Bristol Life – Issue 387

ISSUE 387 / SEPTEMBER 2026 / £5

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ISSUE 387 / SEPTEMBER 2026 / INSIDE INFORMATION

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GEORGIA FENDLEY ON LIFE’S LITTLE LUXURIES

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Why Bristol interiors hit different YA HS

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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Yard sale

Just to prove a point (see column, right) we’ve found the most unique home currently on the Bristol market

’m not saying Bristol believes all rules should be broken, but it doesn’t shy away from challenging authority either. The city has a long, swaggering history of “We’re not having it” moments, from the Bristol Reform Riots of 1831 to the Bus Boycott of 1963, the St Paul’s uprising of 1980, and all that lairiness over the Stokes Croft Tesco back in 2011. Obviously Bristol became the cradle of the graffiti movement; how could it resist anything so forbidden? The tradition continues, with the toppling of the Colston statue in 2020 and the ongoing inevitability of a protest march taking place every week.

Rebellious, iconoclastic, occasionally piratical, Bristol does things its own way. Not just when it comes to the big stuff, either, but – brace yourself for a sharp descent into bathos here – in the way we decorate our homes.

We took Bristol non-conformity as the starting point for our autumn interiors feature, asking: what rules can and should be broken? The answer? Well, most of them. And if you need yet more proof that Bristol homeowners think outside the box, check out our property showcase on page 90, while on page 62 our columnists Woodhouse & Law sing from a not unrelated hymn book.

And OK, so daring to paint a small room in dark colours might not quite be up there with “If the council won’t take that thing down, we will”, but come on: do you really need yet another “This autumn, embrace earthy tones and bring the outside in” feature in your life? Even if you do, you can’t make us write one. We’ll do as we like. We are a Bristol magazine.

Incidentally, we didn’t randomly choose our front cover image just because it was pretty. Cole & Sons based their Rainforest Squiggle papers on a design by Dame Vivienne Westwood, one of the most famous style mavericks of all time, who had close ties to Bristol. Well, she would have, wouldn’t she?

DERI ROBINS Bristol Life editor @BristolLifeMag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 3

Issue 387 / September 2026 ON THE COVER Rainforest Squiggle by Cole & Son x Vivienne Westwood

INTERIORS

12 REBEL REBEL Rules are made to be broken 58 K ITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Meet Paul O’Leary of deVOL 62 DESIGN FOR LIFE Step away from the flatpacks

ARTS

28 WHAT’S ON We’re taking it back indoors 36 COMEDY Lenny at the Beacon 44 BRISTOL HEROES Can we have our colander back now?

8 36

FOOD & DRINK

50 RESTAURANT Lunchtime Cravings 52 BARS A new era for the Milkie 57 YES CHEF Dan’s sorry for the delay

EDUCATION

68 A QUESTION OF LEGACY It’s not just about the exam results (though it partly is)

BUSINESS

79 BRABAZON So how’s it hanging in the hangars?

PROPERTY

12

90 SHOWCASE The sculptor’s house

REGULARS

8 SPOTLIGHT Storm Shaun, hallucinogenic icecream, boozy candyfloss, and yet more praise for Bristol 67 UPPER CASE Georgia Fendley on life’s little luxuries 98 BRISTOL LIVES It’s the Spanking Goddess herself, Clare Murphy! top: Are you even from Bristol if you don’t know what this is? middle: Far-from-horrid Henry

bottom: Romo Fabrics; way too cool to follow trends

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Dan O’Regan, Woodhouse & Law, Georgia Fendley Commercial director Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Commercial manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Charlotte Mace-Pettitt charlotte.mace-pettitt@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 Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath and Bristol.

Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

6 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT top: Cassie after too much

ice-cream; below: Fancy a selfie with Danny?

Film & tourism

PUTTING ON THE GLITZ

Love spotting Bristol landmarks in films and on the telly? Never gets old, does it? You’re going to love Starring Bristol then, a witty little short made by Visit West to show off some of the biggest productions filmed in and around the city over the past couple of decades.

Now on YouTube, the film segues the wanderings of three fictional couples with clips from Rivals, The Outlaws, Wolf Hall and the Aardman movies. Naturally there are scenes from Skins, including an excellent gag about Cassie during one of her, let’s say, less grounded moments, possibly the result of some unusually flavoured ice-cream.

The idea behind the film is to encourage people to explore the city – “Bristol is so glitzy!” remarks one visitor, dazzled by a redcarpet scene from Rivals. It also coincides with a partnership with the SetJetters movie location app, which among other things allows you to stand in the exact spot of a scene and take a side-by-side photo – so if you’ve always fancied having a selfie with David Tennant or Danny Dyer you know what to do.

Search for Starring Bristol on YouTube; www.visitwest.co.uk Let us spray: the art of Inkie et al is a big reason why Lonely Planet loves Bristol

Awards

GONGS OF PRAISE

Bristol is the only UK destination to feature in the 2026 Best in Travel guide published by Lonely Planet, which praised its creative energy, street art and distinctive neighbourhoods.

There’s also been a separate thumbs-up for the city’s eco credentials, with Bristol judged to be the third most sustainable city in Britain. Compiled by the Carbon Neutral Group consultancy, the ranking considered factors such as emissions, infrastructure, green space and how people travel. Bristol scored highly for its continued investment in renewable energy, including the installation of solar panels in homes, schools and public buildings, as well as its plans for wind power.

The ones to beat? Cambridge came first, followed by Exeter. But do they have hallucinogenic ice-cream? (That’s a reference to our top story in case you think we just throw these pages together.) www.lonelyplanet.com; www.carbonneutralgroup.co.uk

Booze

Weather

Between 24-27 September Bristol Cocktail Weekend returns, with over 30 venues serving exclusive drinks and dreaming up novel experiences. As ever, for the best deals and specials, buy the wristband.

Among the many delights are rum and chocolate tastings; New Orleans blues with whisky at Spirited; free late-night jazz at St George’s and ‘intimate gin tasting’ at Milk Thistle with Pete Lumber (more about Pete on page 52). For good boys and girls there’s a Sunday morning Harbourside swim with non-alcoholic drink producers Anon, while exclusive food pairings include a Del Boyinspired cheese-and-pineapple dish at The Granary.

Oh, and know this: Hotel du Vin is selling boozy candyfloss for two quid for charity. What a time to be alive. www.bristolcocktailweekend.co.uk

Never mind local elections, this is the vote that counted this month. Compiling its list of names for the 2026/27 storm season, the Met Office invited the public to choose between two Aardman megastars: Shaun and Timmy. Despite Timmy having his own CBeebies programme, Shaun prevailed. The idea is to bring a playful connection to the serious business of storm warnings, so the next time you’re bailing out your flooded cellar, remember to laugh.

We’d have gone with Feathers, to be honest. www.metoffice.gov.uk

SHAKE IT OUT

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STORM TROOPERS

INTERIORS

HOUSE RULES (AND WHEN TO BREAK THEM)

Bristol rarely does what it’s told, so why should it act any differently when it comes to decorating the home?

Words by Deri Robins

12 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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INTERIORS

ecorating trends, huh – what are they good for?

Well, they’re fun to read about. They can spark ideas, and they probably keep the lights on at the offices of interiors magazines.

But come on. Since when did Bristol ever do as it was told? It’s not in the city’s DNA to meekly follow rules just for the sake of them. We asked a bunch of local experts what they thought, and they came back with one unanimous answer: the only rule is to listen to your heart and do what feels right for you.

Actually, they said a bit more than that. Let’s get into it.

Rule 1:

NEVER PAINT A SMALL ROOM IN DARK COLOURS

“Completely disagree. Small rooms are often the perfect place to be brave with colour and pattern; wrapping a room in a rich, dark shade can make it feel cocooning, characterful and incredibly inviting.”

Jamie Watkins, Divine Savages “I often deliberately go darker in a small room. Rather than trying to make it pretend to be bigger, embrace its size and create atmosphere.

Dark colours can actually blur the boundaries of a room and make it feel much more interesting.”

David Hutton, David Hutton Interiors

PHOTO BY MEL YATES

“Rather than automatically reaching for white or pale neutrals to make a small space appear larger, sometimes it’s better to embrace its proportions. Deep, rich colours can create a wonderful sense of depth and intimacy. We particularly love using them in spaces such as cloakrooms, snugs or smaller bedrooms, where you can afford to be a little braver.”

Kirsty Jephcott, Ivywell Interiors

opposite: Cole & Son’s Rainforest Squiggle paper honours ultimate rule-breaker

Vivienne Westwood; above: Little Greene – never be afraid of the dark

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INTERIORS “Dark colours can work particularly well in small rooms, especially those with very little natural light. Rather than trying to fight the character of a dark space, I think there’s something really beautiful about embracing it and using colour to enhance its sense of warmth and intimacy. Deep, earthy pinks work beautifully in colour-drenched schemes; the rich, chalky muted quality feels incredibly calming when embraced across every element of a space.”

Ruth Mottershead, Little Greene

ONE RULE YOU WOULD NEVER BREAK “Don’t push every piece of furniture against the walls. Don’t be afraid to bring furniture into the room and fill the space properly. A room needs to feel generous and inviting, not like everything has been moved aside for a party” – David Hutton “As a design team, our focus is always on the client - their style, personality and way of life. We never deviate from this.” – John Law

“A small room still deserves soul and character. Cocooning a small room such as a study, boot-room or downstairs cloakroom will make the space feel intentional, not an afterthought simply due to its size.”

Robyn Knibb, Fawn Interiors

“Furniture needs to be appropriate for the size of the space; there needs to be enough room to move comfortably. Lighting needs to suit how the room is actually used. You can break lots of aesthetic rules successfully, but it’s much harder to disguise a room that simply doesn’t function well because space planning has been overlooked” – Kirsty Jephcott

“If you want to create a dramatic and/or cosy space then colour -drenching the room in a dark colour is an ideal way, especially if you are using a dark colour palette.”

Alison Bracey, Bracey Interiors

“A considered space in our eyes has at least four forms of lighting within it. Architectural, ceiling, wall, floor and table lamps. Layered lighting is essential and scrimping on these is an absolute no-no” – Robyn Knibb

“I don’t agree that dark spaces feel brighter and bigger if you paint them white or a light colour. I find this often makes them feel more stark and less inviting, and definitely not brighter, the light colour tends to fight with the lack of natural light. Embrace it, I say.” Emily Rickard

Rule 2:

ROOMS NEED TO STICK TO A CONSISTENT COLOUR PALETTE

“Not necessarily. I love mixing colour and I’ll often introduce one shade that slightly throws the scheme off. If everything coordinates too perfectly, a room can lose its personality.” David Hutton

“There are no design rules I would never break; I’m a selfproclaimed rule breaker and go with my gut’ – Emily Rickard opposite: a contemporary oak ceiling from Chauncey’s

below: A bath in the bedroom? Why not? says Divine Savages

“Not at all. We love unexpected colour combinations and believe a home should feel collected rather than colour-coordinated. The trick is to be confident and let the colours talk to one another.” Jamie Watkins “I think there’s something so engaging in a home when each room has its own personality, rather than following one consistent colour palette.

What matters is how the colours work together and the atmosphere they create, with a sense of flow throughout the home.” Ruth Mottershead “There’s something delightful about a colour pop in an interior scheme.

A splash of pillar-box red might seem jarring as a concept, but those moments can give a scheme more interest and personality. A sense of playfulness makes a scheme far more memorable.” John Law

Rule 3:

DON’T MIX DIFFERENT WOODS, METALS AND FINISHES

“A room needs to feel generous and inviting, not as if everything has been moved aside for a party”

“Too much of the same wood or finish can make a scheme feel flat. I love mixing woods, metals, stone, fabric and different textures; it gives a room layers and makes it feel as though it has evolved over time” David Hutton

“Disagree. The most beautiful schemes will be layered, with multiple different finishes all living harmoniously together.” Robyn Knibb “Some of the most interesting interiors are created by layering different materials and finishes. I’d choose one dominant timber for the flooring and then use other woods and finishes as accents. You can also create contrast with a herringbone or parquet pattern, without needing to introduce a completely different material.”

Ian Tomlinson, Chaunceys Timber Flooring.

“A mixture brings character. The first question to ask yourself is whether the space needs warmth, or cool softness. Brass, for instance, is warm

14 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

WHAT CURRENT TREND DO YOU THINK WILL AGE FAST? “The more exaggerated end of the grandmillennial look may date quite quickly. I’m seeing so many schemes where every possible detail has been added – scallops, fringing, pattern, bows, trims – sometimes all in one room. I love decorative interiors, but when every current motif is used together it can very quickly become a timestamp” – David Hutton “Having too many curves in one space. Lots of furniture, from sofas to side tables, now features a curved element to its form. Used sparingly, curves provide a lovely contrast to sharp, clean edges, but it’s important not to invest in too many pieces in the same vein” – John Law

INTERIORS and golden: it adds richness and heat to a space. Bronze is darker and earthier: it’s the great neutral of the metal world and sits beautifully with almost anything. And nickel is cool and understated. The combination that catches people out most is warm and cool metals together – brass and chrome. It can work, but you need a bridge: something that sits between them. Aged bronze, often.”

Jojo Barr, House Nine Design Studio “Schemes look more interesting if they aren’t overtly coordinated.

Be mindful, though, that timber finishes are volatile and will change colour over time. Natural oak can yellow in sunlight, which may mean it starts to clash with other finishes over time, even if everything looks perfect initially.”

John Law

“Interiors that are a reflection of your own style and taste will never date”

“Using one wood or one metal finish throughout can sometimes make a room feel a little too coordinated. The trick is to make the mix feel intentional. Warm and cool metals can work together, just as different timbers can, provided there is something connecting the overall palette. Homes evolve over time, and a successful interior should feel layered rather than as though everything was bought at once” Kirsty Jephcott

above: Don’t be afraid to mix finishes, woods and materials: Ivywell Interiors below: Mixing eras, styles and covers to beautiful effect: Emily Rickard

WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR LONGEVITY? “You can’t go wrong with classic, timeless fabric patterns. Keep things simple and uncomplicated. With a beautiful fabric you don’t have to crowd it with contrast fabrics, trimmings, curtain design etc, let it speak for itself. Curtains and upholstery have a long shelf life so it really is worth investing in something that will stand the test of time and you won’t get bored with” - Alison Bracey “What I think of as a modern European collector’s look – almost a contemporary Parisian salon. Beautiful pieces from different periods, art, antiques and contemporary furniture sitting together, rather than everything belonging to one era. That collected approach has already stood the test of time and I think always will” – David Hutton “Interiors that are a reflection of your own style and taste. That will never date” – John Law “Bold pattern, beautiful craftsmanship and colour used with confidence. A great wallpaper design has longevity because it brings character and emotion to a space, rather than being tied to a particular trend” – Jamie Watkins “The approach to creating layered, considered schemes will stand the test of time, as will opting for colours that you love rather than following trends. Rather than designing each room in isolation, consider how spaces work together, and, importantly, how one room looks and feels from the next, which creates a much stronger sense of flow and connection throughout the home. This kind of thoughtful, layered approach feels much more enduring than following a particular trend, allowing a home to evolve over time – Ruth Mottershead “All hail the archway. As open plan living takes a front seat in design, so does softening entryways and the overall flow of a space. If you’re working in a period property or adding character to a new-build, a soft arch will be sure to be a feast for the eyes now and in 20 years’ time – Robyn Knibb

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INTERIORS Rule 4:

SOFAS AND CHAIRS NEED TO MATCH

“The coordinated suite is officially dead; it’s something I haven’t done for decades. A collected mix of furniture is so much more pleasing and gives a room individuality. I don’t want everything to look as though it arrived in the same delivery van.” David Hutton “Mixing eras, shapes and finishes creates a much more individual and interesting interior, and it’s exactly what we do in our home, where every piece tells a story; whether it’s been handed down from family or found at a flea market.” Jamie Watkins “Furniture selection is all about balance rather than supercoordination. Matching furniture as a rule can make a space feel uptight.

If you’re drawn to a cohesive look, choose materials and pieces that tone nicely together without literally matching.” John Law

WHAT INTERIORS RULE IS COMPLETE NONSENSE? “The idea that everything in a room has to match or belong to one particular style” – David Hutton “‘Never use too much pattern’ has to go! We’re firm believers that more is more – mix prints, clash colours and embrace the joy of a room that has a bit of personality” – Jamie Watkins

“ Mix prints, clash colours and embrace the joy of a room that has a bit of personality”

“Is the coordinated suite officially dead? For once we’ll keep this short and sweet. Dead as a dodo.” Robyn Knibb

Rule 5:

CEILINGS HAVE TO BE WHITE

“With so much consideration and complexity in colours and the flowing palette of your home, why do we so often see people forgetting about the fifth wall? Your ceiling should be the blanket of your room. There will almost never be a reason to have a brilliant white one.” Robyn Knibb above: “The best interiors tell you something about the people who live there” – David Hutton;

below: “The most beautiful schemes will be layered, with multiple different finishes living harmoniously together” – Fawn Interiors

18 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

INTERIORS “Ceilings are a fantastic opportunity to introduce colour and create a design feature. Extending colour onto the ceiling can create a wonderfully cocooning, enveloping effect that feels intimate and inviting, and I think this can be particularly effective in bedrooms and bathrooms – spaces where we naturally spend time looking upwards.

There’s something wonderfully indulgent about being surrounded by a deep, atmospheric colour while relaxing in the bath. By blurring the boundaries between the walls and ceiling, colour can make a room feel calmer and, surprisingly, often more spacious.”

Ruth Mottershead “Consider the height of the ceiling and whether you have cornices and/or ceiling roses.

If you do, and the plasterwork is in an off-white, then the idea of making the ceiling a similar or same colour as the walls will help to highlight the architectural features of the room.”

Alison Bracey

“The ceiling is a brilliant opportunity to introduce another layer of colour or pattern; why restrict wallpaper to the walls?”

“Absolutely not. The ceiling is a large proportion of the overall scheme and should work tonally with it. In fact, we often use wallpaper across ceilings to create more interest, particularly in narrow hallways, where it can help to trick the eye and give the illusion of more space. Or, where ceilings are high, painting them in a darker colour can help the space feel more intimate.”

John Law

“Absolutely not! The ceiling is a brilliant opportunity to introduce another layer of colour or pattern – why restrict wallpaper to the walls?”

Jamie Watkins above: Double-drenching (ie covering every surface with just two colours) makes rooms look cosy and unified; by Little Greene below: RIP the coordinated three-piece-suite: Romo, from Bracey Interiors

WHAT IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL RULE-BREAKING DECISION YOU’VE MADE? “Playing with scale. People often assume that a small room needs small furniture, but I frequently do the opposite. One or two oversized pieces can actually make a small room feel bigger and far more confident. Lots of little things can just emphasise how small the space is” – David Hutton

“While a white ceiling is the safe default, timber brings texture and a sense of character overhead, working particularly well in period Bristol homes with high ceilings. Reclaimed timber is especially good for adding a wonderfully tactile quality, while also helping to soften the acoustics in the room.” Ian Tomlinson

“People often get nervous about wallpaper in bathrooms, but we’ve created some lovely schemes lately that transform them into beautiful rooms in their own right” – John Law “Putting a freestanding bath in the bedroom. It gave us both a practical extra bathing space and the opportunity to create something wonderfully indulgent. Surrounded by our Wild Wild Woods grasscloth wallpaper, velvet curtains and views of the trees, it has become a real sanctuary and one of the most distinctive features in the room” – Jamie Watkins “Wallpapering a ceiling. It turns the traditional idea that ceilings should disappear into the background completely on its head” – Kirsty Jephcott “Laying a wooden floor in a bathroom and avoiding too much unnecessary mastic or sealant. Many shy away from it, especially installers, but I say go for it. If you have good sub floors and waterproofing, overdoing tile, trim and mastic is a less impressive finish in some homes” – Emily Rickard

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INTERIORS … AND ONE FINAL PIECE OF WISDOM “Add texture. It’s probably the one thing I add to almost every scheme. Textured wallpaper is one of my favourite tools – it can completely change the feel of a room, adding depth and warmth without necessarily adding more colour or pattern” – David Hutton “Don’t get overwhelmed by the choices out there. We’re all bombarded with interiors feeds, TV shows and trends on social media. Take a beat, find something you love and start with that. A painting could be the springboard for a new scheme, or a piece of furniture. The answer could be right under your nose” – John Law “Take your time with the big stuff. Let your home see every season, one time around the sun before making any major decisions. The small things that make you feel immediately at home: a lick of paint, new lights, or some decor accessories – go for it”– Emily Rickard “Decorate for how you want to feel, rather than how you think a room should look. Colour has such a profound effect on the atmosphere of a space, so choose colours that you instinctively respond to and that make you feel comfortable and at home” – Ruth Mottershead “The devil really is in the detail. Don’t leave the details until the end, design them in from the start” – Kirsty Jephcott “There’s no amount of decorative cushions that can change the feeling of a badly designed home” – Robyn Knibb “Our only rule is to decorate for yourself. Your home should make you happy, so if you love it, it works – even if it breaks every conventional design rule in the book” – Jamie Watkins The only way is up: Woodhouse & Law know that ceilings don’t have to be white

“White ceilings have their place; sometimes they provide exactly the freshness and contrast a room needs. But they should be a conscious design decision rather than simply the default. We always look at what will make the whole room work.” Kirsty Jephcott

Rule 6:

TRENDS ARE THERE TO BE FOLLOWED

“That’s a definite no. I believe a room should resonate with you as an individual and you should pick what feels good for you. Also, you have to remember that interior furnishings are not disposable items, they will be there for many years so trust yourself rather than trends. Following trends in terms of accessories is easier, as the costs are less, so they can be easily changed.” Alison Bracey “I think we are starting to move away from following trends. People are still heavily influenced by social media though, and that can lead to a lot of homes looking very similar. The best interiors should tell you something about the people who live there, not simply what was trending on Instagram that year.”

David Hutton

“Don’t decorate for the person you think you’re supposed to be, decorate for the person you actually are”

“Rather than asking what flooring is trending now, consider what will still feel right in 20 years’ time. Choose a floor that complements the age and architecture of the property, as you will find it creates a much more authentic result; for me, that’s the difference between following a trend and creating a home that genuinely feels like your own.”

Ian Tomlinson

“No. The world feels a little crazy at the moment, so people are looking to their homes for a sense of place. Using pieces with sentimental value, or choosing pieces crafted by hand that will last, makes a scheme feel personal. It also helps your home tell a story – far more interesting than a coordinated purchase from a showroom.” John Law “There’s a growing appetite for interiors with personality, where people are choosing print, pattern and colour that genuinely reflect who they are rather than simply following the latest trend. Don’t decorate for the person you think you’re supposed to be, decorate for the person you actually are. Be brave, embrace colour and pattern. The best homes have personality, tell a story and make you smile every time you walk through the door.” Jamie Watkins n YOU HAVE BEEN READING Alison Bracey, Bracey Interiors www.braceyinteriors.co.uk

John Law, Woodhouse & Law www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

David Hutton Interiors www.davidhuttoninteriors.co.uk

JoJo Barr, House Nine Design Studio www.housenine.co.uk

Emily Rickard Interior Design www.emily-rickard.com

Kirsty Jephcott, Ivywell Interiors www.ivywellinteriors.com

Ian Tomlinson, Chaunceys Timber Flooring www.chauncey.co.uk

Robyn Knibb, Fawn Interiors www.fawn-interiors.co.uk

Jamie Watkins, Divine Savages www.divinesavages.com

Ruth Mottershead, Little Greene www.littlegreene.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23

SPONSORED CONTENT

MODERN COMFORT

T

A new chapter in British comfort comes to Bristol

here are some pieces of furniture that simply fill a space, and others that help define it. This autumn, Gardiner Haskins Interiors is welcoming a new brand to its Bristol Interiors showroom, with the arrival of a dedicated Duresta furniture showroom.

Renowned for beautifully crafted upholstery, Duresta has been making luxury furniture in Nottinghamshire since 1938. Combining traditional skills with considered design, the sofas and chairs are made for homes where comfort matters just as much as appearance.

Visitors to the Broad Plain showroom from mid-September will be able to discover four distinctive Duresta models: Harvard, Southsea, Maxime and Monte Carlo. Bringing together

“A SOFA CAN LOOK BEAUTIFUL IN A PHOTOGRAPH, BUT SITTING IN IT WILL TELL YOU SO MUCH MORE” 24 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

timeless and elegant shapes with more relaxed and contemporary styles in one destination interiors showroom.

When it comes to choosing a sofa, Seath Haskins, furniture manager says, “A sofa can look beautiful in a photograph, but sitting in it will tell you so much more. The depth of the seat, the support of the cushions, the feel of the fabric and the size of a piece within a room can all influence whether it is right for your home. Our showroom gives customers the opportunity to slow down, try different styles and explore fabric and finish options before making their decision.”

OVER 200 YEARS IN BRISTOL

Duresta may be the newest addition to the showroom, but Gardiner Haskins Interiors has a much longer story in the city.

Its Bristol roots stretch back more than 200 years, and today Gardiner Haskins Interiors brings together furniture and interior design expertise under one roof. Alongside sofas, chairs, dining and bedroom furniture, the showroom is also home to inspirational kitchen, bathroom and fitted bedrooms displays.

It offers a free design service, giving customers the opportunity to work with experienced designers to create spaces tailored to their home, taste and everyday life. From an individual room update to a larger renovation, customers can explore ideas, materials and finishes in person, with expert advice available throughout the process.

A visit might begin with the search for the perfect new sofa and spark inspiration for somewhere else in the home entirely.

The arrival of Duresta feels particularly fitting for a business with its own long heritage: two British names with an appreciation for craftsmanship, quality and interiors designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

Discover the new Duresta collection at Gardiner Haskins Interiors, Broad Plain, Bristol. n

www.gardinerhaskins.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON

11 September8 October 2026

Stewart wrestles the Man-Wulf for our entertainment at Bristol Beacon

EXHIBITIONS Until 13 September

CRACKING EXHIBITION, GROMIT! Last chance to see the major retrospective celebrating 50 years of Aardman in Bristol, with behind-the-scenes sets and insights into the animation process. After that, head up to Bristol Museum & Art Galley and see if you can spot all the Aardmanobilia they’ve hidden among the regular cabinets. bristolmuseums.org.uk SENTIENTS From raging wildfire to the vision of an owl, from a river to multiple galaxies, this collection of video games and virtual reality invites you to see through different eyes.

Discover wild imaginings and animal visions; look through windows into a world in conflict; adventure into strange lands, quests, myth and folklore, all without leaving Undershed; watershed.co.uk

Until 27 September

JONATHAN BALDOCK: HELD Rooted in traditional craft techniques, myth and folklore, Jonathan’s work is imbued with a tactile familiarity. Filled with humour, his works cross multiple platforms; Arnolfini; arnolfini.org.uk

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THE LOST PAINTINGS: A PRELUDE TO RETURN In 1947, Palestinian‑Lebanese artist Maroun Tomb was preparing to open a new exhibition in Haifa when the show was lost amid the breakout of war. Now 53 contemporary Palestinian artists offer their own response; at Bristol Museum, bristolmuseums.org.uk POLLY BRADEN: AGAINST THE TIDE Documentary photographer Polly explores the effects of coastal poverty in collaboration with young people from some of the most deprived places across England and Wales. At Arnolfini; arnolfini.org.uk

Until 27 June 2027

MARTIN PARR: LACOCK In 2025, Martin’s final commission was to shoot everyday life in the village of Lacock – a full circle moment in his illustrious career.

At Fox Talbot Museum; nationaltrust.org.uk

12 September-3 January

RWA ANNUAL OPEN One of the UK’s most prestigious open-submission exhibitions returns for the 173rd time, welcoming artists at all stages of their careers; at RWA, rwa.org.uk

17 September-20 December

DARK TALES The perfect exhibition for the witchiest season, demonstrating how horror can thrive in proximity to the familiar. At MPF, martinparrfoundation.org

19 September

PRIDE COMIC ART FESTIVAL Over 80 creators showcase their work, platforming the LGBTQ+ creators who often get forgotten.

This year’s theme is Space, and it’s on at Sparks, pridecaf.co.uk

19-29 September

SOUTH BRISTOL ARTS TRAIL The artists and makers of Southville, Bedminster and Ashton open their homes and studios; you know the drill. southbristolarts.co.uk

26 September-31 January BEVERLY BUCHANAN: WEATHERING The first European survey exhibition of the work of this American Southeaster; a practice shaped by memory, materiality and place, exploring the enduring legacies of slavery through the histories embedded in architecture, landscape and everyday materials.

Spike Island; spikeisland.org.uk

SHOWS

Until 12 September

MEAN GIRLS The Plastics rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Round up the girls, this is going to be fetch; at Hippodrome, atgtickets.com SUNK INTO THE EARTH What do you do when your ex-situationship appears after six years in prison for killing her sister’s husband? You invite her and all your friends over and hope for the best, right? See how that all works out for everyone at Alma Tavern, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk BADGERS A folk tale about folk tales, the art of letting go, and the ethics of true crime: a shape-shifting, mercurial new show from the team behind Outlier. BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

15-19 September

CRUSH A clinic waiting room. Two teens, one awkward meet-cute.

Najma has been in treatment for years. Zakariya’s just starting out.

She sketches. He writes poems.

Neither of them is ready to talk, until they meet each other.

WHAT’S ON A British-Somali rom-com to warm the cockles, at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

16-19 September

MURDER SHE DIDN’T WRITE The improvised comedy thriller’s back at BOV for your sleuthing pleasure; bristololdvic.org.uk

22-23 September

ROMEO & JULIET It’s open season for Shakespeare’s star-cross’d lovers (see below) as The Duke’s Theatre Company brings their bold reimagining to Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

22-26 September

JULIET & ROMEO R & J didn’t die in a tragic double suicide; they grew up and lived, if not happily, then at least ever after. Come to BOV to see how the therapy sessions are going; bristololdvic.org.uk

23 September

KIOTA OPEN MIC Members of the Global Majority share their poems, songs, movement, theatre pieces etc in the supportive cosy nest of the Kiota community.; Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com RAISE THE BAR: The live poetry night returns with the UK Poetry All-Stars 2.0. featuring Harry Baker, Hollie McNish, Grace Nichols, Travis Alabanza, Nikita Gill, and others; at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

29 September-3 October

BLAZE FM “Yo! Listen. Right now it’s Blaze FM. You’re locked into the sounds of Shut Down Crew, I need 20 missed calls if you wanna hear this one again”... The Big House bring their explosive piece of political theatre weaving grime, garage, drill and jungle in an electrifying 80 minutes of powerful performance, at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

30 September-3 October

TOP GUNCHAINED Can Maverick and best friend Goose beat Iceman to the Top Gun trophy?

Can instructor Charlie get a drink without anyone singing at her? Can one Fringe First-winning poet/ nerd re-enact the movie’s signature dogfights alone? Can Richard Marsh Take Your Breath Away? Find out at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk top: Still alive, but still in love? The middle-aged Juliet and Romeo slug it out middle: A celebratory welcome for Jayde’s return to BOV

bottom: Only her: Alison brings the best of Yazoo and her solo stuff to Beacon

8-21 October

BACK TO THE FUTURE Fire up the DeLorean; Marty

McFly’s back, and this time he and Doc are on stage for the musical version. Hippodrome, atgtickets.com

COMEDY & CABARET Ongoing

CLOSER EACH DAY The world’s longest-running improvised comedy soap continues to froth away amusingly at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com BRISTOL IMPROV THEATRE For the full programme, see improvtheatre.co.uk THE COMEDY STORE With nearly 40 years’ experience in the business the club at Redgrave is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent; redgravetheatre.com THE GAFFE Stand-up LOLs from some of the sharpest, funniest comedians on the circuit; thegaffecomedyclub.com

11 September

JAYDE ADAMS: BEFORE I GIVE IT A NAME Jayde’s back on stage, trying out brand-new material in front of a home crowd. She’s one of the most naturally hilarious people we know; don’t miss. BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

12 September

AURIE STYLA: MAVERICK Although everything seems nice and cushti, something is throwing off the scales of Aurie’s wins and fails; come and hear him explain his bad work-life balance, family influence, relationships, health and more, at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk GARY MEIKLE: YER MAW Stories, opinions and observations about Gaty and his family, the mad sh*t and the stupid scenarios we all end up in. “My show isn’t suitable for small people, some of it might be about them, in fact it definitely will but, yeah they ain’t getting in”, he says. Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

13 September

DANIEL KITSON: THRUM There’s the sound of somewhere else and the permanence of a plant pot and the ubiquity of a phrase and the heartbreaking brevity of a very long time... Ok this blurb goes on for a very long time, so head to BOV website for the full madness.

Also there’s music, at least two funny voices and upwards of three jokes bristololdvic.org.uk

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to Bristol and respect its traditions.

“I have purchased a large metal ring. I will use it to keep all of the keys to the city that are given to me by the mayors I impress with my showmanship”, he says. Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

24-26 September

STEWART LEE VS THE MAN-WULF Stewart shares the stage with a tough-talking werewolf comedian from the dark forests of the subconscious who hates humanity.

The Man-Wulf lays down a ferocious comedy challenge to the culturally irrelevant and physically enfeebled Lee: can the beast inside be silenced with the silver bullet of his unprecedentedly critically acclaimed style of stand-up? At Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

25 September

JAZZ EMU: THE PLEASURE IS ALL YOURS The musical meteor Jazz Emu takes to the stage with a new musical odyssey in which stage-dives, absurdity, and musical mayhem collide. Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

clockwise: Hook-laden melodies from The Hoosiers; love and light from Daniel Foxx; hot licks from Courtney Pine

HARRY STACHINI: LOBSTER Buoyant with Edinburgh success, Harry brings his top observational schtick to the Robin Hood at Gaffe; thegaffecomedyclub.com

15 September

SIMON BRODKIN: UNLEASHED He’s the guy who showered FIFA president Sepp Blatter with cash, handed Theresa May her P45, and created the BBC comedy series Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show. And in his new show? Let’s just say that wild swimmers, vape shops, Greta Thunberg, religion and his wife’s friends Claire and Carl do not emerge unscathed. Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

17 September

FIN TAYLOR: THE PREEMPTIVE COMEBACK SPECIAL Will the King of the Internet Jungle manage to stay balanced on the tightrope before the Bristol Beacon curtain rises? Only one way to find out; bristolbeacon.org 30 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

THE PEOPLE’S COMEDY Original, countercultural and winner of the Best Pro-Comedy night ’25 and Best Live Comedy Format ’25 for Wales & the West; Tobacco Factory, thepeoplescomedy.org 5 MISTAKES THAT CHANGED HISTORY We all make mistakes, but rarely do they massively affect the world; here are five that did, performed by historian and comedian, Paul Coulter at Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

18 September

PHIL ELLIS: BATH MAT Why has the multi-award winning comic and the new star of Taskmaster named his first national tour after a bathroom accessory? All will be revealed at 1532, or, presumably, your money back; 1532bristol.co.uk KEVIN BRIDGES: HERE IF YOU NEED ME You know a stand-up’s made it when they graduate from the smaller clubs to the Hippodrome. Kevin’s

made the leap, and he’s here to share his perspective on life, love, and everything in between, atgtickets.com

20 September

DANIEL FOXX: HOW LOVELY Daniel was determined to handle his Big Breakup with the grace of Julia Roberts. He didn’t. Join him at BOV as he navigates dating in your thirties, Le Creuset addiction and 12-step skincare routines, all while trying very hard to emanate love and light; bristololdvic.org.uk URZILA CARLSON: FATTY ON A YACHT From mistaken moments to social misfires, the NZ fan favourite explores the universal awkwardness of feeling out of place – on the wrong day, in the wrong outfit, or even on the wrong yacht; at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

22 September

SAM CAMPBELL: KID GIBLET Sam definitely doesn’t know what’s going on, but he can’t wait to come

JOSH PUGH: HA HA, YEAH SOUND Josh performs stand-up to the best of his ability for an hour and a bit, and if that sounds like damning him with faint praise, he wrote the blurb; Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com

27 September

STEVIE MARTIN: CLOUT It’s like Stevie’s online stuff but she’ll be on a stage (BOV’s) so you can’t pause her to get a snack (meats?).

Also you have to sit in a specific room to watch it (please don’t bring meats to this room); bristololdvic.org.uk

29 September

RIOT ACT: THE BIRTHDAY BASH Sara Pascoe headlines the anniversary outing for Bristol’s madcap, whips-smart cabaret, at St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

30 September

MARK THOMAS: 40 IN STAND UP YEARS Mark reflects on four decades of political mayhem, personal chaos and razor-sharp satire, at The Hen & Chicken; thecomedybox.co.uk

2 October

THE END OF THE WORLD ACCORDING TO JONATHAN PIE Reeling from the reality of a

WHAT’S ON Starmer-led Labour government he helped vote in, Pie takes aim at Reform circling for power, tech billionaires tugging at global strings and a world lurching from culture wars to climate chaos. Expect an unhinged guide to surviving modern Britain and the looming apocalypse, at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

audience member will get some free maths.) redgravetheatre.com

LORNA ROSE TREEN: NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL CHARACTERS Lorna invites you inside her mind for an hour of her favourite characters, comedy, content, content, content, costumes and content. The greatest thing to come out of Redditch since the fishing tackle. Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

For more events 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); Prospect Building (theprospectbuilding.com) and Gallimaufry (thegallimaufry.co.uk)

MICHAEL AKADIRI: DON’T CALL ME UNCLE! Despite only being in his early 30s, the stand-up and (junior) doctor was recently called uncle in public – a term usually reserved for elders).

Enjoy watching him spiralling, at Alma Tav; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

3 October

TOM ROSENTHAL: WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM, THAT’S WHAT I AM But does he look good on the dance floor? Will jokes like ‘Wimbledon’, ‘Daniel Radcliffe’ and ‘Nepo Baby’ become as classic as the tracks from the Arctic Monkeys album whose title he’s ripped off? 1532; 1532bristol.co.uk

4 October

SLAPSTICK CONVERSATIONS Graeme Garden, now the only living Goodie, appears in conversation; then Rick Wakeman shares tales from his career and improvises an accompaniment to his fave Laurel & Hardy movie, later joined by Griff Rhys Jones. All in aid of Slapstick Festival. At St G’s stgeorgesbristol.co.uk FLO & JOAN: WITH FEELING F & J try to take up as much of the stage and as little of your patience as possible as they use another ‘real band’s setlist to write their own show, at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk THE LOST CABARET Bristol’s clown collaboration brings more big ideas, big experiments and big laughs once again to Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

6 October top: Dazzled by the Bristol sunshine, it’s My Darling Clementine middle: Steppin’ out at Beacon, it’s Joe Jackson

bottom: Cue the Rachmaninov, it’s Brief Encounter at Bristol Film Fest

MATT PARKER: GETTING TRIGGY WITH IT Come to Redgrave to watch the NYT funnyman do the maths. (Every

7 October

LENNY HENRY: STILL AT LARGE See page 36; Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

MUSIC

11 September

CHARLOTTE CHURCH’S END TIMES POP DUNGEON The former Voice of an Angel now prefers to plunge audiences into hallucinatory realms of the ecstatic through tarantella exuberance, clear-blue-sky bliss and the sacred communion of bleeding hearts. At Electric. electricbristol.com

13 September

PRIMAL SCREAM The tour follows demand for Primal Scream to perform XTRMNTR live in its entirety, following a 25th anniversary performance of the album at London’s Roundhouse in 2025 – described by CLASH as “more prescient, urgent and needed than ever’. Electric; electricbristol.com

16 September

ST ETIENNE For 35 years, they’ve defined sophisticated, forward-thinking pop, blending sleek electronic production, eclectic influences, and unexpected emotional depth. Now the trio embark on their final UK tour, landing at Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

18 September

COURTNEY PINE Nobody more fully embodies the transformation of the British jazz scene over the past four decades than this groundbreaking sax player and multi-instrumentalist; he’s at St George’s, stgeorgesbristol.co.uk MARILLION The neo-progressive rock pioneers take to the road again, and unlike many they aren’t even calling it their ‘final tour’. Good lads. At Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

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WHAT’S ON 23 September

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE Known for their heartfelt songwriting, atmospheric soundscapes and enduring influence on alternative music, the Cuties (which they’re probably never known as) deliver a deeply moving live performance at Prospect; theprospectbuilding.com

26 September

GOLDIE LOOKIN CHAIN Lock up your shell suits and hide your vape pens: GLC are back on the road for their Stairway To Newport 2026 tour, hitting every dart-riddled town from Southend to Glasgow and checking the fit of every trackie in the nation. They’re at Electric, electricbristol.com

29 September

JOE JACKSON On the back of classics such as Is She Really Going Out With Him?, Steppin’ Out and Different for Girls, Joe remains one of pop’s most distinctive voices – inventive, eloquent and ever-evolving. He’s bringing his Hope and Fury tour to Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

I October

THE HU The Mongolian rock phenomenon, unlikely as that sounds, brings its explosive ‘hunnu rock’ sound – traditional instruments, throat singing and crushing rock riffs – to Prospect, theprospectbuilding.com MY DARLING CLEMENTINE The outstanding country duettists have worked with the greats, but together they create harmonious magic and are a formidable musical force. At the Hen, henandchicken.com

7 October

GILBERT O’SULLIVAN Wanna feel old? Gilbert’s celebrating 60 year in the music biz, and he’s doing it at St G’s stgeorgesbristol.co.uk THE HOOSIERS Still Worried about Ray? Poprockers Irwin and Alan are at O2 to reassure you; academymusicgroup.com

8 October

ALISON MOYET ... and if ’80s nostalgia more’s your bag, don’t miss Alison’s special tour featuring songs from her Yazoo era alongside tracks from her acclaimed solo electronica albums.

Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Ongoing

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL The year-round festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with a screening of Brief Encounter at the Redgrave on 16 September, also marking the latter’s 60th anniversary. And before you ask why they didn’t choose a Michael Redgrave film instead it’s because (a) none of them were as good at this one, and (b) Trevor Howard was another former Clifton College boy, who bequeathed funds to support the school’s performing arts and drama scholarships. bristolfilmfestival.com

12 September

BRISTOL COFFEE FESTIVAL Get your caffeine fix, discover established and emerging talent from the growers and learn about essential topics at the core of the industry. Still buzzing by the end of it? Head over to Shredenhams for The Late Pour: Latte Art Throwdown party, courtesy of Extract Coffee Roasters. Among the glittering prizes is a hand painted Penfold x Funka Skateboard deck. Only in Bristol, hey. bristolcoffeefestival.co.uk WINDMILL CITY FARM FAYRE The farm is 50 years old and it’s holding an anniversary bash with food, music, crafts and workshops. windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk

17-19 September

YEO VALLEY ORGANIC GARDEN FESTIVAL Three days of insightful talks, panels, and hands-on workshops at Yeo Valley’s beautiful Blagdon gardens; yeovalley.co.uk

19 Sept

STEAMFEST Live tunes, vinyl DJs, competitive lawn games, local stalls and an all-round festival vibes, at Steam, in the Croft; steambristol.co.uk

CULTURE CLUB with BEN DUKE What if Romeo and Juliet hadn’t died after all? That’s the idea behind Lost Dog Dance’s new show at BOV, conceived and written by Ben Duke A film I could watch over and over again I know it’s an unoriginal choice but I’m going to say Withnail and I. It’s a film with very little plot but an amazing script.

A painting that means something to me The Crucifixion by Craigie Aitchison. “The Crucifixion is the most horrific story I’ve ever heard”, the artist said. “They were all ganging up against one person. As long as the world exists one should attempt to record that. It was so unfair.”

Best TV show ever Bagpuss.

My favourite binge watch I’m watching Half Man by Richard Gadd, which is so good.

The book that changed my life A Tale of Two Cities. It made me cry, and I didn’t know books could do that.

The book I could re-read Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut. It has such power and is so funny. It is about the fire-bombing of Dresden, only it’s not. It is also a book about failing to write the book you wanted to write.

My desert island disc Disintegration by The Cure. It’s one of those rare albums that sounds very of its time, but still has a relevance that lots of music I used to listen to has lost.

A character you’d love to play Makka Pakka from In The Night Garden… I may have missed my chance! I loved how they danced at the end, just always slightly off the beat, but somehow still brilliantly. Maybe off the beat was the brilliance…

My karaoke banger I don’t do karaoke. But as I sit grumpily in the corner, the song that would make me think about standing up is Music Sounds Better With You by Stardust.

Podcast pick I dislike all podcasts except the ones I’ve been on, like Rural Touring Dance Initiative.

Best app Pay by phone – every time I think about how I want to hurl my phone into the sea I remember how annoying it was never having change for the parking meter.

Guilty pleasure Watching Bon Iver sing Skinny Love on Later with Jools Holland over and over.

Juliet & Romeo plays Bristol Old Vic 22-26 September www.bristololdvic.org.uk

23-27 September

ENCOUNTERS FILM FESTIVAL Brimming with radical Bristol independence and credibility ( are no glitzy after-parties here, just stellar film making), the UK’s leading short film, animation and VR fest includes the UK première of Sirāt Live, a new immersive AV performance from artist Kangding Ray and director Oliver Laxe. Various venues. encounters. film

24-27 September

BRISTOL COCKTAIL WEEKEND Your four-day cocktail adventure

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awaits at Bristol’s best bars in, surely followed by your one-day cocktail hangover; bristolcocktailweekend.co.uk

26-27 September

FODA FESTIVAL The festival for small-scale food and drink suppliers from the South West returns with panels, workshops, the market etc, connecting local South West produce with global food systems, regenerative farming, and community conversations. In and around Arnolfini; fodafestival.com

30 September

BANFF MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL Thrill-seekers go on mad journeys and thrilling adventures so that you don’t have to; at Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

1, 28, 29 October

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL From the BANFF team; short films of marine life and wild seafaring voyages in a cinematic celebration of our oceans, at Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com n

PHOTOS BY STEVE ULL ATHORNE

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

LARGE AS LIFE

Comedian, actor, author, presenter, fundraiser, shark-whisperer: in his first stand-up show for fifteen years, Sir Lenny Henry looks back on an extraordinary life Words by Ursula Cole www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

THE BIG INTERVIEW

W

hat immediately springs to mind when you think of Sir Lenny Henry? Like, your first memory? If you were a kid in the late ’70s/early ’80s it may well be for his breakthrough stint as a teen presenter on anarchic children’s TV show Tiswas, where (he says, with affection) the mayhem behind the scenes was barely calmer than it was on-screen.

Maybe you first saw him in one of the groundbreaking sketches and sitcoms that followed. Perhaps you heard him doing stand-up, riffing on growing up in Dudley as a kid born to Jamaican immigrants.

More into classic drama than comedy? Well, he’s done that too, proving his ‘straight’ acting chops in major Shakespearean stage productions.

More recently he took part in the ITV show Shark!

Celebrity Infested Waters – not a shonky sequel in the Jaws franchise but a documentary in which famous faces shared the Grand Bahamas waters with the sort of predators most of us would pay good money to avoid.

He’s turned down reality shows in the past, but says he took this one to pay for a home extension. In a life that’s been far from run-of-the-mill, he describes it as “the most extraordinary experience of my life”.

But you don’t bag yourself a knighthood just for doing funny (if now arguably dubious) accents, dodging sharks or telling sad stories of the death of kings. The reason for that ‘sir’, and Lenny’s irrefutable status as national treasure, is this: in 1985, along with Richard Curtis, he founded Comic Relief and went on to act as its chief host, trustee, and driving force for four decades.

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You can expect to hear about all of the above in his new live show, Lenny Henry – Still at Large, which comes to Bristol Beacon this October. “I haven’t done stand-up for 15 years but that doesn’t mean I’ve not been doing comedy,” he says. “I do corporate gigs and I host things.

“And it’s not like I gave up being funny, it’s just that I gave up doing it for my job. I always thought of stand-up as my job and everything else as my career. I’ve written books, and I’ve been an actor, and lots of other things.

I’m still doing those things, but this seems to be the right moment to come back to doing live comedy.”

In his new live show he’ll return to the experiences that shaped his life and career while exploring the creative sparks driving “the life of 21st-century Lenny. I talk about ageing, body malfunction, my partner Lisa, and what it’s like when you get to a certain age and end up spending a lot of time in garden centres.”

That’s the first part. In the second half he’ll be screening clips from some of the many shows he’s been in over the years, and taking audience questions. He’s been asked all sorts in the past, from why he got into Shakespeare to what it was like acting with George Clooney in Jay Kelly. One audience member wanted to know which of his body parts he washes first. Since you’re now undoubtedly wondering, it’s armpits.

THE BIG INTERVIEW His decision to tackle the Bard stems from the time he presented Radio 4’s What’s So Great About Shakespeare?, part of a series in which he investigated the value and pleasures of cultural icons. At the time he felt he was on a treadmill of stand-up tours, which was starting to lose its sparkle. While working on the show he spent time with Barrie Rutter, founder of the Northern Broadsides theatre company. “Barrie said, ‘My dad was a fisherman, your dad worked in a factory; let’s work’. He came down to London to teach me the last speech from Othello. It was one of the most electrifying experiences I’ve ever had.”

A year later, in 2009 Barrie offered him the lead role.

“You know the saying: when you’ve got your ladder against the wrong building, and you get to the top of it and realise you want to be on that other building over there? It was like that.” Soon afterwards he starred in the National Theatre’s The Comedy of Errors.

You only need to read Lenny’s two memoirs to get an idea of how much he’s done in his life and why he did it. Who Am I, Again? covers the early years growing up in Dudley, navigating racism, friendships and his mother’s desire for him to ‘hintegrate’, then making his way into showbusiness, and learning to have more of a say in the kind of work he did. In Rising to the Surface he goes into more detail about his career. Both books are packed with creative protein about the development of some of his famous characters, such as Theophilus P Wildebeeste and DJ Delbert Wilkins, and both provide fascinating insights into the way showbiz decisions are made.

He also writes about the attempts he’s made to boost diversity in television production; an imbalance he felt sharply, particularly when filming in various parts of

Africa for Comic Relief and being the only Black person on the team. He’s candid, too, about the jobs that didn’t work out so well, about hoping to become a singer, about the sacrifices and mistakes he’s made, and, vitally, about how much he values collaboration with other creatives.

It was while promoting Rising to the Surface that his love of live comedy started to reawaken. “I was doing these book tours, and loving the bit where they asked questions and I could improvise. I just kept thinking, ‘this is like doing stand-up’. I talked to Alexei Sayle about it, and he said the reason he started doing stand-up again was for a similar reason: he was talking about his books, which led to him doing new material.”

Let’s talk Comic Relief, which Lenny hosted for the last time in 2024. “I’m very proud of it”, he says, though with typical modesty he’s keen to emphasise that Richard Curtis was its main driving force.

“Every aspect of it has made me proud, and there are moments when you wonder where we would have been without it. The last show raised over £30 million again, and that’s a testament to everybody in the business and everybody in the country who’s put their hand in their pocket to help. It’s been a wonderful thing, and it is a legacy, but it’s our legacy, not just mine.”

It’s not merely Lenny that’s still ‘at large’, he says; many of the social and political wrongs he used to rail against in the past are still with us now. Come to Bristol Beacon and hear him put the world to rights, with a hefty side order of nostalgia. n Lenny Henry – Still at Large comes to Bristol Beacon on 6 October; www.bristolbeacon.org

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SPONSORED CONTENT

COSY INTERIORS FOR AUTUMN WITH PARK FURNISHERS As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, our homes become more important than ever

A

utumn is the season of comfort, where soft textures, warm colours and inviting spaces help create the perfect retreat from the outside world. At Park Furnishers, we believe your home should be a place to relax, recharge and enjoy every moment of the season.

At the heart of any cosy living room is a sofa that combines style, personality and exceptional comfort. The striking Orla Kiely Ivy sofa range is the perfect choice for autumn, bringing a touch of retro-inspired charm to contemporary interiors. Featuring soft, inviting upholstery and a distinctive square quilted design that echoes Orla Kiely's iconic 1960s aesthetic, the Ivy is as comfortable as it is stylish. Available in a choice of bold velvets and richly textured fabrics, along with a selection of coordinating scatter cushions, the range allows you to create a look that is uniquely your own.

Shown in a rich orange fabric, the Ivy perfectly

“CREATING A TRULY INVITING HOME EXTENDS BEYOND FURNITURE” 42 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

captures the warmth and colour of the season, making it an inviting focal point for any living space.

For those looking to take comfort to the next level, the G Plan Seattle range is a perfect choice. The generously padded chaise-style recliner seats provide outstanding support and relaxation, making them ideal for cosy evenings spent reading, watching a favourite film or simply unwinding after a busy day. Customers can choose from a wide selection of luxurious fabrics and premium leathers, while optional upgrades such as heated seats and additional lumbar support offer an extra layer of comfort when the weather turns colder.

Creating a truly inviting home extends beyond furniture. As autumn approaches, many homeowners are turning their attention to flooring to add warmth underfoot. A beautifully fitted new carpet can transform a room instantly, introducing texture, insulation and a sense of luxury. Whether you prefer soft neutral tones or rich seasonal shades, the right carpet helps create an environment that feels welcoming from the moment you step inside.

The kitchen remains the true heart of the home throughout the autumn months. As families gather for hearty meals, entertaining and seasonal celebrations, a well-designed

kitchen becomes the centre of daily life. From contemporary layouts to timeless styles, Park Furnishers' kitchen department can help create a space that combines practicality with warmth, ensuring your home is ready for everything the season brings. Featuring beautifully crafted kitchens paired with premium NEFF appliances, every design is tailored to make cooking, entertaining and everyday living a pleasure.

And when the evenings draw in, there's nothing better than retreating to a bedroom designed for rest and relaxation. Stylish fitted wardrobes can maximise storage while maintaining a calm, uncluttered atmosphere, helping transform bedrooms into peaceful sanctuaries. With a range of fitted furniture collections, including elegant designs from Laura Ashley, alongside other leading bedroom brands, Park Furnishers can create a beautifully organised space that reflects your style.

Paired with carefully planned bedroom furniture, they provide the perfect setting to snuggle up and enjoy those longer autumn nights.

This autumn, let Park Furnishers help you create a home that feels warm, welcoming and beautifully comfortable. n

Visit the showroom today at Eastgate Retail Park, next to Ikea and take the first step towards the kitchen you've always wanted.

Park Furnishers, BS5 6XX parkfurnishers.co.uk/kitchens

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LOOK UP ...if you have the special glasses. If not, improvise Words and pics by Colin Moody

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BRISTOL HEROES

M

ake new friends. It’s easy. Wait until there is a neartotal eclipse of the sun and then head to the Clifton Observatory. Here you will find hundreds of people with a similar interest to you, experiencing the eclipse en-masse

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As low tech as it comes, one biro hole in one piece of cardboard and then another held a few feet back. People came from all over Bristol to the Observatory to see this event. It’s a shame it closed before the celestial conjunction because it would have been fun to see the crowds captured by their camera obscura.

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Take this happy few with colanders and cardboard, enjoying not just one eclipse but on average 60 eclipses all at once.

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And the results, as the moon passes in front of the sun using said kitchen equipment. With all the division in the world right now, is it going to take us all with our £1 colander walking alongside the Waitrose £30 colanders talking about our common experience of seeing this celestial event to bring us together as one, a bit like the sun and moon did in the sky above our beloved Clifton?

Looks like something our ancient forefellows would have used to work out when to plant crops.

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Many people were using the special foil-covered glasses to look at the eclipse. This young woman had a large disc of the same material. This meant you could in fact see the whole sky, all black as night apart from the thin fingernail of light from the sun as it clawed round the craters of the moon.

In a world of climate catastrophe and war, does it take moments of joy like this to rekindle hope?

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I’ve dropped the exposure on this one so you can see the spots on the surface of the sun if you pick up the magazine and shove it right into your face. There are a couple of really easy ones to see, each large enough to engulf our entire Earth, at roughly the 9 pm position on the partially obscured disc.

Now, I know photography, but that someone is monitoring the event at 1/4000 of a second setting on the camera at f-stop 29 with a large dimming filter mounted on the front of the camera staggers me. It just goes to show the power of the sun. To put it into context, if he had no filter and just pointed it at the sun he could expect that sun to burn its way through the back of his camera sometime after it had ignited his sensor. It’s moments like this we realised just how powerful our nearest star is. Even with those sun spots.

As it hits 38 degrees today I think again; what world are we leaving to cook for the next generation? But didn’t we say that in the ’80s? The ‘90s? And the rest…

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We built the pyramids.

The Suez Canal.

We put men on the moon, And can run high-speed internet under the oceans between all the continents.

We can blend the aromatic spices our mothers and fathers taught us to use to make people weep for joy in our restaurants.

We can split atoms.

Build quantum computers.

Even teach robots to play football.

“In a world of climate catastrophe and war, does it take moments of joy like this to rekindle hope?” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 45

BRISTOL HEROES

“What world are we leaving for the next generation? But didn’t we say that in the ’80s? The ‘90s?

And the rest…”

6 7

5 But when the solar eclipse happens, it’s grab a colander and get your mate to stretch out her top to make a screen.

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A new French foot in the game. Me and Anne here hit it off over the light of the eclipse though her colander falling on her foot. As you do. A foot that has a solar eclipse tattoo on it. Turns out she’s a hand and foot model, so figures.

It was like music seeing so many eclipses all at once. I suspect if Mozart had been here he’d have been inspired and run off a little tune.

Note the scorched earth. This rare moment of a pause from the eternal heatwave that has been this summer. And it’s not just the grass that has died back to dust, in places you can put your hand down the cracks that are forming.

Wonderful as this moment was, it also feels like a chance to think about our place upon this scorched surface. How we have just had the hottest year on record (and scarily possibly the coolest one of the rest of our lives). And 30 minutes of reduced heat while the moon blocks most of the sun’s power isn’t really gonna make much of a difference.

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If you look closely, you can see the goosebumps.

The power of seeing something on this scale for the first time.

Thank you to everyone who came to the Observatory in Clifton to watch this. May you find the glasses you wore at the bottom of the sock drawer when the next eclipse comes to call.

And to all my photographer friends who booked a holiday to France or Spain to coincide with totality, I salute you. Just one question. If your partners are not into celestial photography, did you tell them that was why you wanted to go away during that particular week?

Colin Moody: content creation, online images Twitter @moodycolin; Instagram @colinmoodyphotography www.colinmoodyphotography.wordpress.com

46 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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SPONSORED CONTENT

THE IMPOSTERS Bristol businesses coming together for CHILDREN’S HOSPICE SOUTH WEST

H

osted by Hughes, Isaac & Co, The Imposters is bringing Bristol’s business community together for an evening of networking, entertainment and - most importantly ­- to raise vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Inspired by The Traitors, this live event will bring a little mystery and challenge to the evening, while raising money for a very important cause. The event is taking place at DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre on Thursday, October 15, from 6pm to 11.30pm.

Hughes, Isaac & Co is aiming to raise £10,000 for CHSW, with all profits from the event going to support the charity. It is a chance to meet new people, make useful connections, promote your business and spend an evening with other business leaders from across Bristol – while enjoying a dramatic live Traitors-inspired experience.

LOCAL BUSINESSES COMING TOGETHER

The event has been made possible with the support of businesses who have given their time, skills and resources to bring it all together.

Hughes, Isaac & Co, an accountancy firm based in Bristol, South Wales and North Somerset, has organised the event as their first charity fundraiser. Asem Din, owner, said: “We help businesses improve and develop and make the best businesses possible for their owners.

Running a business is tough – most people probably know that. What people don’t always see is how lonely it can be.

“We are aiming to bring together people who can genuinely help each other, raise money for a fabulous cause and have a lot of fun along the way.”

Amperative, based in North Somerset, has supported the event with its creative and marketing expertise, including producing the event’s marketing materials at no charge.

“This exciting event brings together a mix of fun, challenge and most importantly, raising such crucial funds. As a local digital and creative agency, we seek to support charities and purpose-led organisations, by helping them amplify their impact and connect better through online and physical design, apps and websites.” – Suzi Hull, CEO, Amperative DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol City Centre is 48 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

also supporting the event by providing the venue at a discounted rate, sponsoring the drinks reception and taking a table on the evening.

MORE THAN JUST NETWORKING

The event is about bringing people together and creating a space where conversations can happen naturally, with the added fun of a live Traitors-inspired event. You never know who you might meet, what conversation might lead somewhere or what you could achieve together.

The event will start with an expo and networking sessions. Tables for up to 10 are £1,000 and individual tickets are available for £100 each.

Hospice South West.

CHSW also runs its own Business Club, bringing together businesses across the South West who want to support local families, build connections and raise awareness of their businesses.

Whether it’s fundraising, sponsorship, volunteering or simply sharing your business skills, there are lots of ways to get involved and support CHSW. To find out more about the CHSW Business Club and how your business can get involved, please contact Amanda Gallagher at amanda.gallagher@chsw.org.uk.n

SUPPORTING LOCAL FAMILIES ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST

For CHSW, Bristol’s local children’s hospice, it is an opportunity to raise vital funds to continue providing care for babies, children and young people living with life-limiting conditions, and support for their families. CHSW provides hospice stays, emergency care, symptom management, end-of-life care and bereavement support, helping families from diagnosis through to bereavement.

GET INVOLVED WITH CHSW THROUGH YOUR BUSINESS

The Imposters is just one example of how local businesses can get involved with Children’s

The Imposters takes place at DoubleTree

by Hilton Bristol City Centre on Thursday, October 15, from 6pm to 11.30pm.

Limited spaces available. Contact info@hughesisaacandco.co.uk to book.

BECOME A PRESTIGIOUS SPONSOR

HEADLINE SPONSOR

AWARDS 2027

“We were so thrilled and shocked to win the Civic and Community Impact Award of the year!

As a community project we rely on the generosity of the NHS staff who volunteer their time to make our course possible. A win at the Bristol Life Awards was a wonderful way to thank our faculty for their hard work and dedication.”

Emma Low, Bristol Clamshell

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bristollifecommercial@mediaclash.co.uk | bristollifeawards.co.uk | #BristolLifeAwards

CRAVE

At this relatively recent opening up near the Downs the flavours are Mediterranean, the portions generous and the welcome extraordinary Words by Deri Robins

I

RESTAURANT

t takes a brave dude to breeze into Bristol and open a new We look on helplessly as an unmanageable amount of food restaurant. We already have quite a few good ones. To tempt us materialises on our table. We’d already kicked off with ‘snacks’ the size away from our existing favourites they need to have a USP tucked of full tapas: slices of manchega, nutty and buttery beneath a drizzle of up their chef ’s-whites sleeve, the cooking needs to be faultless, the Devon honey; thumb-sized pieces of chorizo, juicy and sticky, the heat decor appealing, the sourcing hyper-local, the service impeccable. of the smoky paprika tempered with more honey; padron peppers, one The dude in this case is Sameer Shetty, a former ops manager of the very few green things we managed to locate on the daytime menu, for Rick Stein, who opened his first branch of Crave a couple of nicely blistered, unbitter and salty. years ago in Exeter. He did so well with it that he’s now taken a It’s at this point that things became Brobdingnagian. Big doesn’t punt on Bristol, moving into the Upper Belgrave Road site previously always mean better, but the vast girth of the wild Atlantic prawns was occupied by Kinkajiu, Hausbar, and Rajpoot, in reverse chronological matched by an oceanic sweetness while the garlicky pil pil sauce soaked order. Right at the top of Whiteladies where it meets the Downs, it’s indulgently into home-baked sourdough. ideally situated to scoop up the pre- or post-prandial brunch set.

Reader, we could have stopped there, but we’d already ordered. The First, the USP. Actually, strike that. There isn’t a hospitality box in die was cast. We toyed with a sea bass ceviche, finding it a little bland.

Bristol that someone hasn’t already thought outside of, so unless you’re We gobbled down every morsel of the crispy, golden fried chicken, biting planning on serving Mongolian-Cotswold fusion with a DJ and a through the hot-sweet crumb (glazed with mustard and yet more honey) fermentation lab from the storeroom of a disused department store in to the tender and juicy meat within; a side of creamy tarragon mayo Broadmead, there’s no real point trying to be original. brought a fresh, herby lift to proceedings. This dish, Next, the decor. There’s a slight disconnect along with a pot of the excellent chips would have DINING DETAILS between the Georgian building and the Art Decomore than done me as an entire meal, and that’s Crave, 52 Upper Belgrave Road, meets-psychedelia logo, which is more suggestive precisely what I’ll order if I come again, especially if 0117 456 2280; www.craverestaurant.co.uk of a late-Sixties rock festival (‘live tonight, Jefferson the kitchen can magic up some kind of side salad.

Open: Every day 9am-late Airplane and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown!’)

After a break we took a deep breath and made Prices: Snacks and plates £4-£22; puds £8-9 decent inroads into a juicy bavette, which had just but the dining room within is a classic mixture of banquettes, wooden furniture and herringbone enough chew to remind us we were eating proper Veggie? Good in evening, fewer choices in the all-day flooring. There’s a sleek bar in the basement, while steak. A vibrant chimichurri cut through the richness the glass-walled terrace out front with its green bistro Service Gold-star standard with fresh herbs, garlic and a gentle chilli kick. chairs has an inviting sur-le-continent kind of vibe.

By this stage we didn’t have a hope in hell of Drinks Wide and eclectic choice; check out Thirdly, the service, which is slick in the best kind getting through the grilled halloumi, which came on the cocktails... of way, and charming. If I were Sameer Shetty I’d very good hash browns under a perfectly poached give manager Tibor regular pay hikes, maybe even send him the odd egg and sriracha mayonnaise. This was a pity, because the corner we bouquet of flowers, because if he doesn’t someone else will. All the staff nibbled confirmed it to be the kind of brunch of which dreams are made. know their stuff and are happy to chat about the food and drink. Nothing Defeated, we sheepishly requested a doggy bag. This, you may be is too much of a problem. I order a negroni, then annoyingly change my unsurprised to hear, was also no trouble at all. In fact I’m often tempted mind. Could they possibly slosh some prosecco into it? They could. It was to slightly over-order these days just so I can take a few scraps home with immediately whipped away and returned as a sbagliato. me; having something to nibble on thoughtfully the next day can be Finally to the food. To do full justice to the kitchen we should probably handy for jogging the memory. It’s only too easy to lose concentration have visited in the evening, when there’s a longer and more ambitious during a meal when you’re chatting across a table; I’m easily distracted, menu, but as we were in a lunchable frame of mind it was the all-day (up ask any of my high-school teachers. to 4pm) offering for us, a more casual and truncated affair. Sometimes, Although Tibor isn’t the type to tell you can’t have pudding if you especially when you’re meeting a pal for a catch-up, that’s exactly the sort don’t finish your mains we decided to keep this treat for another visit. of food you need: something you don’t need to think too hard about, with A leisurely dinner, perhaps, with drinks in the bar; the Strawberry not too many choices to distract you.

Cheesecake cocktail is beckoning to me.

The head chef rejoices in the pleasingly Shire-like name of Sebastian Which brings me to the key question: would I go back? Did Crave Merry. Seb’s all-day menu is a cross between Mediterranean sharing leave me craving more? Yes, I would, and it did. You don’t always need a plates and more brunchy dishes; the latter are exceedingly hearty, and the restaurant to surprise you, or to reinvent the wheel; often all you need are standard ‘three each’ rule here is only for the Desperate Dans. for the wheels run smoothly, and Crave’s are quite beautifully oiled.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 51

THE

PERFECT MIX

PETE LUMBER never shuts up about gin. JAY MEAD is always on holiday. Pete makes the drinks, Jay is happier behind the scenes, and if one of them is getting banned from Milk Thistle, they seem pretty certain who it’ll be…

Words by Ursula Cole

FOOD & DRINK

opposite page: Jay on the left, Pete on the right; above: Gin-gin, everyone; below: The Milkie decor, reassuringly the same

J

ason Mead and Pete Lumber have known each other for nearly 40 years. Pete’s the owner and master distiller of Spirit of Bristol gin, Jay was an original founder of the Hyde & Co hospitality group. Now these two familiar faces on the Bristol hospitality scene have joined forces for a new chapter at one of the city’s most distinctive bars.

Part of the original Hyde & Co portfolio, Milk Thistle has long been a major player on the Bristol cocktail scene, known for its award-winning drinks, atmospheric surroundings and more than a few memorable nights. Now, with the Spirit of Bristol Distillery and tasting room up and running, a new cocktail menu evolving and Pete and Jay running the show, there’s plenty happening behind that famously discreet front door.

You’ve known each other for years, but when did you realise going into business together might actually work?

PETE: To be honest, I never really thought about it until I heard

there was a possibility of buying into Milk Thistle. After leaving the industry I said it would take something special to get me back in, and the Milk Thistle really is that special. I’ve known Jay for many years so I approached him about it. He said it was true, and I said I wanted in! I knew it would work as we both share the same mindset and we both have four decades between us in the game.

JAY: That day still hasn’t arrived yet… Seriously, though, we’ve known each other on and off for so long, and mutual friends have always spoken highly of Pete. I knew we could work together when I saw his enthusiasm and passion for gin and distilling, and everything else in our industry.

Milk Thistle is a Bristol institution. What’s never changed about it?

PETE: Well the chessboard table is still in the parlour for one thing! For

me, Milk Thistle has always had that edge when it comes to its drinks, which I’m very excited to be a part of. As for the next chapter, just watch this space.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 53

FOOD & DRINK If Milk Thistle were a person, how would you describe it?

PETE: Someone with classic style who’s evolved into an innovator –

pushing boundaries and embracing an avant-garde spirit.

JAY: I’d say it’s a bit like Pete: an old Bristolian structure with charm and

appeal. It’s always evolving. We’re looking forward to looking back next year to see how much we’ll have achieved.

You’ve spent years creating memorable nights for other people.

Give us your own outré behind-the-scenes story PETE: Well that would be telling wouldn’t it. No comment.

JAY: Wow, that’s so hard… Being part of Hyde & Co Group meant we

were always getting invited to events or holding our own. But on this occasion I’ll invoke the Fifth Amendment.

Huh. OK, complete these sentences about each other:

Jay is always… “on holiday”.

Pete never… “shuts up about gin”.

Fast-forward ten years. What would make you look back and think, “We absolutely nailed it”?

PETE: When we have created something that we both know no-one else above: Boy, that must have been a fun night; below: Jay’s the “faster, more agile” one

JAY: We always thought Milk Thistle should be a classic cocktail bar,

so we moved away slightly from trends. The new menu being curated

by Emilio D’Salvo (formerly of Hyde & Co and Satan’s Whiskers) very much represents that.

You’ve both built reputations in Bristol hospitality in your own right. What do you each bring to this new partnership?

JAY: Forty years of experience. I’m a believer in the laws of attraction –

we have been brought together at this time because it’s the right time.

PETE: We are both very passionate people, driven and creative.

The next chapter includes the Spirit of Bristol Distillery and tasting room. Was making your own spirits always part of the plan?

PETE: Well, I’m always adding to my workload when others tend to

lighten theirs... but joking aside, we want to create the best drinks in the West Country and beyond. And that in itself is the inevitable progression to what we want to achieve.

JAY: I think we always knew the way we were going to go with Pete’s gins. To be honest that was a massive part of the appeal for me going into business with him.

QUICK-FIRE ROUND Who’s most likely to be late?

PETE: Neither of us.

JAY: We aren’t the type to be late. Pete’s early, if anything; he’d moan if I was 30 seconds late.

Who orders the weirdest drink?

PETE: Classics for me only.

JAY: Probably me. I have much simpler tastes nowadays but I do experiment when I try bars of a similar ilk to Milk Thistle.

Who’s more competitive?

PETE: That’s hard, as we both are.

JAY: We both are, but if I had to, I’d give it to Pete.

Who’d survive longest in a

zombie apocalypse?

JAY: I would. I’m faster, younger and more agile than Pete.

Who’s more likely to accidentally start a party on a Monday night?

PETE: Been there, done that.

JAY: Not me anymore. I’m happy with a cup of tea and a good book nowadays.

Who’s the better bartender?

PETE: Me. No contest.

JAY: Pete, 100%. I’m happy behind the scenes.

Who’d be banned first from their own bar?

PETE: Probably me.

JAY: 100% Pete! It might have already happened at Milk Thistle.

54 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

could ever replicate.

JAY: I’ll be retired in ten years so I’ll probably be on holiday somewhere.

Pete and I will have to FaceTime.

For all the talk of new chapters, there’s something reassuringly oldschool Milk Thistle about what Pete and Jay are doing. The classics still matter, the chessboard table is still in the parlour and the bar hasn’t lost the sense of personality that made people fall for it in the first place.

But standing still clearly isn’t part of the plan. With their own spirits, a distillery and tasting room, a new cocktail menu and two fiercely competitive Bristol hospitality veterans driving things forward, there’s plenty more to come. n For more www.milkthistlebristol.com

DAN O’REGAN BANK BRISTOL & LAPIN

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A slight delay in the kitchen . . . can almost guarantee that you have sat at dinner, with a waiter leaning over your table, explaining that there has been a slight delay in the kitchen. This is often true, and often not.

One busy Saturday evening at Bank, we were packed out, walk-ins turned away at the door all night. I was casting my eye over the dining room, as we do every few minutes, checking who needed topping up, who was waiting on food, and who might need some attention. Table 14 looked right as rain, nattering away, mid catch-up. Their glasses were half-full. I glanced at the board. Nothing up there for 14.

I had taken their order myself, half an hour earlier, and never put it through. They were not sitting there waiting.

Nobody had told them there was anything to wait for.

The next bit usually goes something like this. You go over with your sorry face on.

“So sorry, there’s been a bit of a delay in the kitchen. Chef has a big table on/the kitchen lost your ticket/they got a bit backed up.” The guest never knows any better, and the kitchen is not there to defend itself. It is an anonymous entity, tucked away. Nobody gets scolded. You are absolved.

Now, sometimes this is absolutely true. The kitchen does get backed up, the chefs are fighting to get back on track, and the delay is real. Sometimes it is very nearly true – a dish has gone back, and you are buying them a couple of minutes to cook it again properly. But if you blame the kitchen when they are firing on all cylinders, because you forgot to fire the ticket, then you have simply transferred your mistake onto three innocent chefs.

“I felt like a waiter on his first day who had just dropped a tray of martinis on a guest”

So instead, I went over. “I’m so sorry. I’ve just realised I never put your food through.”

They were perfectly polite, and understandably a little annoyed.

Off to the pass I went. “Chef, I’m sorry. Can I get 14 on the fly?” Three heads turned on a swivel. Despite the fact that I pay these peoples’ wages, I felt like a waiter on his first day who had just dropped a tray of martinis on a guest. To Ollie, the ticket was newborn.

First thing, olives and gougères to the table straight away, a round of drinks on us, and the service charge off. That’s fifty quid of their Saturday night handed right back to them. It hurts, and that’s really the point, although it doesn’t fix anything.

It gave them something good to eat while we sorted it out.

Credit to the kitchen, their food was down ten minutes later, and although I’m not sure it all worked, they left smiling.

I could do all of this because I own the restaurant. The managers can do it too, but had a waiter been on that section, the best they could have offered would have been a grovelling apology and a longer wait. I am convinced that the most important thing was to walk

over to the table and tell them where we went wrong before they asked. That costs nothing.

Anyone on the floor could do it, and it saved them having to flag us down and us having to reach for one of those excuses.

Mistakes are bountiful in restaurants, but this does not begin or end with us. They are always paid for by somebody, and the kitchen is the ideal candidate. They’re twenty feet away, can’t hear us, and nobody can see them. It is quite spineless to pass off your own mistake to an innocent party.

So the next time someone tells you there’s a delay in the kitchen, you will wonder. But there will be a night when someone tells you they forgot, and that they’re sorry. Your evening will still be a little shorter for it, and you will have to decide exactly how gracious you’re feeling.

For about ten seconds, it’s more awkward than being lied to, but I’d still rather be told. n Dan is the co-owner of restaurants BANK and Lapin BANK Bristol, 107 Wells Road www.bankbristol.com Lapin, Cargo 2, Museum Street www.lapinbristol.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 57

THE KITCHEN DESIGNER

ALL PHOTOS BY deVOL

In an era of flatpack furniture and mass production, deVOL focuses on classic, timeless craftsmanship.

Let’s follow co-founder PAUL O’LEARY into the workshop

INTERIORS

d

eVOL isn’t an ordinary kitchen company. Through championing true craftsmanship and rescuing traditional skills it’s created a unique aesthetic, building a cult brand without following the conventional luxury-retail playbook.

It all began with a love and respect for restoration, as founder Paul O’Leary explains.

How did you come to found deVOL?

After starting off a succession of failed businesses – design consultancy, restoring classic cars, buying and selling second-hand cars – I finally came to restoring antique pine furniture. Phil [de Vries, co-founder] was my right-hand man, the brake pedal to my accelerator, the common sense to my hairbrained schemes. The first time we managed to earn money was when we decided to strip doors for £5 with no VAT. Suddenly, we were busy and could make ends meet, but it was five years until we could buy our first table saw and mortiser, enabling us to make our very first piece of furniture, for my mum, in 1989.

What was the main philosophy behind the company?

There was no philosophy, not even a plan, just a burning and almost irrational desire to find a way of earning a living without giving up and getting a proper job. Stripping doors and antique furniture took me into a lot of old houses, and reassembling furniture gave me an appreciation of traditional craftsmanship, proportion, and detail.

What was deVOL’s real turning point?

There was one turning point that changed things forever. The financial crash in 2008 led to many small businesses struggling to find any business at all. People only bought essentials. A new kitchen is not an essential, except in a rare few projects where a house had been built and needed a kitchen before it could be sold. And what did they want? A high-quality kitchen at half the price it used to be. We knew we had to make our kitchens more affordable, so we transitioned from individual cabinet-made furniture to modular kitchen cabinets. opposite: Paul O’Leary; top to bottom: The Real Shaker Kitchen in

a Clifton garden apartment and a Stepney town house

Our modular Shaker kitchen hit the spot. It looked great and cost half the price. And so started deVOL’s journey to success. I had actually come to terms with the idea of failure and I had made peace with it. From that moment on I ran my business with no fear of failure.

It turns out that this is the key to success. Who knew?

You describe yourselves as furniture makers rather than just kitchen designers. How does that philosophy influence everything you create?

Kitchen designers can specify cabinets that are imported; they don’t all know how to make furniture. Because we make all of our furniture, our kitchen designers can see the furniture being made and have a much better understanding of what is possible and what isn’t. That furnituremaking knowledge makes them better kitchen designers. So, I think it’s important that people know we make our own furniture. Not just that, we make our own hardware and interior fittings too.

How do you feel about companies who copy your style?

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we see many instances when one of our ideas becomes more mainstream. It could be a colour choice, it could be the use of pre-aged copper worktops, everything and anything crops up elsewhere eventually. Your initial reaction is, “Well, that’s a bit cheeky”, but I reassure myself that while people copy what we did last year, we’re always moving forward. They can’t match the quality, they can’t meet the delivery times without fail, and they can’t copy everything, because we have a metalware department, a ceramics department, glass making, a blacksmith.

Nobody has all those resources, so the imitation always falls short.

“Our kitchen furniture will outlive me and our customers.

We take pride in that” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59

INTERIORS

“There was no philosophy, not even a plan, just a burning and almost irrational desire to find a way of earning a living without giving up and getting a proper job” Many businesses talk about sustainability. Is making timeless products that people will still treasure in 30 or 40 years the most sustainable approach of all?

Yes it is! A kitchen’s lifespan is determined by its durability and its design. When someone rips out their existing kitchen it isn’t always because it’s falling apart. They might just not like it. That’s why I always advise people to create a kitchen that fits with the character of the property and isn’t just your personal statement, but rather a timeless classic design. It’s just how things used to be, and they were better. It makes complete financial sense as well, and it’s good for the environment. Our kitchen furniture will outlive me and our customers.

We take pride in that.

You now have customers around the world. Have you been surprised by the universal appeal of what began as a very British, very understated style?

I don’t think I knew what impression people in the States, or on the continent, or even Australia for that matter, had of British design and craftsmanship. Britain used to lead the way in innovation and manufacture, but even just in my lifetime I’ve seen the shipyards and car manufacturers close down. But respect for one thing has endured, it seems, and that’s taste.

While we might admire Italian interiors and the Mediterranean lifestyle, people around the world have this impression that Britain and its cultural history has endowed us with a more developed sense of taste. We know our own minds, we like what we like.

If someone walked into a deVOL kitchen for the first time, what would you hope they’d notice?

I hope they’d be smitten; not just impressed, but in love with the feel of the room, and I’d love them to notice the tiniest of details. For example, dovetails are good, right? But what kind of dovetails are basic and

On timeless style I believe people are drawn to things because they have a familiarity with them they might not even be aware of. A table or a cupboard that seems right because there was a similar table in their grandparent’s house; an affinity stirs within them.

Least favourite design trend Waterfall worktops on islands. What’s the point? They will be consigned to history, a fad of the early 21st century when some people spent money on something that served no purpose, simply because someone told them it was the new thing. I don’t like new things.

After everything you’ve achieved, what still excites you?

I’m excited to come into work every day because being a designer is a vocation. It’s not something you choose to do, it’s a disease! You can’t help looking at everything around you and thinking about how it should be different. I’ve been suffering from this malady since I was 13.

The Haberdasher’s Pantry in a historic hall in the North Downs; interior design by Linda Boronkay

commonplace, not that pretty? And what kind of dovetails are perfect in every way? They are very narrow, they are widely spaced, and they have, for centuries, been the mark of a master craftsman.

I can look at a Georgian cupboard and look at the dovetails in the drawers and not only know if it’s original, I can see if it was made by an apprentice, or a time-served meticulous and talented craftsman.

There’s a story in every dovetail, but most people don’t even look; but some do, and they are the ones who tell others that deVOL is different.

Which kitchen do you have in your own home?

I moved into my final home four years ago, a rather grand Tudorrevival house built in 1888, but I haven’t touched the kitchen. It’s always the last room to be done for me. I want to live in the house through the seasons, and slowly but surely become more and more certain where the kitchen should be and how it will make our lives better.

I’ve decided on the sink, at least. It will be deep and have a sloping front and be made from Welsh slate. You’ll only see these in the grandest houses, and always below stairs, used by servants. They have that look that has taken hold of me: the working kitchen, beautiful in its simplicity, and grand by scale, but not by ornamentation.

If we’re planning to build a new kitchen, what would be your three top tips?

First decision should be: is the kitchen actually in the right room?

Secondly, how is it going to make your life better? And most of all make sure it elevates the house for future residents, not just for you, then you’ll know it’s money well spent, because you’ll get all of it back. n For more: www.devolkitchens.co.uk

60 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

DESIGN FOR LIFE Walk away from the IKEA flatpacks, swerve ephemeral trends – investing in heirloom furniture is worth every penny Words by John Law and Nick Woodhouse

I

INTERIORS

nterior designer and hotelier Kit Kemp once said that every room tells a story, and never has this sentiment resonated more than it does today. We have recently seen a real enthusiasm from clients to be that bit bolder and more open to schemes which reflect their own personality, rather than getting too hung up on the latest design must-dos.

This can be quite liberating, cathartic even, especially if the approach is married with a sense of realism and selfreflection. If you love colour, for example, embrace it. If you are drawn to a more clinical look but – and here comes the self-reflection – are chaotic by nature, try leaning towards a cosier, more comfortable vibe that will be more accepting of that very chaos. Equally, if you get pleasure from collecting finds from your travels, perhaps consider a warm, neutral canvas on your walls, adorning them instead with those precious finds. Rather than competing, they will instead add their own colours, textures and patterns to your home.

What will pull these schemes together is the introduction of what we’d describe in the studio as heirloom pieces. Timeless, well-made items that will stay with us through the years. The price of these pieces, whether a bespoke armchair or handmade side table, will undoubtedly reflect the love, passion and craftsmanship put into its creation, but they will also very likely be enjoyed that much longer, and cherished that bit more.

As designers, we are keen to advocate this approach; to leave behind the disposable remnants of short-lived trends and regular renovation. We prefer instead to combine traditional pieces with their contemporary counterparts, giving a scheme a long-lasting, timeless feel. As we become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of our purchases, it’s equally important to avoid overlooking existing opposite: King & Webbon’s mid-century-style Timmy 2 Desk and stackable

Hideout dining chair

above: Walkä Drinks Cabinet by Konk; left: Alex in the workshop

pieces of furniture in favour of the new, the fresh, the clean. We always look to retain such items where we can or to introduce antique pieces to give that greater sense of authenticity.

Fortunately, Bristol has a wealth of makers and collectors that make this task that bit easier for us all, from established, family-run makers of bespoke furniture to the ever-evolving treasure troves of the city’s antique dealers. Here is a hand-picked selection of just a few locallybased business that are well placed to help you find pieces that not only stand the test of time, but will effortlessly hold their own within any design scheme.

KONK

Konk Furniture began as the brainchild of architecture graduate Alex Ratcliffe, who decided he didn’t want to be an architect after all, turning instead to designing and making furniture by hand. A decade on, the Bristol-based workshop has grown into one of the region’s leading bespoke furniture makers, with a skilled team creating sustainable pieces for residential and commercial clients alike.

Leaning towards a mid-century aesthetic, each piece is built on a firm rejection of throwaway culture – furniture that’s solid, hardwearing, and ages with character. www.konkfurniture.com

“As designers, we are keen to leave behind the disposable remnants of short-lived trends and regular renovation” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 63

RAG AND BONE

Rag & Bone began, fittingly, as a chance meeting of two collectors: Arthur Hodder, who’d been dealing at antique fairs and running a small shop on Chandos Road in Redland, and Mollie Riach, a regular customer turned business partner. Together they built something deliberately unstuffy: an eclectic mix of decorative antiques and vintage furniture, homewares, mid-century design, industrial lighting and original artwork, all pulled together into a distinctly modern aesthetic. Sourced from across Europe and beyond, the finds range from French rustic farm tables to Arts and Crafts rocking chairs and battered wicker baskets. Now trading online with regular stock drops, Rag & Bone remains, at heart, a home for the rare, the romantic, and the slightly eccentric. www.ragandbonebristol.com

“The Møbel style is minimal, timeless and serene, with a dose of hygge thrown in for good measure” HOUSE OF MØBEL

Tucked among the independent shopfronts of Gloucester Road sits House of Møbel, a slice of mid-century Scandinavia. Founded by Daisy Macleod, the shop deals in original teak dining tables, chests of drawers, and iconic sofas and armchairs. Every piece arrives imported from Scandinavia before being restored right here in Bristol. The style, as Daisy puts it, is minimal, timeless and serene, with a dose of hygge thrown in for good measure. There’s an undeniable philosophy underpinning this aesthetic: a belief that furniture made well can last a lifetime, be restored, and last another, offering a sustainable, investment-minded alternative to buying new. www.houseofmobel.com 64 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

left: Rag and Bone: interiors for “the rare, the romantic and the slightly eccentric” above and bottom: How it began, how it ended up: Joe Lyster’s Lumo lights

INTERIORS LUMO LIGHTS

Working with reclaimed and found natural materials such as hardwood and metal, founder Joe Lyster merges a minimal aesthetic with warm tones and earthy textures at his Bristol workshop. He will often weave in traditional Japanese shibori dyeing techniques alongside the metalwork of these unique lighting pieces, and the results are, as he sees it, a quiet challenge to our disposable, throwaway culture. Still a small, family-run outfit, Lumo now sells bespoke, small production runs through its online store and select stockists – proof that the most compelling design stories are often the ones made from what everyone else might throw away. www.lumolights.co.uk

above: A Danish teak secretary desk paired with a Kai Kristiansen desk chair at House of Møbel: a little slice of Scandi on the Glo Road below: A dining table to be passed down through generations by King & Webbon right: Andy King casts an exacting eye

KING AND WEBBON

Established in Bristol by designer-maker Andy King and business partner Rob Webbon, the duo combines their engineering and sustainability backgrounds to great effect. The studio has built its name with contemporary furniture in a carefully selected palette of natural hardwoods, referencing Art Deco, Danish modern and Japanese aesthetics. The results now reach homes and businesses not just across the UK but in France, Canada and Australasia – proof that Bristol style travels well. www.kingandwebbon.com

Nick Woodhouse and John Law are the co-directors of interior and garden design company Woodhouse and Law at 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill, Bath www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 65

FRESH THINKING OVER A FINE LUNCH Unique social business occasion + live interview: OLLY CULVERHOUSE of Signable

LAST CALL Wednesday 16 September, 12pm at The Granary

Sponsored by:

Full details here:

If you would like to get involved, email events@mediaclash.co.uk

BE PA RT OF T HE C ONVE R SATI ON

GEORGIA FENDLEY UPPER CASE

Our new lifestyle columnist explains what luxury means to her – and no, it doesn’t have to be a Mulberry bag

F

ull disclosure: I’m really difficult to please. As a designer I specialise in creating and transforming luxury brands, including Aman, Boodles, Claridge’s, Hotel Bel Air and Mulberry. This means I’m not easily satisfied, I like to challenge the definitions of luxury and hunt down the unexpected; the things that make you smile and form memories you will treasure for a lifetime.

For me luxury has never been defined by price, or status; it is a concept embodied in experience and emotional resonance. It’s often the outcome of masterful craft, rarity, a genuine story and shared meaning.

It can be found in moments and objects that transcend the everyday, and it can be deeply personal. Sometimes it’s the smallest things, the rituals we create for ourselves that deliver profound pleasure. The slow brew

of a perfect cup of tea in a mug made by a friend, a walk around the garden as the sun sets or choosing the playlist for a day in the studio.

What we define as holding value – the things we treasure as luxuries in our lives – are not fixed, they evolve over time and perhaps most markedly from season to season. As the nights draw in I naturally change my habits and routines. Autumn is a time for long walks, picking blackberries and sloes, pub lunches and rediscovering my favourite coats and jumpers, enjoying the drama of winter dressing after a carefree summer.

The shorter days of autumn mean less time for ourselves, as work and routine fill the daylight hours. In response I have developed seasonal rituals I really look forward to. In October this means the first open fires of the year, the best part of which is the smell, which lingers not only while

“For me, the concept of luxury is embodied in experience and emotional resonance”

Double-luxe: Bramley’s collaboration with the Pig Hotels

we enjoy the fire’s warmth but also in the days afterwards.

There is science behind this: scent is processed differently from other senses in our brains. It hits us harder and creates deeper and more lasting emotional connections than sight or sound.

The ritual of setting a fire is as old as time. The symbolism fits the shift in season; it represents light, safety and clearing a path for the future. To make a fire even more special and luxurious I use the dried cuttings of herbs from the garden; rosemary and thyme are my favourite. You can also try sage or even dried lemon and orange peel. Place them on the fire and let them burn slowly, spreading a scent and, if you believe in these things, purifying and protecting the home.

Scent in the home has a long and fascinating history. It was used in almost every civilisation, thought to have spiritual or cleansing properties as well as health benefits. In ancient Egypt and China rare resins and precious wood incenses were reserved for pharaohs, priests, and the wealthy elite.

As trade routes brought exotic ingredients to new locations, home fragrance became the ultimate status symbol, from pomanders in the Middle Ages to custom-blend scents in the Renaissance. Today you can splurge on a beautifully branded

scented candle, incense or room diffuser. If you are planning on doing so please check out some of the amazing independent British brands shaking up the industry, from the super cool Vryao with verdant and witchywoo fragrances in incense form to the seriously statement design of Commune’s indulgent scented candles. Last but not least is the cottagey comfort of Bramley’s soy wax candles, the latter two brands made locally in Somerset and Wiltshire.

And if you want to indulge the senses and experience luxury without the price tag, take a leaf out of the Elizabethans’ book, creating pomanders for the home by studding oranges with cloves.

Once ready, wrap the whole thing in ribbons and bows (I love a striped grosgrain ribbon in bold colours), and bundle them up in your favourite bowls. A fresh pomander will last seven days or so. If you want this little luxury to last longer you can slowly oven-dry it at a low temperature; treated in this way it can last all through the winter until you repeat the ritual next year.

Georgia Fendley is a creative director, founder of Construct, ex-brand director of Mulberry, NED of Cambridge Satchel Company, Crafts Council Advisor, Luxury Briefing columnist and D&AD judge www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 67

A QUESTION OF LEGACY

A new intake of students has arrived at Bristol’s schools and colleges for the autumn term. So what can they expect from their time there – and what, if anything, is more important than exam success?

EDUCATION BADMINTON

Independent school for girls aged 3-18 Westbury Road, wwww.badmintonschool.co.uk What life-lessons do you hope pupils will take away with them when they leave?

“We hope every girl leaves us holding onto aspiration, curiosity, courage and courtesy: our four values, but really just a shorthand for how we hope she moves through the world. Real curiosity, the confidence to ask ‘why not?’ more than ‘why?’ Aspiration that holds firm even when the path isn’t obvious. The courage to act on it. And courtesy, which keeps ambition kind rather than sharpelbowed. Long after she’s forgotten her exam results, we hope those are what stay with her.”

Beyond exam results, what’s made you proudest?

“Watching quiet girls become women who can hold a room. We’re proud of how our pupils look after each other, and how much they genuinely want one another to succeed. And we’re proud that girls’ education still feels vital here, not like something from the past.”

“We’re proud that girls’ education feels vital here, not like something from the past”

Tell us about some of your alumni

“We’re spoiled for role models. Iris Murdoch, one of the great novelist-philosophers of her generation. Mary Fedden, the painter who became the first woman to teach in the Royal College of Art’s Painting School – David Hockney was among her pupils. Audrey Evans, the pioneering paediatric oncologist who co-founded the very first Ronald McDonald House, changing how sick children’s families are cared for worldwide; it means something for a 14-year-old to know a woman who transformed childhood cancer care once sat where she’s sitting. And Rosamund Pike, carrying that same boldness from the West End to Hollywood.”

BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL Independent co-ed for children aged 4-18 University Road www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk opposite: Badminton girls ask

“why not?” more than “why?”

top: Peter Pan at Bristol

Grammar...

below: .. and also at Clifton

College. What can we say?

Bristol likes a pirate

What life-lessons do you hope pupils will take away with them when they leave?

“We believe that for a child to be successful and fulfilled they need to be known, nurtured, challenged and celebrated. Our broad curriculum is complemented by an extensive co-curricular programme which gives pupils opportunities to discover new interests and develop existing talents through music, drama, art, dance, design technology, outdoor education, sport and many other activities. This sense of self-discovery is core to our ethos at BGS and one that we hope pupils utilise throughout their life.”

Beyond exam results, what’s made you proudest?

“Creating a rich sense of community is something we truly nurture at BGS. We believe this is a school where everyone will make new friends, realise their potential and have an opportunity to challenge themselves.”

Tell us about some of your alumni

“This year we are celebrating 10 years of 1532, our performing arts centre, and reflecting on how it has supported both students and the community. Some of our alumni include comedian Mark Watson, who returns to the school to lecture from time to time, and actress Tuppence Middleton.”

CLIFTON COLLEGE

Independent co-ed school for pupils aged 3-18.

College Road, www.cliftoncollege.com What life-lessons do you hope pupils will take away with them when they leave?

“Our aim is to develop well-rounded young adults who are ready to take their place in the world with confidence.

We want our pupils to leave grounded in strong values, equipped to be active citizens, and make a positive contribution to society.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 69

EDUCATION Beyond exam results, what’s made you proudest?

“We are proud of what our pupils achieve beyond the classroom. In sport, we have had outstanding success, with the boys’ first rugby team winning the Daily Mail Cup and the girls’ hockey team being crowned England Hockey Girls’ U18 Schools Champions.

“Our performing arts programme has also gone from strength to strength. The music and drama departments have collaborated on full-scale productions of muchloved musicals and plays, including Oklahoma!, Made in Dagenham and Peter Pan, showcasing the creativity and talent of our pupils.

“The leadership shown by our pupils in driving positive change has been inspiring. Students play an active role in our EDIB programme, leading initiatives around Black History Month, Pride and our Anti-Prejudice Project.

This work has gained national recognition.”

Tell us about some of your alumni

“The leadership shown by our pupils in driving positive change has been inspiring”

“Clifton College has a long history of producing alumni who have made significant contributions across a wide range of fields. The College can claim four Nobel Prize winners, more than any other school in the UK, while in the arts, Old Cliftonians include Oscar-nominated actors Trevor Howard and Sir Michael Redgrave, singersongwriter Martina Topley-Bird and comedian and actor John Cleese. In sports, recent former pupils include Olympic hockey bronze medallist Lily Owsley and England rugby international Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.”

direction, pupils develop life-long foundations that grow confidence and independence.”

Beyond exam results, what’s made you proudest?

CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL

Co-ed junior, senior school and sixth form College Road; www.cliftonhigh.co.uk What life-lessons do you hope pupils will take away with them when they leave?

“Guided by our values of curiosity, empathy, love and

above: Outdoor education is as important as classroom studies; below: Pals for life – both photos from QEH

“Academic success is a vital component of the Clifton High approach, yet happiness and belonging are at the true core of a child’s experience. Beyond the classroom, our rich co-curricular programme broadens horizons and develops talents. Through early exposure to specialist sports coaching, weekly swimming lessons in our on-site pool, outdoor learning through our Adventure Programme and opportunities across the arts, pupils are encouraged to explore new passions and discover talents.

“A culture of community is reflected in the relationships children develop across the school. Peer support helps younger pupils settle with confidence, while kindness, encouragement and respect are part of everyday life. These experiences help shape compassionate, resilient and confident young people who are happy and are then empowered to succeed.”

Tell us about some of your alumni

“Former pupils have made their mark from Olympic sport to the creative and literary arts and pioneering science and leadership. Looking ahead to our 150th anniversary in 2027, we will celebrate generations of pupils who have shaped our school, while looking forward to those who will shape the future.”

QEH

Co-ed junior and senior school for boys; co-ed sixth form; Berkeley Place; www.qehbristol.co.uk What life-lessons do you hope pupils will take away with them when they leave?

“Our motto, ‘Whilst we have time, let us do good’, captures much of what we hope pupils take with them when they leave. We want them to be successful, but also to understand the importance of how they treat other people and the contribution they can make. Our values of kindness, collaboration, positivity, and curiosity are central to the way we teach our pupils to approach the world. We are proud of the young people they become.”

70 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

EDUCATION “We are equally proud of the experiences that help shape our pupils along the way. Friendships, sport, music, drama, travel, and outdoor education provide them with the opportunity to discover new interests and learn about themselves. Ultimately, we want pupils to leave QEH with more than strong qualifications. We hope they take with them a lasting curiosity about the world, an appreciation of the people around them, and the confidence to use what they have learnt to do good.”

SIDCOT

Co-ed school for pupils aged 3-18 Oakridge Road, Winscombe; www.sidcot.org.uk What life-lessons do you hope pupils will take away with them when they leave?

“Our aim is for students to develop a genuine curiosity for the world, a deep love of learning, an adventurous spirit, and a desire to make a difference.

“We want every young person to leave us having thrived academically, but also equipped with a quiet resilience, creative independence, and a strong moral compass rooted in our Quaker values. Rather than shaping them into a single mould, we provide the space for students to discover who they are and what they care about. Whether they step into higher education, launch their own business or travel the globe, they carry with them the confidence to think for themselves, the courage to stand up for what is right, and the empathy to lead and collaborate in a changing world.”

“Success is not onesize-fits-all but deeply personal and driven by individual passion” below: Unbeaten: over two

consecutive years Sidcot have played 25 basketball games – and won 25 of them

Beyond exam results, what’s made you proudest?

“One of the things that makes us particularly proud is hearing stories from our Old Scholars; about the adventures they’ve taken, the successes they’ve achieved, and the positive differences they’ve made. Recent graduates have returned to tell us about their experiences developing sustainable artwork, travelling South America to enhance their Spanish skills, and gaining an internship at Vogue. To see our students out there in the world charting their own paths and achieving their unique dreams shows the real difference a Sidcot education can make, proving that success is not one-size-fits-all, but deeply personal and driven by individual passion.”

Tell us about some of your alumni

“From Tim Bevan, one of Britain’s most influential film producers, to acclaimed actress Zoe Wanamaker, BBC journalist Justin Webb and contemporary artist Pip Rush Jansen of Arcadia, our former students have shaped cultural life around the world. In science, alumni include leading immunologist Professor Peter Openshaw, and Douglas Macmillan, whose vision led to the creation of one of the UK’s most respected cancer charities.” n

BRISTOL UNIVERSITY

One of the most popular and successful universities in the UK, ranked 8th in the UK and 57th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027 www.bristol.ac.uk/university What life-lessons do you hope graduates take away with them?

“The confidence to think creatively, approach challenges innovatively and adapt to a rapidly changing world. We also hope that Bristol’s diverse and international community encourages students to engage with different perspectives, cultures, ideas, and help them develop an inclusive mindset and a global outlook that will serve them throughout their lives and careers.”

Beyond exam results, what’s made you proudest?

“The University of Bristol is particularly proud of the positive impact we’re making locally, nationally and globally on people’s lives. This includes the development of the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in Bristol, which creates spaces for communities to collaborate on shared challenges and ensures the benefits of innovation are widely felt. Our two micro-campuses, in Barton Hill, and Hartcliffe and Withywood, are making higher education accessible to all with a range of university-run activities and opportunities.”

72 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

@JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

Beyond exam results, what’s made you proudest?

David Nicholls

Tell us about some of your alumni “One of our earliest acclaimed graduates was the physicist Professor Paul Dirac, who graduated in the early 1920s and in 1933 was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in atomic theory.

Known as one of the founders of quantum mechanics, Dirac laid the foundations for the University’s world-leading quantum research.

“Other more recent celebrated graduates include the writers David Nicholls and Julia Donaldson; journalists Laura Trevelyan and Katya Adler; singer, songwriter and musician James Blunt, and leading environmentalist Tony Juniper.

“Many acclaimed actors have graduated from the University of Bristol including Nitin Ganatra, Hugh Sachs, Emily Watson, Simon Pegg, Pearl Mackie, Jamie Demetriou and Luke Thompson.”

SPONSORED CONTENT

A PLACE WHERE EVERY CHILD CAN THRIVE

At BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, we believe that for a child to be both successful and fulfilled they need to be known, nurtured, challenged and celebrated

A

s a vibrant and busy school, we combine outstanding pastoral care with exceptional opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, which alongside the rich sense of community fostered within the school, are all part of what makes BGS special.

Our ethos was recognised clearly in our most recent ISI* report in the summer term, when inspectors gathered genuine reflections on life at BGS and how we do things here.

GET TO KNOW EVERY 1WE CHILD AS AN INDIVIDUAL

We know that children achieve their best when they feel understood, valued and supported.

Through our pastoral system and wellbeing programme, we ensure that every pupil has trusted adults who take the time to know them well. We also work closely with families to understand each child and provide support that’s tailored to them, because every child’s educational journey is different.

The ISI report said,“Leaders prioritise pupils’ mental health and emotional wellbeing. Close liaison between teaching and pastoral staff, as well as the medical centre, ensure pupils receive a high level of care. Pupils know that there is extensive support available to them if needed.”

MAKE EVERY TRANSITION 2 WE A POSITIVE ONE

Whether a child is joining reception, moving into senior school or starting sixth form, new beginnings can feel exciting and daunting in equal measure. We place great importance on helping pupils settle quickly, build friendships and develop confidence in their new surroundings with a carefully planned transition programme that helps to reduce nerves and support a sense of belonging from the get-go.

The ISI report praised the transitional support programme that “helps pupils’ transition to their next stage in education, training and employment. The well-designed programme ensures that pupils make smooth transitions from one part of the school to the next, as well as preparing them to go on to future careers and study.”

WE BELIEVE LEARNING 3CLASSROOM GOES FAR BEYOND THE Education is about more than academic achievement, it is also about discovering passions, developing confidence and building character. Our extensive co-curricular programme gives pupils opportunities to explore everything

from music, drama, dance and art to outdoor education, design technology and sport.

Whether trying something completely new or developing an existing talent, we nurture a sense of self-discovery which is core to our ethos. In fact, in a recent pupil survey, 93% of our children said they had discovered a new passion or developed an existing one during their time at BGS. ISI Inspectors praised the thoughtfully designed curriculum, which promotes intellectual curiosity and helps pupils develop knowledge, skills and understanding across a wide range of subjects. It also noted that, “an enriching programme of co-curricular activities provides opportunities for pupils to further develop their skills and interests.”

WE NURTURE CONFIDENCE 4 THROUGH KINDNESS AND COMMUNITY Kindness sits at the heart of life at BGS and we want every child to feel that they belong. Our strong sense of community helps pupils build lasting friendships, develop resilience and grow in confidence.

WE PROVIDE EXPERT, 5TEACHING THOUGHT-PROVOKING We encourage pupils to think independently, embrace new experiences and develop the skills they’ll need long after they leave school. The ISI report referred to our teachers as experts in their subject, stating, “Teachers skilfully use their expert subject knowledge to engage pupils in thought-provoking teaching which further their progress and develops their skills and knowledge well.” n *Independent Schools Inspectorate

WANT TO KNOW MORE? BGS offers open days, tours and tasters throughout the autumn term. Book your visit online today!

University Rd, Bristol BS8 1SR; 0117 973 6006; www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 77

NETWORK MAKING TRACKS

THE CITY’S BUSINESS NEWS

BRABAZON – WHERE WE ARE NOW, AND WHERE WE’RE HEADING

Progress being made on the new Bristol Brabazon train station this summer

NETWORK

HANGIN’ B AT THE HANGARS

Inspired by a revolutionary aeroplane that became an icon of engineering, Brabazon is a new community for Bristol’s next generation. So where are we up to, and what’s up next?

Words by Ursula Cole 80 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ristol has seen its fair share of new developments over the past few decades, but none have approached the scale and ambition of Brabazon: an entire new community, playground and business hub for the next generation.

There’s always something new happening, from significant progress across the neighbourhood to major milestones reached. For this special Network feature we asked Jon McDiarmid, director of sales and marketing at YTL Developments, to bring us up to speed.

Bristol Life: Brabazon has gone from an ambitious masterplan to an exciting destination that is starting to feel really unique. What moment made you feel that Brabazon has truly become a place rather than simply an idea?

John: For me it’s actually not the

big moments, but the small ones that show how residents are thriving after choosing to make Brabazon

their home. Seeing people visibly relax as they walk their dogs, chat to their neighbours over coffee at Spitfire Hangar, or welcome friends or family when they visit.

The opening of Spitfire Hangar really reinforced that. It has become a fantastic place for people to come together. Since opening in January, the team has hosted more than 200 events and community activities and welcomed over 25,000 visitors.

Of course, there’s also the added attraction of Mokoko Bakery’s legendary pastries!

Bristol Life: Let’s talk about milestones. What have been the most significant this year, and which do you think will ultimately have the biggest long-term impact?

John: If I had to pick one

milestone, I’d look forward rather than back. The new Bristol Brabazon railway station is set to open this autumn, and I think that will be transformational, not just for Brabazon, but for North Bristol.

We already have Metrobus services

every 20 minutes and have opened miles of pedestrian and cycle routes: the new station really will make Brabazon one of the best-connected neighbourhoods in Bristol.

Bristol Life: The city is known for its music, engineering heritage and creative industries; how will Brabazon adds to that identity?

John: Bristol’s history, creativity and culture are already deeply connected to the neighbourhood through Concorde and its aviation heritage, and Brabazon is a new destination designed to live up to that legacy.

Clearly the headline act will be Aviva Arena, which will put Bristol and the West of England on the world stage for live music and entertainment. But we’re also really proud to support a really wide range of smaller initiatives that are already bringing people together.

Last summer, we took part in Gromit Unleashed 3, when thousands of people visited during the trail. Boxworks is

already home to a growing community of independent businesses.

Spitfire Hangar is now established as a real community hub. I could go on…

Bristol Life: Brabazon is often discussed in terms of new homes and the arena, but it is also a major economic project. What impact are you already seeing, and where do you think the biggest opportunities for Bristol businesses will come from over the next five years?

John: The economic impact is

already visible through the scale of investment: the number of jobs being supported by construction alone is creating real opportunities for businesses across Bristol. But that’s really just the beginning.

There’s so much coming up. Our colleagues at YTL Construction are currently building new workspace at The Interchange, which has eight storeys of prime office space and is attracting businesses to North Bristol. Aviva Arena will generate visitor spending, support hospitality, leisure and tourism across the region. Waitrose has chosen Brabazon for a new flagship store. A new padel tennis club, with saunas and pickleball courts will open soon.

A new food and drink destination is now being designed and should open next spring.

From the smallest independent traders to some of Bristol’s biggest

A CGI of The Interchange, the first office building at Brabazon, complete with train station on the ground floor

employers, there’s opportunity for everyone at Brabazon.

Bristol Life: One of the biggest challenges for any new neighbourhood is creating a genuine sense of community. What have you learned so far from the first residents, and have they shaped your thinking as later phases are delivered?

John: We’ve really tried to listen

to the first residents who chose to make Brabazon their home. Their insights are shaping future phases right now. It’s why we opened Spitfire Hangar much earlier than others might have done. It’s also

left: Mokoko café, one of the independent businesses in the Spitfire Hangar – “A fantastic place for people to come together” below: the now-named Aviva Arena is set to open in late 2028

“THE NEW BRABAZON RAILWAY STATION WILL BE TRANSFORMATIONAL”

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NETWORK same aircraft type. It encapsulated what Brabazon is all about.

Bristol Life. The site has long been known as a centre of innovation, and few developments have such a remarkable history behind them. How important has that heritage been in shaping what you’re building today, rather than simply serving as a story from the past?

why we’ve really invested in our landscaping: the trees, plants and shrubs on every street really do set Brabazon apart.

Creating a thriving neighbourhood also means creating a diverse community. We’re building homes of every type and tenure, from studios and apartments to fourbedroom town houses and student accommodation, as well as offices and workspaces, so that there is something for everyone within the new neighbourhood.

Lastly, we’ve also seen how strongly residents and visitors connect with the Brabazon’s aviation heritage. In July, residents organised a flypast by a Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight as part of BrabFest, a community festival that residents run themselves. The aircraft flew directly over Spitfire Hangar, which once housed the

John: It’s incredibly important

because heritage gives a place authenticity. Filton Airfield played a unique role in British aviation history, from the Brabazon aircraft to Concorde. We’ve used that spirit of innovation as inspiration for what comes next.

Across the neighbourhood you’ll find details that honour this heritage, from street names to tailfin-inspired rooflines and, of course, the careful restoration of the GradeII Spitfire Hangar as a centre for the community, run by the Brabazon Community Trust.

Bristol Life: What is the biggest misconception people in Bristol still have about Brabazon?

John: That it’s simply a housing

development. Homes are a major part of the plan, but Brabazon is about creating a complete

top and bottom left: the unique roof design of the Brabazon homes are designed to resemble an aircraft’s tailfin; above: monthly independent craft and food markets are held at Spitfire Square

neighbourhood with jobs, public spaces, transport, culture, leisure attractions and community hubs.

When people visit Spitfire Hangar, see the train station being built or speak to residents, they quickly realise the ambition is far greater than they might have imagined, and that far more progress has already been made than they might have thought.

Bristol Life: If we were having this conversation in two years’ time, what do you hope people would be talking about? What are the next milestones that should really be on people’s radar?

John: I hope people would be talking about Brabazon as a place rather than a future vision.

“WHEN PEOPLE VISIT BRABAZON THEY QUICKLY REALISE THE AMBITION IS FAR GREATER THAN THEY MIGHT HAVE IMAGINED”

There are some exciting milestones ahead. The completion of the railway station will be a huge moment. The opening of Aviva Arena will attract global attention, while YTL Construction is now beginning the enabling work for Brabazon Park.

But again, for me the little moments matter as much as the big milestones: it’s really rewarding to see so many people choosing to make Brabazon part of their everyday lives.

Bristol Life: In 20 or 30 years’ time, when Brabazon is complete, what do you hope its legacy will be, not just for the people who live there, but for Bristol as a whole?

John: I hope people see it as a place

that created opportunities for people across Bristol and the South West.

We’d like it to be known as a great place to live, but the legacy should be bigger than that. Yes, Brabazon should help address housing needs, create jobs, improve connectivity, support culture. But it should also add up to more than the sum of its parts and make a meaningful contribution to Bristol’s future. Our ambition is to create a destination that people from across the city feel proud of.

For more: www.brabazon.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 83

NETWORK

“WHEN CHILDREN FEEL KNOWN, VALUED AND SUPPORTED, TRULY WONDERFUL THINGS HAPPEN”

G

TALKING HEAD

TOCKINGTON MANOR SCHOOL has a new leader

raeme Thompson has recently taken up the post of head teacher at Tockington Manor School “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping children feel that they really belong”, says Graeme. “I strongly believe that when children feel known, valued and supported, truly wonderful things happen.

“What drew me to Tockington Manor was its clear commitment to both academic excellence and childhood itself. From my very first visit, there was a warmth and sense of community that stood out. It felt like a place where children are encouraged to be ambitious, while still having the freedom to enjoy their childhood and being children”.

What made the biggest first impression on you when you first visited the school?

The people. From my first conversations with staff, parents and pupils, it was clear that relationships sit at the heart of everything here.

There is a real warmth to the school and a genuine family feel. Most importantly, I met children who were happy, confident and fully engaged.

Schools can tell you a lot about themselves but children tell you even

more. Seeing pupils thrive was what convinced my family and I that this was the right move.

What’s the one principle that guides the way you lead a school?

Happy children learn best.

It sounds simple but I genuinely believe it. When children feel safe, valued and connected to the people around them, they are far more willing to take risks, tackle challenges and develop a love of learning.

Academic success and wellbeing aren’t competing priorities; they work hand in hand.

What do schools need to do differently today than they did a decade ago?

More than ever, we need to teach children how to think, not simply what to think.

Knowledge remains important, but children also need creativity, resilience, adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. The jobs they eventually do may not even exist yet, so our responsibility is to help them become curious, confident learners who are ready to embrace change.

What does a great all-round education look like to you?

A great education helps children discover what makes them light up.

Whether that’s on the sports field,

in a music recital, on a stage, in a science lesson or halfway up a tree, every child should have opportunities to explore their interests and develop their strengths. Success looks different for every child, and great schools help each individual find their own path.

What do you hope every child takes away from their time at Tockington Manor?

Above all, I hope they leave as kind, grounded and confident young people. I want them to have the courage to try new things, speak up for what is right, show compassion to others and bounce back when things don’t go to plan. Long after exam results are forgotten, I hope they remember that they were valued, supported and happy here.

How important is the outdoor environment in the way children learn and develop?

It is hugely important. We are incredibly fortunate to have 28 acres of beautiful countryside on our doorstep. Children need space to run, explore, build dens, climb trees, get muddy and come home with grass stains on their knees. Those experiences teach resilience, curiosity and independence in ways that can’t always be replicated in a classroom.

Childhood is precious and should be cherished.

How do you strike the right balance between embracing technology and protecting childhood?

My approach is very much “teach, not ban”. Technology is an important part of modern life and children need to know how to use it safely and responsibly. At the same time, we have a duty to make sure screens don’t replace the experiences that matter most. Some of the best conversations, friendships and memories are still made face-to-face, usually when children are too busy having fun to notice where they’ve left their devices.

What would pupils be surprised to discover about you?

That if I weren’t a head teacher, I’d happily earn a living working with wood. I love the satisfaction of creating something with your hands and turning a pile of timber into something useful. I also enjoy surfing and am looking forward to tackling The Wave near Bristol. I suspect my children may improve faster than I do, but that wouldn’t be the first time! Both woodworking and surfing teach patience, perseverance and the ability to laugh at yourself when things don’t go quite as planned.

You’ve inherited a school with a strong reputation. What do you hope parents, pupils and staff will say has changed in five years’ time?

I hope they will say that we’ve stayed true to everything that makes Tockington special while continuing to grow and evolve.

The world our children are growing up in is changing quickly and schools need to adapt, too. I’d love people to feel that we have built on the school’s strengths, embraced new opportunities and ensured that every child leaves not only well educated but confident, resilient and ready for whatever comes next. www.tockingtonmanorschool.com

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FAMILY LAW Meet the AMD SOLICITORS family law team...

JO MORRIS

What recent changes to family law do you think will help families?

On April 2024 the court rules, the Family Procedure Rules, changed, with an emphasis on resolving matters outside of court and supporting and encouraging families to resolve their disputes in a different way. As a member of resolution and a collaborative lawyer, I have always supported non court dispute resolution (NCDR) with a focus on resolving matters as constructively and amicably as possible, which has many benefits. NCDR can be particularly beneficial where there are children involved, and it can assist with co-parenting moving forward. It can be much less costly overall as well.

JENNIFER CHUDLEIGH

What impact did your personal life have on your career?

My mother was a young widow so I experienced life with a single parent. She also fostered children, which instilled in us empathy. I’ve seen relationships between friends and family that have broken down and witnessed how parents have worked together for stability of their children. I feel very strongly about the impact a good family life has on communities and everyone’s overall wellbeing.

I worked for several years with a women’s’ refuge representing victims of domestic abuse.

When my own children became teenagers, I also became a foster carer. Having another perspective on family life has helped broaden my approach to my work.

Whether nuclear, joined, mixed, single or blended, every adult and child has a right to enjoy a good and happy family life. Job satisfaction for me is in knowing that whatever I have done for a client has made their lives a little better.

KATIE ANDREWS

Why do you want to be a family lawyer?

I joined the area of family law in October 2023.

I quickly developed a passion for supporting individuals as they navigate difficult family matters, which can be a daunting and new area for most clients. I take pride in being able to provide support for clients in this challenging area. I use my own personal experiences to assist me in showing empathy and an understanding of a client’s circumstances.

My hope is that moving forward this will allow me to make a positive impact in making a daunting process more manageable for clients. Through my time observing matters and court hearings as a trainee, I have experienced first-hand the positive impact being a family lawyer can have on a client who is navigating this area.

In addition, I find the variety of family law to be enjoyable, yet challenging to enable me to continually develop my skills. n

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PROPERTY

THE SCULPTOR’S HOUSE Do any homes reflect Bristol’s independence and originality better than those at The Yard?

Words by Ursula Cole

Y

ou may have heard of The Yard, the community-led self-build development in St Werburghs. It all began when local residents bought a former scaffolding yard and sold plots to self-builders, rescuing the site from commercial developers. The result is a small collection of individually designed homes with a shared ethos of creativity and craftsmanship – and this issue’s featured property is a standout example of what that freedom can produce.

Fancy a shufti inside? Built by a sculptor, and as unique as that implies, the house occupies a distinctive plot within The Yard. The design is bold and unapologetically individual, blending reclaimed materials, industrial detailing and handcrafted joinery in a home that feels more like a piece of art than a conventional domestic abode.

The ground floor provides a garage that doubles as a workshop and storage space, with room for bikes, tools and projects, reflecting the maker’s sensibility that runs through the whole building. A striking door created from reclaimed materials with a wheel mechanism, more like something you’d expect to find on a ship or a vault, hints at the character to come as you move through the house.

It comes as no surprise to learn that the living space of this distinctive home is effectively arranged upside down. The first floor has two double bedrooms while the second is given over to a bathroom finished in plywood panelling, with a rolltop bath and vintage brassware, along with a further bedroom currently filled with eclectic, well-loved furniture.

On the third floor, opening towards the gardens, the kitchen is a real statement space; with its bold orange cabinetry, industrial stainless-steel worktop and a gas range cooker it’s full of personality and warmth.

At the top of the house, the living room is even more of a showstopper. A soaring, barrel-vaulted room lit by a circular porthole window and full-height French windows, it opens onto a private balcony with views across neighbouring rooftops and treelines. It’s a wonderfully theatrical space, equally suited to quiet evenings by the woodburner or entertaining on a grand scale.

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PROPERTY

From the mezzanine level in the living room, stairs lead up to a private roof terrace – a genuine suntrap set above the rooftops with an outdoor shower and space to take in the views across the nature reserve behind: a haven for wildlife. It’s a rare addition for a home in this part of Bristol, and one that makes full use of the building’s unusual vertical layout.

A warning to cat-owners: no feline residents are allowed, a stipulation from the Yard management committee to protect the local avian population.

“We bought this plot of land because it’s nestled in a valley with allotments on one side and a nature reserve on the other”, say the current owners. “It is very quiet and extremely busy with birdlife. This year we had a family of woodpeckers nesting in the tree by the roof terrace. It’s very peaceful sitting in the lounge and looking out at the skyline and allotments on the other side of the valley.”

St Werburghs itself probably needs no introduction from us, but in case you’re new to the ’hood know that this is one of Bristol’s most soughtafter and individual neighbourhoods, known for its independent spirit, strong community and easy access to green space.

Morning croissants from Chaya, Pilates at St Werburghs Community Centre, a pint by the fire at The Miners Arms, wine and dumplings at Clouds, HOUSE NUMBERS or a visit to the City Farm to feed the Where? The Yard, St Werburghs goats before brunch at The Farm Guide price £800,000 Cafe; brews at Wiper & True Tap Bedrooms 3 Room, groceries from the Better Food Bathrooms 2 Company, Bloc Climbing at the end of Mina Road: the rhythms of life here are Living room 24ft hard to relinquish once you’ve tasted Outside Private roof terrace the St Werburghs way of life, within a Call my agent Boardwalk neighbourhood that has genuine depth Property Co, 01179898222; www.boardwalkpropertyco.com and community.

92 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

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www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 95

BRISTOL LIVES

“Bristol people go the extra mile to change the ordinary into extraordinary” What’s coming up in 2027?

CLARE MURPHY

Clare is currently finishing work on The Spanking Goddess and Other Discarded Tales – her first book of Irish myths, out in next March. And while she’s doing that...

C

lare is a storyteller. As well as editing her new book, she’s bringing her show We All Came by Boat to The Wardrobe Theatre this month, and when she’s not performing around the world she consults teaches and trains in all things story.

I was born and raised near Dublin. I’ve also lived in Galway,

Denver, London and Spain, and I’ve been living in Bedminster for the last nine years.

When I was growing up I loved

having the freedom to roam in my little village, where I could wander into a neolithic ruin or go climbing up a beach cliff. My dad

98 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

was an actor and my mother is a poet, so our house was always full of books and art. We saw a lot of live performance and listened to a huge amount of comedy; all these things influenced me deeply.

Blindboy invited me as a guest at his book launch at

Bristol Beacon in April 2024.

Sharing that space with 2000 people felt both intimate and massive. What I realised, as we got lost in passionate conversation, was just how many Bristolians shared the ideas we were discussing, around biodiversity, the dominance of the hero’s journey, caring for the planet, use of myth and folklore to support healthy culture, and the power of story. I could feel the audience were invested by all the gasps and sighs.

I’m so feckin’ excited to announce that my first book The Spanking Goddess and Other Discarded Tales will be published next March. It’s a collection of bawdy and lesser-known myths from Ireland, from women leading sea journeys across the world, to men with… well, it might be too rude to say in print… Let’s just say, wellendowed men with a gift for giving. I’ll have a Bristol launch sometime in April, probably in Southville. Keep an eye on my website on instagram, everyone is welcome. But these stories are aimed at adults and young adults.

Not for kids!

This month I’m back at the Wardrobe Theatre with my

new show, We All Came By Boat.

This one is about mad myths of migration from our two islands, Ireland and Britain. I love how Bristol embraces storytelling.

There are so many wild stories of how people got here, and all kinds of reasons – escape, prophecy, love...

My ideal storytelling audience? Honestly, it’s anyone

who wants to be there. The best are the ones who are curious and want to dive into the story. That’s when strange and marvellous things happen.

Story has this immense power

to unite people. Similar to music, laughter and food, story creates a space where everyone can connect. That’s the impact I hope for, when story allows people to connect with themselves, others

and their imaginations. Story generates empathy in people, so they automatically care more, and when that happens you will see beautiful acts of kindness and connection.

When I’m not performing

I teach story skills to all sorts of people, from doctors to scientists to activists. When you can equip a change-maker with stellar storytelling skills, their work can go much further quickly.

Since the event at Bristol Beacon the response to my work

in Bristol has been amazing.

All of my previous shows at The Wardrobe have sold out (fingers crossed), people have found my work online and talk to me about storytelling when I’m out and about in the city.

Bristol really values its artists,

it’s very welcoming to creatives.

My husband Matthew Lintott is a visual artist, and he’s also found a creative home here; his work has been shown at the RWA, Spike Print and Centre Space.

The street art here, thanks to Upfest, regularly fills my eyes with inspiration. Bristol doesn’t abide boring spaces, and whether it’s urban gardening or street art, or community projects, people go the extra mile here to change the ordinary into extraordinary.

Clare Murphy brings her show We All Came By Boat to The Wardrobe Theatre between 15-19 September www.thewardrobetheatre.com For more www.claremurphy.org Instagram: @storyclare