The Bristol Magazine January 2019

Bristol Cover Jan (1).qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 16:53 Page 1

THE

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

£3.95 where sold

Issue 175

I

january 2019

MAGAZINE

Bright ideas AI and virtual reality, driverless cars, elder-bots that could help solve the social care crisis: why Bristol is one of the top tech hubs in the world

T H E C I T Y ’ S B I G G E S T M O N T H LY G U I D E T O L I V I N G I N B R I S T O L

Sofa Library fp.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2018 15:53 Page 1

BESPOKE CABINET FURNITURE, KITCHENS & BATHROOMS UPHOLSTERY, CURTAINS & BLINDS NO SA W LE ON

Sofa Library manufacture bespoke upholstery, curtains and blinds in our own factory in Bristol as well as fine cabinet furniture in hundreds of different specialist veneers and any solid timber.

Our Kitchens, Bathrooms and Cabinet Furniture are completely bespoke and can be in any contemporary or period influenced design and are conceived and detail designed with you or your interior designer and fabricated in 8-12 weeks.

We also re-upholster, source and procure antique and vintage pieces for clients and restore them. Our re-upholstery and fabrication of new upholstery and curtains takes 2-3 weeks.

We provide a complete design, furnish and install service for single rooms, whole houses or a hundred flats (as we have just completed for one client). We specialise in refurbishment for landlords and are experienced in balancing cost considerations with anticipated rental increase and also complete hotel, restaurant and commercial interiors.

We also provide full 3d renders.

We are just past Clifton Down Shopping Centre 56/60, Whiteladies Rd, BS8 2PY Mon-Sat 9.30 - 5.30/Sun 12 - 5

Tel: 01173 292746 www.thesofalibrary.co.uk

Mandarin Stone.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 09:59 Page 1

Wren DPS.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:38 Page 1

Wren DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 12:47 Page 2

Knight Frank January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:42 Page 1

Knight Frank January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:42 Page 2

Knight Frank January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:43 Page 3

Knight Frank January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:43 Page 4

Contents (1).qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 12:10 Page 1

24

Chalet on the Rocks is the latest lovely addition to the Chamonix ski scene

50

Dean Edwards talks us through a slow-cooked winter warmer

56

Watch Chaplin’s The Pilgrim at Watershed on 16 January or read fave moments of Slapstick Fests past on p24

Contents INSIDE SRI LANKA

.........................................................

52

Explore an island paradise with ancient history and rich culture

ZEITGEIST

......................................................................

14

Top activities for the month to come

CITYIST

...........................................................................

16

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Meet artist and musician Jimmy Galvin and catch up on the news

Tasty tidings from our local eateries and producers

BARTLEBY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

SOCIAL PROJECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

...On the new lease of life for one local Victorian edifice

Thoughts on Josh Eggleton’s Bristol-based dementia awareness restaurant experiment, airing on Channel 4 this spring

SHOPPING

.......................................................................

22

Pantone has released its shade of the season; what do you think?

BRISTOL UPDATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Bite-sized business and community news from across the city

EDUCATION NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 News from local centres of learning

FAMILY DIARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Fun for younger persons in tow

RECIPE

............................................................................

56

Warm up with Dean Edwards’ slow-cooked oxtail bunny chow

REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Embarking on Veganuary? We recommend a trip to Suncraft

CAFFEINE SCENE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 A look at the city’s lively, ever-changing coffee landscape

HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Snippets from the sector

COMEDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Just for laughs: Slapstick Festival returns to celebrate its sweet 15

THEATRE

........................................................................

What’s hot and what’s a little different this year?

26

After a turbulent few years in London, director Emma Rice has put down creative roots in Bristol; read our interview, followed by a chat with the creators of Motown the Musical at Bristol Hippodrome

WHAT’S ON

.....................................................................

32

....................................................

38

Pete Dommett has a different wild activity for every month of the year

Will it be city-centre exploration or a trip over the bridge to St Fagans?

GARDENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

What’s on this winter at the city’s galleries

TECHNOLOGY

WILD BRISTOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 GREAT OUTDOORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

A cross-section of the city’s varied events scene

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS

WELLNESS 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

................................................................

42

Nick Flaherty looks at a few of the projects and companies making Bristol one of the hottest innovation hubs in the world

Aromatherapists have long extolled the benefits of different fragrances to improve mood, so try to include scented plants in your garden design this year, says Elly West

PROPERTY

....................................................................

News and developments

TWIN THING

...................................................................

46

How much do you know about Bristol’s partner cities? Not as much as Simon Horsford, we bet

NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 The latest from the holiday sector and exciting new getaway options 10 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

ON THE COVER

A visual representation of AI software that deliberately looks and acts like a brain, courtesy of Bristol’s Graphcore. 'AI brain scans' reveal what machines ‘see’ as they learn new skills

100

Park Furnishers.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2018 13:00 Page 1

Editor's letter-5.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 12:19 Page 1

...Twitching

Image by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

THIS MONTH WE’LL BE...

We are loving the vivid, somewhat psychedelic visuals representing of the activity of a popular algorithm that works on the Colossus chip developed by Silicon Valley darling Graphcore on Wine Street, which just achieved unicorn status after raising $200m in new funding

From 26 – 28 January the RSPB is celebrating 40 years of its Big Garden Birdwatch. To help the world’s largest garden wildlife survey get a snapshot of how our fauna is faring, watch the birds in your garden or local park for one hour, counting only those that land, not fly over, and report the highest number of each species you see.

• rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

from the

EDITOR Admiring... ...The Flow Country by Sophie Gerrard, part of ‘A Contested Land’ at Martin Parr Foundation from 16 January. The exhibition offers a contemporary view of Scotland by a photographer collective tired of “visual cliches” used to represent their nation.

• martinparrfoundation.org

Watching...

Image from EOne

B

rains and beauty: it’s a classic winning combo and Bristol has it in spades. We thought it was something our colourful cover image illustrated kind of nicely – an AI ‘brain scan’, it’s a map of what happens during a machine learning process, created by Bristol chipmaker and rising international star Graphcore which has just become a ‘unicorn’. (Tech-speak for a company valued at more than one billion dollars.)

This vibrant neural network algorithm parallels the activity of neurons in the brain and is being used to speed up the artificial intelligence behind services such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

Elsewhere in the city, driverless cars are being roadtested and elder-care bots are being developed with a view to helping people in later years; turn to p44 for more. While there may still be ethical issues to be navigated in terms of the real-life application of all these projects, intentions are undoubtedly good. You never know, the robots, like the kids, might just turn out alright...

As well as delving into the future to distract us from the very Januaryish present, we’ve been escaping via thoughts of our next overseas trip. On p52 we consider Sri Lanka while on p50 we’ve news and getaway options from the holiday sector; then p46 sees Simon Horsford suggest other far-flung destinations by way of a new and different adventure.

(How much do you know about Bristol’s twin cities around the globe?)

If you fancy a little comfort food while you’re thumbing through the travel inspo, turn to p56 to find local chef Dean Edwards’ slow-cooking manifesto and a recipe for his beaut oxtail bunny chow, or p58 for thoughts on ideal Veganuary haven Suncraft on Glozzer Road. On the subject of bean-based boosts, we’re also talking coffee – which, personally, we’ll be heavily reliant on these next few weeks – with local experts (p60).

Diversions really are key right now; and that’s not lost on Bristol’s theatre spaces. We recommend the Hippodrome for Motown nostalgia on p28 – this month’s resident musical celebrates the 60th anniversary of the genre’s famed record label – and Bristol Old Vic for Emma Rice’s Wise Children. Daisy Bowie-Sell chats to her on p26. And we can always rely on Slapstick Festival to deliver the belly-laughs – find what’s on this year in our listings, or read director Chris Daniels’ fave moments from the past 15 years on p24.

Meanwhile, Crystal Rose has been looking at what’s hot and what’s a little bit different in the wellness world (p74) – from ‘pain moons’, immersive spin, and yoga within a warm, womb-like inflatable pod to wholesome reads delivered to your door, and more attention on mental health in the workplace. Find joy in January, whatever the form, and we’ll see you in Feb.

...Stan & Ollie, the Laurel & Hardy biopic starring John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan.

At cinemas from 11 January, it was filmed at the harbourside and Hippodrome and supported by Bristol Film Office!

• stanandollie.co.uk

Going...

AMANDA NICHOLLS EDITOR Editor’s image by Paolo Ferla; ferlapaolo.com

@thebristolmag

12 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

thebristolmag.co.uk |

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

@thebristolmag

...To BS5 to celebrate comfort-carbs and warm, fuzzy soft-rock at Bristol Spirit’s Fleetwood Mac-and-cheese party. If you’ve not been to the Redfield bar, there’s a fab event calendar including boozy workshops and sausage-dog and cinema clubs.

• Twitter: @Bristol_Spirit

KutchenHaus January fp.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 12:44 Page 1

CU R R EA OU W Y OF NE L L PY G A AP IN H SH S A WI ER OM ST

• • • • •

PREMIUM, SLEEK, GERMAN ENGINEERED, LUXURY KITCHENS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES

Premium, Sleek, German Engineered Luxury Kitchens at competitive prices All kitchens delivered pre-built Supply only or Fully installed Free Design and quotation service

Find us

Inside Clifton Down Shopping Centre, Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2NN

Opening times

WINTER SALE

CONTACT THE STORE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Monday - Saturday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm

Contact

Email: showroom@bristol.kutchenhaus.co.uk Tel: 0117 2130680

Aberdeen . Aberdeenshire . Beverley . Brentwood . Bristol . Cardiff . Chester . Chichester . Farnborough High Wycombe . Linlithgow . Liverpool . London North . London West End . Manchester . Orpington Preston . Romsey . Sheffield . Shrewsbury . Southport . Sutton Coldfield . Tunbridge Wells . Wilmslow . York

5 things, Bristol, Jan 19.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2018 15:07 Page 1

Top

5

things to do in JANUARY

GET READY...

CELEBRATE In a special concert to celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns, and following two former sold-out shows in Bristol, 12 top artists on the folk music scene will come together to mark Burns Night at St George’s Bristol. Featuring the mesmerising vocals of Ríoghnach Connolly (Afro Celt Sound System) and award-winning Scottish folk rabble-rousers The Langan Band, the show includes new versions of classic Burns songs, original compositions and instrumental sets, all sharing values that Burns championed – equality, social justice and love. Takes place on 24 January, 8pm. 14+. £15 – £25.

Make like The Temptations as Bristol Hippodrome harks back to the hit parade of yesteryear. With just $800 borrowed from his family, Berry Gordy founded Motown Records and launched the careers of legendary artists including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and The Temptations. Motown the Musical (10 January – 2 February) follows the life of a man who broke barriers and fought against the odds to create something more than a record label. Featuring more than 50 classic Motown hits including My Girl, Dancing in the Street, and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, it’ll have you toe-tapping and finger-clicking all the way out the theatre doors.

Read more in our interview with Michael Lovesmith and Charles Randolph-Wright on page 28.

Reece Richards as Jackie Wilson in Motown The Musical

• atgtickets.com/bristol

GIGGLE YOUR SOCKS OFF Laurel and Hardy in Way Out West

• stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Now on its 15th edition, the popular Slapstick Festival is back this month, celebrating all things silent comedy and laugh-out-loud entertainment from 16 – 20 January. From classic Laurel & Hardy shorts accompanied by a live piano, to behind-the-scenes chats with Dad’s Army vicar Frank Williams; talks by the creators of The Inbetweeners; and actress and comedian Sally Phillips’ take on her comedy icon Louise Brooks, there’s something for everyone to get their funny bone tickled. Find out more from page 24 or go online to see the full programme.

• slapstick.org.uk

SAY GOODBYE...

GET ZIGGY WITH IT Celebrate all that is weird, wonderful and Bowie with Bristol’s own 60-piece Fantasy Orchestra at the very special Great Bowie Party at Trinity Centre on Trinity Road on 5 January, kicking off at 7.30pm. Expect Bowie-inspired costumes, lights and plenty of extravagance as the orchestra and choir bring a multitude of classic songs to life.

Come dressed as your favourite Bowie and, for those musically inclined, there’s even an open mic session. £10 – £15.

• 3ca.org.uk

...While attending the unofficial funeral of Little Chef. Yep, you heard! In 2017 Megan and Owen visited all surviving (but not thriving) Little Chef restaurants.

Racing around the country, they captured the final 41 visits on camera and now, for one night only in Bristol, they will be presenting their trip – with commentary and insightful thoughts at The Wardrobe Theatre on 15 January, 7.30pm, in Death of a Restaurant. Beginning at Newcastle’s A1 branch, guided by the lucky omen of a double yolker inside Owen’s Olympic breakfast, they finished their whirlwind tour at the A11 Norwich branch in December 2017. Just a month later, the doors of the final Little Chef closed to the public without so much as a peep and Megan and Owen want this rectified! A chance to bid farewell to a 60-year-old slice of British history. Tickets £8.

• thewardrobetheatre.com

14 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Image: Tristram Kenton

ZEITGEIST

P15.qxp_Layout 23 20/12/2018 12:04 Page 1

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 15

CITYIST.qxp_Layout 2 20/12/2018 11:57 Page 1

ist

THE CITY THE BUZZ

BRISTOL

What the new development is expected to look like

Meet local artist and musician Jimmy Galvin

They’re going to need a bigger shed!

Another of Bristol’s most beloved arts venues is to be developed this year, to accommodate ever-broadening audiences. Created in 1982 as Britain’s first media centre, over the past 20 years Watershed has continually grown, building a reputation for inclusive talent development, diverse cultural cinema and innovation.

In that time, audience has grown from 85,000 to 170,000, the range of films shown has diversified from 33 producing countries to 52 and the number of artists worked with each year has expanded from 50 to over 150. This growth has been enabled by embracing digital technologies, the building of Cinema Three, and the opening of the Pervasive Media Studio.

Continuing Watershed’s journey of leadership and stewardship and to meet increasing demand, the team has shared an ambitious vision for physical expansion that will deliver improved environmental sustainability and financial security for years to come. “It is about fulfilling increasing demand from people who want to visit, work and co-locate with us,” says Clare Reddington, creative director and CEO. “It is about celebrating new ideas developed under our roof and giving them increased visibility. It is about ensuring our building is the most welcoming and inclusive space it can be. A bigger shed is a bigger home for creativity and will be a powerful celebration of Bristol’s flourishing cluster.”

Watershed is entering into discussion with stakeholders, the public, artists, industry, neighbours and partners until March, to test thinking and develop plans. Following a period of evaluation, it will publish findings and formulate a timetable for progression. There will be improved access and new work space for over 100 creatives, and the planned redevelopment will house the Pervasive Media Studio, new incubation and grow-on studios, an additional cinema screen, additional flexible event spaces, and the café and bar.

The first open forum will be on 10 January at 6pm in Pervasive Media Studio and is open to all who have booked a free ticket.

• watershed.co.uk

16 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

My

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

I create mainly abstract paintings as well as some conceptual pieces and am also a composer and pianist. Born in Bristol, I am a first generation of Irish immigrants.

inspires me to create any time of the year, but summer is totally magical there. I walk everywhere; this is a beautiful city and I never tire of its majestic beauty and views.

I am working on a series of large abstract paintings for a solo show I am planning in Bristol in the spring, called ‘Spiritual Data’, and am releasing a new album of my solo piano pieces that I shall be recording at St George’s. I’m also curating a big show in collaboration with Bristol Museum that will run from October until December 2019 with one of the most famous artists in the world – watch this space!

I’d like to bring all communities together and bridge the gap between commerce and artists so everybody can benefit from the creative progress as we are all co-creators of its legacy. It’s our city and while many businesses are flourishing under the auspices of it being a cultural hub, there is an evergrowing issue with people who struggle to live and work here. The public transport needs open-heart surgery too!

I’m currently reading a fascinating biography of Ludwig Wittgenstein by Edward Kanterian, and listening to Schubert’s String Quintet in C Major; Sly and the Family Stone There’s A Riot Goin’ On; and Erik Satie.

A typical weekend starts with breakfast at Beets ’n’ Roots then a long walk over the Downs, back home to compose at my grand piano for a few hours then a walk down through the Harbourside to St Nicks Market for lunch and cakes at Ahh Toots. We have amazing choices here in Bristol. Lateafternoon painting might be followed by dinner with a DVD (amazing selection at 20th Century Flicks) or sometimes a midnight stroll then more piano playing by candlelight. I am a night owl.

For vegan breakfast, Beets ’n’ Roots on Cotham Hill is the best. Also Woky Ko Kauto at the top of Park Street. Wild Oates is my favourite place to shop.

This month I’m watching Death in Venice with Dirk Bogarde at the private cinema at 20th Century Flicks on Christmas Steps and I want to catch Chloe and the Colour Catcher at Bristol Old Vic (running until 6 January). Exhibition of choice will be ‘Albert Irvin and Abstract Expressionism’ at the RWA and, musicwise, it’s got to be Richard Goode on 18 January; an amazing pianist playing Bach, Beethoven and Chopin in the beautiful setting of St George’s.

I am lucky enough to live close to Ashton Court so I walk there often. It’s always so peaceful and has a beautiful vista which Jimmy is working on a series of abstract paintings and curating a show in collaboration with Bristol Museum

My new year’s resolution: be a better version of myself; we are all work in progress.

Richard Jones, MD at Tangent Books, has done a lot to keep Bristol on the map. So has Michael Ellison, who teaches composition at University of Bristol, and Michael Liversidge Emeritus Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Bristol – these people are unsung heroes and make a very significant contribution to Bristol as a great cultural city. n • jimmygalvinart.com; jimmygalvinmusic.com

P17.qxp_Layout 23 20/12/2018 17:02 Page 1

WHERE INDULGENCE BLOSSOMS Deep in the heart of the South West, nestled within the exquisite surroundings of the British countryside with views that reach across to Wales, is Berwick Lodge – a hidden secret just waiting to be discovered.

Call us now to start your story.

Berwick Lodge, Berwick Drive, Bristol BS10 7TD Tel: 0117 958 1590 www.berwicklodge.co.uk

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 17

CITYIST.qxp_Layout 2 20/12/2018 10:09 Page 2

ist

THE CITY

BRISTAGRAM Some of our favourite recent snaps taken by folk around the city! Tag your Bristol pics using #thebristolmag

Park Stre et in the winter m orning light (@k ruggy01)

Earthworks are now complete, ahead of the construction stage

Surf’s almost up!

The construction phase for Bristol’s much-anticipated inland surfing lake destination The Wave, which has been in the pipeline for the past six years, is underway, with Andrew Scott Ltd recently appointed as the main contractor for the build phase of the project.

The major earthworks on site have been completed so the team can now move on to the construction stage. The 185 metre-long lake is taking shape and on target to open in Easter Compton this coming autumn. It’s promised that the lake will be suitable for use for all ages and abilities and provide consistent surf action all year round, using technology that can generate up to one thousand waves per hour, with heights starting at 50cm and peaking at almost two metres. A safe, sustainable environment, it will be open to up to 80 surfers at once, including visitors with disabilities who will have the chance to learn the skill or improve their surf game, and there are plans for the site to include a restaurant, shop, gardens and glamping pods for those from outside the local area.

“We are delighted to be delivering this exciting, landmark scheme as we approach our 150th year of operation,” said Mark Bowen, MD at Andrew Scott Ltd. “The Wave Bristol will be an outstanding leisure destination, providing fantastic inland surfing for the region and beyond.”

Keep an eye out for membership and booking options to be released later this year and follow @TheWaveBristol on Twitter for further updates.

Festival of

@oliverbock ’s sh @igershambu ot made the rg feed

• thewave.com

Wintery Christm as Steps (@chill1983)

The new surfing lake promises some pretty decent-looking year-round wave action!

18 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

ongleat Light at L buckle) (@michael

e front of th Brunch in choteluk fire @azte e a good sounds lik month shout this

P19.qxp_Layout 23 19/12/2018 09:08 Page 1

Bespoke engagement rings designed for clients.

Contact us to have your own dream ring created.

129 Stoke Lane Westbury on Trym Bristol BS9 3RW 0117 962 1111 email julie@julieannepalemer.com • www.julieannepalmer.com

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 19

BARTLEBY.qxp_Layout 7 20/12/2018 12:56 Page 1

THE

B R I S TOL MAGAZINE

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

A

new gym has just opened down the road. I walk past it most days, and over the last few months have observed the place getting itself into shape for the new year. I have to say, though, that the chances of me signing up for the early-bird cut-price membership package are slim.

This new enterprise has taken over an attractive Victorian building next door to a supermarket. Once upon a time the supermarket was a factory where tobacco was processed, and the building next door was a library where workers could read the paper or borrow a book.

There was a small theatre upstairs, suggesting that this was at one time quite a hive of cultural activity. Twenty years ago the library was still going strong but the theatre was no more. In fact I’m not sure anyone even remembered it was there.

The library, though, seemed timeless and immoveable, as much a part of the city’s fabric as the Floating Harbour or the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Going there with two small children, I was reminded of visits to the library when I was a kid myself. It was a bit like going to church, with the librarian in a similar role to the vicar; the borrowing of a book was a solemn ritual which in my case followed a lengthy decision-making process. I would have to scrutinise each book so carefully before making a choice that I pretty much read all the age-appropriate books there and then, but that wasn’t the point. A library book in its thick plastic jacket was a precious object, irrespective of what the book actually was.

Our local library here in Bristol was big, considering the location, and rather grand. You felt, going in, that knowledge was something so valuable that it had to be housed in a Victorian room with high ceilings and tall windows – valuable and old-fashioned. It was an environment designed to put you on your mettle rather than at your ease. You had to rise to the occasion.

But the times there were a-changing, and before long the library moved into the ground floor of a new development just along the street. Meanwhile the former library was taken over by some kind of trust, which reopened it as an art gallery. I grumbled along with the rest about the change, but I have to say the high ceilings and mezzanine floor (previously hidden behind the scenes) were perfectly suited for showing art. Emerging local artists held group exhibitions with lively private views. Their sales attracted artists from further afield, and after a couple of years those Friday evening parties were packed; how fun to have somewhere close by, full of colour and conversation. Best of all, it was the kind of place where the kids could scamper about without anyone disapproving, and there was a café, with cake.

I’m not sure what happened, but the momentum slackened after a few years. Money seemed tight, then non-existent, and finally the gallery closed. A year or two on, though, the doors were suddenly open again, and there were workmen ripping out the interior, and when I asked what was happening an enthusiastic young guy with a clipboard told me about the gym. They were going to do the place up properly, even opening up the theatre on the floor above which had – he told me – an amazing vaulted ceiling.

You can see this ceiling now through the tall Victorian windows: an unusual backdrop for the gym machinery. In the dark evenings the interior is brightly lit, so you can see people beavering away at their fitness. As for the library down the road, it always seems to be full of parents with young children. It doesn’t feel at all like the austere temple of knowledge the library used to be; it’s warm and welcoming, and not at all quiet. ■ 20 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Follow us on Twitter @thebristolmag

See more online thebristolmag.co.uk

Contact us: Publisher Email:

Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Editor Tel: Email:

Amanda Nicholls 0117 974 2800 amanda@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Financial Director Email:

Jane Miklos jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Assistant Editor Email:

Jessica Hope jessica@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Health & Beauty Editor Crystal Rose Email: crystal@thebristolmagazine.co.uk Production Manager Email:

Jeff Osborne production@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales

Jake Horwood, Liz Grey

For advertising enquiries please contact us on: 0117 974 2800 Email: sales@thebristolmagazine.co.uk

The Bristol Magazine is published by MC Publishing Ltd. An independent publisher.

The Bristol Magazine is distributed free every month to more than 20,000 homes and businesses throughout the city. We also have special distribution units in the following stores and many coffee shops, hotels and convenient pick-up points.

THE

BRIST OL MAGAZINE Bristol and Exeter House, Lower Approach, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QS Telephone: 0117 974 2800 www.thebristolmagazine.co.uk © MC Publishing Ltd 2019 Disclaimer: Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to The Bristol Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers.

P21.qxp_Layout 23 19/12/2018 13:58 Page 1

Looking for a perfect Gift?

Stunning Engagement rings, Wedding bands and tailor-made rings

Beautiful Gift Ideas for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride and for the groom A 10% discount on any pair of rings purchased & off any further gifts for your wedding when you mention The Bristol Magazine We also offer Bespoke Jewellery • Silver Jewellery • Watches Jewellery Repairs • Gold purchased (old jewellery & coins)

History, Tradition & Quality the only Kemps Jewellers since 1881

KEMPS J EWELLERS

1881

9 Calton Court, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3DF www.kempsjewellers.com • 0117 950 5090

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 21

Shopping-2.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2018 12:13 Page 1

SHOPPING

THE FUTURE’S...

ORANGE Well, technically it’s ‘Living Coral’, according to Pantone, which has released its official shade for 2019

3

1

2

5

4

6 7 8

10 9

1. Embroidered geometric velvet cushion, £30; cultfurniture.com 2. Henrietta red croc pump by French Sole, £120; harveynichols.com 3. Tealight holder, £25; hurnandhurn.com 4. Melamine cup by Rice DK, £2.75; fig1.co.uk 5. Bronte by Moon merino lambswool parquet throw, £56.95; hurnandhurn.com 6. Fitbit Alta HR heart rate and fitness tracker, £79.99; johnlewis.com 7. Ribbed turtle neck cashmere jumper by Jigsaw, £170; harveynichols.com 8. Water bottle by Hip, £14.95; harveynichols.com 9. Aragon two-seater sofa, from £945; arloandjacob.com 10. Vintage Lagoon wallpaper, £16.99 per roll; iwantwallpaper.co.uk

22 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

P23.qxp_Layout 23 14/12/2018 17:09 Page 1

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 23

Slapstick v2.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:26 Page 1

FUNNY FOLK: (Clockwise from top left) French & Saunders’ on-stage Slapstick reunion show was the festival’s fastest-selling to date; the late, great Victoria Wood; Jo Brand is one of the many famous faces to have graced the event; Stephen Merchant happily stepped in when Robin Ince could no longer host the gala; Reeves & Mortimer are among those to have received a personalised Morph; Sanjeev sang along with silent cinema star Jean Darling; The Goodies in the ‘70s

Slapstick v2.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:00 Page 2

COMEDY

PUTTING THE JOY INTO JANUARY As Slapstick Festival returns to celebrate its sweet 15 and inject some jollity into the most commonly dreaded of the calendar months, founder and director Chris Daniels delves into the archives to pick out favourite moments

B

ristol’s festival of silent and vintage screen comedy returns from 16 – 20 January, with a 15th annual edition offering more than 30 laugh-out-loud events and a guest list which includes all three Goodies, Richard Herring, Little and Large, Sally Phillips, Lucy Porter and Tim Vine. To mark the milestone, here are a few of my most unforgettable memories from festivals past...

What the people want It was a big gamble back in 2005 when I decided to test my belief that I wasn’t the only person who wanted to see silent comedy film classics as they were made to be watched: on a big screen, with an audience and accompanied by live music. So it was a thrill – and a relief – when some 600 people turned up. Audiences have grown year-on-year ever since, and these days Slapstick’s mix of silent film and comedy nostalgia regularly attracts well over 6,000 visitors from the UK and abroad.

Silence is golden When 90-year-old Jean Darling visited, she took audiences right back to the golden age of silent cinema. As a child actor, she’d starred in dozens of Our Gang films and appeared with Laurel and Hardy in Babes in Toyland. She was also on the set when the duo made Way Out West (showing at Bristol Old Vic on 18 January, with Bill Oddie introducing) and sang along as they rehearsed its best-known tune: In The Blue Ridge Mountains. With her event’s host, Sanjeev Bhaskar, she led a rousing reprise of the number at Colston Hall, giving everyone in the audience that night the right to say they’ve sung it with someone who sang it with Laurel & Hardy when still new!

Miniature heroes Eric Sykes was the first to receive what is now an established part of the Slapstick calendar – the Aardman/Slapstick Award for Comedy Excellence (a personalised Morph). Many other top entertainers have received it since – among them Michael Crawford, Ken Dodd, French and Saunders, Michael Palin, Reeves and Mortimer and June Whitfield – but Eric was a special hero of mine and it was an honour to meet him at what was almost certainly his final stage appearance.

Robin Ince was called away by a family emergency; and the late, great, much-lamented Victoria Wood so enjoying her stint as Dara O’Briain’s stand-in that she returned to helm further Slapstick events.

National treasure trove We’re often pleasantly surprised to find out how many current celebrities share our admiration of silent era clowns – for instance, Chris Addison, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Marcus Brigstocke, Simon Callow, Graeme Garden, Matt Lucas, Shappi Khorsandi, Aardman’s Peter Lord, Stephen Merchant, Bill Oddie and Lucy Porter (all past and/or 2019 guests) are not only fans but knowledgeable. The surprise was all Lee Mack’s, though, when national treasure Barry Cryer interrupted Lee’s salute to Laurel & Hardy to give him a faceful of custard pie.

Outside the box TV nostalgia is always popular with Slapstick audiences and has seen the festival reuniting the casts of many much-loved shows, such as Here Come The Double Deckers, Do Not Adjust Your Set, The Goodies, Monty Python, At Last The 1948 Show and The Young Ones. This time, we’re putting Little & Large back together for the first time in decades (Bristol Old Vic, 18 January) and taking a look at The Inbetweeners (BOV, 20 January) but our biggest coup, and fastest-selling show to date, was the first on-stage reunion in eight years of French and Saunders.

Bristol massive It’s always good when guests have strong local connections – for instance, our 2019 guest curator Richard Herring is a Somerset lad; Eddie Large of Little & Large lives in Portishead; our 10 February gala host Marcus Brigstocke attended the University of Bristol; and 2018 guests Ade Edmondson and Nigel Planer were here often while filming The Young Ones; much of it shot in and around the Gloucester Road. But it was 1980s Bristol resident Vivian Stanshall – frontman of the Bonzo Dog Doodah Band; the MC on Tubular Bells; creator of Sir Henry at Rawlinson End – who lured Stephen Fry to Slapstick to present a tribute show and so helped to reignite interest in Viv as a writer, songsmith and artist.

Musical magic Live music is a key ingredient of every Slapstick and will be so again this year, thanks to soloists on piano and harp, our ‘house’ band, the European Silent Screen Virtuosi and the massed instrumentalists of the Bristol Ensemble. And it’s not only used when we’re showing silent films. We’ve celebrated Bill Oddie’s songbook for The Goodies; heard Paul McGann sing Charlie Chaplin’s Smile with a flashmob choir; seen Barry Cryer duet with Neil Innes, and we’ve belted out Always Look On The Bright Side at a screening of Monty Python’s Life of Brian introduced by Terry Jones. But one of the most unforgettable musical moments was when rock god Rick Wakeman improvised on grand piano to a Buster Keaton film.

• Slapstick Festival takes place at Bristol Old Vic, Bristol Cathedral and Watershed and will be followed on 10 February by a family show with children’s TV favourite Andy Day and a silent comedy film gala hosted by Marcus Brigstocke; slapstick.org.uk

High-profile hiccups Even the best-planned festivals can encounter glitches but there’s no denying we’ve had A-list help on the rare occasions when a booked celebrity has become unavailable at short notice – Jason Donovan deputising for Christopher Biggins at a Rocky Horror Show screening; Stephen Merchant taking over the gala mid-show after

Lee Mack gets custard pied, courtesy of Barry Cryer

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 25

Theatre2.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:32 Page 1

THEATRE

WISE MOVE: Emma always had a sense that great things would happen in Bristol, and decided to rehome her “illegitimate project” in the city she hopes to be in for the rest of her creative life

THE HOMECOMING After a turbulent few years in London, director and theatremaker Emma Rice has come home to set down creative roots in Bristol. As her first show with her new company opens, she explains to Daisy Bowie-Sell why she couldn’t be happier. Photography by Steve Tanner

26 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019 | Nº 175

Theatre2 (1).qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:05 Page 2

THEATRE

I

“

am rarely daunted by anything, which may really be my downfall,” says Emma Rice when we meet on a wet and vigorously blustery afternoon at her new company’s home in Spike Island. “Most of the time it works out, then sometimes it jumps up and bites me on the arse.”

But there will be no bum-biting when it comes to Rice’s most recent endeavour – a music-infused, raucous and ultimately heart-warming adaptation of Angela Carter’s remarkable and sprawling 1991 novel Wise Children. It is glorious – full of the kind of mad magic and mayhem that Rice’s years directing Cornish travelling company Kneehigh instilled in her. Wise Children opened in London at the tail end of 2018, and this month you can see it in Bristol.

Of course you can – Bristol is now the permanent home of Rice and her company – also called Wise Children – which she launched in April. This is the first time she will be based here professionally but she’s no stranger to the South West. Her grandfather was Bristolian and she joined Kneehigh in Cornwall in 1994. Her work there – including The Red Shoes and an adaptation of Brief Encounter in a West End cinema – has toured nationally and internationally. Still, she explains, her decision to live here had an element of a lightening strike: “When we met, my partner was living in London and I was living in Cornwall.

We put a pin in the map.”

Still, Rice always had a sense that great things would happen in Bristol, she explains to me, with her signature beaming smile. And perhaps one of these great things is Rice herself. It was Bristol’s gain and London’s loss when, after only two years as artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe (the first woman to head up the venue and only its third artistic director) and following a furore around the use of electric lighting in the space, she left London and arrived on the banks of the River Avon ready to start anew.

“In the wake of the drama at the Globe, everything happened very fast,” she explains. “The negative way of saying it is that I was on a cliff edge. The positive way of saying it is that I had a blank sheet of paper – that’s usually not something you ever get in your 50s.”

Whatever she was going to do next, she knew that the stage adaptation of Wise Children would be at the heart of it. The show was originally commissioned by the National Theatre but the artistic director in charge stepped down before she delivered her first draft. She hoped to stage it at the Globe “because it mentions 34 of the 37 Shakespeare’s plays” – so when she left, there it was. Waiting for her.

“It was a no-brainer,” says Rice. “This illegitimate project was waiting for a home and there I am, about to set up a new home that I hope to be in for the rest of my creative life. And what a perfect story to start with.”

Indeed it is. Carter’s novel is about making your way, finding your own family and brushing off adversity with a touch of rouge, a bit of glitter and a soupçon of Champagne. It is Shakespearean in its sense of real life and love and in its bawdy humour. It follows two ageing showgirls, now 75 and living in a crumbling house in Brixton, London.

They tell their life stories in flashback, from the point their madcap naturist Grandma Chance took them under her wing to their time on stage, in Hollywood and beyond. Rice has created a colourful, exuberant adaptation, playing with gender and race in her cast (“I have a black man playing the same character as a middle-aged white woman, and that’s no problem”). In fact, she admits that this might be the most exciting casting work she’s done yet.

And it was all created in or around Spike Island, which Rice had in mind as the home of Wise Children when she was first forming the company in her head. She decided it would be “good to walk into a gallery rather than a theatre building,” surrounded by artists, printmakers, sculptors. Her plans for the future are ambitious and she talks about the potential for Wise Childen, in a few years, to be joining her Spike Island neighbours and creating a book or a work of art.

The School for Wise Children was also an important part of her idea for the new company. It offers training for people over 18 who “want to make theatre in a different way”. Acutely aware that performing arts colleges are rapidly closing, she wants to plug the gap and offer those who wouldn’t usually get access to the training the chance to sign up.

There are plans afoot for some “crazy” things for Bristol too, and the use of her Temporary Utopia Caravan kit – or Tuc Tucs – will enable

her travelling band of players to rock up anywhere at any time and burst out into a show. Watch this space.

There’s no two ways about it: Rice is clearly entirely delighted to be home. “I feel great. If you’d asked me at any point in the last two years, I would probably have said the same but not meant it,” she says. “I feel genuine relief, excitement. It’s like a fresh new chapter.” ■

• Wise Children runs at Bristol Old Vic from 23 January to 16 February. Visit bristololdvic.org.uk; wisechildren.co.uk

Carter’s novel is about brushing off adversity with a touch of rouge, a bit of glitter and a soupçon of Champagne

Young Dora (Bettrys Jones), Grandma Chance (Katy Owen) and Young Nora (Mirabelle Gremaud) at The Old Vic

Director Judith Dimant and producer Poppy Keeling have joined Emma

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 27

Photography by Tristam Kenton

Theatre (1).qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:09 Page 1

I’M COMING OUT (OF HIBERNATION, FOR THIS): Clockwise from top left, Karis Anderson and co as Diana Ross and The Supremes; Shak Gabbidon-Williams as Marvin Gaye; Daniel Haswell as Stevie Wonder; Charles didn’t want impersonators, he wanted an actress to make him feel the way Diana Ross made him feel and make him put his hands up and sing Reach Out and Touch; some of the cracking dancers within the company; Reece Richards as Jackie Wilson

Theatre (1).qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:09 Page 2

THEATRE

MOTOWN: A MOVEMENT It doesn’t matter what you wear, just as long as you are there... Bristol Hippodrome welcomes a hot new show from Michael Lovesmith and Charles Randolph-Wright

I

t’s been almost 60 years since iconic record label Motown was founded in Detroit, Michigan, by the now-legendary Mr Berry Gordy. Synonymous with launching the careers of Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and the Jackson Five to name but a few, Motown Records enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic.

Now the story of its success, and the phenomenal amount of hits it produced, is being told in Motown The Musical. A smash hit in the West End, the show embarked on its first UK tour in October and is visiting the Bristol Hippodrome from 10 January to 2 February.

After decades of working with Berry Gordy at Motown, during which time he coached the Jackson Five and produced the likes of The Temptations and The Supremes alongside a successful career as a performer, Michael Lovesmith has now turned his talent and knowledge of Motown to the new musical, working as creative consultant. We sat down with him, as well as the show’s acclaimed director Charles Randolph-Wright, to find out more from two of the people who know Berry best.

“I was basically born and raised in music,” Michael tells us. “I was on the road as a child, singing in churches as a trio with my brothers.

Then at age 11 I was introduced to Holland-Dozier-Holland, who signed me to a songwriting contract, and I wrote my first song for them, to be performed by Dionne Warwick.”

“At age 11!” Charles interjects. “I just want to make sure that’s clear, you were 11!”

“It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and it was a good thing I had a good song!” Michael continues modestly. “I met Mr Gordy at 17, and by that time I had produced about 12 artists. Motown wanted me to work with the Jackson Five. I was their age, so I could relate to them in a way that not everybody could. They were so used to working with older people who didn’t quite understand their energy. I ended up becoming Berry Gordy’s protégé, and started producing and vocal coaching Michael and his brothers. Then soon after that I started recording with The Supremes and The Temptations. That’s pretty much how I got started.”

Charles joined the Motown family much later, coming on board to direct the musical which premiered on Broadway in 2013. “For me Motown has always been part of my life,” he says. “The opportunity to work with Mr Gordy was mind-blowing when this project came up because he was and is a major inspiration to me.”

His enthusiasm and warmth for the project is clear. “My family says that I was directing from the minute I was walking. Theatre fascinated me, from my very first experience in the audience. But even as a performer, I always was intrigued by directing and writing. I was in the original cast of Dreamgirls on Broadway and directed a fellow performer’s nightclub act. That lead to several other acts, and more jobs followed. I knew then that would be my focus.”

Motown The Musical tells the story of Mr Gordy’s life and the development of Motown Records, which soon became known as Hitsville USA. What was it like being at the epicentre of the Motown movement at the time? “I was desperate to get to Detroit and get working in music but my parents wanted me to get through school, so I studied and studied so I could graduate early and from there I went straight to Detroit,” Michael explains. “The funny thing is I think

Motown could have been anywhere, and in a sense it was.”

Charles nods enthusiastically. “Absolutely. Every city had a girl group, a guy group, a kids’ group and a lead singer but the unique thing that Detroit had was Berry Gordy.”

“He was this beacon of light,” Michael goes on, “showing you what you could do and what you could be. There were musicians and singers all over the country, but Detroit had Berry Gordy so it became a magnet for them.”

It was this that informed Charles’ direction of the musical. “Of course, that’s what we are able to explore in the show, how Mr Gordy’s ambition and talent founded Motown. It’s not a Detroit sound, it’s a Motown sound. Although some people think Motown is a real place!”

With such an iconic sound that audiences have loved for almost six decades, it must have been quite the challenge to faithfully recreate on stage. How does such a process even begin?

“We searched high and low for someone who understands the need for the show to sound like Motown,” Michael says. “One person came to meet us, and gave us his idea of how he would find a Stevie Wonder, a Michael Jackson, a Smokey Robinson, which we didn’t think was possible, and that person was Charles Randolph-Wright.”

“Oh, you were talking about me!” exclaims Charles bashfully, “I didn’t realise, I was listening so intently.”

“Charles walked into the room and knew what Motown is, who Motown is and what Motown looks and feels like. He grew up on this music. He understood Motown, and that is what we were looking for.

We put the show in his hands.”

..The musical tells the story of Mr Gordy’s life and the development of Motown Records, which soon became known as Hitsville USA....

No pressure, then, Charles... “Oh yes, I felt pressure. It was so important to me because Mr Gordy is one of my idols, so I wanted to create the show that he wanted to see,” says Charles. “I approached it the way that Berry Gordy approached it – I needed to find artists that would evoke a certain thing. What I never wanted to do was find people who would just impersonate those performers, I wanted them to make me feel the way Diana Ross made me feel, an actress that would actually make me put my hands up and sing Reach Out and Touch. I had a goldmine to work with because Mr Gordy and Michael were there to help, and they knew these people before they were the icons they became. I wanted to find people who had what these people did before they became stars. What was that spark, what was that tone?”

“What was great about Charles’ casting process is he would find people who were so good, we wanted to sign them as artists in their own right!” says Michael. “He had a vision, like Mr Gordy. Sometimes I even call him ‘Little Berry’. He understood what to look for.”

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 29

Ú

Theatre (1).qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:09 Page 3

THEATRE “It’s finding that energy,” Charles continues. “Sometimes it’s such raw performers and sometimes it’s people who have been in 10 shows.

It’s an instinctive thing – they’re Motown. Working closely with Mr Gordy and Michael I’ve been able to ask, what is that thing that Stevie Wonder has, what is that specific thing that Smokey has? We find someone that is authentic, rather than make them pretend to be that.”

After success on Broadway and in the West End, the team really wanted to bring their new baby to the rest of the UK. “We owed it to the UK,” says Michael. “It is probably 50% responsible for the success of Motown; it has kept Motown alive. The vibe here is fantastic, audiences are screaming and cheering and it’s incredible, it’s like being back in one of the shows from the ’70s. The UK has always loved Motown, and we needed to do this tour because we know wherever we take Motown The Musical in the UK, it will be loved.”

“What has surprised me the most with audiences is that Motown appeals to every age,” Charles chips in. “I love that each audience member finds some aspect of this show that resonates with them. The show is infectious, and the UK truly knows and loves this music. It’s not just a record label, it’s not just a show, it’s a movement.”

• motownthemusical.co.uk; atgtickets.com Nathan Lewis as Smokey Robinson

Motown wanted Lovesmith to work with the Jackson Five because he was their age and could relate to them in a way that not everybody could

30 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Hippodrome fp.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2018 09:37 Page 1

What's on - Jan 19.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:11 Page 1

LOCAL | EVENTS

WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY Watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail at Curzon Cinema

Find out about 1920s comedy star Alice Howell at Slapstick Festival

must go on an incredible adventure of self discovery, encountering crooks and charlatans, terrifying monsters and outrageous villains. This is the ultimate Greek tragedy and the original mother-loving pantomime. £15; thewardrobetheatre.com

Disco Boots: Night Skating Until 7 January, 6pm – 8pm slots, The We The Curious Ice Rink, Millennium Square Dust off your disco moves, and prepare to dance as the ice rink in Millennium Square becomes this winter’s coolest dance floor.

Take a twirl on the rink, soak up the alpine atmosphere in the après bar and enjoy views of the city on the SkyView Wheel. From £6.95; wethecurious.org A Christmas Carol Until 13 January, times vary, Bristol Old Vic Bah humbug! Told in true Bristol Old Vic style, Tom Morris (The Grinning Man) joins forces with Lee Lyford and Gwyneth Herbert (The Snow Queen) to present another festive feast for all the family – an enchanting new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, A Christmas Carol. Ages 7+. From £7.50; bristololdvic.org.uk The Borrowers by Mary Norton Until 20 January, times vary, Tobacco Factory Theatres This winter the Factory Theatre is transformed into a giant adventure playground to tell the charmingly irreverent story of The Borrowers, based on the muchloved novel by Mary Norton. Below the floorboards of a large house in Bristol, we are plunged into the quirky, wonky, miniature world of young Arrietty and her family of Borrowers. Making use of anything and everything they find ‘upstairs’, from cotton buds to crisp packets, the Borrowers are the original up-cyclers. From £12; tobaccofactorytheatres.com Oedipuss In Boots Until 20 January, 7.45pm (and 2pm matinees), The Wardrobe Theatre As lightning cracks at the summit of Mount Olympus, the royal kitten Oedipuss is cursed with the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother. Outcast, this brave puss 32 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

Planetarium Nights Every Thursday in January, 7pm and 8.15pm, We The Curious See newly discovered planets, fly past far-away galaxies, and listen to the stories of ancient stargazers as the We The Curious presenters take you through the universe in two planetarium shows – Solar System Odyssey 3D at 7pm, and Winter Stargazing 3D at 8.15pm. 16+. £7.50/£8.50; wethecurious.org New Year's Day Boundary Walk 1 January, 11am – 3pm, Tyntesfield With 540 acres of land to explore, Tyntesfield is the perfect place for a New Year’s Day guided walk, as well as stopping for lunch in the kitchen garden. Discover rarely told tales and tread untrodden paths across fields and up through wooded glens. The walk will take in glorious vistas and shed light on some forgotten gems of the Tyntesfield story. £15, includes lunch; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield Home Alone 3 January, 2pm, We The Curious Big Screen, Millennium Square Watch the seasonal family favourite film Home Alone on the outdoor big screen at We The Curious at this free film showing. Soak up the atmosphere at the winter fair, complete with big wheel, aprés bar, food cabins, and the ice rink. Bring a deck chair and blankets, arrive early to get a spot; wethecurious.org Hercules 9 – 12 January, times vary, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic Welcome to Thebes, a ping-pong parlour presided over by Zeus, king of the gods. In here, only the best, the strongest and the

No 175

A new take on Hercules at Bristol Old Vic

bravest can win, and Zeus won’t be pleased if you don’t show willing. Zeus’ young son, Hercules, has a lot to live up to, but is he strong enough to be the best and fight his inner demons? This show brings the Hercules myth bang up to date, scrutinising what it means to be strong in today’s society. From £13; bristololdvic.org.uk Intro to Wine Course 12 January, 10.30am – 4pm, The Kensington Arms, Stanley Road, Redland Broaden your wine knowledge with this course hosted by Bristol Wine School. The course is suitable for anyone and everyone who enjoys wine and wants to learn more, with no previous experience necessary. Over a relaxed, fun and informative day you’ll sample 12 quality wines from around the world. £80, includes two-course lunch; bristolwineschool.co.uk Organ Elevenses 12 January, 10.30am, Holy Trinity Church, Church Road, Westbury-on-Trym Organist Nigel Nash gives this month’s popular Organ Elevenses recital. Coffee and cakes will be served from 10.30am and the 40-minute recital gets under way at 11am with a large-screen projection of the organist.

Suggested donation £5 on the door in aid of the Organ Fund charity.

Slave Trade Legacies: A Young People’s Project, 14 January, 6pm – 7.30pm, M Shed Last year, local museum and event space M Shed partnered with seven young people aged 17 to 24 in order to research Bristol’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, and to reflect on what the legacies of the trade mean for each of them, working closely with Easton-based creative media production company 8th Sense Media to create short films for display. Join the participants to hear about the project and to watch screenings of the short films. Free entry; bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed

What's on - Jan 19.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:04 Page 2

LOCAL | EVENTS

EDITOR’S PICK...

TEENAGE KICKS: THE INBETWEENERS PHENOMENON 19 JANUARY, 8PM, BRISTOL OLD VIC

In just three series, The Inbetweeners (2008 – 2010) became nothing short of a national comedy phenomenon. Series creator and writers Damon Beesley and Iain Morris created four totally new hapless teenagers the nation could identify with. As part of the Slapstick Festival, join fan Richard Herring in conversation with creators Iain and Damon and actor Joe Thomas (who plays Simon Cooper) as they reflect on the show’s success and its ongoing legacy.

Tickets £18. This will be followed by a screening of The Inbetweeners Movie at 10pm, £12.50. Enjoy both Inbetweeners events for £25; slapstick.org.uk

Rediscovering Alice Howell 17 January, 9.30am, Watershed, Harbourside, Bristol Alice Howell was a huge comedy star in the early 1920s and one of the few women permitted to be funny in her own right in the male-dominated world of silent screen comedy. Join stand-up comedian and writer Lucy Porter as she introduces a selection of Howell’s funniest, newly restored comedy shorts as she champions this rarely seen, yet prolific, performer. £5/£8; slapstick.org.uk Grounds for Grave Concern: Bristol Municipal Cemeteries Past, Present and Future

17 January, 6pm – 7.30pm, M Shed The original urban green spaces, cemeteries memorialise the dead, provide recreation for the living, host a surprising variety of wildlife – and are also places of work. In this talk Dr Helen Frisby and Dr Stuart Prior tell the multifaceted story of Bristol’s municipal cemeteries past, present and future. Free entry, donations welcome; bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed Henleaze Concert Society: Piano Quintets 19 January, 7.30pm, Trinity-Henleaze URC, Waterford Road, Bristol The Bristol Ensemble is joined by virtuoso pianist Viv McLean to perform Schubert’s

enduringly popular and elegant Trout Quintet and Vaughan Williams’ Piano Quintet in C Minor. £16.50 for adults, £5 under 25s, from Opus 13 music shop. Tel: 0117 923 0164; henleazeconcertsociety.org.uk Jazz Dames Four 19 January, 8pm, Redgrave Theatre, Percival Road, Bristol Celebrating the music of composer Cole Porter, Jazz Dames Lucy Moon, Tammy Payne, Ruth Hammond, Katya Gorrie and Louis Victoria Hunt, with special guest Alan Barnes, will bring audiences a fantastic evening of great songs, beautiful harmonies and wonderful arrangements. Part of the Continued on page 34

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

Ú

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 33

What's on - Jan 19.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 10:04 Page 3

LOCAL | EVENTS

Last chance to get your skates on at the We The Curious Ice Rink

Jazz Dames Four at the Redgrave Theatre

Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival winter concert series. £18/£20; bristoljazzandbluesfest.com

shadow, violence and dance, five performers work together on what sets them apart. From £12; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Champion Tree Walk 20 January, 9.30am – 12.30pm, Tyntesfield, Wraxall Tyntesfield is home to more than 40 county champion trees – the tallest, widest, oldest of their species. On this walk for gardening and horticulture enthusiasts alike, tree registrar Chris Watts will take you on a journey across the estate to discover hidden gems and some ancient giants. Sensible footwear necessary. £10; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield

Murder Mystery: Burns Night Special 25 January, 7pm, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery Gather your friends, family and colleagues together for a Burns Night to remember.

Watch as the murder mystery story unfolds, quiz the characters about their motives and find the clues to help solve the murder. Can you unravel the puzzle? Piping in The Haggis followed by a three-course seasonal dinner. DJ and disco until 1am. 18+. £69.99 per person; bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-andart-gallery

Wise Children 23 January – 16 February, times vary, Bristol Old Vic It’s 23 April, Shakespeare’s birthday. In Brixton, Nora and Dora Chance – twin chorus girls born and bred south of the river – are celebrating their 75th birthday. Over the river in Chelsea, their father and greatest actor of his generation Melchior Hazard turns 100 on the same day. As does his twin brother Peregrine. If, in fact, he’s still alive. And if, in truth, Melchior is their real father after all…

A big, bawdy tangle of theatrical joy and heartbreak, Wise Children is a celebration of showbusiness, family, forgiveness and hope.

Expect show girls and Shakespeare, sex and scandal, music, mischief and mistaken identity – and butterflies by the thousand. 14+. From £11.50; bristololdvic.org.uk The Paper Man 24 – 27 January, times vary, Tobacco Factory Theatres An intriguing true story of political protest, power and football. In 1938, Austrian football star Matthias Sindelar humiliated the Nazi regime by refusing to throw a match.

A few months later, he was dead. Accident, suicide or execution? Middle-aged, white British, football addict-in-recovery Lee Simpson wants answers. He hires some women to make a show about football, Nazis, and our future. In a paper world of light and 34 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

Bokanté 31 January, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol Bokanté perform live in celebration of their much-anticipated album with the Metropole Orkest, What Heat. A band whose members are united in the belief that music should be a voice for the voiceless, a force for change against a rising tide of exclusion and indifference. £17.50; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Monty Python and the Holy Grail 31 January, 8pm, Curzon Cinema & Arts, Clevedon The kings of being awfully silly took on the Arthurian legend in their first film from 1975.

Despite struggling for funding throughout production, Python turned their money woes into enduring moments of pop culture. They couldn’t afford horses, so they clopped together coconuts and they didn’t budget for a battle so the film crescendos with a postmodern side swipe that is born from inventive Python genius as much as economic necessity. A quintessentially British anarchic parody that has aged perfectly since its original release. £5.50 – £7.80; curzon.org.uk Classical Mixtape Live 1 1 February, 7.30pm, St George’s Bristol This is the perfect try-it-out event for those a bit nervous about giving classical a go.

No 175

There’s a huge variety of music, all of which is thrilling, soothing, moving or energising.

Composers include Bach, Beethoven, Tavener, Chopin and Eric Whitacre. There are two main performance stages, but performers move around the space and pop up in surprising places. 8+. £15 – £20; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk Bristol Playwright Festival 3 February, from 10am, The Wardrobe Theatre, The Old Market Assembly Join Bristol-based Elvin Acting Theatre Company for their annual Bristol Playwright Festival. From 10am there will be a range of workshops for all ages and abilities, that include creative writing, acting, lively discussions and slam poetry delivered by industry professionals. From 4.30pm sit back and enjoy the festival performance, where actors will deliver segments of five shortlisted plays, in front of an industry panel of judges, before a winner is crowned. Workshops £3, performances £9; thewardrobetheatre.com Sing-a-Long-a The Greatest Showman 4 February, 7.30pm, Bristol Hippodrome The producers of Singalonga Sound of Music and Singalonga Grease brings you their newest show, the smash-hit musical that everyone can’t stop singing – The Greatest Showman. Learn the dance moves, use the interactive prop bags, and sing along to the film’s chart-topping hits. £16; atgtickets.com/bristol The Big Hearted Valentine’s Ball 9 February, 6.30pm, Apex City of Bath Hotel, James Street West, Bath A charity black-tie dinner and ball to raise funds for a fibre optic laryngoscope to be used for treating heart patients at the NHS Bristol Heart Institute. Entertainment includes closeup magic from Peter Baffles, live music and the host is comedian Tank Sherman. Tickets £75, includes drinks reception and threecourse dinner. Main sponsors Bugler Coaches, tel: 01225 44422. n

Image: Daniel Watkiss

The Paper Man at Tobacco Factory Theatres

P35.qxp_Layout 23 19/12/2018 15:55 Page 1

From Kangxi to Banksy, we sell the lot

Chinese Vase

Heuer Autavia Chronograph

Eames 670 Lounger

Banksy – Love Rat (unsigned print)

£11,400

£9,300

£3,450

£11,750

Every lot sold at Clevedon Salerooms is professionally photographed and is offered on at least three different platforms prior to auction with live-online bidding.

All four of our full time valuers are either regulated RICS chartered art & antiques surveyors or Society of Fine Art Auctioneer associate valuers. Two of our valuers have over twenty years experience each, whist two more have double this amount. We are now accepting entries for our busy spring season of auction sales.

On Wednesday 6th February 10am – 4pm we will be holding a Free Jewellery, Watches, Silver & Gold valuation day at the Salerooms. Our consultant gemmologist John Kelly FGA will be appraising jewellery and Marc Burridge will be assessing watches, with the 7th March Quarterly Specialist Sale in mind.

No appointment is necessary and there is ample free parking.

Free Valuation Days

Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers The Auction Centre Kenn Road, Kenn Clevedon, BS21 6TT

7th, 8th & 21st, 22nd January At the Salerooms 9.30am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm No appointment necessary – Ample free parking Alternatively for a free no-obligation valuation, email images to info@csrauctions.com

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Tel: 01934 830111 www.clevedon-salerooms.com

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 35

Century Casino FP 19.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 11:48 Page 1

Century Casino Bath

Visit us for three floors of fabulous entertainment Cocktail lounge with terrace overlooking the Theatre Royal. Private room also available Our Beau Nash Suite is available for private parties and functions.

For all enquiries please contact: bathevents@cnty.com

Saw Close Bath, BA1 1EY 01225 308 990 18+ BeGambleAware.org - DrinkAware.co.uk

Know your limits! For more information go to:

www.cnty.com/bath

Pub in the Park fp.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2018 15:58 Page 1

State of the Art.qxp_Layout 2 20/12/2018 12:13 Page 1

EXHIBITIONS

STATE OF THE ART Bristol Cranes by Mark Hayward

Vanishing Point by Carolyn Eaton

Bristol in Winter, 14 January – 6 February, Alchemy 198 Featuring some of Bristol’s well-known photographers, such as Colin Moody, Carolyn Eaton, Jon Morgan and Mark Hayward, ‘Bristol in Winter’ is new art-bar Alchemy 198’s latest exciting offering. Even though we’ll be hunkered down and braced for cold weather in January, Bristol continues to thrum with life. This exhibition will feature images of the city’s landscape and also the people and events that keep us from feeling the January blues. There’ll also be an artists’ party for exhibitors, Room 212 and 212 Productions artists on 24 January (6–9pm) – a great chance for people to meet artists, enjoy an Alchemy 198 cocktail and discover more about the artwork.

• Twitter: @Alchemy198

Albert Irvin and Abstract Expressionism, RWA, until 3 March The first major retrospective of this British artist, alongside a 60th anniversary celebration of the seminal exhibition ‘The New American Painting’. This original new show will not only consider how Irvin’s work was shaped by his experience of visiting the exhibition, but also how The New American Painting changed the perspectives of many British artists. It will bring together works by major abstract expressionist artists from the late 1950s, including important loans which have been secured from Tate – such as works by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Robert Motherwell, Barnett Newman, Sam Francis and Adolph Gottlieb.

• rwa.org.uk

Birds, Beasts and Butterflies, Rainmaker Gallery, until 28 February Native American peoples traditionally regard animals as fellow creatures sharing a common destiny and such relationships are reflected in their cultural and spiritual lives. This exhibition offers works by contemporary Native artists who RWA shares the work of Peter Coker and others this month express their individual connections to the natural world. Pacific Northwest Coast artist Preston Singletary immortalises regional fauna in traditional Tlingit ‘formline’ serigraphs. The black and white photography of Eugene Tapahe captures iconic American wildlife in natural habitats, contrasting with the paintings of Chickasaw artist Billy Hensley who celebrates his love of nature in a series of richly coloured and patterned canvases. The exhibition encourages us to be mindful of our fellow creatures, learn from them and understand that their survival is inextricably linked to our own.

• rainmakerart.co.uk

38 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Fly Free by Marla Allison

P39.qxp_Layout 23 19/12/2018 15:58 Page 1

Every Kind of People: Jan 24 - Feb 26 Lime Tree Gallery, 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol BS8 4UB

Tel 0117 929 2527 • www.limetreegallery.com

Last chance to see!

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 39

State of the Art.qxp_Layout 2 17/12/2018 11:15 Page 2

EXHIBITIONS

Every Kind of People, Lime Tree Gallery, 24 January – 26 February As Robert Palmer sang, all those years ago, “It takes every kinda people, to make what life’s about.” This exhibition explores that theme through the eyes of many fine artists. The result is a wide-ranging show of interesting people doing interesting things in interesting places. This is ‘painterly’ painting, underpinned by real skill and technique. Artists include Anne Anderson, Jackie Anderson, Aldo Balding, Chris Bennett ROI, Michael Clark PAI RSW, Aine Divine RSW, Armen Gasparian, Jo Hargan DA PAI PPAI, Rob Hewer, Natasha Kumar and Steven Lindsay plus Oliver Lovley, Olga Oreshnikov, Sylvia Paul, Sophie Ploeg, David Porteous- Butler and Nikolai Reznichenko.

• limetreegallery.com

The Blazing World, Spike Island, 19 January – 24 March A major new commission by Swiss artist Mai-Thu Perret, whose practice intertwines diverse traditions such as modernism, the Arts and Crafts movement, and Eastern spiritualities. In 1999 Perret created The Crystal Frontier, a fictional all-women commune who opted out of contemporary capitalist society and settled in the New Mexico desert. The story of this autonomous community provides the framework for Perret’s interest in radical feminist politics. Perret’s continually expanding fiction explores how both personalities and objects function within the social systems they inhabit, the nature of utopia and the compelling power of revolution and ritual. The Blazing World extends upon Perret’s interests in feminist politics and the occult. A new body of ceramic sculptures is either associated with the imagery of the witch in fairy tales (the apple, the home and the farm) or with animal masks, alluding to the transformation of witches into animals or the possibility of being possessed by other subjectivities.

The idea of transformation – both conceptually and materially – is central to the exhibition. By referencing the figure of the witch, Perret recalls the persecution of women in the Early European Modern period, when witchcraft and Satanic worship became an expression of peasant and working class rebellion, as feudal society transitioned towards capitalism. The deep psychic entanglements of this archetypal figure – as a perceived threat to fertility, reproduction and patriarchy – continue to live on in society’s myths and fairy tales. By drawing parallels between domestic crafts such as ceramics and the Zen garden, Perret underlines how the fraught relationship between craft and gender continues to unsettle.

Rhapsody by Nikolai Reznichenko

• spikeisland.org.uk

● Call for artists: Young Open 2019 Black Swan Arts is calling for entries for its Young The Young Open has attracted all sorts of wonderful Open 2019 competition creations; such as Ruby Hyde’s Liberation which will be on show at the Frome-based art centre.

The Open provides an opportunity for people between the ages of eight and 19 to have their work curated, judged and exhibited for hundreds of visitors to see. Winners in two of the age categories (12-15 years and 16-19 years) have the chance to take part in a one-to-one workshop with a professional artist, with each of the sessions carefully tailored to develop the skills and broaden the artistic abilities of the winners. Winners in the youngest category will win £25 vouchers from Postscript and Studio Prints. In the six years since the competition was launched, it has proven enormously popular, with over 1,050 works of art having been entered and more than 800 young artists taking part; 150 schools, clubs and youth groups have been involved and the five exhibitions to date have received over 9,000 visitors. Submissions in all forms of art and craft are welcome, including painting, drawing, collage, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, photography, video/animation, metalwork, carpentry and sculpture. The cost is £5 for one entry, £8 for two entries, £10 for three entries and £12 for four entries, the deadline is 22 February and the exhibition will continue from 30 March to 27 April.

• blackswanarts.org.uk

We love this by Daisy Wellsted Axxer by Txx 40 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

P41.qxp_Layout 23 18/12/2018 13:41 Page 1

LAWRENCES: FIRST CHOICE FOR COLLECTORS Lawrences in Crewkerne will begin 2019 with yet more private collections for sale. Last year saw Lawrences as a popular choice for collectors looking to sell their prized lots.

In January, they have the second tranche of a private collection of silver snuff boxes, consigned from one of the leading collectors based on the Continent: “I have been delighted with the prices achieved by Lawrences and had no hesitation in choosing them again.”

In the same sale, Lawrences will also be selling a library of silver reference books, consigned by a vendor in Germany. This is one of the most comprehensive collections ever to come to the market and there is already interest from as far afield as New Zealand!

In April, they will be selling a private collection of 80 vinaigrettes and snuff boxes. This collection is expected to draw several interested buyers, many using the internet facilities available which enables anyone form anywhere in the world to take part in the sale.

“We put a great deal of effort into cataloguing the pieces in depth,” explains Alex Butcher, the silver specialist at Lawrences. “The further help we can offer sellers and buyers ensures that we get the highest prices.”

Alex is very well known in the industry: having started his career at Phillips Auctioneers in London in the Silver Department in 1987, he then went on to run the Silver Department at Christies in South Kensington before joining Lawrences in 2009. Earlier this year, Alex was invited to become one of only 200 Liverymen of the Worshipful company of Goldsmiths, an accolade considered to be a great honour and testament to his knowledge and dedication to the silver industry as a whole.

If you would like to know more about buying or selling silver at Lawrences then contact Alex on alex.butcher@lawrences.co.uk Lawrences hold monthly FREE valuation morning at the Clifton Club. Contact andy.sagar@lawrences.co.uk for more details and dates

Lawrences AUCTIONEERS The Linen Yard, South Street, Crewkerne, Somerset TA18 8AB. T 01460 73041

lawrences.co.uk

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 41

Tech 2-2.qxp_Layout 7 20/12/2018 12:47 Page 1

TECHNOLOGY Image courtesy of Ultrahaptics/ZeroLight

FUTURE FILES The robots are alright! Local tech expert Nick Flaherty looks at just a few of the innovative projects and companies that make Bristol one of the hottest technology hubs in the world

Y

ou probably didn’t know that all around Bristol there are engineers working away on the latest world-beating technologies, from driverless cars to the latest in artificial intelligence. Graphcore in Wine Street has developed the most complex silicon chip in the world. With 23.6 billion (yes billion) transistors, this is more complex than the chips developed

by Intel or IBM. These chips are going into data centres worldwide to speed up the artificial intelligence behind services such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The company is recognised as the world’s leading AI chip company and is valued at over $1bn, a rarity in Europe. The next generation chip they are currently working on will use the same leadingedge tech that both Intel and IBM are trying to make work.

Another tech company looking to be huge around the world is Reach Robotics. It launched a range of robots for the home in October that you can buy through both the Apple store and Amazon, and which were a must-have Christmas present. The Mekamon robots use augmented reality (AR) in mobile phones to fight each other or to dance. “While we are a local Bristol company we have global ambitions and we are growing a global robotics company here,” says Silas Adekunle, cofounder and chief executive of Reach.

Looking further into the future, researchers here in Bristol have developed the world’s first programmable quantum chips using light.

42 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Quantum computers can perform certain calculations really, really fast, and this threatens to crack the encryption that protects all our banking and financial information today. The Bristol chip uses quantum technology to add more protection that can’t be cracked. Bristol is also building the first quantum technology enterprise centre alongside Temple

...Quantum computers threaten to crack the encryption that protects our financial information.

The Bristol chip uses quantum tech to add protection that can’t be cracked...

Meads where entrepreneurs are turning the quantum technologies developed in the labs at the university into real products and systems.

One of the technologies developed in Bristol that you might see, and feel, comes from Ultrahaptics on Glass Wharf behind Temple Meads.

Tech 2-2.qxp_Layout 7 20/12/2018 12:48 Page 2

This allows you to feel things in mid-air that aren’t there; such as being able to turn a virtual knob in mid-air to tune your car radio. Using the same ultrasonic sensors that are used for car parking sensors, the technology can be used for a wide range of applications. Alongside a virtual reality headset it allows you to feel what you see, but in the high street it is being used alongside posters so that you can feel shapes in the air.

A XX

...SPHERE at Frenchay is looking at how robots can help look after people in their old age...

“This is a major milestone for the business, and it represents a crucial step in Ultrahaptics’ journey – seeing our technology being used by people in their daily lives,” says Steve Cliffe, chief executive.

Silas at Reach worked in Europe’s largest robotics lab, based up at Frenchay. The researchers there are looking ahead to what kinds of technologies we will need in the next decade. The SPHERE project is the largest robotics project in Europe, looking at how robots can help look after people in their old age. Other researchers are working on organic robots that can eat waste to provide power and then decompose out in the field. The algorithms that control swarms of unmanned aircraft were developed in the labs, and researchers are leading in the discussion of the ethics of artificial reality. “AI and driverless cars are exciting technologies, but they are also disruptive, so we need to ensure they are used ethically and to the benefit of all in society,” said Bristol Robotics Laboratory’s Prof Alan Winfield, who last month advised two parliamentary groups on the technology.

The labs’ research on autonomous systems led to them being pioneers in the development of cars that drive themselves. The Venturer and Flourish programmes have been researching how people will actually use the driverless cars now being used in taxi services in the US, while the Whisper programme is working on how cars communicate between themselves using WiFi and next-generation 5G mobile phone technologies, which is just starting to roll out around the world. The Driverless future project will take this research further over the next two years with driverless cars on Bristol’s roads.

The region is also leading the way with 5G tech in other ways. All around the Roman Baths in Bath, the latest high-speed wireless is helping visitors experience life in those times. Blu Wireless Technology

Looks like the Mekamon gaming robots had a lovely Christmas!

Cars are getting a whole lot more intelligent – some are learning to communicate between themselves using WiFi and 5G! (Image courtesy of Ultrahaptics automotive)

➲ THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 43

Tech 2.qxp_Layout 7 21/12/2018 12:17 Page 3

TECHNOLOGY

VR from Ultrahaptics on Glass Wharf that allows you to feel as well as see things in mid-air that aren’t there; to turn a virtual knob to tune your car radio

has been developing a chip design that is allowing high-speed wireless data at over one gigabit per second, five times more than the fastest home broadband.

All that data actually creates problems for networks. So another company, Zeetta Networks, is helping Ashton Gate become the leading smart stadium in the country. The tech manages all the different kinds of wireless networks across the stadium, and this technology is now being used in smart cities around the world as well as for Bristol’s own highspeed fibre optic network and supercomputer. All of this has led to Bristol being named the leading smart city in Europe by the likes of Huawei and GSMA’s 2018 Global Mobile Awards (the GLOMOs).

...A third of all the cars in the world use chips with tech from Bristol in their engines...

This isn’t a new thing. Engineers in Bristol have been designing leading-edge tech for many years. A third of all the cars in the world use chips with tech from Bristol in their engines, thanks to a design centre for German firm Infineon Technologies in Bradley Stoke. If you have a Sky TV box, then the chip and the software also all come from several design centres in Bristol.

For the next generation of technologists, High Tech Bristol and Bath is running code clubs in community centres and libraries across the region to help all kinds of kids have fun with coding and robotics. Volunteers from tech companies across the city help out at over 14 clubs in places such as Barton Hill to stimulate and encourage kids in tech.

All of this is part of the thriving tech cluster in the city. The Engine Shed at Temple Meads hosts the world’s number-one technology incubator, creating generations of tech companies. It will be part of the £300million campus alongside the station that will open in 2020 to house even more world-beating companies and researchers working on all kinds of tech. Watch this space... ■ • For the latest news from the local sector, follow Nick on Twitter: @SWTechNews 44 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Graphcore founders Simon Knowles and Nigel Toon

AI software that deliberately looks like a brain, from Graphcore

Lucknam Park fp.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2018 16:00 Page 1

Twinning.qxp_Layout 7 20/12/2018 12:17 Page 1

TRAVEL & CULTURE

Tbilisi, Georgia, was twinned with Bristol in 1988 as a way of making a link with post-Cold War countries

TWIN THING Bristol is officially linked to several fascinating cities around the world. Simon Horsford takes a closer look at the more left field, with a potted history of each and tips for those considering a visit for their next adventure

A

creative spirit and irreverent independence are in Bristol’s DNA, so it’s perhaps no surprise that it thought outside of the box when it came to choosing its twin cities. The idea of twinning in Britain was pioneered by Bristol after the Second World War as a way of encouraging and maintaining peace around the world and to forge educational, cultural and commercial links between different towns and cities.

Yes, there are the usual high-profile names: Bordeaux and Hannover were twinned in 1947 and Porto (marking trade links dating back to the 17th century) was added in 1984. But then Bristol went a bit more left field, even rebellious. In 1988, Tbilisi in Georgia was chosen as a way of making a link with post-Cold War countries.

Over the following couple of years, the city partnered with Puerto Morazán in Nicaragua and Beira in Mozambique to mark its approval of, and solidarity with, the political and cultural revolutions in those two countries. Meanwhile, Guangzhou’s twinning in 2001 stemmed from a desire within Bristol’s Chinese population and the business community to improve trade links with China. So, that’s the background, but what do we know about this unusual quartet?

Here’s a potted breakdown and how they connect with Bristol.

Beira, Mozambique Where is it? A port city in Sofala Province, central Mozambique, Beira lies at the mouth of the Pungwe river and is the second largest 46 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

city in the country. The port is the gateway to landlocked countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Potted history: In the late 19th century the city was developed by the Portuguese, who had been in the country for 400 years – the country finally gained independence in 1975. Mozambique was then gripped by a violent 16-year civil war between the Frelimo government and Renamo rebels.

What to see: A place of slightly faded glory, there are some fine, if run-down colonial buildings (look out for Casa Infante de Sagres); the heart of the city lies around Praça do Município and Praça do Metical. There are also some old, Mediterranean-style houses around Ponta Gêa too. Beira is known as the ‘the ship graveyard’, with shipwrecks wedged in the sands outside the Macuti lighthouse. Macuti has a sandy beach – popular with local footballers – and the main market and the cathedral, built in 1925, are also worth a visit.

What to eat: It’s well-known on the continent for its food, and there is a strong Portuguese influence with dishes such as peri peri chicken; as well as a strong Arab theme too. The ethnic food of Mozambique is traditionally very spicy and seafood is a staple of many plates. One very local dish is matapa – a stew using cassava leaves, shrimp and peanuts.

Twinning.qxp_Layout 7 20/12/2018 12:17 Page 2

TRAVEL & CULTURE

Festival time: Compared to many other African nations, there are few holidays and festivals. However New Year’s Eve is big with street parties and fireworks, while International Labour Day (1 May) and Independence Day (25 June) are marked by music, dance, street parties and cultural events.

Connections: The West of England China Bureau manages commercial and educational links between the two cities, such as school visits and cultural events. Last year Hong Kong artist Bao painted some Simpsons-inspired pieces at Bristol’s Upfest.

Connections: The Bristol-Beira Link uses various initiatives to help try and build a sustainable future with community-based projects enabling the local people to become self-sufficient and empowered.

Where is it: A small town in the north-west of Nicaragua, Puerto Morazán lies in the department of Chinandega, next to the Gulf of Fonseca. The nearest city is Leon and it’s some 160 miles from the capital, Managua.

Puerto Morazán, Nicaragua

...Beira is known as the ‘the ship graveyard’, with shipwrecks wedged in the sands outside the Macuti lighthouse....

Guangzhou, China

Potted history: Such is the size of Puerto Morazán, with a population of just 16,000, it’s history is very much that of Nicaragua. The largest of the Central American republics, it was the only country in Latin America that was colonised by the British and the Spanish. The country fell under the dictatorship of the Somozas until 1979 when it was toppled by the Sandinista National Liberation Front with Daniel Ortega taking control. The country then became embroiled in a battle Buzzing Guangzhou is about 75 miles northwest of Hong Kong

Where is it: The capital of the province of Guangdong, in southern China, the port (once known as Canton) is about 75 miles northwest of Hong Kong.

Potted history: A financial and commercial hub for the more than 2,000 years, Guangzhou was, for a time, the first stop for many foreign visitors to China. The Europeans arrived in the 16th century and, in the 19th century, the region was involved in the Opium Wars with Britain. Later it became a centre of learning and a hotbed of radicalism – it was at the heart of political activity for the Chinese Nationalist leader Sun Yat-sen and a cradle of the Chinese Revolution of 1911-12. Occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War, the city has seen huge economic growth in recent years.

What to see: China’s third busiest city is a giant metropolis, but has a cosmopolitan flair too and everything from mountains and museums to monasteries and medicine markets. Take your pick of what to experience in this vibrant place, from panoramic views from the 600metre Canton Tower and the richness of the old city to the exquisitely decorated Chen Clan Academy and the old houses, cafés and galleries of Shamian Island. The Mausoleum of the Nanyue King is also recommended – it houses the tomb of Zhao Mo – as is the Five Rams statue, the symbol of the city, at Yuexiu Park.

What to eat: Guangzhou food is seen as the essence of Cantonese cuisine, integrating traditional dishes, using a huge diversity of ingredients and employing up to 21 cooking techniques. Dishes to try – or brave – include the highly popular wenchang chicken (chicken steamed in a vegetable soup), fried chicken feet in oyster oil, ‘unicorn’ perch and Baiyun trotter.

Festival time: The Canton Trade Fair is held twice yearly, usually in April and October, on Pazhou Island. Elsewhere in the year, there’s the spectacular lantern festival in January; the dragon boat race in May and the Double Ninth Festival in September when the locals climb mountains and drink chrysanthemum wine.

...China’s third busiest city is a giant metropolis with cosmopolitan flair too, and everything from mountains and museums to monasteries and medicine markets....

Many Nicaraguan festivals feature dancing gigantona (giant puppet dolls) – Bristol has one that has performed at events and street markets too

Ú

Twinning.qxp_Layout 7 20/12/2018 12:18 Page 3

TRAVEL & CULTURE

with Contra rebels, sponsored by the United States, based in Honduras. The aftermath of the dictatorship, civil and natural calamities have hit the country hard and the city is poor even by the standards of Nicaragua – one of the most impoverished countries in the Western Hemisphere.

What to see: Nicaragua is a hugely diverse country; the western (Pacific) side is dominated by a chain of active volcanoes and the eastern (Atlantic) side is largely rainforest with small settlements along the coast. There are small eco-tourism initiatives and the beautiful and protected Estero Real Natural Reserve, about 12 miles north of Chinandega, is rich in plant and wildlife. Léon (40 miles away) is known for its intellectualism and independence, a fine cathedral and museum and a buzzing nightlife.

What to eat: To eat like a local go to a comedor – a snack bar where you can try chicken, beef or fish with plantain and gallo pinto (rice and beans). Street food can be a good bet; try the bajadas (deep-fried plantain chips) or the quesillo (cheesy tortilla).

Festival time: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is celebrated in Nicaragua as in most of Latin America so expect processions, music and food (traditionally meat-free dishes). The Day of the Dead is marked at the start of November and resembles Halloween, while Independence Day is also a big deal in September. Many festivals feature dancing gigantona (giant puppet dolls) – Bristol has one that has performed at events and street markets.

Connections: Bristol Link with Nicaragua (BLINC) helps fund a range of developments and encourages solidarity, community and environmental projects, including ones surrounding child health and clean water. There are educational links too and fundraising events, with half marathons and football tournaments raising money.

Tbilisi, Georgia Where is it? Georgia’s capital lies in the eastern part of the country.

Georgia itself is at the crossroads of western Asia and eastern Europe and is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the south by Turkey and Armenia, and to the southeast by Azerbaijan.

Potted history: Oddly, Georgians know their homeland as Sakartvelo; one theory suggests the name Georgia comes from Christian crusaders in the Middle Ages on account of the country’s devotion to St George.

Tbilisi is increasingly recognised as something of a creative, arts and fashion hub – it’s essential, too, that you have one of the hot sulphur baths and massages

48 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

A major Caucasian power and a centre of Christian culture and learning in the 12th century, until invasions by the Mongols and then Turks over the next 200 years devastated the country, which was split into four kingdoms and later annexed by Russia. In May 1918, the region was reunited as the Democratic Republic of Georgia. However, four years later Georgia became part of the Soviet Union until it gained independence again in 1991.

What to see: Increasingly recognised as something of a creative, arts and fashion hub, Tbilisi may be off the beaten track but it’s rich in history with a fascinating old town; the city was on the Great Silk Road. Elsewhere you will find fabulous architecture (art nouveau) and some terrific food. There are domed churches, great shops and art galleries, but check out the Marjanishvili theatre, the National Museum of Georgia and the Holy Trinity Cathedral. It’s essential, too, that you have one of the city’s hot sulphur baths and massages – try the most famous, the blue-tiled Orbeliani Baths.

What to eat: With influences from both east and west, the culinary richness of Georgian cuisine is not to be missed. The unofficial national dish, khinkali, comprises steamed dumplings filled with meat, cheese or vegetables; also look out for khachapuri (cheese-filled pies), which vary from region to region, and meat stew chakapuli. The wine is also fairly special – the country has more than 500 different grape varieties and is considered the world’s oldest wine-making country.

Festival time: Tbilisoba, in October, celebrates the autumn harvest and is held around the Old Town and Rike Park; the same month, the city also has the Festival of International Theatre. Naturally in a country that loves its food and wine, there are events marking the grape harvest and cheese too. Independence Day, 26 May, is also big.

Connections: Aside from educational projects and charitable activities, there are regular music and arts events organised by the Bristol Tbilisi Association, ranging from art displays to literary and poetry readings and film screenings. Mayor Marvin Rees recently travelled to Tbilisi to strengthen trade and economic links as part of a series of events to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the twinning. He unveiled a plaque in the newly refurbished former visa offices at the British Embassy, who named the space The Bristol Room to mark the anniversary. The trip followed an earlier visit to Bristol by a Georgian delegation who attended Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival, where 10 Georgian film directors showed their work. ■

P49.qxp_Layout 23 18/12/2018 13:40 Page 1

RECEIVE THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE BY POST

www.thebristolmag.co.uk/subscribe or Tel: 0117 974 2800

THE

BR I S T O L MAGAZINE

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 49

Travel news.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:20 Page 1

TRAVEL NEWS THE LATEST FROM THE HOLIDAY AND TOURISM SECTOR

The high-end, open-plan mountain retreat has an opulent feel and sleeps 11

CHALET CHIC

A CITY WITH AN INTERNATIONAL PROFILE Did you hear about Bristol being named tourism’s ‘rising star’ at the prestigious National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards? The city beat Valencia and Tbilisi (for more on our ‘twin’ see p46) in a category that judged the destination best seen to be ‘making a name for themselves’ worldwide. “The Mild West’s hip hub city has long been bubbling under as a must-visit mini metropolis, but it’s finally surfaced to get the broad attention it deserves,” the judges said of Bristol. “This is some achievement for the whole of the Bristol region, not just to be shortlisted alongside Tbilisi and Valencia but to go on and win the ‘rising star’ destination is just incredible!” added Kathryn Davis, head of tourism for Destination Bristol, who collected the award. “We can now justifiably be considered as one of the best European destinations for travel and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors from across the world to Bristol in 2019 and beyond.” It’s was a record-breaking year for inbound tourism, with the annual International Passenger Survey revealing 6% growth for Bristol – attracting an estimated 602,000 overseas visitors and breaking the 600,000 visits benchmark for the first time. This makes the city currently the seventh most popular destination in Britain for overseas staying visitors – a move up from last year’s eighth place.

• natgeotraveller.co.uk/readerawards

LIFE-CHANGING TRIP FOR ONE? One Traveller, the family-run tour operator solely dedicated to offering escorted holidays and cruises around the world to mature, single travellers over 50, is launching a number of new holidays in 2019. Solo travellers can sleep under the stars in Oryx Desert Camp, Oman, and explore the second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula and deepest canyon in the Middle East (trips departing in February and November 2019); cruise the Yangtze, the longest river in Asia (departing June and October); attend the historic Carnival of Viareggio in northern Italy (February); or enjoy a firstclass journey with divine views of alpine scenery on board the Swiss Glacier Express, the world’s slowest express train, (February and March). There are plenty of options for staying close to home – you might like to discover Britain’s industrial heritage in Cheshire, view some of the finest pottery and textiles and board the Edwin Clark for a private cruise on the canal (April, July and October). Power to the (single) people!

• onetraveller.co.uk

50 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

A stylish new chalet has joined Chamonix's chic selection for the 2018/19 winter ski season. Steering away from the traditional log-cabin look and aimed at the uberfashionable ski set, Chalet On The Rocks comes courtesy of Cedric Hanisch, whose passion for interiors and the mountains has resulted in a sophisticated sanctuary to relax in at the end of an energetic day. With unobstructed views of Mont Blanc, the high-end, open-plan retreat has an opulent feel and sleeps 11 in five bedrooms with en-suites, floor-toceiling windows, balconies, sauna and jacuzzi, double garage and ski room with boot warmers. Friendly five-star service is provided by a chef and house-keeper team who prepare daily meals on demand, organise ski-school and serve from a well-stocked cellar curated by wine connoisseur Cedric.

Prices from £8,754 per week.

• chaletontherocks.com

STAYCATION GOALS Within acres of heathland, Dorset’s newly opened Silverlake is providing those craving a slice of the British outdoors an idyllic retreat close to the Jurassic Coast. With heated open-air pool and spa; lake watersports from paddle-boarding to sailing and wild swimming; tennis, cycling, rambling and wildlife spotting; a campfire zone and zip wire which flies into an ecopool, it presents a pretty-much perfect break for families in search of modern, sustainable luxury.

• silverlakedorset.com Lake watersports, eco-pool, sustainable luxury: sounds good to us

The Lighting Studio fp.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2018 13:30 Page 1

Astrid Pendant Portrait

SALE NOW ON! Sale Dots throughout the Showroom

Lighting the way is should be

Tel: 0117 963 5943 Email: info@thelightingstudiobristol.co.uk www.thelightingstudiobristol.co.uk Visit us in store at: Unit 2, Bedminster Retail Park, Sheene Way, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4TA

Sri Lanka-2.qxp_Layout 7 14/12/2018 16:35 Page 1

TRAVEL

INSIDE SRI LANKA Set in the Indian Ocean, this island paradise has an ancient history and a rich culture. Take some time out from the idyllic beaches and head for the rocky outcrops of the island’s northern centre

H

ome to one of the oldest civilisations in the world, Sri Lanka is one of Mother Nature’s treasure chests – harbouring majestic wildlife as well as a variety of and historical gems and the most beautiful beaches ideal for rest and relaxation after all the sight-seeing. In the heart of the country, Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle connects the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, with no fewer than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, temples and the bonus of being able to see the elephants at wonderful Minneriya National Park. Here’s our pick of the spots not to miss...

Sigiriya Designated a UNESCO World heritage site in 1982, Sigiriya is famed for its palace ruins, which sit atop a 200-metre high rock formation.

The recognisable rock fortress itself is a lava plug left over from a long-extinct volcano – rising dramatically from the central plains, the giant monolith of Sigiriya is one of the country’s most incredible sights. Surrounded by a moat and extensive landscape gardens, you can ascend the attraction to explore the remains of the ancient civilisation and drink in spellbinding countryside vistas. The summit offers 360-degree views of the rolling hills of the isle’s heartland but the walk is best done in the early hours or later in the afternoon; while the climb is rewarding, it’s steep and the heat can be wearisome.

Dambulla Dating back to the First Century BC, this is the site of the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The vast labyrinth is home to over 150 statues set among ornate Buddhist murals that adorn the walls and ceilings. It is a short hike up to the caves, where you will be wowed by intricate carvings and paintings, and knowledgeable local guides can tell you of the history of Buddhism within the country and the important role it plays in everyday life. As well as the five caves of reclining Buddhas and other statuary, an army of adorable monkeys scamper about the place.

52 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Polonnaruwa Following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993, Polonnaruwa became the country’s second capital, evidence of which can be found in the assortment of royal buildings, ruined palaces and Buddhist shrines. One of its most impressive sights is the temple of Gal Vihara where Buddhas carved out of solid stone adorn the entire cave temple complex – the statues completely preserved.

Anuradhapura Sri Lanka’s capital for over a thousand years is excelled in scale only by the pyramids of Egypt. The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South-East Asia’s most evocative sights. Wander the sprawling complex among enormous dagobas, brick towers and temples and see one of the world’s oldest trees, the Sri Maha Bodhi. Today many of the sites remain in use as holy places and temples; ceremonies give Anuradhapura a vibrancy that contrasts with the poignant ambience of Polonnaruwa.

Kandy The country’s second largest city is perched in the cool, misty mountain of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Kandy is a medley of bustling local markets, colonial buildings and botanical gardens, with beautiful lakes as the centrepiece. Be sure to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the royal palace complex – a sacred Buddhist site which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha. In the evening, throngs of pilgrims visit, all hoping to glimpse the sacred relic, and the beating of the drums and chanting make for a truly memorable visit. Each August, the city also hosts the spectacular Kandy Esala Perahera festival featuring dancers, fire-breathers and lavishly decorated elephants.

Charming boutique hotels nestle in the surrounding hills and the renowned Peradeniya Gardens are also nearby.

Minneriya National Park Offering a refreshing contrast to the historical sights, the forests and

Sri Lanka-2.qxp_Layout 7 14/12/2018 16:35 Page 2

TRAVEL

Minneriya elephants gather in great number between May and October

Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the royal palace complex

wetlands of Minneriya provide sanctuary for a huge variety of wildlife.

Living around an ancient reservoir, deer, monkeys, sloth bears and even leopards call the park home, although the star attractions are the elephant herd, which can be spotted throughout the year, but gather in great number between May and October. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best time for game drives, when it is cooler and mammals are most active. For the elephants, the best time is afternoon, when the large herds are found around the waterholes, while bird enthusiasts need to be up with the lark to see the park’s many avian species take to the skies.

Sigiriya Fortress is a lava plug left over from a long-extinct volcano

• Find out more from Trailfinders at 48 Corn Street; trailfinders.com; 0117 929 9000 Polonnaruwa Buddha

➲ THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 53

Food News.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:04 Page 1

FOOD & Drink

TASTY TIDBITS FROM THE CITY’S RESTAURANTS, CHEFS AND PRODUCERS Stone Fence features bourbon, lemon and ice cider

Owner Louis Lewis-Smith (photography by Paul Gillis)

SEA CHANGE Clifton Seafood Company became the latest foodie business to join the bustling hub of eateries and shops housed within Cargo’s converted shipping containers at Wapping Wharf last month.

The fish and shellfish merchant moved into its first retail space in the city, next to Pizzarova on Museum Street, to supply a variety of fresh seafood from the South Coast and beyond. A home delivery service is also in the pipeline for the future.

"We've been interested in Cargo since it opened and love the atmosphere and community feel among the traders,” said Clifton Seafood Company’s Rozzy Turner. “At the moment we supply restaurants throughout Somerset and Bristol and we have wanted to open a little fish shop for a while to expand our business into retail. Wapping Wharf feels like the perfect home and feel we will fit into the community very well.”

Stuart Hatton, director at Umberslade – the developer behind Wapping Wharf – added: "The growth of Cargo is very exciting as it gives us the opportunity to welcome new businesses into this fantastic community, complementing the eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and other independent traders already based at Wapping Wharf. We look forward to making some more announcements about who’s joining the neighbourhood soon."

• cliftonseafoodcompany.com

COTHAM GETS COOLER A chic new cocktail bar opened last month, between Pasta Loco and The Brewhouse on Cotham Hill. Crying Wolf – a 75-seater bar arranged across two storeys – offers seasonal drinks menus emphasising the bounty of the South West, using syrups and cordials handmade from locally grown ingredients, regionally produced spirits such as Somerset cider brandy and Chew Valley’s Dunleavy wines, and ice from a dedicated ice room housing four different machines. The soundtrack has been curated by Bristol record producer and Massive Attack collaborator Stew Jackson, and chef Emily Watkins’ bar menu features local bites such as pork pie from Winterbourne’s Buxton Butchers with Ruby & White red ale chutney, and a ‘Bristol rarebit’ that uses Moor Beer and locally baked sourdough. “I’ve worked every day over the last four months, with the most brilliant and dedicated crew, to make Crying Wolf an exceptional place for my team to work in and for our customers to enjoy,” says Louis Lewis-Smith, also owner of the award-winning Dark Horse bar in Bath, who began his career in hospitality in Bristol over 20 years ago. “Everything is handcrafted and bespoke; the downstairs bar is made from a naturally felled English oak from the New Forest and the upstairs bar features a supporting bar station which will allow us to run an apprenticeship scheme in order to offer young people with an interest in hospitality the chance to train across bar and kitchen disciplines.”

Drinks experts Anistatia Miller and Nick Strangeway are leading the all-important liquid side of the operation; keep an ear to the ground for news of a special project to be announced this year.

• cryingwolf.co.uk

SPANISH CHEESE, SÍ PLEASE Did you know Spain now rivals France and the UK in bringing to market gorgeous cheeses produced by artisan suppliers? Local importer Mevalco – which specialises in premium Spanish foods – has launched a line-up of exceptional Iberian cheeses which include Olavidia, a semi-soft raw goat cheese with charcoal, a creamy texture and mild floral touch, made by very young cheese maker Quesos y Besos, in a small Andalusian village where the malagueña goats are free-range. Also available is Jersey milk blue cheese Savel (‘Elisabeth’ in Galician) and Massimo Rey Silo, made from raw whole cow’s milk, with an intense flavour of fresh butter and an aftertaste of roasted hazelnuts. “Spain is not necessarily at the forefront of people’s minds when looking at cheese but I would urge chefs to put it on their radar,” says Mevalco’s joint MD David Menendez. “The Spanish cheese sector is undergoing the same evolution/revolution that went through the Spanish wine sector 20 years ago, which led to some extraordinary wines.”

• mevalco.com

54 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

TRMM (1).qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 13:13 Page 1

FOOD | & | DRINK

Wild mushroom and lovage toast

GETTING IT RIGHT The recent pop-up restaurant project run by a Bristol chef and employing those living with dementia for a Channel 4 TV series raised awareness in the best way

purpose and depression in the healthiest of people, the integral part a career can play in a sense of identity, and the shock to the system it must be to suddenly lose your livelihood. The wild mushroom and lovage on toast with pickled walnut and black garlic ketchup went a way towards cheering us up; as did TRMM’s tasty, refreshing take on the retro prawn cocktail – Atlantic shrimps, pickled red onion, turnip, carrot and silky Marie Rose.

Pete, the very affable maître D’, sourced us new cutlery (ours had been cleared with the starters) before telling us his story – involving some poor financial decisions made over his saw-milling business, due to the dementia. While heartbreaking, it was heartening to hear him speak so passionately about the restaurant and how pleased he was to be helping give voice to others with the condition.

Baked cod with seaweed butter was hearty and buxom, reposing on parsley barley risotto and sea vegetables; across the table a tender hunk of glazed ox cheek with celeriac purée, sprout tops and gravy fully deserved its “melt-in-the-mouth” description. We considered pushing our lunchtime limits if the spiced bread and butter pudding with toasted almond custard was still on the menu but, alas, it had sold out.

We left, eyes prickling again after chatting with a jolly Weston-SuperMare gent formerly known as The Fastest Milkman in the West, and excarer Joy – made an honorary doctor of Salford University for tireless work to promote dementia awareness. If anything, we felt mis-sold – the only occurrence that could qualify as a mistake was a short delay with the bill. This was the only point chef Eggleton stepped in, having taken a backseat throughout the service.

In summary: we found warm, hospitable, capable people proving there’s plenty they can do. The point of the project was to communicate that a dementia diagnosis needn’t and shouldn’t mean the end of a career, and our experience of it did just that. Stay tuned for transmission this spring. ■

Photography courtesy of Joss Barratt/C4

Y

ou could have been forgiven for expecting, perhaps, an element of the Fawlty Towers experience at The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes – the delightfully candidly named pop-up that ran on Silver Street last month. The whole thing, overseen by Bristol Michelinstarred chef Josh Eggleton, was staffed by those living with dementia; a condition around which there are many misconceptions.

One, often held by employers, is that those with a diagnosis are no longer fit to hold down a job and continue work – and the main objective of this project was to publicly challenge said belief and raise awareness of the realities. A proper restaurant – smart and stylishly decked out – as well as a social experiment, it was filmed for a Channel 4 series airing this spring.

Fairly confident of decent grub, with the Eggleton name involved, but unaware of how far along in their diagnoses the staff were, we had little idea of what to expect from our lunchtime visit. Far from the kitchen chaos we had envisioned as a possibility, it was a calm and orderly affair. Welcomed front-of-house by Jacqui from Whitchurch – who worked for a law firm and frequently travelled with her career until being let go with very little support – we found our table and perused the menu.

Despite being told the contributors ranged in age from 23 upwards, when we sat down and took in our surrounds, we still didn’t quite cotton on that this meant the very young lad busying himself behind the pass was also, indeed, a participant. For a short while we were under the impression that chef Eggleton had cheated a bit and drafted in some extra help, until remembering that this disease – widely considered the preserve of the elderly – is affecting more and more young people.

Jordan Adams is believed to be the youngest person in Britain diagnosed with the dementia gene – news that tragically came just two years after his mother passed away due to it. Jordan runs a handmade ceramic tile company from home and works full-time – he had dreams of playing football professionally but was told he couldn’t because of his condition, so has settled for managing his local team.

Having tried out a surprisingly terrifying mobile ‘dementia simulator’ before our visit – you are asked to complete tasks while wearing dark tinted glasses that limit peripheral vision, headphones pumping out background noise, bumpy shoe insoles, thick gloves to curb your dexterity – we had some idea of the physical symptoms and knew people could be affected by different combinations. While it wasn’t always immediately obvious which was manifest in who, we soon picked up that one contributor had more of an issue with balance, whereas another seemed less aware of the situation and what was to be done next – just requiring a gentle reminder here and there.

We kicked off with light, aromatic Domenico de Bertol prosecco with notes of stone fruit and apple. Truth be told, we were welling up before even the starters arrived; discussing the close relationship between loss of

Follow the project on Twitter: @TRMakesMistakes

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 55

RECIPES.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:52 Page 1

Dean hates the idea that not having a certain piece of kitchen equipment might alienate someone from cooking

TAKING IT SLOW...

Local chef Dean Edwards lets us lift a leaf or two from his chilled-out new recipe book – what a lovely lad!

W

e’re big fans of the philosophy implicit within the pages of Cook Slow. “At a time when society tells us that we should live our lives at a thousand miles an hour,” author Dean Edwards begins, “why have I decided to take inspiration from a cooking process that totally goes against this train of thought?” Slow-cooking food, he goes on to explain, is a satisfying way of transforming the most basic, inexpensive foodstuffs into something special (always a handy trick in January) allowing for plenty of interim time best spent with family and friends or focusing on our wellbeing. We found out a little more from the Bristol chef and pinched one of his fave recipes to try out this month.

TBM: What do you love about this technique?

Dean: Over recent years I have seen unusual cuts of meat like ox cheek, as well as old favourites such as oxtail, popping up in restaurants and butchers’ – traditionally cheaper cuts of meat that require slow-cooking and a little more love and attention but, damn, they sure do pack a punch in the flavour department. The process of slow cooking is by no means confined to just meat dishes. Vegetables form a huge part of the slow-cooking process; onions melt away, root vegetables become tender and sweet and the possibilities are endless.

56 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019 | Nº 175

Why have we stopped using our slow cookers?

I think people view their slow cookers either as a seasonal piece of kitchen kit that they dust off at the first sign of frost or they really don’t know what to do with them outside of a traditional stew. I wanted to bring slow-cooker cooking bang up to date and emphasise it as a way of cooking all year round. The recipes can be rich and comforting like the Moroccan lamb with paprika dumplings which is perfect for winter, or light and fragrant like the Thai seafood curry which I enjoy throughout the year.

What are you admiring in Bristol right now?

Bristol is booming in the food world and I’m so excited by the explosion of great places to eat in and around my beautiful city. I love the street food vibe at the Cargo containers and St Nick’s market where many great vendors showcase their delicious offerings. Exciting independents like Harts Bakery, Souk Kitchen, The Cauldron, The Ox and Box-E are among my favourites.

What can you see being big in food for 2019?

I can see us experimenting more and more in the home kitchen. I love the fact that in recent years we have seen a rise in the diversity of cuisines being showcased by fantastic restaurants up and down the country. Not only that, we are able to buy authentic ingredients to

RECIPES.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:26 Page 2

FOOD & DRINK | RECIPES make dishes from around the world in our local supermarkets. I predict that we will see a rise in us cooking these dishes at home; recipes like Caribbean curry goat and ramen, which rely on slow-cooking processes, will become increasingly popular. I also predict that Sri Lankan food will be huge in 2019.

Is cooking good for the soul?

I truly believe that it is; for me it’s not just the end result, it’s the whole process from being inspired and considering what to cook to the shopping, the preparing of the meal then the joy of eating with family and friends. I get incredible enjoyment from feeding people and seeing the clean plates being delivered back into the kitchen.

Give us your best three slow-cooker tips 1) Browning ingredients such as meat and cooking down the vegetables – while not essential, this will definitely add levels of flavour to your meal. 2) As a general rule of thumb you will only need half the quantity of liquid for a slow-cooker recipe as you would for a conventional cooking method. Remember, the more liquid you add the more the flavour will be diluted. Oh and don’t be tempted to peep during the cooking process. 3) Try different cuts of meat in your slow cooker. Prime cuts are very expensive so why not try something a little more unusual? Skirt steak, ox cheek, shin, pork cheek and oxtail are all easier on the wallet, perfect for slow cooking and are packed full of amazing flavour.

What if we don’t have a slow cooker?

What if I told you there is both a slow-cooker method and a conventional oven method in the book? I made my life twice as hard during the writing and testing of the book to make your life easier. I hate the idea that not having a certain piece of kitchen equipment alienates some from cooking. I want my recipes to be used so I always try to make sure that both the ingredients and equipment are familiar and accessible. Saying that, I bought my slow cooker for £18 from the supermarket so its definitely an affordable method of cooking and one of my better investments.

What’s your philosophy on food?

Food doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. I use accessible ingredients and keep recipes as simple as I can while still making them inspiring to the more confident cook. It really does mean the world to me that my recipes are cooked and enjoyed up and down the country. I don’t do this to pat myself on the back, I do this because I truly love food and cooking and I hope that comes across in the recipes.

Favourite recipe in the book?

It would have to be the beef ragu. I grew up eating spaghetti bolognese and it’s both my daughter Indie and my partner Liz’s favourite meal so it’s on order on a weekly basis in the Edwards household. It’s nothing ground-breaking but instead of using mince I use skirt steak which, when cooked gently, breaks down until it almost melts away into the rich tomato sauce. From a selfish point of view, it would have to be the sticky toffee pudding – who knew you could cook a sponge pudding in a slow-cooker pot?

Oxtail bunny chow (serves 4) Absolutely no bunnies were harmed in the testing of this recipe! Bunny chow is a classic South African dish of beef curry served in a hollowedout loaf or crusty bread roll. It’s street food at its finest. Once the curry has been demolished, you then eat the bread, which has soaked up all the fiery, spicy juices from the curry. If you don’t fancy trying the oxtail, then replace it with another 400g (14oz) of cubed skirt steak.

Ingredients: • • • • •

1–2 tablespoons olive oil 700 g (1 lb 9 oz) oxtail 400 g (14 oz) skirt steak, cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes 2 tablespoons plain flour seasoned with salt and pepper 2 onions, sliced

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

3 garlic cloves, crushed 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh root ginger, grated 1 green chilli, deseeded and diced 6 whole cloves 4 cardamom pods, lightly crushed 1 cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 star anise 1 heaped tablespoon garam masala 1 teaspoon nigella seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 2 tablespoons tomato purée 800 ml (28 fl oz) beef stock if using the conventional method or 400 ml (14 fl oz) if using the slow cooker method 1 x 400 ml (14 fl oz) can of coconut milk 400 g (14 oz) Maris Piper potatoes, cut into small cubes 2 small bakers’ loaves or 4 rolls, halved and hollowed out Finely chopped fresh coriander, to garnish

For the carrot and onion sambal: • • • • • • •

2 carrots, julienned or grated 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon salt 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped Juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon caster sugar

Conventional method ❶ Heat the oil in a large heavy-based casserole over a medium to high heat. Dust the meat with the flour, then add to the casserole in batches and seal for 5–6 minutes, until golden. Remove from the casserole and set aside. ❷ Add the onions, garlic, ginger (or Time Saver Curry Base) and chilli and fry for 5 minutes before adding the spices and cooking for a couple more minutes. Add the tomato purée and cook for a further minute. Pour in the 800 ml (28 fl oz) of stock and coconut milk and bring up to a simmer. ❸ Return the meat to the casserole and add the potatoes. Put the lid on and cook over a gentle heat for 3 hours. ❹ Remove the oxtail from the casserole and shred the meat from the bone. Return to the casserole and cook, uncovered, for another 15–20 minutes, until the sauce has reduced and thickened. ❺ Towards the end of the cooking time, make the sambal. Mix the carrots with the onion, sprinkle over the salt and leave for 10 minutes, then drain the excess liquid. Add the rest of the ingredients and allow to stand for 20 minutes. ❻ Spoon into the hollowed-out rolls and garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander. Serve the carrot and onion sambal on the side.

Slow-cooker method ❶ Follow steps 1–2 as for the conventional method on page 120, making sure you use only 400 ml (14 fl oz) of stock. ❷ Put the meat and potatoes in the slow cooker and carefully pour in the stock mixture. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours. ❸ Follow step five as in conventional method. ❹ Remove the oxtail from the slow cooker and shred the meat from the bone, then stir the meat back into the slow cooker. ❺ Follow step six as in conventional method.

TIP: Leave the bread from the hollowed-out rolls to go stale, then grate it and freeze for handy breadcrumbs. ■ • Extracted from Cook Slow by Dean Edwards (Hamlyn, £14.99).

Photography by Ria Osborne

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019 | THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 57

Suncraft-2 (1).qxp_Layout 7 21/12/2018 12:21 Page 1

RESTAURANT | REVIEW

Tenderstem broccoli and GABA rice salad: you can almost hear the fresh crunch of some of the dishes while reading the menu

The decor provides a welcome injection of sunshine and there’s flavour galore backing up the breezy vibe

In-house hydroponics

Photography by Hattie Ellis

SUNCRAFT Embarking on Veganuary and keen to in no way compromise on flavour? We fully recommend a trip to – or takeaway from – this lovely plant-based place. Words by Amanda Nicholls

T

he role restaurants have to play in creating a more transparent food system is a topic that’s popping up more and more often. Last March, the Sustainable Restaurant Association’s One Planet Plate campaign saw several Bristol restaurants promoting special dishes with impeccable ethical standards and more clearly labelled menus to make it easier for diners to make sustainable choices. In September, there was a city first when James Koch of The Gallimaufry enhanced Gloucester Road’s exciting vegan scene by opening Suncraft and partnering with innovative urban farmers Grow Bristol to create an in-house hydroponics system for growing ingredients, from spinach and pak choi to edible flowers and Japanese mustard leaves.

Holding around 140 plants, the ‘vertical growing’ unit is a selfregulating system using zero pesticides, creating an optimum environment for quality, fast-growing produce beside Suncraft’s kitchen and as such, right next to the point of consumption. Saving on water use and carbon footprint, it also gives chefs and staff a connection with the leaves and herbs they use on a daily basis.

Sure, they can only grow a fraction of the food served but it really is the thought that counts, encouraging conversation about the importance of local food and sustainability; it did, at least, when we were there, among the recycled yoghurt pot tables and reclaimed wood that make up the restaurant and takeaway’s interior. The team translate their ethically-mindedness throughout, using very little plastic (opting for reusable glass containers and bottles) and adding an optional 20p to dine-in customers’ bills in return for unlimited filtered still or sparkling water by Belu; who pass on donations to WaterAid which transform lives worldwide with clean water.

There’s plenty of deliciousness to back up the noble credentials too, don’t you worry. And if you’re embarking on Veganuary but keen to in no way compromise on flavour, this is the plant-based place to visit – for the little injection of sunshine that emanates from its tropical lemon and cyan decor, and rich, nourishing foodie flavours.

It was an ask, choosing between rich and spicy gochujang stew with 58 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Korean rice cakes, courgette, spring onion, sesame, tofu and kimchi with rice and cucumber namul; dumplings with parsnip mash; and tenderstem broccoli and GABA rice salad (the sprouting process of this brown rice, allowed to germinate to improve flavour and texture, is said to increase the content of important neurotransmitter gammaaminobutyric acid which affects brain, organs and muscle tone).

We were glad of the glossary of ingredients/methodology commonly found on chef Kane Danaher’s Asian-inspired menu; allergens clearly highlighted on the laminate. The majority of dishes, which change up every three months based on the availability of ethical produce, were also gluten-free, we found. Eventually we settled on spiced potato and spinach cakes with black-eyed curry with fennel, radish and mint salad and mustard. Sides sounded equally tempting – we could almost hear the crunch of kohlrabi, carrot and green mango salad as we read the words aloud – and a plate of piping-hot fried tofu in Vietnamese tomato sauce and fresh herbs was soon proposed.

Wholesome, hearty, fresh and well-balanced, the potato and spinach cakes seemed all the lighter accompanied by the radish salad, which, we admitted, we would never have thought to pair up at home but certainly would in future. Supping on an organic wine and kombucha – the drinks list also includes beers from Wiper & True and freshly made cold-pressed juices, and may soon feature homemade probiotics – we turned to dessert. Carrot kheer, a popular pudding in the Indian subcontinent, was cool and mild, with coconut yoghurt, pistachios and almonds, aromatic saffron and cardamom, and both sweet and savoury flavours to commend it. Small, dense pecan and cinnamon pancake had similar sweet-savoury traits thanks to its ambrosial (and opinion-dividing) companion of homemade black-sesame ice cream. On the whole, we left with high hopes for the direction of our local restaurants in 2019. To visit Suncraft is to be heartened and encouraged by forward-thinking foodies at work around the pass and behind the scenes – do it, do it now... ■ • Follow on Twitter: @SuncraftBristol

Gww FP Jan 19.qxp_Layout 1 19/12/2018 15:59 Page 1

Coffee edited A.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:49 Page 1

FOOD & DRINK

THE CAFFEINE SCENE Coffee addict Crystal Rose takes a look at the city’s lively bean-based landscape and chats to local experts about its changing nature

Image by Jim Lampard at Bristol Nature Channel

60 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Coffee edited A.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:50 Page 2

Image by Jim Lampard at Bristol Nature Channel

Girls Who Grind is one of the South West’s burgeoning indies (image from Coffee and I UK)

Image by Edd Cope

W

aiting in line at my local independent coffee house, patiently awaiting my daily caffeine fix, my ears catch scraps of a particular lexicon (“Double shot, soya, caramel macchiato without the drizzle!” “Skinny, decaf cappuccino, please!”) It’s perfectly normal morning discourse to me, a millennial in the throes of a coffee craze targeting an ever-younger market and transforming the way the bean-based beverage is consumed.

For most, long gone are the days of simply guzzling standard instant from the comfort of their own kitchen. We’ve swept aside soluble, freeze-dried granules in favour of freshly ground fabulousness and we’re happy to travel for it, pay extortionate rates, sometimes even plan a day out around it. The likes of the espresso, flat white, cafe bombon and pumpkin spiced latte (now the butt of many a millennialmocking meme) have become firm favourites.

Recent stats from the British Coffee Association indicate that we’re drinking 95 million cups of coffee a day – which means, on average, one person drinking two cups. An AM dose and then a lunchtime hit, perhaps, to keep them going. As the second most popular drink in the world (following water), it’s no wonder the variety of coffee-related drinks seems to be endless. Over 50% of coffee-house customers are millennials – the modern-day coffee connoisseurs – and it would seem that we’re all about the speciality blend brew. But not just that, we also want maximum Instagrammability – a proven, increasingly important factor in choosing how we spend our leisure time.

So what is it about coffee that is so irresistible to this younger market? The rise in social media is sure to have impacted our love – we’re the generation that has been directly affected and most obviously targeted by social media. Sipping at that steamy, frothy mug of magic just wouldn’t be the same without some picture-perfect art atop.

The ‘latteart’ hashtag has over five million tags on Instagram, and users of the platform are typically millennial or Generation Z. Does this partly account for the boom in speciality coffee? If all we see as we scroll down our social network feeds are exotic-sounding, carefully crafted liquid artworks, we’re bound to contract a slight case of FOMO. “Social media promotes the need for coffees to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, which is why we’ve seen such a boom in accounts showing off their incredible latte art,” says Laura Wogan at Bristol’s Wogan Coffee. “This can mean that it becomes the leading focus, but it does also mean that coffee is being given more screen time than ever before. Independents (both roasters and cafés) are now given so much more of a chance to be in the public eye.” And certainly, if they use their platforms effectively and successfully, they can massively benefit from this digital development.

The consumption rise and demand for ‘craft’ coffee houses had a positive impact on independent companies, and it’s given rise to specialist festivals such as Bristol’s recent new Coffee House Project, celebrating local artisan roasters, independent retailers and homegrown

baristas. This year they found that millennials contributed to over 50% of their visitors. And not only are we the generation drinking all the coffee, we’re a generation welcoming and encouraging of new, more guilt-free ways of doing so. The recent introduction of re-usable coffee cups could make a huge environmental difference and is a positive sign for the future. Plastic straws are a thing of the past in many places and what’s more, independent coffee houses such as Mokoko and Society Café are using compostable and eco-friendly packaging such as ‘vegware’ to help reduce plastic waste. Many millennials are much more conscious in their decisions these days, says co-founder of The Coffee House Project, Louisa Parry: “They want to know about the story behind it, where it has come from; is it ethical? Therefore the end product has had to improve to keep up with customer demand and expectation. More millennials are wanting to immerse themselves in the subject; to learn, appreciate and experience.”

So the culture has changed; the expectations have shifted. “Having a coffee is now associated with the whole experience it generates,” says Louisa. “It has become an activity rather than just a requirement, and when you do something with purpose, you want a great experience out of it.”

But, with Brexit looming, what effect might this year’s trade have on this fast-changing scene, and our pockets? “Brexit’s a tricky one, simply because there’s so much uncertainty as to what it will actually mean, that it’s almost impossible to predict how it will affect the average coffee drinker,” says James Wogan. “I’d be incredibly surprised if there was any positive effect – I can’t see a way in which the breaking down of deals and trade links could possibly benefit UK coffee roasters, at least not in the commodities markets, which are pretty much all traded in US dollars. For us personally, we always forward-contract our coffee, meaning we can play the market to keep our prices as constant as possible, essentially riding out any spikes and fluctuations. Brexit promises to be one hell of a spike, but we’ll be watching every step of the way, to try and ensure that we ride over the financial tidal wave!”

Last summer, the cold brew and iced latte seemed to take over and now we’re being told a vast variety of iced drinks are making their way to menu boards for good. We’re hearing about buttered coffee, bubbly carbonated coffee, mushroom-made coffee; more use being made of cascaras – the rich red coffee cherries full of antioxidants but usually thrown away. The whirlwind is not slowing down and neither is our demand for speciality blends. We’re full of beans and we’re loving it.

“In terms of trends for 2019, we wouldn’t be surprised if honeyprocessed and natural coffees became even more popular and shouted about (rightly so) – with ‘millennials’ more and more interested in moving away from old-school styles of coffee,” offers James Wogan by way of a prediction for what’s to come next. “Hopefully there’ll be more of a focus on really nailing the making and preparing of drinks, rather than just the aesthetics – difficult on online platforms made to be beautiful!” ■ THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 61

Bristol Updates-3.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2018 10:37 Page 1

BRISTOL UPDATES

BITE-SIZED BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY NEWS FROM ACROSS THE CITY

JOIN THE SISTERHOOD

AllBright Academy co-founders Debbie Wosskow OBE and Anna Jones

APPLY NOW!

GREAT WEE IDEA

The 2019 South West Fair Trade Business Awards are open for applications. Free to enter, they aim to raise the profile of organisations using or selling Fair Trade products, or engaging staff and customers with Fair Trade campaigns.

From small home-based businesses using Fair Trade ingredients, to national chain stores selling entire Fair Trade certified lines, entrants are encouraged to share their stories of ethical business practice. Efforts will be recognised on 8 March at a ceremony at Arnos Vale’s Victorian garden cemetery; now a site for wildlife, culture and historical interest, and home to notable social justice figures from the past including Mary Carpenter, a social reformer in education and prisons and campaigner for women and children in Britain and India.

Bristol Fair Trade Network, which runs the event on behalf of the South West Fairtrade Network, has recently been incorporated as a community interest company, giving the organisation new structure and paving the way to seek new sources of funding. It has already been successful in attracting a grant to fund a new project focused on placing the global Fair Trade movement in the context of the economy and community in Bristol. “We understood the opportunity to raise customer awareness of the Fair Trade name and demonstrate our pride in supporting the quality of the products available,” said Ewa Kozdeba, café manager at New Room Bristol. “Winning a gold award has been vital to our business growth; with positive response among staff and customers.”

Applications close on 1 February.

A research initiative at UWE Bristol was recently named among the UK’s 100 ‘best breakthroughs’ by Universities UK for their significant impact on people’s lives.

The campaign, called MadeAtUni, recognised an invention developed at UWE that converts urine into electricity.

UWE’s Pee Power® system uses microbial fuel cells to turn organic matter such as urine and other types of wastewater into enough electricity to power lighting or charge mobile phones.

At the same time, it sanitises the urine and produces plant fertiliser as a natural by-product.

Developed by Professor Ioannis Ieropoulos, director of the Bristol BioEnergy Centre, the system has been successfully trialled in urinals at Glastonbury Festival and used to provide lighting for toilet blocks at schools in Africa with limited access to mains electricity. The system could one day be installed in refugee camps, slums and hospitals. It has the potential to improve safety and sanitation for people in areas without access to mains power or sewage-networked sanitation.

“We are delighted that MadeAtUni has recognised our research for its impact on society,” Professor Ieropoulos.

“Eventually, we will see microbial fuel cells deployed everywhere in the world, not just where they are most needed in locations that have no sewage systems, or that are remote with no power grid, but also in the developed world. This is because as a technology it can serve the purpose of cleaning the environment and returning energy back to the user.”

• bristolfairtrade.org.uk/swftba

• madeatuni.org.uk

62 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

An academy designed to help women run successful businesses, smash corporate glass ceilings and build ‘work sisterhoods’ is inviting entrepreneurs across the South West to sign up for its free 10-week programme – the next of which begins this month.

South West success stories, Bristol University graduate Sahar Hashemi (who founded Coffee Republic) and Cheltenham-born Thomasina Miers (who set up Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca after winning MasterChef) have joined the line-up of female leaders delivering the online course.

Over 3,000 women have already signed up for digital academy AllBright, which is supported by regional networking groups run by local ambassador volunteers – such as founder of RAN Studios, Agatha Nitecka, who will be coordinating meet-ups in Bristol. AllBright partner Harvey Nichols will be providing the venue for these in its city-centre store.

“The alignment between Harvey Nichols and AllBright could not be a better fit as both businesses are committed to celebrating and empowering women,” said Deb Bee, group marketing and creative director at Harvey Nichols. “The free programme is a fabulous idea and we’re excited to be hosting in our stores across the country.”

In a recent survey of UK women commissioned by AllBright, one in 10 of those questioned in the South West said they wanted to start their own business or become self-employed within a year, with a further 9% undecided about taking an entrepreneurial leap. Sahar Hashemi left the legal career she trained for at the University of Bristol to launch a start-up. “I was working in a law firm and realised that I wasn’t very good at it. Had I stayed there, I would have thought ‘I’m mediocre’. I’m so grateful that I didn’t. I took the leap and found something that I’m good at, that plays to my strengths. My motto is ‘leap and the net will appear’. Once you take the leap you’ll figure out what to do.”

• allbrightcollective.com

P63.qxp_Layout 23 20/12/2018 11:37 Page 1

THE

BRISTOL

MAGAZINE

We deliver to over 20,000 addresses every month.

But if you live outside our distribution area or would like us to send a copy to friends or family then we are able to offer a mailing service for only £15.00 (6 issues) or £40.00 Euro zone; £30.00 (12 issues) or £70.00 Euro zone World Zone 1 £95.00 World Zone 2 £120.00

To subscribe to receiving the magazine go to our website; www.thebristolmag.co.uk and scroll to the bottom of the page where you can click to an instant link Or alternatively send a cheque payable to MC Publishing Ltd G8, Bristol and Exeter House, Temple Gate, Bristol BS1 6QS or Telephone 0117 974 2800 for card payment

Subscription FORM Mr/Mrs/Ms ................Forename ..............................................

Surname................................................................................

Address .............................................................................. ..........................................Postcode..................................

Daytime telephone No ..................................................................

Bespoke Car Storage

We provide an exclusive, purpose built, climate controlled, prestige car storage facility.

www.chatham-vault.co.uk T: 07780 531 504

Bespoke Car Storage

Treating your 'pride and joy' to a dry, safe place to rest. www.chatham-vault.co.uk

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 63

Education News-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:50 Page 1

EDUCATION NEWS UPDATES FROM THE CITY’S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

LIT AT BGS

Former BGS pupil Jeremy returned to his old school, where it all began, to chat to and, hopefully, inspire pupils

RAVE REVIEW

COSMIC!

A family from Bristol has spoken at a House of Lords reception about how taking part in the school-based literacy programme Reading Recovery has changed their lives.

Aimed at the lowest achieving children aged five or six, it helps them to reach age-expected levels within 20 weeks. It involves a short series of one-to-one, tailored lessons every day with a specially trained teacher. Sophie Shirt and her son Gus experienced first-hand the impact that the support can have. They were invited to speak at an event marking the launch of new research highlighting the impact of the programme 10 years after children received the intervention. “Gus was invited to take part in Reading Recovery when he was in Year One as he was finding reading very tricky,” said Sophie. “This was impacting on his confidence, his learning across the board, and his feelings about going to school. Being supported by the programme was a blessing as it caught Gus at a critical time in his own personal development.

Like most parents, I have many hopes and dreams for my children and it was wonderful to see how the programme helped Gus to re-set the path he is on and grow in confidence.”

A group of Redmaids’ High sixth formers have been collecting cosmic data as part of an international space research project.

The astronomy students are classifying stars using data gathered by the NASA Spitzer Space telescope and their findings will be passed to its sister programme – the James Webb Space Telescope.

When the large infrared telescope is launched in 2021 it will become the premier space observatory of the decade, helping us learn more about planets including Mars and its habitability.

The girls became involved through Redmaids’ High’s membership of the Institute for Research in Schools. “This is a real-life research project providing NASA with data to help focus the activity of the Webb telescope when it is launched,” said Sophie Constantine, head of physics. “The girls are classifying objects into four categories: forming stars, evolved stars, planetary nebula and ordinary stars. Their work will help form the first fully-classified catalogue of these sources, which is expected to be of scientific value in its own right.”

• ucl.ac.uk/reading-recovery-europe/readingrecovery

• redmaidshigh.co.uk

64 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

Bristol Grammar School welcomed former pupil Jeremy Levett back to the school last month to talk about his new book, The Illustrated World of Mortal Engines – co-authored with creator of the Mortal Engines series, Philip Reeve.

A long-time fan, Jeremy met Philip at a BGS literary event in 2009. When publishers Scholastic suggested creating The Illustrated World of Mortal Engines to Philip, he knew he couldn’t write it alone, and the person he wanted to write it with was Jeremy.

“Jeremy has the ability to write all this stuff in a way that’s both funny and informative,” Philip said. “He has a glittering literary career ahead of him if he wants one, and I’m proud that it began in the world of Mortal Engines.”

Scholastic commissioned the book to coincide with the release of the film adaptation of Mortal Engines. Produced

by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, the film premiered in London in November and Jeremy attend.

"Despite the encouragement of my teachers and BGS librarians, 10 years ago I didn't really believe I'd ever actually be a published author,” he said.

“It turns out they were right and I was wrong. The Illustrated World has been a wonderful project, and I'm so proud to have my name on the cover.”

TO THE HIVE! This summer, Clifton High School is extending its nursery pre-school provision for families to 45 weeks of the year. ‘The Hive’ will encompass the school’s nursery and reception departments and teaching staff who place strong emphasis on exploration, investigation, discovery and problem solving through teaching and free-play activities. The large, light classrooms, within handsome Victorian buildings close to Clifton Village, are indeed a hive of activity; ‘busy bees’ make use of the wildlife pond, mud kitchen, fire pit and outdoor classroom as part of the Forest School. Interested in nursery/reception classes, or The Hive?

Head to the open event and Hive launch on 27 February at 9.15am.

• admissions@cliftonhigh.co.uk

No 175

Clifton College fp.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:58 Page 1

Badminton fp.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:57 Page 1

P67.qxp_Layout 23 14/12/2018 17:07 Page 1

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 67

P68.qxp_Layout 23 20/12/2018 13:01 Page 49

• Co-educational day school for pupils aged 5-13 with

dyslexia and other specific learning/language difficulties.

• Located in Wiltshire between Bath and Chippenham.

CReSTeD approved.

• Fully qualified specialist teachers with maximum class size of eight - reducing to one-to-one as required.

Call 01225 743 566 or visit www.CalderHouseSchool.co.uk

Commission a portrait in oils Robert Highton 07939 224598; rhighton@mail.com; robhightonart.com

The H at C li

fton

ive

High 45-w eek a ye prov ision ar Ope ning su 2019 mmer

68 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

NO¯ 175

Bath Spa Uni fp.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:57 Page 1

family fun, January 19.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:57 Page 1

EVENTS | FOR KIDS

FAMILY DIARY Ideas for things to do with the little ones in Bristol this month

The Greatest Showman Sing-a-Long-a

Monday 4 February, 7.30pm Bristol Hippodrome Look out ’cause here it comes… Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and the entire Barnum and Bailey circus are coming to an auditorium near you. With lyrics on the screen and a live host to teach you a unique set of dance moves, this showing is sure to be like no other. Once you’ve learnt your steps it’ll be time to settle down to watch the smash-hit film musical. Rewrite the stars and enjoy an evening of no rules, except one: sing! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation is essential. Tickets £16.

• atgtickets.com

Don’t miss...

DON’T MISS...

Aladdin Friday 4 January, 4.30pm, Redgrave Theatre Don’t miss the Starlite Productions show of Aladdin, returning for its 17th year. Go on an adventure and enjoy this fun-filled family panto. Tickets £14; redgravetheatre.com Christmas Tales With Granddad Saturday 5 January, 11am and 2.30pm, The Wardrobe Theatre, Old Market Bursting with heart-warming storytelling, festive cheer and puppetry, this feast of stories includes a special pair of Christmas pants.

Watch out for Tomten, the feisty gnome who loves the chance to swap gossip with woodland creatures. Suitable for ages three – eight. Tickets £8, ages two and under go free; thewardrobetheatre.com Chloe and the Colour Catcher Sunday 6 January, 3pm, Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic Chloe lives in a world with only one colour, a world that is completely grey. But at night, when she’s wrapped up tight, her dreams are colourful and bright. Chloe is warned to keep such thoughts at bay, for the Grey Queen is out to wash all trace of colour away. Join Chloe on her courageous journey to unleash all seven shades of the rainbow in this extraordinary and wholly original tale of bravery, self-expression and fighting for what your heart knows to be true. Suitable for ages four – seven. Adults £13.30, children £8.50; bristololdvic.org.uk Clowns: The Eggs-hibition Until 6 January, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery 70 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

Step into their gigantic shoes and tumble into the wonderful world of clowns. Each egg is a record of a clown’s own unique identity, preserving the unwritten rule that no clown should copy another’s look; bristolmuseums.org.uk Igloo Until Sunday 6 January, times vary, Coopers’ Loft, Bristol Old Vic Winter is on its way, and anticipation for that first smattering of snow is building.

Sometimes you don’t get what you want, even when you’re made to wait. Sometimes what you end up with is something even better.

Enjoy a sensory experience filled with sights, sounds and texturised play, suitable for babesin-arms and toddlers, accompanied by their carers. Suitable for ages up to three. £6; bristololdvic.org.uk Jungle Tots Mondays and Thursdays in January, 10.30am – 12pm, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Enjoy a fun and sociable place for children and adults to play, craft and meet some animals. Have free play in the jungle den and enjoy the rest of the zoo after the group has finished. Free squash and biscuits are provided for the children. £15 for one parent and one or two children. Additional children £5 each, adults £12; noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk Toddler Takeover: Creature Capers Friday 11 January, 10am – 4pm, We The Curious Flappy wings, dancing at the beautiful bug ball, deely bobbers, starry skies and story telling. Enjoy a whole day of activities as you dive headfirst into the world of wonderful wildlife. Plus you’ll also make a brightly No 175

coloured bug accessory to wear home. Earlybird tickets with gift aid: adults £8.50, children aged three and over £6.50. Children must be accompanied by an adult; wethecurious.org The Borrowers by Mary Norton Friday 11 January, 7.30pm, Tobacco Factory Theatre Plunge into the quirky, wonky world of young Arrietty and her family as they make use of anything and everything they find. From cotton buds to crisp packets, the Borrowers are the original up-cyclers. Enter the Factory Theatre, which has been transformed into a giant adventure playground to tell the story of The Borrowers. Running time two hours, including interval. Recommended for ages six plus. Tickets from £12, family tickets available; tobaccofactorytheatres.com Children’s Festival 2019: The Wonder of God – Earth, Moon and Stars Saturday 19 January, 10.30am – 3pm, Wells Cathedral Enjoy a fun day full of games, crafts, stories, animals, worship, live music and much more.

Suitable for ages four – 11. Advanced booking is essential. Tickets available from £1.90; wellscathedral.org.uk Hey Duggee Sunday 20 January, 10.30am, Vue Cribbs Causeway Join Duggee and the squirrels at the cinema for a whole hour of adventures that begin when Duggee has a package that needs delivering right at the other end of the river.

Suitable for age two – five. £4.74; myvue.com Young Theatre Makers Starting Monday 21 January, times vary,

family fun, January 19.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 15:57 Page 2

EVENTS | FOR KIDS

Catch Igloo at Bristol Old Vic until 6 January

Join Duggee for a whole hour of adventure at Vue Cinema

Tobacco Factory Theatres If you love theatre and want to be part of something exciting, it’s time for you to join the young theatre makers at the Tobacco Factory. Over the term, you will learn new skills, meet new people and really develop your skills as a performer. The sessions are energetic, challenging, educational and enjoyable. From £65 per term, depending on age group; tobaccofactorytheatres.com TYNTEtots: Rapunzel Wednesday 23 January, 10 – 11.45am, Tyntesfield Estate

Build a tower, make a prince’s crown, braid Rapunzel’s long, flowing locks and hear the story of Rapunzel. Suitable for two – five years; tiny tots are welcome and free of charge when accompanying an older sibling or companion. Adults free, children £8; nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield Go Aloft! Climb The Rigging Throughout January, SS Great Britain Could you have sailed the seven seas? Step into the shoes of a Victorian sailor and climb the main-mast of the SS Great Britain, ascending to over 25m above ground level.

Height and weight restrictions apply. Free for under 18s; £10 for adults; ssgreatbritain.org Mini AirHoppers Takeover Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 12pm, AirHop Bristol Under fives can now enjoy jumping in a safe environment at any time as AirHop Bristol begins running takeover sessions during the week as well as the weekend. Children will have access to a variety of activities within the park including sensory and soft play toys and games. Advance booking is advised; airhop-bristol.com n

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 71

beautynews January (2).qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 12:31 Page 1

HEALTH & BEAUTY NEWS FROM THE SECTOR

GIFTS FROM ANOTHER GENERATION Pioneering Bristol study Children of the 90s has been named Biobank of the Year.

Charting the health of 14,500 families from the Bristol area since the early 1990s, the study is noted for enabling findings that have changed the way we look at diet, exercise, the environment, mental health and parenting.

Available to researchers for health and social science all over the world, the biobank (managed by the Bioresource Laboratory at the University of Bristol) has collected more than one million samples which include DNA, blood, urine, saliva, placenta, hair, nails and milk teeth.

Now, Children of the 90s is building on this resource with new samples from the next generation and investigating new areas for data collection such as social media to create a richer picture of participants’ lives.

Data accessible to researchers includes brain, liver, body, heart echo, retinal and DXA scans. “It is a truly unique resource leading to a huge range of improvements to our health and wellbeing,” says head of laboraties at Children of the 90s, Sue Ring. “The award recognises the quality of our samples and the worldwide research they enable.”

Sue particularly wanted to thank the whole team that was dedicated to collecting, processing and storing thousands of biological samples and a vast amount of data for the international scientific community, and “the study families who have donated the samples and provided data time and time again to help us make this huge collection the important resource it is today.”

An example of one of the case studies used to illustrate how Children of the 90s has made an impact on research is Dr Sarah Bath’s from the University of Surrey. Using urine from Children of the 90s women during pregnancy, she found that levels of iodine at this time was linked to their child’s IQ and reading ability by the age of nine. This research led to production of a fact sheet for the public, including pregnant women, which provides advice on how to ensure adequate iodine intake through the diet.

Great work, team!

• bristol.ac.uk

PIECE OF THE PIE Heard about the brand cutting out the middlemen when it comes to buying luxury make-up, to mean better prices for us, the consumer? Beauty Pie sources gert lush make-up and skincare from the world’s leading laboratories and sells it directly to members. With memberships starting from £5 a month, once signed up you’ll have a spending limit of £100 a month. We’re in love with this scented candle with bergamot, wild basil, sweet lime, grapefruit and verbena.

• Bergamot & Wild Basil Candle, typical price £40, members pay £12.83; beautypie.com

BRIGHT EYES Institut Esthederm has brought out a new intensive hyaluronic eye serum to restore firmness, stimulate microcirculation and create a feeling of freshness. Imitating the benefits of the cold-spoon trick, this serum features a zamak precision applicator tip and aims to leave you with a visibly younger complexion by intensively moisturising, smoothing wrinkles and fine lines, plumping up the tear trough and illuminating the dark shadows.

• Institut Esthederm Intensive Hyaluronic Eye Serum 15ml, £33; available at Space.NK

A WORLD FIRST The world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown, has unveiled a new museum display about her birth and its impact on the world, at Bristol’s M Shed. There are now eight million people in the world born through IVF and Louise’s birth, to Bristol couple Lesley and John Brown, caused a sensation around the world 40 years ago. IVF has changed the way humans are able to reproduce and has made it possible for millions of people to have babies.

Louise’s book 40 Years of IVF, published by Bristol Books, speaks of being the world’s first test tube baby, chronicling how IVF began and what has happened to Louise and her family over the years.

• bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed

72 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Louise Brown, the world’s first IVF baby

P73.qxp_Layout 23 20/12/2018 12:00 Page 1

Complimentary use of the spa in January and February 2019...

Hidden beneath the pavements of the grandest street in Bath, Spa 15 is a place to truly escape, indulge in luxurious treatments and rediscover your balance.

Quote BRM19 when booking a treatment for January or February to receive complimentary 60-minute use of the hot tub, sauna and steam pod ahead of your treatment.

15 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4BR spa@no15greatpulteney.co.uk 01225 807015

Valid Sunday-Thursday (excluding 14 February) when booking a 60-minute treatment

THE

BRISTO L M A GAZINE

NEED BROCHURES OR LEAFLETS DELIVERED? INSERT IT INTO OUR MAGAZINE AND YOU WILL REALLY REACH GREAT QUALITY READERS EVERY MONTH THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE IS PERFECTLY DELIVERED TO OVER 20,000 HOMES AND BUSINESSES

CALL FOR DETAILS 0117 974 2800 EMAIL: SALES@THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK WE CAN ALSO HELP WITH GREAT DESIGN AND PRINT SOLUTIONS

HOTPOD YOGA BRISTOL Unit 2, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol, BS1 3BN 07872910358 • hotpodyoga.com THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 73

wellness.qxp_Layout 7 18/12/2018 10:34 Page 1

WELLBEING | TRENDS

PRESS RESET We’ve put the mince pies down and the cheese boards aside (for now) and we’re focusing on the year ahead.

With so many unique and alternative ways to maintain our wellbeing now, here’s a look at a few options for 2019 and what else may be in store... Words by Crystal Rose

W

ith the new year come new goals and resolutions – and you’ve probably heard quite enough of that already, right? Personally, long gone are our days of resolution making only to fail miserably within the month and feel worse for it. This year we want to focus on different ways to improve and maintain our wellbeing and have been discussing all the upcoming trends and predictions for the year ahead. There are alternative retreats (aside from your usual bootcamp malarky), new skills to consider and a few subscription services available for you or those around you. Plus, there has been a whole load of new openings just in time for 2019 – including Bristol’s first-ever immersive spin class, a new spa on the scene and yoga in a toasty, inflatable pod.

Pain moons Focusing on helping people through rough chapters of their lives and often considered as a latent need, ‘pain moons’ are a new one on us – designed to provide a more creative roster of emotional healing approaches. Acknowledging that divorce, break-ups, grief, loss, anger and fear are all very real aspects of life for many, pain moons offer the time away to restore happiness and normality and give you the switch off that’s sometimes needed. “Clients return home recovered and rejuvenated with lasting learnings to manage life’s difficulties,” says Paul Joseph, co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel (healthandfitnesstravel.com) who tailor-make healthy holidays around the world. We like the sound of the service; a great idea for restoring a healthy and happy state of mind and body.

Mental health in the workplace Following the 2018 success of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we noticed a marked increase in the conversation around mental health in the workplace. With the rise in acknowledgement, can we hope for more to come around this vital topic? Sleeves rolled up, we’ve done a bit of digging to see what we can find. There are hints that the This Is Me campaign, led by the Lord Mayor’s Appeal in the City of London, will be expanding nationwide. This year, we hope that more employers will build an understanding and awareness in their organsiations by providing a platform for employees who have experienced mental health problems to share their stories with others. More people are aiming to end the stigma attached to mental health in the workplace, and we’re all for it! With the likes of Barclays, Mind and many others in partnership with the programme, there’s no stopping all the amazing progress that has been made.

Dog walking Quality time with man’s best friend is also a great way to clear your mind and breathe in the glorious fresh air. Never forget how valuable getting away from your phone/laptop/other brightly-lit screen and going outside is; that outdoor encounter can change your whole mindset. Establishments such as Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (bristolarc.org.uk) and Dogsfriends (dogsfriends.me.uk) are always looking for dog-walking volunteers to amble across the fields with their pups. An early-morning stroll, quick lunchtime skip or evening gander; any time is a good time. Help out those four-legged friends in need and get some exercise in too.

Veggie heaven If you’re vegan-curious, transitioning in your diet, wanting to cleanse 74 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

or just looking to be surrounded by vegan food options then heading to the Queen of Retreats (queenofretreats.com) could be exactly what’s in order. Expect organic and nutrient-rich foods and prepare for your palate to be opened up to a world of new flavours. Not to mention, you’ll likely return feeling super-fresh, having picked up a more sustainable diet and tips on reducing your daily environmental impact.

Running away to the circus It’s genuinely a great idea – and you’ve not got far to go! Whether you’re looking to trapeze your way through the circus world or acquire another interesting new physical skill, Bristol’s own Circomedia (circomedia.com) offers a range of classes available for those as young as four. Why not try your hand at aerial hoop or improve your strength and body control with acrobatics? And, with plans to convert the Tankhouse 4 Bottleyard Studios into the UK’s largest circus centre (due to open September 2020), now is as good a time as ever to learn an impressive new talent and join the circus, P.T. Barnum-style.

Get fresh Eating healthily has never been so easy. Lots more of our shops and suppliers realise it’s what (many of) the people want now so it’s high on their list of priorities too. Bespoke meal delivery service Fresh Fitness Food (freshfitnessfood.com) has also arrived in the city, designed to help fitness enthusiasts, athletes and busy professionals achieve their health goals and offering different packages; from plant-based to the office package (containing 60-70% of your daily calorie intake). So now you can enjoy fresh, quality ingredients as part of dishes tailored to your specific goals.

Fresh, healthy food delivered straight to your door

Escape into the world of fiction with Foyles’ book subscription service

wellness.qxp_Layout 7 18/12/2018 10:35 Page 2

WELLBEING | TRENDS

Real good reads With an ever-increasing choice of subscription services available, there’s almost no limit to what you can have delivered on a monthly basis to your front door. Give yourself the gift of the written word and all its wisdom with A Year of Books from Foyles (foyles.co.uk); the ultimate self-love treat for those who devour pages like they’re hors d’oeuvres.

It’s available from £140 for the paperback package; expect page-turners that you just won’t be able to put down. What a sweet, simple idea in a world that makes it harder and harder to switch off from technology.

Mummy retreats For those that need to get away, without getting away from, ‘mumcations’ could be just the solution. Suitable for mothers across all parenting journeys, the Mummy Tribe fitness and wellness retreat (themummytribe.co.uk) is all about nourishing minds, replenishing bodies and acquiring skills and knowledge needed to navigate motherhood. All the while your little one is being cared for by a qualified team of professional nannies. Each retreat lasts three days and brings together a group of strong, calm and powerful mamas and their mini tribes too! ■

NEW OPENINGS Check out these great recent additions to the local health, fitness and wellbeing scene...

Ellis Brigham Boot Lab The mountain sports experts on Whiteladies Road have opened their first store dedicated to ski boot fitting. Offering one of the UK’s largest ski and boot ranges, the new shop custom-fits with state-of-the-art fitting devices. Expect a heli-skiing VR experience and free coffee too. Set to revolutionise this sort of service in Bristol, the boot lab is located next door to the current Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports Store.

• ellis-brigham.com/stores/bristol

Aztec Hotel & Spa This Almondsbury hotel has launched a fab spa after its £350,000 refurbishment. The new-look space, with pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, lounge with free wi-fi, coffee and sugar-free juices, gym with personal training and free lifestyle/nutrition consultations, and tranquil treatment rooms, is a sanctuary for the senses and, as such, ideal for some ‘metime’ now party season is done and dusted. It won a World Luxury Spa Award 2018 and partnered with glam French skincare brand Caudalie. Try it out via the ‘Crushed Cabernet’ back treatment; a recipe for feeling refreshed and revitalised.

Stila

Be immersed while you spin in the Les Mills TRIP studio at Village Hotel Custom-fit ski boots are now available at the Ellis the Brigham Boot Lab

Innovative beauty brand Stila has just launched in Harvey Nichols. Discover cult classics and new arrivals; and with quick and nifty makeovers available in store, feel like the best version of yourself within minutes. Drawing inspiration from the runway, the Stila team believes that the right makeup can turn even the simplest look into an authentic statement.

• stila.co.uk; harveynichols.com

Hotpod Yoga Having set up its warm, inflatable pod in Tower House on Fairfax Stret, Hotpod Yoga focuses on mind and body, and we’re obsessed. With classes running daily, it’s easy to relax, stretch off and unwind from a hectic schedule. The perfect slice of calm among all the new-year madness. Tip: don’t attend hungover as you will only want to nap inside the pod.

• hotpotyoga.com

Village Gym The 30th hotel in its group, Bristol’s Village Hotel recently opened in Filton, with the city’s first immersive spin class (and only the sixth in the UK) courtesy of state-of-the-art sound and light tech and a cinema screen so you can ascend mountain peaks or navigate a space-age metropolis as you cycle through digitally created worlds in 40-minute workouts. Find Amazon Alexas, Dyson hairdryers and a whole host of innovative fixtures and fittings in the hotel rooms, a Starbucks on site and a swanky bar with all the drinks and nibbles you need.

• village-hotels.co.uk

Noco Hair

Get hot ‘n’ sweaty with it at Hotpod Yoga Bristol

If you’re in need of a fabulous new-year look for your locks then head to the sleek new salon at the top of Whiteladies Road. Creative director Noel Halligan, formerly of Seanhanna and stylist on many a Bristol Mag fashion shoot, has brought his style and flair to the space which is light and open-plan, luxurious and relaxing in equal measure. Noel and MD Corey Taylor promise a ‘beautiful you’ experience whether you’re having a cut, colour or both. The Noco team pride themselves on offering exceptional service in an environment where you can relax and unwind knowing you are with experts.

• nocohair.com

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 75

Health & Wellbeing Guide 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 12:49 Page 1

HEALTH & FITNESS

WELL GOOD The new year fosters new attitudes, goals, aspirations and expectations.

Here’s our 2019 directory, featuring a few local establishments that could be right up your street

CLIFTON GROUP FITNESS Guthrie Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3EZ 0117 315 7678; ccsl-cliftoncollege.com/sports-centre/classes Clifton College Sports Centre is launching a new timetable of group fitness classes from Monday 14 January. Whether you want to lose weight, tone up or improve your strength, Clifton Group Fitness offers a wide variety of classes to help you achieve your fitness goals. The range of classes will enable you to try new training techniques and keep you motivated to reach your potential. Classes include: kettlercise, indoor cycling, yoga (vinyasa flow, iyengar, power and hatha), pad fit, full body circuits, HIIT core workout and pilates.

Classes are available to book online for both members and non-members

VILLAGE GYM Village Gym, Bullfinch Close, Filton, Bristol BS34 6FG 0117 456 3434; village-hotels.co.uk

COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE

Village Gym, Bristol’s large state-of-the-art health club, is now open for memberships and features the first ever immersive Les Mills© spin class THE TRIP. This is one of only eight in the UK and the only class in Bristol. This exciting new studio creates digital worlds to cycle through using a cinema-scale screen and sound system for a completely immersive experience. The Village Gym is also home to a 20-metre indoor swimming pool and whirlpool with a range of relaxation facilities, including a luxury steam room and sauna.

OPEN DAY New Year, Healthy New Career Saturday 19 January 2019, 10am – 5.30pm Whether you are planning a healthy new you or a career change in 2019, the open day at CNM in Bristol could be just what you need to kick-start your plans. During a day of talks packed full of tips about natural health, you’ll learn about useful habits you can cultivate to boost your immunity, increase vitality and help to prevent and reverse chronic disease. You can also find out more about CNM’s full range of diploma courses available across the UK in a range of different therapies. At CNM Bristol you can train part time to become a naturopathic nutritional therapist or a naturopathic acupuncturist. Tickets £10.

BS32 4LB; 01342 410 505; naturopathy-uk.com

76 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Village Gym fp.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2018 09:59 Page 1

Health & Wellbeing Guide 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 10:52 Page 2

HEALTH & FITNESS

NUFFIELD HEALTH BRISTOL HOSPITAL, THE CHESTERFIELD 3 Clifton Hill, Bristol BS8 1BN 0300 131 1413; nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol Nuffield Health’s The Chesterfield Hospital brings patient service to a new level. Nuffield Health invested £20million in the 30-bed private hospital which has 12 consulting rooms and three fully digital operating theatres, combining leading-edge clinical facilities with an outstanding customer experience. The hospital offers an extensive list of services including orthopaedics, cosmetic surgery and gynaecology, as well as physiotherapy and a private GP service. It also holds regular events covering a variety of healthcare topics. In February, experts will be available to discuss subjects as diverse as eye health, hip and knee replacement surgery and varicose veins. Visit the website for dates and full details.

COMFORT HEALTH

JANUARY 2019

|

For almost 80 years the Turner family has been focused on giving each and every one of its patients thorough and in-depth eye care.

A visit to Turners Opticians is much more than a normal sight test. Its specialist clinical equipment means that Turners is able to examine the health of your eyes with a fine detail not even dreamt of when senior optometrist Peter’s grandfather Harold started out in the 1930s. Turners Opticians runs the successful Bristol Dry & Watery Eyes Clinic, as well as offering treatments for blepharitis and minor eye conditions clinics for those with eye or vision concerns. You can also now choose an extended eye exam or eye clinic appointments, available to both NHS and private patients. To book in Henleaze or Fishponds call in, telephone or go online.

10A Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 1PD 0117 9114913; efmedispa.com/bristol

Comfort Health is a beautifully presented, award-winning physiotherapy and health clinic situated a stone’s throw away from Whiteladies Road in Clifton. It has a highlyexperienced, friendly team of professionals in a range of fields allowing you the opportunity to improve your physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing. Comfort Health offers: physiotherapy, massage therapy, sports therapy and rehab, pilates and yoga, nutritional therapy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy and life coaching.

Whether you are an elite athlete with a sports injury, an office worker with a bad back, or struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, Comfort Health have got you covered.

|

57 Henleaze Road, Bristol BS9 4JT 0117 962 2474; turnersopticians.co.uk

EF MEDISPA

11 Alma Vale Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2HL 0117 373 1053; comforthealth.co.uk

78 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

TURNERS OPTICIANS

Winter weather and New Year celebrations can really take their toll on your skin, which is why January is a great time to make some skin resolutions. EF Medispa Bristol offers a selection of award-winning therapies including: bespoke peels and facials, anti-wrinkle injectables, advanced acne and anti-ageing laser treatments, permanent pain-free hair removal, tightening and weight-loss led body treatments. Famous for its fitness classes, wellness and nutritional services, EF Medispa Bristol is combining cutting-edge aesthetic treatments and this latest clinic opening is developing a lifestyle centre concept for this vibrant city and its surrounding areas.

No 175

CNM fp January.qxp_Layout 23 18/12/2018 10:01 Page 1

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

2019 could be the start of your healthy new career Your Invitation: CNM’s Open Day in Bristol on 19th January will be packed full of inspiring natural health tips to help you achieve your health goals. You can also find out more about studying with CNM for a career in natural health.

T

he ‘naturopathic’ approach to health taught at CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine), is founded on ancient principles which are more relevant than ever in today’s health-challenged society: • Prevention is better than cure.

• Our bodies have an in-built capacity to selfcorrect, such as when a wound heals or a bone mends, but we need to provide the right conditions to stimulate the process.

• Illness starts when ‘toxicity’ or ‘deficiency’ interrupts our self-correction mechanism.

• Contributing factors to ill health may be physical, mental or emotional.

• Without identifying and addressing the causes of ill health, problems can recur.

• Simply suppressing symptoms can cause other problems.

• Naturopaths view each person holistically, not as a set of symptoms.

• Each person is unique and will respond in different ways. One size does not fit all.

• Therapies should do no harm.

• Health should mean abundant vitality rather than just the absence of symptoms.

• A Naturopath is an educator, empowering people to take responsibility for their own health.

Saturday 19th January 2019 10.00am – 5.30pm CNM Bristol Open Day 10.00am Foods to Fuel Exercise and Performance - Gareth Langford Daily habits to prevent and reverse chronic disease.

11.30am CNM Training Concept - Anna Larkin How to become a successful Natural Health Practitioner.

1.30pm The Secret to Boosting your Immunity - Linda Sims How medicinal mushrooms can support a healthy immune system.

3.00pm How to Detox and Cleanser - Melanie R Gonzalez Supporting your body’s natural detoxification for energy and vitality.

4.30pm The Healing Potential of Gerson Therapy - Henry McGrath A natural approach to working with cancer.

Venue: CNM Bristol, 1B Woodlands Court, Ash Ridge Road, Bristol, BS32 4LB Tickets: £10 Geoff Don

Book on line at

www.naturopathy-uk.com 01342 410 505

Linda Sims

CNM (College of Naturopathic Medicine) is the UK’s leading training provider in a range of natural therapies, including Naturopathic Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, and Natural Chef and Vegan Natural Chef training. Colleges across the UK and Ireland.

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 79

Health & Wellbeing Guide 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 11:35 Page 3

HEALTH & FITNESS

NUFFIELD HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLBEING GYMS

SARAH LATHAM SPORTS MASSAGE

Bristol: 83 Queens Road, Bristol BS8 1QS Bristol North: Hunts Ground Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8HN nuffieldhealth.com

The Climbing Academy, Charlton Street, Bristol, BS5 0FD 07732 775759; latham.sarah@yahoo.com

Membership at Nuffield Health entitles you to a host of great benefits.

It’s made as simple as possible, with a range of easy payment methods and flexible membership agreements, plus the ability to join and manage your membership online. There are two locations in the Bristol area and you can take advantage of a free trial at your chosen gym so you get to experience the facilities first-hand. Download a free day pass online, which is valid for seven days, and you’ll be able to join up with the on-site membership advisers after your visit. Nuffield clubs are holistic in their approach to fitness and wellbeing. Membership gives you access to on-site experts including physiotherapists and personal trainers, as well as option to use multiple clubs across the UK. There are options to suit everyone and the ability to join online 24/7.

Sarah is an experienced, enthusiastic sports massage therapist.

She has put her body and mind through the stresses of being a national gymnast, studying for a biochemistry degree, rock climbing, skiing and flying trapeze. The aches and pains from these activities were relieved by sports massage. Regular sports massage helps prevent injury and helps to improve endurance and performance.

Deep tissue massage is tailored to individual needs. Sarah offers one-hour sports massage treatments tailored to your needs every Tuesday and Wednesday at The Climbing Academy for £38. Daytime and weekend appointments are available on request.

THE 321 EFFECT the321effect.com

CLIFTON SLIMMING WORLD MONDAYS 5.30pm & 7.30pm CONTACT LIZ ON: 07375 544077 Clifton Slimming World is a warm and friendly group. Whether you have a special occasion coming up, or that summer holiday booked, Liz looks forward to welcoming you. Make 2019 your year to feel amazing!

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, PEMBROKE ROAD, CLIFTON, BS8 3ED

80 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

A Bristol couple who’ve overcome the depths of depression and eating disorders have launched a new online community for people looking to maintain balance in diet and wellbeing. Based on the premise that healthy eating is about how you feel, not how you look, The 321 Effect is a holistic approach to spirituality, diet and mindfulness. Set up by husband-and-wife team Luke and Francesca Hawker, it is the result of a year of research and clarity of thought, following several years of struggle with mental wellbeing. They have created a subscription-based website full of recipes, diet plans, mindfulness and meditation techniques, health and fitness advice, alongside an online community for people to share experiences and be upfront about the challenges they face.

Nuffield January .qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 12:24 Page 1

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

EXPERT EYE SURGERY – it’s magic!

E

very day patients are lost for words when they undergo life changing eye surgery. All three eye health specialists at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, have a passion for their profession and stress that the work they perform is hugely rewarding.

A consultant ophthalmologist for 10 years, London trained Mr Rafik Girgis, provides skilled and safe hands. To stay abreast of latest technology, he is involved in publications in national and worldwide journals and international medical conferences.

With a surgical expertise in cataract surgery and premium implants, Mr Girgis says, “All measures are taken to give complete peace of mind before, during and after the procedure.

Every option is given, including different types of implants and anaesthesia to suit. “ “In deciding on the lens type, it depends on a lot of factors; age, other health issues, occupation, hobbies and what the individual wants to achieve from cataract surgery. I can guarantee that colours and brightness will get better and in most cases, it will restore vision.

The best part of my job is having the skills to enhance vision to bring back the sharpness of colours and help improve the blurriness, guaranteeing patients a much happier and improved way of life.”

Mr Rafik Girgis in autumn 2018 at the 36th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

A graduate of Bristol Medical School, followed by specialist training at the highly eminent Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, Mr Philip Jaycock became a consultant eye surgeon at Bristol Eye Hospital in 2010. A microsurgical skills trainer and research contributor, the most common eye conditions he treats are cataracts, keratoconus, dry eye and those patients who wish to reduce their need for spectacles and contact lenses.

Consultant cataract and retinal surgeon Mr Mo Majid trained in Bristol and Liverpool. A renowned expert in cataract surgery, he uses all the latest types of lenses including premium multifocal, continuous range, trifocal and toric lenses to reduce your reliance on spectacles and contact lenses for both distance and near vision – a technology not available on the NHS. Mr Majid has advanced skills in managing cataracts and is regularly referred complex cases from across the south west. He is also a respected expert in treating macular degeneration and vitreoretinal surgery. He can help in all areas of eye health and has published over 30 peer reviewed papers.

Patients fondly refer to him as 'Mr Magic' and with good reason!

Mr Philip Jaycock in Nuffield Health’s daycase theatre

Mr Jaycock explains his career choice, “When I was 11 years old, I thought that sight was the most important sense that we have, so I decided to become an eye surgeon. In the largest study of its kind, my research paper on the outcomes of 55,567 cataract operations was used to update national and international benchmark standards for cataract surgery.

Also in one of the longest follow-up studies of laser eye surgery, I published a paper showing the long-term safety and effectiveness of laser eye surgery.”

Mr Jaycock’s patients report on their remarkable restoration of their sight: “The cataract operation has given me back a way of life I had gradually been losing.”

“Perfect eyes and no more lenses or glasses.

From start to finish, I felt I had the best possible treatment – well informed and reassured. The results of refractive lens exchange surgery are fantastic!”

‘Mr Magic’ Mo Majid

Please ring: 0117 906 4870 or for more information, please see: www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, BS81BN

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1BN nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/bristol

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 81

Health & Wellbeing Guide 2019 last page.qxp_Layout 1 21/12/2018 11:17 Page 1

HEALTH & FITNESS

BODYSTREET CLIFTON 98 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2QY 0117 422 8229; bodystreet.co.uk Bodystreet Clifton is a personal training studio that promises the same health and physical benefits in one 20-minute weekly session as four visits to the gym, simply by using electro muscle stimulation to send impulses to your muscles. This causes them to contract in the same way that your brain does when you’re working out.

Bodystreet Clifton works out more of the muscle fibre in this way and works all of the muscle groups at the same time, meaning only one session per week is required, all done in a standing-still position. While the technology has been around for over a century and was famously used by Soviet elite athletes in the 1960s, the concept of sending electric impulses through muscles and forcing them to contract has recently had a bit of a renaissance. Over the years, celebrities like Madonna and sport superstars like Usain Bolt have publicly incorporated EMS into their workout routines. Why not give it a try?

HOTPOD YOGA BRISTOL Unit 2, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN 07872 910358; hotpodyoga.com This is yoga reinvented. Breathe deeper, stretch further and sweat harder. An otherworldly cocoon of glowing lights, heady aromas and enveloping soundscapes, taking you a million miles from the everyday. Hotpod Yoga smashes any stereotypes or preconceptions of yoga you may have. It’s is all about getting you to feel comfortable in your body, pushing your boundaries, and letting the hot, dark, immersive pod remove you from day-to-day life. You’ll sweat more than you thought possible; and you’ll come out feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Hotpod is a judgement-free space where they don’t care if you can’t touch your knees (let alone toes) or if you can put your legs behind your head – all are welcome! It really is yoga for real life. To understand it, you’ve got to experience it. Step into the pod and really get into it. The Hotpod Yoga Bristol crew looks forward to seeing you in the pod soon.

Use the discount code: BRISTOLMAG for a free class

Become a member in January and train for free for the whole month

DESTINATIONSKIN

NOCO HAIR

bristol@destinationskin.com; destinationskin.com; 0117 370 1300

147 Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2QT nocohair.com; 0117 403 0998 At Noco Hair the aim is always to bring hairdressing to another level.

With a focus on hair colouring, Corey and Noel are taking the Bristol salon scene by storm. Everything about this place emphasises attention to detail, from the Skandi interior using reclaimed Bristol wood, to the service which guarantees great hair in luxury surroundings. Located in the heart of Whiteladies Road this salon is bright and airy with a very friendly vibe. If you are looking for expert colour or cutting/style advice, pop down for a consultation during which the team will talk you though your perfect style.

For £10 off your first visit, sign up to the newsletter on the offers page of the website.

82 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

DestinationSkin is a leading UK aesthetic clinic for advanced skin solutions specialising in laser hair removal, skin concerns and antiageing. Centrally located within The Galleries shopping centre, the Bristol clinic is home to a highly qualified and experienced team of practitioners, nurses and doctors, who are dedicated to helping you feel your best. As well as hair removal, treatments include advanced skin peels, IPL, microneedling, anti-wrinkle injections, lip fillers, facial contouring and more.

Head along to DestinationSkin Bristol soon to discuss your goals, and begin your journey with 10% off your first treatment when you quote “BristolMagazine”

The Electric Bike Shop FP.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 13:04 Page 1

BOOK YOUR FREE TEST RIDE TODAY • INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE We service and repair all types of bike

Lapierre Overvolt Explorer 600 £2199 Pedal with the new Overvolt Explorer: a practical electric bike during the week, a true adventurer at the weekend.

Developed for trips between the countryside and the town, equally at ease on tarmac and trails.

Cube Elly Cruise Hybrid 500 £2199 Elegant and understated, this is a modern classic you’ll be proud to be seen on. But don’t judge it just by its looks, because this Bosch e-bike also boasts a high quality and innovative frame with built-in luggage rack and a host of reliable features.

Lapierre Overvolt Urban 300 £1699 The electric urban bicycle that facilitates your trips in and around the cty. Its frame, specially designed for urban travel, is easy to straddle and sets you up in a straight and comfortable riding position with an optimal field of vision.

theelectricbikeshop.co.uk 0117 403 1103

Hiabike sDuro HardSeven 1.0 £1749 The HardSeven 1.0 is the entry level Hiabike suitable for those wishing to get out riding without breaking the bank.

Suitable for road, path, bridleway and light off road use for a mix of riders. A great way into the ebike scene.

Lapierre Overvolt HT 500+ £1799 £2499 reduced to £1799 The hardtail overvolt serves as the entry-level model of the electric mountain bikes. The 120mm of front clearance gives the bike a natural balance and ensures excellent steering control in turns and effective damping of all powerful shocks.

Cube Acid One £1799 The Acid Hybrid ONE combines the go-anywhere rugged appeal of our mountain bikes with the comfort and adaptability of our touring bikes. Sleek, affordable, easy to ride and even easier to slot into your daily life.

116 Coldharbour Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 7SL We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

The Walk - Jan.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 14:04 Page 1

Castle Street before the Second World War

The Merchant Taylors’ Hall

The veiled lady

Everard’s Print Works

The Llandoger Trow

Footloose and Bristol-based?

Andrew Swift explores some of the city’s hidden corners, including the site of one of England’s largest castles, ruined churches, the remnants of the medieval city walls and two buildings with unexpected links to Bath

T

his walk starts at Temple Meads. After going through the barriers, instead of turning left through the main exit, carry on to emerge in the original station, where cars now park between the platforms. Following signs for the city centre, cross a car park and continue past a row of shops. Bear left along Temple Back East and cross the dual carriageway to continue along Temple Back. Take the first left along Temple Rose Street and, after 75m, turn right through gates to follow a tree-lined path towards the shell of Temple Church, founded by the Knights Templar and destroyed by bombing, like so much of Bristol, in 1940. If you look at its leaning tower, you will see that the top section is at a different angle to the lower stages, the result of an attempt to compensate for subsidence during construction. Go through the gates at the end and carry on to emerge amid a cluster of old buildings. Turn right along the main road, continue across Counterslip and take the next right along Bath Street. After 100m, just before the Premier Inn, turn left along an alleyway to Castle Bridge.

As you cross the bridge, the old George’s Brewery – taken over by Courage before closing in 2000 – is on your right. On the far bank, turn right, then left uphill, crossing a cycle path before turning left up steps to a garden with a water feature aligned on St Peter’s Church.

At the top of the steps, look back to survey the site of Bristol Castle, once one of the largest in England. After its demolition in the 17th century, the area was redeveloped to become the hub of Bristol’s commercial district, before being reduced to a bombsite in 1940. What remained was cleared after the war to create Castle Park, uncovering fragments of the castle hidden for three whole centuries.

Head towards St Peter’s and bear left to walk through a physic garden along its south side. The area to the west of the church lay 84 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019 | Nº 175

within the old city walls and for over a thousand years was one of the busiest and most historic parts of Bristol.

Carry on, following a tree-lined path down to the river, with the tower of another ruined church, St Mary le Port, to your right. Carry on to the traffic lights, cross to St Nicholas Church – bombed but restored and reopened for worship in December 2018. Head past it and turn right up St Nicholas Steps.

Continue up All Saints Lane, turn left through the covered arcade and, partway along, turn right into the Exchange Hall. This building, whose central court was originally open to the sky, was designed by John Wood the elder (of Bath) as a place for Bristol’s merchants to transact business. Then, head for a doorway on the far side which leads you through an ornate lobby to Corn Street.

As you leave the Exchange, look up to admire Wood’s façade and a clock showing local time as well as GMT. The Harbour Hotel opposite was built in 1857 as a bank on the site of a coaching inn called The Bush, featured in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers.

Turn right past All Saints Church to the crossroads at the heart of the old city. The High Cross that stood here was cleared away in 1733 and later re-erected at Stourhead in Wiltshire. Turn left down Broad Street, past the old Council House and Guildhall, and, just past Horts, turn right through an archway into Taylors Court, a hidden but neglected gem. A lavishly decorated shell hood over the entrance to the Merchant Tailors’ Hall, 18th-century lead drainpipes, St John’s churchyard and the 17th-century Court House are among the treasures of this forgotten corner.

Back in Broad Street, carry on past the Art Nouveau facade of Everard’s Print Works to St John’s church, the tower of which runs through the only surviving gate into the old city. Turn left before the gate to follow the line of the city walls, and at the end carry straight on

The Walk - Jan.qxp_Layout 1 20/12/2018 14:05 Page 2

WALK THE WALK

The Granary

through a low-beamed archway with a sign for the Centrespace Gallery. After passing under a bridge, look to the right for stones marking the boundaries of St Leonard’s and St Stephen’s parishes.

Emerging in Corn Street, carry on, still following the line of the walls, along St Nicholas Street. Old India restaurant, on your left, was built in 1903 as a stock exchange, while Revolution, further along on the right, opened in 1873 as a fish market. After passing a carved elephant and veiled lady on the left, turn right, looking out for the metal fish above Revolution’s side entrance.

At the bottom of the steps, cross and turn left and at the end turn right along Welsh Back. Take the third right along Little King Street past the most striking example of the architectural style known as Bristol Byzantine. Built in 1869 as a granary, the building later became a legendary music venue and is now a branch of Loch Fyne. Turn right again to find, on the next corner, one of Bristol’s most celebrated buildings, the Llandoger Trow.

Turn left along King Street, past almshouses, pubs, converted warehouses and the newly revamped Old Vic. After passing the Cathay Restaurant (Bristol’s first library) on the right, look for the curious

plaque on the Merchant Venturers’ Almshouses, before turning left and heading to the left of Graze restaurant to continue along the west side of Queen Square.

At the end, turn right and then left to The Shakespeare pub, built by John Strahan in 1725 as a townhouse for John Hobbs, a wealthy merchant responsible for developing much of this area. The birds carved in its pediment are hobbies, a type of falcon, and a pun on Hobbs’s name. Hobbs also employed Strahan to develop the Kingsmead Square area in Bath, and was instrumental in making the river between the two cities navigable, facilitating the shipment of Bath stone to Bristol.

Turn left along the Grove, passing the Hole in the Wall pub – claimed to have inspired the Spyglass in Treasure Island – and, after crossing a bridge, turn left along a harbourside walkway and follow it as it bears right between former warehouses.

At the end, look across at a wall containing fragments of medieval arches, before turning left. When the road curves right, head past a barrier and an Archimedes screw to continue along a covered walkway beside the harbour.

Turn right up steps past an armillary sphere and head to the right of St Thomas’s church where a plaque commemorates the Seven Stars’ links to the abolitionist Thomas Clarkson. Turn left at the end, cross the main road and head along Counterslip. Cross at the pedestrian lights and take the second right along Temple Back, crossing the lights at the end to return to Temple Meads. n

More walks in Bristol, including the harbourside, city centre and Clifton, can be found in Andrew Swift’s Walks from Bristol’s Severn Beach Line, published by Akeman Press.

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

FACT FILE Distance: 3.5 miles Difficulty: Mostly level, but with some steps

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 85

Great Outdoors.qxp_Layout 2 20/12/2018 12:33 Page 1

When it opened in 1948, St Fagans was the first national museum in the UK to reflect the lives of ordinary people

KEEPING IT REAL The recent scrapping of tolls on the Severn crossings makes now an ideal time to discover what, for many, is Wales’s best-kept secret, says Andrew Swift

S

t Fagans National Museum of History has long been Wales’s most popular heritage attraction. While that will come as no surprise to anyone who has been there, what is surprising is how few people this side of the Severn seem to know about it. The scrapping of tolls on the Severn crossings, however, makes this an ideal time to discover what, for many, is the country’s best-kept secret. And, if you’re thinking that museums and heritage aren’t for you, St Fagans is about as far from a conventional museum as you can get, and the heritage it celebrates is not that of the privileged few but that of working people. When it opened in 1948, in fact, St Fagans was the first national museum in the UK to reflect the lives of ordinary people.

It was born from the realisation that rural traditions and ways of life, little changed for centuries, were fast disappearing. Abandoned farmsteads, cottages, mills and workshops from across Wales were rescued and rebuilt in the parkland of St Fagans Castle, a 16thcentury mansion west of Cardiff. There they were restored to their original condition and furnished accordingly, giving a unique insight into how our ancestors lived centuries ago.

In the 1980s, when it became clear that Wales’s industrial heritage, which had seemed so invincible 40 years earlier, was set to go the same way as its rural heritage, the remit of the museum was broadened to include buildings used by miners, ironworkers and their families. More recently, that remit has been extended again, and alongside the rescued buildings have arisen some built from scratch, but based on archaeological surveys of long-lost buildings, such as an Iron Age roundhouse and a medieval court.

Today, St Fagans is a fascinating collection of over 50 buildings, from medieval cottages to a post-World War Two prefab, and from a 19th-century village school to a 13th-century church whose medieval wall paintings have been eye-blitzingly restored to life.

Although open throughout the year, a winter visit – especially on a cold, crisp sunny day – has two things to commend it. First, it should be less crowded. Second, most of the buildings will have a fire burning – either in the hearth, or, in some of the older buildings, in the middle of an earthen floor.

The tang of woodsmoke hangs in the air, calling to mind times long gone. Then, as you duck down to cross the thresholds of time-worn 86 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

farmsteads and cottages, the reason for building them – to provide warmth and shelter – is inescapably driven home.

The windows in the older buildings are tiny – even, in a few cases, non-existent – so that, as you stumble in from the daylight, your eyes take a while to adjust to the penumbral gloom and smoky fug our ancestors would have taken for granted. As the centuries fall away, the burning logs reinforce the sense that these were people’s homes.

It’s almost as though the families that lived here have just nipped out to gather firewood or round up the pigs.

St Fagans offers not just glimpses into the past; as you step inside these buildings you encounter the sounds and smells of former times as well, although less salubrious odours are thankfully conspicuous by their absence – along with things like piped water and inside toilets. There is also precious little that could be described as home entertainment. It is well-nigh impossible to imagine how those who lived here filled the long, dark winter evenings, crammed into tiny spaces with a staggering lack of privacy. On some of the more traditional farms, such privations even extended to sharing the building – although not the living space – with the animals.

...St Fagans is about as far from a conventional museum as you can get, and the heritage it celebrates is not that of the privileged few but that of working people...

One of the most evocative buildings is a 250-year-old slateworker’s cottage from near Caernarfon. Built from boulders gathered in the surrounding fields and roofed with local slate, it looks as though it could have grown out of the earth itself. Inside, there is just one room divided by partitions, which in the mid-19th century was home to a married couple and their six children, as well as a maid and a lodger.

Elsewhere, six ironworkers’ cottages from Merthyr Tydfil are each

Great Outdoors.qxp_Layout 2 18/12/2018 13:33 Page 2

furnished in the style of a different period, from 1805 to 1985, presenting a fascinating journey through time.

Alongside the places where people lived are the places where they worked, not just farms but mills, shops, workshops and a tannery.

Blacksmiths, millers, weavers and clog makers can also be found practising traditional crafts in traditional buildings, and you can buy freshly baked bread and cakes from a restored bakehouse. Other rescued buildings include a workmen’s institute, a 17th-century cockpit from an inn in Denbigh, a Unitarian chapel, a general store, an 18th-century turnpike house, the smallest post office in Wales and a tea room stuck in a 1930s time warp.

It is difficult to see how anyone – from seasoned history buffs to tiny children – can fail to be enchanted by St Fagans. For children it is a magical place more akin to the world of Harry Potter than your average museum, and their delight at being free to roam will stir a sense of adventure. It is also difficult to imagine that anyone will manage to see everything there is to see in one visit. As well as over 50 buildings to explore, there are galleries where you can discover more about the history of Wales, while St Fagan’s Castle itself, surrounded by formal terraces and overlooking ornamental fishponds, is also open to the public. Astonishingly, admission is free. You only pay for parking – £5 for the day (be aware that the ticket machines only accept coins). There are three cafes and a restaurant, and while most of the site is wheelchair and pushchair friendly (albeit with some steepish slopes), access to most of the historic buildings is restricted.

Dogs are also welcome in the grounds on short leads, but not in the historic buildings.

The museum is signposted from junction 33 of the M4 (the signs still direct you to the Museum of Welsh Life, which was the name the museum sported until recently). For sat nav purposes, the postcode is CF5 6XB. St Fagans is open daily from 10am to 5pm, although it is closed on New Year’s Day and 9 January 2019. ■

Inside the workmen’s institute

Queuing for bread at the bakery

The tang of woodsmoke hangs in the air, calling to mind times long gone. It’s almost as though the families have just nipped out for firewood or round up the pigs

• museum.wales/stfagans

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 87

Wild Bristol (1).qxp_Layout 7 20/12/2018 12:35 Page 1

WILD BRISTOL

Next month, get outside for the first signs of spring.

Blackthorn blossom, hazel catkins, song thrushes, earlyemerging butterflies and frog spawn can all be discovered

GREEN RESOLUTION Pete Dommett urges us to do something wild in 2019

F

orget going to the gym more often – make one of your new year’s resolutions to notice nature on a regular basis. A simple way to do this is to keep a dedicated nature journal.

Every evening, make a note of something natural that caught your eye during the day. It could be a cobweb covered in jewel-like dewdrops on your way to work, a flash of foxy red fur on your commute home or a sickle-shaped swift screaming across the city sky in summer. Here are some further suggestions for getting in touch with the wild world this coming year.

January: New Year’s Day is a red letter date in the birdwatching calendar. Twitchers try to tick off as many different species as they can to get their so-called ‘year lists’ off to a, er, flying start. Why not shrug off the inevitable hangover and see how many you can spot?

Or join in with the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch (26 – 28 January).

February: Get outside and search for the first signs of spring.

Blackthorn blossom, hazel catkins, singing song thrushes, emerging butterflies and frog spawn can all be discovered during the shortest month. Submit sightings at naturescalendar.woodlandtrust.org.uk to help track the effects of our changing climate on wildlife.

March: Bluebells begin to flower in the woodlands around Bristol this month. Weston Big Wood and Prior’s Wood (both near Portishead) and Folly Farm and Greyfield Wood (south of the city) are some of the best sites locally to see springtime’s spectacular carpet of colour.

April: Food for free? Yes please! Forage for wild garlic at Brandon Hill (or plenty of other places in the city). Both the spear-shaped leaves and white, star-like flowers are edible. Blend with walnuts or pine nuts, olive oil and parmesan for a deliciously creamy pesto.

May: It’s International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday 5 May. Make like the proverbial early bird and head to the woods, your local park or just out into the back garden at daybreak. Then close your eyes and immerse yourself in nature’s sunrise symphony.

June: Bristol’s Festival of Nature, at the harbourside on the 8th and 88 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

9th of the month, is the country’s biggest celebration of the natural world, with a host environmental organisations offering interactive exhibitions, performances and talks. And it’s still free! See bnhc.org.uk for details.

July: Go for a stroll upstream on the Frome Valley Walkway (fromewalkway.org.uk) starting at Eastville Park. Butterflies, dragonflies, grey herons, dippers, kingfishers and even otters are just some of the star species to look out for along the river.

August: Peregrine falcons (the fastest creatures on the planet) have bred in the Avon Gorge for nearly 30 years. By late summer, the young will have left the nest and the whole family can be seen circling the Peregrine Watch Point on Clifton Down.

...New Year’s Day is a red letter date in the birdwatching calendar. Twitchers try to tick off as many different species as they can...

September: Put the fun into fungi by joining a guided foray at Leigh Woods. Search for earthballs, sulphur tufts, turkey tails, King Alfred’s Cakes and other magical mushrooms. See nationaltrust.org.uk/leighwoods for dates and details.

October: Pure and simple: play conkers in the park!

November: Watch the red deer rut at Ashton Court estate. Stags lock antlers and fight for the right to mate with the harem of hinds. Visit early-morning for the best views of these testosterone-fuelled duels.

December: Feed the birds. Let them know it’s Christmas time (again). ■

P89.qxp_Layout 23 20/12/2018 11:18 Page 1

Thinking of advertising your business

Our 2019 media pa ck can be viewed online

FOR A COPY OF OUR 2019 MEDIA PACK EITHER VISIT THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE WEBSITE THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK OR CONTACT US ON 0117 974 2800 EMAIL: SALES@THEBRISTOLMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 89

Gardiner.qxp_Layout 7 18/12/2018 10:07 Page 1

INTERIORS

INSPIRING HOMES SINCE 1825

Having served the city’s residents for almost two centuries, Gardiner Haskins Homecentre is taking its long-established business in a new direction

T

his year marks a new era for one of Bristol’s longest established independent retailers. The recent launch of a million-pound multi-department showroom and the transition from ‘homecentre’ to the new ‘Gardiner Haskins Interiors’ branding will see the stalwart city company take on a new and exciting challenge.

The new showrooms will focus exclusively on providing customers with high quality fitted kitchens, fitted bathrooms and luxury bed and mattress showrooms as well as a made-to-measure curtains and blinds service.

“We are really looking forward to the exciting changes that come with this new era for the business,” says Gardiner Haskins Interiors’ managing director Ben Allen of the new direction. “The new showrooms have taken a lot of planning and hard work and we’re delighted with the outcome. We feel they are the perfect place to inspire our customers and provide them with everything they need to create their dream home.

“Although the company is going in a new direction in terms of the products we are providing in Bristol, we are still maintaining the same level of exceptional and personal customer service that we have for the last 193 years. Our new tag line – inspiring homes since 1825 – perfectly reflects us being a part of the Bristol retail landscape for so long.”

Situated in the historic Brunel Rooms, the new showrooms are filled with the biggest British and world-leading brands, while there is also a range of luxury tile and flooring options available as well as a custom paint-mixing service where customers can create their own perfect shade.

The in-store experts in fitted kitchen, bathroom and curtain design are on hand seven days a week to provide a totally bespoke service – working alongside the customer to create their dream designs. n • gardinerhaskins.co.uk 90 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Gardiners.qxp_Layout 1 18/12/2018 14:49 Page 1

Boniti DPS OCT 18.qxp_Layout 1 17/09/2018 17:10 Page 1

Boniti DPS OCT 18.qxp_Layout 1 17/09/2018 17:11 Page 2

Gardening.qxp_Layout 2 17/12/2018 14:55 Page 1

GARDENING

FOR THE LOVE OF A FINE FRAGRANCE Aromatherapists have long extolled the benefits of different fragrances for improving mood and wellbeing says Elly West, so try to include scented plants in your garden design, near the areas where you want to sit and relax

I

’ve just done some cutting back in my garden. Not too much, as I love to leave the more architectural perennials standing for as long as possible, but enough to rediscover some heroes of the winter garden.

Tucked in among the seed heads and dead leaves of achilleas, sedums and ornamental grasses, are small and stately Sarcococca confusa bushes, otherwise known as sweet box. They sit there, largely forgotten during summer while the overflowing borders are doing their thing, but in winter the glossy leaves provide backbone and structure, while the small white flowers send out the most amazing fragrance.

It’s moments like these that remind me there is more to winter than frozen soil, bare stems and scraping the car windscreen on an icy morning. And it’s this combination of good looks and fragrance that is all the more precious right now when there aren’t as many distractions outside. These delicious wafts of perfume are so welcome during this dark month, and now is the time to enjoy the most highly fragranced flowers as they compete for the scarce pollinating insects tough enough to go out foraging on a cold day.

Our sense of smell is extremely powerful and aromatherapists have long extolled the benefits of different fragrances for improving our mood and wellbeing. A strong scent can instantly bring back a forgotten memory, and floral notes are the most popular in the perfume industry.

For this reason, I nearly always try to include scented plants in my garden designs near the areas where clients want to sit and relax.

Admittedly, this is easier in summer when roses, lavender and lilies are in full bloom and, to be fair, we are probably not doing much sitting outside during the winter months, but we can still enjoy fragrant plants by placing them near paths and walkways, or in pots next to the front door.

Winter flowers are often small and insignificant, evolving this way so that they don’t get destroyed by bad weather, but this encourages us to interact with our garden – to get outside and take a closer look – which is another good reason to grow them in a prominent spot that you’ll be walking past regularly.

94 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Sweet box is perhaps my favourite plant for winter scent. It can be grown as a hedge and makes a good alternative to regular box – Latin name Buxus sempervirens – as it’s not susceptible to blight. With its rounded, shiny leaves and compact, slow-growing habit, it also makes a great centrepiece in a winter pot surrounded with winter pansies or cyclamen. The small white flowers pack a powerful fragrance, and it also has attractive black, shiny berries. Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna is another choice variety that has slightly longer, graceful leaves, combined with pink-red stems and pinkish-white flowers followed by clusters of berries.

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ has one of the strongest fragrances – sweetly intense and sherbet-like, you’ll smell the pale pink flowers before you see them. It also has the benefit of evergreen leaves that are delicately edged with gold. It’s compact and very slow growing, so is another good specimen for a pot where it can happily live for years. These daphnes don’t like root disturbance and will appreciate a sheltered spot in sun or partial shade to thrive. Snip a few of the blooms off and bring them inside and you’ll have visitors hunting for the source of the gorgeous perfume.

The clue is in the name with wintersweet – Chimonanthus praecox – which is next on my list of plants to grow for the best winter scent.

Originally from China, this deciduous shrub is good for training against a sunny, sheltered wall, where it will eventually reach around two metres or more in height and spread. Although it’s not the most exciting plant in summer, the bowl-shaped flowers appear on the bare stems in winter and will light up the garden with their pale lemon petals and dark red centres. The scent is alluringly spicy and the flowers last well into spring.

Witch hazel, Hamamelis mollis, is another deciduous shrub that has great autumn colour followed by bright golden flowers like little spidery creatures clinging to the bare winter stems. The scent is strong, slightly citrus, and the stems are good for cutting and bringing indoors. It’s an upright, tough shrub that can cope with cold

Gardening.qxp_Layout 2 17/12/2018 14:55 Page 2

GARDENING

Opposite page: Hamamelis virginiania blooming in snow.

Winter flowers are often small and insignificant, evolving this way so that they don’t get destroyed by bad weather

Right: The stately Sarcococca confusa, otherwise known as sweet box – largely forgotten during summer but providing backbone in winter

conditions, and works well in a woodland setting or next to a path where its scent can be enjoyed. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Aphrodite’ is one of my favourite varieties – the flowers are gorgeous tones of terracotta and burnt orange.

As well as shrubs, there are plenty of smaller winterflowering perennials that offer colour and fragrance – a worthwhile combination if you’re planting up winter pots.

Get close to Cyclamen coum and their pink, white and purple jewel-like flowers are surprisingly aromatic. They’re happy in shade, so are also good planted en masse beneath deciduous trees. There are also varieties of primroses and polyanthus bred for scent, including Polyanthus ‘Most Scented’. Try too, winter iris – Iris unguicularis – which has strappy leaves and deep violet, fragrant flowers in late winter and early spring.

Winter flowering deciduous shrubs should be pruned in spring after flowering, giving them time to grow new buds for next year. If you prune them too late, you may lose a year of flowers. Evergreen shrubs such as sweet box will need minimal pruning – again this is best done in spring before the growth properly gets going, but after the worst of the frosts are over, just trimming off any dead or dying growth, crossing stems, or to keep the size in check.

So if there’s not much going on in your garden at the moment, make room for some winter fragrance, whether it’s in the borders or a pot by the front door. You may well forget these useful plants during the rest of the year but will welcome them with open arms (and nostrils) when the chillier months come round again. ■ • Elly West is a garden designer. For more details, visit ellyswellies.co.uk

Elly’s Wellies

Garden Designs

Turning your ideas into beautiful spaces Elly’s Wellies Garden Designs will help you maximise the potential of your outdoor space and tailor it to your individual needs. Whether you are looking for a complete garden redesign, or just need advice on what to plant in a border, Elly’s Wellies will be happy to help.

For a free initial consultation, contact Elly West

www.ellyswellies.co.uk ellyswellies@gmail.com 07788 640934 THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 95

KF PIF full Page 18.qxp_PIF Full Page 20/12/2018 10:30 Page 1

BRISTOL PROPERTY | IN FOCUS

N

umber 9 is classic example of a handsome Grade II listed Georgian townhouse situated on the southern slopes of Clifton Village. The house is immaculately presented and has been enhanced and beautifully maintained throughout the seller’s time of ownership.

The accommodation is arranged over five floors and offers a good deal of flexibility with the possibility of creating a self-contained lower ground floor apartment. Many period features have remained, particularly on the ground floor which has a lovely bay-fronted drawing room, large sash windows with shutters, an ornate fireplace and elaborate cornicing. This room connects to the large kitchen/breakfast room via a useful butler’s pantry.

The first floor features a spectacular drawing room with views to Ashton Court which can be enjoyed from the full width balcony. The room to the rear of this is currently used as a study but could just as easily provide an additional bedroom. On the second floor you’ll find the large master bedroom, again with views to Ashton Court, and an enormous family bathroom with claw foot roll top bath and contemporary marble tiled shower. On the upper floor there are two further bedrooms connected by a marble wet room. Interestingly the lower ground floor is currently being used as artist studios, the layout combining a bay-fronted reception room/bedroom to the front, family room to the rear and a marble finished guest shower room.

The front gardens are level and easily maintained and to the rear is a large terrace and patio area.

Parking comes in the form of a garage accessed to the rear and CPZ parking to the front. This spacious and extremely versatile property is marketed by agents Knight Frank of Clifton.

Knight Frank, Regent House, 27A Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 295 0425

96 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

NO¯ 175

9 CLIFTON VALE CLIFTON, BRISTOL • Tasteful and beautifully presented townhouse • Fine views to Ashton Court • 4/5 bedrooms • Family bathroom & 3 guest shower rooms • Potential for self contained lower ground floor apartment • Garage and parking

Guide price £1,300,000

P97.qxp_Layout 23 20/12/2018 10:29 Page 1

THEBRISTOLMAG.CO.UK

|

JANUARY 2019

|

THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE 97

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977 PROMINENT SHOWROOM ON A38 BRIDGEWATER RD, BRISTOL

61 BROAD STREET, BS1 • Retail unit with 4 bed maisonette

• Fantastic pitch leading to Bristol airport • 2,412 sq ft showroom + customer parking • To rent

• Busy location at the heart of BS1 • New lease – Rent on application LOFT STYLE OFFICES AT COLES YARD, BACKWELL

ZETLAND ROAD, BS6

• Fantastic office space

• 1,830 sq ft

• High quality loft style modern space

• Suit offices (stp)

• Sizes from 476 sq ft up to 3,165 sq ft

• Only £30,000 pax

• Retail showroom

• To let 350 BRISTOL BUSINESS PARK

FOR SALE MINA ROAD, ST WERBERGHS

• Modern open plan office suite

• Office / consulting rooms with pp for conversion to 3 bed house

• 2,145 sq ft (10 cars) • New lease to be agreed • One of Bristol’s best business parks

• Only £275,000 pax

FOR SALE – OFFICES

CHURCH HOUSE, FILTON

• Eclipse Park BS16

• Good quality modern office suite

• 2,422 sq ft + 7 cars

• 1,620 sq ft + 6 cars

• Only £150 per sq ft

• 5 mins Bristol Parkway • New lease – Rent on application

MARINER HOUSE, BS1

LOFT OFFICES IN KINGSWOOD

• Loft style offices

• True loft offices

• 1,242 sq ft

• 1,329 sq ft + 6 cars

• Superb modern refurb

• Low rent and rates

• New lease – Rent on application

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon

Burston Cook January.indd 1

MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

• New flexible lease

• Sales / Lettings • Acquisitions • Valuations • Landlord & tenant • Auction Sales

• Rent reviews • Property Management • Investment Sales / Purchase • Development & Planning • Dilapidations Advice

18/12/2018 12:12

Bristol & Clifton’s premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977

ST STEPHENS HOUSE, BS1 HQ OFFICE TO LET Located on the recently pedestrianised and revamped Colston Avenue, St Stephens House has undergone a striking refurbishment to provide a self contained office finished to the highest standards: • Contemporary

• 6,554 Sq Ft

• Creative

• Up to 6 car parking spaces

• Newly refurbished

• Elevated ground floor position

• Self contained

• DDA compliant

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Burston Cook November.indd 2

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

• • • • •

Sales / Lettings Acquisitions Valuations Landlord & tenant Auction Sales

• • • • •

Rent reviews Property Management Investment Sales / Purchase Development & Planning Dilapidations Advice

22/10/2018 14:39

Property news.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:16 Page 1

PROPERTY NEWS

BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM ACROSS THE CITY’S BOOMING SECTOR

GREEN LIGHT

Water Lilies helps people build their own eco-conscious properties

EAST ST MEWS NEWS A LOOK AHEAD Plans to restore an empty property into affordable housing for young homeless people in Bristol have been approved by Bristol City Council. With preparatory works, including asbestos removal, complete, the redevelopment of the dilapidated building on East Street in Bedminster is underway. The East Street Mews initiative will create contemporary, affordable apartments and help transform lives.

The project has been set up by local businesses, charities and property experts to provide a solid foundation on which young people can build towards the next stage of their lives in education and employment. The first residents are due to be welcomed this year after the renovations are carried out, including space on the ground floor for local businesses or social enterprises.

East Street Mews is the brainchild of Bristol developer Cubex, property industry charity LandAid and local charity Developing Health & Independence. Realising there was a major gap in provision for homeless people not eligible for other forms of support, they decided to donate time, investment and expertise to address the problem. “We can now forge ahead, one step closer to providing vital affordable housing for young people in our city,” said Gavin Bridge, director of Cubex.

“The support we have received from local businesses and organisations has been phenomenal and we are hugely grateful for their time and expertise.”

Savills has published its five-year forecasts for the residential property market, predicting South West house prices to rise by 12.6% from 2019 to 2023.

While price growth should not be as strong as in some other regions – the North and Midlands in particular – projected performance compares positively to that of the more subdued London, South East and East England markets.

That prices are expected to grow in double figures, despite the muted London market, will be welcome news for local buyers and sellers, the agent says, and affordability, not Brexit, is now shaping the long-term market – affecting growth but protecting the market from correction. “The market in the South West has been price sensitive this year and subject to price corrections to align buyer and seller expectations,” says Richard Brooks for Savills in Bristol.

“However demand for property in the region is robust and, at the top end of the market, best-in-class homes in both city and country have sold well. Off the market deals have been strong, and in recent months we have seen an increase in competitive bidding on quality stock, which is a positive signal. While a degree of uncertainty will inevitably carry through, confidence will start to return to the mainstream market, which should improve the flow of transactions. Local buyers, especially at the top end, are often making a long-term investment and therefore less likely to be phased about short-term variations in value, on which basis I think we can look forward to a positive future in the local market.”

• eaststreetmews.co.uk

• savills.com

100 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE

|

JANUARY 2019

|

No 175

Bristol-based eco self-build developer Bright Green Futures has been given the go-ahead by a planning committee for its 33-home flagship community build project, Water Lilies.

It’s a big step for the company, which aims to grow the eco self-build market with a pioneering model of delivery that “puts people and planet at the core of housing”.

Nestled in Kings Weston's park and woodland setting near Blaise Castle, Water Lilies presents a unique opportunity for buyers to design and build homes that meet their needs. At the heart of the site will be a shared garden and community hub, directly accessible from residents’ doorsteps, creating a focus for community life and a safe, social and healthy environment for young and old alike.

With parking underground, the scheme will also be traffic-free.

The Bright Green Futures team, combined, has over 45 years of personal and professional experience delivering community self-build projects in the UK. Steffie Broer, the founding director, became South West Champion for Energy Efficiency in 2016 for driving sustainability values within the company and developing solutions in its housing projects that address climate change and benefit residents’ wellbeing. In 2018, Bright Green Futures picked up two further awards for creating sustainable community housing.

Steffie intends to make community self-build a mainstream housing solution: “53% of UK residents say they would love to build their own home, yet they don’t have the opportunity,” she says. “We wish to change this through our own projects and by providing training and support to others who would like to set up their own communities.”

With over 600 individuals on the council’s self-build register, planning approval for Water Lilies is a good sign for the city, demonstrating a model of delivery that can help to meet this need.

• brightgreenfutures.co.uk

Rupert Oliver FP January.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:53 Page 1

Redland, Bristol | Guide Price £1,150,000 A fabulous Grade II Listed five bedroom double fronted townhouse on a quiet no-through road, arranged over three floors with a circa 55’ rear garden and the potential for secondary accommodation if required.

Elegant Grade II Listed double-fronted family home | Circa 55’ rear family garden and separate full width rear courtyard garden | Charming semi-open plan full-depth kitchen and sitting room complete with open fire | Dining room | Four bedrooms over the first floor | Family bathroom and en-suite shower room to master bedroom | Fifth bedroom, two reception rooms, kitchenette and bathroom over the lower ground floor | Utility room and cloakroom | EPC: D In all circa 2562 sq. ft (238 sq. m)

The General fp.qxp_Layout 1 14/12/2018 16:59 Page 1

COOMBE LANE, STOKE BISHOP Offered with no onward chain, a welcoming detached family home boasting five family bedrooms; master with dressing room and ensuite, open outlook to rear onto garden, integral double garage and parking for several vehicles. EPC - C 2

2

5

Guide Price ÂŁ817,500

HOLMWOOD GARDENS, WESTBURY-ON-TRYM A well-presented, substantial four bedroom detached modern family home offering a spacious kitchen/diner with heated floors, granite worktops and island, four bedrooms with two ensuites, family bathroom and single garage. EPC - D 3

3

4

ÂŁ850,000

CJ Hole January.indd 1

14/12/2018 16:46

Howard Davis t: 0117 923 8238 (sales) t: 0117 946 6588 (lettings)

We wish you all a Happy New Year

REDLAND

GUIDE PRICE £1,200,000

REDLAND

GUIDE PRICE £1,100,000

An impressive and iconic 4 storey semi-detached house currently set up as a 7 bedroom property. Until recently it has been used as a treatment centre and as such, it currently has a residential in care usage. Planning permission for a change of use to a residential family home would have to be granted. EPC D

An impressive and iconic 4 storey semi-detached house currently set up as a 7 bedroom property. Until recently it has been used as a treatment centre and as such, it currently has a residential in care usage. Planning permission for a change of use to a residential family home would have to be granted. EPC TBC

CLIFTON

REDLAND

GUIDE PRICE £610,000

A spacious two storey maisonette, which has been refurbished to the highest of standards keeping the period features, it offers four double bedrooms, open plan kitchen with granite breakfast bar and a sitting/dining room. It also comes with both allocated off street parking space and bike storage. EPC D

CJ Hole Clifton January THIS ONE.indd 1

SSTC £925,000

A substantial five bedroom family home offers a generous entrance hall, three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, two bathrooms, cloakroom, basement area, integral garage, driveway and a southerly facing rear garden. The house requires modernising and does retain a great deal of its original charm and character throughout. EPC F

17/12/2018 11:57

REDLAND

SSTC £525,000

CLIFTON

GUIDE PRICE £420,000

A well-presented 1930’s built semi-detached three bedroom home comprising of; a reception room, rear dining room, fitted kitchen, an extensive conservatory, a family bathroom, a rear enclosed garden as well as a front garden area and a drive leading to the garage. EPC D

A quality Redland garden apartment with a private entrance, two reception rooms plus a quality kitchen, two bedrooms plus a bathroom and en-suite shower room, good size storage room off of the hallway and a low maintenance private rear garden. EPC D

CLIFTON

CLIFTON

GUIDE PRICE £410,000

GUIDE PRICE £395,000

A superior first floor flat, consisting of two double bedrooms, a newly refurbished and modern kitchen, a generous lounge area and a three piece suite bathroom, also benefiting from under stairs storage in the hallway. Offered with no onward chain. EPC D

A two double bedroom, consisting of a central hallway leading to all rooms plus overhead storage, generous lounge/diner, kitchen breakfast room, a master bedroom to the rear, second double bedroom, quality bathroom, cloakroom plus a walk in utility room. EPC C

CLIFTON

SNEYD PARK

GUIDE PRICE £385,000

A purpose built first floor flat offers a generous interior, allocated parking and lawned communal gardens. The flat benefits from an open plan living area, open kitchen area, two bedrooms with the master featuring a small balcony and an en-suite shower room and a main bathroom. EPC C

CJ Hole Clifton January THIS ONE.indd 2

GUIDE PRICE £215,000

A delightful one double bedroom first floor apartment located in lovely development, consists of: entrance hall, open plan living area with an upgraded kitchen, good size double bedroom, a brand new bathroom plus a large under croft garage. EPC C

17/12/2018 11:58

hamptons.co.uk

Abbey Mead, Keynsham £1,250,000 Freehold This beautiful detached Victorian Villa occupies a private position on the cusp of the town of Keynsham. Subject of an extensive and meticulous renovation, the property retains a charming period feel with a number of impressive features including open fires, bay windows with shutters, stripped pine floorboards and picture rails. The large bays, plethora of windows and exceptional ceiling heights, make this a very special property indeed.

Situated within its own walled garden, the property offers gated access and a private driveway with ample parking. Adjacent to the house is the Keynsham Memorial Park, this well maintained park covers 26 acres and includes a café, tennis courts, play area and duck pond.

Hamptons Bristol

Sales. 0117 369 1004 | bristol@hamptons-int.com

Hamptons January.indd 1

18/12/2018 11:01

Hamptons January.indd 2

18/12/2018 11:02

Clifton ÂŁ330,000

Clifton Office 0117 946 6007

Two bedroom hall floor flat A well-proportioned flat set within an impressive Victorian terrace.

A level approach to nearby Whiteladies Road and Cotham Hill, this impressive property offers an attractive central hallway, two equal size double bedrooms with rear aspect, modern bathroom and a spacious open plan living area with front facing Victorian bay window. EPC - D

oceanhome.co.uk

Ocean January.indd 1

Westbury-on-Trym Office 0117 962 1973

Westbury-on-Trym ÂŁ450,000 Four bedroom house

A four bedroom link-detached home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Westburyon-Trym. The property has been extended with the accommodation comprising of: entrance porch, entrance hall, fitted kitchen/dining with door into garage, an impressive sitting room/dining with french doors to the rear leading into a conservatory. EPC - TBC

14/12/2018 16:50

Clifton ÂŁ350,000

Two bedroom second floor flat Spacious and extremely well presented flat, on a highly sought after tree lined road within a short walk of Clifton Village and Whiteladies Road. Well laid out with a generous living room and separate, modern kitchen to the front and two great size double bedrooms to the rear with an en-suite shower room to the master. EPC - C

Westbury-on-Trym ÂŁ525,000 Three bedroom house

Detached home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Westbury-on-Trym. The accommodation comprising of: entrance hallway, fitted kitchen, dining room, downstairs WC and an impressive sitting room with a picture window to the front garden. Upstairs there are three double bedrooms, master bedroom with an en-suite shower and a modern family bathroom. EPC - D

Ocean January.indd 2

14/12/2018 16:50

RichardH arding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD CHURCH ROAD

ROCKLEAZE

SOLD PALMERSTON ROAD

SOLD BERKSHIRE ROAD

SOLD

MANILLA ROAD

SOLD SHEEPWAY

AVON WAY

SOLD SALISBURY ROAD

SOLD COLLINGWOOD ROAD

HAMPTON ROAD

Here is a selection of the many high quality houses and apartments we have successfully sold across all price ranges throughout 2018.

SOLD BARLEY CROFT

We always put our clients interests first. We have the many years of experience and expertise necessary to get the best outcomes for them. If you are contemplating a move in 2019 please contact us to arrange a market appraisal. It is without obligation and the advice you get will be invaluable.

Please call us on 0117 9466690 and speak to one of the partners.

SOLD

SOLD OWEN GROVE

SOLD HOWARD ROAD

COOMBE LANE

SOLD

SOLD PERCIVAL ROAD

SOLD

SOLD LOGAN ROAD

SOLD WESTBURY PARK

SOLD

SOLD CHURCH ROAD

SOLD HILLSIDE

DOWNLEAZE

SOLD THE AVENUE

NORMANTON ROAD

SOLD CLIFTONWOOD ROAD

REDLAND TERRACE

Professional, Reliable, Successful 0117 946 6690 www.richardharding.co.uk 124 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2RP

Richard Harding January 2019 THIS ONE.indd 1

18/12/2018 15:56

RichardH arding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

SOLD

SOLD CLIFTON DOWN ROAD

SOLD

SOLD CLYDE PARK

SOLD THORNDALE MEWS

SOLD

SOLD DOWNS PARK EAST

SOLD PEMBROKE ROAD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD CLIFTON DOWN

SOLD

SOLD

DRAYCOT PLACE

SOLD REDLAND GROVE

WESTBURY PARK

SOLD LOWER REDLAND ROAD

THE AVENUE

SOMERSET STREET

ROMAN WAY

SOLD ST OSWALDS ROAD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

GREAT GEORGE STREET

ST OSWALDS ROAD

WOOLCOT STREET

JULIAN ROAD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

DOWNS PARK WEST

REDLAND ROAD

ST RONANS AVENUE

AUBURN ROAD

MANOR PARK

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD KINGSDOWN PARADE

CANOWIE ROAD

QUEEN VICTORIA ROAD

HARCOURT ROAD

SOLD CLARE ROAD

SOLD ARCHFIELD ROAD

DOWRY SQUARE

Professional, Reliable, Successful 0117 946 6690 www.richardharding.co.uk 124 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2RP

Richard Harding January 2019 THIS ONE.indd 2

18/12/2018 15:57

RichardH arding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

SOLD

SOLD BRAMBLE DRIVE

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD LONGFIELD R0AD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD DOWRY SQUARE

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD FLORENCE PARK

SOLD

SOLD

CLYDE ROAD

SOLD DEVONSHIRE ROAD

WALLISCOTE AVENUE

SOLD CLAREMONT AVENUE

CANOWIE ROAD

DOWNS COTE VIEW

COTHAM GROVE

SOLD SALISBURY ROAD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

POOLES WHARF COURT

EXETER BUILDINGS

WOODFIELD ROAD

CAMDEN TERRACE

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

REDLAND GREEN ROAD

SPRINGFIELD ROAD

ZETLAND ROAD

DUNDONALD ROAD

JULIUS ROAD

SOLD

SOLD MARINERS DRIVE

SOLD DOWNS PARK EAST

THORNDALE MEWS

HIGHBURY VILLAS

HAZELTON ROAD

SOLD BEACONSFIELD ROAD

NORTHUMBERLAND ROAD

SOLD ST VINCENTS HILL

EASTFIELD ROAD

Professional, Reliable, Successful 0117 946 6690 www.richardharding.co.uk 124 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2RP

Richard Harding January 2019 THIS ONE.indd 3

18/12/2018 15:57

RichardH arding Chartered Surveyors • Estate Agents • Auctioneers • Valuers

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD HURLE CRESCENT

COTHAM PARK

SOLD REDLAND ROAD

SOLD

SOLD GROVE ROAD

SOLD EDGECUMBE ROAD

ROKEBY AVENUE

GLOUCESTER ROW

SOLD

SOLD EASTMEAD LANE

RICHMOND HILL

BRYNLAND AVENUE

Here is a selection of the many high quality houses and apartments we have successfully sold across all price ranges throughout 2018.

SOLD CLARENDON ROAD

We always put our clients interests first. We have the many years of experience and expertise necessary to get the best outcomes for them. If you are contemplating a move in 2019 please contact us to arrange a market appraisal. It is without obligation and the advice you get will be invaluable.

Please call us on 0117 9466690 and speak to one of the partners.

SOLD

SOLD EXETER BUILDINGS

SOLD

ST MATTHEWS ROAD

SOLD

WESTBURY ROAD

SOLD SOUTHERNHAY AVENUE

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD BERKELEY ROAD

SOLD

SOLD SALISBURY ROAD

SOLD WANSCOW WALK

BIRCHALL ROAD

BURGHLEY ROAD

SOLD VICTORIA SQUARE

MANOR PARK

SOLD IDDESLEIGH ROAD

CAVENDISH GARDENS

Professional, Reliable, Successful 0117 946 6690 www.richardharding.co.uk 124 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2RP

Richard Harding January 2019 THIS ONE.indd 4

18/12/2018 15:57

Bristol’s Independent Estate Agents

Redland £875,000

Clifton £360,000

Spacious, individual detached 5 bedroom, 3 reception room, family home with attractive south west facing gardens, studio and garage space in a desirable location within 500m of Redland Green School.

Positioned on a corner plot and enjoying far reaching views from the upper floors this house is ideally suited to growing families looking for space and a position close to Redland Green School. EPC - E

A wonderful, newly refurbished 2nd floor, 2 bedroom apartment located in this sought after crescent moments from Clifton Village. Buyers can move in and put their feet up with this stylish and very smart period apartment, boasting large sash windows to all rooms which flood it with natural light.

Bishopston £289,950

Westbury Park £275,000

A bright and airy 2 bedroom first floor apartment with access to views of the Cricket ground, situated in Bishopston close to Gloucester Road. Parking on a first come first served basis, lift access within the building.

EPC - C

A character 2 bedroom top floor apartment with allocated parking space set in an attractive period house in a highly convenient location on the Redland/ Westbury Park borders.

EPC- E

TEL: 0117 974 1741 61 Apsley Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2SW

Leese & Nagle January.indd 1

sales@leeseandnagle.co.uk

14/12/2018 16:49

www.leeseandnagle.co.uk

Happy New Year!

2019

There is a current shortage of quality family homes being sold in the local BS9 area. So why don’t you consider listing your property with us early in the New Year to take advantage and market whilst there’s limited stock and giving it maximum exposure. So please contact us as soon as possible for a discreet FREE no obligation market appraisal.

Stoke Bishop Guide Price £715,000

Stoke Bishop Guide Price £525,000

Westbury on Trym Guide Price £325,000

A fantastic opportunity to acquire a 5 bedroom home that has been cherished by one family for over 50 years. The property is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, which has been extremely popular over the years and would be a great opportunity for an expanding family. EPC - E

An immaculately presented 3 bedroom lower hall floor flat with ample square footage, courtyard, garage and parking. The property is superbly located with the Durdham Downs directly opposite. The flat would suit a wide variety of buyers offering a contemporary lifestyle within a lovely character building.

EPC – D

We are delighted to offer this two double bedroom semi-detached bungalow set within close proximity to the amenities of Westbury Village and Henleaze High Street.

Furthermore, there is a level rear garden mainly laid to lawn with a southerly aspect. Offered with no onward chain. EPC - D

TEL: 0117 962 2299

125 Stoke Lane, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3RW

Leese & Nagle January.indd 2

wot@leeseandnagle.co.uk

14/12/2018 16:49

Mallory fp.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2018 09:25 Page 1