Gents, it’s time for a John Lewis personal styling session
Bristol Film Festival’s Summer Season returns to The Mall Gardens
The café teaching ex-offenders fresh hospitality skills
Top places for treating yourselves to the ritual of afternoon tea
A new film celebrates the dedicated volunteers restoring the Balmoral
Sophie Ellis-Bextor talks to us about her new album, what she gets up to off stage in the city... and the power of Barry Keoghan dancing naked to her music
Our favourite places to pass the afternoon with a little indulgence (and a scone or two)
Castaway
Sophie
Local
Alternative
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The Restore Trust is unlocking the potential of ex-offenders in a new café on Gloucester Road
Flora Beverley is transforming the city’s alleyways into beautiful, natural spaces
Have a nose around an ultra-chic bathroom installed by the team at Gardiner Haskins
Forget the Bristol drizzle and be the host with the most using our outdoor kitchen ideas
Things are heating up in the city as the year reaches its sweltering midpoint. And just like in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (which doesn’t actually feature in this issue, but feels timely to mention, so let’s run with it), transformations abound in this edition of the magazine. I may not have a magical love potion to hand, but I have a funny feeling you’re going to adore everything you set your eyes on over the next 100 pages anyway. Meet our line-up of magnificent metamorphoses, which come to you this month in the form of a ship, wardrobes, a café, bowls and even a shiny disco ball...
First up is a change of clothes – and a change of scenery if you’re heading on holiday. We’ve got your summer wardrobe sorted thanks to Mint Velvet’s latest additions (think chic castaway, sultry siren and mesmerising mermaid vibes on page 16). And for people seeking menswear, there’s expert insight from two personal stylists at John Lewis who are ready and waiting on page 18 to refresh your entire aesthetic if needed. And though Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s never technically been out of the limelight, her career was thrown right back into the glittering epicentre of the disco ball’s glow last year thanks to Murder on the Dancefloor’s appearance in Saltburn – she speaks to us on page 28 about channelling that transformative energy into a new album ahead of her tour stopping in town this month. There have been huge changes happening much closer to home, too, with the MV Balmoral’s renovation in the floating harbour being diligently carried out by skilled volunteers – read how Harry Knight’s new film captures its charm on page 30. Bones, shells, charcoal and other restaurant kitchen waste have been given a new lease of life as bowls and plates thanks to the talented hands of ceramicist Alice Watkins on page 40; while Simon Horsford investigates the transmutative power of new venue The Key Café on page 54. The Café is working hard to positively alter the lives of exoffenders leaving HMP Bristol and affect lasting change. Let’s throw in some wall art and wildflowers for good measure: page 64 tells the tale of Flora Beverley, who’s been spearheading a new project revitalising unloved alleyways across the city – turning them from trash magnets into communitymanaged homes for art and nature. You’ll feel like a whole new person once you’ve digested it all.
Steve Miklos steve@thebristolmagazine.co.uk
Financial Director Jane Miklos
Email: jane@thebristolmagazine.co.uk
Rosanna Spence
Tel: 0117 974 2800
Email: rosanna@thebristolmagazine.co.uk
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Journey across the world through food, crafts, workshops, dance and music with Bristol’s migrant and refugee communities during the International Cultural Festival 2025, which is celebrating global sustainability this year. This event is a collaboration between Sparks Bristol, Bristol’s Community Champions and African Voices Forum, and is part of Bristol Refugee Festival (which runs from 7-22 June). All activities are free and open to all ages, starting from 11am on Saturday 14 June at Sparks Bristol, Broadmead, and wrapping up at 5.30pm. sparksbristol.co.uk
The Bristol Breakfast Rotary Club’s annual Dragon Boat Festival is taking place on Sunday 8 June at Baltic Wharf. It promises to be crammed with friendly competition, fancy dress and camaraderie, all while supporting community projects local to Bristol and around the globe. This year’s focus is on empowering communities through efforts that combat food insecurity, expand access to education and provide shelter for those in need. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler, a first-time participant, or want to cheer on from the harbourside, there’s room for everyone in this vibrant event. To see if there are any last-minute places to register, and for more info, visit bristolrotarydragons.org or bristolbreakfastrotaryclub.co.uk
The RAI Film Festival returns to Arnolfini and Watershed 11-15 June. The world’s leading event for anthropological documentaries is marking its 40th anniversary with 94 films from 36 countries, including 14 world and 39 UK premieres that will explore the theme of ‘Looking Back, Looking Forward’ and inviting audiences to encounter stories that challenge how we see the world. Expect director Q&As, panels, and a workshop, all offering a rich lens into human experience through bold storytelling. raifilm.org.uk/festivals/2025
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Summer Festival’s, final double-bill of plays takes place from 12-14 June at Bristol Old Vic’s Weston Studio. In Splendour by Abi Morgan (pictured, photo by Edward J Felton), four women are waiting on a dictator inside an opulent Presidential Palace. As the minutes tick by and a revolution seizes the city outside, the women must turn to each other while everything else falls apart. Meanwhile, Liam Borrett’s debut This Is Living tells the tale of Alice and Michael, who met six years ago and had their daughter Lily three years into their relationship. Now, in a meadow, just past midnight, they're having an argument – Alice is cold and tired, and Michael won't stop telling her that she died 12 hours ago... Tickets are available via bristololdvic.org.uk
People are invited to view the beautiful gardens at St Peter’s Hospic in summertime with a new open day on Sunday 22 June. The Hospice gardens, designed to be a therapeutic and welcoming space for patients and their families to relax, will be open from 10am-4pm with refreshments and guest talks also on the agenda. The talks will come from horticulturist Caradoc Doy and the National Trust’s youngest head gardener Sam Finch. Tickets cost £8 each or are free for those aged 15 or under. Book at stpetershospice.org/support-us/join-our-events/hospice-open-gardens
Meet Meriam Ababo, founder of Ethiopian café Ababo’s Cuisine
I came to Bristol from Ethiopia 12 years ago. I love everything about the city. The people are friendly and the city is calm. So many things have changed since I opened the café in Easton Community Centre last year. When Ababo’s Cuisine was previously serving food at markets, people always asked where else they could order my food from. I always wished I had a permanent café somewhere – everyone knows where they can find me now!
Ababo’s Cusine is a way for me to share my traditional food with the local community – the doro wat [chicken stew] and misir wat [red lentil stew] are becoming our most popular dishes to sell. My favourite dish is called ‘beyaynetu’. In Amharic, this translates to ‘combination’ or ‘mixture’. It is smaller portions of the main dishes, all served together on one big tray on a base of injera. Injera is a fermented flatbread made from teff flour, which is naturally gluten-free and healthy for your gut. I love this meal because it is colourful, appetising and looks beautiful to eat. It fills me with happy memories of my mum's kitchen.
I love cooking for other people and seeing them enjoy the food. It fills me with joy. I can never get tired of cooking. Running the café has allowed me to share my food and the authentic flavours of Ethiopia with a larger audience. The community support so far has been overwhelming, I have lots of positive feedback and repeat customers!
When I’m not cooking, I enjoy spending time with my family. On a Sunday, we gather together to drink coffee in a traditional coffee ceremony. I make the coffee fresh with roasted beans. Traditionally, this is done with charcoal, but in the UK, because of fire alarms, we make it on the stove. Once the coffee is made, we all sit together and connect. It makes us feel like we are back home.
My favourite place to go and eat food in Bristol is Lona [a Lebanese grill house on Gloucester Road]. The food is delivered on a large tray designed for sharing. It is a similar culture where we value sharing and eating together. The service is always good and the staff are friendly. I also love going to anywhere in the countryside with my family and close friends. I like seeing green all around me – it makes me feel happy, calms my mind and resets me from the busy city life.
I work closely with Eastside Community Trust and I am involved in many of their community events. I was recently asked to make 300 samosas for a community event run by Eastside and ACH [an organisation providing tailored refugee and migrant support services] –my hands were sore! I try to keep the prices of my meals in the café as low as possible to reach a wide range of community members. Soon, I’m hoping to grow my business and hire people from the local community to support me.
Ababo’s Cuisine is open at Easton Community Centre, Kilburn Street, BS5 6AW Tuesday to Friday (9am to 5pm) and Saturday (10am to 4pm). eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk | ach.org.uk | @ababoscuisine
MyCommunityDefib, an online fundraising platform, has launched a campaign that enables Bristol residents to crowdfund and install 24/7 public-access defibrillators in their neighbourhoods. This is in line with research that shows that for every minute someone going through cardiac arrest is left without CPR and defibrillation, their chances of survival fall by around 10%.
To check if your neighbourhood is already fundraising, or to set up your own campaign, visit mycommunitydefib.co.uk
Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr’s iconic I Have a Dream speech, the Bristol Bus Boycott of 1963, and the Race Relations Act of 1965, Diverse Artists Network and Curiosity UnLtd have collaborated (with support from Quartet Community Fund) on a new poetry competition, inviting original poems about dreams for a better world.
Words 4 Change is asking people to submit poems, which are to be no longer than 30 lines, inspired by local and international heroes, reflecting the writers’ aspirations and feelings for a society where people feel safe and valued. There are three categories for entrants: those aged 0-11, 12-17 and 18+, and there are monetary prizes, book tokens, performance opportunities and more available to winning poets.
To enter Words 4 Change, email an original poem to hello@diverseartistsnetwork.com no later than midnight on 12 September 2025. Entrants must live in the UK and poems must not exceed 30 lines. Be sure to include entrants’ age and the words I Have a Dream in the email subject heading. Read the full competition terms and conditions online: diverseartistsnetwork.com/words-4-change
St Pauls Carnival, will return this summer with a scaled back series of events celebrating the timely theme of ‘Roots of Resistance’. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act 1965, and to celebrate this momentous act, St Pauls Carnival has dedicated its 2025 programme to honouring the legacy of activists throughout Bristol's history who have fuelled activism in the city.
This celebration will be delivered through the Back A Yard Programme centred around 5 July. ‘Back A Yard’ is a traditional Jamaican phrase that typically means ‘back home’ or ‘where I’m from’. Through this cultural expression, the Back A Yard programme will take the carnival back to its roots of activism, which contributed to shaping the UK’s first Race Relations Act. The 2025 programme will include a range of cultural events across St Pauls, from live music and spoken word from thriving Bristol talent to family activities and talks exploring the rich social and political roots of the carnival we know today. In addition the programme will also feature a series of party events, offering a taste of carnival through song and dance.
Commenting on 2025’s programme, LaToyah McAllister-Jones, Executive Director, says: “We're excited to bring Back A Yard to Bristol, celebrating our roots and the journey that led us here. This year, we're highlighting the activism at the heart of the carnival, sharing our community's legacy with all generations and paving the way for the future.
“Fundraising is crucial to cementing the future of St Pauls Carnival and our 2025 Back A Yard programme will be a key driver of this to help ensure the future of Bristol’s most beloved vibrant celebration of African-Caribbean culture.” For the full programme, and to donate to St Pauls Carnival and secure future celebrations, visit the website. stpaulscarnival.net
A new mural celebrating the rich railway heritage of Bristol is set to brighten up the £23million Ashley Down train station, thanks to a new £3,000 grant from Great Western Railway and £1,000 investment from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA). Ashley Down is the newest station in the West of England. On the site of the former Ashley Hill station, closed in the Beeching Cuts of the 1960s, it opened in September 2024 and was only the second new station to do so in Bristol in just under a century – one year after Portway Park & Ride station opened.
The MCA will work closely with Bristol City Council and Severnside Community Rail Partnership to find a local artist who will work with community groups to produce the mural. It will be installed at the entrance to Ashley Down station in September to coincide with the 12-month anniversary of the station opening.
Rebel Love Collective, a local LGBTQ+ and feminist-owned business that aims to disrupt the wedding industry, has launched Rebel Love Directory, which is a vetted and growing list of LGBTQ+ wedding venues and vendors, serving as a go-to hub for LGBTQ+ couples/lovers and allies. With more than 123 wedding suppliers currently listed, Rebel Love Collective aims to expand this figure to 200 suppliers by the end of 2025.
Steff and Ells, founders of Rebel Love Collective, explain about the new launch: “The Rebel Love Directory solves a problem we kept seeing: queer couples/lovers spending countless hours hunting for inclusive suppliers or settling for less-than-affirming experiences because they didn’t know where else to turn. This is about more than just visibility. It’s about safety, joy, and being fully celebrated in one of life’s most intimate and public milestones” -
Each year, LGBTQ+ suppliers and to-be-weds are then brought together under one roof at the Collective’s Rebel Love Wedding Fair to connect, collaborate and celebrate queer love in all its forms. rebellovedirectory.com
Hammerson, the company that owns Quakers Friars in the city centre, has had its plans to revamp the area green lit by Bristol City Council. Plans include investment in the 13th-century Friary Building, with the ambition for new cultural uses, and creating a focus for a flexible exchange space for community and creative events. The adjacent retail units will also be transformed and bring the potential for more services, such as healthcare and workspaces, adding to the existing food offering which includes the recently-opened Six by Nico.
hammerson.com
Charitable Community Benefit Society Music Venue Properties (MVP), created by Music Venue Trust, has announced the launch of the next phase of its Own Our Venues project, which hopes to benefit iconic music venue The Croft in Stokes Croft, pictured, that closed in August 2024. Own Our Venues removes grassroots music venues from vulnerable commercial leases by placing them into community ownership, and had success with its first campaign that saved venues including Le Pub in Newport and Bunkhouse in Swansea among others. The aim is to provide longterm stability to venues that are essential for fostering local talent and providing cultural value to existing, local infrastructure.
MVP has now announced plans to acquire a further seven venues – including The Croft – via a second community share offer, which is now open, and closes on 31 July.
Established in 2000, The Croft was a cornerstone of Bristol’s live music scene, famed for its intimate 110-capacity live room and 250-capacity club space. It hosted early performances from major acts like Arctic Monkeys, Bastille, Ed Sheeran, IDLES, and Bring Me the Horizon. After operating as The Crofters Rights, the venue closed last summer, but plans are underway to revive it under its original name. The re-launch will be led by the teams behind venues The Mothers Ruin, The Crown and Exchange. musicvenueproperties.com
Friends of the Earth and The Co-operative Bank have joined forces to breathe life back into 1,000 nature-deprived spaces across the country, including in Barton Hill, with dedicated Postcode Gardeners. Harriet Wylie has taken on the role in Barton Hill, who will oversee a two-year programme with Wellspring Settlement to increase biodiversity in the local area, and has already started work to create a community orchard with the help of a group of dedicated volunteers. She also plans to host local walk-and-talks for residents to better understand what grows in the area and the uses the plants have. It’s hoped the programme will help to bring the local community together after a challenging few years. wellspringsettlement.org.uk | friendsoftheearth.uk
Former Gurkha, renowned mountaineer and Disability rights advocate Hari Budha Magar joins Bristol charity Pahar Trust Nepal for an evening of storytelling, culture and community this month.
Hosted by Pahar Trust Nepal (which has been working in partnership with rural communities in Nepal for more than 30 years in a mission to improve education and health facilities by building safe, earthquake-resilient schools), guests will hear Hari’s extraordinary story of resilience and determination after he was injured by an IED while serving in Afghanistan and lost both of his legs. He went on to overcome the adversity of these life-changing injuries and defy expectations to make history as the world’s first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest.
The event will take place Friday 13 June, 6.30pm at The Cathedral School (BS1 5TS), with all ticket proceeds supporting educational projects in Nepal. Tickets can be bought on Eventbrite, and for more information, visit pahar-trust.org
In desperate need of a wardrobe refresh, or have a special event in the calendar with no clue what to wear for it?
Two menswear personal stylists from John Lewis explain how their expertise can improve the way you look and feel about your clothes in just two hours at their specialist studio at the Cribbs Causeway store
Gentlemen, when you open your wardrobe and rifle through your drawers looking for something to wear, do you find yourself letting out a deep sigh of despair? Shopping for a new outfit, whether it’s for work, suiting up a special occasion, reacting to changing physiques and tastes, or simply needing to inject a little je ne sais quoi into your daily attire can feel overwhelming at the best of times. But help is at hand, in the form of Serena and Niccole, two expert men’s personal stylists who work at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway. The personalised free-of-charge service they provide is the perfect antidote to stressful retail woes. And the timing couldn’t be better – Father’s Day is just around the corner, an ideal opportunity to ensure the men and any father figures in your life receive a little self-care and a confidence boost.
First things first, why might someone pay you a visit at the men’s personal styling studio?
Serena: It varies a lot. It could be someone is taking a special trip and needs an outfit for the occasion, or just needs a wardrobe refresh because they are stuck in the same routine. Weddings and workwear are also popular.
Niccole: That’s our job as stylists to gently nudge people out of their comfort zones.
How does the whole experience work?
It’s free? So, there’s no charge at all for an appointment?
Serena: Exactly, we are not on commission, we want to ensure we give the best service possible. When we’re choosing items for a wardrobe refresh our focus is all about finding pieces they’re happy with, taking into account the fit, their personality, their physique, their lifestyle. This way the pressure is taken away from the customer, and they can sit back and enjoy the experience.
Niccole: Sometimes our customers will attend an appointment because they have been given a Gift Card as a present. They can use this to cover all or some of the cost of any items they choose. n
Niccole: A customer can book a Personal Styling appointment in-store or on our website, a few details will be taken regarding their height, size, colour preferences, and some details about what they want to achieve.
Serena: We will follow up any booked appointments with a pre-call to double check all details and ascertain the purpose of the appointment. An example of this could be for a wedding, where is it taking place, abroad or this country? We will establish if there is a colour scheme. Based on the information we have gleaned, we will prepare and pick clothes in readiness for the appointment. Once we meet the customer, we can quickly narrow down what is going to suit them best.
Niccole: One really exciting element of our job is creating a rail of possibilities before they arrive – a capsule wardrobe of, say, 8-11 items that is versatile and will work together, getting better value for money. We always like to choose some curveballs in the pick and make some suggestions that might feel a little unfamiliar to them. We often find that these items are the ones the customer chooses.
Where does all this take place?
Serena: We have a lovely private, spacious style studio at our disposal. Niccole: The customer can relax in the Style Studio with a refreshing complimentary drink while we do all the running around, bringing them additional items to try if required.
Serena: We take the stress out of shopping, making it an enjoyable experience for the customer.
For more information, visit the website johnlewis.com/our-services/personal-styling
Niccole and Serena recommend a Cuban collar shirt, a popular style seen all over hit show The White Lotus Season 3 and a major holiday staple. Here, they style the John Lewis Cotton & Linen Blend Revere Collar Button-Through Knitted Shirt in Chocolate Brown (£49) three different ways....
Cuban layering for your summer escape
John Lewis Short Sleeve. Abstract Print Cotton Blend Shirt, £49
Tommy Hilfiger
Denton Straight Leg Jeans, £1200
Lewis
Cuban style essentials for laid-back summer days
Rodd & Gunn0
Cambridge Leather0 Crossbody Mini0 Messenger, £3990
Cuban city style with hybrid dressing
Visit the John Lewis store: The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, BS34 5QU (Appointments must be pre-booked)
Mallory Jewellers review all the latest models as well as the most exciting trends from the world of fine watchmaking.
1. Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
Paying homage to this important year in Tudor’s ever-evolving motorsport history. The 42mm case of the Black Bay Chronograph “Carbon 25’ is rendered entirely in black carbon fibre. Fetauring the Manufacture Calibre MT5813 self-winding movement and a dashing “Racing white” dial. Model: M79377KN-0001. £6,260
2. Omega Seamaster Railmaster
The timeless design and the easy-to-read display of the original 1957 Omega Railmaster, has been fully updated and modernised to feature a symmetrical 38 mm steel case, a beautiful brown dial and a classic leather strap. Reference: 235.12.38.20.13.001. £5,400
3. TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph
A tribute to Tag Heuer’s classic 80s original; this 38 mm watch, now has a solar-powered quartz movement and contemporary design. The range comes in a choice of modern materials and vibrant colors, offering a dynamic timepiece for the new generation. Model: WBY1111.BA0042. £1,650
4. Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase
This new model features a Moonphase date on a sunray beige dial in a 38.5 stainless steel case on an Alligatir strap. Water resistant to 3 bar with a smooth self-winding movment and an 18 carat gold medallion with caravelle emblem on the caseback. Model: L4.815.4.62.2. £2,950
5. Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time
Patek Philippe reinterprets the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time in a 42mm white gold case with an elegant ivory lacquered dial and a khaki green composite-material strap with fabric motif. The self-winding mechanical movement. Caliber 26-330 can be enjoyed through the sapphire crystal case back. Model: 5524G-010. £52.180
6. Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Datejust 31
A sparkling symphony - a 31mm, 18ct yellow gold case with a diamond set bezel, a deep red diamond-set ombré dial and an 18ct yellow gold President bracelet is a treasure to be cherished. Model: 278288RBR. £42,400
7. Rolex GMT-Master II
The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II in 18ct white gold with a green ceramic dial, a twocolour Cerachrom bezel insert in green and black ceramic and an 18ct white gold Oyster bracelet. Most noticeably, the crown and crown guard are on the left side of the watch case while the date aperture and the Cyclops lens are at 9 o’clock - perfect for wearing on the right wrist. Model: 126729VTNR. £40,900
8. Chopard Happy Sport
The Chopard Happy Sport collection now welcomes this turquoise edition, featuring a 33mm, 18-carat rose gold and stainless steel case with a turquoise textured mother-of-pearl dial - enlivened by a ballet of dancing , free floating diamonds. Self-winding movement, water resitant to 30m. Model: 278608-6013. £10,200
9. Patek Philippe Nautilus
A new version of the Ladies’ Nautilus with quartz movement, 32 mm-diameter white gold case with a 46 diamond bezel and white gold bracelet. The lacquered azure blue dial is adorned with the collection’s characteristic wave pattern. Model: 7010/1G-013. £51,370
10. Panerai Luminor
Marina Titanio
This rugged new model features a 44m brushed titanium case, a polished titanium bezel, a green sun-brushed dial, dark green calf strap as well as the trademark Panerai crown protecting device. Model: PAM03325. £8,400
This July, one of the city’s most enchanting cinematic experience – the Bristol Film Festival’s Summer Season – returns to the heart of Clifton Village, transforming The Mall Gardens into a luxurious open‐air film destination
Now in its third year, the Bristol Film Festival’s Summer Season has evolved into much more than just a screening series, it’s a curated lifestyle event that blends film, fine wine, art and more in one of the city’s most picturesque settings. At the centre of the Summer Season experience is a vibrant arena designed to elevate the pre-film experience. Guests can indulge in complimentary wine tastings from more than a dozen suppliers, including the esteemed Lyme Bay Winery, Vinozero, The Canned Wine Co., Averys Wine Merchants, Chateau Ksara, 99W Wines and Museum Wines. The Ivy Clifton Brasserie will once again be hosting the bar, offering a selection of premium beverages to complement the evening. Two pop-up art displays from Hidden Gallery and Firewater Gallery will also help to create a space where culture and community can intertwine.
“We’ve really invested in making the central arena special,” says Owen Franklin, Director of the Bristol Film Festival. “It’s about creating an event where people can relax and enjoy the surroundings before the film starts. We encourage guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before the advertised doors to fully experience everything on offer.”
The festival features two distinct cinema spaces: one accommodating 200 guests and a more intimate setting for 90. Both are equipped with state-of-the-art LED screens and provide individual headphones for an immersive viewing experience. The open-sided pavilions offer a seamless connection to the gardens, while retractable sides ensure comfort regardless of the weather.
The film line-up includes more than 20 spectacular screenings throughout the weekend, from family-friendly morning matinees to timeless classic gems, vintage screenings (complete with curated wine pairings) and thought-provoking documentaries. Highlights include the feel-good classics Summer Holiday starring Cliff Richard, and singalong essential Grease, ABBA-infused Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, the stylish whodunit Knives Out and mesmerising family film Encanto
“We want people to see this as more than just a film screening,”
Franklin explains. “It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a cultural event that celebrates film, food and community.” In addition to the onsite offerings, attendees will receive a Welcome to Clifton Village map highlighting local businesses that have partnered with the festival to provide exclusive offers. This initiative, supported by Clifton BID, underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting local enterprises.
The team has also partnered with Clifton BID for a special Film Trail running throughout June in Clifton Village – which will see selected businesses each featuring a relevant question on display. Participants just need to scan the QR code and answer the questions, all of which relate to associated film history in and around Bristol. There will be prize draws throughout the run of the trail, with participants getting the chance to win vouchers to the Summer Season.
“There’s a real sense of community around the festival,” says Franklin. “We’re proud to collaborate with local businesses and give back to the community that supports us. Attendees should keep an eye out for special offers, quizzes, and competitions during their visit.”
Whether you’re a cinephile, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique summer outing, the Bristol Film Festival’s Summer Season offers an unparalleled blend of entertainment and elegance. It’s a celebration of cinema that invites you to sit back, sip a glass of fine wine, and enjoy the magic of film in the great outdoors. n
The Summer Season takes place 4-6 July at The Mall Gardens in Clifton. For info and tickets, visit bristolfilmfestival.com
Our guide to the best things to see and do this month
Clifton & Hotwells Open Gardens
n 7 & 8 June, 10.30am until 5pm
Visit the fascinating communal gardens hidden behind the elegant terraces of Clifton and Hotwells. Tickets cover both days and are available in advance from Eventbrite (£8) and on the day (£7) from 10.30am under the archway on Boyce’s Avenue in Clifton Village and from selected gardens listed on the website. gssg-bristol.com
n 7-15 June
Multiple locations in Bristol and Bath
The UK’s biggest free nature festival returns this month with a powerful new theme – all about water – designed to take audiences beyond the typical green spaces and discover
the importance of an often overlooked vital life force. To really make a splash, the centrepiece of the packed nine-day festival will be a living, breathing 8x8m wetland brought to life in Bristol’s Harbourside, being constructed in the middle of Millennium Square. Running across Bristol and Bath, the festival features more than 80 events, most of them free. bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature
Stories in the Shavings: Welcome to Foxville
n 12 June, 7pm
Bristol Tree Craft, Bridge Farm, Glenfrome Road, BS16 1BQ
Stories in the Shavings bursts into life again this summer with StoryJam! Hot off the heels of two sell-out UK tours, Bristol Tree Craft is
delighted to welcome these stalwarts of story to its leafy hilltop stage with a brand-new show. Welcome to Foxville adds sharp teeth and wild yowls to traditional tales from off the path and beyond the edge. From this unique spot looking out over the city lights, the foxes come out to play!
bristoltreecraft.co.uk/events
Ravers2Runners presents Get Free X Techno Therapy
n 14 June, 6pm until 10pm
Strange Brew, BS1 3DB
Join Ravers2Runners for a dance workshop rooted in club culture followed by an opportunity to move without judgement on the dance floor. They’re teaming up with iconic local dance therapist Lottie Ball for an hour-long session of movement. Accessible for all levels (from beginner to intermediate), Lottie will take dancers through steps and choreography that honour the roots of house and techno. Following that, clubbers will then move into Strange Brew’s dark immersive space for a two-hour Techno Therapy session with Amsterdam-based founder, Prabuddha. The event also includes a free 5km run in Leigh Woods from 10am. Tickets on sale at Headfirst and online at ravers2runners.com/getfreetechnotherapy
The Bristol Birdman
n 15 June, 10am until 12pm
Bristol Harbourside
This will be Bristol’s first ever Birdman event and it will be delivered by Grassroot Communities’ staff, volunteers and young people. Participants create home-made machines or costumes using only recycled materials to fly the furthest they can before landing safely in the water. The ramp will be set up between the Bristol Marina and The Cottage Inn on the Harbourside but vantage points can be enjoyed all around the Harbour. All profit from the money raised will go directly towards the Grassroot Communities programme of work. Some team spots to take part were still available at the time of writing. grassrootcommunities.org/the-bristolbirdman
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story
n 18-21 June, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Tobacco Factory Theatres, BS3 1TF
After the success of Gwyneth Goes Skiing at Tobacco Factory Theatres, Awkward Productions is back with its multi awardwinning, Edinburgh Fringe sell-out show.
Do you know the story of Diana? Probably. But do you know this story of Diana? They very much doubt it. Join Diana in heaven as she shares the untold and untrue tale of her extraordinary life, combining drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry and a lot of queer joy. tobaccofactorytheatres.com
Insane Root Theatre presents Henry V n 19 June until 2 August Temple Church, Redcliffe, BS1 6HS
This evocative open-air performance will present a thrilling retelling of Shakespeare’s work by championing an all-female and nonbinary cast and creative team: adapted to just under two hours’ running time and featuring original songs from acclaimed local composer Ellian Showering. Henry V will be tailored to the 14thcentury site’s blend of medieval and modern architecture, and reflect themes such as loss, the complexities of war, leadership and loyalty. Action will take place all around and among the audience, with integrated acapella harmonies, electronic sound and a dynamic, siteresponsive design. insaneroot.org.uk
Bristol Bach Choir: Northern Lights n 21 June, 7.30pm Tyndale Baptist Church, Clifton BS8 2QG
A programme of secular and sacred music showing some of the richly varied choral works that come from the Baltic States and associated schools of composition. The emphasis will be on contemporary composers, with names such as Pärt, Gjeilo, Ešenvalds, Miskinis and Dubra, and will highlight that, while there are certain qualities which seem to identify this music’s geographical origin, they are nevertheless hugely varied in sound and style. bristolbach.org.uk
City of Bristol Choir: Summer Jazz and Soul n 22 June, 6pm
St George’s Bristol, BS1 5RR
The 100 voices of City of Bristol Choir present an uplifting and high octane celebration of singing, featuring the first performance of Summer Jazz Cantata by jazz virtuoso Iain Farrington. Expressing the joys of summer, this glorious piece sets popular poems fusing swing, funk, late-night blues and gospel styles. Tickets £16 to £26 from St George’s Bristol on 0117 929 4929 or online at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
Bristol Choral Society presents Missa Solemnis: Beethoven n 28 June, 7.30pm Bristol Beacon, BS1 5AR
Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis (Solemn Mass) is a towering masterpiece of classical music, often considered one of his most profound and ambitious creations. Composed and premiered alongside his iconic Ninth Symphony, this remarkable work held a special place in Beethoven's heart – he regarded it as perhaps his greatest achievement. This is a unique opportunity to experience the combined artistry of a premier choir and Beethoven's transcendent score in a venue that enhances every note and nuance. bristolchoral.co.uk
Our pick of the best things to see and do with the little ones this month
Tongue-Twisting Tastes
n Throughout June
We The Curious, BS1 5DB
Where does chocolate come from? How can salt help things freeze? This summer, We The Curious is exploring all things taste. You’ll be able to try sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami. See if you can tell the difference, then get hands-on with some cooking and find out more. Perfect for kids aged 7+ but also good for younger children and adults, a great way for the whole family to get involved. Admission included in day ticket. wethecurious.org
War Horse
n 3-21 June (Mon-Sat at 7.30pm, Wed & Sat at 2.30pm)
Bristol Hippodrome, BS1 4UZ
War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. Suitable for those aged 10+. atgtickets.com/bristol
Jurassic Immersive
n From 7 June for a limited time
Planet Ice Bristol, Cribbs Causeway, BS10 7SR
Explore. Learn. Rawr! Jurassic Immersive Experience is a cutting-edge, interactive journey that takes visitors through a hidden dinosaur sanctuary uncovered after a powerful earthquake. This thrilling adventure blends cinematic storytelling, lifelike dinosaur encounters, immersive environments, and exciting rides and activities, including virtual reality and hands-on exploration zones. It’s the perfect day out for dino loving kids and grown-ups too! Ticket pricing starts at £16.45 (infants aged 0-3 go free).
jurassicimmersive.co.uk
Mach 2 Motor Show
n 14-15 June
Aerospace Bristol, BS34 5BZ
From sonic boom to sonic vroom! See classic cars, racing cars, vintage buses, military vehicles, motorbikes and more across Father’s Day weekend, alongside amazing aircraft and the historic hangars of the former Filton Airfield. Exhibition is included with museum admission. Book online and save 10%. Aerospace Bristol tickets include free return visits for 12 months. Visitors with valid museum tickets can enter for free on the day. aerospacebristol.org
Portishead Carnival n 14 June, 12pm Lake Grounds, Portishead
The parade is the main attraction and tradition of Portishead Carnival. It starts the from the Lake Grounds at midday and consists of small/large groups of walkers, fabulous creative floats and amazing performances, it finishes as the show field where the carnival celebrations continue. In the show field, there will be food and drink options, a 7.3m climbing wall, It’s a Knock Out team competition and plenty of other stalls (from gifts to glitter tattoos). possetevents.com/portishead-carnival
Home Education Day n 16 June, 10am until 4pm
Brunel’s SS Great Britain, BS1 6TY
Brunel’s SS Great Britain will be open exclusively for Home Educating families to discover what life was like for Victorian passengers travelling on board the ship. Explore the amazing ship and museums, take part in a free craft activity, pick up a family trail or attend a fascinating free talk about the food Victorians ate board. Additionally, you can choose a pre-bookable facilitator led education workshop or guided tour. £8.50 per person. Prepare for your visit and download the visual story guide online beforehand. ssgreatbritain.org
The Mermaid, The Otter & The Big Poo n 22 June, 11am & 2pm
The Wardrobe Theatre, BS2 0DF
Mermaid needs your help! Her river’s turned a funny colour, something doesn’t smell right, and she can’t find Otter anywhere. Join real life adventure mermaid Lindsey Cole as she goes on a quest to find her best friend and help her save her river. Expect audience participation, games, lo-fi puppetry, interactive punk songs and a whole dump of fun. A fun, interactive children’s show about sewage pollution from children’s author, environmental campaigner and adventure mermaid, Lindsey Cole – for ages 4+ and their families. thewardrobetheatre.com
Fresh from presenting the Eurovision Grand Final results, and ahead of swinging by Bristol Beacon on her biggest ever headline tour, Sophie Ellis‐Bextor talks to us about her favourite thing to do in the city, her new album Perimenopop, and the power of naked dancing
Is there anything Sophie Ellis-Bextor can’t bring a little joy to? From injecting some much-needed disco into lockdown kitchens across the world a few years ago, to sound-tracking Saltburn’s disturbingly multifaceted anti-hero’s victory lap in ‘that’ iconic film scene (plus, most recently, stepping in last-minute to present the UK’s jury vote in the Eurovision Grand Final) – you’re in safe hands if Sophie’s about. She’s been singing for 30 years, flirting with a multitude of genres, but in her words: “my heart beats fastest for pop”. And her pulse shows no signs of slowing down. Having already mastered five top 10 albums and eight top 10 singles, her eighth studio album Perimenopop is due to land in September. Before then though, she’s setting off on her biggest ever headline tour, with an all-important pit stop at Bristol Beacon on 8 June. We managed to steal a few minutes with one of the UK’s favourite disco divas, and here are five things we learned…
She prefers to keep a low profile off stage
“I am more socially introverted, but I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a full blown introvert. I get what I need from my gigging, so when I do a mixture of my work and having downtime, I feel really calibrated. I really noticed this a lot during lockdown, where I obviously didn't have the chance to sing and perform, and I realised how intrinsic those things are to how I tick.
“I'm just very happy pootling about by myself when I'm off the stage, keeping a low profile, slinking around whatever town I find myself in, wandering all over the cities, having a little mooch, and then getting ready for the gig gets me into the right headspace. I’m happy with an hour or so of quiet time, then I’m good to go. Then the music and the crowd lift me up!”
I didn’t have a stage or a tour, so I took my touring energy into my own kitchen. But this tour’s energy and vibe is mainly an escape; a tonic; joy. I love what I do, but I also love what it gives me, and I love trying to get that dialogue going with the crowd and taking us all to the same place by the end of the show. I'm always smiling and bopping about, but underneath it all, I'm kind of stealthy, and I aim to get everybody there bopping… and I usually do!”
Bristol’s vintage shops are a favourite hangout
“My best friend since school lives in Bristol with my godson, so I come to Bristol anyway and have loads of places I like to go – she takes me around her local area. I spent time here with another school friend while she was at uni here – we’d go out to clubs and explore, then I’d crash on her floor. Now, when I come to Bristol, I like to go around the vintage shops. It's my favourite thing to do, and there are some great ones in Bristol. It's a really fab place. I love Bristol.”
The new tour will get you bopping
“Kitchen Disco [the successful Instagram live shows streamed during lockdown] is what we created when we weren’t able to perform live, and
Last year’s rocket-fuelled success energised work on the new album
“I wrote Perimenopop when I was in the absolute momentum and head rush of everything that happened with Murder on the Dancefloor last year [which appeared in key scene of the aforementioned smash-hit movie Saltburn]. That is actually a really glorious way to make pop music, because pop music thrives on momentum. It's something that needs that rush of vitality in its veins. So it was the perfect time.
“I was already going to make a pop dance album anyway, but having all of this rocket fuel with Murder on Dancefloor returning to the charts and taking me all around the world with it again just injected this real fizz into the project – and also into the people I was lucky enough to get in the room with. I've worked with some incredible people, artists, producers and writers on Perimenopop. I just wrote a wish list and managed to get in the room with most of them. Happy days – and lucky me. I took full advantage, quite frankly, and this album is joyful, it's celebratory, it's inclusive, and it's also about how lovely is to have all of those feelings.”
When asked Sophie if she could soundtrack another one of her tunes to any iconic film scene, what would it be, she replied: “Well, seeing as Barry Keoghan dancing naked [in Saltburn] did so well for Murder on the Dancefloor, I think I should just put other songs in exactly the same spot, please, so maybe Barry can now dance naked to Taste or Groovejet, or one of the other songs from the record. I think naked dancing and my music seem to be quite a good combo…” n
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is performing at Bristol Beacon on Sunday 8 June. Limited tickets were available at the time of publishing bristolbeacon.org | Pre-order Perimenopop via sophieellisbextor.net (out 12 September). All images supplied courtesy of PR.
A dedicated group of volunteers has been fighting to turn the tide on the future of one iconic harbour inhabitant – the MV Balmoral – with local filmmaker Harry Knight capturing moments from the boat’s transformation in a new film that’s now docking at the same destinations as the historic passenger vessel did in its heyday.
Words by Rosanna Spence
Keeping historic ships afloat in UK ports and harbours is a monumental mission. Millions of pounds need to be ploughed into every nut, bolt, panel and propeller – not to mention the unfathomable hours of dedicated craft and knowledge from helping hands. One such vessel is the MV Balmoral, which was built and launched more than 75 years ago (1949) in Southampton, but now calls Bristol harbour home.
The ship caught the eye of local filmmaker Harry Knight of Falling Films, who used to commute to his studio space at Spike Island, passing the passenger vessel every day. In what he calls “serendipitous timing”, his next visual project, which was a “feast for the eyes to film”, would “fall into his lap” as he discovered the group of passionate volunteers fight to save the Balmoral’s legacy – and though they were able to repair and protect the ship in Bristol’s dry dock last year thanks to recent support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, their work to get her sailing regularly remains an upstream battle thanks to time, bureaucracy and ongoing financial struggles.
Knight’s new 40-minute film Balmoral (which he directed and was produced by fellow Falling Films founder Maria Webb) is a gentle voyage to the depths of the vessel’s underside – filmed in atmospheric black and white – as he gets up close and personal with not only the ship’s structure, but the stories from those fighting to preserve a piece of maritime history before it’s too late.
“It’s an interesting time to release Balmoral because there are ships like this all over the UK, and like Rob [one of the volunteers helping to restore the ship] says towards the end of the film, many of them have been scrapped or turned into ‘razorblades’.
“When you look at one ship and you realise the amount of time and money that's needed to save it, it gives you perspective. What do we do with these ships? I found myself asking that question throughout filming, wondering is all this work worth it? Even though that feels horrible. So, I was trying to look for the reasons behind the efforts. If it’s so much work, what is it bringing to people, what’s the meaning behind it that’s worth saving? That’s what I wanted to explore and what I talk to people about. I now personally do think the work is worth it.”
Balmoral explores the meaning behind the dedicated volunteers’ work, and Knight settles on the idea that it’s about “values”. This quiet search for value throughout the film could be found in the heritage skills delivered by the workers, how valuable their time is, the real cost of restoring a ship to its former glory, the value of communities uniting in a common cause… the list could go on. This measured approach is reflected in a literal sense thanks to Balmoral’s unhurried pace. It’s not lazy or sluggish, though –but an accurate representation, according to Knight, of the approach taken by a mostly retired workforce who graciously let him in on their process.
“I wanted to try holding shots for longer than necessary,” he notes. “I like that kind of filmmaking. It came naturally here as there are a lot of older people working on the boat, and they just aren't really in a massive rush. It’s quite a nice environment, especially compared to the world of someone in their 30s or 40s and working in highly-productive environments where everything's measured. There’s a slower scene with one of the volunteers Bill tackling a bolt removal, and I thought it was a really interesting way to look at working with the smallest possible part of a huge ship.”
Knight recalls how he had originally planned to film Balmoral in 24 hours for a one-day documentary, “and I very, very quickly realised that wasn’t going to happen. I couldn’t tell that story in that time, which is a nice parallel to the timing and pacing of the final feature; that one day very quickly turned into six months of filming.”
The volunteer’s intimate life stories, as reminisced to Knight, are especially poignant, and, thanks to the monochromatic aesthetic, feel worlds away from the fast-paced, highspeed development that’s taken place around the harbour during MV Balmoral’s lifetime.
“I’d never shot in black and white before Balmoral,” Knight says, mentioning films like Mark Jenkin’s 2019 Cornish drama Bait as sources of inspiration. “So I couldn’t rely on the colours for contrast, it was all about brightness and contrast. That’s why I wanted to have extreme interview angles, partly because of the intimacy of the conversations taking place – I wanted it to feel like people talking to each other rather than a documentarian filming them – so I was shooting on the dark side of the face and leaning into the dark. It was really fun.”
Balmoral premiered in Southampton, its birthplace, and is embarking on a tour around the coastlines where the passenger vessel would have visited when she was still sailing.
“The best experiences I’ve had screening films is when you take it to somewhere where people are going to connect to it. There are Q&As after the films, meaning that although the towns themselves have a connection to the boat, the location may have piers that are being restored or have been forgotten, or have a historic harbour – things to bring to the panel discussion beyond the Balmoral ship herself.”
The same approach applies to Bristol’s special one-off screening at Watershed on Saturday 7 June (3pm), when the film will be followed by a Q&A and panel conversation with the filmmakers, members of the Balmoral and other local groups. Knight hopes that the city’s contextual maritime history will organically weave its way into discussions – and he can open up ideas that he could not fit into Balmoral’s 40-minute narrative. The screening also takes place during National Volunteer Week (3-9 June), which Knight calls a “happy accident” as the film’s focus is on the Balmoral’s volunteers (“I really want to celebrate that, and I also love volunteering”), plus Balmoral was made voluntarily. He hopes the film will encourage people to find a cause they can volunteer for.
Despite all the fantastic work documented in Balmoral, the ship isn’t ready to return to touring just yet.
Knight explains the volunteers are at a crucial stage of work, where they now need to do another “million pounds’ worth of work” to get her back to actually sailing. So for now, there are more funding bids being compiled and events being organised to raise money for ongoing work.
The Balmoral has become a vital space for the city, not only representing and campaigning for heritage skills and interests, but also for its work with organisations like educational charity My Future My Choice. These activities see the ship transform into a floating classroom, delivering workshops such as the Windrush Pioneers Project and Build a Ship-on-a-Ship.
Knight says: “They engage with groups of diverse young people, and people who aren't connected to the city centre –they might live in the suburbs or be in schools further out of the city – and bring them on board for first-hand learning experiences in the workplace, rather than learning in a school environment. It’s more inspiring for a young person to learn about tides, for example, by being on the harbour.”
Balmoral concludes with a poignant, rallying cry to this younger generation, with one scene showing a volunteer urging them to “pick up the mantle” and carry on the work to save historic ships, learn heritage skills and keep vessels like MV Balmoral in the zeitgeist. But when Bristol’s maritime career landscape looks unrecognisable compared to 75 years ago, will young people understand the value in saving these vital pieces of history? In making Balmoral, encouraging discussion and advocating for the ship’s return to glory, Knight is hoping so. n
Balmoral will be screened at Watershed on 7 June, 3pm, followed by a panel Q&A. For tickets, visit watershed.co.uk. To see more of Harry Knight’s work, visit fallingfilms.com. Information about the MV Balmoral can be found at thebalmoral.org.uk
19 JUNE - 2 AUGUST 2025
In a world of high street chains and mass‐produced sparkle, Terry Cox of Clifton Village Antiques offers something increasingly rare: heritage, well‐sourced craftsmanship and genuine personalised service. We catch up with him to find out what people visiting can expect…
Having recently turned aged 80, Terry remains a well-known character within The Clifton Arcade in Bristol, where he’s traded as Clifton Village Antiques for the past 25 years.
Before that, he was part of the original Clifton Antique Centre in The Mall and has a remarkable career that has spanned some of the most iconic jewellery destinations in the world, including Bond Street, Hatton Garden, Burlington Arcade – and has supplied jewellery for clients far afield as Las Vegas, New York and Hong Kong (plus almost every jeweller within a 70-mile radius of Bristol).
With a background rooted in precision and design (his first apprenticeship 60 years ago was in box-making, where tolerances were measured in thousandths of an inch) Terry brings the same level of meticulous detail to jewellery. “If you can design a carton, you can design anything,” he says. That early training gave him a deep understanding of structural symmetry and margin for error, which is critical when setting diamonds and shaping custom rings for discerning clients.
Over the years, Terry has supplied jewellery to royalty, Hollywood and stage stars, and even the occasional supermodel. Yet his approach remains refreshingly grounded. He works with just a handful of trusted, selfemployed goldsmiths and offers a level of personal service that’s becoming increasingly difficult to find. “If we can draw it, we can make it,” he says. “Rings, brooches, anything.” Unlike larger retailers, who often send repairs
away for weeks at a time, Terry can usually complete ring sizing within three days and most other repairs within a week, thanks to his close-knit team and their specialist equipment.
Design is a cornerstone of Terry’s service, particularly for clients looking for something truly unique. One of his most recent memorable commissions was for an engagement ring designed as a tree branch, which he believes other jewellers had turned down due to the complexity. “The back of the ring was plain, and then as it wrapped around the finger to the front, it became a branch of a tree,” he recalls. “We split the shank, set tanzanite into the branch, added a leaf with a diamond and a central diamond too. It took me 10 days just to draw it up.”
Despite his decades in the business, Terry remains fiercely competitive on price. “As long as I get 30p in the pound, plus VAT, I don’t care,” he says. “If a high street jeweller quotes you £6,500 for a solitaire ring, I’ll sell you the same quality for £4,000.” He encourages customers to bring in photos and quotes, confident he can beat them every time.
His pricing strategy also applies to gold trading. “If someone brings in scrap gold and wants to buy something in the shop or have something made, I’ll give them up to £40 a gram, even if the market price is £28. It gives people real value, and it keeps them coming back.”
The shop has been particularly busy lately, with business up 50% on the previous year. It’s a sign that more people are turning away from
standardised service in favour of something more personal, especially when it comes to sentimental pieces like engagement rings or heirloom restorations.
Diamonds remain the most popular stone among Terry’s customers, but sapphires (particularly Sri Lankan ones) run a close second. “The colour and quality of Sri Lankan sapphires are second to none,” he says. He can source virtually any stone, and his collection includes a number of striking, unusual pieces. During our visit, he shows an eye-catching eternity ring set in white gold with sapphires in every hue: green, yellow, pink and pale blue.
Antique jewellery also features in Terry’s offering. He always keeps a selection of Deco pieces in stock, including rings from the late 1920s to early 1940s, characterised by clean lines and architectural symmetry. “They’ve never gone out of style,” he says. “I’ve got nine Deco rings at the moment, and they all appeal to very different people.”
Terry’s service goes beyond sales and design. He offers professional valuations for insurance and probate purposes, and will also purchase gold, whether it’s scrap or part of a trade-in. His knowledge of the market and honest approach have earned him trust across generations of customers.
Today, only a handful of independent dealers remain in Clifton Village – far from the 60 or so that once populated the area. “We’re vastly different to a high street jeweller,” Terry notes. And that difference matters. His longevity in the industry is a testament not just to his skill, but to the relationships he’s built over the decades. Even at 80, Terry shows no signs of slowing down. He still opens his shop every week and remains deeply involved in every design and sale. “Never give up,” he says with a smile. It’s a motto that has served him, and his customers, very well for more than six decades. n
Unit 2, The Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton, BS8 4AA
Is your summer holiday energy feeling rather more ‘vacant’ than ‘vacation’? Then here are six reads fresh from the presses that might just entice you to take a path less trodden this year. These authors’ alternative travel texts are ideal if you want to swerve the crowds, opting instead for quirky, story-led destinations. And with any luck, you’ll also avoid ending up appearing in the background of countless strangers’ Instagram posts when simply trying to soak up the local scenery while you’re at it. Books listed here are available from Waterstones online at waterstones.com
The Postal Paths: Rediscovering Britain’s Forgotten Trails And The People Who Walked Them by Alan Cleaver, Octopus Publishing Group
Fancy taking the path-lesstrodden this summer? Alan Cleaver has traced the UK’s Postal Paths: the trails spanning the length and breadth of the country on which postmen and women have delivered mail to homes across Britain on foot, no matter how remote. From the rolling fells of Cumbria to Kent's shingle coast, Cleaver walked in the footsteps of 20th-century posties, getting to know not just the paths, but the people who trod them...
Tree Hunting: 1,000 Trees to Find in Britain and Ireland’s Towns and Cities by
Paul Wood, Penguin Books
Trees are firmly rooted in Britain and Ireland’s spirit. Paul Wood has traced the UK’s most noteworthy trees, revealing the stories behind elms, sycamores and more and how these natural wonders have surprising benefits for urban areas. Including maps, grid references and charming travel notes so you can plan adventures of your own, Tree Hunting will help you unlock the secrets of Britain and Ireland's urban forests.
Bowieland: Walking in the Footsteps of David by Peter Carpenter, Octopus Publishing Group
Following open heart surgery, poet and writer Peter Carpenter was given one instruction –'Walk, if you want to stay on this planet'. And so when his hero and inspiration David Bowie died in 2016, he knew what he had to do. To reconnect with Bowie, he would take a walk into the past, to the streets, towns and places where David Jones became something more. Welcome to 'Bowieland'!
Sh*tty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities by Ben Aitken, Icon Books Who needs Paris? Preston’s right here! While Lancashire might not seem as glamarous a holiday destination as Lanzarote, Ben Aitken has set out on a mission to challenge those narratives of our ‘unfashionable’ cities and show instead that these spots can be quietly brilliant. Over the course of a year, the writer visited 12 of the least popular spots in the UK and Ireland for a city break, uncovering the gems and having a good time. You never know –maybe you too will replace the continent with Chelmsford this summer.
Slow Trains Around Britain: Notes from a 4,088-Mile Adventure on 143 Rides by
Tom Chesshyre, Octopus Publishing Group
If you’re ditching air travel this year, discover the charm of British rail instead with this guide to the best heritage lines in the UK. Tom Chesshyre’s journey has taken him from Darlington, the birthplace of modern train travel, all across the country, seeking out the history, enjoying the scenery, and letting the rhythm of the clattering tracks reveal what it is about trains that we love so much.
Monsterland: A Journey into the World’s Dark Imagination by
Nicholas Jubber, Scribe Publications
Heading overseas? Take a spookier route and follow Nicholas Jubber on his journey to discover the monsters that lurk in the world’s darkest corners. He sits on the thrones of giants in Cornwall, visits the shrine of a beheaded ogre near Kyoto, travels to an 18th-century Balkan vampire’s forest dwelling, and paddles among shapeshifters of the Louisiana bayous. On his travels, he discovers that the stories of the people and places that birthed them are just as fascinating as the creatures themselves.
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1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/gas mark 5.
2. Put the prepared vegetables, garlic and ginger into a large roasting tray. Add the curry paste and 1 tbsp vegetable oil, toss together until well coated, then roast for 30-40 minutes (turning and tumbling once) until everything is sticky and caramelised.
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3. Put the red lentils, coconut milk and 500ml of water into a large saucepan. Add the stock cube, stir well, bring to the boil and simmer (partially covered) for around an hour, stirring occasionally until the lentils are tender and the dhal has thickened, adding splashes of water to loosen if necessary.
From Magalleria:
curated by Daniel McCabe
That’s Richard E. Grant on the cover of LUNCHEON, tangling with giant rhubarb. It’s a British biannual culture magazine providing a sophisticated mix of art, fashion and gastronomy, laid out like restaurant menu. Interviews, feature articles, essays, opinions, storytelling and image-making are devised around starters, mains and dessert, of course, but with this magazine’s pedigree (the publisher’s father was Lord Snowden) the list offers an extensive sub-menu and offmenu items to make your reading experience feel like a pleasurable and extended conversation over lunch. store.magalleria.co.uk
4. Serve the dhal on top of pilau or basmati rice topped with dollops of plain yoghurt and chapatis or naan breads on the side for mopping up.
RAI FILM Festival, 11 - 15 June
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the 2025 edition presents 94 films from 36 countries – including 14 World and 39 UK Premieres –exploring the theme ‘Looking Back, Looking Forward’ and inviting audiences to encounter stories that challenge how we see the world. raifilm.org.uk/festivals/2025
It is with great pride that I step into the role of Lord Mayor – a position rooted in centuries of tradition and civic service. Since the first ‘Mayor’, Roger Cordewainer, took office in 1216, and latterly Sir Herbert Ashman, who became the first ‘Lord’ Mayor in 1899, this role has stood as a symbol of leadership, community, and continuity.
To now be part of this extraordinary role is both an honour and a responsibility I hold dearly. Each Lord Mayor brings a personal theme to their year of office, and I am excited to share mine. My theme for the year will be a celebration of our city's rich art, culture, and history.
From our world-renowned festivals such as the International Balloon Fiesta and theatres to our hidden heritage gems, I look forward to championing the vibrant cultural life that makes our city so unique. Our history is not just to be remembered – it is to be lived, celebrated and shared.
Alongside this, I am especially passionate about raising awareness and improving life chances for children with dyslexia. This cause is close to my heart, and to the heart of my consort, Joshua. Dyslexia should never be a barrier to opportunity or achievement. During my term, I will work to shine a light on the challenges these children and young people face – and the strengths they possess – while exploring how we can better support them through education, community, and innovation.
But the role of Lord Mayor and First Citizen is not about one person – it is about the people and the communities that shape our city every day. I want to meet as many of you as I can, to learn, to listen, and to celebrate the incredible work being done across our city. If you would like me to attend or support an event, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Whether it’s a school, a local charity, an arts group, or a community project, I would be honoured to join you.
Here’s to a year of inspiration, and shared pride in all that makes our city remarkable. n
For all enquiries, or invite the Lord Mayor to an event or local meeting, email lordmayor@bristol.gov.uk
Ceramicist Alice Watkins has been experimenting with bones, seashells and food waste from restaurants to create special clays for her Wild and Wasted project – supplying city eateries with tableware forged from the very ingredients they prepare in the kitchen…
You worked for many years as a scenic painter in the theatre. Why and how did you make the transition from this career into pottery?
I turned to pottery when I was experiencing a time of great difficulty while recovering from Covid in 2020. I was extremely unwell at the very beginning of the pandemic and subsequently recovering from long Covid. Pottery became a lifeline for me at this time. It gave me a creative outlet, and also had this extremely powerful ability to ease my Covid symptoms. I had around 12 different, very difficult and overwhelming symptoms at this stage, but somehow the mindful activity of ceramics was the only thing at this point that made me feel any better and gave me momentary relief of my Covid symptoms.
In many ways it really was a total lifeline. It gave me connection to my creativity, it gave me the ability to express myself in new ways, it kept my mind active when physically I was struggling. It has been the thread that was with me from when I first got unwell, and has picked me up and travelled with me, unfurling a new alterative career for me during a very difficult time. Now a full-time ceramicist, it is a very beautiful thing to realise and witness that there are so many transferrable skills from my theatre career to my ceramics career.
Where did the idea come from to introduce the element of creating items from kitchen waste?
It came from when I started deep diving in to the glaze chemistry of my ceramic production. I bulk ordered lots of minerals and materials that make up the glaze recipe and was confronted with multiple big bags of white powder that until that point, I hadn’t really joined the dots on where they came from. I had been feeling uncomfortable for a while about the environmental impact of my practice, and it was as this point that I knew I had to change my way of working. I knew that I could swap out some ingredients in ceramic production with waste materials which have the same chemical compounds, therefore reducing the amount of virgin mined materials used. I’ve also for the last year and a half been using local wild clay, meaning clay that is sourced by me. This comes either from restaurants’ market gardens who work farm to table, or from excavation in construction therefore diverting these materials from landfill.
Can you explain the sources of the more sustainable materials you’re using, and why you chose them?
I mainly supply restaurants with tableware at the moment, so it felt very natural for me to start taking waste products from the restaurants I supply to. I’m aiming towards the most closed loop system I can. I will take waste
from the kitchens, including seashells, eggshells, animal bones and charcoal from their grills. I also take the broken crockery from them that is too chipped for use in the restaurant any longer and grind it up to incorporate back in to the clay body and glaze that I use in my ceramic production. The wild clay I use comes from either construction ‘waste’ –meaning clay that has been excavated during construction that would be otherwise heading for landfill. I’ll also source clay from market gardens belonging to restaurants. It means the carbon miles and footprint for that clay is so much lower than bought, commercially produced clay and materials. I am responsible for the sourcing/collection/processing and make with the wild clay that I have sourced.
You describe Wild and Wasted as the ‘yin to your yang’ for your other pottery project – how do they influence/differ from each other?
My Alipwm Pottery ceramics are very much drawn from the yang aspect of my personality. The outward facing, full of energy, external, independent. Wild and Wasted feels like the opposite side to the coin, the yin. It has a softer, gentler more feminine energy. Its aesthetic is very different to the Alipwm Pottery. I wanted the materials in the sustainable Wild and Wasted collection be at the forefront of the piece’s aesthetic. I wanted to keep the materials to a minimum so that each particular ingredient is what gives the item its unique characteristic. A lowintervention method, if you will.
Through my recovery from Covid, I have been trying to find balance between both these sides of my personality, looking quite hard at whether particular attributes are serving me. In recovery, I’ve had to assess so many things in my life that I haven’t really confronted before. It feels really good to be in a place where I’m connecting all aspects of my personality through my work. Knowing there’s a space for both, and leaning in to the fact that as humans we all have a multifaceted nature that really allows for a rich tapestry. My Alipwm Pottery pieces are drawn a lot from counter culture. Music is a great source of inspiration for me in my work. There’s also a sense of subversiveness there, and an irreverence. A lot of my work has a cathartic element to it, for example some scrawling of text across the piece – being thoughts and feelings that I was having at the time. I love treating my ceramic items as a kind of blank canvas. I studied Fine Art at college, and have been a painter for more than 20 years, so it felt very natural for me to extend the canvas to the ceramic piece, drawing images and occasionally text on to it. I love the freedom I feel with my ceramic pieces. I feel free to take visual and creative risks, which I think I can definitely attribute to been my 15-plus years working in theatre.
What would you say to someone reading who may be facing a similar struggle to you and is considering experimenting with pottery?
Absolutely GO FOR IT! Pottery is such a therapeutic activity. The connection you get to the earth, through handling the clay, literally handling the earth beneath your feet – it gives you such a sense of connection, not only to the earth, but also to yourself and your body. I feel like it’s such an accessible art form. I feel sad that so many people tell themselves the narrative that they’re no good at art, they’re not considered ‘artistic’, whereas art is about connection and play and freedom. Participating in art should be for every single person, without judgement. I think as we grow older, we feel a bit more frightened about taking risks and close down avenues that would have been open to us as children. Pottery can be such an expansive, fun thing to do that feeds your head and your soul. The biggest battle is managing to lose the judgement of yourself throughout. We all have an element of perfectionism in us, it’s just telling that voice to pipe down.
Can you tell us about your pottery lessons, what people can expect and what feedback has been like?
I find teaching pottery particularly rewarding. I love sharing skills and knowledge. It’s almost like it re-ignites your passion; like there’s a transference of energy between teacher and student. I have some students who come to me and haven’t touched clay before, to some who are hoping to improve on certain areas or have specific projects in mind. It’s wonderful seeing them develop, and the pure sense of accomplishment ceramics can give you, that you are able to create beautiful items which you can take home and use every day – there’s huge gratification in that. I know wholeheartedly that it can also be a tool in helping people who might be struggling with their mental health.
This was my own path to pottery, so I love being able to now facilitate others in a therapeutic way and to support people. This feels very important to me and something that I’m expanding this year. I want to create a nurturing space for people to access this extraordinary medium in a safe and supportive environment. n
For more information visit alipwmpottery.com
Tapestry of Black Britons, Arnolfini, until 29 June
Tapestry of Black Britons is a multi-participant evolving artwork touring the UK, curated by founder and creative director Paula Ogun Hector and woven by Bristol-based textile company Dash + Miller. Tapestry of Black Britons aims to elevate Black British History, contributing to and amplifying an inclusive historical narrative that serves as a platform for community remembrance, whilst building awareness that Black British history is British history.
This woven artwork explores the African and Caribbean contribution to Britain from the Romans onwards, echoing the Bayeux Tapestry and incorporating Kente cloth weaving and Caribbean textiles. Individual woven panels will be uniquely created in the style of an artist, featuring portraits, seminal historical moments, protest, joy, African deities and diasporic poetic imagery. This work addresses gaps in British history, drawing attention to more than 1,500 years of Black presence.
arnolfini.org.uk
16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA
Image: East African Pioneers (1943) on the loom Credit: Imperial War Museum (K 5145(A). Photo credit: Dash + Miller. Designed by Paula Ogun Hector
BS9 Arts Trail –7 & 8 June 2025, 11am–5pm, Henleaze, Stoke Bishop & Westbury-onTrym
Discover 87 talented artists at the 2025 BS9 Arts Trail, sponsored by VWV, taking place across 13 venues in leafy north Bristol. Meet local artists and explore a wide range of artforms including painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printmaking, jewellery, glass, enamel and wood turning. With prices ranging from £3 to £3,000, there's something for every taste and budget – whether you’re after a greetings card, handcrafted jug, distinctive jewellery, or a show-stopping painting. New for 2025 is a special prize draw. Collect stamps from three large and three small venues to enter and win one of seven original artworks, including a cityscape by Chris Dye, a necklace by Caroline Casswell, a Super Moon print by Emma Catherine, a handmade plate by Prerna Candiramani, and a signed poppy print by Nancy Chambers (Carnival of Colour, pictured). Most venues offer amenities like cafés, toilets, and step-free access. The trail is walkable, cycle-friendly, on bus routes, and has nearby free parking. All venues are easily reached from The Downs. For full details and a free trail map, visit bs9arts.co.uk
Summer Rain by Addison Karl at Rainmaker Gallery, 16 May until 5 July
Phase two of the Summer Rain exhibition introduces magnificent pictorial quilts and smaller mono prints by textile artist Melinda Schwakhofer.
These works created in her Dartmoor studio explore her Muskogee (Creek) heritage, and relationship to her ancestral homelands in the Southeastern Woodlands of the USA.
Alongside Melinda's artworks, multi-disciplinary artist Addison Karl presents canvases and drawings that offer a counter-narrative to the blank slate mythology of North America.
The paintings are landscapes filled with colour theory and ancestral code. From the desert heat of Arizona to the saturated greens of Oklahoma the works hum with the quiet resonance of stewardship, of land as relation not resource. Paired with these landscapes are ink drawings of imagined yet remembered architecture: Mound cities re-rendered with fluid geometry and Mississippian visual language. Cosmologies embedded into the built environment. Collective memory of Chickasaw and Choctaw towns mapped into earth over centuries. Massive earthworks layered by hand, built in relationship with the sky and waters. Summer Rain is a convergence, a weather system made of colour, memory and place. It reminds us that even in silence, the land is still speaking and sometimes, all it takes is rain to regrow its knowledge systems. rainmakerart.co.uk | 140 Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2RS
Bristol Pride x Martin Parr at Bristol Museum, until 23 November
Legendary photographer Martin Parr teams up with Bristol Pride and Bristol Museum to showcase a retrospective of his photos of the city’s annual Pride festival.
A select exhibition of Martin Parr’s photos of Bristol Pride from over the past decade is now on show at Bristol Museum. The world-famous documentary photographer’s work showcases the city’s colourful Parade March, which last year saw 25,000 people attend. Images in the exhibiton capture all the different walks of life that come to celebrate and protest at Bristol Pride, which this year expects a 40,000 attendee-strong festival to take place at The Downs. Over 200 acts will perform across five stages at one of the biggest events of the summer, as showcased through Parr’s lens. bristolpride.co.uk | bristolmuseums.org.uk
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Queens Road BS8 1RL
Gromit Unleashed 3, multiple locations, 30 June until 31 August
It’s that time of year again, when much-loved Aardman characters pop up across the city... In celebration of Aardman’s smash-hit movie Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, Gromit Unleashed 3 will take visitors on a journey through the movies, with painted character sculptures inspired by cinema, famous films and the stories that inspired them. You can expect appearances from Wallace & Gromit and their dastardly arch nemesis, Feathers McGraw, plus for the first time ever, Norbot, the smart gnome, Wallace’s enigmatic new invention from Vengeance Most Fowl will join the line-up. Sculpture locations have been confirmed, including Aerospace Bristol (pictured). Visit grandappeal.org.uk for trail map and locations
From Chris Yeo, of Clevedon Salerooms and a regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow
Spare a thought for the garden gnome of Lamport Hall. Despite his stately surroundings the wee chap is all alone in the world. It wasn’t always the case. In 1847 it had been one of many gnomes that the Hall’s owner, Sir Charles Isham, brought over from Nuremburg in Germany to decorate his rockery. When it comes to garden designs, Sir Charles could be said to have been a trailblazer as these was the first recorded gnomes to appear in an English garden. Sir Charles devoted the next fifty years of his life to tending his rockery and attendant gnomes which, incidentally, he was certain were alive. His family were considerably less enamoured with the diminutive garden residents, feeling that Sir Charles gave them more attention than
he did his own children. They had to wait until after their father died to unleash their vengeance and when they did it was truly explosive. A party was held at which all the guests, having first been issued with shotguns, were encouraged to pick off the unlucky gnomes, blasting each and every one into oblivion (oh, what larks!). All except our little friend which, having previously toppled into a crevice, avoided detection and escaped the massacre. That lucky gnome could be said to have had the last laugh as today it is insured for a cool million pounds.
It will come as no surprise that the vast majority of garden gnomes are worth absolutely nothing. Early ones, however, can command healthy prices. A couple of years ago at Clevedon Salerooms, we sold an early 20th century painted terracotta gnome which, although damaged, sold for £700. I think you’ll agree, that’s a large sum for a small chap. clevedonsalerooms.com; @chrisyeo_antiques (Instagram
Broad Meadow, at Broadmead West, Merchant Street South and Merchant Street North, launching 7 June
Broad Meadow is a wildflower installation and audio experience by artists Sylvia Rimat and Charli Clark, launching on Saturday 7 June at Broadmead West.
After a successful opening as part of Mayfest last year, Bristol City Council and WECA have commissioned Broad Meadow to grow over the next three years over three sites, inviting people to step back in time and imagine the natural landscape that once flourished in Broadmead. Visitors are welcome to sit among vibrant wildflowers for free, breathe in the floral scents, and listen to a specially created audio piece that explores our deep-rooted connection with the plant world. (Please take a pair of headphones to listen to the full sound experience.) The launch event includes a familyfun arts and crafts workshop from 2-5pm, with a talk and official launch celebration from 6-8pm. broadmeadow.art | Broadmead West, BS1 3EA
New experimental installation by Luke Jerram to be installed this summer at RWA
World renowned artist Luke Jerram is to install his new experimental, site-responsive public artwork at RWA art gallery this summer. Made of 1000m of 20cm wide magenta ribbon, the fabric will take over the exterior of the Grade II* Listed gallery before entering a window of the gallery and exploring the historic exibition space. Jerram said: “This artwork is both a simple, sculptural intervention of the space outside the museum and an experimental threedimensional drawing. It’s been great fun, developing this new experimental project with the team. We’re literally taking a line, for a walk!”
A large-scale experimental drawing, the artwork is a joyful response to the ‘RWA’s Summer of Textiles’ - a season of exhibitions and events that are bursting with colour, narratives and texture. The programme includes the exhibition Soft Power: lives told through textile art. rwa.org.uk | Queen’s Road, Bristol BS8 1PX
Four rare Chinese vases, long tucked away in a Bathampton home, have emerged to reveal their cultural significance –and captured impressive bids at Ma San Auction House.
For over 60 years, four remarkable Chinese porcelain vases rested quietly in a house in Bathampton, near Bath, hidden away from the public eye. Originally part of the private collection of George Duncombe Hunt (1869–1953), the vases were kept at The Old Rectory from 1922 until 1984, and were later passed down through his family. Their provenance, combined with their exquisite craftsmanship, recently captured the attention of collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Dating from the Kangxi period (1662–1722), the vases are exceptional examples of Qing dynasty porcelain. They include two finely painted blue and white Bottle Vases featuring the revered motif of Eighteen Scholars, each standing 31.5cm tall, which sold for £29,760 (including fees) at a recent auction, and a large Yen Yen Vase, 46cm in height, which sold for £13,640 (including fees), well above the combined estimate of £6000-10,000. These sales confirm the strength of the market for high-quality Chinese ceramics.
These pieces are not only beautiful but steeped in history, linking East Asian artistry with a quiet corner of Somerset. Their journey from the Jingdezhen kilns to a Bathampton rectory, and finally to the auction spotlight, is a testament to the enduring value of fine antiques. masanauction.com
Words by Tom Bleathman from The Great Wine Co.
Founded in 1647, Chivite is one of the oldest wine producers in Spain. Navarra (just east of Rioja) has historically held a reputation for producing bulk wines. Despite this, Chivite has managed to defy the stereotype and is now one of the most renowned winemaking families in the entirety of Spain. With knowledge being passed down through eleven generations, it produces an array of outstanding wines.
Throughout June, The Great Wine Co.’s monthly promotion is focusing on Spanish and Portuguese wines, making this the perfect time to try a Chivite wine or two! Here are a few of my favourites from the range...
Las Fincas Rosado 2023
This delicious rosé (in a beautiful bottle!) has intense aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, raspberry and rose petals. Created by Julián Chivite in collaboration with his great friend José María, the owner of 3 Michelin-starred Arzak in San Sebastian. This food-friendly wine is made from Garnacha and Tempranillo and has been lees-aged for six months to add a creamy texture to its vibrant, fresh fruit character. This is also available in magnum, perfect for any summer parties! From £17.75
Baluarte Roble 2021
Juicy, vibrant and lively, this is Spain's answer to Beaujolais.
A lighter style of wine with ripe red cherries, blackcurrants and a touch of spice. There are good acidity levels here too, providing the wine with a nice structure. A great entry point for anyone looking to get into Spanish red wine. From £10.50
Le Gardeta Garnacha, 2019
This wine's appeal starts with its bright, vibrant cherry-juice appearance. Scents of ripe cherries and strawberries, seasoned with vanilla, pepper and dried herbs greet the nose. On the palate, the lovely, soft, juicy texture forms the first impression, along with the lively fruit. It is rounded and mellow, without any heaviness – the balance is sensational. It might age, but it's so delicious now, why wait? From £16.95
Bristol Veg Boxes is offering new customers 50% off their first veg box order if they use the code BVB50 when signing up and purchasing.
Bristol Veg Boxes sources its fresh, organic produce as locally as possible, using compostable packaging and 100% recycled boxes.
The three-strong team behind the organisation is keen to offer their customers value for money while supporting organic farms in and around the Bristol area. It is hoped that by encouraging more people to sign up to their regular deliveries, the local growing industry can flourish. Boxes can be ordered in different sizes, with additional options such as a fruit box, bread from The Bristol Loaf, eggs, dairy products and pantry items from Essential Co-op and Earthwise Acres also available to order.
For more information, visit bristolvegboxes.co.uk and enter the code BVB50 to redeem the offer.
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana will bring its renowned Neapoletan pizzas, made fresh daily using Caputo ‘00’ flour that ferments for at least 24 hours, to Bristol this summer, creating 35 new jobs in the local area. The new pizzeria will transform the former Royal Bank of Scotland branch on Baldwin Street, which has been vacant since 2021. The spacious 3,000 sq ft venue will offer 120 indoor covers, and plans also include an outdoor seating area with 35 additional covers. Rudy’s launched in Manchester in 2015, and Baldwin Street will be its 34th site. rudyspizza.co.uk
Award-winning distiller Pete Lumber, who’s from Bristol, has launched a new gin brand that’s already gaining international recognition, with two variants winning Gold at the 2025 World Gin Awards.
The Spirit of Bristol is a range of craft gins inspired by the city’s creativity, contradictions and maritime heritage – each named after iconic locations. The launch lineup includes London Dry, Clifton Royale, Hotwells Spice, and Harbourside – now pouring in bars, restaurants and stocked at bottle shops across the city.
The gin range is distilled in nearby Avonmouth using sustainable, low-waste production methods and ethically-sourced botanicals. spiritofbristol.com
Eversfield Organic, a Devon-based supplier of Soil Associationcertified organic meat, sustainable fish and wild game, has launched Eversfield Everyday, a new range of affordable organic meat designed to bring premium quality to everyday meals. New products include organic beef mince, diced beef, quarter pounder burgers and roasting joints; and organic pork sausages, sausage meat and chipolatas. By championing whole-animal butchery and ethical farming practices, the team hopes to make organic more inclusive, without compromising on taste or values.
eversfieldorganic.co.uk
For celebrations, get‐togethers or one of those summertime treats that are just a sheer delight – the tradition of taking afternoon tea is tops. So, raise a pinkie and indulge yourself with a trip to one of the finest hotels or tearooms around
The tradition of afternoon tea, synonymous with elegance and refinement, was first introduced to England in 1840 by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. With the evening meal often delayed until eight o'clock, the Duchess found herself overcome with hunger by late afternoon. Her solution? A modest tray of tea, bread and butter (a novel creation attributed to the Earl of Sandwich), and a slice of cake. What began as a private indulgence soon became a cherished social ritual as she began inviting friends to join her.
By the mid-19th century, afternoon tea had blossomed into a high society affair. Women of means would retreat to drawing rooms or manicured gardens dressed in long gowns, gloves, and ornate hats, gathering between four and five o’clock to savour delicate finger sandwiches – most notably the quintessentially-British cucumber variety – alongside light sponge cakes and pastries. Interestingly, the nowindispensable scone, paired with clotted cream and preserves, did not appear until the early 20th century. (The term ‘scone’ likely derives from the Dutch schoonbrot, meaning ‘beautiful bread’, in case you wondered.)
Afternoon tea was more than a meal – it was a cultural moment. Silver teapots poured aromatic Indian Darjeeling or rich Ceylon teas into fine
bone china, embodying the height of Victorian sophistication. As Jane Austen so aptly put it in Mansfield Park, one “should be very glad of a little tea.” Tea was a balm for the soul, a vehicle for conversation, matchmaking and even diplomacy.
The British legacy of teatime has spread beyond our shores, even making its way to the Southern Hemisphere. In Chile, a similar ritual called ‘la once’ – literally ‘the eleven’ – became a beloved daily tradition. Introduced by British settlers in the 19th century, this custom spread through English-owned saltpeter mines across Chile’s Atacama Desert.
The ritual now takes place in the early evening and features tea or coffee served with bread (often the roll-like marraqueta and biscuit-like hallulla), avocado, cheeses, eggs, cold cuts, pastries and homemade jams. Though adapted to local tastes, the Chilean version preserves the social and comforting spirit of British afternoon tea. Another example is Japan, where a modern twist on afternoon tea enjoyed in opulent surroundings includes matcha-infused pastries and delicate wagashi confectionary.
Whether enjoyed in the luxury of a local hotel, cosy tearoom or a rustic casa de campo in the Andes, taking afternoon tea remains a timeless moment to rest and recharge, indulging in a treat with family and friends. Keep reading to discover our special selection of local offerings...
32 Alma Vale Road, BS8 2HY 0117 904 2898 | ashwellandco.com
Ashwell & Co invites you to experience one of Bristol’s quirkiest afternoon tea destinations. Nestled within a vintage boutique, the team offers a unique setting complemented by exceptional service. Handmade and locally sourced, the afternoon teas promise a traditional experience with a twist. From the artisan bakes to signature homemade clotted cream, every detail is carefully curated to delight guests. Visit on Fridays and Saturdays for a memorable afternoon tea experience, or enjoy the takeaway and delivery options. The team also offers bespoke party packages to elevate any celebration. Prices start from £28 per person. Indulge in an unforgettable afternoon with Ashwell & Co.
Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8AZ 01225 742 777 | lucknampark.co.uk
The Palladian mansion evokes a bygone era of Regency splendour, with guests able to spend lazy afternoons besides the book-lined walls of the Library, sunlit Drawing Room or on the front lawn with the birdsong and parkland views.
Here they can relax with a Champagne glass in hand while indulging in a traditional afternoon tea of delicate finger sandwiches, exquisite pastries, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade jams, and a selection of fine teas. Little Lucknam guests are not forgotten thanks to a dedicated afternoon tea menu featuring ham, cheese and cucumber sandwiches, sausage rolls, strawberry jam doughnuts, chocolate brownies and Nutella scones. Afternoon tea is served daily from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The experience is priced at £48 per person for the full afternoon tea, £68 per person for the Champagne afternoon tea and £28 per person for the children's afternoon tea.
Berwick Drive, BS10 7TD | 0117 958 1590 | berwicklodge.co.uk
On the outskirts of Bristol, set in 18 acres of stunning grounds, is Berwick Lodge – a proudly independent boutique hotel, 2 AA Rosette restaurant and event space. Enjoy your afternoon tea al fresco in the gardens overlooked by the magnificent Victorian manor house, or take a seat in the lounge, a beautiful wood panelled room with feature fireplace and views of the grounds beyond. An indulgent traditional afternoon tea for £34.95 includes sandwiches, cakes, freshly baked scones, topped with lashings of fragrant jam and gooey clotted cream, all accompanied by unlimited Wogan coffee and speciality tea, and a crisp glass of Champagne for an additional £12. With dietary requirements catered for just as lovingly in advance, and with a children’s afternoon tea for £14.95, there is something for everyone. Why not upgrade for an additional £7 to the Bridgerton-inspired afternoon tea, with additional savoury delights included… A feast certain to set tongues wagging across the parlours of Bristol!
Wotton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 8HH 01454 263000 | devere.co.uk/tortworth-court
Set within the picturesque countryside of South Gloucestershire, De Vere Tortworth Court is a four-star hotel housed within a Grade II-listed Victorian mansion, offering a unique setting to enjoy afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is served in the 1853 Restaurant, featuring elegant oak panelling and ornate furnishings, or in the summer months take tea al fresco on the Terrace, with sweeping views over the manicured gardens.
Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and seasonal cakes with a range of Twinings tea, fruit infusions and coffee. Traditional afternoon tea is £30 per person, sparkling afternoon tea is £39 per person. Served Monday to Friday 2pm to 3.45pm, then on Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm to 3.45pm.
The River Grille at The Bristol Prince Street, BS1 4QF 0117 923 0333 | doylecollection.com/bristol
Beau Street, Bath, BA1 1QY | 01225 358888 thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
Immerse yourself in the history and heritage of Georgian Bath with a luxurious afternoon tea. Served in the Brasserie, this carefully curated experience combines all the traditions of this favourite of British pastimes with entertaining stories and tales, told by local experts, that reveal an intriguing insight into the history and heritage of Bath.
The menu offers a wide selection of speciality blended teas from around the world including the hotel’s signature Gainsborough blend, delicate finger sandwiches, perfectly crafted miniature pastries and warm scones served with clotted cream and homemade jams, for £40 per person. To add a Jane Austen walking tour, contact strictlyjaneausten.com to arrange your booking.
Relax and take in the sights of the Harbourside as you savour Afternoon Tea in the chic modern setting of The River Grille restaurant at The Bristol. Served on gorgeous crockery, the traditional scones with Cornish clotted cream and jam, miniature cakes, and finger sandwiches are sure to delight. Make your afternoon extra special with a glass of sparkling wine or a classic cocktail. With vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options available on request, there is something for everyone to indulge in. Enjoy the classic offering with a wide range of teas and barista coffee for £27.95, or add a glass of English Sparkling Wine for an additional £15 or £12 for a classic cocktail per person. Available Thursday – Saturday, 12:30pm to 4:30pm.
Small plates, wine and local beer Available Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 17:00 – 21:00
plate is made to be shared. From tender pork ribs
A brand‐new destination on Gloucester Road is unlocking the potential of recently released inmates from HMP Bristol. Simon Horsford meets the mind behind
Anew café in Bristol is hardly a surprise, but The Key Café on Gloucester Road, which opened its doors recently, is a very different proposition with its mission to offer employment opportunities for people who have been recently released from HMP Bristol. Coffee and croissants with a conscience, if you will.
“It’s all about transition,” says Suzanne Thompson, whose brainchild this was as the founder and CEO of the Restore Trust, an organisation which facilitates ex-offenders’ rehabilitation and community integration via education and employment, but also works with anyone who faces barriers to gaining employment. “With my background in the criminal justice system [Thompson is a former senior probation officer] and my work at Restore, there were recurring themes as regards people leaving prison. We saw that when it came to finding work, it was often difficult to sustain because of a negative self-identity around ‘who is going to employ me’, ‘I’ve got a criminal record’, ‘no up-todate work history.’ So there are challenges… often we are dealing with what’s going on in their minds and they really felt that stigma in society.”
The answer, says Thompson, was to provide a transitional environment, like they have done in the past at the Restore Trust helping prisoners with training and education before entering, say, a mainstream college, but to translate that to an employment-type setting. “For people leaving prison, there will be a percentage that can find and sustain work, but there’s also a significant number that don’t.”
“We are working with people who have often experienced trauma as children and young people and quite often they haven’t developed the capacity for emotional regulation.” So the concept of The Key Café providing a supportive environment “is exactly what I envisaged,” says Thompson.
Staff at the Restore Trust work within the prison to identify anyone about to be released who are most likely to make the most of the opportunity. It’s tough coming out of prison, Thompson stresses, “you might be assigned to a probation hostel for a few months and then you’ve got no money and you’re bored and without any structure and it’s so very easy to slip back to your old ways, and friendship groups and other influences and pressures. But [it’s different] if you’ve got a job to go to and [staff] work incredibly hard to prepare them.” That observation is backed up by a previous Ministry of Justice report that suggested offenders who got P45 employment in the year after being released from custody were less likely to re-offend.
The stats and the money involved in maintaining a seemingly ever-increasing prison population are nothing if not sobering. As Thompson points out, “reoffending is costing us £18 billion a year [that covers the economic and social cost, including arresting people etc] – while sending someone to prison is around £53,000 a year and they are often not coming out with the skills to contribute to society.”
And reoffending rates are high. Lord Timpson, the Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Parole, who as the former CEO of the Timpson shoe repair and key cutting group, was known for employing ex-offenders and championing prison reform, last month bemoaned the fact that “38% of adult criminals in England and Wales go on to reoffend within a year of being let out of prison”.
“So,” says Thompson. “We have to do rehabilitation differently and tap into the unlocked potential that exists inside our prison estate.”
Thompson had the idea for the cafe some 10 years ago, but logistics and the inevitable bureaucracy delayed the process. “The high sheriff at the time [Rosalind Kennedy] said, ‘What about the old MoJ building [an old storage facility] in front of HMP Bristol?’ and I thought that would be brilliant idea. We first needed to find the funds to register the charity (The Key – Unlock Potential) and talk to people to show why this is needed and a demand for it.”
And it was another, later, high sheriff, Anthony Brown, who was pivotal in “enabling me to set up and register the charity in 2019. We then had to go through various departments and there were two changes of prison governor as well.” The current deputy governor, Natalie Steadman, a passionate advocate for improving the outcomes for people in the criminal justice system, is on the board of the charity. Crucially, Thompson adds that the ‘key’ was that venture had to be commercial and offer a “a proper working environment”.
The result is a spacious, brick-faced space with large arched windows facing on to the street, with a cool, industrial-style interior and a mix of tables and bar stools and a counter laden with croissants, brownies, cakes and flapjacks all baked in the prison kitchen together with with various jams (Jail Jars – also made in the prison – with the strapline ‘Taste the Freedom’). The menu also includes bacon and sausage rolls for breakfast and toasted sandwiches for lunch. Quirkily, there are several beehives in the prison, utilised for making honey (which is also for sale). Bristol chef Tom Green, who was involved in the project creating the menu, and working on behalf of the charity inside HMP Bristol in developing the jam, said working with the prisoners was “an extraordinary experience”, and believes “everyone deserves a second chance.” Look on the walls and you’ll see artworks by prisoners, while The Key Café logo came about as a result of designs submitted in a prison competition.
The café also works in partnership with Lifecycle, the bike repair and retail charity based in the same building, and whose Bikes Beyond Bars project helps prisoners gain maintenance skills and qualifications.
The intention is that the café will at some stage employ around three ex-offenders (about 50% of the workforce) and they will stay there for between three and six months, “we will see how they are getting on and then help them find jobs they want and can sustain. They don’t have to go into catering or hospitality afterwards, they can go to any kind of employment if they wish. So it’ll be a rolling programme and when people move on, a place will become available. Hopefully we are going to be able to change lives.” It’s all about, giving someone structure, confidence and a belief, reiterates Thompson.
As if to confirm the point, Brad, who is now trained as a barista at the café and made my flat white, had only been out of prison for a few days after a 15-month stretch, but says the job “has given me an opportunity and structure. Even if 15 months doesn’t sound long to everyone outside, inside it is. When I came out, I was so anxious I was shaking.
came to pick me up [from prison], I said to her ‘God, you’re driving fast’ and she said ‘no, I’m doing the speed limit’ and I was tripping up on kerbs because there are no kerbs in prison. It sounds absolutely bonkers, but you don’t realise it until you are in that situation [away from the realities of life on the outside]. But the support you get from the Restore Trust is amazing. [In prison], I made the most of a bad situation and got all my qualifications – level 2 Maths and level 2 English and I just thought I’m going to take the opportunities. I kept myself to myself – you're doing your own sentence.” A labourer before going into prison, Brad now wants to stay in hospitality. His former cellmate, Ben, who also works at the café, added that working there “gives structure and purpose to my day.”
As to the reaction of the local community to the cafe, Thompson was amazed by the support. “On the day we opened, Radio Bristol did almost like a blind test [we had done local forums] stopping people in the street and every single one was positive, but people have come in and said 'we really love the ethos’”.
At the ribbon-cutting opening, Darren Jones, the MP for Bristol North West, stressed that the Key Cafe was “exactly the type of project that we want to see in all parts of the country and is a classic example of where frankly the state wouldn’t be able to provide something like this. We all know we’ve got challenges in the system and the economy, but this has great example of how partnering with third sector community organisations can really enhance the service we provide but also transform lives. So I really want to take [this] experience and the work you’ve done here to the MoJ and to share it with organisations around the country like yours.”
Rolling out the idea elsewhere is definitely on Thompson’s agenda. Equal praise came from George Ferguson, the former mayor of Bristol, who highlighted the idea of helping people to transition into a job in the future, adding: “I think it connects the local community with prison life and those two things coming together are really important. What is special to Horfield is that the prison is on a high street, so is not forcing
hospitality, but is grasping a gift.” Further confirmation of the café’s potential comes from Chris Jennings, Executive Director (South West/South Central) of HM Prison and Probation Service, when he says: “This is a fantastic initiative that will make a positive difference to the lives of men being released from HMP Bristol and that will benefit the local community too.” He added that the HMPPS “cannot achieve all the outcomes it wants on its own” but having partners such as the Restore Trust will help the service innovate and deliver similarly exciting projects.
It’s long been a question as to whether prisons should be about punishment or trying to rehabilitate those who have crossed a line. Twenty-odd years ago, for instance, Norway moved away from a punitive "lock-up" approach and sharply cut reoffending rates. But in Thompson’s view, we have taken the opposite approach, suggesting that, in recent years judges and magistrates, have been given less flexibility in sentencing “with successive governments bowing to public opinion and wanting to be seen as being tough on crime.” The judgements of experienced probation staff are carrying less clout than, say, 15 years ago, she adds, and there is less of a concentration on the causes of crime, while sentencing guidelines have become increasingly punitive.
It’s clear that Thompson is an inspiring and passionate believer in education and employment as a pathway out of poverty and reoffending. And she speaks from experience of the former, “I was the daughter of a Hungarian refugee, bought up in a very poor family in inner city Bristol, and I had to work extremely hard to escape poverty, but a lot of my peers and friends at the time I saw were feeling quite hopeless and getting involved in drugs and crime. So it’s not that simplistic, it’s far more nuanced and unless people have been on that journey they don’t understand [that] in the same way.”
Maybe a visit to The Key Café will change those perceptions but also – over a coffee and some cake – help further an understanding of why such initiatives can help transform lives and lessen the cycle of reoffending. n
The Key Café, 246 Gloucester Road, BS7 8NZ (open Tuesday to Saturday 8.30am-4pm) | thekeybristol.com
As life expectancy continues to rise, many people’s retirements could stretch beyond longer than they thought, and they may need to rethink when they will retire.
Phasing retirement could boost your pension pot and help you manage your free time
The retirement model of finishing work one day and being retired the next is receding somewhat, in favour of phased retirement.
This type of tapered working can offset some of the emotional difficulties of retirement.
Phasing retirement also means you can delay drawing from your pension and continue making contributions to it.
“Unretiring” can support your wellbeing and boost your finances at the same time.
“Unretirement” means going back to work after having already retired
For some, it’s a social decision as they’ve found they missed the regular contact and routine associated with work. There are potentially financial benefits, too.
Delayed retirement or unretirement can help you effectively plan for your leisure time
Making financial plans for retirement is important, but it’s just as key to understand how you’ll spend your time to keep your emotional wellbeing high.
To find out more, get in touch.
If you would like a review of your pensions and investments and whether you are on track to achieve your financial goals, please contact us for a free consultation.
When Rosie Kellett started documenting cooking for her communal warehouse‐residing housemates on Instagram in 2023, she didn’t expect her following to jump from 10,000 to 100,000 in the space of a week. Now boasting more than 300,000 followers and an award‐winning newsletter, she’s just released her first cookbook: In For Dinner, which provides 101 deliciously seasonal, low‐effort, high‐reward recipes for every budget (and has already made its way onto the Sunday Times Bestsellers list!). We managed to steal a few moments of her time to learn about her tips and tricks for hosting the perfect summer dinner party. So fill up your wine glass, kick off your shoes, and tuck in...
“T here are a few things that I always consider before planning a night of delicious food: who is coming, what are their dietary requirements and how can I build a menu that caters to everyone without it being stressful, what’s the weather saying and which seasonal ingredients can I use depending on the size of the group? I decide on either big sharing platters to eat family style or smaller plated dishes.”
“I believe that you should never attempt a new recipe when you have people coming round for dinner. Make something you are super confident and comfortable with so you can relax and enjoy your friends’ company, rather than stressing over the hob. Big, one-pot dishes like my Confit Chickpea & Tomato Stew are great as they can slow cook in the oven for hours, so all you have to do is serve it up when everyone arrives.
“If you have a few dietary requirements or allergies to cater to, it’s better to make a meal that is safe for everyone rather than making four different versions of the same thing. I have a whole hosting cheat sheet in my book with lots of tips and tricks!
“I like to start with a base meal that everyone can eat, and then have optional additions on the table for those who eat meat, fish or dairy. I think it’s really lovely to be able to just make a meal that everyone can eat, rather than something different or special for the person with allergies. Not only does this feel more inclusive, but it’s less work for you too! There’s a chart at the back of my cookbook which highlights every recipe that can be made gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and pescetarian.”
“Ripe tomatoes are the culinary highlight of my summer every year, and I like to eat them as much as I can. You can’t go far wrong with a very good panzanella salad, in my opinion, but I also have a recipe in my book called the Summer Feast which is basically a collection of my favourite dishes to serve at the height of summer, taking seasonal produce and serving it very simply so the ingredients can shine.
“I tend to cook less in summer, and it’s good to go for fresher dishes that can be whipped up quickly or prepared in advance, then brought up to room temperature on the day. Big bean salads, potato salad, cold noodle dishes and grilled marinated veg are favourites!”
“A lot of my friends love to cook, so I tend to give them a little job when they arrive so that we can catch up as I make the finishing touches to the food. Hosting this way, making it more of a group activity, is so much more fun than locking yourself away in the kitchen to do it all on your own and I think it makes the whole vibe more relaxed.
“I always say that the best thing you can bring as a guest to dinner is a good bottle of olive oil – I get through so much of it in my kitchen and frankly value it above wine.”
“To set the atmosphere, it’s all about the simple things for me: a few flowers in a jam jar, a lit candle and Aretha Franklin playing in the background. My hosting philosophy is that if the host is relaxed, the
guests will be too and you set the tone of the night with your energy. Delicious food is possible on any budget and the key to a good life always boils down to sharing. The more we share, in every corner of our lives, the happier we will be. If I had to choose between cooking for myself or cooking pasta for 10, I would always choose the latter. I get so much joy out of nourishing the people I love with food.”
“When hosting, the best thing you can do is ask for help. No one is an island, and the more hands the better. You can pull together a very special and magical evening on a budget, and you don’t need heaps of money to have a good time, just a little bit of vision and creativity.” n
Rosie Kellett will be coming to Boston Tea Party on Gloucester Road in collaboration with Gloucester Road Books on 26 June to discuss her new book, In For Dinner, published by Square Peg Tickets £6, inc book £26; visit gloucesterroadbooks.com to book.
For a taste of In For Dinner, scan the QR code to try two more recipes on thebristolmag.co.uk @rosiekellett on Instagram
“This cake is the epitome of summer: it’s sticky, jammy, fresh, and not too sweet. The browned butter and ground almonds give it a beautiful nuttiness and it’s just dreamy with a dollop of creme fraiche on top on a warm summer’s day.” Extracted from In For Dinner by Rosie Kellett (Square Peg, £27)
250g unsalted butter 370g icing sugar, sifted 200g ground almonds 80g plain flour
A pinch of sea salt
220g egg whites (save the egg yolks for tiramisù!)
3 tsp vanilla extract 100g berries
1 ripe peach, sliced into halfmoons (tinned also work well)
Crème fraîche, to serve
Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas mark 3. Grease and line a 21cm round tin.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium-high heat and continue to cook until it starts to brown, swirling the pan and keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t turn from brown to burnt. Once the milk solids have gone a nutty brown, take the pan off the heat and leave to cool.
Whisk together the icing sugar, ground almonds, plain flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the egg whites and vanilla and stir until combined, then add the cooled brown butter and mix again.
Pour the batter into the tin and put the tin into the fridge for 15 minutes until the batter has slightly firmed up. Sprinkle the fruit on top, pressing the berries and slices of peach halfway into the batter.
Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, covering loosely with foil after 50 minutes so it doesn’t brown too much on top. Let the cake cool completely in the tin, then serve with a light dusting of icing sugar and a dollop of crème fraîche.
St Peter’s Hospice has launched a strategy that aims to double the number of people it supports within the next five years.
The move is part of a renewed vision for St Peter’s Hospice to ensure more individuals receive the end of life care they deserve. The new five-year strategy is also supported by a brand refresh, its first in over a decade. As well as doubling its reach, St Peter’s is also aiming to extend the length of time it cares for patients, from the last weeks of life, to the last 12 months. It will also focus on delivering more of its services in the community, with input from those communities, and health and social care professionals, about what they want and need. Visit stpetershospice.org to find out more and support the cause.
Hartnell Taylor Cook has announced the completion of refurbishment works taking place at iconic heritage site Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. Contracted by Bristol City Council, the project has upgraded the Museum’s facilities to improve sustainability and care of their collections.
Taking just under two years, works at the Grade II Listed Building comprised of window replacement, repair and redecoration to its Conservation Lab to satisfy heritage requirements and maintain the structure; upgrading the mains switch gear; installing a damp proof membrane and gravity drainage in its Fine Art store; and conducting roof replacement and refurbishment works of the Natural History Office. htc.uk.com | bristolmuseums.org.uk
Watershed, the cultural organisation and charity centred around cinema and creative technology, is seeking likeminded, ethical businesses to join as partners and become part of Watershed’s Values Circle.
Partners will gain marketing opportunities to Watershed audiences (some 400,000 visitors each year) both on-site and online; support in delivering Corporate Social Responsibility objectives by learning from its projects on social and climate justice, creativity, access, responsible HR and technology; and the chance to publicly support a high-profile venue, charity and social enterprise. Partner businesses working with Watershed will also be exposed to an active and engaged social media and newsletter following (c. 70,000).
Companies wanting to find out more about the range of opportunities available should contact Watershed’s Head of Development at bella.w@watershed.co.uk
De Vere Tortworth Court, a hotel located 30 minutes north of Bristol and part of De Vere’s collection of historic mansion house estates, has been recognised by Tripadvisor as a 2025 Travellers’ Choice award winner. The award celebrates hotels that have consistently received outstanding reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months, placing De Vere Tortworth Court (which has recently completed a £1.3m refurbishment) among the top 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor globally.
devere.com/tortworth-court
Lifestyle‐focused independent estate agency Boardwalk has officially achieved B Corp certification –meaning the whole team is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability in its work transforming the way people are selling their homes in the city. We spent five minutes with them to find out more…
B Corp is all about being the change you want to see and using business for good. On the whole, we believe estate agency lacks creative thinking and personality – so from day one, we’ve tried to do things differently –reflecting the character and energy of Bristol. For us, it’s not just been about buying and selling homes better. It’s about supporting the people, projects and local businesses that make this city so special. So really, gaining B Corp certification just felt like the obvious next step.
Anyone who’s been through B Corp certification will tell you it’s seriously rigorous (and pretty time-consuming). And that’s exactly how it should be. We won’t pretend it was easy, but honestly, the hardest part happened in the years beforehand. Thankfully we’d already been laying the groundwork – building a culture of transparency, accountability and doing the right thing.
Selecting local projects and initiatives for us to support is tough – so many people do great things. For us, it came down to focusing on what makes Bristol, well… Bristol. Creativity and community were right at the heart of it. We’ve commissioned local artists for our completion gifts, given out free coffees for independent cafés to encourage home viewers to explore their potential new neighbourhoods, and closely supported some of the city’s incredible community trails.
Helping the people who make the art and gardening trails happen is a real passion project for us – many of our team have also been further involved by hosting workshops or opening up their own gardens for them.
We’ve only been certified for a few weeks but investing in our team and cultivating a positive work environment is something we're incredibly passionate about and will continue to invest in. A big part of our high score (101 points, from a required 80) came down to the work we’ve put into our team and culture. We often hire from outside the industry and train people up, which helps us better reflect the diversity of our clients and bring fresh perspectives. It also means we can engage with community projects in a more meaningful way.
One of our favourites? The Big Draw schools art competition with Aardman, where Ester – formerly a fashion designer, now a brilliant client manager – led some chaotic (but very fun) ‘crafternoons’ helping kids create their favourite Aardman characters. We can’t speak for her wellbeing after two days of scissors, glue and cotton wool, though!
Looking ahead, it’s a massive cliché but the B Corp certification is literally just the start. We’ve got lots of areas we can do better in. The impact report, which forms a core piece of the certification, lays out some really clear targets for our social and environmental impact – these are fully baked into our monthly reporting.
We’ve got some really exciting partnerships on the horizon and one rather big secret that will really strengthen our link to local communities (more to be revealed soon…) n
To discover more about Boardwalk’s journey to B Corp, and read the latest Positive Impact Report, visit boardwalkpropertyco.com/bcorp
Elmfield Secondary School for Deaf Children is set to relocate to the Badock’s Wood Academy school site on Doncaster Road, after the Children and Young People Policy Committee held last month agreed £8.363m in capital funding.
The secondary school is currently based within Fairfield High School, where the classrooms are no longer adequate for the growing number of pupils or their needs – all of whom are Deaf, with some also having additional needs.
The funding will enable the development of new and refurbished buildings that provide high-quality learning environments, specifically designed to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including the specialist acoustic requirements of Deaf students. Early construction works at the new site are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, with the new school set to open in 2026. The school currently has 29 students on roll, and this is expected to increase to 48 in the 25/26 academic year. elmfield.bristol.sch.uk
Third-year Bristol campus students from the dBs Institute of Sound & Digital Technologies exhibited their work in Loco Klub last month at Innovation in Sound, an annual free public showcase featuring cutting-edge sound art and immersive audio experiences.
Every year, Innovation in Sound explores the limitless possibilities of audio as an art form and its integration with technology, while celebrating Bristol’s best young artists through unorthodox and innovative approaches to sonic experimentation.
For its 2025 edition, third-year students from dBs’s Bristol campus presented a dynamic collection of projects, including a generative music piece driven by chess moves performed by visitors; field recordings combined with synth and modular sounds, guiding audiences through an interactive performance focusing on the relationship to the places people inhabit; and work on themes including explorations of identity, the relationship between consumption and visibility, womanhood and the importance of female relationships, and human connection – all expressed through the mediums of audiovisual art performances and soundscapes. dbsinstitute.ac.uk
State-of-the-art facilities at dBs Institute of Sound
Girl Guides in Bristol are the first in the region to take on fun electricity challenges to earn a brand new series of badges. Guides at Bristol and South Gloucestershire are tackling a range of activities around the themes of electrical safety, energy efficiency, low carbon networks, and how people with extra needs and vulnerabilities can be supported in a power cut.
The Girl Power Challenge has been brought to the region by National Grid Electricity Distribution and Girlguiding Bristol and South Gloucestershire, and will be available to 3,000 girls and young women. All the tasks are designed to be fun and can be undertaken by Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers as a Six, Patrol or other grouping. Among the 30 challenges are making lightning, electricity-free cooking, building an electric car, using potatoes as batteries, and calculating carbon footprints and ways to reduce them. nationalgrid.com
As Bristol‐based fitness and sustainability influencer Flora Beverley takes her Pollinator Pathways project from strength to strength, it seems there’s not much that she won’t turn her hand to
Words by Bethan Andrews
From ultra-running to sustainable renovating, there’s not much that Flora Beverley can’t do. With 130,000 followers on Instagram and a YouTube channel with 50,000 subscribers, she’s a doer, a communicator and she clearly loves a challenge. When it comes to working hand in hand with our planet, Flora truly
flourishes. For Flora, it’s always been about highlighting that there’s power in community.
“I started my Instagram 15 years ago with photos of food, as I was recovering from an eating disorder. It was a way of keeping myself accountable and there was a nice community on there at the time,” she explains. “I wasn’t really into sports but I started playing squash competitively so I was sharing my training. It was about showing this as a non-sporty kid and about being relatable, because on Instagram you would only see people who were very good at things.”
“ I might not be able to solve world hunger... but I can clean up the space I live in ”
Flora Beverley
From here, Flora became known for fitness and her ability to represent ordinary people taking on challenging things. After running her first road marathon in 2019 and becoming injured, she found trail running, and later, ultramarathons. Despite injury setbacks and a chronic illness diagnosis, Flora continues to race where she can. It might feel unattainable to so many, but she tells me how a favourite aspect of her job is encouraging people to try things they may not feel they can do. “People are bored of how fake Instagram can be and how people try to curate their image. I make an effort to show the bad bits and the realistic parts,” she says. “Although I’m experienced at ultra-running, I’m in no way elite. It’s nice for people to see that I train hard, but that I also get injured, and I spent the last two years being ill – I want to show people that. Ultra-running has been a male-dominated space and I’d like to change that.”
Today, Flora’s influencing career focuses on combining this mission to inspire people to challenge themselves with her passion for running, food and sustainability. It’s this jigsaw combined that led her to buy her first home here, despite growing up in London. “Bristol is all the best parts of London with amazing access to green space,” she smiles. “I can run to the countryside, and if I go directly south I can be in the Dundry Hills within 3 kilometres – the Thames path doesn’t quite cut it!”
Naturally, she’s found some favourite spots. “I think Visit Bristol needs to hire me,” she laughs. “The amount of comments I get on my Youtube videos being like, ‘where is this?!’ and people are shocked when I’m like, it’s literally in Bristol! I love Blaise Castle and how wild it feels, and I spend a lot of time in Ashton Court and Leigh Woods. The towpath I love, as well as Conham River Park.”
For Flora, though, it was the condition of her local neighbourhood, alongside her interest in the interaction between people and nature, and how we get that in urban environments, that sparked her recent project, Pollinator Pathways.
“South Bristol is very grey and could do with some love and attention,” she says. “The community here is lovely, but some individuals don’t always take care of the places they live in. While people were doing litter picks, it wasn’t enough to touch the sides – we had broken bottles, beer cans, cigarette butts, and burnt-out motorbikes. All of this was in our local alleyway and it’s the route that people take to school and work. I knew some were interested in fixing it, but it needed a bigger concerted effort.”
“ We transformed the alleyway into a bright, beautiful space... as soon as it looked like people took care of it, others were far less likely to chuck stuff there ”
At the time, Flora was doing a course on nature-based solutions and was interested in seeing how nature could benefit not just the environment, but also the community.
Having discovered that front driveways and paving over green spaces are a huge problem, Flora received a grant from a US organisation to depave front gardens. After working with four houses on her road, she had the idea to do the alleyway clear-up.
“I got a grant from the Knowle West Alliance for £250 to convert one of the alleyways into a more wildlife-friendly space. I organised the first weekend in September, and we got masses of help from, not only volunteers, but people donating planters and plants, too,” she explains.
“We completely transformed the alleyway into a bright, beautiful space and we found that as soon as it looked like people took care of it, others were far less likely to chuck stuff there.”
Flora shared a video on her social media, and the post went viral. “I was actually never going to show it on social media, it was just something I was doing for myself at a time when I needed to take my mind off not running much,” she says. “I posted to encourage people to do the same in their local area. It can be easy to feel helpless and that nothing you do will make a difference to your life or anybody else’s, but it’s where the community aspect really comes in. “I might not be able to solve world hunger, at least not directly, but I can clean up the space that I live in and I can help people’s mental and physical health, while also helping the wildlife.”
Most recently, Flora was asked to do a Pollinator Pathway for Ashton Gate Stadium. Since then, she’s worked on another huge alleyway in Knowle which has incorporated nine local artists doing murals with gorgeous planters donated and filled by Artisan Landscapes. “It’s all themed on nature and community, and so many volunteers turned up that we only needed one day to do the work, instead of the three we expected,” she beams.
With another three alleyways planned for June, I wonder where Flora hopes to take the project. “I’m relatively planless,” she laughs. “It very much depends on grants but we’ve just created a website where people can donate, which would tide us over between grants. Long term, I’d like to create a blueprint to inspire others. If I can help to encourage people and spread that out UK-wide, it would have a massive impact on communities and the environment. We’re bombarded with negative press every day and there are a lot of rubbish things going on in the world, but community is a really powerful tool for action.”
There’s something infectious about Flora’s positive energy, but I can’t help but wonder if she ever steps back. “I’m incapable of taking any time off, but I enjoy my job and this project,” she smiles. “It’s very mentally restorative and gives a lot back.”
It’s clear that Flora cares deeply, and that nurturing is in her DNA. Maybe it was written in the stars all along. Flora was, after all, the Roman goddess of flowering plants and wildflowers. One thing is for sure, we’re excited to see where this project can go and feel lucky to have Flora helping our community to flourish. A greener, safer and happier city? Watch this space. n pollinatorpathways.co.uk | @foodfitnessflora
When it comes to teeth straightening, CK Dental in Clifton offers more than just clinical expertise – they offer personalised care from a team of friendly, experienced dentists who live and work right here in Bristol. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence with a straighter smile or correct mild-to-moderate crowding, CK Dental provides the latest in discreet aligner treatments to suit your lifestyle.
Angel Aligners are a cutting-edge teeth straightening system designed to gently move teeth into place using a series of removable, clear aligners. Unlike traditional braces, Angel Aligners are virtually invisible, making them an ideal choice for professionals and adults who want subtle, effective results without the brackets and wires.
At CK Dental, your Angel Aligner journey begins with a 3D scan to map out a customised treatment plan. The unique AngelButton® design helps improve control and precision in tooth movement, often reducing the need for additional attachments. Most patients see noticeable improvements in just a few months, with minimal disruption to daily life.
CK Dental also offers Invisalign and Invisalign Go, well-known names in teeth straightening. Invisalign uses clear aligners to gradually shift teeth into place, ideal for a range of orthodontic concerns including gaps, crooked teeth, and overcrowding.
Invisalign Go is specifically tailored to treat mild to moderate cases in a shorter time frame – often just 6 to 9 months. It’s perfect for patients looking for subtle improvements with fewer appointments. Both treatments include digital scans, comfortable aligners, and a tailored plan monitored closely by your Invisaligntrained dentist.
England Rugby and Bristol Bears full-back, Max Malins, chose to straighten his smile with Invisalign treatment at CK Dental. Now, a year later, he’s delighted with the results. Known for his high-performance mindset, Max turned to the Clifton-based team for a discreet and effective solution that fit around his busy training and match schedule.
Max had wanted to get his teeth straightened for many years. “Attention to detail, friendly service and state of the art facility,” he said were reasons for choosing CK Dental for his Invisalign treatment.
“I felt very comfortable with CK
Dental
managing my treatment plan. They talked me through everything, making it super easy.”
Principal Dentist Cornelius Krause oversaw Max’s treatment and commented: “Scans were the first part of the Invisalign treatment we provided for Max. He had custom-made clear aligners to gently and comfortably move his teeth into a better position. They conveniently fit around his active lifestyle and could be removed when needed. We kept an eye on his progress and made adjustments as necessary along the way.”
Now post-treatment, Max is smiling with confidence – on and off the pitch.
Choosing the right dentist isn’t just about qualifications – it’s about finding someone who puts you at ease and understands your goals.
At CK Dental, the team stands out not only for their advanced training and experience, but for their commitment to personalised, compassionate care. Whether you're considering teeth straightening with Invisalign or Angel Aligners, or simply want to feel more confident about your smile, our friendly Bristol-based dentists are here to help.
Bristol-based dentist Dr Lynsey-Jayne Fulton has built her career around creating confident smiles with a calm, caring touch. Originally from Northern Ireland, she now calls Bristol home, having trained and worked in Keynsham, Gloucester, and Cardiff. Specialising in minimally invasive aesthetic dentistry, Lynsey-Jayne offers discreet teeth straightening solutions with Invisalign Go and Angel Aligners – ideal for busy adults who want a straighter smile without the look of traditional braces. Her warm, friendly approach puts even the most nervous patients at ease.
Having trained at the University of Bristol, Dr Alexander James is proud to help local patients achieve their dream smile with a calm, confident approach. Since 2017, he’s been part of the dental community here in Bristol, delivering outstanding results in general and cosmetic dentistry. A certified provider of both Invisalign and Angel Aligners, Alex is passionate about giving patients subtle, effective options to straighten their teeth – often without anyone knowing they’re undergoing treatment. His approachable manner makes him a trusted favourite with patients of all ages.
Known for her bubbly, empathetic nature, Dr Josie Leach offers a relaxed and reassuring dental experience –something her Bristol patients truly value. With global experience from Australia to across the UK, Josie brings a wealth of insight and a gentle hand to her cosmetic work. She provides modern, flexible teeth straightening with Angel Aligners, helping patients improve their smile at a pace that fits their lifestyle. Whether you’re nervous about the dentist or simply looking to boost your confidence, Josie delivers care with heart.
Now is the perfect time to invest in your smile. CK Dental is offering Angel Aligners at a reduced price of £3,495 (typically £4,495) until 31st August 2025. This limited-time offer means you can save £1,000 on treatment that delivers long-lasting, discreet results.
To find out more or book a free teeth straightening consultation, visit ckdental.co.uk/offers-and-promotions or call the practice directly.
MBST is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the body’s natural cell repair and regeneration. There are no drugs, no surgery and no downtime, just science-backed support for athletes, active individuals and anyone living with chronic joint pain or injury. Healthcare professionals around the world are now looking to MBST to offer their patients a new approach to recovery, one that is grounded in evidence and real-life results.
Abby Erceg’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. As New Zealand’s most capped female footballer, she has led the Football Ferns through four Olympic Games and achieved over one hundred international appearances, an extraordinary feat in women’s sport.
But years of competing at the highest level took their toll. Persistent knee pain from cartilage wear began to threaten not just Abby’s everyday life but also her ability to keep playing the sport she loves.
Determined to find a solution beyond conventional treatments, Abby travelled from Mexico to join the Return to Play Study at Cura Clinical. She was searching for something that could truly make a difference, and she found it. After her third session of MBST therapy, Abby noticed a real change. She experienced a breakthrough in her range of movement and a reduction in pain. For the first time in months, she could lie down and fully straighten her knees. The impact was immediate and gave her hope for a longer, healthier career on the pitch.
Jenny is living her best life, pain free after having treatment for her moderate hip arthritis. If we catch things sat the right time, the regenerative effects of MBST really can have remarkable impacts on patients’ conditions.
Jeremy (87) came to me with stage 3/4 knee arthritis and was struggling with stairs in particular as well as night pain. He’s a very experienced Chorister and needs to be able to stand for long periods whilst performing .
Scans showed his patello-femoral joint had almost full thickness cartilage loss, as well as degeneration in the tibiofemoral compartment. At 87years old he’s a remarkable healer and has been pain free and fit for stairs since the end of his treatment course.
Age isn’t a factor with MBST. Vitality however does play a part. A lot of my older patients are still living life to the full, getting the most they can from it, yet certain parts of their bodies wear down and become a challenge. This is where MBST can be life changing, adding energy of stimulation healing and regeneration.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of one of the biggest milestones in Bristol’s shopping history, writes Andrew Swift: the opening of the Arcade between Broadmead and Horsefair
The world’s first shopping arcade – the Galeries du Bois –opened in Paris in 1786. Not until 1818 was the idea adopted in England, with the opening of London’s Royal Opera Arcade. The more famous Burlington Arcade opened the following year. Six years later, Bristol was the first British city outside London to get in on the act, when local architects James & Thomas Foster adapted the design of the Burlington to build two Arcades, whose combined length was just shy of the Burlington’s 178 metres. The Upper Arcade, linking Horsefair with St James’ Barton, was the first to open, in May 1825; the Lower Arcade, linking Horsefair with Broadmead – and known, since the destruction of the Upper Arcade by bombing in 1940, simply as the Arcade –followed a few months later.
Defying expectations
The area through which the Arcades ran had long been built up, but the only access between the main thoroughfares lay through narrow alleys and insalubrious courts. The decision to clear a way through them and build a raised walkway lined with upmarket shops and roofed over with glass was a bold one. There were predictions that ‘the walks would be narrow, warm, and dark, and the shops inconvenient’ and that the Arcades ‘would be the ruin of their proprietors’. When the scaffolding on the Upper Arcade came down, however, the Bristol Mirror laid these fears to rest, reporting that ‘the temperature of the air, within the Arcades, during the late warm weather, was many degrees lower than in the street’ and adding that ‘a promenade there for half an hour is quite invigorating’.
offer was a Mr Rose, who opened a bookshop and library in mid-June. Within two months, 30 of the 38 units in the Upper Arcade were occupied. As well as another bookseller, there were two bootmakers, two clockmakers, two haberdashers, three hatmakers, two lacemakers, two milliners, two tea dealers, an artist & silhouettist, a fruiterer, a music dealer, a biscuit maker, a brushmaker and a dealer in ostrich feathers.
By this time, the Lower Arcade was finished and the units there were quickly snapped up as well. It is not difficult to see why the Arcades were such an instant success. They provided a safe haven for well-heeled shoppers, protecting them not only from the vagaries of the weather but also from the perils of the street. Wagons, horses, and the dust and detritus that came in their wake, were banished, and beadles were on hand to chuck any ne’er-dowells out on their ear.
Visiting the Arcades was not always without incident, however. One evening in January 1848, for example, ‘as a young man was passing through the Lower Arcade one of the stones gave way and he sunk into the passage beneath, but without receiving any injury. Another, who was just behind, and who fell in also was not so fortunate, and he was cut and bruised to some extent’.
Fortunately, such incidents were very much the exception.
In May 1825, the proprietors invited ‘linen drapers, mercers, lacemen, haberdashers, hosiers, jewellers, toymen, &c’ to apply for the leases of shops in the Upper Arcade, but warned that they could ‘only admit a certain number of each trade, which are select.’ The first to take up the
The Arcades continued to house an eclectic mix of retailers throughout the 19th Century, but in the 20th Century certain trades started to dominate. By the late 1930s, over half the units in the two Arcades were occupied by music shops, new and second-hand booksellers and wireless dealers. There were still some exotic occupants, such as Madame Naomi, a clairvoyant from Cheddar who took a unit in the Upper Arcade just before the Second World War. It is not known, though, whether she foresaw the destruction of the Upper Arcade on the night of 24 November 1940. The Lower
Arcade survived the war, despite being knocked about a bit, and continued to trade. Any hopes that it would be a focus for the regeneration of the area, however, were rudely shattered when the council decided to move the city’s main shopping district from Castle Street to Broadmead and earmarked the whole area for redevelopment.
Among those who called for the Lower Arcade to be spared were the Ministry of Town & Country Planning, the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Bristol, and the City Architect. The council was adamant, however, and only backed down in 1951 when lack of funds forced them to scale back their plans.
By the mid-1950s, the Arcade, although distinctly frayed around the edges, was still busy, with all units taken. The bookshops had moved on, but nine of the units were still occupied by wireless dealers and five by music shops. Other businesses included a greengrocer’s, a tool merchant, a tobacconist, a toyshop, two jewellers, a fancy goods dealer, a gown shop, the Arcadia Tailoring Service and the Arcade Sewing Machine Co.
In 1985, the Arcade received a quarter-of-a-million-pound makeover, commemorated by a plaque by the Broadmead entrance and reinjecting some of the Regency sparkle that so dazzled its original customers. At the same time, the opportunity was taken to replace the flights of steps at either end – originally installed to raise the Arcade above the floods that once inundated the area – with ramps. New shopfronts were also added at the Horsefair end, partially masking the Greek Revival facade.
Today, the Arcade is not only a blast from the past – a reminder of Regency sophistication amid the brave new world of Broadmead – but also home to a vibrant line-up of independent traders. Some of them, such as Shakeaway Milk Shakes, Inked Up Tattoo and Piercing, Mabz’s Key Cutting, Maya’s Eyebrows, Superior Vapour and Taste of Napoli –
would probably mean very little to the Arcade’s original clientele. Other shops, however – hairdressers, watchmakers, jewellers and tailors – follow in the footsteps of the Arcade’s first traders. And, in a remarkable instance of continuity, at No 14 – home, in 1825, to Alfred Phillips, Chemist & Druggist – today you will find Dr & Acuherbs, physicians, offering Chinese and modern medicine.
The Arcade is not only an extraordinary survival, it is where Bristol’s love affair with arcade shopping began, a love affair which, despite the growth of online shopping, shows no sign of abating. Cabot Circus and the Mall at Cribbs Causeway can both trace their origins back to the modest elegance of Bristol’s first Arcade. And, as Broadmead and Horsefair brace themselves for another major redevelopment, Bristol’s first Arcade not only provides a salutary link with the past but will hopefully play a key role in its regeneration. n
To find out more, visit thearcadebristol.com. To discover more of Andrew Swift’s work, visit akemanpress.com. Photos courtesy of Andrew Swift.
James Kenward; Independent Financial Adviser
As more families fall within the inheritance tax (IHT) net, many are asking how best to plan, not just to reduce the bill, but to make things easier for loved ones left behind.
One option to consider as part of a broader IHT strategy is whole-of-life insurance, written in trust. This can provide a lump sum on death, outside your estate for IHT purposes. With IHT due within six months of death—and interest charged at 4% above base rate after that, this payout can help avoid the need to sell assets or borrow to cover the bill.
While insurance doesn’t necessarily reduce the IHT liability itself, it can provide crucial liquidity. For families with wealth tied up in property or investments, knowing the tax bill is covered can bring real peace of mind. Importantly, the policy doesn’t have to cover the entire liability. Some people choose to insure just a proportion of the expected IHT to ease the burden.
With changes on the horizon to pension rules and inheritance tax, there may be an opportunity to use tax-efficient pension withdrawals to fund insurance premiums.
For example, taking pension income within your personal allowance or drawing tax-free cash to pay for a life insurance policy can be an effective way to convert taxable assets into tax-free protection for your family.
If you’re concerned about the impact of IHT or want to explore how upcoming budget changes might affect your estate, we’re here to help.
Insurance is one tool among many. We can also help you explore:
• Lifetime gifting
• Pension and ISA drawdown strategies
• Trusts and estate planning
• Regular reviews
To talk through your options in a relaxed, no-pressure chat, call 0117 3636 212 or email office@haroldstephens.co.uk.
We record regular video updates on a range of later life financial topics - search ‘Harold Stephens IFA’ on YouTube.
A spectacular bath and stylish walk‐in shower are the showstoppers in Michael and Geraldine’s updated and reconfigured bathroom from Gardiner Haskins
Words by Annabelle Grundy and photos by Colin Poole (photoword.co.uk)
After 20 years in their home, a bathroom revamp was high on the list of priorities for Michael and Geraldine, and there were some key changes they wanted to make.
“The bathroom had two entrances, one from the landing and a second, which we didn’t need, from our bedroom,” says Geraldine. “We wanted to block that up, and have a complete re-think, as the bathroom itself felt quite basic, and there was just a handheld shower over the bath. I wanted a fabulous, standalone, wet-room style shower, and Michael liked the idea of a big, beautiful, feature bath.”
Enquiries with a local bathroom company were unfortunately not followed up satisfactorily, and as Geraldine had heard positive reports of Gardiner Haskins from two different sources, she and Michael visited the Bristol showroom. Geraldine was impressed by the attractive layout, comprehensive displays, and friendly, approachable staff. On a follow-up visit, she and Michael brought in rough sketches and ideas, and sat down with designer David Rodgers. They explained their plan to close off
access from the bedroom, and their vision for a sleek, modern bathroom, with a walk-in shower, a large bath, smart, simple fittings and a wallhung WC to maximise the feeling of space.
“David listened carefully to what we wanted, but also came up with points we hadn’t considered,” says Geraldine. “For example, we’d just assumed the basin and WC would have to stay in the same positions. He suggested swapping them over. Now the first thing you see as you come in, is our lovely vanity unit and hand-basin, not the WC. It’s a lot more appealing, so that was really good advice.”
The two main elements are the egg-shaped, freestanding bath, and the walk-in shower. The large bath was chosen for its elegance, comfort and solid feel.
“When we saw it in the Gardiner Haskins showroom, we knew straightaway it was the one for us,” says Geraldine.
Looking around the showroom, the couple also picked out simple, understated taps and shower fittings in a stylish, brushed brass finish. The shower is a favourite feature for both Michael and Geraldine. Even
with the bedroom door blocked up, Geraldine was unsure that there would be room for both the bath and the spacious shower enclosure they had in mind. She need not have worried, as David’s design makes excellent use of the space and more than meets expectations. They were keen to achieve a seamless, wet-room effect, so they were delighted when, rather than a conventional central shower drain, David showed them a neat, linear ‘infinity’ drain that sits close to the wall and blends discreetly into the tiled floor. There is a minimal glass screen, generous overhead drencher, and as an added bonus, the wall-mounted hand-spray can be used both under the shower, and for rinsing the bath.
“Initially we thought we’d need a separate set by the bath, but it comfortably reaches both zones,” says Geraldine. “That helped with the budget and keeps the room more clutter-free as well.”
Within a short time after their meeting, Geraldine and Michael had received revised plans and a list of specific products, complete with costings. When they were ready to go ahead, there was a site visit from Mike, our approved contractor. He brought extra technical know-how and suggested minor changes such as adjusting the exact position of the shower controls and tiled storage alcoves to improve functionality. Mike’s colleague Steve headed up the installation team, and the installation was completed in around two weeks.
“We were very happy with the whole team,” says Geraldine. “Everyone was considerate, meticulous, and took real pride in their work. There were a couple of snagging issues afterwards, but they were back here promptly to sort them out. Things can always go wrong, but it’s how quickly they get resolved that counts.”
The new bathroom is now in daily use and Geraldine and Michael are enjoying their low-maintenance, luxurious space, especially the deep bath and powerful shower.
“Working with Gardiner Haskins was great,” says Geraldine, “Everyone was so friendly, patient and knowledgeable and we felt the products offered were high-quality, and the customer service was excellent.” Michael agrees, adding: “The last time we went on holiday we had a beautiful hotel bathroom, but I was very happy to come home –ours is better!” n
gardinerhaskins.co.uk | 0117 4633707 | Brunel Rooms, 1 Straight Street, BS2 0FQ
Designer: David Rodgers
Bathroom type: Modern
Bath: Waters Elements Breeze freestanding bath
WC: Geberit wall-hung
Basin and vanity unit: Roper Rhodes Fairmont
Bath filler, basin tap, shower set: Aqualla Kyloe, brushed brass finish
Wet-room tray/drain kit: Abacus
Shower screen: Flair Ayo
Towel warmer: Aqualla Luca, brushed brass finish
Tiles: Ca Pietra Portare Muscat
Hey, good lookin’! If you dream of being the greatest host in town, then an outdoor kitchen in your garden could seal the deal. We’ve got some top tips to help get your project off the ground, so you’ll be cooking in no time. After all, where better to gather your loved ones for a sumptuous summer feast than the great outdoors?
There’s been a huge upswing in interest when it comes to creating stylish, functional outdoor kitchens at home. While they’re commonplace in countries that enjoy reliably warm, dry weather for most of the year, here in the UK what began as a way to make the most of time spent at home –entertaining close friends and family during years of intermittent lockdowns – has since evolved into something more aspirational: a symbol of laid-back luxury and a space to truly indulge your culinary passions. We’re talking elegant cocktail stations, wine fridges chilled to perfection, wood-fired pizza ovens, and smoky slow-cooked feasts all set within beautifully designed spaces that are as durable as they are desirable.
Not only can an outdoor kitchen add real value to your property (somewhere between 5% and 15%, depending on various market and location factors), it also brings instant, everyday value, encouraging you to spend more time outdoors, making the most of your garden through the seasons. Even in places with less-than-predictable weather, the reward of good food, good company, and a glass of something cold under the sky is hard to beat.
If you’re planning a fully-equipped setup with a sink, fridge, or even a dishwasher, you’ll need to factor in the practicalities like plumbing, drainage and outdoor-safe electrics. These additions come with extra costs, of course, but they also unlock the joy of al fresco cooking with all the comforts and conveniences of your indoor kitchen.
When it comes to design, durability is non-negotiable. Outdoor kitchens are exposed to the elements, so materials need to stand up to sun, rain, heat, and smoke – not to mention messy hands and clattering pans. But that doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics. From sleek stone counters to brushed stainless steel, there’s no shortage of beautiful, hardwearing finishes to choose from.
For those working with a tighter budget, there’s a lot of charm in the DIY route. Upcycled materials – like reclaimed bricks, heatproof tiles or metal units – can lend a relaxed, rustic edge that still feels considered. And even a modest setup with just a pizza oven and a barbecue can deliver unforgettable family-style feasts, with the added satisfaction of having built it yourself.
If your outdoor space is all about entertaining, think smart: ample refrigeration for drinks and ingredients, integrated seating so guests can unwind nearby, and maybe even a chef’s table setup for a touch of drama while you cook. For those who love to experiment with flavour, multiple cooking appliances are a must. Pair a traditional gas or charcoal grill with a wood-fired oven or an insulated ceramic Kamado-style grill that locks in moisture and handles everything from searing steaks to baking bread.
X marks the spot
Where you position your outdoor kitchen is just as important as what goes in it. Think about the sightlines from inside the house looking out and from the garden gazing back at the house. You’ll want to preserve
views, not block them, and avoid placing your kitchen where it might feel like an eyesore when not in use. Consider how people move through the space too. Where do they gather? Where do the kids play? Where will the drinks flow? A raised bar with stools can define the cooking zone and give the cook a bit of breathing room, while still keeping the vibe social.
If your outdoor kitchen is a short stroll from your main kitchen, you might not need to go overboard with extra appliances. But if it’s at the far end of the garden or designed to be used independently, storage, refrigeration and prep space all become much more essential.
To get the most out of your outdoor kitchen, whether you’re flipping burgers on a summer evening or slow-roasting something special in autumn, lighting and heating are key.
Good lighting in particular is essential for both safety and ambiance. Bright task lights over the cooking zone mean no more fumbling with torches once the sun goes down, while soft ambient lighting adds warmth and atmosphere. Pay attention to how the sun moves across your space. You’ll want to avoid cooking under the full midday glare, while also making sure your dining area gets enough light as the evening rolls in.
Thanks to milder weather in recent years, outdoor spaces can be used for much longer than just summer. To really make the most of yours, consider heated seating zones and weatherproof covers (retractable or fixed) to shield from the wind and rain. A permanent cover over your cooking area is especially helpful, not just for comfort but to protect your kit. It’s a small detail that can significantly extend the life of your appliances and cabinetry. And when things aren’t in use, investing in goodquality covers helps keep everything looking and performing its best. n Turn the page for our pick of products that will provide a fabulous finishing touch to your outdoor kitchen...
Ninja OO101UK Woodfire Outdoor Oven,. Artisan Pizza Maker.and BBQ Smoker, £329. coopershomeappliances.com.
Yara Sculptural Yellow Wine. Glasses Set of Two, £20 .oliverbonas.com.
Bistro Black Rattan Bar Stool, £155. oliverbonas.com.
Nesting Flower Bowls Set of Three, £29.50. oliverbonas.com.
Solar Outdoor 20 LED Festoon Lights, £69.50. oliverbonas.com.
Kettler Kalos Copper. Freestanding Patio Heater £379,. johnlewis.com.
Harlequin Melora. Indoor/Outdoor Cushion, £45. johnlewis.com
Liebherr OKES1750 59.8cm. Undercounter Outdoor Cooler, £1,999 .coopershomeappliances.com.
Salsa Stripe Outdoor Pouffe, £95 johnlewis.com.
Soleil Blue Ceramic Chip & Dip Platter, £34.50. oliverbonas.com.
VegTrug Outdoor Herb Garden Planter, £99. . johnlewis.com.
Kettler Caredo Garden. Dining Set, £645. parkfurnishers.co.uk
Hedges can form rooms within a garden, serve as a backdrop for flower borders, lend formality or wildness, screen our neighbours and frame views, writes Elly West. Boundaries don’t have to be expanses of fencing – a hedge offers so much more in terms of colour, interest and biodiversity…
My neighbours have just replaced their front hedge, digging up the dead and dying box that’s been there since I moved here eleven years ago and replacing it with tough-growing yew. Box tree caterpillars, along with box blight, have sadly devastated this evergreen favourite in recent years, reducing it to dry, pale-brown sticks, meaning we need to find alternatives if we want the clipped, formal look that box (Buxus sempervirens) offers. Yew is a good choice, as it responds well to hard pruning, and will grow in most locations, sun or shade. Other alternatives include varieties of Euonymus such as ‘Green Spire’ and ‘Jean Hughes’, and a type of smooth-leaved holly, Ilex crenata
My own front hedge is trusty privet, which replaced a viburnum hedge that was also susceptible to a caterpillar pest. It’s growing well and is semi-evergreen, keeping most of its leaves in mild winters, and is fast growing so a good choice for a medium-sized hedge.
Much more than a fence
Hedges have been used in domestic gardens for centuries, to mark out boundaries and as design features to break up a space, lead the eye and add height and structure. Hedges can form rooms within a garden, serve as a backdrop for flower borders, lend formality or wildness, screen our neighbours and frame views. As our awareness of the environment and sustainable living grows, so does our appreciation of these leafy walls. Boundaries don’t have to be expanses of fencing – a hedge offers so much more in terms of colour, interest and biodiversity.
For year-round structure and privacy, evergreen hedging such as holly, laurel and yew are popular choices, along with Lonicera nitida, Griselinia and Photinia. All of these give a uniform appearance, and are easy to maintain at their chosen size, their leaves forming a dense screen. Some hedging plants also offer summer flowers along with evergreen or semi-
evergreen leaves, such as escallonia, berberis and viburnum. I’ve also seen vibrant blue ceanothus, hardy fuchsias, hydrangeas and even magnolias trained as hedges.
However, the best type of hedge in terms of its benefit to wildlife is one that includes a mix of native species such as hawthorn, field maple, hornbeam, beech, hazel, spindle, dogwood and blackthorn. Many suppliers sell a ready-made mix by the linear metre, best planted in autumn through to late spring. Mixed native hedges attract a variety of wildlife, offering sources of food, and places to nest and shelter to birds, small mammals, bees and butterflies. They form green corridors, connecting pockets of habitat and allowing wildlife to move safely from place to place. They also bring year-round interest, with spring blossom, dense summer foliage, autumn berries and winter structure. Another huge advantage of choosing native plants is that they have adapted to our conditions, so will tolerate the changeable UK climate and a range of soil types.
I recently listened to an audiobook that really made me appreciate the importance of hedgerows in the countryside, along with their management. Of Thorn and Briar was published earlier this year and, month by month, describes a year in the life of the author Paul Lamb, a west-country hedgelayer. Hedgerows have been part of the British landscape for centuries, planted to mark boundaries, control livestock and protect crops from wind. However, since the second half of the 20th Century Britain has lost more than half of its hedgerows, due to changes in farming practices, urban expansion and neglect.
Paul works year-round in various aspects of countryside management, living a simple life in his van, travelling from farm to farm, coppicing, pollarding and laying new hedges.
His book is a beautiful description of the changing of the seasons, the countryside around him, and the trials and tribulations of his work. But the underlying message is that these ancient hedgerows need skilled craftmanship both to lay and maintain them, and these traditional techniques need to be preserved for future generations. He asserts the value of hedgerow for the environment and for farmers, as lamb survival rates are so much higher when there are hedges for shelter and shade in summer.
Hedges have deep root systems that reduce soil erosion and help prevent flooding by slowing surface run-off, retaining the valuable topsoil that would otherwise be washed away and by storing water in their leaves. Paul also highlights their role in reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The remaining network of hedgerows is described as “an asset we can ill afford to be without”.
At times painting a bleak picture, he writes, “The final decades of the twentieth century saw a ruthless march forward that seemingly cared neither for craft nor tradition, for wildlife or heritage, and sought only an increased output that eventually saw the countryside run along similar lines to a similar business, overtaken by shortsighted greed: factory farming.”
Lamb is spreading the word through his book, his Instagram account (@westcountry_hedgelayer) and national media, and there are also organisations dedicated to the preservation of our hedgerows, such as the National Hedgelaying Society and Hedgelink.
The Woodland Trust offers help and funding for new hedging projects of 100m or more with its MOREhedges scheme. Visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees to see if you are eligible. n ellyswellies.co.uk
Hardy fuchsias earn their place in any garden for their sheer flower power and versatility. Although the big, blowsy bedding varieties often seen in hanging baskets aren’t for everyone, many of the tougher shrubby varieties that come back year after year fit well in most garden schemes, and can also be grown as a beautiful flowering hedge. ‘Hawkshead’ is one of my favourites, with its white or pale-pink flowers, and I also love the slender Fuchsia magellanica, which has pink tapering sepals and dark purple petals. This variety grows to around 1.5m, so is a good choice for a taller hedge. ‘Mrs Popple’ is another popular variety with more rounded flowers that bloom from early summer through to autumn. In mild regions, they can even flower into December.
Fuchsias will grow best in a sunny, sheltered spot and look good as part of a mixed or woodland border. They also do well in shade, particularly the paler varieties. Easy to care for, they respond well to hard pruning and can be cut back almost to the base if necessary, for example if they’ve suffered some frost damage. Otherwise a light prune in midspring will keep them in shape, and make sure that newly planted specimens are kept well watered in dry weather.
There is a wealth of period features throughout this home, which is the first property on Princes Buildings to come to the open market this century, including high ceilings, original fireplaces and large sash windows providing wonderful light and enviable views of the Avon Gorge. Having undergone a complete and extensive back to brick refurbishment by the previous owners and meticulously maintained since; No.1 Princes Buildings is a fine example of a Georgian, Clifton town house arranged over six floors.
The ground floor boasts an entrance vestibule leading to an elegant reception hall with Grade A, solid English Oak flooring, with doors leading to the drawing room. Separated with grand doors, is the morning room with a wonderful, curved bay window with views to the iconic Royal York Crescent. The kitchen is found on the lower ground floor, designed by the current owners with an Everhot cooker, kitchen island and access to the terrace. The first floor exclusively hosts the principal suite, which is formed of an ensuite bath and shower room, separate cupboard space and the principal bedroom which enjoys the south facing views. The second floor is hosts two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. On the third floor is a further double bedroom with ensuite shower room and a large study, which boasts the far-reaching views of the Avon Gorge and beyond. The rear garden is far reaching and landscaped into patio, lawn and woodland areas with shrubberies and established trees, including a mature golden beech tree, and gated access to further walks on the edge of the Avon Gorge. Knight Frank, 1 The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4DP, 0117 911 9591, knightfrank.com
• Once-in-a-century opportunity
• Grade II listed Georgian terrace
• Views over the Avon Gorge
• 5 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms and 4 bathrooms
• Set over 6 floors
• Garden and single garage
• South-facing aspect
• Back-to-brick refurbishment by previous owners
Guide price £3,500,000
DISCOVER THE LATEST NEWS FROM BRISTOL’S PROPERTY EXPERTS
For most people, buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions they will make. Equally when considering it as the place we intend to call home, make memories, and raise families, it is also one of the most emotive of purchases. This combination of high financial stakes mixed with emotion often means that even the most seasoned of negotiators struggle when it comes to the purchase of their own home.
As a buying agent, representing only the buyer’s interests, my role is as much about sourcing the right property as acquiring it through negotiation on the best terms. Without giving away all my secrets…here are some aspects that a buyer should consider when offering on a property: -
Get a good understanding of the local market: understand prices in the area for comparable properties in a similar condition, what has sold and what has ‘stuck’.
Crucially, as with any negotiation, you should always know as much as possible about who you are negotiating with. Find out from the selling agent background about the vendor, how long they have been in the property, and their motives for selling. There is, for example, a potentially significant difference between the vendor who has already found their dream home but needs to sell their own home to secure their onward move, and the vendor who has reached the very hard decision to sell what has been their family home for 30 years and is yet to find their onward move.
In understanding the vendor’s position, you will get a good sense of how motivated they are and possibly open to negotiation. You will also get a sense as to what matters to them as sellers: is it purely down to price or is there also an element of wishing a family home of 30 years to be enjoyed by another young family. It’s also useful to establish the history of the marketing of the property: was it on quietly for a period before ‘going live’, how long has it been on the market, has it had any offers, has it fallen through previously and, if so, will the selling agent give details as to why.
Are you full cash, do you have an impending Completion date on your own sale, a school start date focussing your need to secure your purchase, or are you breaking the chain and going into rental. Ideally how you structure your offer will be based on a good understanding of the vendor’s position and what therefore could make you the more attractive buyer in terms of potentially accommodating some of the vendor’s priorities, for example timing.
Whilst the selling agent is there to act in their vendor’s best interest, they are your communication channel to the vendor. Always build rapport with the selling agent and be responsive, demonstrate that you are a motivated buyer, of integrity, and fully committed to the purchase should your offer be accepted.
Find out from the selling agent what the offer process is likely to be: is it, for example, a property that has a strong level of interest, and the selling agent anticipates it going to ‘best and final offers’ on a certain date, or, is it a property whereby the vendor would be open to a ‘take it off the table’ offer.
The strategy around negotiation will differ depending on the level of interest from other buyers.
The strategy on price will vary depending on whether you are buying a property as an investment, or as a home for you to enjoy. Whilst with the investment property it will largely come down to ROI, it is important to remember this is not the same equation when it comes to your home. Often I see buyers lose out on properties because they feel they ‘must’ save a certain % off the Guide Price, or want to feel they ‘got a deal’. A property is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, and what is seen as a feature attracting a premium to one buyer, due to how it will enhance the way they live in a home, may not be the same for another buyer. My key piece of advice to buyer’s is to take a step back and to ask: “what would you be prepared to lose it for”.
Negotiating on a purchase can get personal and the sense of ‘I want it on my terms’. But ask yourself whether a slight increase, over the lifetime of your enjoyment of the property, and possibly spread across a 20-year mortgage, is preferable to losing out on your perfect home.
It is key to set yourself that ceiling figure of ‘what would you be prepared to lose it for’. Where there are a number of interested parties, buyers can get caught up in the competitive desire to ‘win’ the offer race, with the sense being that if others want it so much, it must be for us. Remain true to what your needs are as a buyer, and your limit. Selling agents will also be mindful of the buyer who offers far in excess to secure a property that has lots of interest, and the risk that with time the buyer may feel they have overpaid and attempt to re-negotiate.
Finally, if you have got to a position whereby the vendor is unwilling to budge on price, consider negotiating on other terms such as any impressive fixtures and fitting, or being more flexible on a Completion date for example.
Negotiating isn’t about market stall style haggling. Preparation, timing, and acknowledging the human element of any house sale, is essential. In my experience the ‘happiest’ of transactions are where both buyer and seller feel that they have got a good deal, but equally each conceded in part. As a buyer ideally you want to be starting the new chapter in your new home on the right foot, rather than falling out of love with a property due to tense negotiations.
Whatever stage you are at in the search for your perfect home, I’d love to chat.
Lili Oliver
Consultants
Occupying a high-profile corner position at the junction of St Stephens Street and Clare Street, and just a stone’s throw from Corn Street, this striking property is located in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant commercial centre. A wide array of banks, building societies, restaurants, and bars are on the doorstep, making this a truly desirable business location.
Originally constructed in 1903 for the Scottish Provident Institution, this English Baroque-style building is a distinguished and well-recognised landmark in the city. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a prestigious freehold property in one of Bristol’s most established and central locations suitable for a variety of commercial uses.
• Freehold for sale with vacant possession
• Approximate NIA of 2,645 sq ft (245 sq m)
• Self contained with predominantly open plan floors
• Suitable for a range of different uses (STP)
Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk
Clothier Road, BS4 TO LET - £47,350 pax
4,987 sq ft (463.29 sq m)
A well located industrial unit benefitting from car parking to the front and yard space to the rear. The unit also benefits from office accommodation with welfare facilities.
St Mary’s Way, Thornbury TO LET - £16,000 pax
1,186 sq ft (110.23 sq m)
An exciting opportunity for a ground and first floor unit at The St Mary’s Centre in Thornbury. Situated under the busy covered passageway. Ample customer and staff parking on site.
Queens Road, BS8 TO LET – £19.50 psf
1,398 sq ft (129.87 sq m)
An attractive office suite located in this popular and prominent location on Queens Road in Clifton. Providing 3 floors of light and bright office accommodation. New lease available.
High Street, Kingswood FOR SALE – POA
1,254 sq ft (116.5 sq m)
Freehold for sale. Would suit owner occupier, developer or investor. Prominent corner position. Retail and offices available as a whole. Potential for residential conversion, subject to planning.
H2, Harlequin Office Park, BS16
TO LET - £19.50 PSF
3,068 – 11,045 sq ft (285 – 1,026 sq m)
An impressive substantial modern HQ office, located in a prominent position on the business park with the space being available over ground and first floors. On site car parking with EV charging points.
Park Street Avenue, BS1 TO LET - Quoting £40,000 pax
1,106 sq ft (102.75 sq m)
An exceptional venue located just off Park Street spread over ground, basement and mezzanine. The premises benefits from late night licensing and is a proven trading location.
East Street, Bedminster TO LET – POA
4,025 sq ft (373.93 sq m)
Large retail unit to let, with strong passing footfall on East Street. Class E-suitable for a variety of commercial uses.
Horseshoe Lane, Thornbury TO LET - £17,500 PA
1,032 sq ft (95.87 sq m)
A bright and airy ground floor commercial unit with glazed frontage at St Mary’s Shopping Centre in Thornbury. New lease.
Whiteladies Road, Clifton TO LET – POA
11,984 sq ft (1,113.31 sq m)
A high quality HQ office which has been upgraded to a high standard, providing very good quality office space with a light and contemporary feel. Ample on site car parking.
Henleaze House, TO LET (May Sell) – POA
2,104 – 4,546sq ft (196 - 422.5 sq m)
A self contained property over twofloors currently in use as offices,but benefiting from use Class E — therefore suitable for a wide range of different uses to include office, medical, leisure etc.
Clifton, Bristol | Guide Price £2,250,000
A superb circa 5,000 sq. ft. semi-detached family house, available for the first time in four decades situated on a quiet and highly desirable road, boasting a wide lateral footprint, gardens, side access, and off-street parking. First time to market in over four and a half decades | Elegant semi-detached six-bedroom Victorian townhouse spanning circa 5,000 sq. ft | Gated off-street parking | South-west-facing front garden with side access to a rear garden | Impressive lower ground floor accommodation with independent access to a kitchen, breakfast room, family room, store and utility room | Grand formal reception and dining rooms featuring ornate detailing and period fireplaces | Principal bedroom suite complemented by six further bedrooms, additional bathrooms, and ample storage | Offers a unique opportunity for sympathetic refurbishment and modernisation throughout on one of Clifton’s most sought-after roads | Offered with a complete onward chain | EPC: D In
By Peter Greatorex, Managing Director, Peter Greatorex Unique Homes
Over the past 25 years, the property market has changed beyond recognition. Advances in technology have transformed not only how we market and sell homes, but also how buyers think, browse, and ultimately make decisions, and I believe we are still only at the beginning of what is possible. I wanted to share some of the ways I have found technology to be genuinely beneficial, because I think it tells an important story as to how we can embrace change without losing our core values.
One of the biggest shifts has been the rise of social media. Today, almost everyone is active on at least one platform, whether that is Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn. For us, it is not just about visibility, it is about finding the right buyer and getting the right property in front of them, sometimes before they even realise they are looking. This idea of a “chance purchase” is becoming increasingly common.
We have seen a significant rise in engagement and enquiries from social media platforms, far beyond what the traditional portals like Rightmove can achieve, which tend to cater to buyers already in active search mode. There is also a passive market out there: people who are not necessarily looking but are still open to inspiration. A recent paid social post we ran generated over 160,000 views, something that simply would not have been possible 25 years ago.
That said, I still believe in the value of print. Some high-quality publications remain trusted by our client base, and magazine advertising still plays a vital role for those who prefer to browse something tangible. In the same way, for many of our homes, we still create beautifully designed brochures, usually between 8 and 24 pages, printed in small batches and left at the property for viewings. There is something special about being able to take away a high-quality, physical reminder of a home you have just visited. It helps reflect the care and quality that has gone into both the marketing and the home itself and often helps in the decision-making process later on. In a world where so much is now digital, that kind of thoughtful detail really stands out and in my experience buyers still appreciate it.
Another shift has been the move away from relying on big-name agencies. Today, it is more about the individual behind the service, it is about trust, fit, and personal connection. I often meet sellers who consider large agencies out of habit or security, but increasingly, they realise that size is less important than the quality of service. Thanks to digital marketing and social platforms, there is now a level playing field when it comes to reaching buyers.
In fact, independent agencies like ours can often offer a more personal, tailored experience. With us, you deal with one close-knit team from start to finish, often directly with me. We offer everything from bespoke marketing and PR to professional home staging. Ultimately, when the business carries your name, there is every motivation to deliver the highest standard of service at every stage.
Technology has also changed the way we present properties. Drone photography, for instance, has made a huge difference, especially for homes with beautiful grounds or countryside settings. Aerial images can showcase the full scale and layout of a home in a way standard eye-level photos cannot.
I am also a big believer in video walk-throughs. These allow buyers to get a real sense of the home before they even step through the door, which means that by the time they come for a viewing, they are already seriously interested. That makes the process much more focused and productive.
Finally, I cannot conclude a piece about technology without discussing the currently most talked-about topic, artificial intelligence (AI). We are now embracing the use of AI behind the scenes, particularly when it comes to getting homes ready for sale. AI helps us gather the necessary documents and information quickly, so properties are properly prepared from the outset. It saves time and can even speed up the entire transaction process. We also use a tool on our website that gives buyers practical insights before they visit, covering local schools, amenities, broadband speeds, and mobile coverage.
All of this makes the process smoother, quicker, and more informed. But even with all these tools, one thing has not changed: the importance of human connection. Especially in the premium market, buyers and sellers still want a trusted agent, someone who understands their needs, can guide negotiations with care, and has in-depth knowledge of the local area.
That is the part of the job I value most and it is why I believe technology should support great service, not replace it. At Peter Greatorex Unique Homes, we are proud to embrace the latest innovations, but always with one goal in mind: to deliver the very best experience for our clients.
Saville Court, Saville Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4EJ 0117 325 2600 | info@petergreatorex.co.uk www.petergreatorex.co.uk
OIEO £1,700,000
NEW INSTRUCTION NEW INSTRUCTION
Set within the prestigious Woodland Estate, Valley view is an exceptional contemporary home offering space, luxury, and breathtaking surroundings.
• 5 bedrooms, 4 luxury bathrooms, contemporary kitchen/dining room
• Exceptional living accommodation of 4,768 sq. ft
• EPC rating B
OIEO £1,100,000
Occupying an enviable elevated position in the desirable village of Shipham, this exquisite five-bedroom detached family home offers panoramic views.
• Fully renovated to an exceptional standard with high-end finishes throughout (2024).
• Light-filled open-plan kitchen/ living area with vaulted ceiling
• 5 bedrooms including 2 with en suite shower rooms
• Somerset Council, Band G
• Energy-efficient with EPC rating
OIEO £1,650,000
An elegant period country residence in the heart of this popular village, with beautiful lawned gardens, an orchard and breathtaking views of Blagdon Lake and the hills beyond.
• 5 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms, open plan kitchen/dining/family room
• Two further reception rooms
OIEO £950,000
• Separate 2 storey annexe with kitchenette, WC and separate heating system
A spectacular 3 bedroom penthouse apartment with panoramic views over Bristol Harbourside.
• Five-minute walk to Harbourside; 15 minutes to Temple Meads
• Panoramic views over city, river, and Ashton Court
• Wrap-around terrace perfect for dining and entertaining
• On-site concierge, gym, restaurants, and secure undercroft parking for 2 cars
• Bristol Council, Band F
• EPC rating C
NEW INSTRUCTION
OIEO £850,000
NEW INSTRUCTION
A spacious and versatile 1930s 4 bedroomed, detached family home with exceptional countryside views in nearly an acre of grounds.
• Light-filled interiors with bay windows, wood-burning stove, and modern finishes
• Self-Contained 2 bedroom Annexe
• EPC rating tbc. Somerset Council, Band G
OIEO £675,000
A charming four-bedroom bungalow, quietly situated off a private road in the heart of Blagdon Village.
• Modern open-plan kitchen/dining room and separate utility
• Four double bedrooms and Modern shower room with walk-in shower
• Wrap-around mature garden with driveway parking
• EPC rating C, Somerset Council, Band D
