Southville & Bedminster

In the former hub of Bristol’s tobacco industry, mix craft beer and artisan bakeries with urban art and city farming

ART AND CULTURE

Southville’s Upfest, the largest festival of urban art in Europe, returns to this south-of-the-river neighbourhood in 2022. See murals emerge from 5 May, before hundreds of artists come together for live painting on 28 and 29 May. The Tobacco Factory Theatres stages Shakespeare, opera, stand-up, puppetry and dance. Its Café Bar (below) serves up good food, Bristol Beer Factory ales and a Sunday morning market.

FOOD AND DRINK

The North Street strip offers a lively mix of independent shops, cafés and bars. Try Mark’s Bread, Southville Deli, small plates at the Old Bookshop, Lebanese cuisine at Souk Kitchen or tasty pizza (and stand-up comedy) at the Hen & Chicken and Tobacco Factory. Ashton Gate Stadium’s Independence Sports Bar has the biggest indoor screen in the country.

OPEN SPACES

In neighbouring Bedminster (‘Bemmie’ in Bristolian), Windmill Hill City Farm is a voluntary community project that runs social, environmental and educational activities alongside seasonal events with a farming theme. Victoria Park has a children’s play area and great views of the city. Urban climbers can tackle state-of-the-art Redpoint, which is based in an old cinema.

Tobacco Factory

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: the Flaating Harbour has been Hotwells and shoppers and stallholders