Shipshape 5 - Spring 2011

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Shipshape spring 2011

www.shipshapebristol.co.uk

Art, debAte, hArbourside & history Interviews

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Features

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Events

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The RummeR Rumme hoTel

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Cellar bar open, Friday and Saturday late

All Saints lane Bristol BS1 1Jh Tel: 0117 929 0111

Tucked away in the back alleys of the old City, The Rummer hotel not only boasts the most extensive spirit collection in the region, fine wines and local ales, but an eclectic menu of modern British dishes prepared by head Chef Greg mchugh from the freshest local ingredients.

Just remember to make a reservation during busy times... email: info@therummer.co.uk | www.therummer.co.uk

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contents

The Soil Association bought West Purifier House and Engine House, a smaller building with a prominent chimney, from Berkeley Homes in 2008. Both buildings are grade-II listed, making redevelopment far more expensive.

Welcome... ...to the spring issue of Shipshape. As we celebrate the coming of the new season, our thoughts naturally turn to rebirth and regeneration – in particular, the ongoing development of our beautiful Harbourside. While there is much to celebrate (not least, the opening of Bristol’s new museum, M Shed), some areas remain stubbornly barren. In this issue, we take a look at what the future holds for the Harbourside’s derelict buildings. As always, let us know what you think at www.shipshapebristol.co.uk

Empty promises page 10

Inside Arts & events 4 Things to see and do this quarter

Empty promises 10 The future for our derelict buildings

Getting around 16 Harbourside map & ferry guide

Arnolfini 18 We say happy 50th to the arts venue

Clockwise from above: Olly Slym welcomes us into The Ostrich (p21), Sistershow Revisited (p7), Bristol’s new pilot cutter (p23), Cosima Von Bonin at the Arnolfini until 25 April and Arnolfini’s 1985 exhibit, Graffiti Art (both p18)

I ❤ Harbourside 21 The Ostrich’s new landlord, Olly Slym

Pilot episode 23 RB Boatbuilding launches its new pilot cutter

M people 25 Bristol’s £27m museum opens this summer

Harbourside directory 26 The very best of the waterside

Harbourside walk 30 The Spike Island Loop Shipshape Magazine Issue 5, spring. Shipshape is published by The Group of Seven.

Editorial, design and production: thegroupofseven.co.uk Past issues and galleries: shipshapebristol.co.uk.

Advertising enquiries: The Clifton Agency: peter.robinson@thecliftonagency.com or 0117 908 9686.

Want to get involved in future issues of Shipshape magazine? Email us on info@shipshapebristol.co.uk Disclaimer The information contained in this publication is provided as a general guide only. While every care is taken to ensure that the details are as accurate as possible, we make no warranty or representation, express or implied, about the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication.

The views or opinions expressed in this publication are strictly those of the authors. The publishers and/or any of its associated companies or business partners accept no responsibility for damage or loss, howsoever caused, arising directly or indirectly from reliance upon any information obtained from this publication.

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arts & events

book ahead

Sparkling nights at Colston Hall Looking for some cultural inspiration? Colston Hall’s marketing team tell us the events they’re most looking forward to this quarter. More at colstonhall.org Mary Wilson Friday 11 March, 7.30pm, £25-£27.50 “Everyone in the office is talking about Mary Wilson’s [pictured] rare Bristol appearance – it’s not every day you get to see an original member of The Supremes perform the soundtrack of the 60s,” says Vicky Brazier, marketing officer at Colston Hall. “Especially looking forward to You Can’t Hurry Love!”

Seun Kuti Tuesday 19 April, 7.30pm, £5-£17.50 “Looking forward to catching Seun Kuti, whose father is the late, great Fela Kuti,” says marketing manager Sarah Hodson. “Seun’s new track Rise shows why he is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene.

He has definitely managed to fill his dad’s big boots as the king of Afrobeat.”

Talvin Singh Tuesday 19 April, 8pm, £14 “Talvin Singh packed out Colston Hall during the opening celebrations and we’re looking forward to welcoming the tabla-playing electro musician back,” says Nick Craney, operations manager. “Niladri Kumar, who plays the sitar, will join him for a performance of classical Indian music.”

Show of Hands Part of the Bristol Folk Festival 29 April-1 May, Adults: £75, Children 6-16/ students/over 65s: £65, Family Tickets (2 adults, 2 children): £230 (under 6s free) “We were lucky enough to see Show of Hands back in November, but to see them perform their traditional folk music as the headline act of the first Bristol Folk Festival in 32 years will make their songs sound even sweeter,” says Vicky.

cruise

Bristol Ferries Few would argue that cruising down the Avon Gorge is a delightful way to spend the day. But if you’re the type that demands more bang for your buck, why not sample one of Bristol Ferry Boat Company’s public trips? We’re particularly drawn to the wildlife cruise, where local expert Ed Drewitt educates passengers on the fauna found along the water. Delightful.

More: bristolferry.com four

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make spyglass’s dry-spiced roast mackerel with lime & tequila yoghurt and cucumber salad ingredients: 4 whole fresh mackerel, gutted & cleaned 2 cloves garlic 1 red chilli 1tsp cumin seed 1tsp coriander seed 1tsp turmeric powder 200g plain thick yoghurt Zest of 1 lime Dash tequila Cucumber Pinch of salt instructions: Wash the fish and score each side with three diagonal cuts into the flesh. Pat dry and rub with vegetable oil. Dry toast the whole spices in a clean pan until aromatic. In a pestle pound the garlic cloves and toasted spices and chilli until you have a coarse paste. Add the turmeric powder and loosen with a little oil if necessary. Rub the marinade into the scored fish and set aside for 20 minutes.

Heat an oven to 200°c, or heat a griddle or barbecue. peel and core the cucumber. Cut into chunks, put in a colander and sprinkle with salt. stir the lime zest into the thick yoghurt and thin with a little tequila. Season to taste. roast, griddle or barbecue the mackerel for 3 minutes each side until cooked through then rest. Serve with the rinsed drained cucumber salad and yoghurt dressing.

Spyglass reopens for business in the middle of March, serving up a range of delicious, fresh barbecue fare.

Visit spyglassbristol.co.uk More

Visit

Festival of Nature

Bristol Festival of Nature takes place on 18-19 June around the Harbourside. Shipshape asked Savita Custead, chief executive of Bristol Natural History Consortium, which runs the festival, to pick her top five highlights

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3D display from the BBC Natural History Unit Experience the natural world in a whole new way. Bristol’s very own BBC Natural History Unit will be organising a special display of their new 3D technology – come down and see the next generation of wildlife films and keep your eye out for some very special visitors.

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Sustainable Living Zone Straight from Olympia in London, this is the first large-scale show of its kind in the South West. In partnership with UK Aware and Forum for the Future, the Sustainable Living Zone will feature over 40 environmental businesses and technologies from across the region. Come and get great ideas and inspiration for your home.

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Wildlife Bee Garden The Festival of Nature will make the Harbourside wild this year with an extraordinary wildlife garden in the Amphitheatre. Join them in building bee nest boxes and planting seeds and take plenty of ideas home with you. There will also be an opportunity to pick up free seeds and buy plants at the festival.

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Bristol Zoo – 175 Tent Spot your first gorilla down at Millennium Square! Bristol Zoo is a regular at the Festival of Nature, with loads of activities for the whole family.

Celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2011, the Zoo tent will feature one of the large gorillas that will be on the streets of Bristol in summer 2011. Find out what you can do to help save gorillas across the world, and get your first picture with a soon-to-be-famous Bristol icon!

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The Green Forum Bristol’s green grassroots community, found in one zone, once a year. We all know that Bristol has a huge range of environmental organisations, from the big nationals to those supported by committed volunteers making a difference in the local community. For the ninth year, now supported by Bristol Water, you can find over 50 grassroots organisations across the festival site and in the Green Forum tent. Join a group, make a pledge or find a hobby you never knew you wanted. s More: bnhc.org.uk five

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Pop into the Bristol Tourist Information Centre, next door to Watershed Media Centre, for friendly advice and a great range of souvenirs

Accommodation bookings Tickets General advice and information Gifts Souvenirs Books Postcards Maps Travel guides Leaflets Brochures

E Shed, 1 Canons Road, BS1 5TX Tel: 0906 711 2191 (calls cost 50p per minute plus network extras) Email: ticharbourside@destinationbristol.co.uk www.visitbristol.co.uk

0117 927 3416 trips@bristolferry.com www.bristolferry.com

Opening Hours Open daily 10am–5pm (October–March); 10am–6pm (April–September)

Bookshop Café bar Dance Events Exhibitions Film Music Performance

All AboArd for A fun spring Theme your trip with one of our ‘nice to have extras’ or go for the whole new experience of Karaoke Afloat.

You can enjoy a simple fun cruise around the harbour visiting real ale pubs, take an educational tour with enlightening commentary, take to the river with a group of friends or a wedding party, entertain a delegation and then to make the difference go for the ‘nice to have extras’: bubbly and selected wines, lunch, picnic’s, flowers, wine tasting and of course – for a real fun time – Karaoke.

Whatever your event, do it with us on the water in 2011 and if you quote ‘Shipshape magazine ‘Spring 2011 edition’ you will receive a 10% discount off any of our 3 hour charters.

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16 NARROW QUAY, BRISTOL BS1 4QA

WWW.ARNOLFINI.ORG.UK

Free admission to exhibition spaces open from 11am Tue – Sun & Bank Holliday Mon Café Bar open daily from 10am Helena Almeida, Inhabited Painting 1976. Courtesy Collection Môdulo-Centro Difusor de Arte 10am

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arts & events

Celebrate

Sistershow Revisited NeWS HarbourSide bid An exciting proposal to introduce a Business Improvement District (BID) into the city’s Harbourside is being shared with over 120 businesses in the area. The BID is being proposed by Destination Bristol and led

by Harbourside project manager Zoe Sear.

“A BID is an opportunity for local businesses to join together and fund projects that would otherwise just not happen,” Zoe explains.

“Some cities’ BIDs focus on street furniture, cleaning, greening and policing; others are more marketing, events and promotions led. It really depends on what businesses in the area feel are most important to improving their business.”

Businesses make a contribution to the scheme based on their rateable value. The BID proposal captures the most popular ideas and suggestions from the businesses in the area. All will have a chance to vote, via a secret ballot, on whether they’d like the BID to go ahead. With the majority of businesses in the Harbourside gaining a substantial part of their income from visitors to the area, measures to generate more footfall are likely to prove popular.

“People have so many ideas, it would be great to have the funds to make even just a few of these a reality,” Zoe says. “The Harbourside is a special place, with an awful lot of untapped potential. A successful BID will help us make it an even better place to work, rest, live and play.”

The ballot for the Harbourside BID will take place during the month of May. If successful, the BID will run for five years and generate approximately £1.5million to be spent in the Harbourside area.

More harboursidebid.co.uk, zoe.sear@destinationbristol.co.uk

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The achievements of 40 years of feminism in our city will be celebrated in Sistershow Revisited this May, says Jane Mornement Sistershow was a Bristol feminist group who, from 1973-1975, used theatre to communicate political messages. And thanks to a £10,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Centrespace Gallery at 6 Leonard Lane will be converted into a feminist exhibition space from 7-26 May. The Women’s Liberation Movement spurred thousands of women to challenge sexism in their everyday lives. Many local groups emerged to support the movement, and Bristol was no different. Women were setting up women’s centres, self-publishing and finding new ways to spread the message. Sistershow was part of this and used humour, dramatics and art to explore the issues. They challenged stereotypes about the dungaree-wearing feminist while exploring gender and sexual identities. Sistershow Revisited will enable new audiences to take a fresh look at Bristol’s feminist past.

Project coordinator Deborah Withers says: “Sistershow is an important part of Bristol and UK feminist history that has so far been overlooked. Revisiting it will challenge stereotypes about feminism past and present.”

There will be a busy series of events to support the show, including talks from theatre historian Susan Croft and celebrated feminist Sheila Rowbotham, film screenings, a Pat VT West poetry event, music workshops, and a panel discussion at Watershed on 19 May as part of Bristol’s Festival of Ideas. s More: sistershowrevisited.wordpress.com

Congratulations to Bristol Book Market, which won the Best Small Market category in the Market of the Year 2011 awards. The market was launched back in October and runs on the first Sunday of the month on Wine Street. seven

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Bespoke wedding packages for your special day in one of Bristol’s most stunning settings Ring Events Manager Kirstie Urquhart on 0117 929 0704 to discuss your requirements or email events@glassboat.co.uk

Glassboat Welsh Back Bristol BS1 4SB 0117 929 0704 E restaurant@glassboat.co.uk W www.glassboat.co.uk

Bath’s Vegetarian Cookery School Enjoy cooking creative world food in the beautiful city

www.vegetariancookeryschool.com Vegetarian Cookery School, 6 Terrace Walk, Bath BA1 1LN Bookings 01225 427938 Email us@vegetariancookeryschool.com

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vegetarian cookery school

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arts & events

see Oh Mary Described as “just plain bloody brilliant” by Fi Read of The Cornishman, Bec Applebee’s new one-woman show follows the incredible story of Mary Bryant – Cornish highway woman, convict, mother and maritime adventurer. It’s a globetrotting, swashbuckling tale of love, escape, tragedy, redemption and the indomitable human spirit. With a specially commissioned soundtrack by Dalla and Radjel, and narrative

by BBC Radio 4’s Anna Murphy, Oh Mary runs from 15-19 March.

More

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cruise the Matthew Celebrating 15 years since its maiden voyage, the Matthew presents a summer sailing programme that could see you heading as far afield as southern Brittany. The aquatic adventures begin in March with a trip from Bristol to Southampton and continue at regular intervals throughout the summer with journeys from Plymouth to Falmouth (18-20 April), daytrips round the Isles of Scilly (3 and 4 May) and sheltered water sails in Falmouth (11-15 May).

The English Channel cruises take place on 23-29 May (Falmouth to Vannes) and 6-12 June (Vannes to Falmouth).

More

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learn

All About Us It cost a cool £1.5 million to create and features over 50 new hands-on exhibits, including real body parts. This March At-Bristol launches its exciting new exhibition, All About Us, which aims to give us all a better understanding of how the human body works Shipshape was invited to go behind the scenes as the At-Bristol team put the finishing touches to the Digestive Run exhibit, where visitors can feed a skeleton balls of food and see what happens to them as they make their way through the digestive system.

The exhibit was built by At-Bristol’s in-house team of designers and fabricators, led by exhibition director Dan Bird. “It’s been a real design challenge,” he says. “Researching the science to ensure the sculpture is accurate makes you realise just how amazing the human body is. The human digestive system provided the perfect opportunity to create a memorable and tangible representation of a real-life complex system.”

Designer Tom Macphail (pictured) has spent the past six months working on the exhibit and told us about his varied role at the science centre. “It encompasses everything from formulating a concept to realising the physical exhibit,” he says. “I find it very satisfying to see our visitors out on the floor being wowed by the exhibits on display and look forward to the launch of All About Us in March.”

In addition to Digestive Run, visitors will be able to see a baby developing in the womb, weigh a brain, determine their CO2 level, take part in ‘Live Lab’ science experiments (including dissections) and push their bodily balance to the brink.

The All About Us launch weekend takes place on 11-13 March. s More: at-bristol.org.uk

Turn to page 18 to read all about Arnolfini’s 50th birthday celebrations, arnolfini.org.uk nine

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E promis feature

The Shipshape spring investigation

While some areas of the Harbourside enjoy renovation and renewal, others are being left to rack and ruin. Mark Sayers investigates why certain buildings have remained derelict for so long and takes a look at the plans in the pipeline

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Empty ises feature

West Purifier House, on Canons Marsh, has been acquired for development

by Bristol’s Soil Association – they’re planning to turn the former gas works into their new national headquarters

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Walk

around Bristol’s Harbourside in 2011 and you’ll find a very mixed picture.

Development has been all-consuming in some areas – on some of the plush housing complexes, for example, like Spike Island’s The Point or Capricorn Quay on the Hotwells side. Other areas – take much of the southern side between the ss Great Britain and the new M Shed museum project, for example – have seen much gentler development. But then there are the areas that haven’t really found a new lease of life at all – places like Redcliffe Wharf which, bar an admittedly worldclass boatyard that built the replica of the Matthew, has remained a largely unloved open space. Or Wapping Wharf, the slab of land between Cumberland Road and the new museum, still a vast car park seven years after it was purchased by its current developers. So just what are the plans for these places – and why has the pace of change been so much slower in some areas? arrested development

Down at Wapping Wharf, there’s a development project on the table: it has simply been hamstrung by a depressed development market. The biggest stretch of harbour still awaiting regeneration, Wapping Wharf began life as a rail coal depot. In the 1980s, still under British Rail ownership, the Wharf became a temporary open car park, with its various Cumberland Road properties put to various warehouse uses. In 2004 BR sold it to current owners Umberslade, who in 2009 secured an outline planning consent for a mixed development of housing (650 units), offices and small-scale retail. The scheme was intended to provide much of the public space around M Shed, as well as a cash contribution to the museum itself. The economic slowdown has stalled this development, with Umberslade struggling to raise the finance to start it and currently looking for a development partner.

The vision, though, is still there.

“Our vision is to produce a high-quality, interesting and individual development – something unique to Harbourside, comfortable with its location at Spike Island, a bit quirky, not run of the mill,” explains Umberslade’s Stuart Hatton.

“The recession has not helped, funds have been rapidly curtailed, and that’s stifled our ability to get on and develop. But we are currently talking very seriously to some possible partners, and hoping to get on as soon as possible.”

Have plans changed during the delay? “Last March the plan was for a

residentially led programme, but we’ll have to be flexible with our approach and if we’re successful in negotiations it may have a larger commercial content.”

And what will the new builds look like when they come? “The development needs to respect the history of the harbour, which historically has had large, warehouse-style buildings,” says Stuart. “It would have a modern design that reflects the site and also Bristol generally, which has a kind of visual quirkiness.” Plans include a pedestrian walkway linking Cumberland Road with a new public square next to M Shed. Here, a feeling of place and of neighbourhood will be key.

“We’d like the square to have a community feel: rather than multinational brands, we’d like to see small, independent, local brands – cafes, bars, a nice flower shop, wine shop, deli, good corner shop opening early… giving it a proper neighbourhood feel. We want to build a community, and we think that adding value isn’t just about getting the big names in.”

Umberslade acquired the site seven years ago: planning permission was several years in coming, then came the recession.

“But I hope this spring will bring good news, that we’ll find partners and make a detailed planning application, and perhaps start building in 2012.”

the soil association bought West Pictured below DeeleyaFreed purifier houseleft: anddevelopers engine house, plan to convert the with East Purifier House on smaller building a prominent Canons Marsh a mixed-use retail, chimney, frominto berkeley homes in restaurant and residential site; the all-new Boathouse (left), 2008. both buildings are grade-ii meanwhile, will house flats abovefar and retail/ listed, making redevelopment restaurant units below. “It’s pretty much the more expensive.

best waterfront site left undeveloped in Bristol,” comments DF’s David Freed.

the future’s bright?

Over at Redcliffe Wharf, the story is one of relative silence, interrupted by sporadic bursts of activity. But that could all be changing soon. A short distance from the beautiful, mediaeval St Mary Redcliffe Church, Redcliffe Wharf has a long history and unique character – it was, for instance, the location of one of the city’s old glassworks

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“Sometimes it’s not a bad thing for people to pause and think about what’s the right thing to do – maybe we’re going through one of those pauses at the moment” George Ferguson

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from as far back as the 16th century. Then, during the 19th century, it was the base for the Lucas Brothers who traded with West Africa for palm oil, a staple in the manufacture of soap. Existing buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries – some of the oldest on the docks – and have strict preservation guidelines in place. The Wharf is owned by Bristol City Council, and numerous attempts have been made to secure a development over the past 40 years.

“Extensive consultation with the local community, and a development partner selected by competitive process, has resulted in a clear planning and development brief which the preferred developer has been preparing a scheme around,” a council spokesman told Shipshape. “Here is a classic example of the council, as landowner, making sure that the best development solution is found, rather than ‘fast re-animation’. In the meantime, a number of attractive and innovative temporary uses have been found for the site – including building the Matthew in 1995/96 and the Bristol Urban Beach event in summer 2007.”

“With the right attitude that site could become an absolutely brilliant focus of activity,” comments George Ferguson, architect, entrepreneur and long-term advocate of sympathetic harbour regeneration. “But it needs people to take a long-term view, rather than making a fast buck by selling to the highest bidder.

It should be about who’s got the best idea rather than the most money, because the best idea will eventually become worth more.

It’s what we’ve done here at the Tobacco Factory [the former Wills’ cigarette factory in Southville that George helped to transform into a busy multi-use venue]: I could have made a fast buck on a block of apartments, but we had a long-term plan to revitalise the area with a theatre, bar, offices, markets and so forth.”

Overall, though, George is happy with the pace of change around the harbour, and counsels caution over change for its own sake. “Sometimes it’s not a bad thing for people to pause and think about what’s the right thing to do – maybe we’re going through one of those pauses at the moment. It’s good that there are still some opportunities around the docks – it would be awful if there were none left. And personally, I quite like the fact that parts of the Harbourside are still a bit weedy and rough – we don’t want it all sanitised.

The delay and dereliction represent an opportunity for us to get it right.”

Continued on page 14...

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chocolate harbour

One new Harbourside arrival, channelling a very distinctive part of Bristol’s trading past, looks to be coming on stream soon.

Entrepreneur Laurence Trackman is looking at buildings around the waterfront to house Chocolate Harbour, his shrine to the world’s favourite snack food, which has deep, yet relatively little-known, links to Bristol. “Chocolate originated in the Gulf of Mexico some 5,000 years ago, where it was consumed as a drink, but it wasn’t until 1847 in a factory overlooking Bristol harbour that chocolate was first solidified [by Joseph Fry] and the chocolate bar invented,” Laurence explains.

His plan is for a multi-million-pound facility containing a permanent exhibition, restaurant, gift emporium, artisan chocolate factory and more. “Chocolate visitor centres are popular around the world, and it’s astonishing that up until now no one has created one in chocolate’s birthplace.

The country’s top exhibition designers are competing to win this very high-profile job, as are restaurant operators.”

A hardened social entrepreneur with many years’ experience in Bristol, Laurence is realistic about the challenge he and his co-directors have taken on. “It’s not an ideal time to launch a multi-million scheme, but I took the view from the outset that public funding would not be the way forward.

Now we’ve secured an offer to provide the entire funding for the project from a highly respected ethical investment institution, and we expect to firm up on the premises shortly as we complete the financial formalities.

We would like to start work on site by the summer.”

Further west, one section of the Harbourside is readying itself for good news. On Canons Marsh, either side of the walled alleyway of Gas Works Lane, sits a collection of stone buildings, a former gas works. To the west of the lane is the smaller West Purifier House, which Bristol’s Soil Association has acquired for development as their new national headquarters, including education facilities and a café/ restaurant. Across the lane, currently clad in green metal stabilising rods, is the larger East Purifier House, originally part of the Crest Nicholson development site and subsequently sold to developers Deeley Freed. They plan to build a brand-new building – the Boathouse – and have planning consent for predominantly residential use on most of the East Purifier building, with retail and/or restaurants on the ground floor. fourteen

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As at Wapping Wharf, there have been hold-ups here. “Planning consent took a long time and then the market crashed – we’ve had no offers from occupiers so it’s been impossible to fund the developments,” explains DF’s David Freed. “We are working up our designs, going through the pre-application consultation, and I would hope that in the next three months we’ll be ready to put a planning application together and hoping we could be on site before the year is ended.

“We’re desperate to get it going,” he says. “It’s pretty much the best waterfront site left undeveloped in Bristol – and it’ll be brilliant for the Harbourside because it’ll be one more part of the jigsaw completed, and one more step towards the complete walk around the harbour.”

Over at the Purifier West site, sustainable developers Vertigo are gearing up towards their own planning application for the new HQ for the Soil Association, who bought the site from Berkeley Homes in 2008. SA owns the West Purifier and the Engine House, a smaller building with a prominent chimney.

“Both buildings and the boundary wall are grade-II listed, so the plan is to create a new building that tucks up against the wall and incorporates the Engine House, which would house the Soil Association’s current needs,” explains Vertigo’s Mike Roberts. “Then the West Purifier – linked to the new building around a courtyard – will be let to third parties in the first instance, before becoming a longer-term expansion for the Soil Association.

They see it very much as a permanent home.”

Why has the Purifier site area lain fallow for so long? “Part of it is down to the presence of listed buildings: there was quite a cost involved in bringing those buildings back into use,” Mike explains. “These buildings have gone to the back of the queue in the ongoing Harbourside redevelopment because they are difficult and expensive sites.

Developing listed buildings is far more of an expense and a headache than building from scratch. Plus, of course, historically the sites were heavily contaminated – Crosby decontaminated the sites, but they are still quite expensive to develop.”

Much remains to be done, but Mike is hopeful. “Our first two presentations have been well received, so we’re heading in the right direction. We start from a strong position in that we’re trying to bring wellloved, historic sites back into beneficial use.”

And on what timescale? “Planning is the next hurdle, and beyond that funding will be an issue. But, if funding can be found, we could be on site next year.”

increased activity

Rob Salvidge, skipper of the Matthew and a lifelong lover of Bristol’s dockside culture, would like to see more activity, whether permanent or temporary, in those sites still awaiting development. “I’ve travelled to a lot of UK port cities undergoing regeneration – Dublin, Cardiff, Liverpool, Swansea – and they are all grappling with the same issues: what to do with the old quaysides, how to mix maritime with modern leisure. By and large, in Bristol, we’ve found good solutions, but now we’ve ended up with a few key sites, a bit like gappy teeth, which we need to do something about.”

Is he frustrated by the pace of change, then? “Yes and no. On the one hand, it’s good that things have been piecemeal and taken time, because it means there’s time to think things over, to let things develop before deciding what to do with the next bit. Had the Harbourside development been a bit more wholesale, we could have had another Lewins Mead [the area connecting the Centre and Broadmead, redeveloped in the 1970s and now dominated by tall office blocks and busy main roads]. Saying that, now that an idea of ‘The Harbourside’ is firmly established, it’s really important to get on with some of the obvious sites that are becoming increasing eyesores – places like Redcliffe Wharf, or Wapping Wharf, which it will be so important to have up and running with M Shed opening this summer.”

Rob cites the O&M Shed (formerly the Children’s Scrapstore), at the junction of Welsh Back and Redcliffe Bridge, as a prime missed opportunity. “That’s a fabulously useful building which is in poor repair, and now half derelict, used for a bit of parking.”

The Bristol Ferry Boat Company and others, including Bath Ales and the Olive Shed, put together a low-key regeneration project for the building. “We wanted to get together and do something nice, including an indoor market. In fact the option to develop went to a property company from Birmingham, who have not gone forward with their plans because they pitched their bid at a top-end property and leisure bar market which, in my opinion, was not sustainable.

That’s a classic example of a place where good things could be happening, but which is now sitting there not doing anything.”

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Rob’s also in favour of getting something going at nearby Redcliffe Wharf. “That is another place where there have been lots of ‘ums’ and ‘aahs’, starts and stops.

I’m not bashing the council – I know it’s a complicated process and a very sensitive site, with St Mary Redcliffe, the Quaker Burial Ground and the historic boatbuilding. But while you wait for the perfect development, why not make it easier for local arts groups, markets, whatever bursts of enthusiasm that come along, to use those spaces, rather than having to go through all these planning hoops? With a bit more boldness, we could make things happen. People might not like taking risks, but the history of success in Bristol has been about taking large risks.

Just look at Brunel and the Suspension Bridge, or the Georgian crescents built by speculative builders.” the right answer

“Redcliffe Wharf is one of a number of sites where we are working hard to get the right answer,” responds councillor Anthony Negus, executive member for Strategic Housing and Regeneration. “We’ve done a fantastic amount of consultation with residents and interested parties in order to raise its quality and contribution to the Harbourside as a whole, rather than the assets of one particular company. It is also one of the most iconic sites in Bristol – the view from Princes Bridge to St Mary Redcliffe is an absolutely essential part of Bristol – and we have got to get it right.

“We do have a vision for the Harbourside, which is constantly reinvigorated, and our vision is to make it an exciting place to be in the heart of Bristol. We’ve got to make the best use of some of the historic buildings and stitch in some other exciting things and make sure people get the best experience of what is effectively the biggest park – if you include the water – certainly in Bristol, and perhaps in the country.”

But with these derelict buildings and sites, is it important to sit and wait for the perfect tenant, or to animate them in the short term?

“There are lots of examples of buildings that we have kept animated, even though the solutions weren’t planned to be long term, and which have been a great success. The building that houses the Mud Dock, for example, was scheduled for demolition in the mid-1990s.

When that didn’t look like happening, we encouraged a temporary use to keep it alive, and that’s been a tremendous success.

“We don’t want things just closed and boarded up waiting for perfect development, but on the other hand, I don’t favour just getting something built so we can get some money in and get the site tidied up. On each site, I want to make sure we get something that will last 100, 200, 300 years. We have to look forward.”

Won’t the temptation, though, always come from property developers able to stump up higher asking prices than a neighbourhood restaurant, art space or market? “I really don’t believe that has a fundamental impact on the way we do things. If we were simply trying to raise as much capital as possible, we’d have covered the harbour in tower blocks by now.

Spike Island [art space] is a great example of where we could have gone for something that would have made more money, but saw the importance of keeping alive the area’s working heritage. There have been pressures on Underfall Yard [the working boatyard at the harbour’s western edge], but we’ve resisted.

We’ve got to keep this balance right.” s There will be a public consultation on the Soil Association/Purifier House development project on Wednesday 9 March, 4-7pm at City of Bristol College, St George’s Road, Bristol BS1 5UA.

Other sites awaiting renOvatiOn the patch of waste ground between arnolfini and architecture Centre is owned

by Samuel Smith brewery. Says George Ferguson: “It’s a peach of a site, and could be a really good contemporary building – perhaps with retail on the ground floor and offices or accommodation above.”

❉ the building that was formerly home to Baja, one of the empty premises along the Watershed/Millennium Square stretch, belongs to Friends Provident, who let it to Punch Taverns, who in turn let it to Baja.

Baja closed in 2009, leaving Punch Taverns with the lease. A suitable tenant is still to be found.

❉ neighbours huller house and the Cheese warehouse, respectively a listed brick warehouse and a concrete building on Redcliff Backs near Redcliffe Bridge, are among the last of the old waterside warehouses to be converted. Both are now in private ownership awaiting development, with planning consent for conversion of Huller House and redevelopment of the Cheese Warehouse to 41 residential flats with commercial, retail or restaurant units on the ground floor and a waterfront walkway arcaded beneath the building. “They have been derelict for a long time, and have been in and out of several planning applications,” says Redcliffe architect and community voice Keith Hallett. “Each time the council puts it out to tender there’s been a promise that development would revitalise the area.” In fact, says Keith, what goes on behind the buildings could be just as crucial as their pretty waterside frontages.

“Behind the buildings is a grimy, grotty car park. You could actually put up another fine building there and create a small civic square, with cafes and shops, which would really bring life back to that street.”

Pictured clockwise from top: Macarthur’s warehouse; the O&M shed; huller house and the Cheese warehouse.

Shipshape

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fifteen

28/2/11 10:01:37

harbourside map & ferry guide

getting around the harbourside if you’re not familiar with the area (or even if you’re just looking for a little inspiration), our map will help you plan your trip and move around the harbourside with ease. use it to find where you are in relation to some of the area’s best-loved landmarks, identify which ferry stops are the most convenient for your journey and locate some of this season’s most exciting events

sightseeing

to mark its 50th anniversary (see feature on page 18), contemporary arts venue Arnolfini is hosting a packed schedule of exhibitions and events, covering art, music, film, live performance and more. this quarter you can hear the “haunting, original and magnificent” (the Guardian) music of the Unthanks (Mon 21 Mar), see the ‘self-portraits’ of Arnolfini created by artist Neil Cummings (ongoing), join in with the ‘reuse, remake and re-enact’ family activities (Sat 30 Apr) and watch Deborah Pearson in her live performance of Like You Were Before (Sat 7 & Sun 8 May).

More

City Sightseeing Bristol runs open-top bus tours of the city, from the historic harbourside up to Bristol Zoo in Clifton and beyond.

Running from mid-March to the end of October, the tours last for an hour and a quarter but you can hop on and off as you please. Harbourside stops can be found at the CReAte Centre, Baltic Wharf, Brunel’s ss Great Britain, At-Bristol, Prince Street and Bristol Bridge More

ARNOlfiNi ANNiveRSARy eveNTS

arnolfini.org.uk

brunel’s ss Great britain – world-famous

Capricorn Quay l

citysightseeingbristol.co.uk Mardyke l

l Grain Barge

Brunel’s ss Great Britain (for Spike Island) l

at-bristol – interactive science centre

Marina l

Mille (for l Pump House (for Suspension Bridge)

l Marina

croSS harbour ferry

Jacks Brasserie l

l Nova Scotia (for CReAte Centre, Lockside and tobacco Factory)

l The Cottage

l Olive Shed

Hotwells Route Temple Meads Route Sightseeing – see panel Spike Island – creative hub and great café sixteen

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Shipshape

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harbourside map & ferry guide

Go by boat!

DOn’T MISS bRISTOl GIG Club

Summer is just around the corner and from April both the Bristol Ferry Boat Company’s RED and bluE services run daily. RED departures commence from 10.30am at the city centre and bluE departures start from 10.10am at Temple Meads.

Bristol Ferry Boat ferries are like a bus (a waterbus even), so use them to jump on and get to your favourite attraction, cafe, restaurant, pub or workplace, or simply to enjoy a circular tour taking in the great sights and sounds of this amazing historic harbour. There’s lots to see: swans, geese, a whole array of unusual boats of varying shapes and sizes, St Mary Redcliffe’s spire, Cabot Tower, stunning views towards Ashton Court and Clifton – a vista feast, in fact! See also their entry on page 26.

For full details and timetable visit: www.bristolferry.com Castle Park (for Cabot Circus, Broadmead) l

The Rummer – cocktail bar

bristol bridge (for St Nicholas Market) l

Located at Underfall Boat Yard, Bristol Gig Club (BGC) promotes the sport of pilot gig racing, a pulseraising pursuit where competing crews race Cornish pilot gigs over a distance of two-and-a-half miles. If it sounds rather fearsome, fear not, says Jerry Boaden, Men’s Vets Coordinator at BGC. “Crews race at all levels of ability and some are more competitive than others. We actually have a larger ladies’ membership than men’s and are setting up a junior/youth rowing section. Some of our members are quite happy with just a bit of training around the harbour – and a drink after, of course.” For Jerry, however, it’s the heritage that really got him hooked. “I had seen the beautiful hand-built gigs around Cornwall and saw there was a bit of history to the sport,” he says. “The boats are based on a 200-year-old design and built meticulously using traditional techniques.

They’re absolutely beautiful and a real pleasure to row and race. Our vets had the honour of rowing the gig ‘Bonnet’ at last year’s World Championships, which is nearly 200 years old – a real piece of history. Plus the regattas are in the most fantastic places all around the South West coast. It really is a fantastic summer sport.”

Glassboat – fantastic views

MORE

City Centre (for Colston Hall, Cathedral, Park St and main bus routes) l

Glassboat l

bristolgigclub.co.uk, 07837 309772

St Nicholas Market – spectacular

Temple bridge l l l Redcliff backs Welsh back (for Old Vic and Renato’s)

Temple Quay (for Temple Meads train station) l

l Spyglass

l Watershed bristol Visitor Information Centre

l The Apple

River Grille l l Shore bordeaux Quay l

Spyglass – re-opens mid-March Watershed – media and arts centre

l Architecture Centre

Millennium Square (for At-Bristol and Bristol Aquarium) l

l Arnolfini

l Thekla Mud Dock l

l Myristica

Severnshed l l Riverstation Arnolfini – happy birthday!

l Prince Street (for The Louisiana)

serie l

l M Shed

l bathurst basin The Ostrich l

Shed

M Shed – opening 17 June Shipshape

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The Ostrich – arguably bristol’s best alfresco pint

Look out for the summer issue of Shipshape - available across the Harbourside from 6 June five

28/2/11 11:28:09

AR F feature

A is for… artists

The exhibition Minky Manky, held at Arnolfni in 1995, included work by ‘Young British Artists’ Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. A decade earlier, the venue showcased some of Bristol’s best graffiti artists in the show Graffiti Art (left) – these included 3D, or Robert Del Naja, a member of the Wild Bunch and later Massive Attack. The Wild Bunch performed at the exhibition.

F is for… firsts

The first exhibition to be held at Arnolfini was of works on paper by Josef Herman and paintings by Bristol-based artist Peter Swan. Magnum photographer and Bristol resident Martin Parr first exhibited at Arnolfini in 1974.

The first film screening of Wallace and Gromit was held here in the 1980s.

Arnolfini turns 50 this year. To celebrate, Shipshape takes a look at some of their finest moments over the past half-century. To find out more about their year-long schedule of celebrations, visit arnolfini.org.uk

R is for… redesign

Architect David Chipperfield redesigned Arnolfini’s interior spaces in 1987, collaborating with artist Bruce McLean on the now legendary cafébar design. The building closed in 2003 to undergo a two-year facelift, costing £12m, that saw the galleries extended, access improved and a new dance and theatre studio built.

The café-bar was also transformed with new seating and décor.

I is for… independent

Arnolfini is one of Europe’s leading independent contemporary arts organisations.

Since its foundation in 1961, it has gained an international reputation for presenting innovative, experimental work.

I is also for ‘Independent Cinema’. In 1975 Arnolfini presented the first Festival of British Independent Cinema.

It also plays host to Inbetween Time Festivals (alongside Brief Encounters short film festival and Bristol Artists Book Events).

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O NL feature

RI N is for… new

There’s plenty to see in 2011, including the first UK exhibit

by German artist Cosima Von Bonin (below, until 25 April) and an exhibition by abstract painter Gillian Ayres (12 May-3 July), who shows new work alongside her piece Break-Off, 1961 – which, incidentally, was painted the year Arnolfini was established.

N N is for... the name

Arnolfini was named after Jan van Eyck’s 15th-century painting ‘The Arnolfini Portrait’, which hangs in the National Gallery.

N is also for ‘National collections’: gallery five, on the second floor, can be climactically controlled, meaning it can display art from the National’s collections.

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O is for…

O’Connell

Or, more specifically, Eilis O’Connell, whom Arnolfini commissioned to work alongside engineers Arup and Partners to help create the landmark Pero’s Bridge that links Narrow Quay and Bordeaux Quay on the Harbourside.

L is for…

London Life

Arnolfini worked with the business in 1983 to commission new work

by Patrick Caulfield for the entrance to their offices on Temple Street. Caulfield’s mural touched on many of the traditional trading commodities from Bristol’s seafaring past, including sherry, cotton, glass and tobacco.

I is for… influential

Artist Mark Titchner was nominated for the Turner Prize following his It Is You exhibition held here. A limited-edition print, It Is You That I Love (right), depicting the Tate Modern on fire, was commissioned to accompany the show.

Other Turner Prizenominated artists to hold shows at Arnolfini include Liam Gillick, Mona Hatoum, Peter Doig and Rachel Whiteread.

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28/2/11 13:14:55

Spring promotions at the Lido Spring Spa Days All 1 hour spa treatments £50.

Mon-Fri only, 9am-5pm.

This offer runs for the duration of March and April.

Swim & Dine Package Enjoy use of the pool before sitting down for a 2 course meal in the Lido restaurant. £30 per person, choose from 2 sittings at 6:30pm or 9pm (excludes drinks).

lido

restaurant, spa & pool

Sunday Lunch at the Lido With sumptuous dishes like charcoal grilled Cote du Boeuf and whole roast Suckling Pig, it’s the alternative to the traditional Sunday lunch.

Full details of all these promotions at www.lidobristol.com Spa bookings: 0117 933 9530 Restaurant bookings: 0117 933 9533

join us at bristol’s home of world class, groundbreaking, heart-stoppingly great classical music thursday 17 march bournemouth symphony orchestra Nicola Benedetti performs Szymanowski’s violin concerto no 1 wednesday 27 april philharmonia orchestra Lorin Maazel takes us on a journey with Mozart and Mahler saturday 26 march bristol choral society: victorian treasures With the New Bristol Sinfonia. Programme includes Elgar, Stanford

thursday 14 april bournemouth symphony orchestra and the bso chorus Featuring classics by Karl Jenkins, who is now the most performed living composer in the world wednesday 18 may bolshoi symphony orchestra A fairytale ending to the 2010-11 classical season: Prokofiev’s Cinderella

rock&pop • classical • leftfield • comedy

box office +44 (0)117 922 3686 www.colstonhall.org

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feature

Hello Olly. When did you take charge at the Ostrich?

I started my reign at the end of January after working as assistant manager at the Shakespeare Tavern [on Prince Street] and running a pub in Brislington. I’ve been working in the trade since I was 16. My father and I planned to run our own pub in the future so he sent me off to get as much experience as I could before we took that step. Unfortunately he passed away in 2007 but I’m still determined to carry on and hope to own my own business after making the Ostrich a massive success.

Were you always a fan of the Ostrich?

I’m a massive fan. I spent many summer afternoons sitting in the pub having a cheeky pint (after work, mind) and always thought this pub

I ❤ Harbourside Olly Slym talks to Shipshape about his new role as landlord of the Ostrich Inn and his hopes for our historic harbour

was for me – then, lo and behold, it came up at the most perfect time. After a long recruitment process, I got the gig I always wanted: a lovely traditional pub in the most perfect Harbourside location with so much potential.

What are your plans for the place?

I’m going to take each day as it comes, really. I have a few surprises up my sleeve but my main aim is to bring the atmosphere back into this old gem. I feel like it’s slightly lost its va-va-voom but with a bit of a clean and reorganisation, this pub could really be put back on the map.

We’re planning to have a Wednesday night quiz starting in March and hope to do an early Sunday papers opening time with cheap breakfasts and coffees for the locals. Our chef Carl also wants to show off his skills with some specials on the menu. There’ll also be cider and ale festivals along with some jazz and acoustic music… not at the same time, mind.

Are you a fan of the Harbourside?

I absolutely love it. Bristol is a lovely city and the Harbourside makes it even better. It’s full of history and character with a hint of modern thrown in. The boatbuilders and sailors give the place a real sense of community and the locals are amazing. It’s a little area of tranquillity in the busy city centre.

There’s also a story to tell at every turn: the caves really spark my imagination and having the opening of one of the Redcliffe caves inside the pub makes the place even more special.

Any favourite spots around the harbour?

Obviously I’m a pub man and love many of the places along the harbour: The Ostrich, Shakespeare Tavern, The Merchants Arms, etc.

I used to love to walk to Ashton Gate to watch Bristol City play (and probably lose). Walking from the M Shed past Brunel’s Buttery for that ‘lucky’ sarnie then down to the ss Great Britain is a cracking short walk with lots to look at and discuss.

What one thing would significantly improve the area?

More boats! Allowing

Shipshape

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or attracting more boats into the Harbourside would improve the community, bring money into local businesses and make it a more bustling area to live and work in.

How do you feel about the redevelopment?

I like it – redevelopment in moderation is good. My only concern is that if they keep building new modern flats and tower blocks it could look too much like Benidorm. They should focus on redeveloping older buildings like the M Shed and the hospital.

What are your hopes for your corner of the Harbourside?

I just hope that I can try and tidy it up! I have some amazing plans for the summer and we’re aiming to redevelop the outside area of the Ostrich. We have money to spend and hope to bring in new garden furniture and gazebos to accompany a big new barbecue we’ve just invested in. My hope is that the powers that be follow the same route and repair all the broken jetties around our side of the harbour.

Final orders?

I’d like to thank everyone for their help over the past few weeks and hope everyone can pop into the Ostrich for a good time. And if you say “gurt lush” next time you order food, we’ll ensure you get 20% off your entire food bill.

Cheers! s twenty one

25/2/11 16:18:21

Summer star ts here

Opening mid-March Spyglass Barbecue & Grill Welsh Back • Bristol • BS1 4SB Tel: 0117 927 7050 www.spyglassbristol.co.uk

Celebrate your special day onboard Bristol’s famous sailing ship Trips

l

Hire

l

C o r p o r aT e f u n C T i o n s

0 1 1 7 9 2 7 6 8 6 8 i n f o @ m a t t h e w. c o . u k w w w. m a t t h e w. c o . u k

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28/2/11 09:20:30

feature

Pilot episode On 31 January, RB Boatbuilding launched its new replica pilot cutter.

We spoke to boatbuilder John Raymond-Barker about their plans for her On a grey and damp morning at the end of January, RB Boatbuilding of Bristol’s new replica Bristol Channel pilot cutter, Edith Gray, was winched out of her shed at Underfall Boatyard and onto the shimmering waters of the Floating Harbour. If you missed the event, chances are you’ll catch a sight of the 38ft-long vessel over the coming months.

“Hopefully she’ll become a familiar sight in and around the waterfront,” says boatbuilder John Raymond-Barker. “The build has been speculative as we didn’t have a commission and, as the build progressed, so did the plan to keep hold of this vessel and charter it.”

So they set up a company called Wild Sailing, which will offer people the chance to experience life aboard a pilot cutter on a variety of sailing adventures.

“Chartering is to be focused at least part of the year in the challenging waters of the Bristol Channel,” John continues, “but we also hope to go further afield in the summertime.” s More: wildsailing.co.uk Shipshape

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twenty three

25/2/11 16:19:33

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Call 0845 676 0127 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk *On selected homes only, subject to scheme rules. Price correct at time of going to press.

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28/2/11 13:40:59

feature

It’s taken a lot of time (and money) to complete but, on 17 June, Bristol can finally celebrate the opening of its brand-new museum. Will it be worth the wait? Councillor Simon Cook, Julie Finch, head of Bristol Museums and Archives, and Destination Bristol’s MD John Hallett think so

M people It’s fair to say that This pic and above: the 1920s M Shed, Bristol’s new K1 phone box settles £27m museum, has attracted a certain into its new home amount of criticism – thanks, in no small part, to spiralling costs and frustrating delays. But, it is hoped, all that negativity will be put to bed when the landmark museum opens its doors in June.

It certainly looks impressive from the outside. The old 1950s transit shed has received a stunning 21st-century makeover: the original sliding doors have been retained (and restored), the technological wizardry as the three new brickwork has been repointed and those impressive floor-to-ceiling windows have been galleries will feature interactive, computerbased activities,” continues Julie Finch, head given a good polish. Inside, it’s a beautiful of Bristol Museums and Archives. “The blend of old and new with the original state-of-the-art technology will enable visitors ironwork sitting alongside contemporary to see extracts from over 150 archival films cantilevered staircases in the dramatic foyer. and discover the history of Bristol.”

“M Shed is looking fantastic,” says It’s this focus on local heritage and history councillor Simon Cook, “and that’s even that John Hallett, managing director of before we’ve really got to work putting Destination Bristol, believes gives M Shed in some of the 3,000 objects that will tell the X factor. “Bristol is proud to be home Bristol’s story.” to some of the most exciting, unique and Already in place is an original K1 high-quality visitor attractions in the UK,” telephone box from the 1920s – one of the he says. “What we have lacked is something first models ever produced in the country that really tells the story of this city, its and one of only three to be found in the people, industries and how we came to city. “We’re also installing all the electrical-

be where we are today. M Shed really fills that gap and makes that connection between the cityscape and communities through the ages. For there to be such a unique and intriguing museum opening in the UK at any time would be something to note, but to have this in Bristol is a real bonus.”

Of course, with the economy (and the arts world in particular) taking such a battering, the opening of a shiny new visitor attraction in the heart of the Harbourside will be music to the ears of local business people. The museum expects to attract tens of thousands of visitors in its opening months, translating into myriad opportunities for local businesses – particularly the leisure industry.

“The opening of a new museum in the current economic climate demonstrates our confidence in the city’s economy and growth,” says Simon Cook. “Although its focus is on the city’s past, the museum itself is very much a product of Bristol today – and its opening points the way to a bright and successful future for the city. We should all be proud of M Shed and the huge opportunities it will create for our city.” s More: mshed.org

s Shipshape

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twenty five

25/2/11 16:05:31

shipshape directory

Opening times: Exhibition Spaces: Tue-Sun 11am-6pm & Bank Holidays; Bookshop: Tue 11am-6pm, Wed-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm; Café Bar: Daily from 10am

aT-BrISTol

Anchor Road, Harbourside, BS1 5DB 0845 345 1235, at-bristol.org.uk Opening hours: weekends and holidays 10am-6pm; weekdays during term-time 10am-5pm. Open every day except 24-26 December

BrISTol Ferry BoaT CoMpany

For full details visit: bristolferry.com For a map of the service – complete with ferry stops – and more information, turn to pages 16 & 17.

Brunel’S ss GreaT BrITaIn Great Western Dockyard, BS1 6TY 0117 926 0680, ssgreatbritain.org Opening times: from 10am Last ticket sales one hour before closing (4.30pm to March 27; 5.30pm March 28 to October 30). Open every day except December 24 and 25, plus second Monday in January

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There is so much to discover in at-Bristol - one of the country’s biggest and most exciting interactive science centres! With over 300 hands-on exhibits, live science shows and a planetarium, you can become an animator for the day, walk through a tornado and take a trip to the stars! at-Bristol’s latest groundbreaking exhibition all about us launches March 2011. With over 50 new state-of-the-art exhibits all about the human brain and body, it’s a celebration of you! Take a look at your own veins and even listen to music through your head-bones to discover just how amazing you really are!

pIC: CourTenaypHoToGrapHIC.Co.uK

16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA Tel: 0117 917 2300/01, arnolfini.org.uk

Based at the heart of Bristol’s Harbourside, in a fantastic waterside location, arnolfini is one of europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts. arnolfini features a regularly changing programme, presenting visual art, live art and performance, dance, music, cinema, poetry and literature events and a busy education programme of tours and talks. arnolfini boasts one of the best arts bookshops in the country and a stylish, lively café bar featuring an Italian-inspired and children’s menu. Free admission to the building, exhibitions and café bar.

Daily services travel between Temple Meads and City Centre (calling at Cabot Circus) as well as Hotwells and City Centre on their distinctive yellow and blue boats. 2011 public Trips include: Gorgeous Gorge, up the Cut, Wildlife with local expert ed Drewitt and Beeses Tea Gardens for tea. Their private charters are very popular for all your events, with birthdays and booze cruises proving top of the list and neW for 2011, Karaoke afloat. Quote ‘Shipshape magazine ‘Spring 2011 edition’ and receive a 10% discount off any of their three-hour charters.

Descend under the glass ‘sea’ and step back in time in the Dockyard Museum! Sea, hear, touch and smell what life was like for Victorian passengers on board Brunel’s ss Great Britain.

There’s plenty to do to keep everyone entertained at this multi-award-winning attraction. In 2011 Brunel’s ss Great Britain celebrates the good, the bad and the yucky of Victorian dining with events ranging from ‘Gruesome greens’ storytelling to ‘Mrs Beeton Bakes’ cookery demonstrations.

Tickets provide free unlimited return visits for one year. Go to www.ssgreatbritain.org/whatson.

pIC: DaVID noTon

arnolFInI CenTre For ConTeMporary arTS

Shipshape

28/2/11 09:38:39

PIC: COurtenAyPHOtOGrAPHIC.CO.uk

PIC: DAvID nOtOn

shipshape directory

COLStOn HALL

Colston Street, BS1 5AR 0117 922 3686, colstonhall.org Opening hours: Box Office: Mon–Sat 10am6pm; H Bar café: Mon-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 10am-9pm; H Bar Bistro: Daily 11.30am-3pm and 5-11pm

CIty SIGHtSeeInG

Information Hotline 09067 112191

FOyLeS BOOkSHOP

Quakers Friars, Philadelphia St, Cabot Circus, BS1 3BU foyles.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon- Sat 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

GLASSBOAt

Welsh Back, BS1 4SB 0117 929 0704, glassboat.co.uk Opening hours: lunch: Tues-Fri 12-2.30pm; dinner: Mon-Sat 5.30-10.30pm; Sunday brunch: 10am-4pm

Shipshape

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Colston Hall is Bristol’s premier live music venue hosting a varied and regular programme of rock and pop, classical, leftfield and comedy events.

In the past year Snow Patrol, London Symphony Orchestra and Grace Jones have all played at the Hall. In 2009, Colston Hall’s new foyer building was opened to the public. Built with £20 million from Bristol City Council and the Arts Council, the new foyer has improved the customer experience of visiting the Hall with audiences now able to enjoy its new café bar, restaurant and interval bars in light and spacious surroundings.

Hop on one of their bright red City Sightseeing buses with their 24 hour ticket (or 3-Day ticket) and let them show you the sights of this fascinating city, which is full of vitality and variety. Operating daily every 30, 45 or 90 minutes their guides will regale you with stories from pirates and princes to paupers and show you great churches, cathedrals and museums and the exciting Harbourside, the jewel of which is Brunel’s ss Great Britain. A popular stopover is the gleamy gold Colston Hall entrance building – with its mix of eating and performance places, it’s certainly the ‘place to be’.

their first shop outside of London, Foyles at Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus aims, quite simply, to be the best possible bookshop in Bristol. Opening this spring, they’ll be offering the widest possible range of books so whether you’re looking for the latest bestseller or something a little more unusual, their expert, local staff will be able to help. And that’s just the ground floor, as they’ll be opening up the first floor later in the year with current options ranging from a cafe and events area to simply using it to offer an even larger range of books. visit their website for more information or pop in and give them your thoughts.

Well-established and much-loved floating restaurant that’s been serving Bristol’s food fanatics for nearly 25 years and now boasting an entirely glass aft section.

Beautiful views of Bristol Bridge and beyond, knowledgeable staff, an extensive wine list and a locally sourced, seasonal menu can all be found here. the lower deck can also be hired out for breakfast, lunch, dinner and half- or full-day events for up to 40. take advantage of their express Lunch menu: two courses for £10 (tuesday to Saturday).

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shipshape directory

LIdO reSTAurANT, SpA & pOOL

Oakfield Place, BS8 2BJ 0117 933 9530, lidobristol.com Opening hours: restaurant: 12-3pm and 6.3010pm; spa: 7am-10pm; poolside bar: all day

THe MATTHeW

When in Bristol check website for mooring location 0117 927 6868, matthew.co.uk

OSTrICH INN

Lower Guinea Street, Redcliffe, BS1 6TJ 0117 927 3774, ostrich.bristol@marstons.co.uk Opening hours: daily 12-11pm.

Food served: Mon-Sat 12-3pm & 5-9pm, Sun lunch 12-5pm

THe ruMMer

All Saints Lane, Old City, BS1 1JH Email: info@therummer.co.uk General Enquiries: 0117 9290111 Bookings: 0117 9294243

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A 21st century spa, restaurant and alfresco pool housed in beautifully renovated 19th century surroundings. The Lido originally opened its doors in 1850 and remained in business for over 100 years before falling into disrepair in 1990. The Glassboat Company saved the building from developers (who wanted to turn the site into flats) and restored the buildings to their former glory, reopening in November 2008. Find a heated, low-chlorine infinity pool, sauna and steam room, restaurant and poolside bar, and luxurious spa.

A magnificent replica of a Tudor merchant ship that recreated the Atlantic crossing by explorer John Cabot. He was searching for a sailing route to Asia but ended up “discovering” Newfoundland. Get the best views of Bristol harbour from the deck on one of their regular public cruises – fish and chip suppers on board are extremely popular – or you can venture down the scenic Avon Gorge under the Clifton Suspension Bridge. There are also offshore sailing opportunities and the ship is available for private hire – check website for sailing programme.

Serving the Harbourside with great ale, great food and great company since 1793 (ish), traditional pub the Ostrich Inn is now firmly back on everyone’s map. They’re spending lots of money on the outside area: look forward to an outside bar, new furniture and real ale festivals. You’ll find the world-famous ‘Ostrich Cave’ situated in the pub - can you spot their oldest regular? They’re owned by Marston’s, so expect good, cheap Midlands prices – “No recession problems here!” – with real ales £2.85-£2.95, lager £2.75-£3.20 and cider £2.80-£2.85. Monday is half-price steak night; quiz and curry on Wednesdays.

One of Bristol’s favourite cocktail bars and dining rooms, The rummer Hotel is a sophisticated venue serving a discerning clientele. An independent bar and restaurant with a passion for quality, the kitchen produces some of the best food to be found in Bristol, and the bar holds over 300 premium spirits from around the globe – the largest collection in the region. Boasting a classic, stylish interior, the rummer provides a wonderful ambience and an intimate drinking venue. Open every day, with Head Chef Greg McHugh serving modern British food on his lunch and evening menus.

Shipshape

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shipshape directory

133 Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6UX 0117 929 2266, www.spikeisland.org.uk Galleries open 11am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday Café open Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm

SPygLaSS

Welsh Back, BS1 4SB 0117 927 7050, spyglassbristol.co.uk Spyglass has a non-reservation policy for groups of less than 8. To book a table for a group of 8 or more please contact spyglassmgr@glassboat.co.uk or 0117 927 7050 Opening hours: daily 11am-11pm

St NICHOLaS MarKet Corn Street, BS1 1JQ bristol.gov.uk/markets Email: markets@bristol.gov.uk Tel: 0117 922 4014.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm and first Sun of the month 11am-5pm.

WaterSHed

1 Canons Road, BS1 5TX 0117 927 5100, info@watershed.co.uk, watershed.co.uk, dshed.net Cafe/bar opening hours: Mon 10.30am11pm, Tues-Thurs 9.30am-11pm, Sat 10ammidnight, Sun 10am-10.30pm

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Spike Island is a centre for the production and exhibition of art and design based in an 80,000 square foot former Brooke Bond tea packing factory. Our year-round public programme features free exhibitions by local, national and international artists, as well as regular talks, events and activities for all. Spike Café is open seven days a week, serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and homemade meals in a relaxed setting overlooking the river.

Spike Island is also a busy working building, home to a range of artists, designers, students, creative businesses and other arts organisations.

PIC: adaM Faraday

SPIKe ISLaNd

Contemporary 170-seater alfresco-style restaurant split between a converted barge and quayside with ample heaters, should the British weather not be playing ball. Serves simple, tasty, well-priced Mediterranean fare, including a selection of main courses from the barbecue (average price: £7), salads, tapas and desserts. groups of eight or more can order a party menu, which includes mezze to share and a choice of mains and desserts. also plays host to a range of food-related events and live music.

Spectacular market found in the heart of the Old City. Such is the variety on offer from these local independents, you can drop in for some lunch, get your shoes fixed, grab a bag of sweets, buy clothes, browse for vinyl and more. If you like your food local and direct from the producers, don’t miss the perennially popular Farmers’ Market every Wednesday on Corn Street and Wine Street (9.30am-2.30pm); literature lovers, meanwhile, should find plenty to inspire them at the award-winning Book Market on the first Sunday of every month (10am-4pm).

Watershed is the perfect social space on Bristol’s historic Harbourside, showing the best independent films from across the world. With three cinemas to choose from and a welcoming, relaxed café/bar enjoying unique waterside views, it’s the ideal place to meet friends, enjoy a meal and watch a film. Come and try their Plot to Plate organic menu showcasing the tastes of the South West, or tempt yourself to a drink before or after a film. For detailed film and events listings, visit watershed.co.uk or head to dshed.net for an online gallery and creative content. twenty-nine

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harbourside walk

The Spike Island Loop Spectacular views, local ales, some of the city’s best outdoor dining and the buzz of the working harbour... it’s all here!

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7. Pass the No.1 Bond factory and head towards the Create Centre with its ecohome and well-stocked cafe.

8. Exit the car park to the right of the Ecohome and follow the road around to the left and continue under the flyover. Immediately cross the road and pass through a gap in the railing to the left of the buttress – you’re now heading across the water.

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11. the Pump house is straight ahead (complete with huge sundeck) and is a great spot for lunch, or nip over the bridge for a pint at the nova scotia.

12. All done? With the water on your right, walk past The Pump House and head towards the city via Pooles wharf, crossing the turquoise footbridge.

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13. Bristol Beer Factory’s Grain barge on your right will be your last chance to grab some liquid refreshment – lovely, locally brewed ales on tap.

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9. Walk straight ahead across the footbridge over the water (taking in the uninterrupted views of the Suspension Bridge) and turn right onto dry land.

10. With the water on your right, take a leisurely stroll past the big anchors until you reach the swing bridge (and new lock gates). Join the pavement and turn right to reach merchants road.

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3. Bear left and then follow the marina around to the right past City of bristol rowing Club. Enjoy those fabulous views of Poole’s Wharf and Clifton Wood Terrace across the water.

6. After a brief stroll, cross over Cumberland Road at the junction with avon Crescent, pass through the iron gate, cross the railway track and head right towards the old red-brick tobacco factories.

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2. Turn left out of Spike Island and take the first left at the river City bar onto hanover Place. If you’re feeling a bit worse for wear, the orchard inn on your left runs its ‘Hangover Cafe’ on Saturday and Sunday until noon. Otherwise, follow the road straight ahead until you see albion dockyard.

5. Suitably refreshed, head around the corner to the left, past bristol sailing school and back onto Cumberland Road. Turn right.

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1. Park near spike island on Cumberland road. Grab a cuppa or a slice of cake in the lovely café if you’re peckish.

4. Follow the walkway around to the left and stroll down to the Cottage inn – the perfect place for a bit of people- (and, indeed, boat-) watching.

Admire the Suspension Bridge in the distance or watch the comings and goings of underfall boatyard to your left.

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direCtions Distance: 2 miles (flat terrain)

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14. Carry on down hotwell road heading towards the city before bearing right onto Porto Quay. Admire the ss Great britain and the matthew (if she’s back from her travels) on the opposite side of the harbour.

15. When you reach the statue of samuel Plimsoll, take the pontoon path down to the Cross harbour Ferry stop and pull the cord to call the ferry (just 50p one way).

16. Alight the ferry at the dockside Café bar and, keeping the car park to your left, follow Gas Ferry road back to Cumberland Road. Remember to say hello to wallace and Gromit at Aardman’s new HQ as you wander by.

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Shipshape

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bottled sunshine!

No1 Harbourside “This place ouzes soul” Venue Magazine Right by the City Centre ferry stop, No1 Harbourside is Bristol’s great new waterfront venue.

A lively, independent place with affordable and healthy food from around the region, lovely local drinks and great live music. Tasty lunchtime takeaways and theatre suppers available on request.

All main meals £5 - £9 including free soup Great music most nights Open Mon-Thur 10am-12midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-2am, Sun 10am-10pm

BARGE FOR

SALE!

Dutch barge Tempora and Bristol harbour mooring for sale £160,000.

Prime city centre yet amazingly quiet location on Welsh Back behind glorious Queen Square.

110 ft long with a valuable mooring, currently the Bristol Ferryboat Co HQ, it comprises living accommodation, office space and workshop with quayside parking. It has a fully operating engine, plus donkey engine. Ideally suited for transformation to dream home and/or business.

For further information and viewing call Peter Beddoe at Morgan Beddoe Tel 0117 946 7100

Watershed 1 min walk

www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk

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www.grainbarge.com

www.no1harbourside.co.uk

www.bristolferry.com

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