether it’s a trip to WSM (check out the new street art), Portishead (good for boat-fanciers), Clevedon (swim in the marine lake) or a quick pop up to Pill, nowhere is much more than half an hour away

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LET’S GET OUT OF IT

Sun is in the sky, oh why oh why, would we wanna be anywhere else?

Words by Deri Robins

We’re not completely delusional. We know it’s not always hot and sunny in Bristol; in fact it’s been raining so long we’ve contemplated gathering up two of every animal and downsizing to an ark. But brighter days surely lie ahead, and when they do, we want to make sure we’re all al-fresco ready. Remember, everything tastes better when it’s eaten and drunk outdoors, so even if it’s cool and cloudy, just layer up and head on out – most places have awnings or umbrellas to keep out the Brizzle drizzle.

AQUA, Welshback, Whiteladies Road, Portishead

There’s something about Aqua’s restaurants that recall leisurely lunches on the Med All their terraces are heated and covered; Welshback’s and Portishead’s also have water views.

Why we love them: The relaxed vibe, charismatic service and reliably great food.

What’s on the menu?: he offering changes throughout the day; we’re having the Porlock oysters, beef brisket croquettes and Cornish scallops. Add cocktails and or ros wine, and you could be on the Amal coast.

Nice to know: t’s very much a family affair that’s been going since . www.aqua-restaurant.com

ARNOLFINI CAFÉ BAR, Narrow Quay

This corner of Harbourside is so iconic it has its own social hashtag: outside ni. he most salubrious way to do it is at the Arnol ni af Bar, run by Bristol Beer Factory, which has plenty of tables and chairs within a tented awning linked to a sun terrace for soaking up the rays. Why we love it: It’s summer in the city with bells on.

What’s the food deal?: Brunch is served all day, every day, with everything from Turkish eggs to the full English. There’s a lunch menu too; both run until 5pm. Oh and Bristol Beer brews, obviously.

Fun fact: he Arnol ni was nearly called he nicorn allery, but the founders thought better of it and named it after a Dutch painting instead.

.ar olfi i.or . cafe bar

AVON GORGE BY HOTEL DU VIN, Sion Hill

The historic hotel was reinvented with typical élan by the Hotel du Vin group, but because of *that* view we’d go even if it was a Harvester. Tell us about *that* view: A vast terrace virtually hangs over the Avon orge, with the uspension Bridge supplying background interest. What’s on the menu?: he oram incent restaurant has gone over to the smokehouse side, with an open kitchen providing re and theatre.

Our tip: Bag a table as close to the edge of the terrace as possible; though you’ve probably thought of that already.

Fun fact: A o cers used to toast newly quali ed pilots from here as they ew under the bridge. on’t try this, kids.

.t eavo or e otel.com

BAMBALAN, Beacon Tower

ela ed all-day dining in this vibrant restaurant on the rst oor of Beacon Tower. There may not be a party going on every day at Bambalan, but it always feels as if there is. It also has one of the largest rooftop terraces in town, with views right down to the harbour.

Why we love it: It’s a little slice of Ibiza in the heart of Bristol. Bam’s ummer essions day parties run on selected dates, featuring big-name DJ acts from across all genres.

What we’re eating: Bam’s shish kebab lunch deal, including lemon and oregano chicken, marinated pork shoulder or halloumi skewers with red onions and peppers cooked over charcoal, with rice pilaf, garlic herb sauce, house sweet chilli sauce and salad – all for just a tenner.

Know that: Bottomless brunches run am- pm aturday and unday. .bambala .co.

Someone tell these guys they do food too; Arnolfini Café Bar

AL FRESCO

BERWICK LODGE, Berwick Drive

An eclectic country house hotel set in 18 acres of gardens and woodlands, with wild meadows, sparkling fountains, tree swings, fruit orchards and Berwick’s own apiary. You know, for bees. Not apes.

Why we love it: Though just 20 minutes from Bristol it feels like a secret world; it’s also surprisingly quirky.

What’s the vibe?: “The secret, Alice, is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. t’s then, only then, that you’ll nd Wonderland,” they say. We said it was quirky.

We’re having: White crab meat, compressed watermelon, pickled ginger and cucumber; mille-feuille with prosecco sorbet.

Top tip: On Sundays, a pianist plays live in the gardens.

Nice to know: “We have the largest colony of house martins in Bristol!” www.berwicklodge.co.uk

BOCABAR, Finzels Reach

One of two Bocabars, this one being in the old industrial heart of the city; the spacious terrace has enormous heated umbrellas and stretch tents. We love: The feel of being in a glam piazza, and the laidback boho vibe.

What’s the foodie deal?: Apart from the famous pizzas in every avour combo known to humankind, there are small plates to share along with local beers, cocktails etc.

Fun fact: Bocabar has a cool, festival vibe – perhaps unsurprisingly, given that co-owner Mel is a niece of the great Michael Eavis. And no, before you ask, she can’t get you a bloody Glastonbury ticket. www.bristol.bocabar.co.uk

BOX-E, Cargo 1

This tiny Michelin Bib Gourmand British restaurant is a favourite both with devoted regulars and fellow chefs. The secluded terrace up in the canopy of the Wapping Wharf trees is shaded by a canvas stretch tent, with a corner position offering perfect harbour views.

What’s the vibe?: Good times! Sit back and let Elliott and Tess take care of all your needs, from icy drinks to seasonal summery dishes. If we were you: We’d book for the seven course unwritten tasting menu (£55 per person) because literally every dish will be great.

We love: Elliott’s famously superb cooking and Tess’s friendly welcome. www.boxebristol.com

BRAVAS, Cotham Hill

The original Spanish tapas bar from Season+Taste, as authentic as they come this side of Andalucia, and a pioneer of its kind in the city. The little restaurant spills out onto covered tables on pedestrianised Cotham Hill; if you don’t want to make the full al-fresco commitment, the indoor bar is next to opened bifold windows.

What we love: It serves some of the best Spanish tapas in Bristol.

We’re having: Belmont Estate 77-day dry-aged beef with chimichurri, washed down with a grapefruit, ginger and rosemary cocktail, and a glass of sherry before we hit the road.

We say: You haven’t ‘done’ the Bristol food scene until you’ve been here. www.bravas.co.uk

BRISTOL OLD VIC, King Street

Bristol’s beautifully renovated 1766 theatre has a large all-weather ‘garden’ out on the always-buzzing King Street.

Did you know?: There’s even a greenhouse, inspired by King Street’s long history of foods, goods and ideas.

What’s the foodie offering?: In the morning the deli counter serves freshly baked cakes and pastries and lifton offee; there are ieminister pies from midday to 9pm, and a new, summer cocktail menu – who doesn’t want a slushy spiced margarita on a hot Bristol day? Or even a cold one?

Top tip: Daytime’s best if you need some quieter space.

Fun fact: “In 2023 we served nearly 70,000 pints of beer, over 61,000 cups of coffee, nearly , cocktails and countless ieminister pies. Mostly to Amanda.” www.bristololdvic.org.uk/eat-drink

FROMTOP: Frozen marg at Cantina? Or Lemon Radler at BOV?

“If you don’t want to make the full al-fresco commitment, the indoor bar is next to open bifold windows”

THE CANTEEN, Stokes Croft

Canteen-style bar and terrace with live music and locally sourced food, with a large terrace out the front.

We love that: It’s hidden away from the hubbub of Stokes Croft by greenery; perfect for pints and plates in the sunshine. What’s the food like?: The all-veggie new summer menu highlights seasonal produce – try the heritage tomato, whipped goats cheese and polenta.

Good to know: “At certain times of the year, we have rhubarb, plums and even grapes growing in our space.”

Fun fact: It’s right next to Banksy’s famous Mild Mild West mural. www.canteenbristol.co.uk

CARGO CANTINA, Cargo 2

One of two restaurants run by the Season+Taste group at Cargo, the other being Gambas. The terrace is ideal for grabbing anything from a quick marg to a full feast of nachos and tacos; there are heaters and blankets if it turns parky, though the spicy cooking will keep you warm. We love: The food, which is real-deal Mexican, not Tex-Mex. In the spirit of street taco stalls, dishes are sent out as they are ready, and served in the centre of the table.

We’re having? Pork adobo tacos washed down with a hibiscus michelada. It’s summer, after all.

Fun fact: The restaurant is inspired by the authentic cantinas of Mexico; the team take R&D trips to the country every few years for inspiration. www.cargocantina.co.uk

CONDESA, Whiteladies Road

Like Cantina, this new restaurant from Season+Taste is Mexicanavoured, with a sun-trap terrace we can’t wait to try this summer. We love: Chef Sean Martin’s geeky joy in his tortilla machine, imported from Mexico, and the custom-made grill by Firemade. Tell us about the food, amigos: A sharing menu that puts its own spin on traditional Mexican cooking. Tequila and Mezcal rule the drinks menu, and we aren’t complaining.

Tempt us with a dish or two: ChalkStream trout ceviche with grapes and chilli, washed down with a fresh and fruity tequila Cantaritos.

Fun fact: When tting out the restaurant, the team discovered a hole-inthe-wall room that they’ve converted into a mezcal den. As you do. www.condesabristol.co.uk

COTTO, St Stephen’s Street

Wine bar and kitchen run by the Bianchis fam, with a few outside tables. If you’ve managed to pass Ripiena (p 18) without being reeled in by the sight of the food and drink, you’ll probably succumb at this point. What’s the food like?: The kind nonna makes; simple home cooking inspired by the joy of sharing a hearty meal.

We’re having: Some of the top-notch proscuiutto followed by casarecce cacio e pepe.

Why we love it: For the top-notch service and amazing value; even the most expensive pasta dish is less than £13.

Good to know: Cotto’s aim is to build a sustainable business model which co-exists with ongoing charitable work in the community. www.cottowinebarandkitchen.co.uk

THE GALLIMAUFREY, Gloucester Road

A Gloucester Road institution, with a long covered terrace. What’s the vibe?: Enjoy a lazy lunch before settling in for some drinks and catching local musicians and DJs late into the evening. Alternatively, soothe the Sunday hangover with an al-fresco roast and a bloody Mary.

Tell us about the food: Chef Maddie has recently launched a new summer menu, bringing the Galli’s unique quirkiness to the food. Choose from lled alli buns to pub classics with a twist, or hearty bar snacks, best enjoyed with a pint of local beer.

Why we love it: There’s no better way to while away a sunny afternoon than people-watching with a pint on the Galli’s terrace.

Fun fact: The Galli has the most impressive ceiling in the city. Want to know why? Check it out on the way to the loos. www.thegallimaufry.co.uk

Summer in the city: TOP: At Gambas, birds and balloons come as standard; BOTTOM: We love the fake turf and garlands at Harbour House

AL FRESCO

GAMBAS, Cargo 2

A Cargo favourite, with a seafood-focused menu, spot-on wine selection and charming staff. he authentic panish tapas pair perfectly with an outdoor spot on a sunny day; the partially covered elevated terrace catches the sun, and offers one of the very best views over arbourside. Tempt us with the current menu: Isle of Wight tomato salad topped with almond pesto and black olive salt; to drink, the assion icante, a fruity tequila cocktail with the perfect spicy kick. h, and in our opinion. the o ua a Basque caramel sponge cake drenched in saboyan sauce is probably the best dessert in Bristol.

Why we love it: t’s one of the best spots to catch a arbourside sunset. Top tip: f you visit during one of the outdoor gigs at Lloyd’s, you may catch snatches of the music drifting from across the water.

Fun fact: apa means top’, and harks back to when simple snacks such as bread, amon and cheese were placed over drinks to stop the ies getting in. We admire the priorities implied here. www.gambasbristol.co.uk

GRAIN BARGE, Hotwell Road

he only thing better than dining on the waterfront is dining on an actual boat. very table comes with a killer view, but the top deck has the best; from here, you can gaze over to the ss GB and lazily watch all the small boats and otillas as the sun goes down.

What’s the foodie deal?: he menu of sustainable seafood and greens includes small plates and ive Acre arm pies; leave room for the legendary sticky milkstout pudding.

We love that: ou can travel to rain Barge by boat or paddleboard, or any other oating vehicle; ust moor up outside and hop on up. www.grainbarge.com

HARBOUR HOUSE, The Grove

A restaurant, bar and terrace located within a lofty, vaulted woodbeamed rade- boatshed, built by Brunel while he was working on a certain nearby bridge. he covered balcony is right on the waterfront. We love: he prettily garlanded outdoor tented roof’ of the terrace, and its astroturf carpet’.

How about the food?: he menu champions the best seasonal produce and suppliers from the outh West, with emphasis on the nest seafood the region has to offer. he seafood linguine and kedgeree arancini are signatures, but there’s a diverse menu for every part of the day . Cheers: he Mr Brunel cocktail comes garnished with a little top hat. Fun fact: Banksy held his rst hometown e hibition here in . www.hhbristol.com

THE HIDEAWAY, Shirehampton Road

eighbourhood favourite in B , with a terrace that’s open all day

We love: ts versatility; it’s a hive of activity from morning to evening. What’s on the menu?: asual dining at a pace to suit you with a personal service from teve, d and their top-class team.

Tempt us with a dish: f you’re up early enough, grab a freshly made brunch and why not make it bottomless f you’re more of a night owl, head over for the elegant evening menu. www.thehideawaybs9.com

KASK, North Street

Let’s holiday in B he dreamy suntrap garden is ideal for whiling away a weekend afternoon with some bloody good wine and tasty dishes; the terrazzo tables and greenery are a world away from the Bemmie bustle, and there’s also a canopy in case, god forbid, we see any rain. We love: hat it’s like a little bodega right here in B . h and we love the new rst- oor mural, created during this pfest.

What’s on the menu? or summer, A is enhancing its usual cheese and charcuterie menu with specials such as strawberries and cream with omewood arm goats curd; a pimped up A aprese’, pan

ABOVE: Up on the roof at Old Market Assembly BELOW: Park the SUP and hop on board the Grain Barge

The future’s bright, the future’s orange: umbrellas and chairs to match the Aperol at Cotto

con tomate, Spanish tortilla and sardines with lemon mayo. The special summer spritzes include Yuzo sake and Limoncello. www.kaskwine.co.uk

LIDO, Oakfield Place

The only place in Bristol where you can dine right next to a Grade-II Victorian outdoor lido. The huge glass doors in the restaurant slide fully open, and tables spill out to line the poolside.

What’s the foodie deal?: The strong Mediterranean feel of the all-day menu adds to the holiday atmosphere; the open kitchen, blazing Italian clay oven and bespoke charcoal grill all contribute to the drama. We love that: Merely watching the swimmers burns calories*, so you can always have pudding. (* Unsubstantiated) www.lidobristol.com

MARMO, Baldwin Street

Owner-run restaurant and wine bar with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, with European-style tables under dappled sunshine on the corner of Baldwin Street and St Stephen’s. The relaxed, peaceful setting makes it ideal for popping in for a glass of wine and a couple of small plates, or a leisurely feast with friends;

We love that: A meal here feels like a mini-European break. What’s the foodie deal?: A concise talian-in uenced menu guided by seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and an extensive natural wine list. The menu changes frequently, but stalwarts are gnocco fritto, burrata, freshly rolled pasta, and ice-cream or sorbet churned to order. Top tip: There’s a bargainous weekday set lunch of £23-£26. Handy to know: The handful of terrace seats are reserved for walk-ins, so arrive early to avoid disappointment and catch the best rays. www.marmo.restaurant

NO.1 HARBOURSIDE, Canon’s Road

Restaurant and bar with waterside seating right in the city centre, with an easy-like-Sunday-morning vibe.

What’s the foodie deal?: Weekend brunch is always great, or come in the evening for the stacked burgers and sunset cocktails.

Top tip: “Come early, stay late. We’ve got live music on the weekends!” We love the fact that: You can travel by Bristol Ferry from the dock. www.no1harbourside.co.uk

OLD MARKET ASSEMBLY, West Street

The jewel in Old Market’s crown, with a lovely hidden roof terrace. We love: The eclectic, laidback, welcome-all-comers vibe. It’s a bar, a café, a restaurant, a music venue; there’s even a theatre (The Wardrobe). What’s the vibe?: Sunsets and sunny, laidback drinks up on the roof. What’s the foodie deal?: Seasonal sharing dishes. We’re having the Kentucky fried mushrooms – perfect for snacking on in the sunshine. Top tip: Come at 5pm to make the most of the cocktail happy hour. www.oldmarketassembly.co.uk

PASTA RIPIENA, St Stephen’s Street

One of two small restaurants owned by the Bianchis group on this road (see also Cotto, page 15). You can’t pass the outdoor tables without sitting down to order at least one Aperol. It’s the law. What’s the food like?: ipiena means lled’, so e pect lots of stuffed pasta dishes, from ravioli to mezzalune.

We’re having: The cappelletti of crab and ricotta, and datterini toms. We love it for: Joe Harvey and head chef Brendan Vaughan’s wonderful food, and the signature warmth of the Bianchis welcome. www.pastaripiena.co.uk

PAZZO, Whiteladies Road

Last year’s most exciting opening, and the latest from the Bianchis group, Pazzo has several tables out front to maximise the elusive Bristol sun. What’s the foodie deal? talian cuisine, but in uenced by the many cultures which make up the brilliantly diverse city of Bristol.

ABOVE: This good boy knows a great al-fresco spot when he sees one: The Galli LEFT: Enjoy an European mini-break without leaving Bristol: Marmo

We’re having: The delica pumpkin with mozzarella and chilli honey followed by the pappardelle with crab, leeks and nori.

We love: The gallery of photos on the walls inside, showing the family’s favourite foodie friends in the city. There again, we would, wouldn’t we? www.pazzobristol.co.uk

THE PONY CHEW VALLEY, Moorledge Road

Gorgeous rural restaurant and pub owned by former Michelin-star chef Josh Eggleton and sister Holly. The wide covered terrace overlooks the kitchen garden and views of the Chew Valley beyond. What’s on the menu?: It changes daily, but you can bet on it being as seasonal and local as it gets. New for summer are afternoon teas with sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and homemade jams, served with fresh herbal teas made from the garden.

Bit of a bargain: A midweek three-course menu costs just £25. Our tip: Build in a little time to mosey around the kitchen garden. We love that: The majority of veg, salads and herbs are grown on site. www.theponychewvalley.co.uk

THE RAILWAY INN, Sandford

Summer and cider go together like a horse and carriage, and no better place to enjoy them than at Thatchers’ traditional country pub, which attracts an eclectic mix of cyclists, dog walkers, ramblers and foodies. Tell us about the food and drink : The garden kitchen serves fresh food straightfromthegrill,includingpubclassicssuchasburgers, shand chips, oweymusselsandmonk sh. tgoeswithoutsayingthattherange of ciders is second to none.

Top tip: Check out the cider cocktails, from the Spicy Myrtle to the Katy Dark Berry Bramble or Harvest Sour. Or ask for any of the new ciders beingtrialledhere,tohavethechancebeoneof the rsttosampleit.

We love that: The Thatchers family have been making cider on this site for 120 years. If you ask at the bar, you can try one of Stan’s range; Stan was the rst of four generations of hatchers to make cider here, and they make his recipes to this day.

www.thatcherscider.co.uk

RICK’S CAFÉ, Prince Street

Harbourside cocktail bar which transports you to a glamorous bygone era. Right on the waterfront, the terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a perfectly poured cocktail while people-watching or engaging in long conversations with friends – or, we guess, if you really want to get into the Casablanca spirit, singing La Marseillaise.

What’s on the menu?: Brunch, lunch and late-night small plates.

We love that: Rick’s always makes us feel as if we’re Ingrid Bergman, wearing a crisp linen suit and a wide-brimmed hat. Yes, even the guys. Fun fact: Created in collaboration with local distillery Psychopomp, ick’s gin is takes avours from classic drinks inspired by the golden age of Hollywood – perfect either in a signature serve or a crisp G&T. www.doylecollection.com

SEVEN LUCKY GODS

This laidback Pan-Asian bar-restaurant has the biggest roof terrace in Cargo, with space for more than 30 diners under a weatherproof cover. What’s on the menu? Inspired by the buzzing izakayas of downtown Tokyo, 7LG’s menu brings Japanese-inspired small plates such as squid karaage, kimchi fries, Iberico katsu sando, along with sushi and sashimi, to go with the beers, cocktails etc.

We’re fans of: he stuff in the merch store, especially the geisha s . www.7luckygods.com

“You can’t pass a pavement table at Ripiena without stopping for at least one Aperol. It’s the law”

THE SPOTTED COW, North Street

A Southville institution, with one of the largest pub gardens in Bristol; as it’s south-facing it gets the sun from the morning right through to evening. They can seat over a hundred people outside, and in the height of summer the garden takes on a festival feel .

What’s on the menu?: It changes daily depending on the seasons and produce delivered that day. In the summer there are more salad-based dishes to add to the heartier ones, as well as the famous Sunday lunch. Top tip: No bookings for the garden, so just turn up and grab a table. Fun fact: The pub is over 200 years old and was the old coaching house on the road to Bath; part of the garden would have been the old stables. We love that: It feels like a country pub within the city.

www.thespottedcowbristol.com

THE SWAN AT WEDMORE, Cheddar Road

A haven of easy-going comfort in this elegant 18th-century village pub with its country garden and sun-dappled terrace.

Tell us about the food: Breakfast, coffee and cakes, and a regularly changing, locally focused gastropub menu: many local ales and ciders on tap along with summer cocktails; try the grapefruit negroni.

We’re having: Somerset lamb with chargrilled courgette; or maybe wild mushroom scampi, porchetta with herbs and cider-pickled apple; or butter ied tandoori mackerel with paprika roast potatoes. ough choice.

We love: heir eapolitan-style sourdough pizza from the wood- red oven. Try the The Devil: double pepperoni, Glastonbury mozzarella and bee-sting honey. www.theswanwedmore.com

The Bird in Hand is an independently owned and operated English country pub with a legacy of more than 200 years, located in Saltford, a village between the cities of Bristol and Bath. Recently refreshed with a brand-new makeover, this village inn upholds its old-fashioned countryside feel, but now with a new interior and diverse amenities to meet a wide range of requirements under one roof. The Birds Nest situated at the bottom of the garden is very popular with cyclists using the Bristol to Bath Cycle path. THE

With its stunning interior and beautifully landscaped garden this pub is a must see to all visitors in the area. Well known for its homemade Pies ,Pizzas and extensive range of Gins. Attached is the Tea Barn - a private area very popular for Baby Showers and Afternoon Teas.

BIRD IN HAND, SALTFORD

THE CROWN IN SALTFORD

TOBACCO FACTORY CAFÉ + BAR,

Raleigh Road

A BS3 mecca, with loads of sunny outdoor space and a marquee covering part of the garden. It’s famously family- and dog-friendly, with great veggie and vegan food made from local produce, much of it from their Five Acre Farm in Backwell. Things slow down on Sundays with a brunch menu, market and the ard Bar serving vegan donuts and coffee. Tell us about the food: Breakfast classics run alongside BBQ buns; from noon mains range from small plates to pies.

We love: ood ruck ridays, held - pm on the rst riday of the month between May and September – street food, DJs and brewery spotlights running all summer. www.tobaccofactory.com/cafe-bar

WARMLEY WAITING ROOM,

Bristol & Bath Railway Path

A disused railway station repurposed as a café on the Bristol to Bath cycle path. An utter gem. Put this mag down and go there at once. There are tables on the old platform, or just sit and dangle your legs over the edge. What’s the foodie deal?: Locally sourced breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea; cakes made speci cally for the caf ; coffee and speciality

teas by arwardines; Marsh eld ices; bread and teacakes from Kingswood. Oh and ice-cream for dogs.

Fun fact: There are eight lampposts reclaimed from Weston-super-Mare pier, and a vintage horsebox used as an ice-cream van.

We love that: The loo is in a TARDIS. www.warmleywaitingroom.co.uk

FINALLY...

Practically anywhere in Cargo

We’ve covered a few places already, but there’s so much more to discover are Bistro, an intimate cafe-bar; sh and chips at Salt & Malt; Indian street food at Bandook; plant-based plates at Root... there are dogs and burgers, pizza and gelato: all al-fresco foodie life is here.

www.wappingwharf.co.uk

“Cargo - all al-fresco foodie life is here”

THE ARTS

SNAPSHOTS OF BRISTOL’S CULTURAL LIFE

YES, WE WANT YOU, BABY

We’re old enough to remember when Phil had more hair on his head than his chin, and we kind of miss the ’80s eye make-up, but mostly we’re just delighted that, after all these years, The Human League are still together in electric dreams, and thrilled they’re coming to share all the love action with us on Pride Day.

Around 46,000 people are expected to attend the event up at The Downs on 13 July; along with the Brit Award-winning, multi-million album-selling synthpoppers there’ll be other acts performing across ve stages, including dance star Georgia, Ladytron, stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Claire Richards from Steps. You know all the words, so head up and sing loud and proud along with Phil, Joanne and Susan Ann. We Dare you.

Bristol Pride takes place 29 June-14 July; www.bristolpride.co.uk

A knight at the theatre: Sir Ian gives us his very first Falstaff, would you believe, at Bristol Hippodrome 14 June5 July 2024

EXHIBITIONS

Until 30 June 20/20

Chris Killip and Graham Smith’s unmissable 1970/80s photodocumentation of the post-industrial North East; at Martin Parr Foundation; martinparrfoundation.org

Until 11 August

VALDA JACKSON: MISS POLLY

A thought-provoking exhibition featuring spoken word, text, sculpture and painting which delves into the realms of neurological research and the concept of the un nished brain’; a poignant aspect of alda’s work is in uenced by experiences of Generation Windrush children. RWA, rwa.org.uk

WINDRUSH: PORTRAITS OF A PIONEERING GENERATION

Ten portraits of remarkable Caribbean-British individuals by ten leading artists; a powerful reminder of personal resilience, determination and the positive impact of diversity across Britain. At RWA, rwa.org.uk

Until 1 September

THE HAY WAIN

The Constable masterpiece at Bristol Museum Art allery

is at the centre of an exhibition exploring landscape through art; bristolmuseums.org.uk

Until 8 September

DONALD RODNEY: VISCERAL CANKER

Major exhibition of the late British artist, whose work is known for being incisive, acerbic and evocative in its analysis of the pre udices and in ustices surrounding racial identity. Spike Island, www.spikeisland.org.uk

15-16 June

BS4 ARTS TRAIL

ay hi to Bristol’s newest art trail, showcasing the creative talent in this South-East ’hood. bs4artstrail.co.uk

17-30 June

MADE IN PARIS

In celebration of the Paris lympics, idden brings together an exhibition uniting the works of Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, and Léger the only place to view them all under one roof in the South West this summer. hiddengallery.co.uk

29 June-29 September

ADÉBAYO BOLAJI: PRAISE OF BEAUTY

Enter the kaleidoscopic and multidisciplinary world of Ad bayo, whose solo exhibition explores and

questions notions of beauty through painting, sculpture, lm and writing. At Arnol ni. ar olfi i.or .

NENGI OMUKU: THE DANCE OF PEOPLE AND THE NATURAL WORLD

ourney into the lush landscapes of Nigerian artist Nengi. whose human gures blend seamlessly with nature, exploring the relationship between individual and collective thought, belonging, and psychological spaces that transcend traditional Western landscape painting. At Arnol ni. ar olfi i.or .

SHOWS

Until 15 June

HANSARD

Simon Woods’ intimate 2019 domestic drama about a long and troubled marriage is also a comedy about politics, identity and the failings of the ruling class; funny, tender, brutal, and ultimately devastating. At Alma Tavern Theatre, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

Until 16 June

OCTOPUS/SHOOK

A Bristol Old Vic Theatre School double-bill. Octopus is a comedy e amining themes of identity, perception and feminism, set to a

pulsating soundtrack of ’90s pop and riot-grrrl punk; the darkly comic Shook offers a compelling look at the struggles faced by young male offenders trying to nd their place in the world. At The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

MUSEUM OF AUSTERITY

Witness the human stories of austerity Britain in this mi edreality installation; pop on the headset and prepare to enter a striking, holographic gallery which lays bare the consequences when state safety nets fail. arte hibition, part-theatre, all history and humanity; at Bristol ld ic, bristololdvic.org.uk

Until 22 June HAMILTON

It’s still here, just! Lin-Manuel Miranda’s award-sweeping tale of US Founding Father Alexander amilton, told through hip-hop, rap, R&B and pop is in its last week at Bristol ippodrome. Warning it’ll ruin all other musicals for you. Forever. atgtickets.com

THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK

he big th anniversary show, lled with oor- llers from absolute divas at The Sabai Pavilion; ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk

Until 6 July

A CHILD OF SCIENCE

New play charting the events which led to one of the most remarkable medical breakthroughs of our time: the creation of IVF. Recognisable physogs Tom Felton and Meg Bellamy, and director Matthew unster, bring bo -o ce allure. At BOV; see page 34. bristololdvic.org.uk

16-17 June

THE EMU WAR

Inspired by true events, this new comedy musical follows the Australian government’s futile attempts to ght emus. ou heard. At Alma Tavern Theatre; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

20 June

STACEY AND ROSE

A quirky coming-of-age story about female friendships, movies and a buttload of cardboard props; Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

20-22 June

HYMNS

Chris O’Connell’s bruising e ploration of how to ic masculinity can affect our ability to care about those closest to us; Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

SOME PEOPLE TALK ABOUT VIOLENCE

Violence is sewn into the fabric of our everyday – it’s in our TV,

our relationships, our work, our language. When violence is so ubiquitous, how do we keep talking about it? by Lulu Raczkat at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

25-26 June STORIES FROM AN INVISIBLE TOWN

Shôn Dale-Jones takes you on a tour of the town of Llandeb, where people sing like Bassey, play rugby in the dark and eat sh and chips every Friday night. He might tell you how a dead passenger on Aled’s coach came back to life, and how Mrs Roberts sold Dic Tomas a sick pony dressed as a horse. There again, he might not, because he’s making it up as he goes along, at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

25-27 June RED

Under the watchful gaze of his young assistant and the threatening presence of a new generation of artists, Mark Rothko takes on his greatest challenge: creating a de nitive work for an e traordinary setting. John Logan’s compelling play about a great artist unable to accept his own success was nominated for seven Oliviers and won si onys; come along to see what Bristol International Theatre Workshop makes of it, at Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

28-29 June NEW WRITING FESTIVAL

Two afternoons of theatre from the 2024 graduates of the MA Drama Writing programme; 15-minute e tracts from eight new plays. Bristol Old Vic, bristololdvic.org.uk

QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE

Mark Farrelly’s hugely acclaimed solo play about one of the most memorable gures of the th century. Openly gay from the 1930s, Quentin spent decades being beaten up on London’s streets for his refusal to be anything less than himself. His courage, and the philosophy that evolved from those e periences, inspire to the present day. Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

2-4 July

US (AND ALL THE OTHER SH*T)

New dark comedy in which the meaning of love is scrutinised in a sometimes playful, often painful repartee. Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

TOPTOBOTTOM: James, Matt and Charlie, still Busted and coming to Bristol Sounds; get the rainbows out, it’s Pride; a little bit Bjork, a little bit Kate Bush,100% Bat for Lashes, at Bristol Beacon

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WHAT’S ON

3-6 July

PLAYER KINGS

an Mc ellen plays alstaff in a new version of hakespeare’s Henry IV Parts I and II, adapted by awardwinning writer and director obert cke; one of the theatrical highlights of the year, at Bristol ippodrome, atgtickets.com

COMEDY

Ongoing

CLOSER EACH DAY

All the drama of Succession. he grit of EastEnders. he rumpy-pumpy of Sex Education. ot remotely like The Wire; the world’s longest-running improvised comedy soap continues to bubble away amusingly at he Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

Until 16 June

BRISTOL COMEDY GARDEN

Back at ueen quare with its usual blinding line-up of top names from the circuit. t’s ust like Live at the Apollo, but in a tent, and literally a laugh a minute. hink of a big name, they’ll be there. bristolcomedygarden.com

22 June

CATHERINE BOHART: AGAIN, WITH FEELING atherine’s back, and older than ever. And adulthood frankly isn’t living up to her e pectations. oin her for a twisted second comingof-age saga as she reckons with

death-obsessed parents, living in a house share with , and queer reproduction in her thirties; at , chucklebusters.com

23 June

VIGGO VENN: BRITISH COMEDIAN orwegian clown iggo moved to this country with one dream to become a British comedian. After blowing away the competition in an e plosion of hi-vis ackets, balloons, and oyous idiocy, he became the most talked-about new entertainer in the country by winning Britain’s Got Talent last year; catch him at , tobaccofactorytheatres.com

29 June

FREDDIE HAYES: THE MAGIC LADY

Work in progress from the powerful, deluded, reckless former glamorous assistant, now en oying her moment in the spotlight; see also page . At Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

3-5 July

SARAH MILLICAN: LATE BLOOMER

When arah was little she wouldn’t say boo to a goose. uiet at school, not many friends, no boobs until she was . ow, she’s loud, with good friends, a cracking rack and goosebooing all over the shop. ome along, laugh at her, with her, beside her; at Beacon, bristolbeacon.org

CLOCKWISEFROMTOP: If you can’t imagine what ‘the missing link between Leonard Cohen and The Pogues’ sounds like, come and see The Fugitives at the Folk House; Sarah’s all grown up and not taking anyone’s sh*t any more; you’re a bit late for Upfest, Kings of Leon; say “Ohi-o!” to The Breeders at Sounds

GIGS

Ongoing

BRISTOL BEACON

With daily gigs, encompassing orchestral, folk, world, indie, jazz and less easily classi able genres; for full shizzle see bristolbeacon.org

ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL Classical, world, folk, talks, more, at t eorge’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

14 June

AN EVENING WITH ALFIE BOE

Britain’s biggest-selling tenor has conquered the world’s greatest opera stages and arenas and led the cast of Les Misérables. He’s currently touring with new album Open Arms – The Symphonic Songbook, reworking the world’s greatest rock songs into symphonic anthems; hear them at Beacon, bristolbeacon.org

15 June

SHALAMAR

Make it a ight to emember when the B and soul legends bring their reatest its tour to Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

19 June

BAT FOR LASHES

Multi-disciplinary artist atasha han’s mystical indie-rock sound has been compared to ate Bush

and B ork; make your own mind up at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

21-22 June

WINDRUSH: THE JOURNEY

A rich tapestry of music and storytelling celebrating Black classical composers: past, present and future, at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

22 June

ASHTON GATE PRESENTS

One stadium, two stages, and ten artists including - , ess Glynne, Craig David presents TS5, and poony presents arage lassical, all hosted by atman Scoop. bs3live.com

22-30 June

BRISTOL SOUNDS

he very best annual Bristol gig series returns to arbourside, celebrating legends of rock, reggae, punk and dub. p this year is kindred on une; entleman’s ub lub, headlining an all day ska, reggae and dub day, on une; ames Arthur on the th; Busted on the th, and lacebo on the th ; Annie Mac headlines a full-day party on une and he Breeders top the bill in an all day indie rock event on the th. lus a host of guest stars, obviously. ee also feature page . bristolsounds.co.uk

23 June KINGS OF LEON

Back in Bristol for the rst time in 21 years, with their Can We Please Have Fun tour. We reckon fun can be arranged. At Ashton ate, ashtongatestadium.co.uk

29 June

THE FUGITIVES

escribed, intriguingly enough, as the missing link between Leonard Cohen and The Pogues’, the anadian indie-folk foursome head to olk ouse, bristolfolkhouse.co.uk

FESTIVALS

Ongoing

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL

he year-round fest with the something-for-everyone remit. Look out for the lifton ummer Screenings in The Mall Gardens between - uly. bristolfilmfestival.com

Until 15 June

CLIFTON FESTIVAL

The classical music festival returns with the likes of ames ilchrist, mezzo-soprano elen harlston, Bristol Symphony Orchestra and early music vocal group he rebus nsemble; cliftonfestival.com.

AFROFEST

Afro est returns to rinity for

another day of music, dance, fashion and more; trinitybristol.org.uk

27-29 June

CIDER SALON BRISTOL alks, tastings, label art e hibitions and dinners with independent venues; cidersalon.co.uk

29 June-13 July

BRISTOL PRIDE

The usual fortnight of treats culminating in the Pride March and ride ay, where s legends he uman League are headlining at the owns; see p . bristolpride.co.uk

29 June-14 July

QUEER FILM FESTIVAL

Prepare for tears of joy and heartbreak, conversations started, s, beard-bars, dancing and empowerment; the cine off shoot of ride is back. bristolpride.co.uk

OTHER

Ongoing, until October SHOW OF STRENGTH

he walking tours return for , with the new ish ary rant tour oining walks about pirates, smugglers and other themes. showofstrength.org.uk

BRISTOL TRANSLATLANTIC SLAVERY WALK

The walk on the slave trade and its impact on Bristol, from the harbour, to the city centre, Queen Square and King Street. bristoltours.co.uk

Until 20 June

BRISTOL BUS BOYCOTT 360 TAKEOVER

A citywide season of varied events to proudly celebrate the people involved with the Boycott, its impact, and its legacy. curiosityunltd.com

Until 23 June

SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE WALKING TOUR

A leisurely guided tour retracing the footsteps of the poet, taking in the streets where Coleridge walked and the pubs and hotels where he lectured. eventbrite.co.uk

Until 25 June

BROAD MEADOW

Artists Sylvia Rimat and Charli lark have created mini-meadows in Broadmead, harking back to a time when the area was a ooded meadow. With audio commentary via smartphone; residence.org.uk n

No, don’t go to see Hamilton. Really, don’t. It’ll spoil all other musicals for you forever

IN VITRO VERITAS

GARETH FARR’S new drama about the pioneers of IVF is more than a fictionalised account of a science milestone: it’s a celebration of life

Although Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards and Jean Purdy were responsible for one of the most remarkable medical breakthroughs of the 20th century, most people still don’t know their names.

aced with erce criticism and hostility, and hounded by the media for ‘playing god’, their in vitro fertilisation trials were kept largely under wraps; however, their determination to give hope to the thousands of families struggling to conceive eventually led to the birth of a baby girl in 1978 via IVF, a procedure which has supported the birth of over 12 million babies worldwide over the last 45 years.

Gareth Farr’s new play tells their pioneering story, and those of women from all over the UK whose bravery helped them achieve the apparently impossible to create human life in vitro. irected by acclaimed director Matthew unster, and starring om elton, amie Glover and Meg Bellamy, A Child of Science is about determination, dreams, hope, and courage; it’s a celebration of life.

As the play prepares to première at Bristol Old Vic, we went along to bother the cast and author and generally get under everybody’s feet.

THE WRITER

Gareth Farr

“I started writing A Child of Science not long after my daughters were born. After my wife and I experienced three failed rounds of IVF, an ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, we were nally gifted two amazing twin girls.

We had to ght so hard to get our girls and they are loved all the more for it. My wife Gabby suggested that I research the history of the

science of IVF, and when I did, I couldn’t believe what I was reading. It was amazing to me that this true British story of perseverance and endurance wasn’t already known. I couldn’t believe that it wasn’t taught in schools and part of our collective consciousness.

“The more I read, the more twists and turns and moments of true, authentic tension there were. It felt like an exciting and important story to write. To maintain that drama and tension I spent years researching the events that led to IVF. I began to build a detailed background from which could write the ctionalised version of these true events.

“A Child of Science is about so many things. It’s about hope, it’s about never giving up, it’s about chance and endeavour and dogged determination. It’s about achieving the impossible. But above all it is a play of thanks. Thanks to the people who fought against waves of scepticism and negativity to achieve something unbelievable. Thanks to the brave women who volunteered to be part of the trials, without knowing what was involved or what the possible outcomes might be.

“Without Bob Edwards, Jean Purdy and Patrick Steptoe, along with the 282 women volunteers and countless others who funded, supported and guided their work, that chance would not exist. Twelve million babies world-wide would not exist. A Child of Science is a love letter to them all.”

THE CAST

Jamie Glover plays Patrick Steptoe

“A gynaecologist and obstetrician, Patrick came into the IVF process via the patients, whereas Bob Edwards approached it from the lab. It was the meeting of those two forces which created this success, along with Jean Purdy, who began as their lab technician before becoming absolutely indispensable to the process.

“Patrick was a man completely led by his patients, who sees things through the prism of how it will affect them. ramatically, that can be his Achilles heel, as he can be too empathetic, whereas Bob might be too focused on the petri dish – it’s the combination of those two

ABOVE: Author Gareth Farr; LEFT: Jamie Glover, playing IVF pioneer Patrick Steptoe

perspectives which feels like the reason for their success. Matthew Dunster is a director I’ve admired for a long time, so I’m thrilled to be working with him. He creates a democratic, open and playful work environment. There’s an incredible talented group of performers – I think we could be in for something special.”

Tom Felton plays Robert Edwards

“Matthew and I have worked together before on 2:22 A Ghost Story, so when he approached me it was a no-brainer. Once I’d read the script, I was hooked. It’s important to the whole team to bring this forgotten story to light. Gareth has written a play which not only explains this moment of history in an entertaining way, but also highlights how many anonymous women gave themselves to this process. This is actual science that has changed the face of the world.”

Meg Bellamy plays Jean Purdy

ean was the world’s rst embryologist, who played a vital role in the creation of IVF. She was left out of the history books for a long time and only recently is beginning to be recognised for her groundbreaking work. Gareth has written this story as a thank-you not only to her but

also to the countless women who were involved in the trials. The play feels like a love letter to all those brave enough to move the science forward. It feels incredibly special.”

Adelle Leonce plays Margaret

“Margaret, also known as Patient 38, is known as the mother of IVF. She went through the trials from the beginning of the process, and kept going for a span of 10 years. All these women were anonymous, so we don’t know who they are. The character of Margaret represents these really strong women who stepped forward into the unknown for something that they longed for. It’s important to know that’s what women and families still go through now – this yearning to create a family. he difference is they didn’t know what they were stepping into in the 1960s and ’70s and that’s why she’s so incredible.

“Margaret is the heartbeat of the play – she reminds us why we’re doing it and why it’s there. As much as we all think we know about IVF, people don’t realise the stress it puts on families, women and what that process is. This is something that started in the ’60s – not that long ago – and I can’t believe the story hasn’t been told yet.

“She’s a ferocious, bold, northern lass, and while we are telling this brilliant journey of discovery by three amazing doctors, Margaret, to me, is the heartbeat of the play”

THE FIRST IVF BABY

Born 25 July 1978, Louise Brown was the first human to have been born after conception by IVF

“I am very excited that A Child of Science is having its world première at the Bristol Old Vic in my home city. Although the science behind IVF was all carried out in Cambridge and Oldham, my mum and dad were proud Bristolians and I have lived here all my life. ’m proud to be the rst child of science’, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Tom Felton portrays Bob Edwards, whom I knew well, and hope that the production raises awareness of all the work that still goes on to help people overcome infertility.” n

A Child in Science is at Bristol Old Vic until 6 July; www.bristololdvic.org.uk

CLOCKWISE: Tom Felton plays IVF pioneer Bob Edwards; Adelle Leonce as Margaret; Meg Bellamy as embryologist Jean Purdy

Beach Houses, Cape Town

REACH THE BEACH, FROM YOUR DOORSTEP

It’s never been easier to fly abroad from your local airport thanks to the network of flights offered by KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES from Bristol

Start your trip the convenient way this summer: fly right from your doorstep with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from Bristol Airport.

Enjoy the benefits of departing from your nearby airport; say farewell to lengthy congested commutes to distant airports, and instead use the extra time to relax before your flight. Not to mention the added bonus of keeping a bit more of your dirhams, dollars, reals, or rands in your pocket thanks to the money saved from the shorter journey.

With convenient flight schedules from Bristol Airport, and offering connections to the world via Amsterdam, you can easily reach the beach and explore the

shore in far-flung sunny destinations. Dubai, anyone? The city that has it all, right in the middle of the desert, and easily reached from Bristol. Or perhaps St Martin, for all the sailing, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and sun you can possibly soak up in one Caribbean holiday. How about Rio? A cheeky trip to Cape Town maybe? Unmissable destinations are waiting to be discovered, conveniently from your local airport.

With KLM Royal Dutch Airlines all destinations can be easily reached via a simple transfer connection at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Offering a single airport terminal concept with a wide array of shopping options, restaurants and quirky attractions: a Rijksmuseum, the world’s first airport library, a

kids playground where they can clamber on a real plane, and an airport park, keeping all ages entertained, helping towards a smooth and enjoyable transfer on the way. Via Amsterdam, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines connects to 155 worldwide destinations from Bristol Airport.

Irrespective of where you fly to, you’ll always receive complimentary snacks and drinks on the way during your short connecting flights from/to the UK, while on the longhaul part of your journey in Economy Class you can also enjoy a meal, bar and snack service all included in the price of your ticket. Recharge your phone, connect to WiFi¹ or watch a movie; enjoy the flight!

You can choose from a range of cabins to suit your budget, comfort level and needs: Economy,

“ALL DESTINATIONS (AND THEN SOME) WAITING AND WANTING TO BE DISCOVERED, CONVENIENTLY FROM YOUR LOCAL AIRPORT.”

Premium Comfort or World Business Class.

Travel in the newly introduced Premium Comfort Cabin², and you can elevate your comfort to enjoy more space and privacy. Sit back and relax in your seat with extra legroom and recline: a wide selection of meals and drinks, together with a large inflight entertainment screen tops off a memorable holiday nicely. Or travel in style and take to the skies in luxurious World Business Class, with fullflat seats on intercontinental flights. You’ll enjoy extra privacy and comfort alongside meals created by top Dutch chefs, prepared with the freshest ingredients. A great way to mark an extra-special celebratory trip.

If you are travelling more for business purposes than leisure, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines range of flight departures allow you to comfortably fit a business trip into a busy schedule. You can build international relationships and networks that will directly benefit trade and your company as well as helping the local economy prosper.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines makes it possible to take off closer to home, see and experience the world, and return with memories and opportunities when you fly back home. n

¹You can purchase WiFi during check-in or once you’ve boarded your flight ²Offered to select long-haul destinations

Information correct at time of print.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To nd out more about KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and their full range of exciting destinations, visit klm.co.uk

Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro

Desert, Dubai

Caribbean Sea, St Martin

RETURN OF THE MAC

There’s plenty to get excited about at this year’s Bristol Sounds – not least an all-day event with Annie Mac, who brings her acclaimed Beyond Midnight DJ set to Lloyd’s on 29 June

Words by Ursula Cole

Bristol Sounds is back between 22-30 June, bringing seven nights of live music to at Lloyd’s Amphitheatre –including a full day curated by Annie Mac who’ll be bringing nothing but feel-good vibes and smash hits to the dance oor with her signature Before Midnight DJ set. It turns out Annie’s almost as excited to be seeing us as we are to see her...

Annie, Bristol Sounds is such an important event in Bristol, bringing so many genres and incredible musicians to the harbourside for summer. How are you feeling about joining the line-up, and how do you feel about Bristol as a city for you as an artist?

’m feeling so good about coming back to Bristol it’s one of my favourite cities to play in the world! It’s always so inviting and open when it comes to the music I play. I feel very safe there, and I always feel very free to go wherever I want to go as a DJ.

Bristol is a properly diverse city, and feel like the people here are very progressive in terms of what they want to hear – very open-minded. I’ve had some brilliant gigs in Bristol over the years. ’ve played in the big metal spider Arcadia, that you see at Glastonbury and Valley est; ’ve played that in Bristol.

’ve played in different clubs all over the city, and recently played Bristol Beacon in ecember, which was such a memorable gig that I had to have a sit-down afterwards and process it, and ask if that really happened. It was so sensational as a gig and as a venue, so I’m so e cited to come back to Bristol.

I come from Dublin, which is a city on the coast, and I love cities on the water, so to be able to play so close to the harbour at the Amphitheatre just ticks every box for me as a DJ in terms of where I want to play.

In Bristol, we’re spoiled for festivals and live music events. What’s your favourite in the area (and you can’t say Glasto)?

ne of my favourite festivals ’ve ever played in Bristol is Love Saves The Day. Certain gigs just really stick out, and I remember that one being such fun. I ended with Bill Withers Lovely Day and the whole crowd sang along. It’s just one of the ones that stuck in my head. It’s also just a beautifully curated line-up and very much a festival I’d go to as a fan.

Your career has spanned radio, DJing and now podcasting, with Changes with Annie Macmanus

As you prepare for your set at Bristol Sounds, can you tell us how you’ve built up such a diverse and loyal audience over the years?

That’s a lovely question. I feel like a lot of the answer comes just from me being around for so long – just sticking around.

When you’re around for that long, you have the privilege that the people who follow you grow older with you, and ’ve been lucky enough to have a few different phases throughout my career. The people who have been invested in me from the radio days and have followed my shows have also crossed over to me as a podcaster, and some of them to me as a writer as well. It’s such a buzz when you do a live show and you have people shouting “I love your podcast”, or “I read your book”. It’s so cool and it makes me really happy to think that people trust you enough to invest in other parts of your career, as

“Bristol is very progressive in what it wants to hear; it’s very minded”open-

well as the ones they were originally into. I think for me, longevity is a massive part of that.

Bristol is known for its vibrant music scene and passionate crowds, and your performance is going to be an inspiration to them all. Did you have any music heroes or icons growing up who impacted you and made you think “this is what I want to do?” n terms of music, Bristol played a huge part in, suppose, the music epiphany I had when I was in my mid-teens. came across two albums speci cally which changed my life completely. One of them was Portishead’s Dummy and one was Massive Attack’s Blue Lines. Both of them felt like entire universes of their own had never heard anything like it. When listen to both of those albums they open so many doors for me, and they were a huge part of me wanting to move to the UK. Oh, and another one, Goldie’s Timeless – oh my god! have Bristol to thank for the foundations of my music journey, especially to electronic music.

Alex Turner called to say he wants his mirrorball back

In terms of people who made me feel like ‘yes this is what I want to do’, in my formative years it was de nitely Mary Anne obbs, who has her daily show on adio Music. he used to have a show on adio called The Breezeblock, which happened late on Monday nights, and was really addicted to that show because it was completely eclectic and you really never knew what was around the corner in terms of what she was going to play. he seemed like the coolest, most inspirational woman. ’d never heard a woman play music like that on the radio and didn’t think that was possible because ’d never heard it done. he was very much responsible for my believing that could do something like that in music.

Annie Mac Before Midnight has become a hit show for many music lovers. Can you tell us more about how the idea for the show originated?

Before Midnight originated post- ovid. uring ovid had a chance to stop and think about the way that work, and how it complemented, or didn’t complement, my life.

spent loads more time with my kids, and when offers started to come back in after ovid felt a sense of an iety about returning to the way lived before. t’s not to say it was a hard life this isn’t a sob story but there was a sense of being tired all of the time with regards to having those very late nights at the weekend and getting in at si or seven in the morning. hat ust didn’t work well with having kids.

wanted to see if there was a way could change that. ’d left adio , a change which was hugely about being able to spend more time with my kids, and felt emboldened by that to try to do something new in the world of dance music. ’d also heard from my listeners for many years about how they’ve grown older with me, and a lot of them have kids now, and how they got their of dance music through listening to my

“I played Bristol Beacon, which was such a memorable gig I had to have a sit-down afterwards and process it”

shows as opposed to going out, because they didn’t feel like they could be out that late at night anymore.

o many messages get from women are saying, don’t feel like can go clubbing anymore, but love your shows, so knew that there was a sense of people, me included, not really feeling like the world of clubbing was serving them.

When decided to put it out on nstagram that had an idea for a show, it received one of the biggest responses to anything ’ve ever done, and that felt wonderful. wasn’t on my own; there was a swathe of people who wanted to try out this e periment of doing a club properly, but earlier on in the evening. ince ’ve started it, it’s ust been such a revelation. t’s been so inspiring, so empowering and most of all it’s ust been so good for the soul to have that collective e perience with so many people. t’s really challenged me as a . play these big, long sets and it’s really ust helped me evolve as a and as an events curator. Long may it continue

Something that Bristol does so well is champion local and emerging talent. As someone who has seen and influenced the music industry significantly, what advice would you give to emerging artists looking to take that next step, especially those aspiring to perform at events such as Bristol Sounds?

hat’s a really tough one. feel like it sounds obvious but be as good as you can at what you’re trying to do. et the practice in, get the time in, practice, practice, practice, so when you do get the chance to shine, you are as ready as, and as good as, you can be in that moment. think it’s about ust knowing as much as you can about what you’re doing, and feeling as comfortable as you can in that knowledge.

he other thing ’d say is if you feel like you’re trying and trying and trying and knocking and knocking on doors and not getting anywhere, try to make your own stuff happen. n this world there’s more and more opportunities to record your own podcast and record your own mi es and put them online make music yourself if you can’t get access to a studio, make it on a laptop on arageBand. ’m not trying to reduce it to that, ust feel like there are ways to feel empowered, like you have agency in what you’re doing.

reate your own radio shows, put on your own club nights, start your own collectives with other people who are creatives. reate your own movement and make things happen for yourself which can then help you learn and gain e perience in the eld, which can then lead to other people helping you. hey get to see what you’re doing and go, , this person clearly takes initiative and they’re enterprising and they’re making things happen. hat’s a very attractive thing for a potential employer or booker. on’t be afraid to make things happen for yourself. n

Catch Annie Mac at Bristol Sounds on Saturday 29 June 2024 for back-to-back dance-pop beats in the ultimate day party Tickets available at: www.bristolsounds.co.uk

MEET THE EDUCATOR

Meet some of the people shaping the next generation of Bristolians

SHANE CLOETE

CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL

0117 973 0201; www.cliftonhigh.co.uk

Describe your teaching style

As director of sport at Clifton High School, with a guiding philosophy of ‘sports for all with a pursuit of excellence’, I am committed to developing alliance and inclusivity on the sports field; creating a culture whereby all pupils can discover the joy of sport. My daily objective is a dedication to fostering well-rounded athletes, regardless of their prior skill level.

How does Clifton High School’s sport curriculum differ from others?

Clifton High School’s bespoke sports curriculum, curated by myself and my team, is designed to advocate increased exposure to sporting disciplines, promoting a mindset that is healthier and more confident. Pupils are taught that with success also comes defeat, yet managing this learning is a crucial part of character growth and teamwork. The school’s partnerships with Bristol Sport, The University of Bristol and Henleaze Performance Swimming enhance our overall sports provision and are extremely valuable relationships that we continue to cultivate, ensuring pupils’ talents, throughout all year groups, are realised and celebrated.

DEBBIE ISAACHSEN

THE DOWNS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 01275 852008; www.thedowns.school

How does your school differ from others in the area?

The Downs is a unique and vibrant prep school just five miles outside of Bristol.

What is in place to help with pupils’ mental health at Clifton High School?

Clifton High School’s values of curiosity, empathy, love and direction are instilled in guiding pupils on the sports field, so they gain a multi-faceted approach to active participation. Together with my sports team, we are focused on developing an individual sense of belonging whereby children gain confidence to believe in their own ability, while also creating positive and enriching engagements as part of a team. This consistently proves to be both an inspiring and motivating approach that benefits the wellbeing of all our pupils.

What do you most enjoy about teaching sport at Clifton High School?

Observation is key to my role at Clifton High School and what I notice daily is the integral connection of pupils, throughout all year groups, on and off the sports field. The pleasure for me lies in shaping wellrounded and successful individuals who have an enthusiasm for sport, taking this with them to lead lives that have health and wellbeing at the core.

Here, we seamlessly blend community and tradition with dynamic, innovative education and a nurturing culture.

Imagine your child learning in The Wizard’s Hut (our magical treehouse classroom) or embarking on forest school adventures. Our 60-acre parkland setting enhances learning, fuels imagination and offers the freedom to explore nature, play, and grow. With an outstanding range of facilities all on one site, including a covered swimming pool, large indoor sports hall and theatre, we cherish what we have and make the most of it every day. At The Downs, welly boots and rosy cheeks are part of daily life where we create a vibrant and enriching experience for all our students.

What extra-curricular activities does your school offer?

At The Downs, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of extracurricular activities designed to spark curiosity and foster independence. From forest school and performing arts to cooking classes that teach essential life skills, our activities help children explore their interests and talents. Each term, we introduce new clubs to keep things fresh and exciting. Some of our popular options include greenpower car racing, tag American football, karaoke, pottery, judo, Greek and Roman myths and

legends, woodland club, nature art, cycle tots, gardening, and yoga & mindfulness. Our clubs provide a wonderful opportunity for children to challenge themselves, express their creativity, and discover what truly makes them happy.

What is in place to help with students’ mental health at your school?

At The Downs, we believe that happy children thrive. Our approach prioritises happiness and wellbeing, creating a foundation for success in all areas. Each child benefits from exceptional pastoral care, with a network of support that includes regular communication between students, staff, and parents. Our ‘buddy system’ and ‘kindness leaves’ foster a supportive community. We offer comprehensive wellbeing support through our dedicated form tutors, a wellbeing coordinator, and skilled matrons who provide daily medical and emotional care. Additionally, our Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) programme addresses key topics, promoting fairness, openness, and the courage to speak out. We also have a no-mobile-phone policy, fostering a culture of phone-free friendships. This allows children to be children for longer, forming genuine connections through faceto-face interactions. At The Downs, every child feels valued and supported.

JESSICA MILES

BADMINTON SCHOOL

0117 9055200; www.badmintonschool.co.uk

How does your school differ from others?

Badminton is a holistic haven, yet it is situated on the edge of one of the most exciting cities in the UK: Bristol. We are a day and boarding school, with a strong international vibe, where the pupils learn, engage and respect each other in a safe, calm yet purposeful atmosphere. There is a genuine synergy between our day and boarding community which makes life as a pupil at Badminton extremely enriching.

What do you like about working in Bristol?

It is quite unique to have a school with boarding so close to a city, and particularly one as diverse and vibrant as Bristol. Our students can access all that comes with the benefits of living in a big city, and it means that our boarders don’t feel the need to leave school at the weekends as everything is on our doorstep. It is great for nurturing their independence.

What key bit of advice would you give to parents when choosing a school?

Choosing a school is a bit like buying a house – it is a huge financial and emotional investment, but you know when you walk through the front door whether it ‘feels’ right. It must be the right fit for your child – and only you and your child will know what that feels like. No amount of school marketing or fluff from the Head can change that gut feeling of what is right. Having said that, I love meeting our prospective parents and pupils and talking to them about my genuine love of my job here!

MARK CURTIS

BOOMSATSUMA

0117 9428429; www.boomsatsuma.com

How does your college differ from others?

The economic landscape surrounding education has sharpened minds to reimagine opportunities that open doors to careers in the creative industries. Bristol is a city known for doing things differently and boomsatsuma has been recognised nationally by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) as exemplifying just that, to good effect. Boomsatsuma’s strong industry partnerships, and an entrepreneurial focus, gives students the optimum commercial edge, equipping them with the creative, technical and workplace skills employers are craving.

Where do your students study?

The award-winning independent training provider has six established centres across the city, from Portland Square in St Pauls to Millennium Square, Tobacco Factory and the Bottle Yard film and TV studios, all designed to optimise student’ experiences and opportunities into creative industry careers.

Do you run degrees at boomsatsuma?

SAM MORGAN

CLIFTON COLLEGE  0117 315 7591; www.cliftoncollege.com/ the-schools/pre-preparatory-school

How does your school differ from others?

The facilities, from the forest and chapel, to the extensive grounds, the classrooms and on-site pool, are uniquely brilliant. What makes the school amazing though is the people who occupy those spaces, pupils and adults. The excited buzz when the reception children head off to their weekly forest school session with Mr Cox is something to behold.

What do you like about teaching in Bristol?

I love working in a city which is so famous for its spirit. That balance of a global community serving a sense of local purpose is a beautiful thing. I like teaching in a school where the diverse backgrounds of our families mean we need to reflect that approach; giving children and families a sense of belonging while learning about their place in a modern, changing world.

What key bit of advice would you give to parents when choosing a school?

Visit. There’s of course a lot to be read about schools online, but little is better than visiting. I’d be on the lookout for: How are the pupils interacting with each other? How warm are the staff? How does the Head interact with staff and pupils? Relationships are key to the culture of the school, and they will underpin the likelihood of your child being happy there.

There will be new signs above three of its doors in September, with the launch of Bristol Film School and the Bristol Creative Technology Centre, each offering specialist degrees, along with a new Sports Agency, leading creative training for careers in the region.

Bristol Film School is a coup for the city, and will be home to the filmmaking and photography degrees, as Dr. Susan McMillan, executive dean, explains:

“Boomsatsuma is a trailblazer, providing distinctive, industry-aligned degrees in film and photography. Bristol, celebrated worldwide for its film and television production, will benefit from our commitment to nurturing local talent and ensuring its ongoing success.”

Bristol Creative Technology Centre builds on connections with the region’s creative technology sector, combining degree-level learning with the delivery of entrepreneurial, commercially viable projects.

A key development has been the foundation of our in-house Venture Studio. Led by Richard Blows, head of BCTC, a team managed by Game Art graduates to recreate the world’s first historically accurate digital reconstruction of Hadrian’s Wall as at 180 AD for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Sam Morgan

Jessica Miles

PAINT THE TOWN RED…

…or blue, or green, or pink, yellow, black or white, or any shade of thinking you need: give it up for Upfest Presents 2024

Words and pics by Colin

Moody

3 2

“Isn’t that what Upfest brings to our streets? A forest of ideas”

SBRISTOL HEROES

ome people are happy going to an art gallery and standing in front of famous art, with all the knowledge they need to know the meaning behind the piece, its place in the pantheon of art history, with all that knotted fact-soup swirling around their cortex; but for some of us it’s a better place on the street.

It has been my absolute pleasure to shoot Upfest Presents 2024, and if you need me to follow on from that opening statement, can I just add this: walking around Bedminster, a place older than Bristol itself, this is an experience of appreciation for art and life and culture in a way unknown in any perfectly lit gallery space.

1

The early morning bread delivery from Mark’s Bread mixes in with the Kobra can spray paint drop from the many volunteers who feed the 150-plus artists from every corner of the world with all the colour they need to paint this town every shade of thinking it needs.

Al e here gets it.

Goin the artist gets it.

Some artists go all geometric, and that loosens you up with bold colour blast; some code messages in, others bring you a very personal message –more on that at the end.

The walls are full, come and see them.

2DFTE gets it.

3 esa here. Loves a bit of mpressionism, and a few nal strokes and another wall complete.

The sun was just about to go down behind the artist. It makes me very content to see them working to the clock of the sun. We talked about the preference for street art over gallery perfection earlier, and as a street photographer ’m often considering the light, its source, its re ections, the shadows, so to know that the work of these artists will reach people in different speeds at different times of the day is quite deep. he early morning top-deck bus worker will see the work in orange hues and have a completely different e perience, perhaps, to the fully lit ier scooter passerby at the lunchtime cruise.

4Rainbo.

Eight cans and one hot air balloon and a Bristol top.

It’s all you really need.

And the moment you look at the piece, maybe while you are sat in that chair in the barber shop, or trundling past, your life is changed, the moment you let your eyes fall on that you are… changed.

You know that feeling you get when you go into a deep dark forest? The air seems to pool, light comes at you threaded through those high branches, and you start to breath deeper.

4

BRISTOL HEROES

Isn’t that what Upfest brings to our streets? A forest of ideas. Every artist stands there working tall and strong on those hard bricks and solid walls. And everything that was so ed and so sure seems to be now translucent, and you can see ideas become bigger than you, colours and shapes ebb and ow into your mind. ays of work from hundreds of hands for this moment of feeling.

It’s deep, and yet as thin as a single brush stroke.

5

It was a great pleasure to run street photography workshops this year at pfest resents. ere our little school bumps into ody, who e plains, in the prerequisite paint-daubed top, how he has worked with A and other artists to think deeper about what will inform his art at this street-art festival. And udging by the e pression on the budding street photographer this is gooooood.

What is the art Why am not showing you ust eight wall bangers ’Cos to get this done right, you have to scoot over to BS3 and see it for yourself.

6 aqi.

alestinian artist who has taken two grey boarded-up archways at the team rane and transformed them.

ritically acclaimed artists rub shoulders with all of us, and we are all the richer for it.

tep by step we elevate beyond where we were to somewhere we want to be…

7What has aqi painted for us hese are not ust two children reaching for a future, these are his own children knocking on that door, climbing that rope.

ight now, the door remains shut, but the children have the keys, and it is hoped by aqi that they will be able to gain access to a better future. t is a very nice opportunity to be here and to share my thoughts says aqi as we have a break at a caf on ast treet where he is meeting another artist for lunch.

About his children here on the wall he says, heir mission is not so easy, to build their future, to be good humans for a good future, there was no possibility for me to bring them with me here and so here they have the keys to open the door to their future, ust like my dad did for me when was a child.

Take a look, the kid on the right, has the keys. They’re on their way.

8

At the end of the interview Tozer, the artist who is going to have lunch with aqi, presents him with a handmade sign with his name on. e runs his ngers over the precise work of a great local artist. I don’t need to say anything else.

We know what we have to do if we are going to grow from this.

’m stepping back into the forest now; that can be quite a dark scary place. ’m glad artists like aqi and ozer are there to support each other and keep lighting the beacon of hope. Follow the light, and let’s see each other through this.

Let’s go with them. hey seem like good people. ’m done with shrinking. I want to grow again. Thank you, Upfest, for inviting these e citing artists who have something to say.

Colin Moody: content creation, online images Twitter @moodycolin; Instagram @colinmoodyphotography colinmoodyphotography.wordpress.com

“I’m glad artists like Taqi and Tozer are there to support each other and keep lighting the beacon of hope”

CAPER AND CURE

The motto of this charming Stokes Croft bistro is ‘to make well and treat successfully’ – a promise they comprehensively fulfil

Words by Deri Robins

We have been here before,” pronounces Your Man; correctly, as it happens.

I am taken aback by this observation. He doesn’t share my passionate interest in the urban environment, being far happier somewhere up a mountain where he can gaze at flowers and birds and cloud formations. He rarely recalls the places I take him to in the city, and is amnesiac about restaurants; frankly, the astonishing privilege of being my plus-one is wasted on him.

But apparently he does remember Caper and Cure, from back when it was still the The Arts House Café, going so far as to recall he’d very much enjoyed his last visit. Given that the same team still runs the place, I feel this bodes well for the evening ahead.

The place hasn’t just gained a new name, it’s been reinvented. When we last visited it was very much a café, although even then it had a superior food offering. Now this has become the main focus, with a smart new dining space to emphasise the point. Outside, the blue and gold frontage looks almost incongruously genteel among the graf-daubed walls of Stokes Croft, where a dedicated scruffiness puts a cheerful two fingers up to gentrification.

The building was a chemist back in the 1920s, and you can still read the name in the original floor tiling set into the pavement outside the door. Inside, it’s lovely; there’s only room for around 20 covers, but the double-height ceiling and huge glass windows make everything appear spacious, bright and lofty.

There’s a short printed menu, supplemented by specials chalked up on a blackboard; the turbot has already sold out, which naturally makes it the one thing in the world we now most want to eat, but luckily there’s loads of other choice; in fact we find we want to order everything. Trying not to peak too soon, however, we limit ourselves to a pair of snacks and starters. Silvery marinated boquerones make a zippy wake-up call for the palate, without being lip-pursingly sharp. We also share a subtly smoky whipped cod’s roe, and while we’re quite comfortable ordering a whole meal without vegetables, the fact that we can tick off a few of our five a day with the crunchy crudités feels a definite bonus. On to the starters – ostensibly, the cured ChalkStream trout for me, crab butter for Your Man. However, one spoonful of the latter has me making pleading eyes across the table, and after rolling his in response, Your Man agrees to swap.

DINING DETAILS

Caper and Cure, 108A Stokes Croft; 0117 923 2858; www.caperandcure.co.uk

Opening hours Tues-Wed 6-11pm; Thurs-Sat midday-4pm, 6-11pm; Sunday midday-5pm

Prices Starters £3.75-£14; mains £18-£26 plus larger sharing steak and fish dishes; puds £3-£9

Drinks Wide variety of mostly European wines, cocktails, local beers and ciders Veggie? One starter and mains Service Friendly and professional Atmosphere Relaxed and buzzy

A wood-plank map of Europe dominates one wall, labelled with places where some of the produce is sourced. Festoon light bulbs are strung across the room, in between the kind of vintage spotlights studios like Elstree used to chuck into skips, only for them to be fished out by savvier folk who’d proceed to flog them for a small fortune.

There have been changes in the kitchen, too, with the estimable Matty Grove now in as head chef. Matty’s previously worked for Gordon Jones in Bath, and while his menu here is based on simpler lines he’s clearly inherited some of the Jones finesse.

We’d assumed the new name referenced Chef’s enthusiasm for cured fish and pickles, but the website offers alternative meanings: ‘Caper: a ridiculous escapade; Cure: to make well and treat successfully’.

Thoroughly in the mood for both, we saunter expectantly through the Croft on a balmy Saturday evening, soaking up all its multi-sensory delights. At 7pm, Caper and Cure is nearly full, the murmurings of the diners rising up to the rafters and bouncing down in a pleasant buzz.

Not because the trout isn’t good, because it is, very – it’s fresh, exciting, with discs of pickled kohl rabi, little beads of caviar lending a salty pop, and blobs of oyster leaf mayo – but because the crab, the meat whipped up with butter and herbs and served warm in the shell, instantly becomes one of my dishes of the year. If Caper and Cure had an online shop I’d place a weekly standing order, and I wouldn’t even care if this meant I had to update my recommended size details on my online Zara account.

I pull off a similarly cruel trick with the mains. Once again, my choice – lamb neck, flavoursome and tender, served with a Mediterranean tangle of courgette and aubergine – is beyond reproach, but Your Man’s gnocchi is quite irresistible. Not remotely stodgy, as gnocchi can be, but light and fluffy and pan-fried (because why wouldn’t you), it comes in a marvellous creamy sauce with very young and fresh asparagus, peas and broad beans. It’s early summer on a plate, and I’m adding it to my fantasy Caper and Cure online order right now.

Visually, the shared puds are minimal to a fault, although my panna cotta does arrive wearing a jaunty little shortbread hat. I’ve never met a panna cotta I didn’t like, and this one, with a dollop of sweet, macerated Cheddar strawberries, doesn’t buck the trend. Also good are two scoops of sorbet, playfully flavoured to taste like frozen piña colada.

If there’s one thing which sets the Bristol food scene apart, it’s the plethora of small, independent, owner-run restaurants – Sonny Stores, Cor, Marmo, Wilsons, Box-E, etc – with their unpretentious yet wholly creative menus. Yet even in their exalted company, Caper and Cure feels special. It may even linger on in the memory of Your Man, even if it’s just in the form of a single plaintive question: “Wasn’t that the lovely place where you wouldn’t let me eat any of the food I ordered?”

FOOD & DRINK

A TASTE OF BRISTOL’S FOOD SCENE

Relocations and cocktails: quite literally, then, movers and shakers

enowned among the hinese community for its traditional antonese food, THE MAYFLOWER has been around since the early s and has occupied its present site at the aymarket for the past years.

ue to redevelopment plans for the area it will be forced to close on une but it’s not the end of the line by any means.

tay tuned for updates on our new location and reopening dates. We can’t wait to welcome you all to our new home With gratitude, May ower eam, reads their insta page.

he redevelopment also involves pulling down the remier nn, to make way for you guessed it new blocks of ats for students who, ironically, would kill to have a May ower on their doorstep. ma o erbristol

Tiny harbourside café BRUNEL’S BUTTERY has been going for even longer than The Mayflower; we’re not sure how many bacon sarnies it’s served since opening in the early 1980s, but it has to be in the tens of thousands.

The Buttery is currently on the market with an asking price of between £200-500k, including stock; annual rent is £27k, which is perhaps unsurprising given its unrivalled location right on the waterfront, between M Shed museum and the ss Great Britain, and the fact that no other café is permitted to trade from within 200 metres.

Don’t go fretting it’ll be turned into a Costa, though. Owner Kay Leach is fiercely protective of the café, and says she will only sell to a business guaranteed to respect its legacy.

SPIRITED is launching a new spirits school – a first for the city, and a mark of Bristol’s growing fascination with cocktail culture.

Certified by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET), the globally recognised courses provide the perfect qualification for anyone from seasoned bartenders to home mixologists.

Taking place at Spirited’s North Street shop, this is the first time the courses have been made available to the public in Bristol.

The WSET® Level 1 Award in Spirits will begin during July.

www.spiritedbristol.com

Bristol chef-proprietor Sam lliott’s ne-dining steak house PASTURE has been shortlisted for a ustainability Award at the ational estaurant Awards.

t’s not the rst time the group, which also has a branch is ardiff and is due to open in Birmingham, has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability; it’s gained a top ood Made ood’ rating from the ustainable estaurant Association for its e tensive steps’ to tackle food waste and commitment to using local, equally

sustainable suppliers. asture runs its own Buttercliffe arm, . miles from the restaurant, practicing no-dig, permaculture and organic methods, growing a wide variety of veg, fruit, herbs and owers for the restaurants. he farm also grows micro herbs, allowing asture to garnish its dishes without relying on imported produce in plastic packaging.

Later this year am shown left will be opening rime by asture; a butchery, deli, cookery school and burger oint in the new edcliffe uarter. www.pasturerestaurant.com

Katie, the founder of new Cargo joint CHA & CHILL, noticed that there were limited options in Bristol when it came to authentic bubble tea. She’s set out to create a more faithful representation of the drinks she loved during her childhood in hailand, offering a variety of avours which will rotate and e pand over time, using sustainable ingredients that are locally sourced where possible. Find them at Unit 9 in Cargo 2. @chaandchill_bristol

ounded by celebrity chef Nico Simeone, SIX BY NICO has become a major chain, with 15 branches in 11 cities in the UK and Ireland.

Why so slow coming to Bristol Maybe because our local dining scene is already so strong and independent. Anyway, it now has uakers riars in its cross-hairs, speci cally a site within the former Carluccio’s.

he i by ico schtick is that it offers themed si -course meals at the entry-level tasting menu price of £42. Each theme lasts si weeks; several of its branches are currently reviving its original menu, based on the British chippy, with ne-dining riffs on dishes such as Chips & Cheese and Deep-fried Mars Bars. ther themes include ew ork, okyo and Me ico, menus based on the funfair and fairy tales, cocktail e perience Land of z, and he Trust, in which the menu is served blind with no e planation.

ining rooms are invariably plush and fancy; never having been to one, BL is not in a position to either recommend or vilify though it’s fair to say that online reviews are mi ed. www.sixbynico.co.uk

FRESH IDEAS FOR SUMMER

Let’s get back to our home-grown hospitality heroes, many of whom have new menus and deals over the ne t month or so. early rivalling i by ico on the price point, and almost certainly superior in every other way, is he ranary’s new aste of he ranary menu – seven dishes to share between two people for a bargainous £45. ven if you add a wine pairing for £20 per person that’s still less than £100 for a couple.

he ranary lub is also hosting weekly soul and azz sessions with aul Ale ander of oultrain every riday from pm- am with free entry and a free glass of zz for the ladeez sorry lads between - pm. Anyone who visited the ranary lub in the past can relive old memories, while the rest can happily make some new ones. www.granarybristol.com

ven if pain doesn’t seem overly keen on tourists at the moment, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome at BAR 44, the Spanish tapas bar founded by Welsh but honorary Bristolian Morgan siblings Owen, Tom and Natalie. he restaurant has ust launched a highly affordable lunch offer of three tapas dishes and a drink – we’re having the va manzanilla between Wednesday to aturday. hat’s barely more than the price of a lunch deal from Pret, which last time we checked did not offer the likes of cider-poached león chorizo, tortilla with egg, caramelised onion and potato and jamon Ibérico croquetas. con t duck and smoked morcilla burger or Mallorcan sobrasada. www.grupo44.co.uk/bar44/bristol

THE BRISTOL HOTEL is making it a doddle to indulge dad at ather’s ay this year; at the iver rille, a unday roast sirloin of Bu ton Beef, slow-roasted pork belly or chicken supreme and a complimentary pint starts at for two courses and £33 for three. www.doylecollection.com

Following a raft of recent accolades, BANK BRISTOL has launched a new menu which will develop the restaurant’s sharing plates concept with an increased emphasis on social feasting.

Presented as the neighbourhood restaurant’s contemporary take on the tasting menu, Feast aims to combine all of the interest and excitement of a tasting experience with the timeless and convivial joy of feasting with friends and family.

“Social feasting is a natural fit for Bank, as our food takes inspiration from cooking traditions which originated around a communal fire,” says owner Dan O’Regan.

“Sharing has always been at the core of our offering, but we’ve definitely noticed a shift towards group feasts over recent months. While on the one hand you have diners looking for more casual dining options, on the other you’ve got a real squeeze on personal finances – which means dining out has to be a special experience, often shared with a wider group of friends.

“We’ve tried to reflect this in our new menu and can’t wait to see what people think. We keep hearing that the tasting menu is dead. Well, I say, long live the feast.” www.bankbristol.com.

Six by Nico. Brace yourself for wackiness

Dine

Experience

The

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Hi, Society

So good, we might almost have named this column after it. (Spoiler: we didn’t)

Don’t know about you, dear reader, but really rather en oyed the recent 20th anniversary issue of this ne magazine, celebrating two decades of gorgeous glossiness.

o, feeling inspired and in honour of this mark in the sand, the af ociety crew and have decided to spend the ne t few months on a sort of victory lap of Bristol coffee shops. rying out some brand-new places, obviously, but in between times, returning to some old favourites.

aking the pulse of Bristol’s caf culture, if you will.

“A circular stroll around the harbour is one of the tastiest delights in the chocolate box of Bristol life”

his issue’s coffee shop of choice is a welcome return to what is undoubtedly one of our very fave places, ociety af . And no, that’s not a typo. ou read it aright. af ociety comes to you this week from, ociety af . ell yeah, it’s almost as if they named the place after this modest little column of ours. poiler alert they didn’t. igh.

he caf occupies a lovely little corner plot down on the docks. inding it is simple; start from Millennium quare and cross the horny bridge and it’s right in front of you. ust look out for the bright yellow chairs outside and you can’t miss it.

ne of the reasons it’s so well-loved by me and mine is its location. After living in this wonderful town of ours for several decades now, we still can’t believe how lucky we are to have the docks on our doorstep.

aking a circular stroll around the oating harbour is one of the tastiest delights in the chocolate bo of Bristol life. ever gets old. And this coffee shop is perfectly positioned for a rela ing rest halfway along.

Also helps that the staff are superb in every single way; friendly, welcoming, smiley, e cient you get the drift. f you’re looking for loveliness, the folk behind the counter here have got it on tap.

Which brings me neatly to the coffee and cake selection. Also superb. hey may do savoury stuff, but to be honest, ’ve never got past the croissants and pains au chocolate.

f all of that wasn’t enough to get you grinning, they’re also dog friendly, with a bowl of water provided for thirsty pooches; ufus the doofus is a big fan.

Lastly, and not least, is the people-watching potential. ur resident computer guy, one of the younger af ociety gang, reckons this place is very popular as a destination for rst dates among his age group. ot sure how true that is, but it gives you something to think about while scanning the occupants of seats around and about. rying to decide if couples are old friends, new lovers, or ust checking one another out, seeing if the face ts. An e cellent way to pass the time as you sip and dip your croissants.

o whatever you’re looking for at the bottom of your coffee cup contentment, peace and quiet, a bit of innocent voyeurism or even a new partner in life it’s thoroughly recommended. n

Former The Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer; @stancullimore on instagram Google up Stan’s daily substack blog: Diary of an Urban Grandad

DAVEY LIGHTING 7243

OCEANIC PENDANT, £POA

A contemporary twist on an original design from the dockyards of early 20th-century Britain; the galvanised steel-caged cover makes it suitable for indoors and out

From Oskar Furniture, 47 Whiteladies Road; www.oskarfurniture.co.uk makes

IB LAURSEN

TERRACOTTA POTS, £19

Distressed red clay terracotta plant pots in three sizes; ideal for herbs to be kept within easy snipping reach on the patio or windowsill

From Mon Pote, 217a North Street; www.monpote.co.uk

THE OUTSIDERS

Time to pimp up the yard

HURRICANE LANTERN, £42

Traditional kerosene lantern for adding a warm glow to your al-fresco proceedings

From Graham & Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

NIWAKI RATTAN SNIPS, £84

them

Designed for the lighter kind of ower snipping, and so pretty with their Japanese design and wisteria rattan handles that you won’t want to tidy them away

From

From Maze, 26-28 The Mall; www.mazeclothing.co.uk

IB LAURSEN BAMBOO BENCH, £66.50

While this charming bench should not be left outdoors, it makes a charming garden accessory on warm dry days

From Mon Pote, 217a North Street www.monpote.co.uk

SUPREMO DOUBLE

HANGING COCOON CHAIR, £529 (FROM £649.99) or indoor or outdoor swinging, and roomy enough for two, if you can bear to share

From Whitehall Garden Centre, Norton Lane, Whitchurch www.whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

SASSARI PELLET

PIZZA OVEN, £340

asy to use, this pizza oven will help you make delicious pizzas at home; the small size means it will comfortably t any outdoor space

From The Big Kitchen, 100 High Street, Portishead www.thebigkitchen.co.uk

LARGE BIG GREEN EGG, £1,375

Quite aside from the superior technology, which allows the Egg to produce restaurantquality food, it’s easily the handsomest barbecue on the block

From The Belmont Estate Farm, Bristol Road, Wraxall

www.belmont.estate www.biggreenegg.co.uk

CANCÚN

CAFÉ TABLE, £849; DINING CHAIR, £459

From BoConcept, 51-53 Merchant Street www.boconcept.com

Classic yet contemporary design which will complement any outdoor setup

RICE PARASOL, £155.97 (FROM £259.95)

Capri vibes, no? With a handy tilt function, and a bag for storage

GENTLEMEN'S

HARDWARE

From Fig 1, Unit 9 Gaol Ferry Steps .fi .co.

From Fig 1, Unit 9 Gaol Ferry te s .fi .co.

COLLAPSIBLE FIRE PIT, £40 ortable, lightweight repit, whether you’re venturing far a eld or ust to the end of the garden

RUSTY PIGS, £55-£95

Made from weighty cast iron with a rust coating which will only get better as they continue to weather outdoors

From Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

UMBRELLA OUTDOOR LIGHT, FROM £175

Free from the restrictions of plugs and wires, these lights are ideal for taking on camping trips or hanging in the garden; each battery charge lasts up to 10 hours

From Graham & Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

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EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN’S LOVELY

THE UNUSUAL CAREER PATH OF ED WORKMAN –CEO OF THE NEWT IN SOMERSET

ALL IN A DAY’S WORKMAN

From farming and fence-painting, via wine-shop management and art consultancy: the unusual career path that led Ed Workman to The Newt in Somerset

Words by Sarah Moolla

The hundreds of acres of estate, gardens, woodland, and farmland of The Newt in Somerset – it’s near Bruton, if you haven’t been (and even if you have) make up a place that de es one simple de nition.

“A magical countryside resort” is probably as good a description as you’ll nd. What started out as Hapsden House, built around 1690 and only opened as The Newt in 2019, now has 43 bedrooms split across the farmyard and the historic house, but there’s also a Roman Villa reconstructed from the original foundations, The Story of Gardening Museum, a treetop walk, a vineyard, a cider press, orchards, a spa, a mushroom house, a lakeside apiary called the Beezantium, a farm shop bakery, a butchery, gift shop, ice- cream parlour, fantastical grotto, and no less than three restaurants – the list goes on.

Yet one of the puzzling aspects of The Newt in Somerset, owned by a South African couple – the telecoms billionaire Koos Bekker and former magazine editor Karen Roos – is their refusal to trumpet or boast about the incredible offerings. The approach seems to have almost been one of ‘build it and they will come, to nd out for themselves’. It’s working. There’s an understated charm that adds to the wonderment and exclusive feel of The Newt.

So it makes absolute sense,

then, that The Newt appointed the understated and charming Ed Workman as its CEO. Ed is no brash or boastful executive but, as the rare interview at a recent MediaClash Network Lunch reveals, rather someone who is committed, focused and passionate about his place of work. Every single multi-faceted aspect of it.

One of the reasons is that Ed’s own career path en route to The Newt has also been multi-faceted from ne wine to fence-painting, from art appreciation to cow herding. For Ed, there was no clamber up the corporate ladder. Quite the opposite, in fact.

After graduating with a degree in the history of art and architecture, he then realised, “like a typical art student, I had no idea what I was going to do next.” He took up the offer of a full time manager’s ob at his university holiday place of work, Threshers wine shop.

“It really felt like it was my shop and I loved it. Here I developed a taste for ne wine, and at one point I was managing the three shops. At the time I thought that was going to be my future.”

A few years in, and the Waitrose graduate scheme appealed, and “after the most rigorous training I have ever experienced” Ed was all set to join the Romsey branch near his then-Salisbury home.

“I collected the uniform. And then, three days before I was due

to start, I handed my notice in. I felt like I was selling my soul at a young age into a corporate world. I realised that I really did want to be in the art world.”

To help make this happen, he penned a letter to the New Art Centre in Salisbury, owned by Lady Madeleine Bessborough, saying he’d do basically anything. And anything and everything he did do.

“I started out painting fences and then, over the next four years, as the gallery technician, I cut the grass, worked in the woods, did carpentry, learned how to farm – there was a herd of cows on the land, I would get the hay in, and packed the barn. I look back on it like a modern apprenticeship.”

This latter-day Gabriel Oak was then enticed into the family business by his brother and father, who are quantity surveyors. They were working with some art dealers they knew Ed would get on really well with. It was Iwan and Manuela Wirth of Hauser & Wirth, and they weren’t wrong. The introduction

“I CUT THE GRASS, WORKED IN THE WOODS, LEARNED HOW TO FARM”

led to Ed working as a consultant for the Swiss-based company, which now has 21 art galleries all over the world, including at Bruton. This is also where he met his future wife Alice, co-founder of the Bo Lee Workman gallery in Bruton.

You get the impression that at his current role at The Newt, there isn’t a department, a challenge, or a new project that Ed isn’t relishing. He’s quite clear that it isn’t some purely philanthropic endeavour: “We are aiming for stability behind everyday businesses. The intention is for The Newt to sustain itself.”

Recent enterprises to support this include the expansion of e-commerce, and a new creamery in Castle Cary. However, it is also clear The Newt is in no rush to ‘make a buck’, and the model is all about long-term investment from the ground up, with huge value placed on community care and sustainability.

There’s an active programme to recruit and train locally – deer have been reintroduced, as have red squirrels – and they’ve recently hired an entomologist to take an extensive insect audit. “Really, this is about the land,” says Ed. “We are custodians of the land, and as custodians we have to do certain things, and one of those things is to preserve the landscape.”

For more: www.thenewtinsomerset.com | www.mediaclash.co.uk

LEFT: Ed shared insights into being the CEO of the hard-to-define Newt in Somerset; BELOW: At the core of the gardens sits the walled Parabola PHOTO

Bristol Junior Chamber held a spring drinks reception at the RWA with a range of canapés and drinks provided by 6 O’Clock Gin. BJC president Emma Carter announced that the Chamber would be sponsoring the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta this year; the Chamber founded the event 45 years ago and continues to promote it to its membership as much as it can.

Photos by Judith Parkyn

BJC alumni Chris Allcock and Don Cameron

Zara Brewer, Rebecca Stanton and Hannah Morris

Henry Rossiter and Aaron Sims

Kathryn Binnie

The BJC council of management

Matt Roberts, Jim Davies and Kate Ryan

Georgia Corp and Greg Watson

Ruby Johnson, Aimee Parker and Hannah Diffey

Mike Porter and Kiran Maher

BJC president Emma Carter

THE MUSIC MAN

Bristol Beacon has announced Simon Wales as its new chief executive. Simon will take over from current chief Louise Mitchell, who is due to step down this summer after 12 years in the post.

Simon is an experienced arts and cultural leader who has led music and heritage organisations and instigated cultural and commercial change across his career. He has also been a trustee of various charities, and is also a former cellist; he’s sung with the London Symphony

HIGH FLYING

Chorus, performed at the Barbican, Royal Albert Hall and on tour with the LSO, under Sir Simon Rattle and Sir Antonio Pappano, among others.

“We are absolutely delighted that Simon will be taking over as chief executive at Bristol Beacon,” said Jonathan Dimbleby, Chair of Bristol Music Trust. “He has many years of experience in the arts, and brings with him passion, determination and fresh ideas as we look to the future. We were unanimous in our decision that he was the right person to lead the Beacon into its next era with transparency, equity, and inclusion as his guiding principles, as well as bringing a knowledge, love and passion for music of all kinds.” www.bristolbeacon.org

Bristol Airport has hit a milestone 10m passengers passing through its terminal in a 12-month period for the first time in its history.

The landmark means the airport is now running at capacity while its biggest capital project for more than two decades is underway. This includes a £60m development, due to open in summer 2025, which will significantly enlarge its public transport interchange, improve its internal road system and add an additional multi-storey car park as well as expanding its waiting rooms and rest facilities.

The scheme, which will help increase capacity to 12m passengers a year, is part of a £400m investment being made at the airport over the next five years. www.bristolairport.co.uk

FREED UP SPACE

After a four-year consultation process, plans to knock down the citycentre shopping centre The Galleries for redevelopment have been submitted to Bristol City Council

If the plans are approved, the project will see up to 450 new homes being built, along with ground- oor space used for retail, leisure, food and drink, health, employment and community uses. There will also be a 250-bedroom hotel, up to 750 student rooms and 1.5 acres of ‘highquality public realm’ and green space. The Galleries Shopping Centre basement will also remain.

Deeley Freed, the Bristol-based development partner for LaSalle nvestment Management, has said of the homes will be affordable.

“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to re-invent, revitalise and modernise such a large part of the city centre,” said Max Freed.

“Our vision involves completely transforming this inward-looking, 1980s shopping centre, making the site more diverse, safe and green. The development opens up the city centre to Castle Park, with a real focus on addressing Bristol’s priorities around housing, health and wellbeing, climate, ecology, tourism and the economy.”

www.galleriesbristol.co.uk

SHARING IS CARING

Bristol nergy ooperative is launching a new share offer which hopes to tap into the growing interest from everyday investors to support green energy generation, local communities and energy independence.

With this new crowdfunding campaign, Bristol Energy Cooperative aims to raise £1 million which will add an additional 1MW of solar energy to its portfolio, powering nearly 300 homes over 25 years.

he share offer will be launched in partnership with leading sustainable bank, Triodos Bank UK. The Bristol-based bank has nanced the renewable energy sector for almost years but this is the rst time it has partnered with the Bristol nergy ooperative. he share offer will be available on the bank’s crowdfunding platform. www.bristolenergy.coop

Artist’s impression by Deeley Freed

SMART THINKING

Following its sold-out success in 2023, EntreConf returns this June with a two-day event, bringing uniquely powerful insights and connections to Watershed

Interested in new business thinking? Enjoy hearing from entrepreneurs? Looking for insights to help develop your own business entrepreneurially? Welcome being around smart thinkers with different perspectives

Then it might just be worth popping along to EntreConf, the entrepreneurs’ event returning on 19-20 June as an expanded two day event at Watershed. magine gaining the rst public insights into the compellingly ambitious plans for the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus directly and exclusively from the University of Bristol’s VC Evelyn Welch. The aim is to create a gamechanger for the city, with national and even international resonance. One reference point is MIT, Harvard and the leading US unis who have combined research, analysis and dynamic entrepreneurialism on campus for decades. That. In Bristol. Unveiled at EntreConf…

Then there’s a former EVP of PlayStation, Xbox and Google Phil Harrison, talking about sales and investment pitches – those he’s heard, those he’s given; what works; what doesn’t. Heavyweight, valuable insights from one of the most senior players internationally in videogames, perhaps the most entrepreneurial business sector of the last 30 years –

with lessons applicable for any business person.

Or, as an indication of the eclectic lineup of EntreConf, witness Charlie Bigham talking about growing an idea into a £120m-sales-a-year food business, and how he has sought to retain ethical values as scale has built.

Perhaps ponder hearing the inside stories from the founders of two potential world-changing businesses, created locally. iCOMAT is funded via the UK Space Agency, developing the world’s lightest structures for the aerospace and automotive sectors, while EnsiliTech is developing an extraordinary approach to vaccines so they can be transported for without refrigeration for the rst time – wholly transformative.

“IMAGINE GAINING THE FIRST PUBLIC INSIGHTS INTO THE COMPELLINGLY AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR THE TEMPLE QUARTER ENTERPRISE CAMPUS”

ENTRECONF AT-A-GLANCE

WHAT: Two day conference for entrepreneurs, advisors and new business thinkers

WHEN, WHERE:

Watershed, 19-20 June 2024

HOW: Delegate passes via the site: www.entreconf.com

COMMERCIAL PARTNERS: Led by headline partner Burges Salmon, plus: Lombard Odier, Link Stone Advisory, AMBITIOUS, University of Bath School of Management, Arc Global, Mostly Media, Your Eco, Bath Spa University, FW Capital, Modular, Blake Morgan and NatWest

AND ALSO: EntreConf will feature the grand reveal of EntreConf Awards finalists plus launch of new initiative for young entrepreneurs, EntreConf GO

Then there are other keynotes on AI and the future of work, plus the rising generation’s work values and perspectives. Entrepreneurs’ Tales – the founders’ stories of Your Eco, Just About, McCann Synergy and what The Wave’s founder Nick ouns eld is planning ne t.

Plus a panoply of panel sessions on how to get the most out of advisors, with headline partner Burges Salmon; funding rounds; opportunities around generative AI; bouncebackability of entrepreneurs; how smart marketing aids emergent businesses; how to bene t from networks; and the media multiplier.

Oh, and special sessions with the London Stock change on otations and funding options, and The Big Raise: the visionary pitch for a stunning, bold new addition to Bristol, with Arc Global.

There’s even a special EntreConf Dinner on the night of 19 June, with 50 entrepreneurs, to hear the inside story of superfast growth social media marketing company, The Social Shepherd. Real- life couple, both under 30, growth from 0-65 employees in barely four years: it’s quite the tale.

Whether for deep connections or lightbulbmoment insights, EntreConf is set to be the business event of the year.

For more www.entreconf.com

HEADLINE SPONSOR

WELCOME TO THE MINDSPA

19-20 June 2024. Watershed, Bristol

CHARLIE BIGHAM

KEYNOTES

Bigham’s: £120m sales foodie business. How?

EVELYN WELCH VC, University of Bristol. Reveal of transformative, ambitious Temple Quarter strategy

PHIL HARRISON Former EVP PlayStation, Google & Xbox on pitching

ANDY SALMON Bath Spa Uni: Next gen thinking –all change

DAVID GOODALL Fund Manager at FW Capital

GEMMA MCGRATTAN Co-founder of Synergy Creative

KATE DIMBLEBY Co-founder & CEO of Stornaway.io

MARIA DICKSON Marketing director, AMBITIOUS

NICK SPICER Founder & CEO of Your Eco

SPEAKERS

ASEL SARTBAEVA Next Big Thing: Ensilitech

EMMA BROOKS Marketing Manager, e2eassure

JOEL DUNNING Director of GS Verde

LAURA AIKEN Founder & management consultant, Thrive Leadership

NATASHA MCKENZIE Chief Executive of Talisman Sparro

RUPERT LOMAN Founder & CEO, Just About

NICKY COTTER Co-founder & Head of FinTech of ICON Corporate Finance

STUART SMITH Owner & managing director, Mostly Media

CHERIE-ANNE BAXTER-BLYTH Marketing director, Unividual EMMA MILLINGTON CEO and Co-owner, Modular Digital

JOYANN BOYCE Founder and CEO of Inclued AI

LAUREN CRAWLEYMOORE Regional lead for London Stock Exchange

NICHOLAS STUBBS Director, Arc Global

PAUL DUGGAN Partner at Blake Morgan

TASHIA CAMERON Head of communications & campaigns at BOXPARK

DAN GHADIMI Co-founder of Bowimi

EVANGELOS ZYMPELOUDIS Next Big Thing: iCOMAT

JUDITH COGHLAN Director of Script IP

MARGARET HEFFERNAN Professor in Practice, University of Bath School of Management

NICK HOUNSFIELD What next for The Wave’s Founder?

RICHARD SPILSBURY Founder, Link Stone Advisory

YASIN ROFCANIN Director of the Future of Work Research Centre, University of Bath School of Management

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FRC

Martin Hall of AMD SOLICITORS tells us more about changes to recovery costs in civil litigation

Litigation can lead to significant financial burdens for the parties involved. The general rule in respect of cost recovery in litigation, has for a long time been that the successful party in the litigation is entitled to recover their legal costs from the losing party.

However, the implementation of the new fixed recovery costs regime (FRC) on 1 October 2023 has dramatically changed the recovery of legal costs in litigation.

The FRC is applicable to the majority of civil proceedings where the value of the claim is less than £100,000, and as its name would suggest, the successful party can only claim a fixed sum of legal costs depending on the stage at which the litigation reached before concluding.

The FRC has also introduced a new claims ‘track’ and complexity bands which affect the amount of fixed costs recoverable.

TRACK ALLOCATION

Claims are categorised into different tracks primarily based on their monetary value and complexity. The court retains discretion to adjust track allocations in the interest of justice. The four tracks are:

• Small claims track- for claims with a value of less than £10,000

• Fast track – for claims with a value between £10,000 and £25,000

• Intermediate track – for claims with a value between £25,000 and £100,000

• Multi-track – for claims with a value of £100,000 or mor .

COMPLEXITY BANDS

There are four complexity bands for fast track claims and intermediate track claims. Assignment to a specific band depends on the complexity of the claim. Simpler claims will be assigned to Band 1, while more complex claims with be assigned to band 4.

The amount of recoverable costs the successful party may be entitled to under the FRC will depend on both the track and the complexity band that the claim is assigned to.

EXEMPTIONS

There are only a few exemptions from the FRC in fast and intermediate track claims, as follows:

• Residential housing claims including possession, disrepair and unlawful eviction

• Any claim where a party is a protected party

• The court may consider a claim for an amount of costs which is greater than the FRC where a party or witness for the party is vulnerable and the vulnerability has required additional work to be undertaken and by reason of that additional work alone, the claim for an amount that is 20% greater than the amount of the FRC

CONCLUSION

The introduction of the FRC marks a significant shift in legal costs recovery for civil litigation claims. The above should not be taken nor used as legal advice. n

If you do require assistance with any civil dispute please do contact Martin Hall on 0117 973 3989 or by emailing info@amdsolicitors.com. Alternatively you can call into one of our four Bristol offices:

100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, BS9 4JZ

15 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4DS

139 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, BS8 2PL

2 Station Road, Shirehampton, BS11 9TT

DIVINE CONVERSION

Top

names in interior design

have turned this former 19th-century chapel and manse into an exceptional modern home

Words by Ursula Cole

We’re back in North Wraxhall territory again – and why wouldn’t we be? This peaceful hamlet in the Cotswolds Area of Natural Beauty is just18 miles from Bristol, yet couldn’t be more rural, with more than its fair share of characterful period homes.

Chapel House is a lovely example. The 19th-century Grade-II former chapel and manse has had new life breathed into its old stones, with the two buildings now joined by a modern glass walkway. They have been meticulously and respectfully restored over the past four years – not merely by specialist builders and craftspeople, but with design touches from the founder of London and New York studio nune, which abides by the belief that thoughtful design contributes to wellbeing. Just looking at these pages instils a sense of peace; we can only imagine how restful it would be to live here.

The cumulative result is the kind of home you see in interior design magazines left open on coffee tables. There’s a big emphasis on soft, restful neutrals, while the pale wooden tures and classic yet minimal design give Nordic interiors a run for their money.

The house has exceptional eco-credentials too; the entire site was re-roofed and re-plumbed; discreet secondary glazing was added to the original windows, there’s a high e ciency heat pump and under oor heating and new insulation installed throughout.

The chapel and manse were built in around 1862. Prior to its conversion, Historic England described them as an “unaltered rural chapel group on an

unusually isolated site,” and as you approach it along a quiet country lane the rst thing that strikes you is the wonderfully quiet, rural position, with views stretching far across neighbouring elds.

Like all the best homes, it has numerous entrances. Back from a muddy country walk A door to the side opens into a boot room. eceiving guests Welcome them through the original chapel door, set at the end of a nepeta-lined path through the front garden. Another door, at the front of the manse, opens to a hall leading to a ground- oor bedroom, though it goes without saying that you could easily put the space to any use.

Within the old chapel, a bright double-height room with vaulted cathedral ceilings and deep-set arched sash windows has now become a kitchen, with hand-crafted oak cabinetry and free-standing workstations; there’s the bo -tickingly essential Aga, and dining and living areas loosely organised in opposite corners of the room.

A playroom and shower room complete the chapel renovation, while the glass walkway connects it to the manse, opening en route to an inner courtyard which provides a charming space for summer dining; we’d ag up the advantages of its privacy were it not for the fact that all the outdoor space is so blissfully secluded.

A panelled living room has elegant shuttered windows and a log-burning stove; a second reception has a stone replace, also tted with a log-burner. A third room, currently a bedroom, might be equally ideal as an o ce. wo double bedrooms lie above, along with a tranquil limewashed bathroom with a terracotta- tiled oor and zellige tiles on the wall; nally at lower-ground level there’s a ft basement area.

Outside, dry-stone walls, trees and mature hedging enclose the garden and wild ower meadow, designed by leading landscape architect Marian Boswall and planted with aromatic indigenous plants in a soft palette which atters the otswold stone; a pond creates an ideal habitat for all manner of insects, reptiles and mammals.

Fruit trees including apple, pear and cherry, along with walnut and hazelnuts, promise a delicious harvest, and support a newly built treehouse by reehouse Life.

A terrace by the side entrance, bordered by beds of herbaceous perennials, is perfect for a morning coffee among the echinacea, salvia, verbena, prairie-style grasses and beds of white cosmos. A new carport has been built by stonemasons, and there’s a fast electric car charger in the driveway.

Set among this quintessential English idyll is a luxurious contemporary addition: an elegant natural and sustainably-heated swimming pool by Water Artisans.

hapel ouse is perfectly positioned for easy access to the Wiltshire and omerset countryside; astle ombe is only ve minutes away as is Lucknam ark with its spa and a Michelin Star restaurant, although with gardens and views like these, we see very little motivation for ever leaving your own beautiful back yard.

HOUSE NUMBERS

Guide price

£1.65m

Receptions 3-4, plus 27ft

living/dining/kitchen area

Bedrooms 2-3

Bathroom/shower rooms 2 What else?

Basement; car port

Outside Beautifully landscapesd gardens with meadow, pond and sustainably heated swimming pool; inner courtyard

Call my agent: Inigo Homes www.inigo.com

BRISTOL LIVES JUST VISITING

FREDDIE HAYES

The

clown and puppet-maker is trying out her new show and alter-ego, The Magic Lady – catch her at

Having wowed the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022 with Potatohead, Freddie’s currently nessing her latest show and alter-ego. The Magic Lady, we learn, was formerly a glamorous assistant, but now it’s her turn for a moment in the spotlight.

“Expect a totally unhinged onstage presence and outrageous writing,” says Freddie.

What’s with all the puppetry?

I have always loved puppets. My older sister taught me how to make them from everyday objects as a child; a pair of tights, plant pots and matchboxes. I even presented a Punch & Judy puppet with a snapping crocodile as my nal piece for my s. or my foundation diploma I continued to make larger sculptural works which lent themselves to puppetry; I then decided to pursue a BA in puppetry.

Did you love puppets as a kid? Yes! I was taught to count by a monkey called Mop. He was my rst love.

The Wardrobe

What do puppets make possible that a non-puppetshow might not?

Puppets always seem to steal a show. You could take an old jacket, make it come to life and see how it moves like a human but is able to y, shapeshift and resurrect, creating beautiful, surreal moments on stage. An actor can try their best but a puppet can do the impossible. Puppets are also very cheeky and have such a charm that irts with the audience and immediately makes them fall in love with the inanimate object.

How is puppetry incorporated into your act?

The Magic Lady’s dark past alludes to her relationship with legends of the magic world, such as Houdini and Bobby Davro. There are small puppetry moments showing these memories.

How autobiographical is The Magic Lady?

he de nitely lives within my subconscious. The things she comes out with on stage

“An actor can try their best but a puppet can do the impossible”

sometimes shock even me. I will plan what I say on stage but my ad libs are totally powered by this inner eccentric, bold voice. I am quite a shy person at times and The Magic Lady is anything but shy. It’s freeing to be able to feel like I can say and do anything (within reason) as this powerful loon on stage.

What inspired the new show?

I have always been slightly terri ed of magicians, but do love the drama, seriousness and sass they have on stage. I wanted to use all the showbiz charisma of magicians but contrast that with my cluelessness for magic nesse.

Does showbiz run in the family?

My dad performed magic with his character, Johnny de Paris. His famous levitation trick has been passed down to me and will remain a secret within the family’s magic circle. My grandmother is also a strong character in uence. he was an artist, model, opera singer and o cial entertainer for the Monster Raving Loony Party. I have fond memories of being greeted by my eccentric granny smothered in bright red lipstick, in an oversized macintosh, holding several handbags around her neck, juggling as the train pulled into King’s Cross station. he was a true eccentric, and suppose you can’t really escape your genetics.

How do you make the puppets?

ometimes go rogue and carve into a block of foam and see what happens. Or I will spend a lot of time making prototypes and designs before making the nished products. ever underestimate the power of contact adhesive.

You’ve won awards – we’re intrigued by the Most Bizarre Moment in Theatre 2022, what was that for?

That was for Potatohead! My 2022

Edinburgh Fringe debut, which toured the UK. The show was a cataclysm of potato puns and an explosion of niche ’00s references including Gary Lineker, Cilla Black and Robbie Williams. It included puppetry, raunchy dances and self-professing moments of truth on stage told through a Faustian tale. The transition to magic was a very natural progression.

If you weren’t an entertainer, what would you be?

I would love to make more visual art. If I had more time I would be making paintings and sculptures on the reg. I would also love to learn to work with more advanced tools for metal and woodwork.

What job would you really suck at?

Policeperson. I don’t take life very seriously and I struggle to keep a straight face on stage, let alone in real life.

Secret skills?

I am freakishly strong.

Most regrettable habit?

I say “sorry” too much.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Joanna Lumley.

What’s the best and worst comment you’ve had about your work, and the worst?

I made an old Italian man cry tears of joy once, which was lovely. The worst would be genuine concern for my well being.

Any final words for the Bristol audience?

The Magic Lady is a joy to perform and I want to share the magic with as many people as possible. Come and see something completely idiotic, camp and deeply unhinged.

The Magic Lady (Work-In-Progress) shows at The Wardrobe on 29 June www.thewardrobetheatre.com