ISSUE 388 / OCTOBER 2026/ £5
ISSUE 388 / OCTOBER 2026 / TALKING TURKEY
M A
TWIST AND SPROUT
GET YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKED NOW!
MAX PORTER’S LANNY COMES TO BRISTOL OLD VIC
DARK TALES: HORROR IN THE FAMILIAR AT MARTIN PARR FOUNDATION HEAR THEM ROAR: FLAG DAY AT THE THREE LIONS RED RED WINE: THE COLOUR OF THE SEASON
large version
STRANGER THINGS: THE UNUSUAL WORLD OF MINT PLANTS
large version
FACTOR
4 PAGES OF THE LATEST FOOD & DRINK NEWS
large version
large version
EDITOR’S LETTER
58 O
Turbot charged
Or is it a brill? Either way, Christmas parties don’t have to be all about the turkey! Whatever your dining preference, there’s a plaice for you on page 58
ur main feature this issue comes complete with a sheepish apology. We know exactly how excited you’re feeling about Christmas right now, because we’re not feeling it either – we haven’t even carved our pumpkin yet, and that Drusilla outfit for Halloween isn’t going to make itself. But we also know that the weeks between now and Christmas go by in the blink of an eye, and if you don’t book up your festive shindig this month you won’t have a frozen margarita’s chance in hell of bagging your first choice of venue when December rolls around. To make the whole business as painless as possible we’ve crammed over 30 great independent options into pages 58-73. You know that stunt where you try to squeeze as many people as possible into a mini? Like that, but with restaurants. So have a leisurely browse, make your mind up, then hit the booking lines – you’ll make some restaurant’s day. And please let it be restaurant, singular. It’s neither big nor clever to book multiple places and then ‘decide nearer the time’, it’s selfish and unhelpful. When that’s out of the way you can forget all about Christmas and get on with enjoying your autumn. There’s much to enjoy, including a major stage adaptation of Max Porter’s Lanny that’s just about to open at Bristol Old Vic – big thanks to Max for finding time for a chat, and for saying such gratifyingly nice things about Bristol. Our second don’t-miss this month is Dark Tales at Martin Parr Foundation, a collection of moody, subtly sinister photographic images that are guaranteed to call out to your Gothic soul this spooky season. I know some of you are mourning the end of the long (so long), hot (so damn hot) summer days. I don’t understand you, but I respect your right to be wrong. The best time of year has obviously just begun, so join me in leaning, so very thankfully, into all its Keatsian misty-mellowness.
DERI ROBINS Bristol Life editor @BristolLifeMag
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 3
Issue 388 / October 2026 ON THE COVER Max Porter photographed by Betty Bhandari
THE ARTS
12 T HE BIG INTERVIEW Max Porter on why Bristol is the perfect place to stage Lanny 18 WHAT’S ON The best stuff happening right now 28 PHOTOGRAPHY Horror in the familiar 36 BRISTOL HEROES Hear them roar 40 BOOKS Upset, contemplation, reinvention and obsession: just another day at Storysmith
FOOD & DRINK
44 NEWS & VIEWS Our irregular catch-up 53 YES CHEF In praise of lunch 55 WINE Don’t ditch the whites and pinks just yet 58 XMAS PARTIES The Twelve Pages of Christmas
12 28
LIFESTYLE
78 EDITOR’S CHOICE Red, red wine 80 UPPER CASE Georgia’s nostalgic for old-school style 85 LIVING & LOVING BRISTOL Anne-Marie on the city she calls home 86 GARDENS Hayley Stephens, plant-whisperer
BUSINESS
89 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Your ultimate directory
18
PROPERTY
106 SHOWCASE Across the Severn
REGULARS
10 SPOTLIGHT Stokes Croft, the LitFest, more Stokes Croft, that bit of pavement art, Saorise Ronan 114 BRISTOL LIVES Bryony Morgan of Made in Bristol
Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Dan O’Regan, Charlie Taylor, Storysmith Books, Woodhouse & Law, Georgia Fendley, Anne-Mariue James 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
8 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
SPOTLIGHT Stokes Croft
Yet more Stokes Croft
In a city that defaults to nonconformism, resistance and activism, one neighbourhood nonconforms, resists and acts more than any other. We speak, of course, with affection, of the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft. The ‘People’s Republic’ bit began as a jokey reference to the Ealing comedy Passport to Pimlico, in which a London borough secedes from the UK. However, the nickname has never really gone away, and now it’s lent itself to the title of a new film by documentary director Quincy Andrews. Targeting the changes wrought by gentrification, The Republic portrays “a diverse community that dares to defy the cold winds of corporate power and globalisation”, whose “greatest challenge looms as developers ready their wrecking balls”. Filmed over six years, it recounts the fight by locals to “retain some control over their destiny in an increasingly monocultural world”. Rumours that the post-production party was held at Turbo Island are probably unfounded. Keep an eye on the website for up-and-coming screenings. www.therepublic.film
You’ve heard of Lara Croft; now look out for Stokes Croft 92. Directed by Hywel Gregory, who works at Lakota, the retro, oldschool arcade-style video game recreates “The last street in Bristol that hasn’t become a concept”. Players (a choice of two stereotytpical Crofters) have to navigate the likes of e-scooter riders and contend with property developers who “believe culture is too important to be left to the people who created it”. Which player will you Log on, and accept the ‘I choose, Trustafarian Tom or Baccy Bea? do not accept the rebrand’ prompt. www.stokescroft92.co.uk
REJECT THE REBRAND
STILL LAIRY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
Literature
VILLAGE PEOPLE
Now let us leave the grit of the Croft behind, and ascend to the fragrant heights of BS8, because the Clifton Litfest is returning between 13-15 November with over 70 writers, thinkers, journalists, artists and cultural figures. Among the big names are Booker-nominated Andrew Miller, Mary Portas, Baroness Hale, Michael Gove, Jonathon Porritt, Andrew Graham-Dixon, Guy Standing, Michael Crick and John Kampfner. There’s a determinedly positive spin to this year’s proceedings, as chair Paula O’Rourke explains. “There is no shortage of difficult news in the world, and we wanted the LitFest to offer something different: a weekend that doesn’t shy away from the big questions, but also gives people space for curiosity, pleasure, discovery and hope.” www.foccal.com/litfest top: Andrew Miller’s
The Land in Winter is set in and around Bristol right: Mary Portas
10 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Street art
OUR SCRUFFY GROUND
It looked so lush when it was freshly painted. And then it didn’t. Created by Upfest and artist Oshii, the vast citycentre mural Our Common Ground was designed to be “a bold celebration of heritage, identity and unity”. However, the council skimped on the paint quality and it began to fade and flake after just a few weeks. “Research into alternative solutions has been conducted after the initial painted solution was unsuccessful”, the council said stiffly. “This has identified thermoplastics as a more durable and reliable treatment for this artwork.” So they’re doing it all again. A small test area will be cautiously tried out this autumn, and if that survives the Bristol winter the full artwork will be reinstated next year. (Upfest is no longer involved.)
How it looked for at least three weeks
Film
PRIMARY CARE
The latest major movie to be filmed in Bristol is Bad Apples, an unhinged dark comedy starring Saoirse Ronan as a primary school teacher whose attempts to deal with a disruptive pupil take a dodgy turn when she locks the boy in her home. Filming took place at The Bottle Yard Studios and across the region, with Bristol locations including Grove Road in Coombe Dingle, Whitchurch and the area around St Bernadette’s Old Boys RFC. www.filmbristol.co.uk
12 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
THE BIG INTERVIEW
THE MAX FACTOR
Lanny is coming to Bristol Old Vic. It really couldn’t be anywhere else, says author Max Porter
I PHOTO BY BARBAR A EVRIPIDOU
Words by Deri Robins t’s like the fulfilment of a prophecy”, says Max Porter about the stage adaptation of Lanny. That’s not as fanciful as it sounds. During the writing process, Max deliberately tried to “build a novel as if it was a play”– and that’s exactly what it’s due to become, at Bristol Old Vic this month, in a new adaptation by Bea Roberts. It’s not the first time Max’s pages have made it to the stage. His debut novel, Grief is the Thing with Feathers was adapted and directed by Enda Walsh in 2018 and starred Cillian Murphy. Later, Benedict Cumberbatch took the title role in the movie. Max and Cillian hit it off, and during lockdown they made a film called All of this Unreal Time for the Manchester International Festival. It sounds like a dream project. “I initially just wrote a monologue for Cillian – there was no commercial imperative, and we edited it together as he performed it to me privately on Zoom”, says Max. “We didn’t have anybody else’s input or direction, and it felt really great. Then we got a filmmaker on board, then musicians, and then Manchester Festival took it on. We’re going to try to do more stuff like that.” Published in 2019, Lanny was Max’s second novel: a poetic but plot-driven tale about childhood, friendship, folklore and the land beneath our feet. Like Grief is a Thing, it was garlanded with awards and praise; it became a Sunday Times top-ten bestseller, and longlisted for both the Booker and the Wainwright Prize. The story takes place in an unnamed English village (in the BOV adaptation, it’s set in the South West). It’s a
formally adventurous novel – fragmented, polyphonic and told in three acts. Passages are written from the perspective of Dead Papa Toothwort, an ancient Green Man-like entity who absorbs the villagers’ chatter. Papa is drawn to Lanny, an enigmatic and sensitive boy whose parents have moved to the village. When Lanny goes missing, it causes consternation in the community: has he been spirited off to another realm, or met a grimmer fate? In the novel, Lanny is perceived through the eyes of others; we never hear his voice or his thoughts. Even the way the words are laid out on the page is distinctive, presenting the reader with curlicues of conversation, snatches of overhead exchanges, some banal, some poetic, some political. “I would go and sit on a bench, and listen to people’s conversations”, says Max. “There would be a lot of allotment chat, but also a lot of geopolitical talk going on too.” The conversations that Dead Papa Toothwort hears reflect this variety of voice. Lanny has been adapted by playwright Bea Roberts, a self-confessed fan of the horror genre. There are arguably elements of what has come to be called folk
“It almost feels predestined that Lanny should be put on in Bristol” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 13
PHOTO BY BET T Y BHANDARI
horror in Lanny, but Max feels it’s a label that shouldn’t be taken at face value. “Like many things, it has been hijacked to some degree”, he says. And while the novel has been called a post-Brexit fable, he’s resistant to that description, too. It is, however, a novel about where the UK was at a particular moment in time. Eight years on, “we’re in such a different place politically than we were then”, he says Both Max and Bea feel that now, at a time when farright groups claim the right to tell the story of England, it’s important to find alternative visions and ways to reclaim the narrative. “These are primal ideas of identity”, says Max, “and the theatre is, as it always has been, the most alert and responsive space to do that.” As much as the play will be specific to the South West, it will also tap into things with which people anywhere can connect. It works, he says, as “a piece of storytelling about raising children and connecting to any kind of mythic story”. No stranger to handing his work over to other people, and allowing it to be taken in new directions, Max feels a vital part of the adaptation process is an ability to step back and put your trust in others. “The literary manager at Bristol Old Vic, Ben Atterbury, came and talked to me about five years ago to see about developing Lanny. I instantly knew I could trust Ben. He’s the tuning fork for the project, and a brilliant, clever, sensitive, careful person. That’s how I like to work, I guess. Meet a person, and if you get a good feeling, give them total freedom. The trust economy! It would be disastrous if I had strong ideas or tried to steer it in any one direction.” He also says he finds that watching other artists engage with his work “in a weird way, reignites my own interest in the novel”. Bristol Old Vic is a theatre with its own stories, its own lore, its own special kind of magic. “I’m in love with this space and very much feel it’s haunted,” says Max. “It’s partly the age. I do believe that buildings carry traces of
PHOTO BY BARBAR A EVRIPIDOU
THE BIG INTERVIEW
above and right: Max with Bea Roberts, who’s adapted Lanny; below: “I’m in love with the space and very much feel it’s haunted”
what has happened in them. It feels like it’s constantly vibrating with ideas, risk and collaboration, and the present can feed on the past – 260 years of nerves and laughter, applause and tears. I also think its lobby is one of the most welcoming spaces in any British city. Always such interesting conversations to eavesdrop on.” He also says the significance of the production being put on in Bristol goes far beyond the building. “It almost feels predestined that it should be put on here, because of the city’s progressive nature. Lanny is about both the rural and the urban, and Bristol is a big global city massively shaped by and palpably connected to rural Somerset’s political, cultural and folkloric history. “It’s a place that’s committed to questioning its own history, and that’s what Lanny is all about: who are we; what are our roots, shared or otherwise; what economic and migratory patterns have created the art, music, politics that shape the place, and how do its residents care for it or try to change it? “It feels like the spirit of England is being contested in these streets. You bring down one statue; another one is erected. St George flags are flying in South Bristol thicker than they are anywhere else in this country. This idea of what England is, is being tossed back and forth between
“The theatre is constantly vibrating with ideas, risk and collaboration” 14 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
PHOTO BY BARBAR A EVRIPIDOU
THE BIG INTERVIEW
“There must be something in the water here, some magic potion you all drink” us. It’s the perfect place to stage this question machine: to ask, what are we giving the children? Who are we as a community, what are the things flooding through us?” Does he feel that Bristol is in some ways a microcosm of the argument England is having with itself ? “Yup. I do. My friend Nikesh Shukla writes a brilliant column for the Bristol Cable about this, and he’s done a great piece about an ordinary dad joining the anti-fascists. It would be tempting to describe it as a microcosm of an ideological war that is being waged everywhere, but places are also highly specific. The history of slavery, the industrial context, the radical political backdrop, the sport; these are all a singular brew. “Maybe what makes Bristol different is how visible it is. Polar opposite opinions on the same street. Fundamental ideas about how society should work, and who it should work for, being contested for all to see. People are organising more effectively in Bristol than elsewhere, on both sides.” His affection for the city is obvious. “A lot of my closest friends are here. My brother and his family live in
PHOTOS BY BET T Y BHANDARI
Windmill Hill, so I’ve spent 20 years visiting Bedminster and Victoria Park very regularly. I often meet Brislington friends for a walk around Arnos Vale (I like a cemetery). I love Storysmith on North Street, we’ve done a few things over the years, they feel like my book family. Bookhaus, Gloucester Road Books, the Palestine Museum, the Arnolfini – these are all places I cherish and try to support as often as I can. “I’m a big fan of Watershed. I think Clare and her team have created one of the most progressive and exciting arts institutions anywhere in the country. And my youngest son’s football league is in Bristol, so I spend every Sunday morning on the sidelines in small villages and towns around the city – very Lanny-like places!” Bristol has a very strong sense of itself and takes a fierce pride in being different. What does Max think sets it apart culturally from other English cities? “That’s a big question, and I guess Bristol would have as many different answers as residents. As a person who used to wander its streets at he age of 19, hoping I’d bump into Krust, or Geoff Barrow, or any of those cultural world-builders from that time, I’d just say there must be something in the water, some magic potion you all drink.” The locals might just call it cider. n
Lanny, a Bristol Old Vic production in association with ETT, plays 16 October -7 November www.bristololdvic.org.uk
16 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
WHAT’S ON
9 October-6 November 2026
Arlo Parks, or Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho to her mum and dad, comes to Prospect
EXHIBITIONS Until 20 December
DARK TALES Horror in proximity to the familiar, at MPF; see page 28. martinparrfoundation.org
Until 3 January
RWA ANNUAL OPEN One of the UK’s most prestigious opens returns for the 173rd time, with artists at all stages of their careers; at RWA, rwa.org.uk
Until 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. Spike Island; spikeisland.org.uk
Until 11 October
CENTRESPACE OPEN STUDIOS Celebrating the city’s creative community at the Leonard Lane gallery. centrespace.org.uk
Until 27 June 2027
MARTIN PARR: LACOCK Martin’s final commission, at Lacock: a full circle moment in his illustrious career. At Fox Talbot Museum; nationaltrust.org.uk
18 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
14 October-15 November
BRISTOL PHOTO FESTIVAL Locally founded but with an international focus, the biennial fest is back; the theme is Time Machine, and exhibitions and events will be staged across major arts institutions as well as more unconventional spaces. bristolphotofestival.org
17 October-7 February
JOY GREGORY: CATCHING FLIES WITH HONEY Works encompassing photography, film, installation and textiles, showcasing Joy’s inventive, culturally resonant and materially rich practice. Arnolfini; arnolfini.org.uk
24 October-31 January
THE SECRET LIFE OF COLOUR Art, natural history and science combine to show how colour is created, perceived and used, and how it can influence emotions, cultures and our understanding of the world. Big-hitters include Warhol, Riley, Kandinsky, Seurat, Blake and Hokusai. At Bristol Museum; bristolmuseums.org.uk
SHOWS
Until 10 October
THE OCEAN CAN BE A BRIDGE In 1846, as escaped slave and leading
abolitionist Frederick Douglass arrives on a speaking tour of the UK, tensions between those who believe in radical direct action and those who favour more moderate approaches explode and threaten the whole movement; Alma Tavern, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk THE HIGHGATE VAMPIRE What if The Woman in Black had been performed by The Mighty Boosh? Possibly the most shocking true story you haven’t heard. Yet. At TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com
Until 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
13-14 October
CHAUNTECLEER & PERTELOTTE A fast and bawdy retelling of Chaucer’s tale of a jilted hen taking revenge on the faithless cockerel who wronged her, with all 16 characters played by just two players. Alma Tavern, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk
14-15 October
DRACULA Bram Stoker’s timeless horror comes to The Mount Without
in a retelling that focuses on feminine power, folkloric horror and the fragility of the male ego. shipwrecksanddreams.com
14-17 October
WHAT’S THE F**KING POINT? Three friends and a useless doctor are pulled into a spiral of medical bureaucracy, identity politics and the human need to feel significant in a dark comedy from disabilityled company, FlawBored, at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk WWG: GURTMANIA Blood, sweat, and a whole lot of lycra: three things every pro-wrestler can’t live without. But behind the cameras and the catchphrases, what does it actually take to be the best there is? GURT Productions’ mockumentary follows a ‘semi’professional wrestling academy in the South West, as they wrestle with what it means to be a man in a post-truth world. At TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com
15 October
THE GIRL WHO DIDN’T DIE Making a pact with the God of Destruction is always going to have consequences. But in a world of cosmic matchmakers,
WHAT’S ON divine curses and secrets set to explode, every arrow must eventually reach its target. With sitar music by Sheema Mukherjee, a mythological rollercoaster, soaring between the worlds of gods and mortals, at Cube; crickcrackclub.com
16 October-7 November
LANNY BOV’s biggie for autumn; see page 12. bristololdvic.org.uk
19-29 October
LIVING SPIT: THE TRAGEDY OF OMLET, PRINCE OF HEN-MARK Scholars have long debated who should play the Dane: what age, physique, gender or temperament? Up until now all have overlooked the perfect candidate: an egg. With live music, perishable puppetry and an overly confident reliance on bad puns, Stu Mcloughlin juggles an entire allotment of Shakespearean tragedy while trying not to turn his leading man into a leading flan. At Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
20-24 October
UP DOWN BIG MAN There comes a time in every young man’s life when he has to leave home. For Matty, it’s 40... The third in a trilogy of plays from the gifted and charismatic Down Syndrome performer Nathan Bessel, at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk
21 October
ROMEO & JULIET Sh!tfaced Shakespeare present a tipsily tragic take on the tale, from a rat-arsed Romeo to a juiced-up Juliet, a trolleyed Tybalt and a mashed-up Mercutio, along with enough booze to sterilise a brewery floor. At Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
22-24 October
Legends descend on Bristol Beacon: top: No banter, just an impeccably tight set from Van the Man middle: Let’s be having it with Dr Cooper Clark bottom: All the way from Vegas, it’s Brandon, flying solo
with the help of ABBA, Pulp and Taylor Swift, at St Luke’s church hall; email jax.wadsworth@gmail.com
24 October
FAILING FORWARDS A performer walks on stage without planning what comes next. They notice something and begin to play, a thought, feeling or gesture expands into the space, becoming what it needs to be right now. Step into the unknown with Ed Rapley and friends, at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
28-31 October
COMMUNITY SERVICE Geoff has been sent by the council to build a new community, spread social cohesion, harmony and collective joy. The only problem? Geoff hates people. Can you help him see the good in them again? Seamas Carey brings his trademark blend of sincerity and mischief to BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk
31 October- 7 November
ROMEO & JULIET That makes at least four R&Js this autumn – but hang on, what’s this? It’s world-renowned Shakespeare expert and BOVTS alum Greg Doran, returning to direct the cream of the current graduates! Come and see the stars of tomorrow directed by a titan of the British stage, at TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com OFF-KEY At a Birmingham grammar school bursting with overachievers, Sabrin and Ruqqiyah are free-falling to their futures. A coming-of-age drama about Black girlhood and what happens when you no longer recognise the person who knows you best, at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk
HOW SOON IS NOW? It’s New Year’s Eve, 1997, Manchester. Three girls are on the dancefloor. Two are ready for a big night, one is lost and alone. The future awaits. New Labour, New Year, new horizons. But as midnight beckons, and darkness falls, will they find their light? At TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com
COMEDY & CABARET
LESLEY CASTLE The stage adaptation of the Jane Austen novel you’ve never heard of gets its world-première in a church hall in Brislington. The only Austen work to be set partly in Bristol, the unfinished book was a satire on the epistolary novels of the time. Brought to you by Gemini Players,
BRISTOL IMPROV THEATRE For the full programme, see improvtheatre.co.uk
Ongoing
CLOSER EACH DAY The world’s longest-running improvised comedy soap continues to froth away amusingly at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
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
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 19
THE GAFFE Stand-up LOLs from some of the sharpest, funniest comedians on the circuit; thegaffecomedyclub.com
9 October
SCOTT BENNETT: BLOODY SUGAR BABY Months of bewildering treatment, sleepless nights, celebrity encounters and bizarre side-effects: what’s life like with a baby who has congenital hyperinsulinism? Scott finds out. It’s OK, there’s a happy ending; Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
9 October
ADAM ROWE: FASHIONISM Adam spends an hour trying to understand and see everyone’s point of view, especially people you might despise. At Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
10 October
CERI DUPREE: FROCK WITH LAUGHTER Ceri brings their one-man, 21woman show to Redgrave, with fabulous costumes, songs and impersonations of some of the world’s most fantastic females; redgravetheatre.com CATHERINE BOHART: BORROWING TROUBLE The Edinburgh Comedy Awards nominee is back with a new show about her birthright: allencompassing, generational worry, etc, at1532, 1532bristol.co.uk GIANMARCO SORESI THE MISERY LOVES TOUR The NYC comedian brings his sharp societal observation and spry, energetic stage presence to Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
11 October
DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE: HAVE IT The Bard of Saltford, the original punk poet and one of Britain’s most singular voices, brings his sharp wit, rapid-fire delivery and unique brand of charm to Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
top: Blindboy Boatclub. Maybe don’t ask him where he’s parked his horse middle: Kane’s making it up as he goes along
bottom: Egg-related puns will definitely be mined by Living Spit
14 October
KANE BROWN: CROWD WORKING One hour of purely unscripted, unplanned comedy, all based around audience participation, at Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
15 October
LAURA SMYTH: BORN AGGY Laura covers all of her everyday ever-changing life with truth, warmth, and hilarity. Does she need more sleep or was she was just born aggy? Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
MEERA SYAL As co- creator of Goodness Gracious Me, Meera changed British comedy forever. She’s topped the pop charts, been an Oxford professor and written a musical with Andrew Lloyd Webber. She’s a Dame, the first British Asian novelist to enter the national curriculum, and she’s at St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
CALLY BEATON: NAMASTE, MOTHERF*CKERS A midlife celebration of the female of the species: invisible no more. With a meet-and-greet with Cally; Jeff the Wonder Dog may be there too. TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com
AIDAN JONES: CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE “I grew up playing classical piano, but failed my conservatory audition at 18. After some time focusing on MDMA, I started stand-up in 2011. During the pandemic I came back
to the piano and now I’ve combined them: Chopin’s Nocturne presented with jokes by a bald, Australian dickhead with a beard.”Alma Tavern, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk
16 October
KATHERINE RYAN: FIRSTBORN DAUGHTER Blending memoir with humour and insights into birth order and family dynamics, Katherine explores the pressures and expectations placed on eldest daughters, at Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
celebrating 30 years in the biz we call show, Jason’s at Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
18 October
MICHAEL SPICER: HOPE ALL’S WELL The guy behind The Room Next Door, brings a new stage show filled with sketches, short films and stories about why we’re witnessing such a gigantic political and global shitshow; Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
NISH KUMAR Nish is 40. His mind is breaking. His body is worse. Expect existential angst and political disquiet from comedy’s cheekiest boy, at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
JAMES ROQUE: THE MANO PO TOUR James has received his first serious ‘mano po’ (a Filipino gesture of respect to elders) from a teenager. Is he really old enough for this? Cue the midlife angst, at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
17 October
21 October
JASON BYRNE: 30 YEARS BYRNING Byrning brighter than ever and
PHIL WANG: UH OH Phil’s back, and he’s got a moustache now. Everyone’s an idiot but him.
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 21
WHAT’S ON 3 November
JOE MARLER WILL SEE YOU NOW Celebrity Traitors hundy, rugby star and podcaster Joe and his co-host Jake Bhardwaj welcome guests into their ‘practice’, using Joe’s acute observational skills to get inside their mind. Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
4 November
GRACE CAMPBELL: THE LADY IS A TRAMP Grace is a bundle of contradictions: loud and anxious, spiritual and materialistic, graceful and… a disgrace. A messy, self-examination from a woman who’s had many breakdowns and rebirths, and has truly stopped caring what strangers on the internet think about her, at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
5 November
JORDAN BROOKES: THE PART OF YOU THAT’S ALWAYS SCREAMING The longest reigning Edinburgh Comedy Award winner in history continues his residency at the gates of hell. He’s been likened to an ‘existential Michael McIntyre’. Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
6 November
top: If it’s October you better believe the BFF will wheel out these pretty Lost Boys; bottom: all Power to the Cat
Nice is out. Right is in. The vibe shift is real. Wang’s riding it, at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org HARRIET KEMSLEY: FLOOZY Harriet’s life has been in chaos for as long as she can remember, so what happens when things start to go right? A new show about dating, mushrooms and how she’s trying her absolute best to be a bit of a floozy, at TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com
22 October
THE BLINDBOY PODCAST Blindboy’s podcast is embarking on its biggest tour yet, following the Irish tradition of the Seanchaí, intertwining history, fiction, cultural critique and politics into a relaxing form he calls ‘the podcast hug’. At the Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
24 October
CHRISTOPHER HALL: PIZAZZ Showman, jester, attention chaser Chris invites you on the ultimate
hometown holiday night out. From your 1.5 star hotel, he’ll give you a fun soirée and have you tucked up in bed at a sensible time, because he’s not as young as he used to be. Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com
25 October
TOM DAVIS: SPUDGUN Tom returns with a new show packed with takes on life’s chaos. Big laughs, big heart, big lad – this is comedy at full throttle, at Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
1 November
CELYA AB: WE MUST STOP MEETING LIKE THIS Ever forensically over-thought your life choices? Are they all somehow connected to a passing comment your Spanish teacher made when you were 15? Has it impacted everything from your love life to your career? A show about breaking free from shame, and what ensues when you do, at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk
JOHN HEGLEY: BISCUIT OF DESTINY The show is only partly biscuitbased. Human biscuits appear only in narrative form. Those presented physically are dog biscuits, and no attempt should be made to ‘try’ them. Some mandolin playing, myths, moths, possibly French Baroque dancing (for a few), at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com
MUSIC
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)
11 October
CHINA CRISIS Gary and Eddie bring their Warped 2026 Tour, a journey through over four decades of innovative pop from their early ’80s breakthrough on Liverpool’s music scene to the
present, to St George’s Bristol, stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
12 October
VAN MORRISON The recent recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Jazz FM Awards, Van brings his unique sound and world-class band to Bristol Beacon; bristolbeacon.org
13 October
SETH LAKEMAN Folk’s poster boy is celebrating the 20th anniversary of gold disc Freedom Fields, and he’s bringing the party to St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
16 October
THE SKINTS “The torchbearers for modern British reggae music”, mixed with ska, dub, punk rock, dancehall, soul and rap, are coming to Electric. electricbristol.com
17 October
BRANDON FLOWERS The Killers’ frontman flies solo, showing a more personal side of his songwriting in a performance inspired by the landscapes, people and experiences that have shaped his life, drawing on influences from Americana, country and classic rock. At the Beacon, bristolbeacon.org HISTORY OF RAVE Eats Everything and Groove Armada headline a celebration of rave’s legacy and evolution from the underground movement of the ’90s to the vibrant, diverse club culture of today; Prospect, theprospectbuilding.com
18 October
WISHBONE ASH One of rock’s most influential forces, whose pioneering twin-lead guitar sound provided a blueprint for the rock, metal, and progressive artists that followed; at St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
19 October
BETH ORTON The pioneering singer-songwriter who redefined the boundaries between folk and electronica brings her unique, intimate sound to Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk
23 October
BEL COBAIN Bel Cobain (no, no relation)’s music transcends conventional boundaries, carving a niche with her radical ethos and poetic lyricism. She’s at Jam Jar; thejamjarbristol.com
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23
WHAT’S ON
THE MOUNTAIN GOATS The American indie-folksters come to Beacon with Through this Fire across from Peter Balkan, a sweeping, theatrical song cycle born from a dream and brought to life as a fullblown musical. bristolbeacon.org
24 October
THE BEAT The Beat crossed over between soul, reggae, pop and punk, and added an infectious dance rhythm. Along with The Specials, The Selecter and Madness they became one of the most popular bands of the British Two-Tone ska movement. They’re at Electric, with OG vocalist Dave Wakeling; electricbristol.com
25 October
ARLO PARKS The Mercury Prize-winner brings her intimate sound to Prospect, blending indie and soul with poetic, heartfelt lyrics and warm grooves. theprospectbuilding.com
28-29 October
JAMES BLAKE James’s singular mix of soul, electronica, hip-hop and alt-R’n’B has shaped the sound of modern music; he’s bringing his latest show, supporting new album Trying Time, to O2; academymusicgroup.com
OTHER Ongoing
BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL Seriously scary and more lighthearted movies from the horror/ ghost/vamp/zombie/monster/ you name it genres, at Arnos Vale Cemetery, Redcliffe Caves and other suitably spooky venues. bristolfilmfestival.com
Until 17 October
PAPAYA FEST The juicy biennial festival of AngloLatinx theatre and music returns with folk songs of resistance, love in the age of AI, feminism’s role in the manosphere, comedy set in a gay sauna, and more; at Wardrobe. thewardrobetheatre.com
Until 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
Until 30 October
FEAR Fancy a bit of immersive horror? It’s the award-winning scarefest at Avon Valley Park, if you’re hard enough; fearscreampark.co.uk
30 October
17-18 October
29 October
23-24 October
ANY YOUNG MECHANIC Flushed with the success of debut album, The Modern Shoe is Ruining the Foot, the Australian alt-folk five-piece come to The Louie; thelouisiana.net HUEY MORGAN The former Fun Lovin’ Criminal and ‘King of New York’ performs his hits with a new band, telling his stories and playing all the tunes. At Electric. electricbristol.com 1 November PURE REASON REVOLUTION The British prog-rock innovators bring their Terrifying Angels Tour, joined by special guests KYROS, to Thekla; theklabristol.co.uk
2 November
CAT POWER Cat celebrates the 20th anniversary of The Greatest at Beacon. Recorded in Memphis with Al Green’s Hi Rhythm Section, the album blended her raw emotion with soulful Southern warmth; bristolbeacon.org
24 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
BOP PHOTOBOOK FESTIVAL The annual photobook festival returns for a weekend of photography, artist talks, exhibitions, etc; MPF: bopbristol.org FORBIDDEN WORLDS: THE BIG SCREAM Bristol’s repertory genre film festival brings, predictably enough for late October, a celebration of cult horror. forbiddenworldsfilmfestival.co.uk
31 October
SILENT DISCO HALLOWEEN SPECIAL Bristol’s biggest-ever silent disco comes to the Aquarium and We The Curious. With one ticket giving you access to both venues, you can dive into the eerie underwater worlds of the aquarium and wander through shadowy interactive exhibits at WTC in one mega Halloween party, powered by floorfilling hits from the ’80s to the ’00s; iconicsilentdiscos.com n
top: His fun-lovin’ criminal past behind him, it’s Huey Morgan
middle: The Skints, or at least the three we could fit into this box bottom: Make your Central Reservation to see Beth Orton
10% OFF
CODE: VEYBRIS
EXPERIENCE THE ESSENCE OF TURKISH OLIVE OIL WITH VEYSEL SHOP ONLINE AT: VEYSELOIL.COM
SPONSORED CONTENT
DISCOVER A DIFFERENT SIDE OF SCILLY Just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the ISLES OF SCILLY feel a world away from the everyday
W
ith five inhabited islands, beautiful coastlines and a gentler pace of life, this is a place to slow down, reconnect and discover somewhere a little different.
AUTUMN ESCAPES AND OCTOBER HALF-TERM ADVENTURES As summer fades, Scilly takes on a different kind of beauty. The beaches become quieter, coastal paths invite unhurried walks and the islands settle into a more relaxed rhythm. From lingering sunshine to crisp autumn days, it’s a lovely time to explore, enjoy the fresh sea air and take in the changing scenery. There’s still time for an autumn escape, too. October half term offers a chance to get away together and enjoy a family adventure with a difference. Spend time exploring the coast, cycling quiet lanes, spotting wildlife or discovering the islands at your own pace. With space to roam and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, Scilly offers a refreshing change of scene for families looking to make
the most of the school break. Each of the five inhabited islands has its own character, from the shops, cafés and harbour on St Mary’s to the quieter lanes and coastlines of the off-islands. Take a boat trip between islands, enjoy a leisurely lunch or simply find a favourite spot by the sea. You don’t need a packed itinerary to make the most of your time here. Sometimes, the best part is having the freedom to slow down and see where the day takes you.
LOOK AHEAD TO 2027
island and enjoy the simple pleasure of being somewhere that feels a little removed from the everyday. Skybus 2027 schedules are available to book, with fares held at 2026 rates for travel in 2027. Getting here is part of the adventure, whether you choose to fly with Skybus or travel by sea aboard Scillonian from Penzance. From an autumn break to a spring escape or a summer holiday, there’s more than one way to experience Scilly. Start looking ahead, find the time that suits you and give yourself something lovely to look forward to. n
If you’re already thinking about next year’s getaway, now is a good time to start planning. Spring brings the promise of longer days and the islands beginning to wake up after winter, while summer offers its own opportunities for beach days, boat trips and exploring Scilly’s unique island landscapes. Whether you’re planning a first visit or returning to a place you know and love, staying for a few nights gives you time to settle into island life. There’s room to explore beyond your first stop, discover a different
Start planning your Isles of Scilly escape at islesofscilly-travel.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 27
PHOTOGRAPHY
DARK MATTER The latest exhibition at Martin Parr Foundation finds horror in the everyday. A shoo-in for the spooky season, then...
D
ark Tales: Britain and Ireland through a Gothic Lens has arrived at Martin Parr Foundation later than planned. It was originally due to open in January, but following Martin’s death last December the gallery understandably paused all other concerns to mount a tribute: an exhibition of The Last Resort, Martin’s classic captures of New Brighton beach in the 1980s. They could have shown Dark Tales straight after, but the long, sun-filled days of spring and summer would have been entirely the wrong time to view this collection of ghostly cityscapes, claustrophobic domestic scenes, waning industrial powers and menacing nocturnal activities; it belongs to the moody, witchy seasons of autumn and winter. A far cry from the colour-saturated world of New Brighton, Dark Tales suggests that horror thrives in proximity to the familiar. Just as the Gothic authors of the 18th and 19th centuries conveyed their anxieties through fiction, these photographs record the moral and social issues which unsettle the modern world. “Interest in the Gothic resurfaces during times of uncertainty”, says curator Isaac Blease, “and documentary photography itself is in a dark moment, with its purpose and role in question, public distrust of ‘photographers’, and the existential threat posed by AI. This moment of turmoil presents intriguing conditions to explore the Gothic imagination as a relevant lens through opposite: Molten Iron, Shelton Bar Iron Works, Stoke-
on-Trent, 1978 © Janine Wiedel; above: Residents of Hostel for Single Men, 1987 © Crispin Hughes / Photo Co-op Archive, courtesy of Martin Parr Foundation; below: Shelter from the Heat, Shelton Bar Steelworks, Stoke-on-Trent, 1978. © Janine Wiedel
28 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Words by Deri Robins
“Interest in the Gothic resurfaces during times of uncertainty”
PHOTOGRAPHY
which to re-examine the medium, while also revelling in the ambiguity of images and the multitude of meanings they evoke. ‘“Documentary’ is a less than perfect term, but it is a pillar for a shared understanding. Some artists in the exhibition firmly work within this tradition, whereas others actively contest and subvert the norms of the documentary mode. One of the main points of this exhibition has been to lead with a visual search in conjuring an atmosphere, regardless of different standpoints.” The exhibition is divided into four enigmatically titled chapters: The Castle, Domestic Bliss, Double Take, and Night Creatures. It features already celebrated images along with lesser-known ones, chosen from over 5000 prints in the Foundation’s extensive archives. One of the images (page 32) is by Martin Parr. His photo depicts Tory supporters in a suburban garden, shot from behind low shrubbery to create an uncanny, menacing atmosphere. Horror in the familiar, indeed. n
Bargoed Colliery, 1973 © Kjell-Åke Andersson
Dark Tales: Britain and Ireland through a Gothic Lens is at Martin Parr Foundation 17 September20 December; www.martinparrfoundation.org CONTINUED OVERLEAF
Thirty Eight Bastard Years on the Furnace Front, Furnace keeper, mess room for Number 4 and Number 5 furnaces, Clay Lane Ironworks, South Bank, Middlesbrough. 1983 © Graham Smith, courtesy Augusta Edwards Fine Art
Colonization from The History Lesson: Self as image 1982, Jo Spence and Terry Dennett © Jo Spence Memorial Archive, The Image Centre
30 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
opposite page, top: Jordi the Lounge Lizzard – The Howard
Hotel, London 1999/2000 © Chris Shaw
below: Sunderland, North East of England 1962; Coal
scavengers working on a mound © Colin Jones / TopFoto
PHOTOGRAPHY
“Documentary photography itself is in a dark moment, with the existential threat posed by AI” Window of Hill’s Gents Tailoring, Covent Garden, London, October 22, 1986 © Jim Dow
Woman with Pram, Consett, 1974 © Don McCullin. Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth
Conservative Party Fundraiser, England, 1988 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos
Kensal Rise, 1988 © Charlie Phillips
Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, at around 4 PM on August 12, 1969 © Estate of Akihiko Okamura
32 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
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
AWARDS NIGHT 24 MARCH 2027 CATEGORY SPONSORS
SCAN FOR MORE
bristollifecommercial@mediaclash.co.uk | bristollifeawards.co.uk | #BristolLifeAwards
1
HEAR THEM ROAR It could only be Flag Day at the Three Lions . . . Words and pics by Colin Moody
BRISTOL HEROES
M
any great cultural events take place in Bristol every year. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Balloon Fiesta? Or the Harbour Festival? The line up at Forwards was excellent this year, was it not, and a little bit of rain didn’t stop everyone enjoying a great close to the hottest summer of all time. Now let’s look at something we’ve not covered in Heroes before. Flag Day at the Three Lions Pub. Every year, usually on the first home game of the season, fans of Bristol City pile into the pub, grab the long ladders and get the flags up to remember the locals who loved this city through their love of the Robins. I’ve never been a massive football fan, but I’m a huge fan of people coming together in a great sense of belonging, showing their pride. It needs to be seen. It might not be your team, even your thing, but it’s a powerful affirmation made by people collectively.
2
1 2
Step one. Cover up the police badge with a sticker declaring One Team in Bristol.
“Here mate; the Post took this picture of us two or three years ago and it would be great to recreate it…” Fair enough. So up on the shoulders she goes, and I promised I’d add it into the photo story for the Bristol Life magazine. It was just about to hiss it down with rain and I thought that would diminish the enthusiasm for celebration. It did not. There was always the welcome embrace of the pub itself when it got torrential, or some convenient scaffolding next door, now clad in huge flags, to remember some of the people they wanted to remember, offering a break from the driving rain.
3 3 4
‘Bristol City… Legends Never Die’ This flag caught my eye. It was the first one up, and it turns this wall into a shrine of sorts to the memory of many of the locals who drank in the pub, supported the team. Some had only recently died. It was a solid way to mark their loss but to me it also seemed like it was bringing them back, for this day, this moment, to be part of the event itself. Perhaps it’s a particularly football way of remembering mates; it certainly feels very real and direct. Everything’s very elevated emotionally when it comes to supporting your team, to belonging in that way. My dad died a couple of years back, and I remember him in my own way, but I can see how much it means to do this here, for friends, brothers and team mates. Maybe they’re right. Legends never die. Long as your legend-mates keep on raising your flag.
4
Now it seems that most photojournalists go nuts for a smoke stick or a flare at events. In recent years they have been used at protests a lot too, but this is no protest; this is a celebration. And judging by the comments on social media some people don’t really get it. “Sorry, but anything that requires a police presence, therefore using up tax payers’ money, does not constitute fun. I remember having to drive through it one year and it was incredibly intimidating. Just stop.” Hang on, says one quick reply. “For god’s sake. It’s over in about 20 minutes. And it’s only once a year. There’s loads of coppers at the city ground on match days anyway. It’s like the squibs at Bridgewater.” To those who don’t know, squibbing at Bridgwater is about 150 people with fireworks aimed to the sky who let them go off all at once. A few lads holding flares, and conducting some football singing with them, feels more cultural than driving through it in a SUV listening to Dua Lipa. It’s well-managed and it obviously means a lot to people.
“Legends never die, as long as your legend-mates keep on raising your flag” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37
BRISTOL HEROES
“If we don’t have events like these, what’s it all about?” 5
6 7
5
Thirty-three lads. Three lions. Three Lions Pub, BS3. So this is your view as you drive by. Next time, if you are thinking of becoming a City fan, maybe pop in. I was met with warmth and had some great chats with everyone. This ritual lighting of the flares and the raising of the flags at the start of the season feels like wassailing the apple orchard to secure a good harvest. Lit torches were thought to scare away evil spirits. Maybe these flares will reduce the unfavourable offside decisions, or guarantee the quality of the half-time bevvies?
6
Crying? No, smoke got in my eyes. No, seriously, I can vouch for that. Good luck the reds, I’m off home for a date with some Optrex. I took a lot more than these eight shots, so if I didn’t already send you your snaps do get in touch, I’m happy to share. Be nice, when this is in print, to come in and find out a little bit more about this pub, its communities and its dreams.
7
You’ve got your flag in your pocket, your team is about to start its run to glory. An odyssey awaits. So light up, here’s to the season ahead. And for just 20 minutes the road is yours. The city is yours.
8
And as the smoke fades (it took a while), flags down and on with what I suppose you’d call it normal life. But for 20 minutes the streets glowed red and white. If we don’t have these events, then what’s it all about? Where people feel they belong, we can meet them there. All cultures have places like this. If we go there and start to grow something, who knows what we could be starting? “Flag Day has been something I look forward to every season. This year was the first time my kids joined me at The Three Lions, and what an occasion it was for them. As Bristol City season ticket-holders, football is a huge part of our family life, and we look forward to every game – not just for the football, but for the chance to spend time with so many great friends. It’s about family, friendship, community and being proud to support our club together. Sean and the team at The Three lions always make everyone feel welcome”
Colin Moody: content creation, online images Twitter @moodycolin; Instagram @colinmoodyphotography www.colinmoodyphotography.wordpress.com
38 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
8
EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS
world (and some very well-chosen author cameos) as our main character, Sophie, navigates her quiet life, which is wholly upset by an encounter with the work of an author she had previously forgotten. If you haven’t already seen that we are in fact hosting Meg Mason in Bristol in October, then consider yourself prepped: we’re pairing her in conversation with fellow bestselling author (and former Schitt’s Creek writer) Monica Heisey – tickets are likely to be scarce by the time you read this!
Embrace the life of the mind . . .
A
h, autumn, the season of introspection. Or, more accurately for booksellers, the season of too many books. Casting our bulging deliveries and vanishing shelfspace aside for a moment, we are more than happy to embrace the introspection in our reading. Perhaps it is a natural sign of the season, but we’re finding we’ve been drawn to more insular stories of upset, contemplation, reinvention and obsession, with nary a wordless action scene or rocket-speed plot in sight. If you’re like us (and you’re able to cast aside the equivalent professional millstones taking up all your real-world energies), then
40 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
we commend to you this issue a trio of stories which focus on the life of the mind, in a variety of different ways. Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason Anyone who read Meg Mason’s ubersmash of a novel Sorrow and Bliss a few years back will be familiar with her uncanny ability to document life’s ineffable difficulties with honesty and humour. Unravelling characters seem to be her speciality, and so it comes as a very welcome non-surprise to see that the follow-up, Sophie, Standing There, shows Mason at the peak of her prowess, albeit applied to a very different scenario. This time the fiction intersects with the literary
right until the shocking final pages are over. Traveling Practice by Yusuke Norishiro (trans. Takami Nieda) Just as the country is about to be plunged into the first Covid lockdown, a man walks along Japan’s Tone River with his niece, pausing to note down his observations of the nature they encounter. While he sits with his notebook, she practices keepieuppies with the football she’s brought along with her. Their nominal mission for this epic and unlikely walk is to return a library book, but they both know that the real purpose is to work on their respective skills, writing and ball control. They call it their ‘travelling practice’, and in Yusuke Norishiro’s peaceful and deeply affecting novel it forms a kind of backbone to the piece, a refrain for the characters as they gently enjoy each other’s company in a world on the verge of irrevocable change. You never know – in the next issue you might find us recommending our favourite literary helicopter explosions or drug busts, a reaction to spending too much time inside the heads of our favourite characters, but somehow we doubt it…
“Unravelling characters seem to be her speciality”
Dad Had a Bad Day by Ashton Politanoff This book is one of the purest entertainments you will experience all year – you may not feel entirely positive about life and the world after it, but it is at least pure entertainment. Our narrator has just lost his job and finds himself being the primary caregiver to his son. A chance to bond and grow, an opportunity afforded so few modern men, perhaps. But no: he decides instead to rejoin the tennis club of his youth and dedicate himself to a maniacal training and competition schedule, captaining the men’s team and – most alarmingly – to a series of very ill-advised parenting hacks to keep his secret obsession from his wife. It is an absolute nightmare spiral of a book, but ludicrously addictive: the reader veers from anxiety to disbelief throughout,
Visit Storysmith at 36 North Street, Bedminster; www.storysmithbooks.com
SPONSORED CONTENT
SERVE UP SOME FESTIVE CHEER AT BRISTOL’S CHARITY PADEL TOURNAMENT
F
Swap the usual office Christmas party for an afternoon of padel, networking and festive fun in support of bereaved children and young people
ollowing the tremendous success of our charity padel event earlier this year, Grief Encounter is returning to Rocket Padel, St Anne’s, Bristol, for a special Festive Padel Tournament on Thursday 3 December 2026, from 2pm to 8pm. Businesses, supporters and padel enthusiasts are invited to gather colleagues, clients or friends for an afternoon and evening of friendly competition, networking and festive cheer. It is a chance to strengthen connections away from the office while raising vital funds for bereaved children and young people in Bristol and all over the UK.
“BY TAKING PART, BRISTOL BUSINESSES CAN TURN A SEASONAL SOCIAL INTO PRACTICAL SUPPORT”
Teams of two can enter for £150 per team, with players enjoying a fun-filled event complete with festive music, a Secret Santa, networking opportunities and plenty of seasonal surprises. Whether you’re an experienced player or completely new to the sport, the event promises a welcoming atmosphere and a fantastic way to kick off the festive season. Every pound raised helps Grief Encounter provide counselling, resources and specialist programmes to children, young people and families after the death of someone close, helping them navigate grief and build hope for the future. By taking part, Bristol businesses can turn a seasonal social into practical support for families facing one of life’s most difficult experiences. Every serve, rally and sponsorship helps Grief Encounter provide specialist care when children and young people need it most. A special thank you goes to Morgan Lovell for generously sponsoring a court at the event. There are sponsorship opportunities available for businesses looking to demonstrate
community support while gaining visibility amongst Bristol’s vibrant business community. “This event is all about bringing people together to have fun, make connections and make a meaningful difference at the same time,” says Heidi Roberts, Fundraising Manager. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to start getting into the festive spirit while supporting bereaved children and families.” n
Ready to take to the court? Enter your team at; www.griefencounter.org.uk/festive-padel For sponsorship opportunities, please contact chelsea.harding@griefencounter.org.uk. Join us this December and help ensure that no child has to face grief alone. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 43
FOOD & DRINK TA S T Y T I D B I T S F R O M T H E B R I S T O L F O O D S C E N E
It’s been a minute since we ran one of these round-ups. So, where we at?
When Box-E opened in Cargo back in October 2016, one of the OGs of the now-famous shipping containers, Bristol’s food-lovers immediately took it to their hearts. Chef Elliott Lidstone’s modern British cooking earned two AA rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and Box-E was chosen as the best restaurant of the year outside London in the Food and Travel magazine’s reader awards. It’s been a beacon of excellence for a decade, so when Elliott and Tess posted on their Instagram feed that they were closing there was shock and dismay. Refreshingly though, no ‘heavy hearts’ were mentioned in the announcement. Gonna miss these faces down the Wharf
44 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
“I’m not saying there won’t be tears, but this isn’t supposed to be a sad thing”, said Tess. “We are so proud of what we have achieved and want to end high, busy and enjoying it. “Our little box on the docks has given us more than we ever could have hoped for, or even imagined. It’s so nice when people choose your restaurant, but when they come back again, well that’s just lush. And if you are in any doubt about the goodness of the human race then open a small family business, and you will truly see the best of it, and share in people’s highs and lows, and be lucky enough to call some of them colleagues and neighbours. What a community to be part of. “One restaurant. One chef, only a couple of dozen seats. But so many interactions. Thousands of pannacottas! And tens of thousands of pounds donated to the Bristol charities that we are proud to call partners.” Oh and a glimmer of hope. “It’s been emotional but also so, so lovely”, Tess told us. “We have some pop-ups and workshops planned, and FareShare have asked if we’ll do more bits with them; hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to say yes to a few more things that we formerly couldn’t do.” Box-E, you have been special. We’ll see you soon. www.boxebristol.com
Four Bristol restaurants have made it in into the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2026, with Wangs in Montpelier – a “cool, buzzy neighbourhood Chinese”– named as the best in the South West and seventh nationally. Describing Bristol as a “magnet for exciting, independent cooking”, the Guide praises head chef Emily Xin Xin Chan’s complex, vibrant dishes, set off with a ’90s hip-hop soundtrack and “killer cocktails” including a Szechuan margarita. When Wangs is packed, it says, it feels “like walking into a party”. At number 35 nationally is Redland’s Dongnae with its “authentic, grown-up Korean cuisine”. Bedminster’s Other comes in at 86 for its “relaxed, casual dining experience that refuses to adhere to one style or cuisine (hence the name!)”; it’s “kitsch, colourful and extremely good value”, says the Guide, liking chef Zak Hitchman’s ever-changing menu and strongly recommending the sourdough doughnuts. Rounding off the list at 88 is Mediterranean-flavoured Bristol Lido, included for its atmosphere, the Greekinfluenced cooking of chef Pash Peters, and the winning USP combination of food, swimming, spa treatments and events. www.thegoodfoodguide.co.uk
Cover the caption, take a guess. Give up? From the top clockwise, it’s Wangs, Dongnae, Other and Lido!
HOT PLATES Serial award-winners Bank (on the left) and Lapin
No month seems to pass without some kind of award for Bank and Lapin – and now Code Hospitality has just placed them among the Happiest Places to Work for the second year running. Following a judging process in which team members submitted anonymous questionnaires covering their experiences, the venues scored an overall 9.44 out of 10. Code describes Dan O’Regan and Jack Briggs-Horan’s business as one which “genuinely lives its values, rather than simply listing policies or benefits”, with “outstanding investment The Llandoger Trow – lubricating thirsty Bristolians since 1664
Bristol boozers have been winning hearts, minds and palates too, with nine of the city’s pubs named by The Telegraph in its list of the best in the UK. The judges looked for places with “charming character, welcoming staff, rich history and, of course, award-winning beer”. The chosen ones are as follows: The Highbury Vaults on St Michael’s Hill; The Kings Head in Redcliffe; The Barley Mow in St Philip’s; The Orchard Inn on Hanover Place; The Swan with Two Necks in St Jude’s; The Avon Packet in Southville; The Llandoger Trow on King Street; The Nova Scotia in Hotwells, and The Bag of Nails, also in Hotwells. www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ best-pubs-uk
in training” and a “genuine commitment to employee development”. “I believe that exceptional hospitality requires happy, valued team members”, says Dan, “and yet our industry has a well-earned reputation for berating its servers, and – as my business partner Jack recalls – young chefs having pans thrown at their heads. Thankfully, many restaurants have been busy updating the rule book, and are now investing in their people’s wellbeing and progression.” On a separate note, Dan’s writing has also been earning
him praise, with his Substack Notes on a Napkin being listed in The Observer OFM 30, a list which celebrates “the 30 things that are shaping how we cook, order and eat”. Sharing the list with the likes of Nigel Slater, Adam Byatt and Gareth Ward, Dan’s newsletter, which deals with the realities of restaurant life, was praised for its “intelligent, witty insight into the mechanics of hospitality”. More on page 53, because Dan is also our regular food columnist. Yes he’s that good. www.danoregan.substack.com
It’s held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2023, and now Mark and Karen Chapman’s modern Mediterranean restaurant Cor on North Street has been chosen as Bristol’s best at the British Restaurant Awards 2026. The recognition is based entirely on public votes, with people asked to vote for places that ‘move you’. Move?? Cor is enough to make us consider a permanent relocation to BS3. Cor and sister restaurant Ragù in Cargo also won the inaugural Judges’ Spotlight award in the Code Hospitality’s Happiest Places To Work. www.correstaurant.com
Just the best alcoholfree pale ale in the world; no biggie
Sticking with the brews news, the alcohol-free version of Wiper & True’s flagship beer, Kaleidoscope, has been crowned the world’s best alcohol-free pale ale at the 2026 World Beer Awards. The ale is no stranger to awards, having already been named as one of the six best nonalcoholic beers by The Times; it also won two stars at the Great Taste Awards in 2025. “We’ve always believed that alcohol-free beer should be exciting in its own right, not an afterthought”, said co-founder Michael Wiper. “Kaleidoscope represents everything we love about brewing – incredible flavour, creativity and a beer that truly brings people together. We’re incredibly proud to see the 0.5% version recognised on an international stage.” www.wiperandtrue.com
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 45
HOT PLATES left: Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, Josh Eggleton and
Gareth Ward on the evolution of restaurants
below: Franco-Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan on
PHOTO BY KIRSTIE YOUNG
‘Air – the space between us’; at FODA
Back in 1984, Bob, Bono and Midge wanted to feed the world. In 2026, Josh Eggleton and Shona Graham ask: can Britain feed itself ? That was one of the big questions posed by the second edition of FŌDA, Josh and Shona’s festival of food ideas, which returned to Arnolfini between 26-27 September. The festival brought chefs, farmers, writers and food thinkers together to discuss four themes – Land, Sea, Forest and Air – exploring their fundamental links with how Britain eats.
Land examined food security, from soil to supermarket shelf; Sea looked at overfishing, waste and the future of our oceans; Forest explored agroforestry and the role of trees in soil health, biodiversity and food, while Air asked whether shared meals and genuine hospitality can help tackle loneliness and rebuild connection. Speakers included Riverford founder Guy Singh-Watson, Planet Organic founder Renee Elliott, farmer Natalie Gaibani, Disco
Scallops co-founder Rachel Walker-Boggis, Food on the Edge founder JP McMahon, and chefs Fadi Kattan and Anjula Devi. The weekend also brought back the Producers Village, showcasing Bristol and South West producers, Sunday masterclasses covering everything from fermentation and offal butchery to wine tasting and food writing, and the free educational resource The Pony Farm Bus. www.fodafestival.com
Little Hollows Pasta is celebrating its first five years in Bristol, a milestone reflecting not only the restaurant’s own impressive journey, but the strength and importance of the city’s independent hospitality community. Inspired by a childhood spent cooking with his mum, and later travels through Italy, owner Chris Davis began making fresh pasta by hand from his Bedminster flat in 2016, often starting work at 2am before loading a van and driving to markets across Bristol and the South West. The loyal following he built encouraged him to open the Chandos Street restaurant, which has been recognised in the Good Food Guide and awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Despite the challenges facing hospitality Chris remains optimistic about the future, and at the heart of this optimism is the city itself. “We feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a supportive community in which independent businesses are really valued. Bristol people love their food, they love their drink, and most of all they love supporting the local creative and artisan communities. We understand that choosing to support local often comes at a higher cost, but we do it because it makes our lives richer – and, quite literally, makes our food taste better.” www.littlehollowspasta.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 47
HOT PLATES NEW(ISH)
Christina Kremmyda and Ioannis Kolovadis have opened their new Greek wine-and-meze bar Rhapsody on Denmark Street, right next to sister restaurant Hat Bistro, which serves “authentic Greek recipes cherished through generations”. There’s an online bottle shop, too. www.rhapsodybristol.co.uk Cheesemakers Kim and Maugan Trethowan have opened Cotham Cheese Company on the former Earthbound Organics site on Abbotsford Road, selling a wide range of artisan cheeses. @cothamcheesecompany Much-loved Italian restaurant Moltobuono! has opened its second branch within Fishers’ former site on Princess Victoria Street. If you’re craving an authentic taste of the Med, head over; they’re the real, family-run Italian deal. www.moltobuono.co.uk Keeping things spicy at the former Mint Room site on Clifton Road, Kush is the latest venture from Aktar Islam, the chef behind Birmingham’s twoMichelin-starred Opheem. The more relaxed Bristol branch takes its inspiration from across the Indian subcontinent, bringing together street food and table dishes alongside graffiti-inspired interiors and an Indian hip-hop soundtrack. www.kushbristol.co.uk
Yet another anniversary: Wild Oats Natural Foods on the Lower Redland Road marked 45 years in the Bristol biz with a special morning at the store, working with indie neighbours Everest Bread and The Great Cake Company and inviting customers to join them for coffee, anniversary totes and shared memories. “This is a huge achievement, and it’s all down to the loyalty of customers who have been with us since the very beginning”, said store manager Alicia. “Seeing Mike [Wild Oats’s founder] back in the shop, surrounded by the community we’ve built together, was a really special moment for all of us.” www.woats.co.uk
It’s hard to locate a gap in the local culinary food scene, but new restaurant Khao (“where flavour meets art”) reckons it’s done it. Khao is both the Hindi word for eat and the Thai word for rice, though the menu ranges far more globally than that implies: current dishes include tofu baos, jackfruit biryani, quesadillas, stone-baked pizzas and fish and chips. Find it on the site of former Italian restaurant Spaghetti Incident in Stokes Croft. www.khao.restaurant
Bristol Beer Factory has become Bristol Beacon’s new brewing partner, supplying a full range of draft brews and cans at all the venue’s bars and the Colonnade restaurant. BBF and the Beacon say their new partnership “brings together two Bristol organisations with a shared commitment to supporting the city’s cultural and community life”. “Audiences have told us that they would like to see more local drinks products on offer at Bristol Beacon”, says Frances Rosewell. “We wanted to work with a brewery that not only makes great beer but shares our belief in the importance of supporting the community.” “In Bristol Beer Factory, Beacon now have a fiercely independent Bristol business in tow and one who shares its community-driven spirit” said BBF’s Tom Clermont. “Every pint or can of BBF beer you buy at Bristol Beacon will be contributing to a pot of money just for Bristol communities and charities. We believe that between us, music-lovers of Bristol are about to get a peak-Bristol gig-going experience.” www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 49
YOUR WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY, HOSTED AT TAPPS Book in over the festive season for groups up to 35 people for a sit down meal, or hire the whole venue for up to 70 people.We offer a festive sharing menu and wine pairing options, a fantastic atmosphere and of course great music!
Raise a glass in style this Christmas! 87 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol, BS8 2NT 0117 985 1609 | info@tappswinebar.co.uk www.tappswinebar.co.uk
DAN O’REGAN BANK BRISTOL & LAPIN
Lunch versus dinner? No contest, says Dan
M
y meetings usually take place out of our restaurant hours, which means I spend a lot of time in guest-less restaurants. I was bouncing between Bank and Lapin that morning, and come the afternoon, I had a brief hiatus. A few hours to kill, before I was due back at Bank to run dinner service. I was walking towards my car, when it struck me that our neighbours on the wharf, Box-E, were soon to be shuttering their doors for the last time. It would have been upsetting if I’d never eaten there. My calendar afforded me a brief sojourn from work, and I walked up the stairs. Most midweek lunches are a wet sandwich eaten over a keyboard or, even worse, standing up. As often as not, they are skipped entirely. We have, as
a country, decided that lunch is a logistical problem to be solved with as little fanfare as possible. A long lunch, preferably midweek, is often a small dereliction of duty and reckless abandon, which is what gives it its tranquil thrill. The time you take is also the time everyone else has agreed not to. For both guests and team, a Saturday night is the worst iteration of a restaurant. It is the economic engine of a restaurant’s week. It is busy, and it is hard. Small kitchens sell out of food, which inevitably leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of the table that is booked at 9:30pm. We are forced to be economical with our time, and our movements. Time is not a luxury we possess in a busy restaurant. As a guest, when I dine in the evening, I might sit at seven. An aperitif, followed by three, if not four, courses. And wine, of course. Bed by eleven,
“For both guests and team, Saturday night is the worst iteration for a restaurant”
followed by a poor night’s sleep, caused by a full belly. I rarely wake feeling restored. Lunch trumps dinner, almost always. It feels more leisurely. If the sun is beaming, it is basking. If the heavens are open, it is shelter. At Box-E: ninety minutes, three courses. Only water to drink (I was, after all, working that evening). They brought bread, quickly. The room was unencumbered by too many bodies, or by conversation reverberating off the inside of the metal box. Instead, it was laughter, from a few tables away. A couple pondered on whether to take the terrace or a table inside. That is a choice that Saturday night doesn’t give you. A flurry of departing guests would poke their heads into the little metal box that was the restaurant, their voices lifted and their feet lighter with gratitude and goodbyes. At 11pm on a Saturday, those same words come with a quiet tiredness, the interlude between weeks, where they have been lulled by dinner, rather than restored. And then, there is the other kind of lunch. I was in London
with some other restaurateurs. It was 3pm, at Fallow. I was cadaverous and pale from a night of excess. They sent frozen margaritas to the table, a suitable tonic, given my state. Snacks from the kitchen, and plates jigsawed across a table that, although generous, was too small for how much we had ordered. Then, wine. A bottle now, and one open to breathe for the mains. It was 6pm, and the room had emptied and refilled for dinner, when we were given a kitchen tour. The light had already faded, and we succumbed to the near-planetary pull of a pub en route back to the station, before heading back west. I was in bed by nine. I walked out of Box-E and drove to Bank, refreshed. I had, for a brief moment of my day, been given unbounded hospitality. 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 53
CHARLIE TAYLOR KASK WINE
It’s autumn, so let’s all swap out the whites and rosés for the reds. Actually, hang on a sec . . .
I
t’s the last weekend of September as I write this. It’s 22 degrees outside, and I’ve just returned from Clevedon, where the ice-cream van was doing a roaring trade and there were more people in bikinis in the Marine Lake than there were in wetsuits. So it seems a bit premature to be writing an article about the kind of wines we’ll be selling this autumn. But soon the clocks will go back, the leaves will fall and our sales of rosé will drop. There’s a tendency to view wine seasonally, like clothing. Sunshine means white and rosé; coats mean red. But some of my favourite autumn wines are whites. The trick is in the texture. Instead of the lightest, crispest white you can find, go for something with a bit more weight. Out go Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño and Vinho Verde; in come Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier. Look for something that’s spent a little time in oak, which can add spice and richness, or that has spent time on its lees – the dead yeast left behind after fermentation. Leave a wine sitting on them and it can develop a lovely creamy texture.
Want something you won’t find in the supermarket? I love Vidi Anno Lofus by Ktima Apostolidi in Kavala, Greece. Made from the Vidiano grape, it’s aged for five months on its lees in a combination of stainless steel, amphora and oak. It’s both vibrant and textured, with stone fruit, smoky vanilla and rich spice. There’s no denying that we sell a lot more red wine in autumn than we do white, though. But you don’t need to go straight from a summer rosé to a 15% alcohol monster that could strip paint. Autumn is brilliant for lighter reds such as Gamay, Pinot Noir and Cinsault, or something with a bit more body: Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Syrah or Rioja. Look for juicy fruit alongside the earthy, savoury flavours that work so well with autumn food. A left-field option? I’m a big fan of Vintage Pop Up by Bratanov in Bulgaria. It’s 90% Syrah, bringing ripe blackberry, cherry and plum, with 10% Viognier adding hints
of peach and almond. The finish is long, silky and has a lovely hit of dark chocolate. Top tip: if you pour this for friends, mention that there’s a small amount of white grape in the red and explain that blending Syrah and Viognier has famous precedent in the Northern Rhône. Then quickly change the conversation before they ask for more information. If we’re seeking texture, we should look at orange wine. A quick CliffsNotes: it’s made from white grapes but, instead of separating the juice from the skins, the winemaker leaves them together during fermentation, borrowing a technique from red wine production. As well as adding that orangey colour, skin contact adds flavour, tannin and texture, which brings enough structure to handle roast squash, root vegetables, mushrooms, pork and hard cheeses, without necessarily having the weight of a big red. A big favourite of mine that’ll be banging with pumpkin at
“There’s a tendency to view wine seasonally, like clothing”
Halloween is Mandarina by Pia Strehn in Burgenland, Austria. It’s a blend of Grüner Veltliner and three grapes you probably haven’t heard of (nor had I): Souvignier Gris, Blütenmuskateller and Muscaris. It’s weighty but fresh, with plenty of mandarin character and a creamy, tannic finish. Finally, think rosé is just for summer? That’s because the vast majority pushed at us in this country is blush pink, served fridgecold and made for hot summers in Provence. Try one with a bit more body – if you can find a Puglian rosato, you’ll thank me – and you’ll discover that not all angels whisper. Ultimately, though, the perfect autumn wine has less to do with colour than what’s happening around it. As the nights get longer, invite people over. Cook something slowly. Put too much food on the table. Open a bottle you know everyone will like, and another that nobody has tried before. And this Halloween, remember: the trick is in the texture. Get it right, and you’re in for a treat. Visit KASK Wine at 51 North Street and KASK² at 243 Cheltenham Road 07522 198081 www.kaskwine.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 55
TALKING TURKEY
Brace yourself. We need to talk about Christmas Words by Deri Robins
I
t’s October. The only people getting excited about Christmas right now are shopkeepers, restaurant owners, theatre managers and diehard fans of snowy Netflix romcoms (and literal Die Hard fans). Oh, and us. Because we know that the next few months will flash by in the blink of an eye, and before
you know it it’ll be the night before Christmas – or at least, the evening before the big team party – and unless you’ve already booked your table you’ll discover that betterorganised folk have nabbed all the best places. You may as well forget about your first, second or third choices; frankly, even securing a table at Wetherspoons at this point might be a bit dodgy.
Booking early makes sense for you, your mates and the restaurants. And so, in the spirit of the Twelve Days of Christmas* we have 12 lovely pages of beautiful venues and parties to choose from, all of them poised to pull out the festive stops. Ready to choose? Then c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, baby, now – twist and sprout . . . * OK so this was entirely coincidental
o A commendable commitment to sparkle, at Bravas (opposite) and Wiper & True
R
eady to make a decision? OK, let’s get to it.
1 AQUA
The class act On Welsh Back and Whiteladies Road, Christmas at Aqua is all about large-scale celebrations and partying, with stylish, buzzy vibes coming as standard as you tuck happily into the top-notch nosh. Aqua’s been doing Christmas for 30 years now, so they know exactly what’s what when it comes to hosting Christmas parties and get-togethers. Decor-wise there’ll be traditional Christmas trees and wreaths, and plenty more festive touches. What we eating? “We’re not reinventing the wheel”, they say, but you can expect the usual superior traditional Christmas fare; past dishes have ranged from gravlax to roast turkey, striploin of beef, sea bass, Christmas pud, etc, all brought you by the superfriendly, professional staff who know exactly how to make you feel special. www.aqua-restaurant.com
2
1
60 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
BANK
2
Firestarters This Totterdown favourite doesn’t go big on tinsel, but what could be cosier and more festive than food cooked over fire? What we eating? Hold the turkey: we’re kicking off with venison tartare, or the woodroasted scallops; followed by confit pork belly with burnt apple, parsnip, and calvados cream, or maybe the monkfish with lobster velouté. We’d like the pumpkin, ginger and date sticky toffee pudding to send us home, please. www.bankbristol.com
3
BIANCHIS GROUP
TALKING ITALIAN
Talking Italian
Each of the family’s four restaurants has a different menu and vibe – there’s classy, flagship trattoria Bianchis in Montpelier, intimate Pasta Ripiena and Cotto on St Stephen’s Street, larger, buzzier Pazzo on Whiteladies –but all share a passion for classic Italian cuisine served up with the family’s special sauce. The vibe at Christmas is warm and festive without going big on the baubles, the focus being on good food, good wine and good times. The unmatched Bianchis service always does the heavy lifting atmosphere-wise, so they simply let that shine and add just enough extra to make it feel like Christmas. What we eating? Menus vary across the restaurants; some are sharing-style, others more traditionally plated, but across the group you can expect a celebration of Italian cooking done properly: fresh handmade pasta, beautiful antipasti, and mains that change by venue. Pazzo is serving its wood-fired pizza as part of a sharing feast, while elsewhere you might find slow-roasted porchetta and fresh fish dishes. Everything is made from scratch, using the best seasonal ingredients – the same philosophy they apply all year round, just with the festive feels. Come and be looked after, in the way only this Bristol-Italian family can. www.bianchisrestaurant.co.uk
XMAS PARTIES
4
BOCABAR Sparkle is on
Bocabar’s gorgeous spaces will turn the glitziness dial up even further with fabulous chandelier pompoms, guaranteeing plenty of sparkle for all your Christmas socials, while Christmas dance tunes set the fun, festive, dress-up tone. What we eating? There’s a heady choice of dining options, from the full-works sit-down Christmas lunch or dinner to the Christmas pizza-and-fizz menu. There are two festive specials on the latter: the Merry Pigmas pizza brings fennel, thyme and sausage with garlic-roasted potato slices, Provolone cheese and caramelised red onions, while for veggies, the Festive Forager combines honey-roasted butternut squash, thymeroasted Portabello mushrooms, a Stilton crumb and caramelised red onions. There’s a festive buffet for group parties and private hire, too. There’ll be banging cocktails and mulled ciders, while stand-out desserts include a chocolate-and-orange panettone tiramisu; a clever Christmas twist on the Italian favourite. www.bocabar.co.uk
6
BRAVAS
4
5
CARGO CANTINA Loco in Acapulco
Cargo’s little Mexican is keeping it intimate this year by only taking groups up to six; ideal if yours is a small one and you don’t want to be drowned out by big parties. The outside catering team can also bring the party to you, delivering and setting up the buffet and even clearing up afterwards. What we eating? Expect something a little different to the usual turkey and trimmings; this year Cantina will be doing a taco sharer, with chocolate tacos to finish and a margarita on arrival. www.cargocantina.co.uk
The tapas OG Classic Christmas, Bravasstyle. Cosy, candlelit and a little bit lively, with warm lighting, festive touches, glasses clinking and that lovely glow you get from a full room in December. “Christmas at Bravas is really about getting people together”, they say. “Sharing plates, opening a good bottle of wine and making time for the people who matter most.” What we eating? Seasonal dishes with a Spanish twist, featuring local produce from Belmont Estate and venison from Ashton Court, along with rich estofados, wintry tapas and plenty of big red wines to wash it all down. www.bravas.co.uk
7
BULRUSH
Starry starry nights George Livesey’s Michelinstarred Bulrush lends itself perfectly to the season, the intimate space all lowlit with candles, adorned with festive decorations and sheepskin rugs flung over the backs of chairs. They also have a private dining
7 room above the main restaurant that’s ideal for festive parties for eight to 12 guests –they’ll work with you to put together a really special menu. What we eating? Chefproprietor George is always excited to work on decadent festive meat, fish and veggie tasting menus. No specific menu details at time of going to press, so keep an eye on the website. www.bulrushrestaurant.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 61
XMAS PARTIES
8
THE CANTEEN
Plant-based heaven Head down to enjoy a proper Christmas ‘do’ in the Croft, or just to celebrate all-things winter the eco-conscious way. Their commitment to reducing carbon emissions is reflected in a sharing menu that ensures that everyone (including the planet) will be happy and merry. What we eating? Rich pomme Anna potatoes, heritage carrots with miso and tahini dressing, sticky toffee pudding with malt caramel sauce – a sharing menu full of veggie and vegan delights that serve up festive notes with an international twist. www.canteenbristol.co.uk
9
CHRISTMAS STEPS Steps into Bristmas
The most Christmassy pub in Bristol. Not only is it on the actual Christmas Steps, which looks like something out of Dickens even in August, never mind a frosty night in December, but over the festive season the 400-year-old building transforms into a cosy, historic hideaway with roaring open fires. It’s a perfect blend of rustic charm, warm ambience and seasonal magic; the kind of place you snuggle into with friends while enjoying local ales and top-quality grub. What we eating? Poussin stuffed with pearl barley, apricot and pancetta; or maybe ChalkStream trout with white wine sauce; and how does spiced apple and blackberry crumble with custard, or Pedro Ximénez sherry and clementine trifle with quince jelly and caramelised orange peel, sound for afters? www.thechristmassteps.com
10
CONDESA
¡Ándale, ándale! At Whiteladies Road’s Mexican favourite, the space will feel extra warm and inviting with a candlelit dining room, subtle festive touches and the firepit lit to keep things cosy as the evenings draw in. Groups of up to 12 can enjoy the chef’s menu, a sharingstyle selection of dishes for everyone to tuck into around the table. What we eating? Mexicaninspired seasonal dishes, from crab, pickled apple and ancho chilli tostadas to smoked pork and chorizo tacos, charred hispi cabbage and tomahawk pork chops, followed by ruby hue chocolate crémeux with candied guajillo and hazelnut praline.
10 Obviously the margs and mezcal will be flowing; try the mezcal take on an espresso martini to finish the night. www.condesabristol.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 63
XMAS PARTIES
PARTY ON A BOAT #1
BRISTOL PACKET Push the boat out
Everything’s more fun on a boat! Bristol Packet’s are covered and heated, and done up to the nines with fairy lights, garlands and Christmas trees. Each has a fully licensed bar and music facilities on board. See Harbourside at its most festive as the lights reflect and dazzle on the water; with pick-up and drop-off locations dotted around, the boats are the perfect addition to any other booking or activity. Make the journey part of the celebration and arrive at your Christmas event in style! What we eating? There’s a range of onboard catering options, from a festive Christmas cream tea to pizzas and curry buffets. Or, if you prefer, you’re welcome to bring your own scran onboard. www.bristolpacket.co.uk
11
CRAVE
for festive lunches, dinners and end-of-year celebrations. Perfect for teams, friends and family groups, the room can host seated meals for 11–24 guests or standing celebrations for 25–40, with thoughtfully created menus, plenty of space to make the celebration your own and your own private chef and dedicated service throughout to help make the whole experience special. What we eating? The best of English and Spanish produce; options range from dishes cooked over a coal oven and served sharing-style, to a more premium menu with prime cuts from Belmont Estate, and whole market fish cooked al pil pil (a Basque-style technique). www.gambasbristol.co.uk
Crave to love Opening at the top of Whiteladies earlier this year Crave has become a fast favourite. The interiors are classy, the service exceptional and there’s a sexy basement bar too, serving an impressive tequila-forward cocktail menu while tunes from Bristol’s best DJs play. Expect more of the same at Christmas, with an added festive vibe. What we eating? Start with festive snacks before tucking into a wide range of seafood, steak, fish and veggie options (translation: they may not quite have firmed the menu up just yet). Round things off with the Christmas pudding chocolate delice, or a West Country cheese board. www.craverestaurant.co.uk/bristol
13
12
THE GRANARY & GRANARY CLUB
GAMBAS
Viva España! Christmas is better when everyone can gather around the same table, and the Gambas private dining room ( PDR, to its friends), right in the heart of Harbourside offers one of Bristol’s cosiest, most intimate settings
64 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
12
Club class Inside its striking Byzantine building on Welsh Back, The Granary at Christmas is atmospheric, candlelit and full of character. Dinner upstairs is only half the story; downstairs,
XMAS PARTIES
14
HARBOUR HOUSE
Boogie in a boatshed Harbour House occupies a beautiful 19th-century transit shed, thought to have been Brunel’s private boathouse. Huge windows look straight onto the harbour, with soft festive lighting, seasonal greenery and the reflections on the water doing much of the decorating; ideal for long Christmas lunches that somehow roll into evening drinks. There’s also a festive afternoon tea, buffets, drinks packages and spaces for everything from an intimate gathering to a full waterside party. What we eating? Head chef Altin Ndoja’s cooking is all about seasonality, provenance and the South West, with seafood at the heart of the restaurant. Christmas brings Cornish trout alongside roast turkey, slow cooked lamb and a vegan Wellington, followed by mince pie custard tart, chocolate brownie or clementine tiramisu. www.hhbristol.com
13
the legendary Granary Club brings cocktails, live music, canapés, music and dancing. The Club has its own party menu too, from meze and sliders to suitably nostalgic Del Boy cheese and pineapple bites (we’re sure you already know this, but the legendary Fools & Horses scene in which David Jason falls through the bar was shot right here). What we eating? Christmas is still unmistakably Granaryflavoured, with Mediterranean and Persian influences running through the menu. Think beetroot-cured sea trout, spanakopita with chilli thyme honey, slow-braised lamb with
20
cinnamon, and market fish with Persian herb salsa verde. Finish with Medjool date sticky toffee pudding or chocolate delice with mulled cherries. www.thegranaryclub.com
15
KASK
All we want for Christmas is booze Pop in to either KASK on North Street and KASK 2 on Cheltenham Road for an on-thespot tasting of wines perfect for the season. And get your tickets quick for the now-legendary Great Big Christmas Tastings on 5 and 12 December – a taste-allyou-want 40-wine extravaganza designed to get you in the mood and get your Christmas wine shopping done at the same time.
Anything else?
Need a spot for a party? Book at either venue for a private wine tasting – this is not your normal stuffy wine talk. Oh, and try their tasting game/pub quiz mash-up, brought with a Christmas twist. www.kaskwine.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 67
16
PIEMINISTER
GOOD PIEBRATIONS
Good piebrations
Relaxed and inviting at any time, Pieminister at Broad Quay will be getting its festive on with twinkly lights and Naughty or Nice party hats. “All we want for Christmas is for people to eat pies and be merry!” they say. What we eating? They’ve added two new festive pies this year – the Turkey Feast (freerange British turkey and festive stuffing with cranberries) and the Very Merry Veggie (vintage Cheddar, buttered parsnips, chestnuts and leeks). They’ve also created a new pastry recipe especially for Christmas, and dusted with a pattern, so the pies look as fabulous as they taste. The usual range is available too, from high-welfare meat pies to veggie, vegan and gluten free, with two courses from just £23. Oh, and the Bottomless Festive Feast is back – a stack of any pie you fancy piled high with all your fave Christmas sides and trimmings, followed by a proper pud. If you want to go extra-large (which, coincidentally, will also be your trouser size shortly afterwards), add two hours of Prosecco, draught pints and cocktails. www.pieminister.co.uk
XMAS PARTIES
17
KENSINGTON ARMS
Twinkle twinkle, Redland star Classic gastropub Christmas! Redland fave The Kenny goes all-out traditional with open fires, an open kitchen and open hearts. Dine in the main pub, or one of the two private rooms above if you’re a party from eight to 25. What we eating? Classic Kenny fare with festive twists by Hector Browne and the team; we’ll start with the smoked ham hock with confit pear and hazelnut tartlet, and move on to the confit duck leg with pork, sage and chestnut stuffing, and somehow find room for the famous sticky ale pudding. www.thekensingtonarms.co.uk
18
KIBOU Clifton
Turning Japanese Christmas done Tokyo- style, in relaxed, buzzy, glamorous surroundings. What we eating? The festive sharing menu brings sushi,
sashimi and Japanese streetfood-style plates such as tempura moriawase, spicy chicken zangi and dynamite cauliflower, while the premium tokujo menu steps things up with truffle teriyaki beef, black pork katsu, nasu dengaku and a chef’s selection of sushi and sashimi. www.kibou.co.uk
20
LAPIN
Joyeux noël Cargo’s French favourite won’t be going excessif with the yule decor, but there’ll be a warm, generous, welcome, perfectly executed fare and the energy and elegance of a vibrant brasserie or bistro. What we eating? Hereford beef tartare, confit duck leg with creamed celeriac and green peppercorn jus, venison Wellington with black truffle jus; no details about the pudding yet but we’ll take a wild punt on it being ‘something French’. www.lapinbristol.co.uk
PARTY ON A BOAT #2
ss GREAT BRITAIN Deck the decks
Fancy something different? The ss GB invites you on board for a Christmas party like no other, where maritime history meets holiday cheer. You can enhance your shipshape experience ever further by visiting the immersive museums and Christmassy exhibits. What we eating? Seated in the opulent first-class dining saloon (where else?), you can choose between classic festive dishes; no specific details yet, but last year’s offering included pancetta slow-roasted turkey with apricot and chestnut stuffing, or festive nut roulade, followed by Baileys and chocolate banana bread-and-butter pudding. www.ssgreatbritain.org
18
21
LITTLE HOLLOWS
Master pasta Cosy, warm and understated, Christmas at Little Hollows is all about the buzzy atmosphere, the fabulous pasta and small plates. What we eating? A four-course Italian-inspired set menu with nods to Christmas using seasonal ingredients. www.littlehollowspasta.co.uk
19
22 No.1 HARBOURSIDE On the waterfront
As the lights sparkle on the water, immerse yourself in the cool, laidback vibe at this harbourside favourite. What we eating? A sharing feast including trout en croûte, turkey breast with chestnut and wild mushroom stuffing, and Herefordshire roast beef, along with Welsh rarebit bites, merguez pigs-in-blankets, and mulled beetroot with whipped goats cheese. www.no1harbourside.co.uk
What we eating? Options
include south-coast monkfish with curried mussel velouté, balsamic glazed lamb cutlets, garlic-and-white-wine king prawns, and baked Camembert with cranberry chutney, as well as the more traditional dishes. www.newmoontapas.co.uk
21
NEW MOON TAPAS
Moon over the harbour During the festive season this waterside favourite swaps summertime Ibiza vibes for Christmas sparkle, keeping the focus on great food, good drinks and a relaxed welcome. Ideal for large groups wanting something more interesting than the usual Christmas dinner.
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 69
XMAS PARTIES a warm, welcoming setting for festive gatherings, with seasonal food, plenty of atmosphere and a beautiful green backdrop. The farm is a charity, and every venue booking helps support it and the work it does in the local community. What we eating? Kick off with chestnut and mushroom pâté or baked brie with cranberry jam, follow with farm-reared lamb slow-cooked in mulled wine syrup or mushrooms and cheddar nut roast, then go out on mince pies or buche de noel. There’s a festive finger food option, too. www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk
24
27 23
OLD MARKET ASSEMBLY
Christmas Market The fire is crackling and the drinks are flowing at Old Market Assembly, creating the perfect space to indulge in a luxurious and decadent festive celebration. What we eating? Highlights include a braised beef brisket with celeriac fondant, hake biscayenne with fennel-and-saffron braised lentils, and a lavish winter vegan Wellington stuffed with winter vegetables and grains. www.oldmarketassembly.co.uk
24
space for the parsnip sticky toffee pudding, peanut and chocolate brownie mousse cake or the Christmas pudding choux bun. www.theponychewvalley.co.uk
25
THE PONY CHEW VALLEY
Top Chews With its cosy snugs and the glass-walled dining room, this renowned Chew Magna pub is always atmospheric, and at Christmas, they bring out all the classic feels with real greenery, fires burning merrily away and Josh Eggleton’s merry men toiling away in the kitchen. Oh and note that the Christmas Box is back, to save you the faff of cooking at home on the big day. What we eating? We’ll start with pickled Cornish mussels, game faggot or Devon blue ranchstyle chicory; move on to Creedy Carver duck breast, grilled bream or mushroom, celeriac and spinach Wellington, and leave
70 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
China in your hands Montpelier’s award-winning neighbourhood Chinese (see page 44) mixes cool, relaxed vibes with head chef Emily Xin Xin Chan’s outstanding regional food offering. What we eating? The holiday Yanxi menu is designed for groups to share, infusing Chinese banquet culture into the festive
28
WIPER & TRUE
Tap into Christmas Worried your events team can’t organise a piss-up in a brewery? Never fear, because Wiper and True will do it for you at their Old Market taproom, a beautiful plant-filled space that’s ideal for groups of all shapes and sizes. If you book your party for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday there’ll be a ready-curated line-up of local DJs, selectors and live music. Are you dancing? What we eating? This year’s festive feast comes courtesy of Bristol favourites Pig’s Pizzas, from classic crowd-pleasers to inventive seasonal specials. Alongside the beautiful beer made on-site in the colossal state-of-the-art brewery there’ll be cocktails, wines, locally made spirits and ciders, premium soft drinks, and award-winning alcohol-free beers. www.wiperandtrue.com
TAPPS
High notes This stylish Whiteladies Road wine bar is doing Christmas in its trademark understated way, concentrating on serving a great selection of tap and bottled wines to accompany top-quality small plates. Music plays a big part, from relaxed background beats to something to get the party started, courtesy of the very best vinyl DJs. What we eating? Starters to share include cured trout with beetroot crisps, smoked haddock mousse, and celeriac, chestnut and cranberry fritters; move on to venison loin with roasted celeriac, baked cod with fennel and blood orange or a whole roasted squash crown, spiced chestnut, cranberry and sage farro stuffing. End on a high note with date and toffee loaf or a dark chocolate and clementine torte. www.tappswinebar.co.uk
26
WANGS
season. Expect waves of food portioned for a feast, between sips of signature cocktails. www.wangsnoods.com
WINDMILL HILL CITY FARM
Farm favourite The Bedminster farm café offers
29
ROOT BRISTOL
The understated one
Not into festive tat? At Cargo, the (mostly) plant-based restaurant will be keeping things understated and natural, taking wintry inspiration from all the seasonal produce, flowers and foliage. What we eating? Chef will be serving all the signature seasonal sharing plates with a nod to festive favourites. www.rootbristol.co.uk
30
THE SPOTTED COW Keeping it cosy
With a log-fired wood burner, plenty of candles and a welcoming atmosphere, the Cow is the perfect place to escape the winter chill. The highly regarded kitchen serves up imaginative menus which celebrate the season and keep guests coming back – not just the residents of Southville and Bedminster, but those from further afield. In winter they cover the large garden with a huge festival stretch tent and make it really cosy – perfect for a mulled wine or cider. What we eating? Maple-and-orange-glazed turkey with cranberry stuffing; Hereford beef fillet Wellington with madeira sauce; soft-shell crab, smoked chilli and citrus salad; Christmas mess with gingerbread and black forest trifle. www.thespottedcowbristol.com
XMAS PARTIES
STAYING OVER?
If you hold your party at a hotel then bed at the end of the night will be just a button-press of the lift away. Obviously you don’t have to stay over at the following, but why wouldn’t you?
BERWICK LODGE Escape the city
A secluded Victorian manor-house hotel surrounded by 18 acres of gardens and woodland, just minutes from the city. Think twinkling lights, crackling fires, festive glamour and a side-order of magic, with the feel of a Christmas house party: an enchanting setting for festive celebrations, with options including creative wreathmaking workshops and afternoon teas. What we eating? The 2-AA Rosette kitchen is laying on starters such as beetroot-cured salmon and wild mushroom tortellini with winter truffle, while festive mains include turkey in cider jus, sea bass and nut roast, with indulgent desserts, all with DJs and evening entertainment. www.berwicklodge.co.uk
BRISTOL HOTEL Harbour master
Situated right on the waterfront, The Bristol can handle everything from large parties to more intimate shindigs in the River Grille and glammy cocktail bar Rick’s. What we eating? Modern British produce-meets-French brasserie dishes, topped off with some of the city’s most creative cocktails. www.doylecollection.com
DOUBLE TREE BRISTOL CITY CENTRE
Get this party started Festive sparkle and a packed dancefloor, with party nights ranging from an ABBA tribute to live bands and a ’90s DJ and sax night. Private parties are available too, and if nobody fancies being the designated driver, there are discounted rooms. What we eating? A proper three-course Christmas feast. Think roasted parsnip and apple soup or chicken liver pâté to start, followed by turkey or slow-braised blade of beef, grilled cod or a vegan carrot Wellington. You can Spigeltent: party like it’s 1939
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
Berwick Lodge. If you don’t factor in an Agatha Christie-themed murdermystery game you’re missing a trick
absolutely have the almond and cherry Bakewell cheesecake, too, or the chocolate truffle brownie, or warm apple tarte tatin; simply dance off the calories later www.hilton.com
WAKE THE TIGER: DREAM FACTORY Maybe we’re amazed
At the Wake The Tiger: Dream Factory ‘amazement park’, the parties blend festive chaos with a 40-room immersive art experience, along with multiple menu choices and non-stop entertainment. The theme this year is puddings, and you’ll be dining at the Old Pud Inn, a traditional pub with quirks around every corner. What we eating? Creative takes on festive favourites, from hearty winter warmers to indulgent sharing feasts. www.wakethetiger.com
SPIEGELTENT
Come to the cabaret
Spiegeltent prides itself on being one of Bristol’s most returned-to Christmas party venues, and we can see why: uniquely atmospheric, these wooden tents with their intricately carved panels, stainedglass windows and bevelled mirrors have been used as travelling dance halls, bars and bohemian salons since the early 20th century. Dig out your boujiest outfits; you simply can’t be overdressed. After dinner there are always spectacular live performances, swinging music and a great atmosphere. What we eating? A three-course festive feast: pigs in blankets with red cabbage, roast chicken with salsa verde, or spiced butternut squash nut roast, and lemon upside-down cheesecake to finish. www.christmasspiegeltent.co.uk
THE MOUNT WITHOUT at ASHTON COURT
The parties at the Mount are already fully booked, but they’re also taking over Ashton Court Mansion for a series of Christmas shindigs. You really can’t go wrong with The Great Gatsby as a theme, so that’s exactly what they’re doing. What we eating? A top-quality buffet catered by The Pony. events@ashtoncourtmansion.org
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 73
WE ARE NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS
Bookings via www.thechristmassteps.com The Christmas Steps, 2 Christmas Steps, Bristol, BS1 5BS
New MoOn on The Quay
Now taking bookings online for Christmas 2 courses - £43 per person | 3 courses - £49 per person Available from 24 November to 23 December www.newmoontapas.co.uk
Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away
Bristol Life team 01225 475800
RED, RED WINE Deep burgundies and autumn go hand in hand, and this season we’re positively drinking it in. As a bonus, if you spill actual wine on your outfit, it won’t even show
MULBERRY SMALL DARLEY, £645 Mulberry by name, mulberry by hue From Harvey Nichols, 27 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com
MONCLER MAIRE JACKET, £1,400
We’re not sure what delights El Nino is going to blow our way this winter but this goose-down padded jacket should keep out the chills From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com
LEATHER BALLET FLATS, £99 With an almond toe for elegance and gold-tone detail for a bit of bling From Mint Velvet, 44 Regent Street www.mintvelvet.com
POUR MOI ‘SOFA LOVES LACE’ JERSEY CHEMISE, £35 Add a little glamour to bedtime with this pretty chemise; the hidden support makes it extra comfy Black version at M&S, this one at www.pourmoi.co.uk
SELF-PORTRAIT GUIPURE LACE DRESS, £215 (FROM £430) Always fancied a Self-Portrait frock but gulped at the price? Here’s your chance to bag a beauty in the Nicks sale From Harvey Nichols, 27 Philadelphia Street www.harveynichols.com
78 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
ESSENTIEL ANTWERP KELMUSE SWEATER, £150 Wool-blend knitted sweater with a fine ribbed texture, close-fitting silhouette and a classic turtleneck. We see you teaming this with serious black glasses at your book-signing in Berlin From Grace & Mabel, 32 The Mall www.graceandmabel.co.uk
LEATHER FUR-TRIM COAT, 1970s VINTAGE Our style maven Georgia Hendley loves Cordial Vintage, and we can see why. This magnificent coat is the perfect example of the gems that can be found in second-hand boutiques From Cordial Vintage, 1 St Andrews Road www.cordialvintage.com
ED’S CHOICE BELLEROSE KUB BAG, £275
Woven in 100% leather with a structured cube design. Even if you don’t need a new bag you’ll want it anyway From Maze Clothing 26-28 The Mall www.mazeclothing.co.uk
PALM PRINT MAXI SKIRT, £35 (FROM £99) If solid dark burgundy is a bit too darkacademia for you, how about a lighter, brighter variation on the theme? From Mint Velvet, 44 Regent Street www.mintvelvet.com
LEATHER BOMBER JACKET, £375 Oversized is still cool, and that funnel neck is very AW26 From Mint Velvet, 44 Regent Street www.mintvelvet.com
ESSENTIEL ANTWERP KARTOS POLO, £160 Hey, we didn’t say you couldn’t have pattern. We love how the classic sporty shape combines with the pretty all-over floral print and cute bow buttons. From Grace & Mabel, 32 The Mall www.graceandmabel.co.uk
ANKE MINI DRESS, £85 Sweet little dress in 100% organic cotton that can easily cope with all four seasons; when it’s chilly just add a long T and/or cardi, tights and boots From Fox + Feather, 41 Gloucester Road www.foxandfeather.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 79
GEORGIA FENDLEY UPPER CASE
clockwise: Serious about style: Diana Vreeland, Peggy Guggenheim, Lauren Hutton and Talitha Getty
Georgia is prone to to anemoia – and no, that’s not an iron deficiency
A
s party season approaches, I admit I’m feeling nostalgic for the dressing-up style of previous generations. I’m not sure that’s even a thing; can you be nostalgic for something you didn’t actually experience? Yes, apparently you can; there’s even a word for it: anemoia, described as a wistful yearning for a past era you didn’t personally live through. It’s written embarrassingly large in my Pinterest feed: Diana Vreeland, Peggy Guggenheim, Angelica Huston and Talitha Getty are my sartorial heroes. These are people who were serious about style and never passed up an opportunity to dress for an occasion. Schiaparelli capes, costume jewellery, hairstyles, and attitudes to match. These baddies were dressing for cocktails, masked balls and
galas, or for summers spent on yachts or on the run with illicit love interests. And at a time before social media, or any media to speak of, they were doing this for themselves and each other. Genuinely living the dream and dressing for it! Today we have embraced dressing down to the extreme, working from home in comfortable clothes and adopting quiet status, countersignalling with our selection of high-craft, low-brand-visibility wardrobes. This is a much more relaxing existence most of the time, and I’m all for it. A life well-lived, however, is all about contrasts, so if we are dressing down for most of the year I think we should put a special effort in during the party season. Women don’t hold a monopoly when it comes to dressing up; noone comes close to Henry Cyril
“A life well-lived is all about contrasts” 80 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey – Bristol Old Vic regulars may remember the highly entertaining How to Win Against History, the “tragi-gorgeous comedy-musical” based on the marquess’s life Henry’s style was extravagant beyond – flamboyant, genderfluid and jewel-encrusted. He scandalised Edwardian society. As if the clothes weren’t enough, he modified his five luxury cars to omit fine fragrance from their exhausts and had a pack of pale lilac-dyed poodles to accompany him. Now that’s how to make an entrance! Perhaps he’s not the best role model, though; his extravagant style bankrupted him by the age of 28, and he died a year later in Monte Carlo. True style icons don’t need to spend a fortune to look fabulous: designer Iris Apfel hit the nail on the head when she said “To have style, you have to know who you are”. It can’t be bought in a shop, or followed like the latest fashion. The stylish people I admire are most often dressed from thrift and vintage stores, or, most impressively, they express their unique perspective through the way they combine the things they
already own through their own fresh lens. In Bristol we have amazing second-hand shops, such as Sparks Bristol, a department store of vintage and reimagined sustainability, and Cow on Park Street. My favourite is Cordial Vintage – check out the stock on their website and book an appointment to visit their beautiful studio. Founder Katie describes herself as a magpie at heart, and the incredible collection contains such gems as Edwardian nightdresses,1930s slips and fabulous 1970s and ’80s dresses. This winter I have my eye on a pair of early 1970s Hardy Amies emerald high-waisted palazzo pants, so if you spot a middleaged woman in dark green velvet trousers this Christmas, that will be me, living out my Lauren Hutton style fantasy. I can’t wait to see what you’ll be wearing... 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
BUILD A POP OUT SCENE
ADVENT
calendars IN STORE AT POD MUCH MORE IN-STORE
ANNE-MARIE JAMES LIVING & LOVING BRISTOL “Bristolians consistently vote with their feet to support the unique, the quirky and the homegrown”
Our new columnist introduces her bi-monthly love letter to Bristol
I
wasn’t born in Bristol, but the magnetic pull was always there. Before it was my home, it was a regular destination, my playground for many years. As a young teenager from South Wales it was the city I would visit with my mum to be inspired by its vibrant independent style, navigating the labyrinths of Bristol Guild on Park Street in search of beautiful pottery and arty greetings cards, wandering the stalls at Clifton Antiques Market, and best of all, hitting Broadmead to pick up cool clothes from one of the many amazing shops like Bus Stop and Snob! And of course there were the school trips, to the Zoo and the ice rink. RIP both. Due to my sister studying here a few years later, those day trips morphed into weekends gatecrashing Bristol student nightlife and going to the occasional concert at the then-named Colston Hall, to see bands like The Cure and The Undertones. I left the Principality to go to university in London, where I forged a fun-filled career in
the fashion industry, but when the chance came to move back West there was no hesitation. I was coming home to the city that had influenced my career path and personal style in the first place. A decade and a half after those teenage shopping trips I moved to Bristol with my husband and we raised a family here. We’ve lived in the same house for 30 years, and my retail journey came full circle when the opportunity came to take over Rossiters of Bath, a design-led store from the same spirit and era as the Bristol Guild of my youth. It was a dream come true, allowing us to escape the rat race and plough all our experience and creativity into a new and independent venture while at the same time immersing ourselves in day-to-day life as business owners of another West Country jewel. Working in Bath and living in Bristol gives me the best of both worlds. I’ve realised that Bristol’s true magic doesn’t lie in its postcard landmarks but in the independent heartbeat of the people who trade, invent, create and
live here, the amazing events, music, art, food, fashion and the incredible sense of community. Bristolians consistently vote with their feet to support the unique, the quirky and the homegrown. And so welcome to my bi-monthly love letter to Bristol. My brief was broad, which is great as there’s so much to write about, so I’ll be giving you my take on life in Bristol, the places I like to go to, the things that catch my eye, and the interesting people I come across. As well as sharing discoveries and things to see and do I’ll be sharing snippets from my day job and the world of interiors, and talking to other Bristoldwellers about their lives and experiences of the city, and sharing stories of those who deserve a spotlight. I’ll give you my version of life in Bristol, and sometimes just my version of life. Whether you’re a born-and-bred local or someone who, like me, was simply powerless against the city’s irresistible pull, I can’t wait to share it with you. Meanwhile, I’m just off to see China Crisis at St George’s. I wasn’t that huge a fan back in the ’80s, but I’ve had a look back at some YouTube clips and it does bring back a few nostalgic memories – notably the mullet haircuts. I know they’re back; let’s hope the band haven’t been tempted to hang on to their originals, impressive though that would be, and the rolled-up jacket sleeves (I could live with that; maybe). I love that so many bands and artists from that era are still out there performing. I’ll let you know how it goes and whether or not they’ve changed! Until next month, get out there, shop indie and keep loving Bristol. Ann-Marie James is buying director at Rossiters of Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com @rossitersofbath www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 85
MINT CONDITION Meet Hayley Stephens – rescuer and restorer of ‘cacti, succulents and epic plants’ Words by John Law and Nick Woodhouse
S
omewhere in a back garden right now there is a greenhouse full of cacti that nobody wants. The person who has so lovingly tended to them over the decades is unable to keep on top of their maintenance, and the family has no idea what to do with the dauntingly tall columns of needles. Until recently, the answer has often been the skip. For Hayley Stephens, the founder of Bristol’s Mint Plants, there is another option; one that will give those very plants a new home, a new lease of life. While Mint Plants describes itself as an adoption centre for plants, it didn’t start life that way. Hayley launched the business in 2018, frustrated by how little variety of greenery was available for the home. Her first shop was a family affair in a former tobacconist in Wottonunder-Edge, sharing space with LoobyLou Yarns, a luxury wool shop run by her mother, Tina. On opening day, Hayley wore a shirt reading ‘Planter’, her mum’s top reading ‘Knitter’, so customers knew who to ask. The business soon needed more space, and in February 2022 it moved to Stapleton Road in Easton. It was, says Hayley, her dream shop – bright orange floors, neon signage, local artwork and midcentury furniture. But it was difficult to sustain; the premises were huge, rent and wages were already high, and the cost-of-living crisis was beginning to bite. In summer 2023, she made the difficult decision to close the retail shop and carry on online and through events around the country. Hayley credits meeting a local grower for the business’s ultimate pivot: one that now sees Mint specialising in cacti and succulents. Tony Irons was the first local supplier she’d visited, and she was instantly hooked, fascinated by the sheer variety of those species – the weirder and more unusual, the better. This has never faded. Hayley now runs everything from a large greenhouse in her back garden, with all packaging and postage handled in the shed next to it. The idea may be simple, but it doesn’t come without its logistical headaches. Rather than ordering trays of identical plants from Dutch wholesale nurseries, she buys collections from private UK growers, often older enthusiasts who can no longer care for them. The work is hands-on. Every plant that comes back needs individual attention: each will get checked for pests, repotted, cut back where needed, and tidied up. Not everything survives, and mealybugs are a regular foe, but the success stories are remarkable. What makes Mint stand out is provenance. Each rescued plant is shipped with a label recording its journey so far. Larger specimens
HOUSE & GARDENS
carry a plaque noting where and when they were rescued, and Hayley has found that the rescue plants sell especially well because buyers know they’re getting a genuine one-of-a-kind. Success has brought its own pressures, however. An appearance on BBC’s Gardeners’ World in June 2023 brought a new wave of people offering their collections, and by 2024 the team had to become more selective about what they could take on, for lack of space. While Hayley is currently on a break, having just had her second child, she still has a full greenhouse full of the latest stock. This had come from Diane, whose 50-year-old collection, across two enormous greenhouses in her Sussex garden, had been given an aggressive diagnosis and needed immediate attention if the plants were not to be lost. The Mint team drove across the country in two vans and cleared the lot in a single day. The collection was full of unusual, rare specimens, with one plant recently selling for over £1,000. “We have formed an amazing relationship with Diane and her daughter Georgina”, says Hayley, “and we have been able to send them a sizeable amount of money for the collection. It’s an honour to help people to not only sell their beloved plants, but ensure that the history and love behind them is carried on to their new owner.” Behind all this sits a genuine concern. Hayley, an active member of the British Cactus and Succulent Society, worries about the gap between the older generation and younger growers, both culturally and technologically, and that decades of hard-won growing knowledge could one day be lost. For anyone tempted to start their own collection, her advice is refreshing. She recommends Crassula as the ideal starting point: beautiful, varied, forgiving about soil, happy in the same pot for years, and without the need for full sun. It is a fitting suggestion from someone whose whole business rests on patience. The plants Mint rescues took decades to grow; their gift is making sure they get a few decades more.
For more: www.mintplants.co.uk 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 87
NETWORK
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 2026
THE PROFESSIONALS 14 BRISTOL BUSINESSES TO HAVE IN YOUR CONTACTS BOOK
FEATURING BUSINESS & FINANCE
• Albert Goodman • South West Business Finance
WORKSPACES • MAP Space Ltd • Origin Workspace • Square Works
PROPERTY
• Box Property Management • Burston Cook • Fine & Country • Strang & Co.
LEGAL
• AMD Solicitors • Buckles Solicitors LLP • K J Smith Solicitors • Rayden Solicitors • Wards Solicitors LLP
SPONSORED CONTENT
BUSINESS & FINANCE 0330 333 5039; www.albertgoodman.co.uk ALBERT GOODMAN is one of the largest Chartered Accountancy and Chartered Financial Planning firms operating in the South West of England. Providing a range of services including audit and accounts, tax compliance and consultancy, corporate and personal financial planning, corporate finance, payroll, VAT, insolvency and financial modelling. Albert Goodman works with a diverse client base, including family-owned businesses and private individuals seeking expert financial and tax advice. The firm also has extensive experience supporting foreign owned UK companies with their audit and tax compliance requirements. Building strong, long-term relationships is central to its approach, with regular feedback gathered through its Net Promoter Score (NPS) programme. This helps measure client satisfaction and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Reflecting its commitment to exceptional client
service, Albert Goodman recently achieved its highest ever NPS score of 80. Albert Goodman has over 350 members of staff and five offices. The workforce is diverse and includes people from the local community, as well as those who have relocated to the South West of England from national firms. In 2023, the firm achieved B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental standards. Albert Goodman has also been recognised by Best Companies as the UK’s No. 1 accountancy firm to work for and has been recognised as a Great Place to Work® in 2025 and a Great Place to Work® for Women in 2026. The firm has also received recognition through other workplace and industry awards. The firm also hosts Albert Goodman Business Club events in Bristol, bringing together local business leaders and professionals to share knowledge, discuss current business topics and build connections. Just as the business world is always moving forward, the Albert Goodman team are constantly developing their expertise so that they can advise clients on new opportunities and changing business needs.
01225 800849; www.swbf.co.uk SWBF: A FRESH BRAND FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF GROWTH After more than 10 years helping businesses, property investors and developers access specialist funding solutions, SWBF has unveiled a refreshed brand identity and a completely redesigned website, marking an exciting new chapter for the business. The rebrand reflects the evolution of SWBF and its ambition for continued growth. While the company’s values remain unchanged, trusted relationships, expert guidance and a highly personal approach, the new identity better represents the modern, dynamic business SWBF has become. The refreshed branding introduces a more confident and contemporary look, designed to clearly communicate SWBF’s expertise across commercial
finance, property finance and specialist lending. Alongside the visual refresh, the business has taken the opportunity to refine its messaging, ensuring clients can quickly understand the breadth of services available and how SWBF supports businesses at every stage of their growth journey. At the heart of the transformation is a new website that has been designed around the needs of customers. With a cleaner structure and clearly defined customer journeys, visitors can now access information more easily, understand funding options more quickly and connect with the SWBF team with greater confidence. The website also places a stronger emphasis on the people behind the business, reflecting the personalised service and long-term relationships that have been central to SWBF’s success over the years. As the commercial finance market continues to evolve, SWBF’s investment in its brand and digital presence ensures it is well positioned to support ambitious businesses, developers and investors across the UK. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 91
FRESH THINKING OVER A FINE LUNCH Unique social business occasion + live interview with MARK CLAYTON of Triodos Bank
07816 891 660
hello@strangandco.com
Strang & Co – Bristol Buying Agent covering Bristol, Bath, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire
Wednesday 11 November, 12pm at The Granary
Bespoke, Independent Property Search. Acting Exclusively for The Purchaser
Finding, negotiating and acquiring the right property – entirely on your behalf RICS Qualified Surveyor
www.strangandco.com
Full details here:
If you would like to get involved, email events@mediaclash.co.uk
BE PA RT O F T HE C ONVE R SATI ON
SPONSORED CONTENT
WORKSPACES
07790226069; www.mapspace.uk MAP SPACE: ONE YEAR IN. A year ago, MAP Space opened its doors at Eagle House with a simple ambition: to create a workspace that people genuinely wanted to come to work. We wanted it to feel different, beautifully designed, professional and flexible, of course, but also welcoming, personal and full of life. A place where businesses could grow, people could connect and where great service was at the heart of everything we did. Being owner-operated has been a huge part of that. We’re here every day, getting to know the people and businesses who use the space, listening to what they need and shaping MAP Space around them. The year started with our first co-workers coming through the doors, people booking meeting rooms and those early clients who took a chance on something
new and believed in what we were creating. From there, the community has grown and grown. Today, MAP Space is home to an incredible mix of Bristol businesses and the many people who come through our doors each week. We’ve welcomed teams of all sizes, spanning a range of industries, into our private offices, hosted meetings, celebrations and events, and we have watched new connections and relationships form simply because people are working under the same roof. That sense of community is exactly what we hoped MAP Space would become. Bristol has welcomed us with open arms. The support from our clients, agents, brokers, partners, suppliers, friends and the wider business community has been extraordinary. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built, but even more grateful to everyone who believed in us, supported us and has been part of our first year. While we can’t share everything about what comes next just yet, it feels like MAP Space is only getting started. Thank you, Bristol. Here’s to year two.
0117 440 0400; www.originworkspace.co.uk A WORKSPACE THAT GROWS WITH YOU. Finding the right workspace isn’t just about having a desk. It’s about finding somewhere that works for the stage you are in now and gives you the flexibility to change as your business does. At Origin Workspace, we’ve created a space that lets you work, flex and grow under one roof. We have a range of memberships to suit all work styles, our Lounge gives you a relaxed place to drop in, grab a coffee and get on with the to-do list. Need a more regular base? Hot Desking gives you a productive workspace with plug-in monitors at every desk, while a Dedicated Desk gives you your own space to settle in, with secure storage and 7-days a week access. Growing your team? Our private offices provide an allinclusive workspace, with no business rates and unlimited access to our onsite gym and wellness facilities, available 7 days a week. And when your business changes, there’s the flexibility to
change your space with it. We are more than just a desk. Alongside your workspace, you’ll find meeting and event spaces, community events and networking opportunities, an onsite gym and wellness classes. There are also showers, a dry room and secure bike storage, making it easier to build work around the rest of your day. And then there’s the location. Set on Berkeley Square, just off Park Street and between Clifton and the city centre, Origin Workspace gives you a central Bristol address with a touch of green – all thanks to Brandon Hill. Whether you’re starting out, settling in or scaling up, there’s a way to work at Origin Workspace as we are designed to work around you. Find your fit at Origin Workspace. Book a tour or claim your free Taster Day at originworkspace. co.uk or call 0117 440 0400.
“WE HAVE A RANGE OF MEMBERSHIPS TO SUIT ALL WORK STYLES”
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 93
SPONSORED CONTENT
0117 322 6635; squareworksbristol.com A WORKSPACE DESIGNED AROUND THE WAY YOU WORK. The way businesses work has changed. Hybrid teams, flexible schedules and growing businesses have created a need for workspace that can adapt without compromise. Square Works is a high-end flexible workspace in the heart of Clifton, designed to give businesses and individuals the space they need, when they need it. Set across three elegant Georgian buildings on Berkeley Square, our workspace includes private serviced offices, dedicated desks, hot desking, meeting rooms and presentation suites. Whether you need a permanent base for your team, a professional environment for a few days a week or somewhere to meet clients, we offer a range of options to suit different ways of working. Our spaces are designed to be practical, as well as considered,
with excellent technology, highspeed Wi-Fi, video conferencing and everything you need to work comfortably and productively. Today, Square Works offers even more, with additional highend offices, meeting and event spaces, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness suite. Members also benefit from discounts at our partner hotels, restaurants and a range of other local businesses. Members also have unlimited access to The Square Club, Bristol’s established private members’ club for creatives. As part of the Sonato Alliance, The Square also provides access to a network of private clubs around the globe at no extra cost. Whether you’re a growing business looking for your first dedicated office, an established team seeking a more flexible setup, or an independent professional who wants somewhere more than a traditional co-working space, Square Works offers a different approach to flexible workspace. Professional, flexible and distinctly Bristol, it’s a workspace designed to work around your business. Ready to find your space? Get in touch with the Square Works team to discuss your requirements today.
PROPERTY
0117 450 5286; www.boxproperty management.co.uk/ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, DONE PROPERLY. Property management should be about more than collecting rent, arranging repairs and ticking compliance boxes. At Box Property Management, it is about building genuine, long-term relationships, taking responsibility and giving landlords confidence that their properties are being properly looked after. Established in 2022, Box is an independent Bristol property management company specialising in HMO, buy to let and block management. Our approach is simple: provide a professional, responsive and genuinely personal service. We take the time to understand each client, their property and their priorities, rather than treating properties as numbers on a portfolio. This approach has helped Box build a strong reputation across Bristol; with the positive feedback we receive from
94 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
our clients reflected in our Google reviews. From tenant management, rent collection and inspections to maintenance, compliance and building administration, we take care of the detail and deal with issues proactively. For HMO landlords, we also provide specialist support with licensing, fire safety and regulatory requirements. For portfolio landlords looking to escape being just another number with a high street agent, or flat owners looking to move away from the inefficiency of a corporate block management company, Box offers a more personal and responsive alternative. We believe communication is at the heart of good property management. Our clients have a dedicated point of contact who knows their property, while tenants have an approachable management team, they can rely on. Whether managing an individual investment, a portfolio or a residential block, our aim is to make property ownership simpler, more efficient and less stressful. Box Property Management. Professional property management, with a more personal approach.
SPONSORED CONTENT
0117 934 9977; www.burstoncook.co.uk TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS Commercial Property Advisors- simply if you own or occupy a commercial property of any type, we can help you. From small local businesses across all sectors, to major banks, charities and institutions, Burston Cook can help and guide you to reach the best solution. DID YOU KNOW? Burston Cook are the most active office and retail agents in Bristolsimply we transact more deals in these sectors than any of our competitors. TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY/CHARITY INVOLVEMENT… We advise many local charities on property matters, more recently The Muller Trust, Gympanzee, Christ Church Lands Charity, We The Curious to name a few. We actively support many Charities and this year we were the headline sponsor of both the
Lord Mayor’s Charity for Bristol’s most needy children and a sponsor at the forthcoming Bristol Business Beats Cancer Gala dinner. Julian sits on the board of BBCB, part of Cancer Research UK. Julian has also been made a honorary Normandy Veteran for his funding support over many years and has been instrumental in helping set up a foundation to honour the Polish – British alliance. Julian’s colleague Hayley Moon also sits on the board of the Lords Mayor’s Children Charity to help raise much needed funds for this incredible local Charity. WHAT MAKES WORKING IN BRISTOL SPECIAL? Bristol is a city of opportunity and has been kind to Burston Cook in our growth since we started over 30 years ago. It benefits from a wonderful variety of people and businesses from small artisan shops, restaurants, film production houses and creative businesses, to major legal / accounting companies, banks and institutions, all of whom sit alongside one another and add to the vibrancy and cultural variety of the City. We are honoured to help all of these people and businesses to help shape the city both now and in the future.
01179 924134; www.fineandcountry.com WHAT IS YOUR HOME REALLY WORTH? It’s a deceptively difficult question. An algorithm can give you a number. Comparable sales can give you evidence. But neither has walked through your front door. They haven’t experienced the view from your kitchen, understood the quality of your renovation, appreciated the architecture or considered the buyer who might have been waiting years for a home exactly like yours.
96 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Valuing distinctive property requires more than data. It requires judgement. At Fine & Country Bristol, my team and I combine detailed market knowledge with years of experience selling distinctive homes. Sometimes our advice is that the value is higher than an owner expected. Sometimes it isn’t. Either way, our job is to give you an informed and considered opinion, not simply the figure we think you want to hear. So, whether you’re planning a move or are simply curious about where your property sits in today’s market, we’d be delighted to visit. No obligation. No algorithms. Just a conversation about your home.
SPONSORED CONTENT
07816 891 660; www.strangandco.com TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS We represent and advise purchasers looking to buy or rent in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. We search the market in its entirety, with a particular focus on finding ‘off market’ opportunities. We then advise with regards to offer levels, negotiate on a client’s behalf and oversee the transaction through to completion, thus saving our buyers’ time, money, costly mistakes and stress, in what is often a complex and lengthy process. Strang & Co was founded on a simple premise: if vendors have professional representation when selling, buyers should have it too particularly when making one of the largest financial commitments of their lives. HOW IS THE MARKET IN BRISTOL RIGHT NOW? The Bristol residential market is undoubtedly quieter than in a typical year as we head into autumn, with wider geopolitical and economic uncertainty continuing to influence interest rates, the cost of living and consumer confidence. Buyers are therefore understandably
taking a more considered approach. However, Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas continue to benefit from strong underlying fundamentals, offering resilience against the wider economic picture. For motivated, proceedable buyers, there are some genuinely interesting opportunities to be found particularly through strong local relationships and wider networks, which can provide access to properties that never reach the portals. WHAT TYPE OF CLIENTS DO YOU WORK WITH? I am fortunate to work with a broad range of clients, from those relocating from elsewhere in the UK or overseas, to local buyers who know the area well but are finding it challenging to find and acquire the right property. This was the situation for a recent client, who has kindly shared the testimonial below. “Charlotte could not have been more professional, knowledgeable and proactive, when finding us a house to purchase. She is extremely diligent and reliable, whilst at the same time personable and caring. She had already helped us find an incredible rental property which she found off market. We then instructed her to helped us to buy our dream home -again, found completely off market. Charlotte always goes the extra mile, nothing is too much trouble and she is a lovely friendly, genuine person on top of all of that. I would recommend Charlotte in a heart beat to anyone who is searching for a new home”.
LEGAL
0117 962 1205; www.amdsolicitors.com TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AMD solicitors is a leading fullservice, independent law firm, offering specialist legal advice to businesses and individuals in Bristol and nationally. Our core service areas are Private Client, Commercial and Residential Property, Corporate and Commercial, Family Law and Litigation. We have four offices, in Henleaze, Clifton Village, Whiteladies Road and Shirehampton Road and all of our services can be accessed at each office. DID YOU KNOW? Our office at 100 Henleaze Road has been our home since 1953 making us the longest standing independent firm of solicitors in Henleaze and one of the first firms operating out of the city centre. What achievement as a firm are you most proud of?
It has to be our Bristol Life Award win! Not only was it such an incredible honour to win an award but to win in the Employer category was particularly special. We are tremendously proud of the amazing people that work so hard for our clients. We continue to build on our engagement with all of our teams, with the ultimate objective of refining and enhancing our services to clients. DESCRIBE YOUR OFFICES? We have four offices in Bristol, all different in size and location but sharing AMD core values throughout. Our culture really thrives on people enjoying being in the office and being part of a team. All of our directors and senior solicitors are in office and they all value training and supervising junior lawyers in person. AMD clients can access our offices with relative ease in terms of parking and ground floor meeting rooms and although we utilise video conferencing and digital communications where helpful to do so, we still find that our clients do value our office presence and coming in for a coffee to run through key documents in person. We also have an office dog in one of our offices, a discerning toy poodle but he barely makes it out of his office to meet and greet! www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 99
For all Your Zero Emission Deliveries in Bristol
10% off
For Bristol Life readers
quote BL10
Call 0117 916 5090 | email sales@priorityexpress.co.uk | www.priorityexpress.co.uk/zero
SPONSORED CONTENT
0117 3329540; www.buckles-law.co.uk BUCKLES LAW IS AN AWARD-WINNING, FULL-SERVICE LAW FIRM committed to delivering high-quality legal advice and exceptional client care. With a strong regional presence and international capability, we support a diverse client base ranging from private individuals and families to entrepreneurs, SMEs, large organisations and multinational corporations. Combining legal expertise with a practical, commercial approach, we help clients navigate opportunities, challenges and change with confidence. Our specialist teams provide expert legal guidance across a wide range of practice areas, including corporate and commercial law, commercial property, employment, dispute resolution, family law, private wealth, international and more. We are proactive, diligent and pragmatic in our approach, taking the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances and objectives. By placing our clients
at the centre of every decision, we focus on delivering tailored solutions and achieving the best possible outcomes. At Buckles, we believe that successful legal advice is built on strong relationships. We take a collaborative, client-first approach, working closely with our clients to solve complex problems, manage risk and identify opportunities for growth and success. Whether supporting a major business transaction, resolving a dispute, protecting personal wealth or helping individuals through important life events, our people are dedicated to providing clear, responsive and trusted advice every step of the way. As a nationally recognised business, we understand the important role we play within the communities we serve and the communities in which our people live and work. For us, it has never been just about the law; it is about making a positive and lasting difference. Our commitment to responsible business is reflected in our environmental, social and governance initiatives, charitable partnerships and community engagement programmes. In recognition of this commitment, Buckles recently became one of a select number of law firms to achieve Certified B Corporation status, having met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
01344 513000; www.kjsmith.co.uk KJ SMITH SOLICITORS EXPANDS INTO BRISTOL WITH NEW FAMILY LAW OFFICE KJ Smith Solicitors, one of the UK’s leading specialist family law firms, is delighted to announce the opening of its new Bristol office, further strengthening the firm’s presence across England and expanding access to its highly regarded family law services throughout the South West. Dedicated exclusively to family law, KJ Smith Solicitors advises clients on all aspects of relationship breakdown, including divorce and separation, financial remedies, children matters, cohabitation disputes and nuptial agreements. The firm is recognised for combining exceptional legal expertise with a practical, client-centred approach, helping individuals
navigate complex personal and financial issues with confidence. The Bristol office is led by Jennifer White, an international family lawyer and barrister recognised for her expertise in handling complex family law matters. A particular area of strength for the Bristol team is advising high-net-worth individuals who are navigating the financial consequences of divorce and Jennifer brings significant experience advising business owners, senior executives, public figures and other professionals in cases involving significant wealth, corporate structures, business interests, overseas assets, trusts, pension arrangements and intricate valuation issues. The launch of the Bristol office reflects KJ Smith Solicitors’ continued commitment to meeting growing demand for specialist family law services in key regions. Clients in Bristol and the surrounding areas will benefit from access to a team dedicated to delivering outstanding family law expertise and focused on achieving constructive, effective outcomes. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 101
SPONSORED CONTENT
0117 4054004; www.raydensolicitors.co.uk RAYDEN SOLICITORS WAS FOUNDED IN 2005 by Katherine Rayden in St Albans in Hertfordshire. Since 2005 Rayden Solicitors has grown in size with 11 offices across Hertfordshire, London, the South West, the Midlands and Kent and is now one of the largest specialist family law teams in England & Wales, practicing family law exclusively. The firm and our solicitors are top tier ranked in the most influential legal guides, The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, and also listed every year in The Times Top 250 Law Firms in England
“OPENING OUR OFFICE IN BRISTOL HAS BEEN A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE BUSINESS TO BROADEN ITS REACH INTO THE SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND”
& Wales. We were delighted to open Rayden Solicitors Bristol office in early 2026, which is headed by Executive Partner Paula Butterworth and Partner Peter Dodd. The team in Bristol is already growing with four recent recruits, Alfie McIntosh, an Associate Solicitor, Solicitors Jenny Watson and Jessica Bradley, and trainee solicitor Alex Thompson. The team is supported by solicitors across the firm with clients having access to the combined expertise of over 60 other lawyers. Our clients value our experience and ability to help them navigate even the most complex of family law issues, from divorce and separation, helping parents reach the best results for children impacted by family divorce, to managing division of financial assets, cross border and international family law matters, and also supporting the wider family through these often very emotional and difficult times. Opening our office in Bristol has been a great opportunity for the business to broaden its reach into the South West of England. We are looking forward to working with and supporting our clients in the region, and also to becoming a well known and integral member of the local business community.
0117 929 2811; wards.uk.com WHO ARE WE? Wards is a friendly, forwardthinking law firm, with 13 offices in Bristol and the South West. We’re known for our professional, down-to-earth approach, and also for our excellent client care - all our lawyers take pride in bringing the highest standards of expertise and commitment to their work. We’re proud of our strong ties with the communities we work in - we have previously won the Bristol Law Society’s award for Best Community Firm for all our fundraising and CSR work.
“WE’RE KNOWN FOR OUR PROFESSIONAL, DOWN-TO-EARTH APPROACH, AND ALSO FOR OUR EXCELLENT CLIENT CARE”
102 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
WHAT’S NEW WITH WARDS? We’re now happily settled into our brand-new Bristol HQ on Wine Street, following our 120th anniversary celebrations last year. This autumn, we’ve also given our Yate office a fresh new home, moving into a fully renovated ground-floor space in Yate Shopping Centre, making it easier for clients to access us. Alongside new surroundings, we’ve launched our Client Charter – setting out the service commitments clients can expect from us, from response times to dedicated lawyers handling their matters. CLIENT CHARTER Following our two-year client listening programme, to understand what matters most to our clients, we’ve introduced the Wards Charter – a clear, practical promise about the service clients can expect from us. From jargon-free advice and transparency to being responsive and understanding individual needs, it sets out the standards we hold ourselves to. It’s a living, evolving commitment, shared by everyone at Wards.
TICKETS AND TABLES AVAILABLE NOW
TALK WITH US ABOUT SPONSORSHIP
• Connect with leading Bristol property businesses, across all sectors • Benefit from a multiple channel, highly targeted marketing campaign • Stand out amongst your peers at this prestigious, unique event
WINNER OF WINNERS SPONSOR
CATEGORY SPONSORS
TICKETS AND TABLES AVAILABLE HERE
ASHTON GATE STADIUM, 27 NOVEMBER 2026 BRISTOLPROPERTYAWARDS.CO.UK | BRISTOLLIFECOMMERCIAL@MEDIACLASH.CO.UK
THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN
June 16-17 2027
HEADLINE PARTNER
entreconf.com
NETWORK
a strong lead with a soft heart to offer expert guidance on a human level. Yes, lawyers can have soft hearts! The firm has made specialist family law its focus. Do you think that this gives KJ Smith an advantage over a more traditional full-service law firm? Yes. While our specialist lawyers have deep expertise across all aspects of family law, we see our roles as part of a wider ecosystem of care. It is not just about the law; we have a true understanding of the emotional and practical realities our clients face. We combine our skill and proficiency with actual support to the individual behind the legal problem, and that is what makes our approach distinctive.
JENNIFER WHITE
The barrister and branch manager of KJ Smith’s new Bristol office tells us what it takes to be a great family lawyer, and what attracted her to her current role
D
riven by a lifelong fascination with the power of words, my path was always going to lead to law or journalism”, says Jennifer. “My first ‘real’ job in my early twenties was at a community law centre in Dublin, and that is where my love of family law began.” How did your career path equip you for your new role? With a career evenly split between the Bar and private practice, alongside living and working all over the world, I now bring a unique hybrid legal skillset, and a deeply diverse and sophisticated approach to family law.
What was it about KJ Smith that made you want to join the firm? KJS earned its Platinum Investors in People status for a reason, and I have experienced this firsthand since joining the firm. Their ‘ecosystem of care’ is not just for clients; it extends to all employees, too, which can be a rare find within law firm culture. I feel supported, encouraged, and respected, which ultimately makes me a better lawyer. What do you think makes a really good family lawyer? You need more than expert knowledge and skill; you need empathy and emotional intelligence, and the ability to bring calm to chaos. You know when to fight and when to fold, and you must combine
What convinced KJ Smith that Bristol was the right place for its latest office? Bristol is a thriving city with a strong professional community, a growing population, and a clear demand for high-quality family law advice. It was the natural next step for the firm; we wanted to invest in a place where our specialist family law service can make a genuine difference for clients. You’re effectively starting a new business within an established firm. What are the biggest challenges, and the most exciting opportunities? The (exciting) challenges will lie in building new relationships, gaining industry trust, and developing a solid reputation for the firm. I could not have asked for a warmer welcome from the Bristol legal community, and I am truly struck by how collegiate and supportive everyone is. My social calendar is fully booked through to Christmas, and I am genuinely looking forward to connecting, collaborating and networking with my new peers.
“WE WANTED TO INVEST IN A CITY WHERE OUR SPECIALIST FAMILY LAW SERVICE CAN MAKE A GENUINE DIFFERENCE”
How do you balance the demands of running a serious legal practice with making clients feel they’re dealing with real people rather than a rather intimidating legal machine? Being a compassionate lawyer doesn’t mean compromising on strength and commercial rigour. We know our clients are often nervous, anxious and overwhelmed when they walk through our doors, so seeing them leave feeling calm, confident and empowered is a measure of success in itself. Looking ahead, what would success look like for the Bristol office in three or five years’ time? Are you aiming to grow the team, expand the services, establish a strong local reputation – or all three? Success is about all three, but reputation comes first. If, in three or five years, KJS is recognised as a trusted family law firm here, then the rest will follow and growth then becomes a natural consequence rather than a target. I will be very proud if I can build a team that is genuinely inspired by the work we do, allowing us to deliver an outstanding and compassionate legal service to the people of Bristol. For more www.kjsmith.co.uk
Offices in: Henleaze, Whiteladies Road Clifton Village, Shirehampton 0117 962 1205 www.amdsolicitors.com
PRIVATE CLIENT - FAMILY - PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL
PROPERTY
STOULGROVE HOUSE Bristolians are increasingly crossing the Severn to find their dream home. This one may well persuade you to join them . . . Words by Ursula Cole
Y
ou’ll find the Georgian beauty known as Stoulgrove House in the village of Woodcroft, just two miles from Chepstow. The rural location is a big part of the appeal: Woodcroft lies between the Wye Valley and the Royal Forest of Dean, while the Offa’s Dyke Path actually runs through the village. And while it feels properly bucolic, Chepstow is only two miles away, with all its independent shops, schools and restaurants; importantly, there are easy road and rail links to Bristol. It’s a grand, sprawling affair of a house. The reception hall makes quite the first impression, with its show-stopping staircase rising to a statement chandelier; exploring further you’ll find that all the main spaces have tall windows which look out across the gardens and bring in natural light. None of the main reception rooms are smaller than 21ft. A dining room with oak parquet flooring and an orangery-style glass roof opens to a kitchen which combines its Aga with bespoke appliances, while in classic country-house style, the drawing room leads straight onto the gardens through French windows. There’s plenty to appreciate beyond the grander entertaining spaces, too, from the generous utility room to the light-filled games room, the cloakroom with its artisan finishes and a study with a period fireplace. Oh, and here’s a deal-clincher for all you film buffs: below stairs you’ll find a cinema room, purpose-built with Bang & Olufsen surround sound and a Sim 2 Grand Cinema projector. The master bedroom suite is beyond luxurious, with its period Chesney fireplace, Neville Johnson fitted dressing room and an en-suite featuring a walk-in wet room and freestanding claw-foot bath; a wraparound private balcony gazes out across the rural landscape. Two further bedrooms and a family bathroom occupy this floor, while the top floor makes a self-contained suite with two bedrooms and an en-suite. Stoulgrove House is surrounded by its own six acres of gardens, paddocks and woodland, divided
www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 107
PROPERTY
into a succession of different ‘rooms’: a formal parterre, secluded courtyards, gravel gardens, a rockery, sun-drenched patios and a pond-fed by a waterfall. There are mature trees, an orchard, and rose arches framing the lawns, creating endless variety throughout the year. A double-storey garage has a Hawkins clock tower, while the turning-circle driveway provides plenty of parking. There’s also a Rhino greenhouse and a series of outdoor store rooms. “When we first saw Stoulgrove House, we instantly fell in love with its Georgian proportions, understated elegance and views towards the River Severn”, say the current owners. “In the major renovation we undertook in 2010, we sought to reintroduce many of the lost Georgian elements, blending classic beauty with modern comforts. The work is a testament to the local craftsmen from the Forest of Dean, who helped us honour the house’s history with their attention to detail and faithful reproduction of Georgian design. “This is a home that welcomes celebration. The garden has been our HOUSE NUMBERS sanctuary, where we’ve hosted barbecues What: Splendid Georgian home at sunset and watched foxes and badgers in Woodcroft, Gloucestershire play in the evenings. Guide price: £3m “We have loved being part of this Receptions: Sitting room, dining beautiful corner of Gloucestershire. Just room, games room, family room, a short walk across the Wye Bridge into study, cinema room Chepstow, surrounded by the Wye Valley Bedrooms: 5 and Forest of Dean, it’s a paradise for Bath/shower rooms: 3 walkers and nature-lovers. Now it’s time What else? 28ft kitchen, utility, for someone else to write their story here. dressing room, storage This home needs a family who will love Outside: Six acres divided into it as much as we have; who will treasure rooms; two-storey garage its quiet beauty, entertain under the stars, Call my agent: Fine & Country and enjoy everything Stoulgrove House 01291 629799 www.fineandcountry.com and its surroundings have to offer.”
108 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Block & Estate Management Corporate Strength – Client Focused Approach Tailored Solutions
DNA Property Management St Brandons House, 27-29 Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5QT Email: info@dnaproperties.co.uk Tel: 01179 200141
www.dnaproperties.co.uk Transparent property management offering genuine cost savings with no compromise on service level standards
BRISTOL LIVES
“There is a liberal, inclusive spirit about the city which allows for artistic expression” One of the items I’m selfgifting this year is Lazuli
BRYONY MORGAN
Few people are more in tune with the city’s independent spirit than Bryony, the founder of Made in Bristol
B
ryony has spent nearly two decades championing local artists. Next month is an especially busy one, as she brings the big Made in Bristol Gift Fair to Bristol Beacon again, showcasing the work of over 200 makers. So what makes Bristol special for her? “I’ve lived here for over 20 years and the city has constantly changed while always delivering what I need”, she says. “When I arrived in my twenties it was a fun place to go out between jobs. When I became a parent, I became an expert in play parks, public loos and swimming pools. Now, it is more about saunas, woodland walks, and restaurants to catch up with friends.”
Nearly 20 years ago, I took the Tobacco Factory market weekly. It was a risky business
for makers and artists because they stood to damage their work if there was a sudden rainstorm. I was really surprised that Bristol didn’t have a dedicated indoor space to celebrate all the amazing artists here, and it happened that
the foyer of the Bristol Beacon opened up. Two decades later we’re still hosting pop-ups, including our flagship event: the Made in Bristol Gift Fair. There is a liberal, inclusive spirit about the city which
allows for artistic expression. That said, considering how much the city’s economy benefits from shouting about our creativity, there is a lot the city council and other institutions could do to ensure creators have what they need to continue. A healthy local economy is of benefit to all of us, and supporting human-grown enterprises is a great way to resist generative AI-dominated massproduction. It’s hard to put into words
how I choose the makers to include, but it happens when someone has spent time perfecting a traditional skill, such as stained-glass, and then manages to bring that into a more contemporary realisation. I love the blending of traditional techniques with a presentation that suits a modern urban home.
114 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
Remedies’ amazing facial serum, with its gentle herbal infusions over essential oils. Also, I simply can’t help treating myself to a new mug each year – it’s become a bit of a problem, but a truly beautiful one! I have my eye on one by either Finnerty Ceramics or LA ceramics… or perhaps even both. There is something deeply special about giving a present
that has been made by an independent maker. I truly believe that keeping things human-made is of the utmost importance, for so many political, ethical, environmental and human reasons. It supports local livelihoods, honours traditional skills, lowers our environmental footprint and keeps genuine human connection alive in a fast-paced world. A favourite local shop is These Two Hands on Sandy Park Road; a little neighbourhood treasure trove of local creativity right on our doorstep. Prior Shop on Church Street is another favourite. I also think there’s something exceptionally special about an arts trail, and being able to poke around someone’s studio; sometimes seeing the tools, half-finished projects and wonky seconds on shelves is even more exciting and relatable than looking at the finished items ready for sale.
My perfect shopping adventures always entail
seeking out an eclectic food shop
I have not been to yet, whether it’s an Asian supermarket like Wai Yee Hong, an Italian deli like Deli@Sandy Park or anywhere that’s chock-full of unfamiliar ingredients, like Zaytun, or Dunya on Stapleton Road. My ideal day off would involve a spicy margarita, a cold-water swim and a walk in one of our many green spaces – maybe heading up to Trooper’s Hill for a brilliant view. But anyone who knows me knows that I am also going to stop at least three bakeries. Farro has my heart, but I also have to give a big shout-out to my local cafés, Catley’s in St Anne’s (Hannah is a genius) and Kin on Sandy Park Road. Pappu Dosa, Cargo Cantina and Real Habesha all prove that
you don’t need to leave Bristol to travel the globe. Meanwhile, Migrateful cooking classes offer a wonderful way to highlight the spirit of Bristol, giving people the chance to master authentic dishes straight from the chef’s homeland while discovering their unique stories and cultures.
You can’t beat the magic hour just before sunset, walking
around Harbourside with the light reflecting on the water. Dog-spotting, perhaps grabbing an ice cream from Swoon, and maybe ending up at Watershed for nachos. . .
Made in Bristol Gift Fair returns to Bristol Beacon on 28 November and 6 & 12 December www.madeinbristolshop.co.uk/giftfair