We’re going out out
It’s our al fresco manifesto
Just add ice, ice baby
Cool cocktails by cooler bartenders
Absolutely fabulous
The improbable life of Henry Cyril Paget
Soul man
Luke Hasell, reinventing the rural festival
Pasta la vista
Dining at Ragù
Ranch dressing
Western inspiration
The Gromits are back (and they’ve got company)
Boats, balloons, birds, a bottle of something cool, and, if you happen to be standing in the right place at the right time, snatches of Bristol Sounds drifting across the harbour. It’s late June, it’s peak Bristol, and we’re calling it: those two letters at the start of your postcode now stand for Bristol Summer.
We’re so in the zone that we’re thinking of claiming the Gambas terrace table shown left as our office desk between now and September – we’re more than happy to keep the fino and tortitas coming on a rolling tab. It’s just one of the 30+ venues featured in our al fresco dining feature, which begins on page 12 and stretches in a leisurely, Aperol-infused haze all the way to page 25, albeit with a few ads in between, because without those there’d be no Bristol Life guides at all – just imagine! You’d have to stick a pin in the map, and who knows where you’d end up.
Another thing we like to run at this time of year are summer cocktail recipes. Sounds an easy feature to put together? Try explaining to bartenders, ensconced in their lavishly stocked bars, that we don’t all have stuff like pandan leaves, blue cheese syrup and bottled unicorn tears in our larders. To be fair, the guys have reined in the weirdness this year, and their recipes are as accessible as they’re enticing.
We’re not sure which drink pairs best with cowboy boots – straight Tito’s, probably – but we do know Western style is everywhere this summer, thanks to Taylor Sheridan’s everexpanding TV universe, the Cowboy Carter tour and the general revival of boho. We can’t help you if you’re yearning for Queen Bey’s silver spangles and fringes, but if you’re after a more muted ranch vibe, turn to page 64. To enter the spirit of the thing I’ve risked ridicule by donning a cowgirl hat myself; I’m hoping it evokes Beth Dutton rather than hen party. Please don’t disabuse me if it’s the latter. Thank you so much.
DERI ROBINS Bristol Life editor @BristolLifeMag
ON THE COVER GU3. No, it’s not a climate conference
6 TAILS OF THE UNEXPECTED (Though to be fair, only two of them have tails)
28 WHAT’S ON Mostly outdoorsy stuff, it being the time of year
32 THEATRE The absolutely fabulous Henry Paget
36 BRISTOL HEROES New-waving, not drowning 40 BOOKS A queer-reading summer
43
Ducks and drakes
12 AL FRESCO We’re going out out
44 RESTAURANT We’ve identified the it-restaurant of the Bristol summer; you’re welcome
46 FOOD & DRINK Soul man Luke Hasell’s new fest
50 SUMMER COCKTAILS Ice, ice baby
55 CAFÉ SOCIETY 2B. It’s at number 13A
57 WINE It’s fresh; exciting
82 BRISTOL LIVES Katy Kennedy of Spirited
Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore, Storysmith Books, Charlie Taylor Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Charlotte Mace-Pettittcharlotte.mace-pettitt@mediaclash.co.uk Business development
Jessica Ashleyjessica.ashley@mediaclash.co.uk Production/operations manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash. co.uk Bristol Life MediaClash, Media House, 1 Widcombe Parade, Bath, BA2 4JT. tel: 01225 475800; www.mediaclash.co.uk. @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash. We’re a West Country-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser
and
GROMIT, WALLACE AND FEATHERS ARE RETURNING TO BRISTOL’S STREETS – AND THIS YEAR THEY’RE NOT ALONE
It’s known in the trade as the GU3, which admittedly sounds like a climate summit but in fact stands for Gromit Unleashed Three.
Although it’s the third GU, it’s the fourth Bristol trail from local harity he rand eal he first, in , as entirely romitfo used a se ond one in added s ul tures of Walla e along ith everyone’s favourite avian bad guy, eathers M ra n they brought us Shaun in the City; there was also a Shaun trail in ondon a h time, a fresh set of figures as moulded, designed and painted by artists, studios and celebrities. The trails run throughout the summer months, ith the figures being au tioned off in the autumn
This year, following the recent release of Aardman’s latest feature film Vengeance Most Fowl, new character Norbot the smart gnome joins the W regulars here’s also an overall theme, ith designs ri ng on films, legends, boo s and other tales in e , romit nleashed has generated more than million for The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity and Cots for Tots, the dedicated charity for the neonatal intensive care ward at t Mi hael’s os ital What started as a one-off s ul ture trail more than a de ade ago has no evolved into a mu h-loved brand, s anning
olle table figurines and gift are, a ma or online and in-store retail outlet at The Mall Cribbs Causeway, and multiple trails, exhibitions, events, auctions, and activities across the world.The money raised provides direct support for sick and critically ill children and their families, funding life-saving medi al e ui ment, groundbrea ing resear h, family accommodation, and art, music and play programmes.
HOW TO CATCH ’EM ALL
he s ul tures ill be la ed around ristol and the surrounding area bet een une- ugust, giving you lenty of time to ti them off your spotters’ list; there’s a trail map to help you, while a dedicated app lets you track your progress, discover fun facts about each sculpture, and unlock rewards on the go.
o, that’s the need-to- no no turn the age to see a fe of the s ul tures they’ve lined u for us this year, and here to find them ig ongratulations to he rand eal this year mar s years of raising money for the hildren’s hos ital, and the th anniversary of its partnership with Aardman Animations. For more www.grandappeal.org.uk
...and the one EVERYONE’s talking about... is this Yellow Submarine Gromit, by Paul McCartney, which you’ll find at the wonderfully location-specific The Wave!
Eyes right for our 2025 al-fresco manifesto
Words by Deri Robins
We’re not completely delusional. We know it’s not always dry, hot and sunny in Bristol; in fact there are times when we’ve contemplated gathering up two of every animal and relocating to an ark. But brighter days surely lie ahead, and when they do, we want to make sure we’re al-fresco-ready. Remember, everything tastes better when it’s eaten and drunk outdoors, so even if it’s blowing a fresh 35-knot gale we’re heading on out and staking our place on the terrace, because it’s July and we know our rights.
his summer ou’ll mostl find us at . . .
Sharing a more or less identical harbour view with the entry below, this unexpectedly Art Deco café-bar brings a dash of uropean air to the cit the sundeck situated on the water’s edge; perfect for a sundowner
Why we love it: It’s the perfect day-to-night venue. rab a coffee during our commute park up and work for an hour or two; grab a hearty sandwich for lunch, or a charcuterie board and cocktail in the evening. They also host live jazz bands.
What are we having?: Nothing says summer like an Aperol Spritz and a shared cheese board. So, yeah, probably, that.
In case you didn’t know: This is the home of Design West, the charity which promotes and facilitates the design of better places.
www.designwest.org.uk/cafe-bar
This corner of Harbourside is so iconic it has its own social hashtag, outsidefini. One of the best places to admire the waterfront action is the rnolfini af ar run by Bristol Beer Factory, where the tented awning over the sun terrace shrugs indifferentl at the threat of a shower. Why not mosey into the gallery to see one of the fascinating, free exhibitions before or after your visit?
Why we love it: It’s summer in Bristol on a stick.
What are we having?: The all-day brunch, with its strongl editerranean avour we’re fanc ing the sobrasada ciabatta with chorizo paté, fried eggs, manchego and honey. And now we bet you are too. Cute!: There’s a special kids’ menu, with a little Bristol scene they can colour in.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/cafe-bar
MAINIMAGE: The best seafood tapas in the city hogs one of its best waterfront terraces: Gambas INSET: #Outsidefini-ing at Arnolfini Café Bar
The historic hotel was reinvented with typical élan by the Hotel du Vin group, but to be honest, because of *that* view we’d go even if it was a Harvester. Tell us more about *that* view: The vast terrace virtually hangs over the Avon Gorge, with the Suspension Bridge supplying picture-postcard interest.
What are we having?: It’s a tough choice, but the rose harissa chicken brochette with grilled aubergine, pickled red cabbage dukkah and pomegranate is making a persuasive case to us right now.
Our tip: Bag a table as close to the edge of the terrace as possible; though you’ve probably thought of that already. Fun fact: officers used to toast newl ualified pilots from here as the ew under the bridge. on’t tr this yourself, kids! www.theavongorgehotel.com
This tiny Michelin Bib Gourmand Modern British restaurant is a favourite both with devoted regulars and fellow chefs. t’s a husband and wife affair, with lliott idstone in the open kitchen and manager ess offering her famously warm welcome in the dining room. The secluded terrace up in the canopy of the Wapping Wharf trees is shaded by a canvas stretch tent, with a corner position offering perfect harbour views.
What’s the vibe?: ood times it back and let lliott and Tess take care of all your needs, from icy drinks to seasonal summery dishes.
Bristol’s OG Spanish tapas bar, and the first restaurant from eason aste, is as authentic as they come this side of Andalucia. The little restaurant spills out onto covered tables on the pedestrianised street; if you don’t want to make the full al-fresco commitment you can perch at the indoor counter next to opened bifold windows. What we’re having: The menu changes daily, but think classic
Like Cantina, this restaurant from eason aste is e ican avoured, with a suntrap terrace ideal for Whiteladies Road people-watching. One for kitchen-kit nerds: Head chef Sean Martin derives huge geeky joy from his tortilla machine, which he specially imported from Mexico, and his custom-made grill by Firemade. Tell us about the food, amigos: The regularly changing sharing menu puts its own spin on traditional Mexican cooking. e uila and me cal rule the
drinks menu, and ou won’t find us complaining.
Tempt us with a dish or two: Like we say, it changes regularly, but the likes of charred hispi cabbage with chipotle butter, market fish with peanut salsa, ereford sirloin with mango and uroc Tomahawk pork chop with salsa verde hopefully gives you a taste.
Fun fact: hen fitting out the restaurant, the team discovered a hole-in-the-wall room that they’ve now converted into a mezcal den. As you do. www.condesabristol.co.uk
tapas such as tuna belly tostadas, bo uerones, ussian salad, tortilla de patatas, Pardina lentils with walnut and goat’s cheese, and we’re definitel not missing the famous fried aubergines in molasses. hall we finish with an de café, and a glass of sherry before we hit the road?
What we love: It’s so atmospheric, with the relaxed atmosphere of a bar, but top ualit restaurant food. www.bravas.co.uk
We’re having: The seven-course tasting menu, which is at £59 per person is a snip for such elevated cooking.
Fun fact: The cooking is based around their “shit-hot stove – a snazzy solid top we’ve named Sandra”. www.boxebristol.com
Canteen-style bar and terrace with live music and locally sourced food, with a large terrace out the front.
We love that: It’s hidden away from the hubbub and grunge of Stokes Croft by greenery. It’s perfect for pints and plates in the sunshine.
What we’re having: The all-veggie menu highlights seasonal produce – at the moment we’re loving the sweet’n’sour tempeh burger, slaw, confit garlic alioli and pickled jalapenos.
Growth industry: At certain times of the year, they have rhubarb, plums and even grapes growing outside.
Street-art spotter’s guide: It’s in full view of Banksy’s Mild Mild West mural.
www.canteenbristol.co.uk
“If you don’t want to make the full al-frescocommitment, you can perch at the indoor counter next to open bifold windows”
The original Paintworks branch has now been sold to Loungers, but Mel and Paul Eavis still have their second one in the old industrial heart of the city. Bocabar Finzels has a gorgeous outside terrace with a piazza-meets-festival vibe; a large fairylit stretch tent at the far end of the terrace provides the perfect sheltered outdoor ‘room’ with a capacity for up to 50/60 people, making it a top private-hire party option. The rest of the outdoor space offers a generous covers under strings of festoon lights and large heated jumbrellas. We love: The generous size makes this a special find in the cit centre. able service e tends outdoors, while the casual dining menus of sharing plates, lunch specials and the famous Boca pizzas are (quite literally) summer dining on a plate, with loads of choice. ike, .
What are we having?: One (or both) of the new pizzas: Camaralho (prawns, chilli and garlic butter, sweetcorn, parmesan and oregano) and/ or esto o uffalo mo arella, aubergine, roasted mi ed peppers, artichoke hearts on a pesto base, topped with rocket and candied walnuts). Their new weekl specials are also ing out of the kitchen, including garlic and lime prawn and mango tacos and a crisp smoked trout fishcake topped with soy pickled egg. Oh and don’t miss the new oca gelatos the tiramisu avour needs to be on your summer tasting list. Fun fact: Bocabar has a cool, festival vibe, perhaps unsurprisingly given that its co-owners are related to the great Michael Eavis. And no, before you ask, they can’t get you a bloody Glastonbury ticket. www.bristol.bocabar.co.uk
One of two restaurants run by the Season+Taste group at Cargo, the other being Gambas. The terrace is ideal for grabbing anything from a drink and snack to a full feast of nachos and tacos; there are heaters and blankets if it turns parky, though the spicy cooking will keep you warm. We love: The food, which is real-deal Mexican, not TexMex. In the spirit of street taco stalls, dishes are sent out when they’re ready, and served in the centre of the table. We’re having: Loaded nachos, chicharrones and sharing tacos, washed down with one of five margaritas. ive count ’em.
Fun fact: It’s inspired by the authentic cantinas of Mexico, once forbidden to women, children and men in police or military uniform, where hombres drank around the bar and tucked into botanas (bar snacks). In modern Bristol, though, even female cops are warmly welcomed. www.cargocantina.co.uk
argo favourite, with a seafood focused menu, spot on wine selection and charming staff. he authentic Spanish tapas pair perfectly with an outdoor spot on a sunny day; the partially covered terrace catches the sun and offers the best view over the Bristol Riviera.
Tempt us with the current menu: fter rhubarb and clementine sangria we’re digging into the classic tapas. We may share the signature Valencian rice with octopus, and we’re definitel finishing with the goxua – a Basque caramel sponge cake drenched in sabo an sauce, which we firml believe to be one of the best desserts in Bristol. Sounds as good as it tastes: If you visit during Bristol Sounds, you’ll catch snatches of the music drifting across the water to your table. Fun fact: Tapa just means ‘top’, and harks back to when simple snacks such as bread, jamon and cheese were placed over drinks to stop the ies getting in. We admire the priorities implied here. Going anywhere nice for your holidays?: Yes, Gambas. Order a snack of tortita de camarones and a sherry and you’ll be instantly transported to the caleta bar in Cadiz. www.gambasbristol.co.uk
Wine bar and kitchen run by the Bianchis family, with a few outside tables. If you’ve managed to pass Ripiena without being reeled in by the sight of the food and drink, you’ll probably succumb at this point. What’s the food like?: The kind nonna makes; simple home cooking inspired by the joy of sharing a hearty meal. We’re having: The casarecce cacio e
pepe, if it’s on. Or maybe the bucatini with seafood bisque. Maybe both? What else do we love?: The Bianchis’ top-notch service and amazing value; even the most expensive lunch dish here is £10. Good to know: Cotto’s aim is to build a sustainable business model which co-exists with ongoing charitable work in the community. www.cottowinebarandkitchen.co.uk
GRAIN BARGE
Hotwell Road
The only thing better than dining on the waterfront is dining on an actual boat. The top deck has the best views; from here, you can gaze over to the ss GB and lazily watch all the small boats and otillas as the sun goes down. What’s the foodie deal?: The menu of sustainable seafood and greens includes small plates and ive cre arm pies; leave room for the legendary sticky milk stout pudding.
We love that: You can travel to Grain Barge by boat or paddleboard, or indeed an other oating vehicle; just moor up outside and hop on up. www.grainbarge.com
A restaurant, bar and terrace located within a lofty, vaulted wood-beamed Grade-II boatshed, built by Brunel while he was working on a certain nearby bridge. The covered balcony is right on the waterfront.
We love: The prettily garlanded outdoor tented roof of the terrace, and its astroturf carpet.
How about the food?: The menu champions the best seasonal produce and suppliers from the South West, with emphasis on the finest seafood the region has to offer. heck out the new Fishmonger’s Lunch, which for only £15 celebrates the South West ocean’s bounty, bringing the best of the coast straight to your plate.
Don’t mind if we do: We’re keen to try the Ferrero Rocher cocktail : 6 o’clock London Dry Gin, kahlúa, frangelico and cream
Fun fact: anks held his first hometown e hibition in the boatshed back in . ongratulations if ou managed to snap up an original work, which you can now swap for a down pa ment on a arbourside penthouse at. www.hhbristol.com
The kind of bar you stumble across on a European mini-break, but instead of being at the end of an EasyJet ight it’s right here in . he dream garden terrace is ideal for whiling away the long summer evenings with some bloody good wine, local beer, and tasty cheese, charcuterie and bar snacks. There’s also a canopy in case, god forbid, we see any rain.
We love: hat it’s like a little bodega right here in , and that as well as the usuals (France, Italy, Spain), you can try wine from the likes of Uruguay, Bulgaria and even Brazil. These guys know what they’re doing. Turn to page 57 if you don’t believe us. www.kaskwine.co.uk
“Merely watching the swimmers burns calories, so you can always have pudding”
he onl place in ristol where ou can dine right ne t to a Grade-II Victorian outdoor lido; you can also, though you don’t have to, book for a swim. The huge glass doors in the restaurant slide fully open, and tables spill out to line the poolside.
What’s the foodie deal?: The strong Mediterranean feel of the all-day menu adds to the holiday atmosphere, while the open kitchen, blazing Italian clay oven and bespoke charcoal grill all contribute to the drama. hoose from the sharing small plates, or mains such as charcoal grilled Iberico pork bavette, or ricotta malfatti with violet artichokes.
Worth noting that: Merely watching the swimmers burns calories*, so you can always have pudding.
(*Unsubstantiated) www.lidobristol.com
Baldwin Street
Owner-run restaurant and wine bar with a Michelin Bib Gourmand menu; the Europeanstyle tables sit in dappled sunshine on the corner of Baldwin Street and St Stephen’s. The relaxed, peaceful setting makes it ideal for popping in for a glass of wine and a couple of small plates, or a leisurely feast with friends.
We love that: A meal here always feels like we’re on a mini-break.
What’s the foodie deal?: concise talian in uenced menu guided by seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and an extensive natural wine list. The menu changes frequently, but stalwarts are gnocco fritto, burrata, freshly rolled pasta, and ice-cream or sorbet churned to order.
Top tip: There’s a bargainous weekday two-course set lunch of £26; three for £29.
Handy to know: The handful of terrace seats are reserved for walk-ins, so arrive early to avoid disappointment and to catch the best rays. www.marmo.restaurant
Restaurant and bar with waterside seating right in the city centre, with an easy-like-Sunday-morning vibe.
What’s the foodie deal?: Weekend brunch is always great, or come in the evening for the stacked burgers and sunset cocktails.
Top tip: “Come early, stay late. We’ve got live music on the weekends.”
We love the fact that: You can travel by Bristol Ferry from the dock. www.no1harbourside.co.uk
ristol institution, and ahead of its time when we first launched this magazine in 2004 it was the only restaurant in the city serving tapas. (We think; prove us wrong.) It had a major refurb, reopening in 2021.
What’s the food like?: Rustic Mediterranean tapas; fresh Cornish seafood and organic, locally sourced produce, wines and drinks. The new summer menu is due to launch any day now.
We’re having: The £35 feasting menu, with nine lovely tapas, starters and burnt basque cheesecake with PX-soaked prunes.
We also love that: Set a little way away from the Wapping Wharf scrum, it still has perfect views across the harbour to Lloyds Amphitheatre. www.theoliveshed.com
Bristol Seafood Week debuted last summer, and everyone liked it so much they’re doing it all again. Founded by the ubiquitous Josh Eggleton, the week-long calendar of dinners, talks, demos and menus is designed to celebrate sustainable British seafood; yet more top Bristol restaurants and chefs have come on board this year, with many introducing special dishes to their menu for the duration. The fest is also hosting a three-day pop-up seafood haven under a stretch tent on Harbourside, with long dining tables, a buzzing Bristol Beer Factory bar, a demo kitchen, live music, and a seafood emporium.
We suggest booking for: he aturda night five course seafood ban uet cooked by some of the best chefs in the South West, including Josh, Pete Sanchez, Rob Howell, Seldon Curry and Hannah Catley. Or try the Rising Stars feast on Friday 11th, at which local young guns show they’re just as handy in the kitchen as the all-stars.
Bristol Seafood Week runs 7-12 July; www.bristolseafoodweek.co.uk
The jewel in Old Market’s crown, with a lovely hidden roof terrace. We love: The eclectic, laidback, welcome-all-comers vibe. It’s a bar, a café, a restaurant, a music venue; there’s even an in-the-round theatre, The Wardrobe, out the back.
What’s the vibe?: Sunshine and sunsets, laidback drinks on the roof. Look out for: The tasting events, such as the recent four-course menu paired with English wines.
Top tip: Come at 5pm to make the most of the cocktail happy hour. www.oldmarketassembly.co.uk
Josh and Holly Eggleton’s esteemed pubrestaurant has had a massive refurb in recent years, adding a new orangery-style dining space and upstairs cookery school to the atmospheric old pub. Gardeners tend the vegetable gardens and orchards which supply the kitchen with much of its produce, and there are beehives, too. The new dining room is walled by huge glass folding doors which open onto a terrace with views over the gardens and Chew Valley; there you can sit and dine as the food grows just feet away from your plate.
Tell us about the food: In summer the fruit and veg borders come into their own, with dishes such as courgette tart, while every table will receive a garden salad picked fresh that morning here’s al ays a fish dish
on, such as crab risotto or whole Cornish brill with sea herbs, and there’s the swirling of local Cheddar strawberries into fools, mousses and choux pastries. Every Saturday during summer there’s afternoon tea with devilled eggs, salmon, pickled polytunnel cucumber, almond and orange entremets, and scones with clotted cream. Add a glass of Gusbourne Blanc de Blanc and you’ve just found your summertime sweet spot. After a bargain?: The midweek threecourse menu is just £28.
Our tip: Build in a little time to mosey around the kitchen gardens.
Did you know?: The restaurant held a Michelin Star for many years, only ‘losing’ it due to the refigurement of the ony t’ll probably earn itself a new one, though it’s not something they actively pursue. www.theponychewvalley.co.uk
One of two small restaurants owned by the Bianchis group on this road (see also Cotto, page 16). You can’t pass the outdoor tables without sitting down to order at least one Aperol; it’s the law.
What’s the food like?: ipiena means filled’, so e pect lots of stuffed pasta dishes.
We’re having: The cappelletti of crab and ricotta, and datterini toms, followed by ravioli of crème fraiche and capers . Or the mezzalune of delica pumpkin and pine nuts, when it’s on.
We love it for: The perfect cooking paired with e ceptional wines, and hospitalit elevated to an art form. www.pastaripiena.co.uk
The biggest in the Bianchis portfolio, Pazzo has several tables out front to ma imise the elusive ra s of ristol sun. What’s the foodie deal? Ben Harvey and Dom Borel have pla ed around with a few different concepts since they opened two years ago, but recently they’ve gone back to an old-school cantina-style menu at crazy-good prices; lunch for two courses is £16, three for £19.
What we’re having: We’re thinking the fritto misto de mare, followed by aubergine parmigiana and ending with tiramisu – you?
We love: The gallery of black-and-white photos on the walls, showing the family’s favourite Bristol heroes: “the dreamers, the doers, the givers who have shaped Bristol’s vibrant hospitality world”. But then we would, wouldn’t we?
www.pazzobristol.co.uk
Harbourside cocktail bar which transports you to a glamorous bygone era; right on the waterfront, the terrace is the perfect place to en o a perfectl poured cocktail while people-watching or engaging in long conversations with friends. Or, we guess, if you really want to get into the Casablanca spirit, singing La Marseillaise. What’s on the menu?: Brunch, lunch and late-night small plates.
We love that: Rick’s always makes us feel as if we’re Ingrid Bergman in a crisp linen suit and a wide-brimmed hat. Yes, even the guys.
Fun fact: Created in collaboration with local distillery Psychopomp, Rick’s gin takes avours from classic drinks inspired b the golden age of oll wood perfect either in a signature serve or a crisp G&T. www.doylecollection.com
The sunny tables out front of the pub are perfect for a quick pint and a bit of people-watching, and there’s a big, tucked-away garden round the back that’s full of greenery. “It’s a proper little hideaway, ideal for long lunches and laid-back evenings”, they say.
What are we having?: We’re sharing plates of River Teign mussels in cider, birria pork atbread, and gochu ang fried squid, before diving into Cornish skate wing with brown butter and panzanella. Or maybe the Hunter’s Chicken Schnitzel loaded up with bacon am, house sauce and melty mozzarella..
Top tip: There are boutiquey bedrooms to stay in, so there’s no need for a delegated driver.
We love that: There’s a real village charm to ueen’s friendl faces, seasonal food and a bu ing atmosphere, whether you’re stopping by for a drink or settling in for the night. www.thequeenschewmagna.co.uk
This new kid on the al fresco block has also bagged one of the best al fresco spots in the city – the big rooftop terraces in Cargo 2.
What are we having? : ou can find out e actl what we had on page 44. We plan to return very soon to eat all the rest.
We knew it would be good because: It’s from the same crew who own and run Cor in Bedminster.
Handy to know: You can come in for the full Monty (or, we guess, the full a imino or ust perch at the bar and order a slice of tiramisu and a glass of vermouth. www.ragurestaurant.com
While you’ll generally get a good veggie choice at all but the heartiest meat restaurants in Bristol, Root is the obvious choice for lovers of all things plant-based. Tell us about the food: here are a few fish choices, and meat seems to have made a one-course return recently, but it’s overwhelmingly about the veggie small plates. These are always wildly imaginative and interesting –we’re talking kohlrabi with sorrel yoghurt, lovage and smoked rapeseed; arrocina beans with red pepper and hazelnuts; hispi cabbage with tahini, and pickled red cabbage and dukkah, and ewes curd dumplings. Good to know: This forward-thinking restaurant heavily champions local suppliers and producers. www.rootbristol.co.uk
The Spotted Cow has one of the largest pub gardens in Bristol; it can seat over a hundred people outside and in the height of summer it takes on a festival feel. It gets the sun from the morning right through until the last point of the evening, and gardener Dan has made the space beautiful with a lovely choice of plants and shrubs.
What’s on the menu?: It changes every day depending on the seasons and the produce delivered that day; but in the summer expect more salad-based dishes to be added to the ualit gastropub offering and the famous Sunday lunch.
We love that: , Recently they’ve planted a wild ower bed in con unction with avas drinks and the den ro ect to encourage bees to pollinate. www.thespottedcowbristol.com
The W&T beer garden is a bit of a gem. A suntrap tucked away in the heart of an Old Market industrial estate, it’s a beautiful, leaf spot filled with long communal tables, a stretch tent for shade, and a buzzy atmosphere; it’s the kind of place you come for one drink, and end up staying all afternoon. What’s pouring?: This summer, they’re leaning
Raleigh Road
A BS3 mecca, with loads of sunny outdoor space and a marquee covering part of the garden. It’s famously family- and dog-friendly, with great veggie and vegan food made from local produce, much of it from their Five Acre Farm in Backwell. Things slow down on Sundays with a brunch menu, market and the ard ar serving vegan donuts and coffee.
Tell us about the food: Breakfast classics run alongside BBQ buns; from noon, mains range from small plates to pies.
Look out for: The Mazi seasonal plates; 20p from each one sold is donated to the a i ro ect, supporting marginalised ear olds through food.
We love: ood ruck rida s, held pm on the first rida of the month between now and September – street food, DJs and brewery spotlights also run all summer.
www.tobaccofactory.com/cafe-bar
Just off the Feeder Road you’ll find one of Bristol’s biggest suntraps. Best known for hosting huge club events and gigs, Prospect has opened its courtyard for their summer Courtyard Socials, bringing local street food, beers and DJs to the space every Friday and Saturday. Grab a pizza from Pizzarova and a pint from Lost & Grounded for just a tenner and sit back and soak up the vibes.
www.prospect.org.uk
into the fun and super-refreshing, with a rotating list of limited-edition seasonal beers, from citrussy pale ales to crisp, Germanstyle lagers. One of Wiper and True’s most-loved fruity radlers is also making a comeback. There’s a top-tier summer cocktail menu too, including frozen cocktail slushies.
How about the food?: Squeezed serve up their next-level, award-winning burgers from a bright yellow Airstream. One for the diary: Look out for the Summer Sessions –a three-month run of free parties every Friday night with a line-up curated by Bristol legends Worm Disco Club. It’s the perfect after-work hang out. www.wiperandtrue.com
Practically anywhere in CARGO
We’ve singled out a few places in the main bit of the feature, but there’s so much more to discover – nearly 30 places to eat and drink, in all – and each one has at least a tiny bit of outdoor space. From fish and chips at Salt & Malt to Indian street food at Bandook, classic French dishes at Lapin, burgers and dogs, pizza and gelato, all al-fresco foodie life is here.
www.wappingwharf.co.uk
27 June18 July 2025
Until 29 June
TAPESTRY OF BLACK BRITONS
The laudable aim is to amplify an inclusive historical narrative which serves as a platform for community remembrance, while building awareness that Black British history is ritish histor . t rnolfini arnolfini.org.uk
Until 30 June
WOMEN IN PRINT
A new collection of prints by art world big-hitters Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, Bridget Riley and Agnes Martin; at Hidden; hiddengallery.co.uk
Until 6 July
CONNECTING THREADS
re ective e hibition of meditative rhythms and intricate mappings by four Academicians connected by their use of the drawn, painted and sewn line; At RWA, rwa.org.uk
Until 13 July
FRAMERATE:
PULSE OF THE EARTH
Spread across multiple screens and taking over the whole Undershed gallery is this haunting and meditative immersive artwork by ScanLAB Projects. Pieced together from thousands of daily 3D timelapse scans, the unique portrait of the ritish landscape in u tells
a story of great change caused by human industry and the immense forces of nature. watershed.co.uk
Until 27 July
JESSICA ASHMAN: THOSE THAT DO NOT SMILE WILL KILL ME
Subtitled Decolonising Jamaican Flora; a new installation which challenges perceptions around nature, botanical knowledge and who owns Earth’s rich natural resources. At Bristol Museum, bristolmuseums.org.uk
Until 12 August
SOFT POWER
Lives told through textile art, highlighting how cloth can play a unique role in telling our stories. At RWA, rwa.org.uk
Until 7 September
DONALD LOCKE: RESISTANT FORMS
he first ma or surve e hibition of the Guyanese artist, featuring ceramics evoking human and natural forms, mixed-media sculptures and more. Spike Island, spikeisland.org.uk
Until 28 September
DANA AWARTANI
Dana’s work is steeped in historical and visual references from Islamic and Arab art-making traditions, honouring traditional craft making techni ues. rnolfini arnolfini.org.uk
SAHARA LONGE
Following her 2024 exhibition Sugar, where nudes were intimately enclosed within Symbolist imagery, Sahara returns to the clothed figure, capturing eeting moments and the anon mit of the city against richly coloured backdrops. rnolfini arnolfini.org.uk
Until 12 October
GENDER STORIES
hallenging rigid definitions and binary narratives, examining the uid, multifaceted world of gender across cultures, eras and personal experiences. At Bristol Museum, bristolmuseums.org.uk
Until 23 November
BRISTOL PRIDE X MARTIN PARR
The legendary photojournalist showcases a retrospective of photos taken at the annual Pride festival. Bristol Museum; bristolmuseums.org.uk
Until 5 July
DELAY
Lin, a solo astronaut, speeds towards a distant planet. His only human contact is an exchange of voice messages with his lover Silas back on Earth. But due to the laws of relativity, Silas is ageing so much faster than Lin; while disasters befall the spacecraft; planet Earth falls apart. ueer sci fi hearbrteaker at BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk
Until 12 July
DIANA: THE UNTOLD AND UNTRUE STORY
Combining drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry and a lot of queer joy, this unique celebration of the People’s Princess has won multiple awards and sold out venues across the UK. A celebration of Di that’s as hilarious as it’s tasteless; it’s what she would have wanted. Probably. At TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com
Until 2 August
HENRY V
Bristol’s Insane Root bring an all-female/non-binary version of hakespeare’s histor , specificall created for the venue: the haunting, bombed-out mediaeval ruins of Temple Church. With original songs, in a visceral production designed to linger in your imaginations for years to come; insaneroot.org.uk
Until 9 August
MOULIN ROUGE
a uhrmann’s film brought to the stage in a new musical mash-up extravaganza; expect eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur and glory and anachronistic pop songs at the Hippodrome, atgtickets.com
19 June-12 July
HOW TO WIN AGAINST HISTORY
See page 32. BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk
28 June-5 July
MEPHISTO
Ooh, remember the movie? It was huge in the early ’80s. Whether you do or you don’t, head to the tunnels of Loco Klub for BOVTS’s immersive, promenade show about a passionate theatre troupe trying to survive the political shadows closing in on societ . ike the film, it’s based on Klaus Mann’s 1936 novel, and offers a haunting e ploration of ambition, compromise and the seductive power of fame. oldvic.ac.uk
15-16 July
BONDING
Stephen has always wanted to be
resonant soundtrack that can be felt or heard, for deaf, Deaf, hard-ofhearing, and hearing audiences alike. It’s a story of love. A story of loss. A story that transcends language. At BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk
THE CHAOS THAT HAS BEEN AND WILL NO DOUBT RETURN
Two best mates. One huge party. Luton pinned by austerity: an evening of noughties bangers and shots of shitty gin mixed with the chaos of violence, set over one chaotic night, in a raw, real-time collision of friendship and survival, class and identity. By Chalk Line Theatre at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk
CLOSER EACH DAY
The world’s longest-running improvised comedy soap continues at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
BRISTOL IMPROV THEATRE
For the full programme see improvtheatre.co.uk
6 July
BRISTOL PRIDE COMEDY NIGHT
A Pride highlight; hosted by Jayde Adams with a line-up of Ania Magliano, Priya Hall,Mark Bittlestone and Sophue Duker, at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk
13 July
JUNO BIRCH: THE PROBED TOUR
Juno’s a blue alien who travels the Earth and probes the absurdity of life on this planet. Expect jumbo hair, space-age fashion and hysterical jokes from the extra-terrestrial icon all the way from the distant planet of Manchester; at Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
Having showcase Tom’s sharp nose and observational squawking. Cursed with the voice, face and arse of an angel, Katie’s on a personal odyssey into the untamed realms of her imagination. Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
THE MAYOR & HIS DAUGHTER: A GENUINE APPRECIATION OF COMEDY!
The Mayor and his Daughter are in crisis. The soul of their beloved village is in tatters, besieged by the demonic forces of modern Britain. But there’s light in the darkness: when they discover a sacred tome – a boxset of Russell Howard’s Good News (Series 2) – they make it their mission to repair their fractured community with laughter. Think The Krankies crossed with The Wicker Man, at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
For more comprehensive listings see: Bristol Beacon (bristolbeacon.org); St George’s Bristol; (stgeorgesbristol. co.uk); Trinity (trinitybristol.org.uk); The Louisiana (thelouisiana.net); Thekla (theklabristol.co.uk): O2 Academy (academymusicgroup.com); Bristol Folk House (bristolfolkhouse.co.uk); Electric Bristol (electricbristol.com); The Hen & Chicken (henandchicken.com); and The Gallimaufrey (thegallimaufry.co.uk)
SOUL IN THE CITY
New live music experience celebrating the richness of soulinfused sounds, from pop-soul to R&B and genre-blending grooves; at the Louie. thelouisiana.net
Bond. He’s got a tux, a fancy watch and he shakes everything he drinks. But is this a good idea? Bond is a misogynist dinosaur, right?
Journey through 60 years of 007 and ears of tephen as we find out if he can fulfil his idea of masculinit without becoming toxic. At TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com
15-19 July LAST RITES
Created by award-winners Ramesh Meyyappan and George Mann, d nfinitum’s show redefines what theatre can be; with no spoken words, it speaks in movement, visuals, and rhythm, with a deep,
14 July
SOPHIE DUKER & KATE
DOLAN: EDINBURGH PREVIEW
Sophie’s favourite things include breaking hearts, taking names and telling okes with the confidence of a cis straight middle-class white man. ate offers a rare sighting into a sleepless comedian’s mind, unravelling, in real time, for all to hear. Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
15 July
TOM ROSENTHAL & KATIE
NORRIS: EDINBURGH PREVIEW
Jokes based on Wimbledon, Daniel adcliffe and ome eather e’re
It’s back, its apparently bigger and better than ever (funny how these things are never smaller and worse) and this time the spotlight is on Led Zeppelin, headlining the ultimate rock concert at Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC
Short of commandeering a time machine – though given the current decline in Doctor Who ratings you’d probably be able to pick a preloved one up cheap – there’s no chance of seeing the original Mac line-up ever again. This tribute act gets close, though; Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
George is the co-artistic director and founder of theatre company Ad Infinitum. He was associate director at Bristol Old Vic 2015-17, where his critically acclaimed main stage directorial work included Owen Sheers’s Pink Mist. Along with Ramesh Meyyappan he’s created Last Rites, an electrifying fusion of visual storytelling and movement with an immersive soundscape designed for deaf, Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing audiences alike.
A film I could watch over and over again
The Lion King – it’s to die for, Simba...
A painting that means something to me
Vasily Kandinsky’s Composition 8. I once made a piece of visual theatre based on the idea of bringing that painting to life and it was a really special experience – it made me look at paintings in a whole new way.
Best TV show ever
That feels like an impossible question to answer... recently the best thing I have watched is The Arcane, a steampunk animated series that is epic and one of the most creative and imaginative things I’ve seen for ages.
My favourite binge watch I still remember (guiltily) bingeing for hours on 24.
The book that changed my life Art Spiegelman’s The Complete Maus – just incredible, funny, heartbreaking and transformative.
The book I could happily re-read Octavia Butler’s Seed to Harvest saga – she is one of my favourite writers.
My dance floor/karaoke banger Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now – I mean, it’s hard to beat Freddie.
Podcast pick
Empire – all about the rise and fall of many different empires and rulers through history. Anita Anand and William Dalrymple blow your mind with everything we humans shouldn’t forget lest we repeat it; shame some of the globe’s current leaders don’t listen to this.
Best app
Buddhify – a meditation app that is just great, and has a meditation for any time of day or night. Love it.
Guilty pleasure
Gelato. I love anything sweet, to be honest, but good ice-cream is very hard to stop eating and brings me so much joy (but not much in the way of good health).
Last Rites plays Bristol Old Vic 15-19 July; www.bristololdvic.org.uk
Ongoing
BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL
The year-round fest of crowdpleasers continues; the Clifton Summer Screenings are back 4-7 July. bri olfil fe i al.co
BRISTOL SOUNDS
There’s of a nostalgic feel to this year’s line-up, from Supergrass, celebrating its 30th anniversary, to Kaiser Chiefs, marking its 20th. There’s Texas, an all-dayer with The Fratellis, and while Olly Murs still looks comparatively babyfaced even he’s been around a few blocks since his e - ac or debutin 2009. At least he’s not doing panto. Yet. bri ol oun .co.uk
GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL
As per, anyone who’s anyone will be playing Worthy Farm; Neil Young, Charli XCX, The 1975s, Olivia Rodrigo, Loyle arner, iff l ro and he Prodigy headline, while this year’s Sunday legend slot is (hopefully) octagonarian Rod Stewart, still wearing it well. (He’s actually only one year older than Neil Young). gla onbur fe i al .co.uk
The year’s most fabulous fest returns with a fortnight of the usual delights culminating in Pride Day on the Downs on 12 July. Allie X headlines, Kim Wilde’s in the legends slot. ri ebri ol.co.uk
FIRE IN YOUR SOUL
From the same team as Valley Fest, a new three-day festival rooted in wellbeing, regenerative living and climate storytelling; see also page 46. firein our oul.co.uk
ST PAUL’S CARNIVAL
Bristol’s annual celebration of African and Caribbean culture returns in a condensed form. The Elders’ Brunch is followed by Back a Yard community celebration, beginning at Lost Horizon for the early event (2-9pm), Lakota for the Carnival party (2pm-4am), and afterparty with Bootybass at Circomeda (8pm-2am). Additional Back a Yard events run from 19 June. aul carni al.ne
After debuting last summer, Josh Eggleton’s celebration of sustainable seafood returns with a full week of fishies on dishies and special events. All the top harbourside restaurants will be introducing exclusive seafood dishes to their menu, there will be talks and hands-on experiences, and a festival finale at apping harf with feasts and chef demos. www.bri ol eafoo week.co.uk
BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL
ot ust a treat for otilla fanciers but a celebration of the heart and soul of a city, no less, covering the waterfront from Underfall Yard to Millennium Square, over to Queen Square and beyond. It always attracts over k people, effectivel turning the city centre into a three-day fest of music, dance, circus and water sports. bri ol arbourfe i al.co.uk
Combining music, food, comedy and camping this new festival offers an intimate weekend for just 1500 festivalgoers aged over 25 at the regenerative Fernhill Farm. The USP is the all-inclusive ticket, which includes breakfast and Bloody Marys, camping, access to all entertainment, talks and workshops. o e ea fe i al.co.uk n
The mega-hit nobody expected: Star Wars at Clifton Summer Screenings
How To Win Against History was the solid-gold, diamanté-studded hit of Edinburgh Fringe 2016. And now it’s back, in all its bonkers, screwball glory, with banging show tunes, gorgeous harmonies, buckets of sparkle and stupid jokes. It’s a proper evening out at the theatre
Henry Cyril Paget – the 5th Marquess of Anglesey, ‘Toppy’ to his friends – was one of the world’s wealthiest men until he lost it all by being too damn fabulous. Henry blew his family’s colossal fortune on diamond frocks, lilac-dyed poodles and in staging simply amazing plays, to which nobody came, causing a very Edwardian scandal. His flame burned brightly, briefly and extremely cross-dressingly until he died at 29, after which his outraged family destroyed every record of him that had ever existed.
Now Henry’s back to tell his regrettable tale, with nothing to his name but savage wit, banging belters and a metric tonne of sparkle. It’s a true story about expectations, masculinity, privilege and failure on an epic scale; it’s about feeling desperately weird and alone, but knowing that to fit in would cost you everything.
He’s having a bit of a moment, and you’re all invited to his fabulous party.
tell my story and I’m going to make you connect with me by using the most aggressively gettable of all art forms – the standard West End-style musical.”
As it happens, there’s a geographical connection between Seiriol and Henry. “I grew up in Anglesey, a little island on the top of Wales. I used to like to visit National Trust properties, because obviously I was one of the cool kids. One of the National Trust properties in the area is Plas Newydd House, the Paget family homestead. There’s a huge column there dedicated to the first Marquis, who was a general at the Battle of Waterloo. Legend has it that he was so butch, his leg got blown off and he didn’t even notice.
“He toured Europe performing a dance as a bu er an e er one was ashamed of him”
The book, music and lyrics were created by Seiriol Davies, who also plays Henry Cyril Paget. Let’s hear what he has to say about simply everything.
“The Edwardian aristocrat Henry Cyril Paget bankrupted his family of one of the largest fortunes ever known at the height of the British Empire by spending it all putting on fabulous plays, in which he appeared in a diamond dress”, says Seiriol.
“He toured Europe performing a dance as a butterfly and everyone was ashamed of him and his family. They burnt every trace of him that they could find, and carried on as though he never existed.
“Our show imagines him coming back from the grave – we don’t know how or why, and it doesn’t matter – and he’s like, “Oh, things didn’t really go that well last time but don’t worry, I’m going to
“There were loads of mementoes of war and power and the other Marquises. Henry Cyril Paget was the fifth Marquis, and all they had to commemorate him was a little laminated sheet of photocopied photographs hung up next to the toilet, saying that he was a very silly man who did lots of dancing, spent all the money and then was scorched out of history.
“I remember looking at this as a little kid, and a sort of bridge built between my brain and his. I thought, ‘I don’t know why I know you, but I do’ and the bell of preadolescent queer outrage rang in my head. I thought, ‘I must do something’, then – because I believe in swift and decisive action – I decided to make a musical about him 25 years later.
“The genesis of the show was ‘What’s inside this guy’s head?’ because all of his diaries, all of his letters, all of his personal correspondence and all of his internal monologue have been eradicated. All we have is what he did, and what he did was batshit and amazing. We considered it our duty almost to create a myth that filled in the gaps of what we don’t know about him, which is a cute little capsule of all of the queer history, and not just queer history but all of the history of lived experience that the Empire steamrolled out of existence.
“It’s a gift to have this blank slate where we can pour all of our joy and aspiration into this person and show his life, his foibles and mistakes, and his attempts at achieving some kind
Unique social business occasion: live interview with Tristan Hogg, Pieminister Tuesday 16 Sept at Harbour Hotel Bristol
of artistic immortality. All of his actions are writ so large that it’s a joyous tale to follow.”
Seiriol, along with co-creators Matthew Blake and Dylan Townley, began to play around with first ideas. “I was at art school, so obviously I didn’t have any money at all”, says Seiriol. “I kept putting on shows where I’d be thinking, ‘I’m selling out, this is a super-mainstream show’ and people would see it and say, ‘Wow, that show was really weird, and I think it’s great that you’re able to make weird nonsense that nobody really gets because it’s proof of a healthy ecosystem’. And I’d think, ‘But I was trying to be really obvious with that one. Then I’d make another one that I thought was even more obvious and they’d say, ‘You’ve surpassed yourself, that was even weirder than the last one’.
“With this show, though, I wanted to go for broke. If I can’t create a show that will connect with other people, then there’s no point trying, because Henry threw more and more effort into connecting with a world that just didn’t understand him. I vibed with that. The story for me is about not really understanding how to interact with people but knowing that they like show tunes and sparkle. It’s a show about someone being aggressively likeable in order to not be forgotten by a world that doesn’t understand him.”
“If I can’t create a show that connects to other people then there’s no point”
Seiriol says he “wants to be doing the epics; we want to be doing huge stories about the cosmos and sword fights in space and dragons and everything. It’s never appealed to me to do, say, a story about dating; someone else can do that. With Henry there’s a sense that he doesn’t just have eyes on the horizon of this planet but of the next planet as well. There’s this endless sense of unattainable hugeness that is very fun to play with.”
Seiriol and Matthew first put on the show at Edinburgh in 2016. They’d done the Fringe many times – “including some horrible ones. But we’ve had an absolutely wonderful time in Edinburgh with this show. The first time we were there in 2016 it was in a room the size of your hand that was, aesthetically and in terms of temperature, very akin to a microwave. The second year we were in a big tent and now we’re going back, and this time we’ve got a band and more lights.”
Does the show feel even more timely now?
“Hugely. In 2016 people were absolutely talking about this stuff but there wasn’t the same level of common discourse on how to talk about gender, performativity, Empire and such. It feels like there’s a deeper affinity and therefore deeper friction and toxicity around these questions in the common discourse that we’re hoping to approach with huge amounts of generosity and rambunctiousness.
“There’s a brittleness that’s entered a lot of the discourse at the moment that I don’t think helps anyone’s cause. If you can’t have a robust conversation about something then you’re holding it too tightly. There’s a whole generation of people who haven’t seen the show, and there’s a whole new world out there of people who have a complicated relationship with identity, or who realise that they have always had a complicated relationship identity, but maybe wouldn’t have been able to vocalise it before.”
How to Win Against History plays Bristol Old Vic until 12 July For more: www.bristololdvic.org.uk
And action! Heroes goes to the movies
Words and pics by Colin Moody
So, chances are you are reading this magazine in a nice sunny caf in town. id the sun glint off that gloss cover and catch your attention?
Well, welcome to this issue’s heroes. Eight images of eight heroes captured on this occasion all within two hours of each other. It was a peak sunshiny day when I took this photo walk with my good mate ee, and the vibe this time is that ust for a second, with music from La Dolce Vita in my head, it seemed to me that Bristol might have its own wa of feeling a bit ome or ma be new wave aris from the 1960s.
Decide if you agree.
1
n wa , here’s hero , taking a leaf out of the book of m favourite photographer, enri artier resson. his bloke in the double white was soaking up the energ and pro ecting his own, and ust liked the masculine statue in the foreground. lood blokes, innit.
2
op the ino ota soundtrack on, vin l if ou have it, grab a reall good coffee and feel that vibe.
urns out to be an actor from a video shoot in tokes roft. onder how much longer these creatives can afford to bus in for these, so much of the culture in this area has changed in recent ears. urbo got tarmac treatment and sold, all da processed foods, boo e and vape shops with that super bright light have cropped up like space stations in orbit around the embers of the culture here.
or now it’s still a go to for vibes, though.
3
ercan, he said his name was. ushing his bike along, dirt bike shame, thought, that with ever thing being so tid in the cit these days, where is there for a good rip up?
nd if there is an thing that oung people seem to need, it’s a bit of venting. on’t know how we all got through ovid, but for oung people especiall it must have been weird.
n wa , ideal for that chase scene later in this fictional nglo talian rench compan production imagine it being from.
“With everything being so tidy in the city, where is there for a good rip up?”
4
h damn it, ’m not sure this one works, it’s too ristol, not rench or talian enough, and neither was the bloke round the corner in the egadeth tee tr ing to hand his latest album to the two on the right from his Tesco plastic bag.
’m leaving it in, mind. ellini spent weeks choosing e tras for his life stories on celluloid and it ust feels right to me there is something here at least for the second unit to shoot, for sure.
5
ot a trick for ou. aiting for a bus t’s not coming for minutes o biggie, headphones on, bit of ellini soundtrack then go meet our fellow passengers to be. oved this lad and her dog. n o ed talking to her couple of the lads got ump about the camera, but ou gotta shoot when ou gotta shoot. ost people don’t mind, if you ask nice.
6
ow this is, imagine, the part of the film where the filmmaker meets another film being made within the film. here it all gets a bit meta.
n our case it’s some nice friendl student making a photoshoot in the park under the passed owering, b the time ou read this blossom trees. sign of new life, health and prosperit , believe.
n how, heroes for st ling that blossom onto this page, thank them. oved how the were working the light and shade. ut. e t scene.
7Money will come back.
Time won’t.
ould this be the line from the cigarette smoking hero at the end, fade to black, roll credits
5
Perhaps this is the message I want you to take home from this movie collection of heroes. a be ou’ve finished the movie, brushed the popcorn off onto the stick oor and are thinking about the overall meaning of it all.
8
Let’s have a look at the movie section in the paper. hat new film is out, set in ristol, it’s a bit like a ellini, or is it a ruffaut n how, it’s got all these ama ing characters in, like ou see in real life.
’m worried that we don’t get films like this an more. t’s all filtered out, so that the beaut that is the street doesn’t appear in the movies like it used to.
a be ’m being too nostalgic, but when that was done, it was done so well.
o take a few moments out from turning ourself into a plastic bo ed action figure probabl so last month alread , b time we get to press and go out see the people on the street.
ike a movie, onl better. ore real in so man wa s.
Colin Moody: content creation, online images Twitter @moodycolin; Instagram @colinmoodyphotography www.colinmoodyphotography.wordpress.com
“It’s all filtered out; the beauty of the street doesn’t appear in the movies like it used to”
It can’t have escaped your attention that July sees the return of Bristol Pride, sliding in behind the normie iteration of Pride celebrations in June like a chic late arrival to the party. We, too, remain temporally unmoored when it comes to Pride, and don’t confine ourselves to a mere month of reading queerly. So, in the manner befitting the season, we humbly present to you our favourite ueer in ected reads of the year so far…
Deep House: The Gayest Love Story Ever Told by
Jeremy Atherton Lin
Deep House is a thorough history of anti-homosexual and antisodomy laws in the US (which is as detailed as it is shocking) as well as the long and nuanced fight for
marriage equality. In the middle of this political history, we follow Jeremy’s own transatlantic love story: grounded and vivid, moving through dodgy apartments, questionable roommates, adopted cats, rural road trips and emergency room visits under the spectre of potential deportation –all while the Defence of Marriage Act passes through congress and the possibility for any future legal right to residency for a same-sex partner becomes more and more out of reach. It’s both an essential civil rights chronicle and a deeply personal memoir of love across borders.
The Boyhood of Cain by Michael Amherst
The distinct and precise quality of Michael Amhert’s authorial voice in his debut novel feels
intentionally clinical, so that the emotional life of our young protagonist might shine through with more lucidity against the staid confines of his upbringing.
When Daniel’s father loses his job at the well-to-do school his son attends (and keeps the family in plush accommodation), they relocate to a smallholding in the countryside, where Daniel’s awareness that he is different begins to crystalise.
Caught between resentment of and love for his parents, who are fracturing apart in such a terribly repressed manner that the reader begins to wonder at what point their confused son is going to break, Daniel becomes obsessed with a boy in his class and falls under the strange spell of his art teacher. The emotional subtleties of the novel, coupled with its utterly perfect cultural references (Jacques Villeneuve debuting his bleached hair, for example), make it a gorgeously acute and thrillingly painful read for anyone who grew up feeling out of place.
“Bristol Pride slides in behind the normic iterations like a chic late arrival to the party”
a teenage girl coming of age inside an iron lung in 1950s Copenhagen, trapped within a machine that might be keeping her alive, but might also be merely slowing down the inevitable as Denmark buckles under a burgeoning polio outbreak. Fifty years earlier in a Budapest orphanage, a character known only as ‘Boy’ is kept apart from the others for being different, someone who doesn’t fit into societ ’s understanding of boyhood: groomed by the mistress of the house and ‘studied’ by a city doctor, but filled to the brim with an edenic curiosity about their own and others’ bodies. While these narratives are ostensibl different, they overlap with each other as though happening, somehow, simultaneously. Perhaps they are two characters sharing one soul, or one is the reincarnation of the other, or something even stranger?
Iron Lung by Kirstine Reffstrup (trans. Hunter Simpson)
A novel in two distinct parts, presented more or less side by side in the narrative, twisted together into one single piece. One follows
There are countless more we could recommend for a Pride reading list ou can actuall find a special series of recommendation lists on our website), and we attach all this to a huge caveat: you don’t have to foreground these stories solely in the month of June. Or July if you’re in Bristol, obviously.
Visit Storysmith at 36 North Street, Bedminster; 0117 953 7961 www.storysmithbooks.com
It’s amazing what you can learn from the vantage point of a bench
Memories are odd things. ometimes ou can’t remember what
ou went into a room for, but then as ou stand there, all of a sudden something will trigger the memor of a single da out from childhood in vivid detailed technicolour.
hen take people out on nature or foraging walks the are often reunited with memories of childhood, particularl if we are near water. here is something magical about stretches of water be the the sea, lakes or rivers.
e didn’t live near a river growing up, and one doesn’t run through the town centre of orthampton, though it does skirt around the edges of the centre a few miles from m famil home. ivers then, have alwa s felt a little e otic to me, and ever time sp a weeping willow remember a single da out in ecket’s ark, orthampton.
his was the late s and earl s, a time when ritish industr was in rapid decline, and sites such as these were going through a transition. he tree was sandwiched between the back of a semi functional von cosmetics factor and the
business end of the overworked arlsberg brewer the home of pecial rew.
eneath its branches there was a sign that said, anger, uicksand’ a cheaper measure than dealing with it a common solution to dealing with the e pensive business of cleaning up deca . he whole place and its dichotomous landscape was fertile grounds for m imagination, fuelling both pla and m childhood stories alike.
’m prett sure it cemented an idea still hold to, that den will grow from a post capitalist world.
’m opposite a weeping willow now, and part of m brain has returned to that outhful imaginar state. hile ’m here feel like the rest of the world is in some sort of stasis, on pause while sit and have m tea and pot noodle. he world could end and ’d neither know nor care.
espite being one of m favourite places, coupled with the fact that it’s almost walking distance to m home, don’t visit here ver often. should, because this spot, between the civic car park and e nsham high street is also between the iver hew and a smaller stretch of water fre uented b ducks. ike m small patch of den in orthampton, it feels like a timeless place.
s sit and contemplate what to write get chatting to teve, one of life’s uiet heroes. e’s the gu who makes sure this place doesn’t become too post apocal ptic looking. e changes the bins and manages an ever diminishing in numbers team of people. f he does his ob well, no one reall notices. f he does it badl , acebook erupts with complaints. hope alwa s notice that don’t notice him.
As we chat, realise something makes him different than most people meet. t takes a while for me to realise that he’s an iet free. is shoulders are low and the wrinkles on his face map out ears of wonder rather than stress. ears of plodding between bins, pondering life’s uestions coupled with the occasional chat to the locals, all in this id llic little spot, awa from the bustle of the cit . fter we bid our good da s, have m pot noodle and wonder if the succession of dogs will ebb enough to allow the ducks opposite to leave their hideawa s. s with all nature spotting, patience soon pa s off and the start to fill the patch of grass in front of me. he drakes considerabl outnumber
the single hen, who I think has ust own in. he one nearest to her seems to have a little bit of bubble gum stuck beneath his tail feathers, but it’s seems like it’s being blown up, it’s growing bigger.
“It feels like the rest of the world is on pause while I sit and have my tea and pot noodle”
stare at it, tr ing to work out what ’m looking at. hen remember a pub conversation from ears previous about the evolution of the reproductive parts of ducks, how the female has changed shape in a kind of defensive measure. he penn drops just as the hen ies off, unimpressed, and the drake’s bubble gum retracts back into his bod .
’ve seen drakes acting uite gentlemanl , guarding the females as the feed and not feeding themselves. realise that ’ve a lot more to learn about the natural world and feel can learn much from the comfort of a bench. ust hope that it ne t time it isn’t uite so graphic. n
Andy Hamilton is the author of several books including New Wild Order, The First Time Forager and Booze For Free. He coaches authors, and will oon be o ering na ure wri ing for wellbeing courses. For more email him Andy@andyhamiltonauthor.com
For anyone tormented by indecision, the restaurant options at Wapping Wharf can be a bit much. It was bad enough when there was just Cargo 1, but then Cargo 2 came along and doubled the choice. Now there are Spanish, Mexican, Indian, Japanese and Modern British restaurants; plantbased small plates, meat-based big ones, burgers, pizza, and fish and chips. t doesn’t help that in in their own wa the are all very wonderful. It is, as they say in The Bear, a lot.
And now the situation has become even more vexed, because at roughl the same time, two of ristol’s most highl regarded restaurants – Cor in Bedminster, and Bank in Totterdown – have taken it upon themselves to open a branch in argo . or’s new gaff is called ag , ank’s is apin. e een meen min moe’d it, and hit up the former. ag isn’t a cop cat or. he latter, now nicel bedded into orth treet, serves editerranean sharing plates, while ag is full on talian. While you can obviously share the dishes here too – try stopping us – the menu follows more of an antipasti primi formula, offering pasta mains along with meat, fish and vegetables cooked over fire.
Owners Mark and Karen Chapman originally wanted to call their new place uca, after their little son, but a ondon restaurant of the same name took both umbrage and legal action. o ag it was, and now feels as if it’s alwa s been. t’s moved into the site formerl occupied b arkin en’s ok o, then att ampshire’s are istro both were e cellent, and the corner site benefits from a lovely rooftop terrace, so everyone was a bit pu led and sad when the closed. opefull third time will be a charm for ag , which has certainl chosen the perfect season to open it’s summer in the city, the sun is (occasionally) in the sky, and why oh why would we wanna be anywhere else than on the Bristol waterfront, eating Italian?
fusion of superb talian wines and aromatic herbs in m best eonard ossister intonation, then falling about at m own wit.
When in Italy – or the next best thing, an Italian in Bristol – one simply cannot do better than to kick off a meal with crocche uff cro uette like balls, here avoured with nutt , butter fontina cheese beneath a snowfall of pecorino. here’s also salt foccaccia with a taramasalata like bottega butter, and a very good starter of artichokes, cut into wedges, battered and deep-fried as fritti; golden brown and crispy on the outside, the inner esh uc , with a lemon alioli for the dipping.
I risk missing a trick by not ordering the eponymous ragu, but I reason it’ll keep see m self coming back here a lot, possibl dail . esides, Joan Collins across the table, predictably on her second visit, is purring persuasivel about the uscan fennel sausage fregola. he isn’t wrong the sausage has all but melted into the punchy, slightly aniseedy sauce which bathes the tiny pasta pearls beneath their gremolata topping. We also share taglioni with crab under crunchy pangritata, because I am helpless in the face of any pasta dish featuring seafood.
Ragu, Unit 25, Cargo 2; 0117 911 0218 www.ragurestaurant.com
A supremely fresh-tasting side of Sorrento tomatoes is served with peaches, which have hit the magic spot of perfect ripeness without tipping into mushiness as the ’re fond of doing at home. he dish comes prettil strewn with agretti. rom the over fire list we choose sweet, scallion-like Cipollotti onions served with dollops of creamy caprini fresca, doused in a drizzle of grape must. It could easily do service as a dessert course.
Opening hours Tues-Thurs midday3.30pm, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat midday-10pm
Price Antipasti £5-£10.90; mains £12.9£26.5; puds £6-9 ; set 3-course menu £30 Veggie? Good choice Service Charming, helpful Atmosphere Laidback Cargo innit
nce ou’ve arrived, et more choices must be made. Where to sit? Out on the terrace, where the jaunty chevron-patterned chairs evoke Neopolitan café-culture? In the cool and pretty dining room, among the terrazzo tiling and trailing greenery? Perched up at the bar, where you can annoy Chef in the kitchen? This decision, too, is a lot.
fter a frankl ludicrous amount of dithering, we’re blown indoors by a small but potentially pesky breeze. Ensconced, we turn our full attention to the menu. rinks first a lovel rench omaine rol ros for me, because it’s summer and ’m not that imaginative. ermouth for the daughter, because in a turn of events didn’t see coming, the cool kids have now apparentl discovered in ano ianco. ’m much too much a child of the ’ s to take this development seriousl , and the daughter is too much of a illennial to understand wh ’m sa ing
propos, puds wise ou can’t go wrong with the tiramisu. u lingl , it’s described on the website as infamous’, though we’re not sure what crime it committed to earn such infamy. It tastes great to us, a generous cocoa-dusted, nutmeg-scented, orangeavoured slab of indulgence which holds its shape without being remotel stodg . or me, though, the don’t miss dessert is the fior de latte gelato, a dish ou’ll see ever where this summer an elegantl simple, milk and sugar ice which makes vanilla seem like it’s tr ing too hard. ag serves it with treacl balsamic vinegar, as we also will now, at home, forever more.
ag feels a perfect fit for argo, the onl m ster being wh an talian restaurant of this si e hasn’t opened here before. etter late than never, especiall when head chef ck olsell is putting such a creative twist on classic dishes and serving them with confidence and brio.
o, ne t time ou’re daunted b the choice at apping harf, ust go to ag . e’re calling it it’s the latest it restaurant’ of the ristol summer. here again, we haven’t tried apin et. nd of course ambas is never less than ama ing. either is oot, nor o . h, ust go to them all, and count your Bristol blessings.
Words by Ursula Cole
rom running an organic farm in Somerset to founding the much-loved Valley Fest, Luke has spent years bringing people together through food, music and nature. Now he’s created Fire In Your Soul, a new kind of festival set around a lakeside woodland, with deep wellness, climate storytelling and connection at its heart. We asked Luke what inspired the festival, and why now is the perfect time for a soulful summer gathering.
Launching a new festival in 2025 feels bold - what inspired you to take that leap, especially in the South West where there’s already so much on offer?
It does feel bold, but also absolutely the right time. There’s something stirring in people at the moment. After years of feeling disconnected from ourselves, each other and the natural world, I believe we’re all craving deeper connection. Fire In Your Soul was born out of that need – a space where people can come together and regenerate, not just party. The South West has an amazing festival scene and I’ve loved being part of that with alle est. ut this is something different.
You describe Fire In Your Soul as more than a festival – a space for regeneration and reconnection. What does that mean to you personally, and why now?
Personally, it’s everything. Regeneration isn’t just a farming principle for me, it’s a life philosophy, and Fire In Your Soul is a space where people can slow down, re ect and realign with what reall matters. It’s about lighting that spark again, whether that’s through music, movement, sharing stories, or simpl sitting b the fire under the stars.
You’re a regenerative farmer by trade. How has your experience working with the land shaped the ethos of the festival?
In every way. Farming regeneratively teaches you that everything is connected – soil, food, community, wellbeing. The way we treat the land mirrors how we treat ourselves and each other. It’s about being in the right relationship with the earth. We want people to come here and feel that – to walk barefoot, breathe deep, eat food grown nearby and remember that we are nature, not separate from it.
The setting of Fire In Your Soul, at Nature’s Spectacular, feels almost sacred. How did you find this spot and what role does place play in shaping the energy of the weekend?
We planted the woodland in 2004 in memor of m father it’s officiall registered as Martin’s Woodland, with 27,500 trees and it has grown into this magnificent
Climate storytelling is a key thread, from EarthSonic’s data-tomusic project to Madame Gandhi’s nature-credited track. Why is this kind of cultural activism important right now?
Because facts alone don’t change hearts. Stories do. Music does. EarthSonic is turning climate data into sound and Madame Gandhi’s work is literally crediting nature as an artist – that’s revolutionary. It invites us to feel our connection to the planet, not just think about it. That emotional engagement is crucial if we’re going to shift culture and create action. This kind of cultural activism makes the climate crisis personal – and powerful.
Fire and food go hand in hand at Fire In Your Soul – tell us about the dining experience you’re curating with Simon Dyer. And what’s your go-to when cooking over a fire?
There’s something primal and unifying about cooking over fire. t brings people together. imon and are curating zero-waste, seasonal meals cooked from the ground up – literally. We’ll be using produce grown locally and cooking in ways that respect the ingredients and the land they came from. My personal go to is fire grilled lamb with fresh garden herbs and atbreads cooked on the coals – simple, soulful food that tells a story.
sanctuary of peace and tranquillity. It’s spectacular by name, it’s secluded by nature and there’s a stillness to it that’s hard to describe. It holds you. The setting is a co-creator in the festival – it shapes the pace, the intimacy and the calm. We’ve designed every element to honour that land, from low-impact infrastructure to the way we invite people to interact with the space. Nature is the headliner, really.
“Wellness isn’t an add-on; it’s the core of how we thrive. This is about real tools for real lives”
You’re bringing together a powerful mix of artists, wellness leaders and environmental thinkers. How did you go about curating such a diverse programme? e wanted a mi of voices creative, grounded, radical and re ective. People who are not just talented but deeply intentional in their work. There’s music from artists like Madame Gandhi and Bethany Ley, wellness leaders like Jack Witts and Lilia Sinclair as well as powerful environmental storytelling through EarthSonic. Everyone involved shares a commitment to healing.
There’s an emphasis on deep wellness – breathwork, saunas and even midlife transitions. What made you want to bring these into the heart of the festival experience?
Because wellness isn’t an add-on – it’s the core of how we thrive. We’re not interested in surface-level experiences or wellness as a trend. This is about real tools for real lives, whether they’re breath journeys to release trauma, workshops on midlife transitions, or just taking a cold plunge to reset your nervous system. We want people to leave with more than memories; we want them to leave with transformation.
We’re living in a time where many people are feeling disconnected – from themselves, from nature, from community. What do you hope people walk away with after a weekend at Fire In Your Soul?
A sense of reconnection. I want people to leave with a spark reignited. Whether they’ve had a profound experience or just a few moments of peace and joy, I hope they take that feeling home and keep it alive in their daily lives.
Looking ahead, how do you hope Fire In Your Soul might influence how we gather –not just for festivals, but in everyday life? I hope it sets a new tone – one of care, slowness and intention. We don’t need more noise. We need spaces which hold us, challenge us gently and invite us into community. My dream is that Fire In Your Soul inspires people to host their own fires, cook with their neighbours, talk to strangers and gather in ways that feel more human and connected.
Give us three reasons why people should come to Fire In Your Soul
One, to reconnect with nature, with others and with yourself. Two, to experience world-class wellness and music in a setting that feeds the soul. Three, because now more than ever, we need spaces that nourish, not deplete.
Apart from Fire In Your Soul and Valley Fest, what’s your favourite festival in the South West?
Shindig is a favourite. It’s got this incredible blend of creativity, colour and proper feelgood vibes. It’s the kind of place where you can dance your heart out, discover new sounds and still feel part of a big-hearted community. It reminds me that joy and connection go hand in hand –and that sometimes letting loose is exactly what the soul needs. n
Fire in Your Soul takes place at Nature Spectacular in Chew Stoke between 4-6 July or ore info an icke www.firein our oul.co.uk
one for
www.designwest.org.uk/cafe-bar Stir and serve over ice.
Narrow Quay
At some point there’s going to be a heatwave and you’ll want something cold in a glass. Obviously you can’t go wrong with a classic margarita, but if you fancy being a bit more ambitious then why not steal these ideas from Bristol's top mixologists? Alternatively, pop into the bars and let them do all
NB Unlike the average Joe, our mixologists have an incredible range of ingredients at their disposal. In case you don’t want to invest in anything too niche we’ve suggested alternatives; you can obviously also substitute the brands of spirits you prefer
Bristol Somerset Sour
BANK started life as a cocktail and coffee bar, and the drinks side of the menu is still taken very seriously. Here’s a lovely sour from mixologist
Chloe Conibear-Donaghy
20ml Apperitvo Co! Lyon (dry vermouth)
10ml Avallen Calvados
20ml lemon juice
20ml orange sherbet*
1 egg white Red wine float
Put everything except the wine in a cocktail shaker, dry shake, then wet shake with ice. Strain into a coupe glass. Add around 5ml of sugar and using the back of a spoon, slowly pour a float of red wine onto the top. Slowly twist the glass to disperse the wine.
*Orange sherbet recipe
1. Finely zest two oranges. Juice the oranges and measure the yield. Put aside.
2. Weigh out the same amount of caster sugar in grams as the orange juice Add the orange zest and muddle well. Leave until the sugar has absorbed the oils
3. Stir in the juice until the sugar has dissolved
4. Strain the syrup with a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth, and voila!
107 Wells Road; www.bankbristol.com
BRAVAS
Expresso Martini Carajillo
Licor 43 is a hugely useful addition to any drinks cabinet; here it adds a richer, more complex flavour to the classic espresso martini. Mixed by Rome Cartageno
35ml espresso, freshly made
35ml Torres brandy,
25ml Licor 43
10ml Licor 43 Baristo (could use kahlúa instead)
Nothing quite says ‘cocktail hour’ more than a huge sun terrace with jumbrellas, and Bocabar has both. They’re currently pouring a variety of spritzes – shown here left to right are Sarti Spritz (slightly sweet with flavours of mango and passion fruit topped with Prosecco, soda and crushed dried raspberries); Limoncello Spritz (slightly sweet with zesty lemon flavours topped with Prosecco, soda, lemon and fresh mint) and bittersweet Campari Spritz (Campari topped with Prosecco, soda and orange garnish).
Here's how to make the Sarti Spritz, courtesy of manager Tess Banks; we reckon you're clever enough to work out the other two
50ml Sarti
100ml Prosecco
50ml soda
6 freeze-dried raspberries
Fill half a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour over the Prosecco, add the soda, raspberries and Sarti.
1 Hawkins Lane www.bocabar.co.uk
Fill a shaker with ice, combine the espresso with the brandy, Licor 43 and Licor 43 baristo (or kahlúa). Shake vigorously to get good aeration and foam. Double strain into a frozen rocks glass.Garnish with two coffee beans on top of the foam.
7 Cotham Hill; www.bravas.co.uk
The ultimate salt-rim Mexican beer, spicy, tangy and seriously refreshing. Like Bloody Mary’s wilder Mexican cousin; perfect for hot days (or any day, really)
For the rim: Tajin (fruity chamoy hot sauce) Chilli flakes and Maldon salt
25ml tequila
50ml Michelada* Modela (Mexican lager)
A slice of lime
Coat the rim of a large glass with Tajin (fruity chamoy hot sauce). Dunk in to a blend of chilli flakes and Maldon salt (or make your own dipping mix of salt, chilli and lime)
Fill glass with ice. Add tequila and Michelada mix; top with Modela and garnish with a slice of lime
* Michelada mix recipe 1 part tomato juice 1/2 part pickle liquor (any pickle juice from a jar of jalepenos or gherkins from your fridge) 1/4 part fresh lime juice
15 Cargo 2
www.cargocantina.co.uk
Guindilla Picante
Here’s a simpler version to try at home.
40ml tequila blanco
1 lime, squeezed
25ml sugar syrup (you can make this with a 1:1 ratio of sugar and hot water)
25ml Moscatel sherry
Two slices of Guindilla pipparra or chilli (or more/less depending on your spice in/ tolerance)
Add the Guindilla slices to a cocktail shaker, and crush with a muddler.
Add the rest of the ingredients and shake with ice for around 10 seconds.
Clarified
Espresso Martini
“This is our take on a Margarita Picante”, says Ander Mendive. “We infuse tequila with pickled Guindilla pipparra from the Basque country and red chillies for a proper kick and depth of flavour. Then we mix in our house-made lemonada, a splash of Moscatel sherry instead of triple sec, and finish it with fresh lime. It’s spicy, fresh, slightly pickly –and dangerously moreish.”
Before we go any further, The Granary wish it to be known that they’ve just launched a new Martini-and-Fries event in the bar. Anyway, here's one of two recipes they kindly sent us; this one is by Damien Wierzbicki
50ml Venice Aperitivo
75ml Di Maria Prosecco
50ml Double-Dutch soda Grapefruit slice
Pour the liquids into a glass, stir and garnish with the grapefruit slice.
51 Queen Charlotte Street www.thegranaryclub.com
Unit 12, Cargo 2 www.gamababristol.co.uk
Double-strain into a short glass over ice and garnish with a whole guindilla, or slices of chilli.
This spin on the espresso martini yields a silky-textured drink with layered flavour. It’s mixed by Josh McCowatt
60ml East London Vodka
20ml Aperitivo Dry Vermouth
10ml fino sherry
Wogan Coffee beans, ground Veysel olive oil
Combine vodka with the olive oil and ground coffee. Mix and infuse at room temperature, then freeze until the fat solidifies. Strain through a coffee filter to remove the solids.
51 Queen Charlotte Street www.thegranaryclub.com
METROPOLITAN BMP (Bitter Me Pink )
A super-refreshing little number by Ray O’Connor
35ml Campari
35ml Aperitivo Co. Turin sweet vermouth
35ml pink grapefruit juice Navas soda Orange slice
Pour the liquids into a glass over ice, and garnish with orange.
72 Whiteladies Road www.metropolitanbristol.com
Watermelon & Chilli
This spicy (yet cool) little number comes courtesy of mixologist Tommy Lidell
50ml rum
25ml watermelon syrup
A handful of chopped red chillies 25ml lime juice
Shake hard, double strain, and pour into a nice coupe.
www.nadubristol.com
Prince Street www.doylecollection.com NADU
Portobello
This favourite from Rick’s new signature list makes the perfect after-dinner drink; Brian Milne suggests serving it with mature cheddar
30ml Johnnie Walker Black Label
25ml Grand Marnier
20ml 10yo tawny port
2 dashes chocolate bitters
Absinthe
Add all ingredients apart from the absinthe into a mixing glass, and stir over ice for 30 seconds. Spray the inside of the glass with absinthe. Strain the mixture into the glass.
Guinness Irish Coffee
The first of two offerings from The Bristol Hotel’s food and drinks manager Brian Milne; it couldn’t be more Irish if it was playing a fiddle in The Temple Bar in Dublin on St Patrick's Day
50ml Jameson Irish whiskey
50ml cold espresso
Guinness
Double cream, shaken to a
sufficient thickness to allow it to float on top
Add whiskey and coffee to a glass. Top with Guinness, leaving room for the cream. Pour the cream over a bar spoon over the top of the liquid, and garnish with a single coffee bean.
Prince Street www.doylecollection.com
From Spirited’s Studio Ghibliinspired menu, created by Francesca Marino. Superrefreshing, dangerously drinkable and easy to recreate at home. All booze-based ingredients can be found in the Spirited shop.
40ml London Dry Gin
20ml Yuzu Sake liqueur
Soda
Mint + avocado oil (optional)
Fresh mint
Pour gin and yuzu sake into a highball glass, fill with ice, top with soda and stir. Top with a few drops of mint-infused avocado oil (if using) and garnish with a big sprig of mint. Kick back and enjoy in a sunny garden somewhere.
196 North Street www.spiritedbristol.com
At Gloucester Road’s One B –which, slightly confusingly, is to be found at 13A – Stan finds a coffee shop to turn any frown upside down
This issue’s coffee shop is a new one for me and I can thoroughly recommend making it a new one for you too.
efinitel worth it.
I’m talking about One B, down on that bit of the loucester oad near the arches, ust up from etland oad, sort of opposite the student st le ainsbur ’s. on’t think it has been open for ver long, but alread it’s a beautiful, bustling little heartthrob of a cafe.
o bus , in fact, that when tried to get a picture of the outside it proved practicall impossible to get a shot where a happ customer wasn’t either entering or leaving
“It’s a carefully crafted café i ll wi e er co ee-
ticked and ticked again”
the place, with faces wreathed in contentment. hich surel must be a ver good sign. an’t sa blame them, either. Everything about the place ust screams super duper, lovel ubbl . could go on about how much I liked it. And in fact, will. o if ou’re sitting comfortably, allow me to tell you the stor of a cro ue madame, a couple of coffees and a slice of heavy duty choccy cake. mm. ake. ut where was h, es. ne . ell, for a start, there’s its handsome kerb appeal. t looks ver nice from the outside and feels completel charming on the inside. he stuff on offer looks tast and tempting, and the staff are a welcoming and friendly bunch with more charm than a group of goldfinches. hat would be a charm of goldfinches, obviousl . an’t beat a collective noun, in m humble whatnot.
here’s a long and lovel seating area stretching out towards the back of the space, as well as a comf bench to sit on while ou wait for a takeawa , if that’s our thing.
When we were there, the other customers were e uall as smile and sweet as the staff. ll in all, it’s a most pleasing spot. carefull
crafted café idyll, with ever coffee shop box ticked and ticked again. ith great big massive glorious thumbs up all round. o wonder ever one enters and leaves with smiles on their faces. t’s absolutel marvellous. hich brings me neatl to a rather cheerful thought. If you lived in a small town and not in ristol heaven forfend and this place opened up, well, it would be a life changer, a gift from the gods, a small slice of paradise. ut that’s the thing. ere in ristol, perhaps the caf capital of the world ’ve et to find another cit this well endowed with caf s. o let me know if there is such a place. enuinel interested we are positivel swimming in superb caf s, ust like this lovel one, with more of them opening up all the time. Quite frankly, dear reader, whatever else ou do toda , ma humbl suggest ou find time to offer up a word of grateful thanks to whoever made our caf world this wonderful wa . n
Former The Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer; @stancullimore on instagram Google up Stan’s daily substack blog: Diary of an Urban Grandad
Ispent the start of the week tasting (and recovering from tasting) more than 100 wines during a couple of trade tastings in London. It’s a hard-knock life.
The tastings were all about importers showing off their summer portfolios. Lots of ‘bright and zippy’ whites and ‘light, energetic’ reds. And for good reason. Summer drinking isn’t about heavy reds or brooding bottles. It’s about freshness –wines you can chill (a bit or a lot), pair with salty snacks, grilled seafood, and last-minute picnics. Wines that make you feel like you’re on holiday, even if you’re just dangling your feet over Harbourside. That heavy red can wait for darker evenings and falling asleep in front of the fire.
Okay, this is England, so the sun may not always get his fedora out, but while you can’t control the weather, you can control your wine fridge. Here’s what we’re stocking.
White – fresh, crisp and crushable
Simple tip: go coastal. Wines grown near the sea often carry natural freshness and salinity that make them perfect for summer.
Think Muscadet (from the mouth of the Loire where it hits the Atlantic), Albariño from Galicia in Spain, or Alvarinho from Portugal (same grape, different berian countr . r
head to the Greek islands for Assyrtiko, or Sicily for Catarratto. For something with a bit more body but still brilliantly refreshing, Verdejo from Spain delivers lime, lemon, grapefruit and fennel, sometimes with a hint of toasted almonds.
Vinho Verde from Portugal has blown up recently – light, spritzy, and very drinkable — but if ou want to show off, hunt down a Txakoli (pronounced chako-li). Grown in the Basque region, it shares Vinho erde’s gentle fi , crisp acidity and moderate alcohol, thanks to the cool, wet climate. Once a humble peasant’s wine, it’s been elevated by the brilliant food scene in San Sebastian.
Rosé – don’t just aim for the palest you can find
Every year as the sun peeks out, customers pile into KASK asking for “the driest, palest rosé you’ve got: the paler, the better”. That’s when we bring out two bottles, one blush-salmon and one darker, and offer a taste of both. ore often than not, the darker one surprises people, karate-chopping the myth that darker rosé equals sweeter rosé.
We can blame the Californian
white Zinfandel of the 1990s for that. Cheap, confected, sickly and not really what we’re aiming for. But in true KASK fashion: if you like it, drink it. No judgement here. The colour of rosé isn’t about sweetness, it’s about skin contact. The longer the juice sits on the grape skins, the darker the colour and often the more depth of avour ou’ll get. hat’s wh usually lean towards the darker rosés: they bring more to the party. And if you want to put ice in your rosé? Go for it. If your bartender gives you side-eye, you’re in the wrong bar.
Chilled Reds – trust us
Two or three years ago, no one was asking for chilled reds. Now it’s a regular request, and we’re always (discreetly) smug when we pull one out of the fridge.
“Summer drinking isn’t about heavy reds or bottles”brooding
Maybe it’s down to the post-Covid dash to European holidays, where chilled reds are standard across Spain, Italy and Portugal. Lightbodied reds, slightly chilled, are magic when the mercury rises. We’re not talking ice-cold – just a 30-minute visit to the fridge before opening.
Look for light- to mediumbodied reds like Beaujolais, Pinot Noir or the lighter South American criollas. The chill brightens fruit, sharpens acidity and softens alcohol, creating a refreshing, mouthwatering effect. erfect with an thing off the .
Fizz – you know what I’m going to say
Two words: pet nats. Light, fi , fun, and sitting around
9.5–11.5% ABV - basically built for summer drinking. They’re like Champagne’s chilled-out cousin who shows up barefoot with a picnic blanket and a bag of crisps then jumps in the pool with their clothes on.
ritish summer can be eeting. One week you’re sunbathing; the next you’re back in a raincoat wondering why you ever bought a paddling pool. But whether you’re basking or sheltering, the right wine turns any day into a bit of a holiday.
And if you need any help picking out those bottles? You know where we are.
Three to try now:
Albariño Atlántico ’23, Cerro del Toro
An Albariño but from Uruguay, not Spain. This is an absolute corker of a fresh white with zingy notes of lemon zest and green apple, some white peach for added layers, and distinct notes of sea breeze. One to be drunk alongside fish.
Txakoli Rosado ’23, Ameztoi
A rosé Txakoli that we can’t cope up with the demand for at the moment. Bone dry with the Txakoli signature spritz, this is dangerously smashable.
Matorral ‘22, Gonzalez Bastias
Jose Luis Gomez Bastias is the 5th generation of his family to make wine on the south bank of Chile’s Maule River. This is 100% Pais, a grape often referred to as ‘the Gamay of Chile’. It’s light, fresh and juicy with bags of red fruit and herbal hit of eucalyptus. Bang it in the fridge.
Visit KASK Wine at 51 North Street 07522 198081; www.kaskwine.co.uk
Expert advice on how to glow up for the holiday season
UNIT 23, BACKFIELDS LANE, BRISTOL, BS2 8QW
WWW.CULTCOLLECTIVEBRISTOL.COM
CULT.COLLECTIVE.BRISTOL
cult.collective was founded by Lucia Randese and Alessandro Franco. United by their shared values, a creative love story was born, with passions for all things art, bringing hair and music together as one. We see ourselves as unconventional, straying from mainstream trends; a collaboration of likeminded artists with unique styles and ideas, which strives for a personalised experience in a unique environment, offering inclusivity and affordability. All our hair stylists have extensive experience, having worked in some of the best salons in the UK. It’s through our experience that we consider ourselves specialists, delivering quality and personalised cuts. Let us welcome you into our safe, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where self expression is the core value; together we can collaborate on a unique style that suits you best. enhancing your natural hair texture and individuality. cult.collective is also a web radio, a musical hub bringing together a diverse community of artists, DJs and producers that Alessandro (Frankie 2 Handz) met during his musical explorations between Italy and UK. The radio seeks to celebrate music with no boundaries showcasing everything from underground electronic beats to classic jazz, soul, house, funk, experimental, and everything in between.
GLAMSQUAD: 63 HIGH ST, HANHAM, BRISTOL, BS15 3DG
GLAMSQUAD IN THE VILLAGE: 2 CASTLE ROAD, PUCKLECHURCH, BRISTOL, BS16 9RF
TEL: 07423848204
WWW.GLAMSQUADBRISTOL.CO.UK
Bex Collier, owner of GlamSquad Bristol, GlamSquad in the Village – a collection of two beauty salons based in Hanham and Pucklechurch. She also runs her own independent aesthetics business, Faces By Bex doing regular pop ups in both Bristol salons & other cities including Oxford & London. Bex is close to completing her teaching qualification, and will soon be ready to launch the training academy from within the salons with some of the other staff soon to join the education arm of the business.
GlamSquad (a collective of self-employed specialists) offers a range of beauty, hair & aesthetics treatments for everyone. The squad is growing in size and their exceptional team of stylists and beauticians are there to ensure you can achieve your ultimate beauty goals. Their team of highly trained experts have added a wealth of qualifications and awards to the salon and hope to continue growing year on year.
55 STOKE LANE, WESTBURY-ON-TRYM, BRISTOL, BS9 3DW
TEL: 07727 226978
WWW.DRKATESCLINIC.CO.UK
Discover a refreshed, more confident you at DrKate’s Clinic, Bristol’s doctor-led aesthetics destination. With over 23years of GP experience, Dr Kate Fretwell and specialist DrHarriet Mitchell deliver safe, personalised treatments including Botox, Profhilo skin boosters, microneedling and advanced hair restoration.
Revitalise your skin with microneedling, a gentle, six-session MPen course that stimulates collagen and elastin to smooth fine lines, reduce scarring and even restore thinning hair. For scalp rejuvenation, our nine-session microneedling hair restoration uses c.prof dutexome formula for naturally fuller, healthier-looking hair.
Our signature anti-wrinkle injections (for forehead, crows feet, jaw slimming and more) and Profhilo treatments improve skin tone, hydration and firmness, leaving you glowing. Every treatment is tailored with top-quality products in a comfortable, professional setting at Westbury-on-Trym.
Book your free consultation today and step into a more radiant you – skin and scalp care that works from the inside out.
7 THE MALL, CLIFTON VILLAGE, BRISTOL, BS84DP TEL: 0117 450 7461; WWW.HONEANDHOWE.CO.UK
Founded by Sam Hone and Gigi Howe, Hone & Howe is a luxury independent salon with craft, creativity, and sustainability at its core in the heart of Clifton Village. Together, we offer a calm, one-on-one experience in a beautiful Georgian setting, using premium Davines products and championing sustainability. Summer 2025 at Hone & Howe is all protecting and nourishing your hair. Here are our top picks this year:
• Davines SU Milk – a gorgeous leave-in spray that acts like SPF for your hair, shielding it from sun and salt. An absolute suitcase staple!
• Davines Solu Shampoo – a cleansing shampoo to remove impurities and product build-up
• Davines Circle Chronicles – a travel-friendly mask to deeply nourish and revive summer-damaged strands
At Hone & Howe, our approach to luxury haircare is deeply aligned with the ethos of Davines. We believe that true luxury lies in simplicity. If you’re looking for exceptional service, premium ingredients and a commitment to doing things well, not fast, then Hone & Howe is the perfect place for you.
LORI LORI
23 CHANDOS ROAD, REDLAND, BRISTOL, BS6 6PG
WWW.LORILORIHAIR.CO.UK
At Lori Lori Hair Salon we believe summer hair should never come at the cost of the planet or your peace of mind. Our salon is a space where beauty, creativity, and conscious living come together. From the moment you walk through our doors, our goal is simple: to make you feel welcome, relaxed, and confident in your own skin (and your hair!). We’re a team of passionate, highly trained stylists who love what we do and care deeply about how we do it, prioritising sustainable practices, ethical choices, and a personalised service that puts you first. That’s why we proudly use Davines products and colour systems, known for their high performance, natural ingredients, and commitment to environmental responsibility. Whether you’re dreaming of a breezy summer cut, sun-kissed highlights, or simply want to give your hair some post-beach TLC, Lori Lori Hair Salon is here for you. Ready to glow up this summer without giving up your green values?
THE GALLERIES SHOPPING CENTRE (MIDDLE FLOOR), BROADMEAD, BRISTOL, BS1 3XA
TEL: 07394 143656
WWW.NB-BEAUTIFUL.CO.UK
At NB Beautiful Aesthetics, we believe looking and feeling your best should be effortless. Based in the heart of Bristol, our award-winning clinic offers a wide range of advanced aesthetic treatments, from skin-boosting facials and dermal filler to IV vitamin infusions and anti-aging therapies.
This summer, it’s all about fresh, hydrated skin and natural enhancements. Clients are loving skin boosters, polynucleotide treatments and our bespoke Summer Glow IV-drip - perfect for boosting radiance from the inside out. We also specialise in correctional work and advanced lip techniques, ensuring every result is safe, subtle and beautifully tailored. Ready to refresh your look this summer? Book your consultation today and discover the confidence that comes with glowing, healthy skin.
49 BROAD STREET, STAPLE HILL, BRISTOL, BS16 5LS
TEL: 07752 820087
WWW.MANUBOTANICALS.CO.UK
Ancient care for modern hair. Formerly known as Tame the Mane in Eastville, Manu Botanicals has brought its celebrated expertise in natural haircare to a new home in Staple Hill. Now welcoming clients at 49 Broad Street, our roots run deep –guided by ancestral wisdom, cultural heritage, and a passion for nurturing every hair type with care and intention.
We have built a loyal following over seven years by helping clients with curls, or none, to find movement in their hair. At Manu Botanicals, we believe hair is healthiest when it’s natural. That’s why we use non-toxic, plant-based products – many lovingly hand-crafted in-house – formulated to support your hair’s integrity and vitality.
Whether your hair is straight, wavy or tightly coiled, our team is here to educate, empower and uplift your unique hair journey. Step into a warm, inclusive space where tradition meets modern care – and your natural beauty is always celebrated.
6 MONMOUTH PLACE, BATH, BA1 2AU
TEL: 01225 612700
WWW.STANDOUT-BEAUTY.COM
At Standout Beauty, we’re all about helping you feel confident and beautiful – whether that’s with a fresh set of lashes, fuller-looking brows, or semi-permanent makeup that saves you time every morning. Based in the heart of Bath, our salon is a friendly and welcoming space where you can relax and enjoy high-quality beauty treatments in expert hands.
We specialise in lash extensions, lash lifts, brow shaping, brow lamination, tinting, and semi-permanent makeup, including powder brows and lip blush. Every treatment is tailored to you, with results designed to enhance your natural features.
We also offer accredited lash training courses for anyone looking to get into the beauty industry. Our classes are small, hands-on, and include lifetime support, so you’re never on your own, even after training ends.
Whether you’re coming in for a beauty boost or ready to start your beauty career, we’re here to help you stand out and feel your best. Come visit us – we’d love to welcome you in!
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 at 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 87 years 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.
WESTERN SHIRT (L), £30
ast time we checked pun intended , e ond etro had over cowbo st le shirts in stock, including some ash embroidered ones arter would love. he utton bo s would probabl prefer this classic design From Beyond Retro, 20 Broadmead www.beyondretro.com
DOL COWBOY BOOTS, £169
eth’s boots range from the at to stratosphericall high heeled. hese are ideal if ou’re looking for trouble in a o eman dive bar
From Mint Velvet 44 Regent Street www.mintvelvet.com
Western TV shows are back with a vengeance, and the fashion style is an ideal fit for a boho summer. o be more cowbo , deal out the e as old’em, and take inspiration from our Yellowstone heroes
LOST TRAIL PENDLETON BLANKET, £445
uddle up on the porch with our favourite cowbo girl person under this woven woollen blanket
From Rainmaker Gallery 140 Whiteladies Road ww.rainmakerart.co.uk
BLACK LEATHER WESTERN BELT (MEDIUM), £12 bviousl ou’ll need one of these, and wh pa top dollar for new when vintage stores have plent of cheap ones From Beyond Retro, 20 Broadmead www.beyondretro.com
TURQUOISE RAWHIDE EARRINGS, £70
MUNTHE PIM DRESS, £229
Beth’s fond of a girly leopard print mini pair with killer heels or vintage slouch pull on boots
From Grace & Mabel, 18 The Mall www.graceandmabel.co.uk
hannel our inner onica with these colourful earrings b ominic r uero of the ochiti ueblo tribe
From Rainmaker Gallery, 140 Whiteladies Road www.rainmakerart.co.uk
NAGHEDI NOMAD WOVEN TOTE, £335
All bags need to be hobo. Beth rocks something very similar to this one when she’s in power mode; there again, when isn’t she?
From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com
INDI & COLD LEAF DRESS, £128
eth’s not averse to a demure puff sleeved midi, as long as it comes with a deep V-neck From Maze Clothing, 26-28 The Mall www.mazeclothing.co.uk
STRAW COWBOY HAT, £45
Neutral hats are best; leave the coloured hats to the stags and hens From Mint Velvet; 18 Regent Street www.mintvelvet.com
SILVER AND TURQUOISE EARRINGS, £295
Both Beth and Monica wear Native American jewellery – Beth tends to favour delicate silver ones, so she’d love these by Harvey Chavez of the Kewa Pueblo tribe, from Bristol’s own Rainmaker From Rainmaker Gallery 140 Whiteladies Road www.rainmakerart.co.uk
AVIATOR SUNGLASSES, £135
ORSLOW 105 MEN’S JEANS, £255
Jeans are a cowboy staple, but this take on the classic Levis are a cut above; they also come as a ‘two year wash’ for instant fade and comfort. One less thing to worry about if you’re seconded to the Four Sixes From Maze Clothing, 26-28 The Mall www.mazeclothing.co.uk
Jimmy Fairly calls this model The Ollie, though obviousl it should be he ip. hoose a different colour lens if youre worried the pinkish shade will get you laughed out of the bunkhouse From Jimmy Fairly. 90 Park Street www.jimmyfairly.com
LODGE JACKET, £95 (FROM £190)
We see Kayce rocking this one, though you may need to roll around in the Montana, OK Bristol, mud for a while to get the authentic worn-in patina From Peregrine Clothing www.peregrineclothing.co.uk
Make the most of small spaces while maximising the cosy with a bed nook, where pizazz meets the practical, and snug is the drug
By Kirsty Lake
Things to keep in mind when creating the perfect nook
1. Think carefully about important features your home may be missing – do you need more storage, an additional sleeping option, or just an added element of playfulness? Then review each room in turn. Is there more that could be done with the landing? Are you really making the most of all the available space under the eaves? You might be surprised at what new ideas suddenly pop up.
2. Use built-in joinery, if possible, to fill every inch. Think about the design of boat interiors, or even of caravans: what do people do when space really is at a premium, and each area has to multi-task?
3. Remember the end user, especially if this will be a child’s space or a guest bedroom. Each part of your home is an experience for those who live in it or visit it, so what can you do to make it a memorable one, either through its practical or aesthetic qualities?
4. Lighting, as always, can make or break a design. Layer different types of light to make this space either fresh and airy or dreamily intimate, depending on needs and mood.
Everyone loves a nook: those magical little spaces in a house where privacy is paramount and cosy is king. Some are reading nooks, often revolving around a comfy chair and some decent natural light (though cupboards, landings and other similarly unlikely spots can be pressed into service by the bold). Others are sleeping areas, squishing an occasional bed into an otherwise unpromising corner, creating the tucked-away terrestrial equivalent of a berth on a yacht. Called bed nooks or occasionally alcove beds, curling up in one cuts you brilliantly free from the world, making you master or mistress of your own bijoux little kingdom; sleep comes easily in places like this, along with the sweetest of dreams.
When I was recently asked to redesign a box bedroom in a wonderful Georgian property, I naturally jumped at the chance to create a cocoon-like space rich in serene yet sensible style. There wasn’t really much to the room at all, but the window area looked just about big enough for a soft, snug bed, and rather an enviable one we managed to squeeze into it too: the walls all around cosset you as you snooze, creating a sense of privacy and comfort – like an animal in its burrow, or (considering you’re right up in the eaves) a bird in its nest. Putting the bed here created an amazing opportunity to maximise every inch of the room’s meagre space – who says fancy and functional can’t make the happiest of bedfellows?
To get started, space planning was key – and while in many schemes the default would be to maintain a walkway to the window, I opted instead to make the window key to the design: its natural light, figured, would make the nook bed as useable as a reading or even work space during the day as it would be a cosy night time sleeping space. Storage elements underneath,
in cubby holes in either side of the joinery, and in the form of decorative book shelf elements, maximised the functionality of every inch of the space.
And then there was the lighting, which offered all sorts of new opportunities to make this already appealing space feel even more intimate: there’d be no bright spotlights here, just simple wall lights and soft, warm LEDs to emphasise details and illuminate corners. Plenty of shelves and ledges – with electric sockets installed, naturally – could be home to books, pictures, gadgets, trinkets: whatever the luck occupant decides tofill it with. he results are super-personal: a quiet refuge, your own little retreat.
With the right strategies, even the tiniest rooms can be maximised, creating functional, beautiful, comfortable and – yes – covetable areas out of spaces that had hitherto been also-rans at best, and forgotten at worst. By prioritising multifunctional furniture, making use of vertical space, embracing minimalist design and integrating clever storage solutions, you can make the most of every inch of space. It may not be the cheapest or easiest thing to do with a small room – that would be to throw all our never used unk inside and fit a padlock to the door – but it’s certainly the most satisfying. And while, in my experience, bespoke joinery almost always provides a great return on investment – in addition, of course, to solving many a storage woe – I concede that it isn’t alwa s the most affordable solution. ou ma find that being creative with off the peg pieces and looking at them in a different wa stacking, hanging, and combining them in ways that make the most of the space – may work out almost as well.
Kirsty Lake is creative director at The Curator’s House; 01225 696996; thecuratorshouse.co.uk
Kirsty’s interiors edit for June
Waffled dressing gown at John Lewis, Cabot Circus, £35; www.johnlewis.com
The Green Ages by Annette Kehnel, plus many other books at The Last Bookshop, 60 Park Street, was £25, now £7.99; www.billandbenbooks.co.uk 3. Fara plain cotton velvet cushion by Vivaraise, in olive, at Mon Pote, 217a North Street, £29.95; www.monpote.co.uk 4. Bristol trio glaze candlestick holder in jade/pink by Liz Vidal at The Bristol Artisan, 3 Lower Redland Road, £25.50; www.thebristolartisan.com 5. Betty Blue floral quilt, 140x220, by Au Maison at Mon Pote, 217a North Street, £56; www.monpote.co.uk
NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE PROFESSIONALS
Jon is the head of centre (Bristol) at ACCESS CREATIVE COLLEGE – the UK’s largest national independent training provider, with over 30 years of experience in education
Growing up in Bristol, Jon was always passionate about the creative arts.
“My background is in performance, and I quickly discovered a love for teaching –and the powerful impact creative exploration can have on young people – through running youth theatre workshops”, he says.
“I trained as a drama and performing arts teacher and ualified 16 years ago. Since then, I’ve been proud to help shape opportunities for students in both teaching and leadership roles across Exeter, Bath, and now back in my home city of Bristol.
“I’m still active as a writer, director, and performer, and that creative energy continues to in uence ever thing do in education.”
What does Access Creative College do?
ACC is the UK’s largest national independent training provider, with over 30 years of experience in educating 16–18 and 19+ learners in creative subjects. Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2022, ACC has over 2,000 learners across campuses in Birmingham, Bristol, Lincoln, London, Manchester, Norwich, and Plymouth.
What courses do you offer?
e offer full time vocational courses in music, media, games, e sports, and computing. pecialist industry support and employer engagement are central to our curriculum design, providing students with real world pro ects and high ualit work e perience opportunities.
And you’re part of the Access Education Group?
Yes; it includes sports education provider Access Sport; our apprenticeship training provider ccess ndustr which offers apprenticeships in partnership with leading employers such as PRG, White Light, and Disney), and HE provider dBs Institute. These programmes provide alternative pathways into careers in events, marketing, software development and more, with clear progression routes from BTECs and T Levels through to degrees.
What made you join ACC?
ACC is a special place with creativity at its absolute heart. One of the key reasons I joined was its recognition of the transformative power of creative education –which is something I am deeply passionate about.
What have been your biggest career highlights?
It’s been three years since I joined ACC, and each week brings a new highlight. I love seeing the incredible work our students create, and the impact their education is having on their lives. Whether I’m walking through the corridors and hearing music practice, dropping into classrooms to see work, or attending external performances, there’s always something to be proud of.
One standout moment has been launching our Academy of Visual rts. his pro ect involved significant collaboration with employers and learners to understand how we can best position students to connect with industry and address local skills gaps. The work coming out of the academy is exceptional, and a real testament to what can be achieved when education aligns with opportunity.
Tell us a bit about the culture at ACC
ACC has a culture rooted in collaboration and innovation. Every individual across the organisation has the opportunity to positively shape the experiences of our young people. That’s incredibly powerful, and it’s so rewarding to work in an environment which fosters that level of shared ownership and impact.
“LIVING HERE MEANS BEING PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL”
Can you tell us about the importance of organisations such as ACC, and the need to create career pathways for young people in the creative industries?
I truly believe organisations like ACC play a crucial role in shaping the futures of young people. We have a responsibility to champion creativity and to provide pathways which not only lead into creative industries but also equip learners with broader transferable skills.
Skills such as communication, problem solving, creative thinking, information literacy, planning, prioritisation, and collaboration are essential, not just for creative careers, but for any industry. These are foundational life skills, and creative education nurtures them in powerful, real world wa s. e should never underestimate that value.
What do you think sets Bristol’s professional community apart from other cities?
Bristol’s professional community is incredibly supportive. We’re fortunate to be in a region where employers and education providers work together with real purpose and impact. We’re actively involved with the Chamber of Commerce and the Local Skills Improvement Plan, and through that, we see firsthand how our region is collaborating to improve outcomes and opportunities for all residents. It’s inspiring to be a part of it.
What advice would you give to someone looking to move to the city?
Explore as much of the city as you can, especially from a cultural perspective. Take in the live music, the theatre, the art and exhibitions, the architecture, the independent restaurants and cafés, the harbourside. Go and watch some live sport. Immerse yourself in everything that’s woven into the fabric of this community—and celebrate that. Living here means being part of something special. For more www.accesscreative.ac.uk
Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk
St Johns House, BS1 FOR SALE – £150,000 618 sq ft (57.41 sq m)
An opportunity to purchase a ground floor, self contained commercial unit located a few minutes walk from Corn Street. Offered as a ‘shell’ to allow an occupier to put their own stamp on the property.
Falfield Garage TO LET – POA
0.23 acres (0.09 Hectares)
An excellent roadside covered forecourt with a purpose-built sales office. There is also a car valet area to the rear of the garage. The forecourt can hold between 30–50 cars/vans dependent upon size.
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.
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.
St Pauls Road, Clifton
TO LET – POA, 600 – 2,618 sq ft (55.75 – 243.21 sq m)
A substantial end of terrace office building providing self contained accommodation over ground and upper floors with excellent on site car parking. The space is due to be refurbished to a contemporary standard.
Liberty House FOR SALE – POA
10,851 sq ft (1,008.05 sq m)
Multi-Let Office investment in South Bristol with a total passing rent of £114,831 per annum. Future development (STP) and reversionary rent growth potential.
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.
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.
Eden Office Park, Pill FOR SALE – POA
1,841 – 6,110 sq ft (171 – 567 sq m)
3 office buildings currently occupied as one, but can be available separately or combined. Excellent parking provision.
Development Site, High Street, Westbury on Trym FOR SALE – POA
Planning granted for a two storey commercial unit. Excellent location in the centre of Westbury on Trym. A rare and unique opportunity!
Jeweller Diana Porter, known for her innovative designs and Fairtrade practices, died in 2021, but her legacy continues to be cherished by a devoted team overseen by Claire
Claire has worked for the company for over 19 years. Today she oversees the day to day running of the business, alongside the other 15 members of the team.
Tell us a little about how the company was founded by Diana Diana attended the University of Central England in 1990 for a degree in jewellery and silversmithing, starting her own jewellery business in 1993 from her front living room.
What was (and is) the guiding philosophy of the business?
The philosophy of the brand focuses on meaningful, unique designs, ualit materials, fine craftsmanship, and ethical practices.
What was so special about Diana Porter?
Diana was a formidable leader; she was a leading figure in the eweller world, and a strong role model for women in business. She started her business at 47, which inspired many people not to fear change in midlife. Over the years we have heard from hundreds of customers about what her designs meant to them; she has been and always will be an inspiration to so many.
Has the range changed much since the early days?
The core collections have remained largely unchanged, and have a recognisable signature look, with words and textures etched into the metal. Many of our jewellers worked alongside Diana for many years, and as we develop new collections we are always looking through her scrapbooks, photography and art that inspired her, and the news designs are driven by this and Diana’s original philosophy and design aesthetic.
How has the company kept the legacy of Diana alive?
Diana is always at the forefront of everything we do. Many of us were lucky to work alongside her for many years, and we continue to draw inspiration from the skills and knowledge she left us. The company is now employee-owned, because Diana recognised that in order for the business to continue, the people who worked there should be valued for their hard work.
Do you focus on sustainability and use ethically sourced materials?
Absolutely! Since 2011 we have been members of the Fairtrade foundation
and from 2015 all the gold we use has been certified airtrade gold. e use con ict free anada ark diamonds, and laboratory-grown diamonds for when customers are looking for an option that hasn’t been mined. We also source semiprecious stones that are traceable, wherever possible.
Can you describe the design process for custom jewellery pieces?
The process begins with a jewellery consultation to discuss ideas. After finalising the design, a hand drawn sketch is made, followed by a 3D wax model for approval. Once approved, the item is handcrafted in four to six weeks, depending on complexity.
What sets your jewellery apart from other shops in Bristol?
We are an independent jewellers run by a small friendly team; we pride ourselves on offering a personable shopping experience, and you can work directly with a jeweller to create your dream piece. All our collections are carefully curated, and our workshop is directly behind the gallery. Customers can even meet their jeweller! We take pride in being part of your special moments.
“DIANA WAS INSPIRED BY WOMEN, EMPOWERMENT AND WORDS, SO ALL OF OUR PIECES HAVE THIS AT THEIR CORE”
Are your designs influenced by any particular artistic movements or styles?
Diana was inspired by women, empowerment and words, so all of our pieces have this at their core. She uses words that resonate with the wearer. Sometimes the words are hidden within the texture; on other pieces they are in bold capital letters. Organic handmade textures and shapes make each piece unique.
What advice do you have for someone looking to buy an engagement ring or wedding band, or any other special pieces?
One of the most important things to remember is to lean into your partner’s personal aesthetic – this is the best wa to find a ring the ’ll love forever. Consider the jewellery they already love and their preferred metal and embrace your creativity! In our experience, the most cherished rings are those that re ect the wearers personality and style.
What are some of your most enduringly popular pieces?
The Sibyl pendants, designed by Diana in the ’90s, have remained popular for their empowering words. Known as ‘The Bristol Necklace,’ they connect Bristolians. They’ve become iconic! Our engagement rings are also popular for those seeking unique options.
Are there any upcoming collections or new designs we should look forward to?
An exciting new silver collection will launch this year, featuring tactile pieces with bold shapes and the phrase ‘When the heart and mind they meet’ hidden in the metal. This phrase is derived from one of Diana’s favourite songs, which she frequently listened to while working at her bench.
For more: www.dianaporter.co.uk
wo accolades for ristol firm ne ig ircle in The Sunday Times est laces to ork list they were named as one of the top ten mediumsized companies in the UK, and they’ve also won the award for the best medium-sized company in the Technology Industry Award.
The Times accolade is part of a nationwide survey honouring 500 leading UK employers across various sectors. The report highlights organisations fostering exceptional workplaces for
diverse communities, including women, , disabled emplo ees, ethnic minorities, and different age groups, with robust well-being support.
ounded in b mil ent, arnab Kent, Ian Packer, and Sam Low, One Big Circle has grown from its four founders to nearly 70 employees. Based near Temple Meads, the company specialises in intelligent video solutions for critical national infrastructure, notably its Automated Intelligent Video Review system, which is widely used in the UK rail network.
For more: www.onebigcircle.co.uk
And speaking of Awards, which this page largely does, Triodos ank, whose is on eaner oad near ollege reen, has won the prestigious Best Ethical Financial Provider title for the fourth consecutive year at the British Bank Awards.
The award was based on nearly 178,000 reviews collected via Smart Money People, with an impressive 4.93 out of 5 rating from almost 8,000 customer reviews.
Triodos serves nearly 100,000 customers, focusing on sustainable and sociall beneficial pro ects. t adheres to stringent ethical standards, abstaining from financing fossil fuels, fast fashion, deforestation, or weapons. Celebrating 30 years in the UK banking sector, it continues to receive recognition for its sustainabilit efforts, recentl earning a ing’s ward for nterprise and lobal ood inance la er of the ear in .
For more: www.triodos.co.uk
As planning starts for the 10th anniversary of the Bristol Life Awards in 2026, we offer our congratulations once again to 2025 Platinum winner Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity.
Here’s what our judges said: “A truly profound impact from day one of its 50-year history to an excellent 2024. The charity’s initiatives foster full-hearted goodness within Bristol. A thoroughly deserving winner of the Platinum.”
Who will win the Plat next year?
For more: www.bwhospitalscharity.org.uk www.bristollifeawards.co.uk/2025-winners
As the Chancellor announces plans to more than double investment in local transport in England’s city regions, committing to “investment in all parts of the country, not just a few”, local leaders have welcomed the news that over £750m pounds are set to be funnelled into transport projects in the West of England.
Around £150 million would further improve rail infrastructure across the region and support ambitions for more trains across our growing suburban rail network, including those between economic growth zones such as Brabazon and Bristol Temple Quarter. The possibility of trams, as an extension of the popular Metrobus services, along with guided buses are also under discussion.
The news came just one day after the opening of ristol’s first electric bus depot in engrove, with electrification set to take place in ath and awrence ill ne t ear. ore than new electric buses are set to serve bus passengers across the region in .
‘Our region has a strong economy overall, but we know that congestion has held the West of England back from achieving its full potential”, said elen odwin, the new a or of the est of England “It’s time to invest in the West and unlock that growth.”
For more: www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk
Jeweller Nicholas Wylde is celebrating 15 years in Clifton this June, a landmark which happil coincides with the , th sale of the lde lower iamond® The diamond, celebrated for its exquisite beauty and superior craftsmanship, has become a coveted symbol of elegance and love since its inception.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone,” said Nicholas. “The Wylde lower iamond is designed with precision and passion, and each one represents the culmination of artistry and craftsmanship. The sale of our 1,000th diamond is a testament to the dedication of our team, as well as the love and appreciation from our clients around the world.”
For more: www.nicholaswylde.com
are a boutique buying agency, working exclusively for purchasers looking to buy in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire & North Somerset.
If you are struggling to find your dream home, investment or rental opportunity, and would like access to o -market opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing: hello@strangandco.com, or see our website for further information. www.strangandco.com
Bristol Life team
More than 130 members, alumni and guests came together at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery for an evening of socialising and networking at the
The black-tie event is one of the highlights of the Chamber’s packed calendar of events, celebrating the 2024-25 year and giving prospective members a chance to experience the BJC at its most exciting.
As well as enjoying a four-course dinner and dancing the night away, attendees helped the Chamber to raise £2,100 for the event’s chosen charity, the Jessie May Trust.
www.bristoljuniorchamber.co.uk
Bow-fronted Georgian charm, views for days, an idyllic position on the fringes of lifton illage and wait until you see the garden and sun terrace . . .
Words by Ursula Cole
There are no 90º corners within Number 1 Princes Buildings, although the angle of the rooms is so slight that this is not immediately apparent to the eye. Each room is set at a languid slant, caused by the curve of the terrace; it’s a similar story in the homes of its near neighbour The Paragon, though to be pedantic, in the latter they form trapezoids, while in Princes Buildings they’re parallelograms.
Such mathematical irregularity merely adds charm and character to the homes; a quirkiness which is highly unlikely to put buyers off. ndeed, rinces uildings is among the most sought-after addresses in Bristol, for fairly obvious reasons which we’ll go on to list nevertheless.
First, there’s the unbeatable location: always the holy grail of house hunting. t’s within lifton Village, but peacefully situated at the western end, practically as far as you can go without hitting the Gorge. Need we spell out what this implies for the views?
Secondly, it’s notable for the house itself, the first in a rade row whose front doors are reached via a little raised terrace up a ight of stone steps. t’s as substantial as it is historic and distinguished. et over si oors, it dates back to around , and comes with a satisfying checklist of undisturbed Georgian features which include high ceilings, original fireplaces and sash windows, all of which were sensibly retained during a thorough back-to-brick refurbishment. n the vast ma orit of eorgian homes the main
sitting room is found at the front of the house. There again, the vast majority of homes don’t have views of the Avon Gorge framed by large sashed windows at the back. It’s here, beyond the vestibule and the elegant oakoored reception hall, that ou’ll find the drawing room, which spans the entire width of the house, and beyond that, a sunroom which does exactly as its name suggests, helping to fill the drawing room with natural light – though there must be a huge temptation to uietl draw the door to this little room, possibl closing the curtains for added privac , and curl up on the wide fitted window seats with a book.
Not that the outlook from the front of the house leaves an thing to be desired. eparated b grand doors from the drawing room is a smaller but no less elegant morning room, in which a bow window frames views of the curving Royal York Crescent.
lluring though the rooms on this oor are, it’s eas to imagine the residents gravitating naturally to the lowerground level, where the large kitchen an especiall prett space fitted with sage coloured haker st le units, an verhot cooker set within an elegant fireplace and a kitchen island opens to a wide suntrap of a terrace. ore prosaicall , but e tremel usefull , there’s a utilit room down here too, and an inner hallwa which opens to a single garage.
As is usual in Georgian homes, the basement has its own set of steps to the street, offering the obvious potential for a self contained at perfect for renting,
or housing guests, resident grannies or kids not able or willing to the nest. he rooms currentl provide a kitchen famil area, a garden and bathroom, and a passagewa leading to the garden.
Where? Clifton Village
Guide price £3.5m
Bedrooms 5
Bath/shower rooms 4
Receptions 4
Anything else? Sun room, garden room
Outside Sun terrace, large parklike garden
Call my agent Knight Frank 0117 317 1999 www.knightfrank.co.uk
ith so much space to pla with, it’s unsurprising that the first oor should be given over in its entiret to a master suite with a large bathroom connected b a walk in cupboard. here are two more bedrooms and a famil bathroom above, while the third oor offers a self contained space to rival the master suite, with a bedroom, ensuite shower room and a large stud with the best views in the house, ga ing across von orge and far be ond. s a home office it’s impossible to picture an thing more inviting ou’ll be longing to clock into work. he large parklike garden has been landscaped to create patio, lawn and woodland areas with shrubberies and established trees, which include a mature golden beech. gate opens to walks along the edge of the orge an improbabl peaceful and bucolic retreat, far above the otwell oad. ven for a house set on rinces uildings, even for a home in the illage, this is an e traordinar home.
There may be better jobs than running a specialist spirits shop and bar on North Street; it’s just that we can’t think of any
We’re whisky specialists, but we also have a selection of other spirits and wines, and the bar offers a great selection of cocktails, created by our new bar team, who we are incredibly proud of”, says Katy. e also run weekl tasting events, have live a on the first Sunday of the month and there’s a private hire event space, too.”
I used to work in export sales for a whisky company, and spent a lot of time visiting ver inspiring independent shops, bars, owners and teams around Europe. I had always had it in my mind to start one of my own, and when travelling became impossible in 2020, I realised actuall uite liked sta ing in one place, and maybe it was time to go for it, and share m whisky passion with the local community.
I also spent some time working at other specialist wine and spirit
retailers ambridge ine Merchants and Avery’s. And before that was a languages teacher. ou might be forgiven for thinking that was the direct driving force that led me to drink, but it wasn’t exactly the case.
At Spirited we have around 150 whiskies in the shop and on the bar (yes, I have tasted all of them as well as a big selection of other spirits and cocktail ingredients. e aim to stock as many locally crafted spirits as possible, so there are a lot of gins from ristol and the surrounding area, as well as other locally made products, too.
In terms of cocktails in the bar, we currently have a Studio hibli inspired menu running with our own creations, but we also offer classic cocktails, wines and a small range of local cans from Good Chemistry.
I once heard a customer say t’s like sitting in our mate’s living room but ust surrounded
“It’s like sitting in your mate’s living room but just surrounded by amazing booze”
b ama ing boo e and reall hope that sums up what you can expect from the atmosphere.
I genuinely love every single product we have, and every supplier we work with – I honestly can’t choose a favourite. Each one has its place, story and reason for being on our shelves.
My go-to cocktail changes depending on a multitude of factors. ight now, ’m feeling Manhattan.
Running a business on North Street is an absolute delight. We’re so lucky to be surrounded by all these independent businesses who support each other, and then to be in a neighbourhood communit which supports local shopping so proudl is a rare thing to find. e are so grateful for that.
Our next-door neighbour is Upfest Gallery, and we love them not just for all the art, but for ever thing the do for the area and for constantl receiving our parcels . f start talking about all the businesses further up the street I’d use up all my word count – there are just so many great places. e have some local area guides on our nstagram page, where we highlight some of the great places on orth treet.
For a special meal ’d go for food at or followed b sangria and the best vibes at El Rincón. But just to prove I do occasionally leave edminster, ’m also going to choose Bianchis in Montpelier, followed by Filthy XIII.
We try to collaborate with as many Bristol businesses as we
can. e regularl collaborate with Kelly from Good Chemistry for our ‘women’s whisky’ events, we’ve done chocolate and booze workshops with Zara’s, cheese and whisky with North Street Cheese, sourced Chai from Radical Roasters for one of our menus, recently did a charity fundraiser for Key4Life with Lupe, had the Milk Thistle team over for a bar takeover, held a Day of the Dead Party with tom the list goes on. We also do a little bit of wholesale, so we provide advice to local bars and restaurants, and help build interesting spirit selections which they then source from us.
I live in Bedminster, really close to the shop. I love it here. There are so man green spaces nearb , ou can get ever thing ou need, there are loads of great places to eat and drink, and there is always something going on.
A fun fact about whisky: the word comes from the Gaelic uisge beatha meaning the water of life’. lso, during prohibition in the USA, whisky could still be consumed if prescribed as medicine. ust sa ing
My secret skills? Nunchuck skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills
My most regrettable habit uoting Napoleon Dynamite when someone asks me a serious question.
Share a guilty pleasure I love a Jameson.
For more: www.spiritedbristol.com
