Bristol Life 244

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

‘STRIP’ JOINTS

How you’ve changed, WHITELADIES… ISSUE 244/APRIL 2018/EASTER IS ON

BRAVE NEW WORLD Homes, sweet homes

ARE YOU READY FOR MAYFEST 2018?

Issue 244/April 2018/£3

SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE Eggsellent adventures Inside: Our BIG spring arts round-up!

TAILS OF THE UNEXPECTED

BRISTOL

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EDITOR’S LETTER / ISSUE 244 / APRIL 2018

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ROLL UP! Did you know that Bristol is home to more circus companies than any other city in the UK? More fascinating facts where that came from in our bumper spring arts round-up

White Easter?

The Beast from the East: Three?

It sounds like the worst movie sequel ever, but at time of going to press, the nation’s meteorologists were falling over themselves to predict a third whiteout in time for Easter.

The good news is that whatever the weather throws at us, we’re covered. The Festival of Chocolate has very sensibly elected to base itself indoors, at The Chocolate Quarter, while Bristol’s theatres and gallery spaces are about to unveil an incredibly exciting and varied programme of shows and exhibitions (page 14).

So, OK, Thomas Stearns Eliot – April may well be the ‘cruellest month’, but we have lighter evenings, we have spring birdsong (admittedly sounding a tad sarcastic in the snow) and we have CHOCOLATE. Happy Easter, all – and if it does snow, remember that when the late, great Stephen Hawking recommended that we look up at the stars and not down at our feet, he was not talking about Park Street on an icy April night.

Deri Robins, editor Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram:@bristollifemag

REGULARS / ISSUE 244 / APRIL 2018

44

THE ARTS 26 What’s on Your early spring sorted, all the way through into May

36 Bristol heroes Sticking with the programme, Colin selects his art heroes

FOOD 44 Food & drink Look Ma, king of the grill (and other stories)

M EET T H E T EAM Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors: Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore, Kam Kelly, Will Carpenter, Alex Diggins Advertising manager Lily Dalzell lily.dalzell@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager James Morgan james.morgan@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Yvette Culbert yvette.culbert@mediaclash.co.uk Sales executive Jake Newland jake.newland@mediaclash.co.uk Production and distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager and production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk

48 Restaurant Why have three courses when you can tuck into seven?

51 Café society

Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

Has Stan just been served the best full English in Bristol?

A MAN’S WORLD

Bristol Life, MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash

55 Kam Kelly Turkeys really need better PR; call Plaster, perhaps?

© All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

SHOPPING About MediaClash We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs. (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag) and wedding title Vow (@VowMag).

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

56 Editor’s Choice Chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. What did you expect for our Easter issue, gin?

60 Street life The changing face of The Strip

67 Health & beauty Fillers: quick, virtually painless, instantly effective and can last up to 18 months – providing you go to the right clinic . . .

RETIREMENT

PROPERT Y

72 Golden years

112 New builds

There have never been more options for the older generation

Building Bristol

DEPARTMENTS

SPORT

BUSINESS

69 Will Carpenter

97 Business Insider

It’s all eyes on the Under-18s prize at Bristol Rugby

It’s something of an Old Market special in this issue

48

60

9 Spotlight 88 Snapped!

130 Bristol Lives

On the cover How could we resist putting Mayfest’s ‘Expect the Unexpected’ image on the cover of our special arts issue?

Yet more arty stuff on page 14

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ART

ONE LOVE The portrait shown above – part of a citywide art project by Colin Moody called We Are One – is made up from over 60 individual portraits of the people who came from all over the city one evening to sleep out to raise money and awareness for 1625 Independent People.

“Two years ago I decided to create an art piece in response to divisive events and attitudes,” says Colin. “I wanted to look at who we are, and really get to see what we have in common as well as our differences – in one image.

“Each person in each group portrait is a layer, and each layer is equal. By 2019 I will have photographed 1% of the Bristol population. I want to use this photography art project to give us a chance to take a long hard look at ourselves; I am now giving talks about the people I have met and discoveries made along the way.”

For a free talk given to your group or company, and to become part of the project, email Colin at colinfrombristol@icloud.com

EVENTS

PLAYING A BLINDER You don’t mess with the Peaky Blinders, but you can dress like them, and head to Motion on 19 May for a themed club night that blurs the barriers between performance and audience.

The epic BBC Two gangster drama, starring Cillian Murphy’s pair of glacial blue eyes, is due to return in 2019. Word is that the storyline for Cillian’s character, family head Tommy Shelby, will continue until World War II, so that’s at least two more series to look forward to, then.

In the meantime, why not step back

to the age of moonshine and bootleg gin, when the men were clean-shaven and the flappers shingle-haired? At the event, secret corners and gambling dens all offer a chance to immerse yourself in the series’ trademark blend of grit and glamour.

There’s a Blinders dress code, so dig out your dusty black coat, and look sharp (but not so sharp that you have actual razors in your flat cap). Note that gambling is staged; don’t try to exchange money, or Tommy’ll set Arthur on you. See you at The Garrison.

For more: www.by-order-of.eventgenius.co.uk

MUSEUM

YOU’RE ISAMBARD, MATE Bristol’s latest visitor attraction, Being Brunel, opened its doors right next to the ss Great Britain on 23 March – and The Guardian has already named it one of the top 10 best new museums of 2018.

The new £7.2m centre brings together the world’s most significant Brunel collection, celebrating the engineering genius who built Britain and helped shape the world.

For more: www.ssgreatbritain.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 9

SPOTLIGHT

THE BIG CHILL “When men were all asleep the snow came flying, In large white flakes falling on the city brown” (Robert Bridges wrote that). Wasn’t it pretty, though?

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www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 11

BRISTOL IS HOME TO MORE CIRCUS COMPANIES THAN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE UK

Don’t try this at home, kids; Acrobat by Ellen Cooper at RWA

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

ARTS SPECIAL

L ET T H EM

ENTERTAIN YOU

T H E AT R E! A RT! M USIC! F I L M! M USIC A N D F I L M! (H AV E W E L E F T A N Y T H I NG OU T….?)

While Bristol’s arts scene is never exactly quiet – there’s always someone or something trying to lure you into one of the city’s concert halls, galleries or theatres – spring and autumn are the times when everyone brings out their big guns.

With this in mind, we spoke to our creative pals across the city and asked: what are you most excited about for the coming months, and why should we be excited, too?

C’mon, everybody – show us your big guns . . . w

By DE R I ROBI NS

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 15

ARTS SPECIAL

T

he play’s the thing; but then there’s also the music, the movies, the movies with music . . . the arts spring season has comprehensively sprung, and here are some of the plays, gigs, shows and exhibitions that Bristol’s top venues really want you to know about.

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRES Actually, there’s so much going on that you’d better just turn to page 21 and read our full interview with artistic director Mike Tweddle. Next!

BRISTOL OLD VIC Another major venue on the brink of transformation; so much so that they’ve dubbed their entire 2018 production season ‘Year of Change’.

“There are some brilliant visiting companies taking over the theatre in April and May – they’re with us for such a short amount of time, but they leave a real fizz in the air,” says press manager Amanda Adams.

“What to pick? Maybe Wardrobe Ensemble’s smash-hit Education, Education, Education, or the mighty English Touring Theatre’s new revival of A Streetcar Named Desire?

“But the standout for me is The Year of Change work, which is now hitting its stride. Its aim is to look at stories dealing with change in all its forms – political, social, life-or-death moments. If we’re lucky, these moments change us for the better, and A Monster Calls (31 May-16 June) is the perfect example of that. One of theatre’s most brilliant storytellers, Sally Cookson, is back in her home town, directing the world première adaptation of this poignant book about love, grief, and survival.

“Until you see a show by Sally, you won’t know what theatre is capable of doing to your heart. She tells soaring, life-affirming tales in a way that makes you want to hug whoever is sat next to you – which can be awkward . . . The word from rehearsals is that Monster will be one of those theatre moments you don’t want to miss.

The Wardrobe loves big Butt, and they cannot lie . . .

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into Colston Hall...

Sally’s back with composer Benji Bower; in fact, the whole team from Jane Eyre and Peter Pan are back together (imagine the theatrical equivalent of the Manchester United Class of ’92). A Monster has its warm-up run at Bristol Old Vic before travelling to London’s Old Vic for the ‘official’ opening; catch it here first. I’ll apologise now if I hug you…”

See the whole programme at www.bristololdvic.org.uk

THE WARDROBE Wardrobe chief Matthew Whittle is planning on connecting with his inner child at The Time Seekers this April.

“Family theatre is becoming a bigger and bigger part of what we do here at The Wardrobe,” he told us. “The Time Seekers is a co-production between the theatre and The Wardrobe Ensemble, and is one of our absolute favourite kids’ shows; a bonkers adventure through time where we visit dinosaurs, ancient Egyptians and robots.”

Up for May is the no-less-bonkers-sounding Butt Kapinski.

“Deanna Fleysher is a rockstar of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Her signature show is a solo, comedy, film-noir murder mystery, where the audience play the heroes, villains and even provide the soundtrack themselves, as private eye Butt Kapinski stalks a seedy city with an adjustable street lamp stuffed up his back. We’re really thrilled to bring this interactive and outrageous comedy to Bristol.”

Full programme at www.thewardrobe.co.uk

BRISTOL HIPPODROME “The heat will definitely be on at the Hippodrome when legendary musical Miss Saigon returns between 16 May-23 June, 12 years after it last visited the city,” says marketing manager Nicola Guy. “Plotwise, it’s basically Puccini’s Madam Butterfly, but set in the last days of the Vietnam War. As a story of the tragedy of war and politics it’s as relevant and moving now as it has ever been. It’s spectacularly amazing (there really is a helicopter on stage), and it’s impossible to watch the show without crying. It’ll make you stop and think – and get the history books out when you get home from the theatre.”

Tickets at www.atgtickets.com 16 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ARTS SPECIAL MAYFEST Bristol’s annual festival of contemporary theatre has been described by The Guardian as “A mix of work so tasty it makes you want to up sticks and move to Bristol permanently.”

You could probably stick a pin in this year’s programme (10-20 May) and come up with a show worthy of two hours of your time, but instead we asked co-director Matthew Austin for a pair of top picks.

“Direct from off-Broadway, Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story is a bighearted, poignant, joyful musical about how we rebuild our lives after traumatic events, told via the story of first-generation Romanian Jewish migrants to Nova Scotia. 2b theatre company will fill Bristol Old Vic with klezmer music and song; if you’re a Kneehigh fan, this is for you.”

That not quite out-there enough for you? Then how about Undersong,

by Bristol’s own Verity Standen?

“Undersong places you between delicate threads of vocal music. As singers move around you, a live, human surround-sound experience is conjured. Eight singers build a vibrant language of a capella music and movement, through a series of new compositions inspired by our relationship with our voices throughout our lives.”

Like Kneehigh? You’ll love Canada’s 2b at Mayfest

Loads more to be inspired by at www.mayfestbristol.co.uk

ST GEORGE’S BRISTOL Yet another historic venue with a spanking new refurb, St George’s is “championing the strange and wonderful for the Bristol New Music Festival, with Sarah Angliss’ Aether Music and Oramics,” says head of marketing Dagmar Smeed. “Using theremin, robotic carillon and other instruments, on 21 April Sarah performs highlights from Ealing Feeder, her steely and unsettled love letter to London, exploring the city’s folklore past and present.”

Plenty more where that came from at www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

We love the smell of greasepaint in the morning; Miss Saigon whop-whop-whops back into BristolHippodrome

COLSTON HALL AND WATERSHED Speaking of music (seamless link!) our pals at Colston Hall are in full-on blockbuster mode with their Spielberg Season.

“Three of the most successful films in cinema history, all by Steven Spielberg – Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws and Jurassic Park – will be screened with a live musical accompaniment at Colston Hall and Bristol Hippodrome. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra will be playing the well-loved scores live while the action unfolds on screen; in the grand and historic surroundings of these two stellar Bristol venues, this will be a step up from the normal surround-sound experience.”

Each movie was famously enhanced by the input of one of the most talented composers in cinema history, John Williams – the man behind the ominous notes from Jaws, the heroic, brassy fanfare from Raiders and Jurassic Park’s gentle, classical-sounding melody.

Raiders and Jaws are also part of Filmic, the annual series of events programmed by Colston Hall, Watershed and St George’s to celebrate the rich relationship between film and music, so Watershed curator Mark Cosgrove is understandably excited about it all, too.

“A film soundtrack, as Bernard Hermann pointed out, is 50% of the cinematic experience, yet audiences often underestimate the impact it has on them.

“Try to imagine Jaws without that ominous, two-note da… dum... da… dum… soundtrack. It’s difficult, isn’t it? However when John Williams played the two notes on the piano to demonstrate the sound of the unseen shark for the director, Spielberg’s response was “You’re crazy.

That will never work.”

Guess the jury’s still out on that one, then . . .

More at www.colstonhall.org; www.watershed.co.uk

w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 17

ARTS SPECIAL and imaginative painting, when we bought several of his works in the early ’90s,” says Sue Dean. “Since then he has moved to Ireland, and his work has evolved to his current almost abstract, often haunting, landscapes.”

For more www.limetreegallery.com

THAT ART GALLERY That Art Gallery is about to celebrate its first birthday on Christmas Steps. “One of the real pleasures of being a newly established gallery is having the opportunity to offer an emerging artist their first exhibition,” says Andy Heath. “Our current exhibition (until 14 April) is with new talent Jamie Rawlings, whose self-proclaimed obsession with collecting vintage photography, ranging from beauty-spot landscapes to cigarette cards and American yearbook portraits, has led him to create the intricate thread pictures that will make up the majority of the works on show. It’s going to be an inspiring exhibition to mark our first year – old and new, traditional and modern, masculine and feminine.”

For more www.thatartgallery.com Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx What’s this coming over the hill?

Is it A Monster, Bristol Old Vic?

ROYAL WEST OF ENGLAND ACADEMY “This year, RWA is celebrating its 160th birthday, and we have loads of amazing things planned,” promises curator Alison Bevan. “We kick off with Sawdust and Sequins (until 3 June) – a major exhibition of new and old art as part of Circus250, marking 250 years of circus in the UK. Bristol has such an incredible circus legacy; today, the city is home to more circus companies than anywhere else in the UK. I can’t wait to see Sir Peter Blake’s collages and Dame Laura Knight’s paintings up close, or to see the new work that’s been created especially for the show.

There will also be an exhibition of photographs by Peter Lavery that capture the gritty realities of life on the road.”

SPIKE ISLAND “Our Open Weekend is a delicious combination of art, socialising, food and music,” says comms manager Jane Faram. “Over the early May bank holiday, doors of our former tea-packing factory will be thrown open to allow you to explore a maze of artists’ studios and take part in family friendly activities, talks and tours.”

Catch a Bristol Ferry boat to the gallery across the harbour and encounter artworks on board. It’s the ship-shape Bristol way.

For more www.spikeisland.org.uk

w

Jamie Rawlins exhibits at That Art Gallery

For more www.rwa.org.uk

BRISTOL MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY Thought you’d missed your chance to see Grayson Perry’s exhibition at Arnolfini? Well, you have. Honestly, we have no sympathy; you had literally months. The good news is that Grayson’s back in town with six huge tapestries – The Vanity of Small Differences – which will show alongside prints and ceramics from Bristol Museum’s own collection until 24 June.

“Crammed with acutely-observed detail, the tapestries depict many of the eccentricities and peculiarities associated with life in the UK, from interior design to British cuisine, political protest and celebrity gossip,” says marketing officer Lauren MacCarthy.

For more www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

M SHED Meanwhile, south of the river, M Shed is a launching a new exhibition about the local music scene on 19 May. Bristol Music: “Seven Decades of Sounds will use stories from people all over the city to chart the history of music in Bristol. From memories of attending gigs, festivals and clubs to recollections of first records, mosh pits and raves, this exhibition will celebrate Bristol’s reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant music cities,” says Lauren of Bristol Museums.

For more www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

LIME TREE GALLERY Lime Tree is renowned for painterly work by highly talented artists, and next up is McGregor, Smith, Bennett (7-28 April) – a prime example of a commitment to painting and drawing, uniting three of Lime Tree’s most admired artists. Following on is a solo exhibition by Ian Humphreys (3-26 May). “Ian’s work helped to start our appreciation of really good

“After a brief and disastrous crochet phase, Mabel resolved to stick to playing the piano”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 19

Lithographs, prints and original work by some of the greatest artists of the 20th & 21st centuries alongside stunning contemporary work from Bristol and beyond.

Banksy. Picasso, Matisse. Hockney. Grayson Perry.

Stik. Francis Bacon. Henry Moore. Chagall.

Huw Richards Evans. Lauren Baker. Tracey Emin.

Salvador Dali. Damien Hirst and so many more.

8 & 10 The Clifton Arcade, Boyce’s Avenue, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4AA www.myhiddenworld.co.uk | hiddenrare@outlook.com | Telephone: 0117 279 6402

ARTS SPECIAL

Alan in Blue by Alex Lucas

A VIEW FROM the BRIDGE Mike Tweddle has firmly settled into his role as AD of Tobacco Factory Theatres. As well as overseeing a refurb that includes a new studio, Mike has introduced a permanent troupe of players – his Factory Theatre company

I

t’s wonderful going into rehearsals with such a honed ensemble of brilliant performers who know one another already,” says Mike.

“And it’s exciting for us and our audiences to see them transform and transport themselves from one character and world to another.

We’re getting to know the actors so much better through working with them for longer, and they are getting to know and understand our organisation and audiences more deeply. All of that adds up to more powerful, impactful work on stage.”

What does the new Spielman studio mean for TFT? The Spielman represents a massive opportunity for us, and crucially for our local communities of artists, audiences, and participants of all ages.

The new space will be an engine room of creativity, nurturing new ideas and artists from across our region, developing young people’s talent and confidence through drama, playing host to the most exciting new shows from across the UK and world, and enabling us to give a platform to a much wider range of stories, voices and genres.

Your big-hitter for spring is Arthur Miller’s 1955 play A View from the Bridge. What makes it still so relatable today?

It’s a cracking play. It’s a psychologically and emotionally profound depiction of one family’s unravelling, but it also asks powerful, pertinent questions about immigration, gender, class and violence. It’s an actionpacked, thrilling journey that should leave an audience gobsmacked if we do our jobs well. Miller said that theatre is “the art-form of what is happening”, and he makes sure that things never stop happening.

A View from the Bridge is a family drama – can a work that puts believable emotion at its heart ever really date?

The character of Eddie, and the immensity of his tragedy, cannot be separated from the society and community to which he belongs. But you’re right that Miller gives us an emotional journey above all else – and yes, all great plays have shifting emotions and relationships at their core.

What’s most horrific about these characters’ disastrous downfalls is that we recognise aspects of them in ourselves.

Anything else you’re excited about for the immediate future?

Keep an eye out for our opening season in the Spielman – which will be an array of daring and delightful performance, including some wonderful new shows from local companies and artists. We’ll be announcing that at the end of April.

For more: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

CLIFTON FINE ART They had us at ‘Alex Lucas’. “We’re soon holding another solo exhibition by Alex (date tbc), following on from her brilliant new murals in town. We now also represent landscape painter James Tatum, and we’re planning an exhibition by Mark Welland, including epic new wall hanging pieces.”

For more www.cliftonfineart.com

SKY BLUE FRAMING & GALLERY Michael Ogden of Sky Blue is currently very excited about maps – so much so that they form the basis of his spring exhibition.

“As soon as Easter is out of the way, we’ll launch a new exhibition of old and contemporary maps of Bristol and the surrounding area.

The show will run into the summer, and the central piece will be Braun and Hoggenburg’s map of ‘Brightstowe’ from Cities of the World, published in 1581.

“Alongside this will be classic ordnance survey maps of Bristol and the Severn Estuary from the 1930s to the present day, and for those with more contemporary taste, a range of funky, brightly coloured European and world maps for the modern traveller. The whole show is a fascinating insight into how the world around us has been recorded and represented in graphic formulas that allow us to find our way around.”

For more www.skybluegallery.co.uk

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION . . .

Their spring launch may be over, but Bristol Film Festival returns again later this year with three more series (one for every season). There will be local filmmaking highlights in the summer, suitably macabre movies, including the now-famous Horror In The Caves screenings at Redcliffe Caves in the leadup to Halloween, and some festive classics in December to help you unwind between office parties and family visits. www.bristolfilmfestival.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 21

30 March – 30 April 2018

JUST A FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR MONTH

Bryan’s back for your pleasure at Colston Hall; WNO in typically restrained mode at The Hippodrome; The still alive but barely breathing Script at Forest Live

Exhibitions UNTIL 2 APRIL

EASTER SCULPTURE FESTIVAL Dragon’s egg planters, ghost flowers, stained-glass masterpieces, stone flautists and graceful cranes; all in the Botanic Garden; bristol.ac.uk UNTIL 4 APRIL

ALIENS OF THE ART WORLD An out-of-this world exhibition curated by queer artists, inspired by the intergalactic, outer space and alien life form.

Their mission? To create their own home planet, their own galaxy in one Centrespace room. centrespacegallery.com

UNTIL 8 APRIL

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Last chance to catch the renowned photography exhibition at MShed; bristolmuseums.org.uk

UNTIL 31 MAY

CARA ROMERO Rainmaker’s spring show is a solo exhibition of Native American Cara’s groundbreaking past photography, as well as her newest creations. rainmakerart.co.uk

UNTIL 15 APRIL

IMAN ISSA A series of displays by Issa that questions the function of public sculpture and monuments; spikeisland.org.uk UNTIL 12 MAY

NIALL MCDIARMID: TOWN TO TOWN Scottish photographer Niall documents Britain’s people and landscapes; at Paintworks; martinparrfoundation.org

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

UNTIL 3 JUNE

SAWDUST AND SEQUINS: THE ART OF THE CIRCUS Major new exhibition of art that celebrates the UK’s circus heritage and the contemporary circus scene; at RWA (see also arts feature, page 14); rwa.org.uk

Small Differences exhibition to Bristol. bristolmuseums.org.uk 11 APRIL

ROOFTOPS & ARCHWAYS Susie Ramsay takes her solo exhibition to The Vestibules; susie-ramsay-artist.com

Theatre & shows UNTIL 1 APRIL

MACBETH Adele Thomas tackles the Thane, for Factory at TFT; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

31 MARCH-24 JUNE

GRAYSON PERRY Our favourite Turner Prizewinning, tapestry-bothering artist brings his Vanity of

UNTIL 7 APRIL

THE CHERRY ORCHARD Former RSC supremo Michael Boyd takes on Chekhov in this

W H AT ’ S O N

fresh and funny new version for BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

ARTS

to The Beggar’s Opera, inspired

by Brecht and Weill; Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

2 APRIL

BLAH BLAH BLAH Poetry, performance and profundity: Ben Norris, Bridget Minamore and Jonny FluffyPunk take the mic at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com 3-7 APRIL

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Bronté Barbé plays the singer/ songwriter in the musical story of Carole’s life; Bristol Hippodrome; atgtickets.com 5-7 APRIL

LEGO BEACH No, we said ‘Lego’ . . . Inkbloc explores the unlikely connections that only tiny pieces of plastic can build. At The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com 10-14 APRIL

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION The Wardrobe Ensemble’s love letter to the schools of the ’90s asks big questions about what we are taught and why, and where responsibility lies.

At BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk 11-14 APRIL

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA They’re calling their spring season ‘Rabble Rousers’: expect a heady dose of love, lust, murder and corruption with Tosca (11 & 13 April), Don Giovanni (12 April) and La Forza del Destino (14 April), at Hippodrome; atgtickets.com 12 APRIL

HEAD For nine years John-Paul Zaccarini delighted audiences with Throat. It wasn’t very deep.

Now he’s back and wants to give you Head – a mid-life spokenword circus that never gets off the ground. circomedia.com

17-21 APRIL

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE English Touring Theatre takes on Tennessee Williams’s very un-English tale of macho Stanley Kowalksi and fragile, aging southern belle Blanche DuBois in a bold new version at BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk 17-28 APRIL

THE BAND The UK tour of Tim Firth’s new musical, based around the music of Take That, comes to the Hippodrome; atgtickets.com 18-21 APRIL

DOLLYWOULD Sh!t Theatre are back with a new show about Dolly Parton, cloning and branding. The show had a sellout run at the Edinburgh Fringe and received rave reviews during its West End run; now at The Wardrobe, thewardrobetheatre.com 18 APRIL-12 MAY

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Tobacco Factory AD Mike Tweddle directs his first production for the new Factory company, so no pressure at all; feature page 21. tobaccofactorytheatres.com 27-29 APRIL

REACH – FIND YOUR OWN JOURNEY Rise Youth Dance presents two pieces, about their own journeys and that of the company, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year; at Trinity; 3ca.org.uk

Music 3 APRIL

GREGORY PORTER Smooth! Gregory pays homage to his hero, Nat King Cole.

Colston Hall; colstonhall.org

12-13 APRIL

DRAG ON A loving, subversive exploration of queer identity, fantasy and myth; thewardrobetheatre.com

9 APRIL

JETHRO TULL Ian and the lads are on a 50th anniversary tour (sold out, returns only). colstonhall.org

16-17 APRIL

POLLY A dirty, messy, highly physical adaptation of John Gay’s sequel

12 APRIL

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Taking the mic at Blah, Blah, Blah

”What a good thing it’s not music,” bitched Rossini of Berlioz’s iconoclastic Symphonie Fantastique. A rich, lurid fantasy, its ability to thrill, startle and shock remains gloriously undimmed.

Also on the bill, Debussy’s Rondes de Printemps and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor; colstonhall.org 13 APRIL

BASTILLE The indie heavyweights bring their clever and hard-to-categorise pop to Colston Hall; colstonhall.org 17 APRIL

MARILLION First Yes and the Tull, now Marillion! You’re prog-rockspoiling us, Colston Hall! colstonhall.org

Comedy 3 APRIL

RACHEL PARRIS & SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Another Chucklebuster LOL pairing at The Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com 9 AND 23 APRIL

CLOSER EACH DAY The world’s longest improvised comedy soap continues to bubble amusingly away; thewardrobetheatre.com 11 APRIL

CHUCKLEBUSTERS LOL at the award-winning Gein’s Family Giftshop and Chortle Award nominee Kiri Pritchard-McLean. Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com 16 APRIL

20-22 APRIL

BRISTOL NEW MUSIC The UK’s international contemporary music festival returns with its boldest programme to date, bringing some of the world’s most innovative musical pioneers to the city; full line-up here: bristolnewmusic.org 25 APRIL

BRYAN FERRY The dude who epitomised glam rock with Roxy Music, and made crooning classics cool in his solo career, performs from Avonmore and earlier hits; colstonhall.org

MY DAD WROTE A PORNO The team behind the hit podcast take their sell-out show on tour; Colston Hall; colstonhall.org 27 APRIL

RADIO ACTIVE Angus Deayton, Helen Atkinson Wood, Michael Fenton Stevens and Philip Pope bring classic scripts from the Radio 4 show to The Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com 28 APRIL

INSTANT WIT An evening of songs, gags and general silliness – all

w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 27

ARTS

W H AT ’ S O N

based around audience suggestions. Alma Tavern, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk BRIDGET CHRISTIE: WHAT NOW? Brexit, Trump, nuclear apocalypse, environmental catastrophe – is rolling news affecting your ability to enjoy the simple things? Like baking, gardening and autoerotic asphyxiation? at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

4-8 APRIL

BRISTOL FASHION WEEK It’s the SS18 spectacular at Cribbs, hosted by Mark Heyes and Katie Piper; the theme is Inspiring Style in Everyone, with the emphasis on individuality and diversity; mallcribbs.com 5 APRIL

Other

TINY COOKERY SCHOOL Those crazy Foozie guys show you how to make teeny tiny plates of food using teeny tiny cookware; at Whites Botanicals; foozie.co.uk

UNTIL 31 MARCH

5 & 14 APRIL

RELOAD RELIVE REPLAY The Hippodrome becomes an interactive gaming hub for its first gaming convention, with a range of traditional electronic and non-electronic gaming experiences that will appeal to all ages. atgtickets.com

SPIELBERG SEASON What’s better than watching Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark (5 April)?

Watching it with a live music accompaniment, obviously; and the same goes for Jaws on 14 April. At Colston Hall; colstonhall.org (feature page 14)

UNTIL 2 APRIL

BRISTOL SWING FESTIVAL A blend of lindy hop and circus skills, expertly taught by over 50 teachers, at Trinity; 3ca.org.uk UNTIL 8 APRIL

SAVING THE CITY First shown at the Venice Biennale 2016, the Architecture Centre’s spring exhibition presents 30 years of factorybuilt housing by RHSP, and highlights the need for welldesigned, fast-build, highperformance, affordable homes. architecturecentre.org.uk UNTIL 12 JUNE, ON TUESDAYS

BLOOD & BUTCHERY IN BEDMINSTER Enjoyably gruesome pub walk from the renowned Show of Strength. Delve deep into the dodgier bits of Bedminster’s history, with tales of body snatchers, concrete coffins, hangings judges and the most notorious heist in living memory. stagestubs.com 3 APRIL

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH From the life of prehistoric seadragons to the perils of plastic, everyone’s favourite Dave is at St George’s Bristol to talk about his many adventures – all profits to St George’s; stgeorgesbristol. co.uk

6 APRIL- I JULY

NO MAN’S LAND An exhibition focusing on the rarely-seen female perspectives on World War I, featuring images taken by women who worked as nurses, ambulance drivers and official photographers, as well as contemporary artists directly inspired by the conflict.

At Bristol Cathedral; bristolcathedral.co.uk 7 APRIL

COLSTON HALL RECORD FAIR Everything from £1 bargains to expensive rarities, in most genres of music from the 1950s to the present day. colstonhall.org 13 APRIL

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Ed Milliband and Geoff Lloyd bring their hit podcast to the Anson Rooms: expect optimism, ideas, special guests, and stories of Ed’s failed interactions with inanimate objects (and Geoff’s interactions with animate ones). bristolsu.org.uk 15 APRIL

GAMBAS Bravas are hosting a seafood and sherry-focused lunch inspired by their favourite Spanish markets and tapas bars; two sittings with 100% proceeds to Action Against Hunger; bravas.co.uk

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

We’re loving your style, Bristol Fashion Week!; Ed and Geoff desperately seeking reasons to be cheerful at the Anson Rooms 16 APRIL

5 X 15 The return of the popular 15-minute talks from five inspirational speakers; taking the mic are Emma Dabiri, Prof Danny Dorling, Liz Clegg, Dan Morell and Helen Marriage.

Not at the TFT this time, but St George’s. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk 21 APRIL

TEMWA’S GALA DINNER Black ties and posh frocks ready for this charity fundraiser; take an after-dark shufti at We The Curious’s interactive exhibitions, before heading upstairs for a three-course dinner; temwa.org 28 APRIL

AFTER DARK AT THE MUSEUM Southmead Hospital Charity’s first black-tie fundraising dinner will be held at Bristol Museum; all money to Prostate Cancer Care Appeal. southmeadhospitalcharity.org.uk 29 APRIL

VOW LIVE

Half wedding fair, half party; inspirational speakers, a phenomenal catwalk show, quality suppliers and more in a huge romantic marquee on Harbourside, it’s the go-to wedding planning and ideas event.

And only £5, too. vowlive.co.uk

Booking now 14-17 JUNE

FOREST LIVE Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum has announced headline acts The Script (14 June); Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott (15 June); Paloma Faith (16 June) and George Ezra ( 17 June). Tickets: www.forestry.gov.uk 11 SEPTEMBER

THE DOWNS Get tickets while you can for Bristol’s biggest music fest, headlined this year by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Paul Weller and Goldie; thedownsbristol.com

t r av e l & t o u r i s m a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

due south History, food, shopping and music: isn't it time you paid a visit to Exeter?

E

xeter is a beautiful city steeped in over 2,000 years of history. At its heart stands its magnificent Gothic Cathedral. Cathedral Yard itself is dotted with cafes and restaurants in which to sit and watch the world

go by.

Find out more about Exeter’s fascinating history on a free Red Coat Guided Tour, running daily throughout the year, or head to the city’s award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum to take a voyage of discovery from prehistory to the present day through 16 galleries of displays.

Descend beneath Exeter’s streets to explore a remarkable network of subterranean passages, constructed in medieval times to bring fresh drinking water into the city – the only attraction of their kind open to the public in Britain!

Head to the picturesque Quayside to enjoy some great food and drink at one of the waterside pubs or cafés, or hire a bike or canoe to explore Exeter’s historic Ship Canal.

Find out more about Exeter’s rich maritime history at the 17th-century Custom House Visitor Centre.

The city’s compact size makes it the perfect shopping destination. Divided into distinct shopping quarters, a great choice of shops can be found within easy walking distance of each other, from large department stores such 32 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

as John Lewis to quirky independents tucked away in interesting arcades in the West Quarter and cobbled Gandy Street.

When it comes to refreshment stops, Exeter is a foodie’s heaven. The choice of eateries is vast, from weekly farmer’s and street food markets to real ales in historic pubs and fine dining choices. Be sure to visit Queen Street Dining, Exeter’s newest premium dining destination, the perfect place to sample the finest fare from local food heroes to unique cuisines in cool casual surroundings.

Exeter’s love of local food and drink is celebrated each year at its annual Festival of South West Food & Drink. Taking place this year between 5- 7 May in the courtyard of Exeter Castle and surrounding Northernhay Gardens, this year's festival will have an even stronger focus on music with live bands throughout the day in Exeter Castle, plus a separate evening event, Exeter Beats, promising a great line-up of music, street food, cocktails and local beers. Buy tickets at www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk.

Venture a short distance from Exeter to visit a number of award-winning visitor attractions.

Crealy Adventure Park & Resort is a popular family favourite with over 100 acres of beautiful countryside and 60 rides and attractions to get the heart pumping. BL

Win a family break in Exeter…

Including a 3 night glamping break with theme park tickets at Crealy Adventure Park & Resort; entry to Exeter’s Underground Passages and £100 to spend at your favourite Queen Street Dining Restaurant. www.visitexeter.com/ summercompetition

Whatever your tastes, be sure to Visit Exeter. Go to www.visitexeter.com or call 01392 665700 to start planning your visit.

BRISTOL HEROES

This month, we asked photojournalist COLIN MOODY to choose eight Bristol art heroes. We knew we could count on Colin to seek them out in unusual places . . .

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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n Colin’s eyes, art heroes have many different forms and functions. Some may be unknown taggers in an underpass; others may be art therapists, or simply an attentive visitor at an art gallery. Maybe it’s you or me? Yes; we could be heroes, just for one day . . .

1

Stokes Croft door artists: a composition. Let’s fill this town with artists, they said; and that’s what they did. And if you have a front door near the centre of Stokes Croft, you may have some of their work on it. It may be graffiti, it might just be tagging. This has caused a lot of fuss recently in the Bear Pit: is tagging art? They just did a big clean up.

But in Stokes Croft I spoke to some of the artists, who said, “without tagging there would be no wildstyle; without tagging there would be no graffiti scene here. And I do it because all this advertising everywhere doesn’t represent me, and I need to be repped”. So I’ve taken shots of as many doorways as possible, and framed them after a storm for you to ponder on it. Just as long as people don’t start taking doors off the hinges and selling them in an art gallery. That would not rep the area well at all.

2 2 3

Unknown artist again. This road in Easton had been full of these huge concrete blocks for days before they were eventually moved. Some local artist had decided to add a helpful sign and personalise this one block in such a fun way. Time and time again in Bristol, something empty and brutal can suddenly, with a little touch, become so much more. When the rain gave this block person hair, it just made it real for me. Sadly, now this creation is now just another block in the bridge wall.

3

A visitor (and Tom Astley’s Uprising sculpture) appreciating the RWA Open Annual Exhibition.

These open shows themselves are an art hero, but as a street photographer I really have to hand it to the man who spent ages looking at the art.

Apparently, the time we spend in front of art is going down as our attention spans are getting shorter and shorter. Not for me and this guy. It took me an hour to wait till he got to this position for the shot.

4

Living in care can mean not getting to the seaside; not often, anyhow. I’m calling the team here at this home art heroes for bringing Westonsuper-Mare to their residents. The donkeys might not be real, but the sand, deck chairs, balls etc are.

5

Upfest is a glorious street art festival that is growing and growing. A must on the annual calendar, with artists from all over the world working walls up and down Bedminster and beyond.

For me, one of the most extraordinary effects of it is when you see the local law team browsing the art. Street art has crossed boundaries that its early practitioners would be astonished by; this officer’s predecessors might have raided and arrested graffiti artists, but now they help to police this hugely popular festival. That’s one of the amazing Bristol art effects. I truly believe it’s through our street art w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

4 that our society tests, challenges, tries out new ideas and new ways of engaging. It’s of great importance to our city and its sense of self, at the big level and how it makes just one person feel connected, too.

5

6

Southmead – artist unknown. The first art that humans produced was pigment flecked over hands on a cave wall, in a place we now call France.

I want this unknown artist to be given status as an art hero because clearly Southmead artists are alive and well. Can there be a more direct ‘this is me’ art statement than this? If we can support youth groups and workshops in this part of town we will be doing the whole city a service. Local residents told me about their love for their community, but they were concerned about the cuts to youth services and activities in this area. I hope we can make Bristol’s art scene truly citywide.

7

The People’s Republic Of Stokes Croft are 110% art heroes. Possibly much higher. Their mug production is something wonderful; delicate porcelain with a strong social message. On a cold February day, as he was loading paint into his yard, I asked Chris to sum up what these mugs are all about. He said they “take what can be seen as the preserve of the élite and give them a social purpose”. I’m building up my collection at home to sup and muse over a day’s shots. My tea tastes better out of them.

8

This was taken at Daphne Wright’s Emotional Archaeology opening night at Arnolfini. I always enjoy looking at people looking at art, taking up gallery space for themselves to engage with it in 38 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

their own way. Normally, there’s just one person that stands out for me. I didn’t notice until last week, looking back at this camera roll, that the two people by the horse were eating tangerines, or quite how the two art lovers left and right were bookending the shot. Love that fella’s stick guiding the eye to the lower action in the shot. Or that guy who’s off. You can be an art hero if you come to this space and take your spot. Be part of that bigger art scene that’s attracting people to Bristol.

Follow Colin on Twitter @moodycolin Instagram @moodycolin319

TIME AND TIME AGAIN IN BRISTOL, SOMETHING EMPTY AND BRUTAL CAN SUDDENLY BECOME SO MUCH MORE

PHOTOGRAPHY

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8

The Clifton Club is an exclusive private Members Club nestled in the heart of Clifton Village. One of the few remaining of its kind in the South West it boasts a varied array of facilities along with a traditional Drawing Room and Bar, Dining Room and Snooker Room. With a membership of over 500 The Clifton Club has grown from strength to strength developing its social oering and renovating its 18th Century decor along the way. The modern day Club not only oers luxurious Regency surroundings but a vibrant social community attracting like-minded individuals of all ages.

Worldwide Reciprocal Club Network Active Events Calendar Business Facilities Preferential Private Hire Rates For further details about applying for Membership please contact us.

Tel: 01179745039 Email: membership@thecliftonclub.co.uk

www.thecliftonclub.co.uk

T @CliftonClub

thecliftonclub

The Clifton Club, 22 The Mall, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4DS

Situated in the renowned Spike Island, we are the sister café to the much loved Folk House Café and offer a wonderful setting for everyone.

133 Cumberland Road Bristol BS1 6UX spikeislandcafe.co.uk 0117 954 4030

LOCAL, ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE, ETHICAL, DELICIOUS. We also cater for evening events, wedding receptions, birthday parties, supper clubs.

Call now for more information.

40a Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5JG folkhousecafe.co.uk 0117 908 5035

FOOD & DRINK W H AT ’ S M A K I N G T H E G O U R M E T N E W S I N B R I S T O L

TAKE FIVE

Chef Shane Jordan is serious about food . . .

S

hane is serious about food – and not just eating and cooking the stuff.

He wants to inspire us to think twice about the amount of food we throw away, and try fresh ways to give leftovers a new lease of life. Shane also happens to be a big advocate of raw food. Not that any of this was in his mind when his passion for food first began…

“I have always been interested in food, but from a creative perspective,” he says.

“As a child, I would use playdough to cut out ‘cookies’ with cutters. As I grew up, I was allowed to use real pastry, and made jam tarts by using leftovers from my mother’s apple pies. I started learning culinary techniques by mimicking my mother’s culinary skills and watching cooking shows.”

other tantalising snacks. From that point on I decided to create my own raw food.

So how did you turn this childhood enthusiasm into a career?

I was asked by a friend to prepare some savoury vegan snacks to give out to the public, to encourage meat-free alternatives.

The positive reception I received fuelled my desire to become more creative and take cooking a little more seriously. From that point on I progressed, cooking in cafés and restaurants in Bristol.

How are raw food and waste-fighting connected?

Most of my raw food recipes don’t have any surplus food, apart from avocado skins and pineapple skins, therefore reducing leftover food. And because raw food is so filling, you don’t need to make too much of it, either.

So why raw food?

I was first introduced to the concept at a raw food potluck event in Bath. I couldn’t believe what you could do with edible raw foods.

I sampled curries, chocolates, crisps and 44 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

. . .and what got you into fighting food waste?

FoodCycle. I was invited by a friend to attend a local community meal; for a small donation, you received an appetiser, main course and dessert. After talking to one of the chefs, I found out that the food I was eating was all surplus from local shops; FoodCycle collected it to create a meal. I asked if they needed any help, and they welcomed me as a volunteer. I was able to suggest new ways to create meals using random fruits and vegetables, and this led me to create the signature dishes that I am known for today.

How are Bristol restaurants doing when it comes to fighting food waste?

Some gravitate towards recycling and sustainability more than others. Old habits still exist, but I believe most restaurants are making more of an effort. From a business perspective, you can lose money by

throwing away edible ingredients. I believe the more lucrative the restaurant, the less likely they are to care about food waste.

And what could local restaurants be doing better?

The biggest concern is prepping vegetables. I have witnessed many chefs slicing tomatoes and cucumbers and leaving the ends. I once finished a shift in a restaurant and saw a bin full of ends which could be used for another dish or separated into a food bin. Other culprits are potato peelings. Time and time again I have seen them in the bin; they could be used in many different ways such as potato peeling chips.

Tell us a bit about your book Food Waste Philosophy deals with food in a way no other book has, disclosing the truth behind food, and how it affects our lives. It documents my relationship with food from childhood to the present day; I give my thoughts on food waste, education, sustainability and environmental issues, share anecdotes and stories of my own experiences and my philosophy on cooking and creativity. A real story with hidden messages can be subtle and intriguing, without being preachy . . .

Food Waste Philosophy is published by Silverwood Books at £9.99.

For more www.foodwastephilosophy.com

FOOD & DRINK

TASTY BITES Currently our favourite dish in Bristol: Rob Howell’s beetroot and blackberry

SHANE JORDAN’S CURRIED PANCAKES Serves 2-4 Ingredients: 280g gram flour 2 tbsp vegetable oil 200ml water 2 tbsp curry powder 100g mixed vegetables finely chopped (eg courgette and tomato) 1 pre-cooked tin kidney beans Instructions: Stir the gram flour and curry powder in a large mixing bowl.

Gradually add the water and mix with a hand blender to form a smooth batter. Mix in the vegetables, gently heat the kidney beans and add to the mixture. Heat the oil in a frying pan and spoon in one ladle of the batter. Fry on one side for a minute or two, then cook the other side by flipping with a spatula. Serve when pancakes are lightly browned.

Get yer earlybird tickets for Grillstock!

ONE PLANET PLATE Now here’s a concept that anyone who cares about sustainability can get behind. One Planet Plate is asking chefs around the world to submit a recipe that showcases solutions for a better food future; the idea is to get diners thinking about these issues and give them the power to use their appetites wisely.

All of the recipes will be featured at www.oneplanetplate.org, alongside a map for diners showcasing where to find One Planet Plates. Anna Hansen and Yotam Ottolenghi are just two of the big names on board, while in Bristol, Root’s head chef Rob Howells created a special One Planet Plate lunch on 20 March.

Of his signature beetroot with blackberry and hazelnut dish, Rob says “It champions an ingredient that can easily be sourced locally and stored for many months of the year. It also encourages a trip to your nearest bramble hedge for a spot of foraging!”

Tom Hunt of Poco’s recipe contribution was his famous roasted cauli steaks. “Cauliflower is an environmental hero in my eyes,” he says. “It grows in the harshest British climates, is so affordable, and when you eat the leaves, even more so. This dish demonstrates my environmental philosophy of ‘root to fruit eating’: eating whole foods from the whole farm, eating the best food we can, indulging in seasonal foods that are tasty, nutritious and inherently restorative for ourselves and the planet.” www.plate2planet.co.uk

MEATS TO THE BEATS Grillstock – the UK’s biggest BBQ and music festival, which began right here in Bristol – returns to Harbourside on 30 June-1 July. Back for your amusement and edification will be the battle to become the BBQ King of The Grill; Clifton Chilli Club will be there with their legendary live chillieating, along with hot dog and hot wing-eating contests, and it’s all set off by all-day Americana music. The Grillstock Dive Bar is also returning, with some of the finest craft beers and bourbon from around the globe, while the street food will be sourced from the best of the South West.

Earlybird tickets on sale now ahead of the full line-up announcement. www.grillstock.co.uk

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Tuck Into Some authentic Greek Souvlaki at The Athenian Having humble beginnings, we started from a small street food stall in a small market in London at the end of 2014 to our newly opened restaurant in Bristol in the spring of 2017.

for more: www.theathenian.co.uk

Here in the Athenian we ensure all our ingredients are imported from small independent Greek producers to stay true to authentic Greek cuisine.

Many so-called Greek restaurants serve many dishes that are influenced

by Turkish, Arabic, Mediterranean or Middle-Eastern cooking.

What is your proudest achievement ?

Our proudest achievement would have to be when our Bristol restaurant won the “Best Express/ Takeaway/Deli” award in Bristol’s Good Food Awards.

What’s on the menu?

We specialise in authentic Athenian Souvlaki, a fluffy handmade, specially made for us pita filled with different kinds of meat, salad, fries and homemade dips. Our fillings include chicken, pork, lamb & beef, halloumi and mushrooms. We also sell Greek salads and Cretan Dakos (barley rusk) topped with olive oil, feta cheese, onions and oregano.

What makes the Athenian stand out from other Greek restaurants?

What is your favourite restaurant to visit when you find yourself in Bristol?

One of our favourite places to visit would have to be Wapping Wharf’s Squeezed for their freshly hand pressed burgers and great homemade sauces.

What are your goals for 2018?

Being an environmentally conscious company, we try to have the least impact on the environment that we can. We currently use minimal single use plastic, but we are planning to move to 100% biodegradable alternatives soon!

FOOD & DRINK

Mmm, beer . . .

Somer; it’s a little bit posher than B Block

...Mmm, wine

SOMER, SO GOOD Somer Dining, the elegant bistro sis of B Block Pizza, has opened in The Chocolate Quarter. The restaurant will serve seasonal lunches, afternoon teas and Sunday roasts, from a menu devised by head chef Gareth Cartledge in consultation with Adrian Kirikmaa and Josh Eggleton. www.somerdining.co.uk

MMM BEER… Also back back back is Bristol Craft Beer Festival on 14-16 September with the usual beano of drink, food and live music. After the success of last year’s event, the event will move to Harbourside; earlybird tickets are now available. www.bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

…OR MMM WINE? Never have to witness your dinner party guests snickering behind their hands again, as you pull out the chilled Sauv Blanc for the lamb course!

Our favourite wine expert Fiona Beckett will be at The Kensington Arms on 12 April for a food and wine pairing masterclass, with a dinner afterwards using recipes from her book Wine Lover’s Kitchen; we’re talking charred asparagus salad with ewe’s curd, cioppino and roasted pears. Book tickets (£48) by calling the Kenny on 0117 944 6444. www.thekensingtonarms.co.uk

QUAY EST? Nobody was very pleased to see Bordeaux Quay close, but hey, anything’s better than an empty lot, so we’ll be intrigued to check out Revolución de Cuba’s giant rum bar when it opens this spring within this massive venue.

It promises to be a very late-nite Harboursidey kind of a place, with cocktails and big screens; they’re also serving fresh tapas and a rum list that will take you, they say, straight to sunny Havana. www.revoluciondecuba.com

... Mmm, tequila

PARA BAILAR LA GAMBA Sticking with Spanish flavours (though probably doing them considerably better) are Bristol’s tapasmeisters Bravas. Remember how they almost openened a seafood restaurant called Gambas in Cargo, but ended up going for Mexican-flavoured Cantina instead? They’re still looking for a site for a Gambas, but in the meantime, along with suppliers Mevalco, they’re hosting a one-off seafood and sherry lunch inspired by some of their favourite markets, chiringuitos and tapas bars in southern Spain (two sittings, 15 April); all proceeds go to Action Against Hunger (minimum donation £50). To book, phone 0117 329 6887 or pop into the Cotham Hill restaurant. www.bravas.co.uk

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

R E S TA U R A N T

FOOD

Ston Easton Park The 18th-century country house hotel has a new chef and a new seven-course tasting menu. LISA EVANS takes one for the team . . .

M

y brain, already feeling the effects of a preprandial cocktail, can’t quite comprehend what’s happening right now. I’m in the restaurant of a magnificent 18th-century country house hotel, sitting at a white-clothed table, posh cutlery is lined up in front of me, formal opulence abounds, and yet Girls Aloud are hollering over the sound system. Something doesn’t quite add up here. It’s the type of place that screams the need for classical music, but I’m here swaying merrily to dance-pop.

To the beat of Atomic Kitten’s The Tide is High, the sprightly waiter approaches bearing foodie gifts including kimchi spring rolls, and bread baked to the shape of minimuffins, and we’re also presented with a seven-course tasting menu (well, two seven-course tasting menus, as I have the vegetarian version).

I’ve always been torn when it comes to menus of this ilk. On the one hand, I’m always eager to try a multitude of dishes and not be judged for my gluttony, but, on the other, I don’t get a choice of what’s put in front of me, and none of the things I really want to eat ever turn up in the portions I hope for.

But, as I’m here tonight for the unveiling of this new homegrown menu, and as there’s a brand-new chef at the pass, I decide, on this occasion, it’s the right thing to do.

The menu’s been heavily influenced by new chef Ashley Lewis, who has spent time perfecting his craft in kitchens across both the UK and France. The selection of dishes is designed to showcase the produce grown in Ston Easton’s gardens, which are set within 36 acres of private parkland.

Course number one is an amuse-bouche of pork belly for my dining companion, and a small bowl of the most deliciously buttery onion velouté for me. Next up is torched mackerel with crab, apple jelly, pickled daikon, and brown crab mayonnaise; then a delectable goats’ cheese mousse served with apple slices, lemon purée, olive crumb, and beetroot that comes in so many forms I lose count – there are earthy discs, sweet and vinegary slices, and gossamer-thin shards caramelised to a crisp, which stick to the teeth like toffee. A textural wonder. This course is served with Reichsrat von Buhl Riesling – the first vino on the wine flight this evening.

DUE TO THE DREAMINESS OF IT ALL, I GO A LITTLE WHEN HARRY MET SALLY

At my comrade’s next dish, foie gras, I refuse to give in to the squeamish thoughts which my, now slightly tipsier, brain wants to argue about, and instead I allow him to be completely seduced by the stuff, which is prettified with rhubarb chutney, chocolate and beetroot, and is shovelled up with brioche. I indulge, guilt-free, in the crispy oniontopped ricotta and salt-spiked tenderstem broccoli with baby turnips, mini-carrots and truffle vinaigrette.

My comrade’s favourite dish is next. It’s pan-fried red mullet with octopus, lemon purée and sea vegetables, and it’s laid atop swirls of chorizo foam, whipped into improbable lightness. My veggie course – smoked risotto with root vegetables and celeriac purée – also happens to be my favourite dish of the evening. In fact, due to the cheesy, creamy, dreaminess of it all (thanks to the vegetarian parmesan), I go a little When Harry Met Sally (you know the scene I mean). Thank god the Sugababes are playing just loud enough to mask it.

Next to the table is duck breast with bulgur wheat, blackcurrant jus, Lyonnaise-style potatoes and burnt onion petals for the husband; and I’m presented with gnocchi served with wild mushrooms. With this course comes Sherwood Estate Pinot Noir.

Then it’s time for pre-dessert (why can’t this be a regular thing?). It’s a small but rich, hard-shelled milk chocolate frustum filled with chocolate and passionfruit mousse and it’s served with mango sorbet and crushed hazelnuts. With this comes the decadent Zuccardi Reserva Torrontes Tardio.

The final course is a deconstructed apple crumble.

Bright green apple parfait takes centre stage, the crumble is scattered around the plate, and the decoration consists of a dense white chocolate mousse, apple sorbet, caramelised apple, and cubes of minty cucumber which are soaked in lethal amounts of rum, and give an intense whiff of Pimm’s and summertime to the plate. It’s comfort food that doesn’t quite want to give you the safe embrace you expect. It’s a hug and a shock in one.

Having consumed so much food, it’s a blissful feeling to go straight for a lie down in my hotel room upstairs, and a sumptuous space it is too. There’s a four-poster Chippendale bed, ornate high ceilings, the finest antique furnishings and lavish fabrics, which all reflect the building’s grand past, and it’s nothing short of breathtaking.

You’d think I’d be in party mode after all those throwback tunes, but with a bedroom this luxurious, all I want to do is sleep. And what a blissful night it is.

DINING DETAILS Ston Easton Park, Somerset, BA3 4DF; 01761 241 631; www.stoneaston.co.uk Prices The tasting menu is £75 per person, or £95 with wine flight Vegetarian choice Brilliant Drinks A great mix of world wines and cocktails Rooms From £129 per night, including breakfast Service/atmosphere Formal but friendly/ quiet and subdued

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 49

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FOOD & DRINK

CAFÉ SOCIETY Sta n Cullimore

A DOG’S BEST FRIEND

I DID THE BEST I COULD, BUT I WAS BEATEN DOWN BY THE

MAGNIFICENT BUBBLE & SQUEAK

“We’re doing a thing on Whiteladies in the next issue,” we told Stan. “Maybe review a café on Whiteladies?”

So Stan, a fan of the curve ball, went to Worrall Road

A

h, Whiteladies Road.

That wide glittering path which winds up to the Downs. Always loved that phrase, by the way, “going up to the Downs.” And Whiteladies is the perfect way to get there. Though, in truth, I prefer to spend my time mooching round the offshoots which lead you away from the main road itself.

Those little corners of unexpected delights, which seem to encourage smaller shops and slower footsteps.

The other day, after taking Mabel the minischnauzer for a leg stretch round the Downs, we found ourselves picking our way through narrow lanes and hidden footpaths en route to Clifton Down, picking up essential supplies along the way. On the path home we found ourselves in need of refreshment. Café style.

Now, with a dog in tow, finding places to eat and drink can get tricky. Luckily, we went past Worrall Road, a rat-run half way up Blackboy Hill, and there we saw . . . a sign. No, literally.

A café sign. One that pointed towards a place that, allegedly, served the best full English in town.

Obviously, nobody with a sense of fair play can walk away from a sign like that; the challenge was accepted.

Marmalade is a cheery little establishment with a friendly feel that invites you to make yourself at home right from the get go.

The folks who run it are a happy bunch who always seem ready to welcome you in with a smile on their face and a menu in their hand.

Not only that, but they are also mutt-friendly.

Really, they are. So much so, that they even have a friendly dog all of their own. A lovely and calm little soul by the name of Doris. She and Mabel always enjoy passing the time of day together, so we were all looking forward to a treat. Sadly, Doris was on holiday in Devon when we dropped by, no doubt enjoying a few well-earned doggie cream teas. So Mabel sat under the table and pulled faces.

Always one for a curve ball, I decided to go for the veggie version of the full English breakfast, whilst Mrs Cullimore went for the tuna melt. An excellent choice that was so enormous she had to take half of it home for later on. When my very own breakfast challenge arrived, it was immediately obvious that there was only ever going to be one winner in this contest. And it wasn’t going to be me. I did the best I could, but was beaten down by the magnificent bubble and squeak.

But there were no hard feelings, honestly. I’m OK with being trounced by a class act. Which this place definitely is. It even has some high-class reading material to keep the clientèle entertained.

So if you are ever in need of fine food and a cheerful cuppa on Whiteladies Road, get yourself along to Marmalade. It’s the dog’s b...…, er, best friend!

Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com

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

A N I M A L R E S C U E A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E

PAWS IN PERIL HOLLY HEDGE ANIMAL SANCTUARY is a local independent charity that rescues and rehomes hundreds of unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs. Manager SARAH SHRANZ tells us why they now need your help

W

e receive no funding from the government and rely on the generosity of our supporters to keep our doors open. It costs over ÂŁ600,000 every year to run with the ever increasing need to rescue and rehabilitate more and more animals. No animal is denied the veterinary help it needs so our vet bills alone have increased to a staggering ÂŁ100,000 in the last financial year.

We must ensure our future, by appealing to our supporters to help ensure we are here for many more years to come, maintaining our solemn promise to do everything in our power to make our rescue animals pain-free and whole again.

We cannot harden our hearts and refuse sick, elderly or injured animals. At Holly Hedge they are shown love, kindness, given every home comfort, and shown that people can be trusted until they are ready to face the world again in a loving new home.

Stories such as Ted, a husky found collapsed in a field; having being starved for

You could support us by becoming a PAW PAL or perhaps you could run your own coffee morning or run a marathon, there are hundreds of ways you could make a difference. some time he is now a different dog, loved unconditionally in his forever home.

And Pepper a dear little stray cat, desperately ill but still full of love, eventually finding her purrrfect lap to lay her head.

We have plans in place to sustain the future of Holly Hedge, but this will take time. Please help us in our vital mission to always be there for animals like Ted and Pepper that need our help and care. BL

For more information please visit our website www.hollyhedge.org.uk or visit us on site to see the work we do.

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

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OPINION

K A M K E L LY

TAKE ME TO CHURCH The Reverend Kam Kelly is here to share an Easter message with his faithful flock* (*You)

S

o – are you religious, Cadbreligious, or do you believe that way down the line you may have had distant links with an aposNestle (that’s supposed to be apostle and Nestlé; oh, never mind).

Whatever your religious persuasion, there’s no escaping The Beaster From The Easter (don’t ever Google that).

Christmas is associated with turkeys. We eat them. Easter is associated with bunnies and we . . . let them hide our eggs.

Apparently at the last National Turkey Association AGM, this very point was brought up, as it is every year.

The conclusion, yet again, was: a) Bunnies have better PR than turkeys do. And b) Damn those pesky wabbits! Yeah, Elmer Fudd is on the board, but talk around the water cooler is, he’s about to be binned cos of his general outlook and beliefs on animal welfare and hunting, which are decidedly not Bristol-fashion.

So with any luck, this time next year (if things go to plan; fingers crossed!) turkeys will be hiding our Christmas presents and we’ll all be looking forward to our bunny dinner at Easter.

I always try and deny my age. Make people believe that I was born a lot later than I actually was. Though the fact is, as I read recently, those of us born in the ’70s or early ’80s face a lot less of a struggle with obesity as those born in the ’90s or thereafter.

I have no idea if this correlates, but when I was like, ten, at Easter I told my mum that I didn’t want any Easter eggs. I asked if instead she could get me Janet Jackson’s album Control on cassette (obviously). Mum agreed, but asked, if only for the sake of Easter, whether I wanted at least a crème egg. I said no.

To this day I will always ask for no chocolate at Easter. Nor will I ask for a cassette, record, CD or downloads. Nah, to this day I will ask for a pint at your convenience.

I genuinely don’t know if my non-sweet tooth is ruining Easter for chocolate manufacturers. If it is, then there are breweries that benefit, so the economy remains stable.

I consider myself a Christian, but I don’t practice nearly enough. My mum does. She’s all about the church. And I love taking her to church when I see her.

It’s like that scene in Goodfellas when Henry Hill takes Karen to a club through the service entrance, and everyone knows him, and makes way for him, and sets up his seat for him. That’s what it’s like when I take my mum to church. She’s Henry in this

WHEN WE APPROACH, YOU CAN HEAR THE SHUFFLE OF FLAT SHOES, AND ZIMMER FRAMES BEING HAULED OUT OF OUR WAY scenario, and I’m just always impressed and grateful to be, err, Karen; I’m with someone that even the vicar wouldn’t mess with.

When we approach, you can hear the shuffle of flat shoes, and zimmer frames being hauled out of our way. There’s a whisper that echoes around the church.

“Move! Robyn’s coming. Clear her seat!”

At least, that’s how it goes in my head. People take notice when she arrives. She volunteers not only for the church’s support groups but also for other groups too (that I have sworn not to disclose) that provide help to those who need it in this current economic climate.

Mum doesn’t live in Bristol, yet she manages to get copies of Bristol Life whether I want her to read what I’ve written or not! Connected, like Henry Hill.

So, if you do happen upon this particular copy then, belated Happy Mother’s Day, Mum and thank you for everything.

Where were we? Oh, Easter! Look, parents: this year, when you’ve gone to all the trouble and effort to make Easter as special as possible for the kiddies, after the sugar rushes have subsided, treat yourself to what I like to call the Easter Keg Hunt. It’s usually started and completed in thine local.

Happy Easter everybody, whatever religion you choose to recognise. Enjoy the weather, the time off – and the chocolate!

Kam Kelly’s breakfast show, every weekday from 6am, Sam FM Bristol, 106.5fm

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 55

1

3

2

SWEET like CHOCOLATE IT’S EASTER, SO HERE’S A ROUND-UP OF THE BEST LOCAL CRAFT GINS. ONLY KIDDING!

5

4

1. WE SHOULD COCO

2. BUONA PASQUA!

3. PAISLEY PARK

4. RAISING THE BAR

5. MAY CONTAIN DOUGHNUTS

Chococo egg, £18 And not just any egg, an award-winning, Madagascan Mega-Milk egg, with as much cocoa, as many dark chocolates, yet far less sugar. It’s practically guilt-free...

From Papadeli 84 Alma Road www.papadeli.co.uk

Sugared chocolate ‘quail eggs’, £7.95; cherry liqueur chocolates, £9.95 The cherry liqueurs in the lovely tin are available all year round – because chocolate is for life, not just for Easter From Carluccio’s Quakers Friars www.carluccios.com

Bronde Easter egg, £24 Made by local artisan makers Lick The Spoon, from their own batch of bean-to-bar craft chocolate.

Fun fact: the Lick the Spoon makers’ ancestors used to work at the original Fry factory in Keynsham From Lick the Spoon www.lickthespoon.co.uk

Somerdale chocolate bars, £2.25 each Bringing chocolate making back to Keynsham once again, Somerdale Chocolate are named after the old Cadbury factory Find them at The Festival of Chocolate, 31 March; www.the chocolatequarter.org.uk

Sour-dough-nut, £3 Is it an Easter doughnut if it’s not piped full of chocolate? And can we even be in Bristol if it’s not a sour-dough-nut?

From Pinkmans 85 Park Street www.pinkmans.co.uk

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

ED’S CHOICE

SHOPPING

7

6

8

9

10

6. LA VIE EN ROSE

7. IF YOU BUILD IT...

8. A CUP OF JOE

9. BITE HERE, BITE NOW

10. F.A.B

Extra-thick egg with champagne truffles, £27 The rose-gold ombré makes this egg almost too pretty to crack open. But somehow we will find it in our hearts to do it anyway From Hotel Chocolat 15 Brigstowe Street www.hotelchocolat.com

‘Lego’ bricks, £5-£7 Bristol’s Really Expensive Chocolate Company specialises in personalised chocolate gifts; the guys have made these ‘Lego’ bricks in all colours for The Festival of Chocolate From www.etsy. com/uk/shop/ BelgianChocolateShop

Chocolate Chai, £8.55 An enticing variation on Henny & Joe’s multi-award-winning masala chai; each sip is packed with spicy flavours, followed by a complementary chocolatey hit From Henny & Joe’s www.hennyandjoes.co.uk

Praline bites, £6.50 A Jenga stack of chocs, please, Zara! Naturally there are Easter eggs available too, but this year we’re going for these seasalted praline bites From Zara’s Chocolates 228 North Street www.zaraschocolates.com

Mrs Potts Easter Egg, £9.50 With all the nostalgic appeal of a Fab lolly, this dark chocolate egg has been dipped in multicoloured sprinkles From Mrs Potts Chocolate House; 20 Park Street www.mrspottschocolate house.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk II CLIFTON BRISTOL LIFE LIFE II 57 www.mediaclash.co.uk 69

STREET LIFE

No longer the tawdry string of clubs and bars that once earned it the nickname of ‘The Strip’, the long and winding* road that we know and love as Whiteladies Road is in a constant state of reinvention – and it’s all to the good

By A L E X DIG GI NS Photo s by JON C R A IG @JonC ra ig _ Photo s (* Oh OK. It’s not especially winding. It’s actually pretty straight. But it is quite long)

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

STREET LIFE

I

t used to be called ‘The Strip’. A slightly seedy stretch of neon-lit fleshpots and bars; the haunt of lagered-up lads and fun-seeking girls in search of thumping bass and something harder, where the drinks were cheap and the thrills cheaper.

But that was then, and now is now. Over the past decade Whiteladies Road has systematically cleaned up its act.

The long street that climbs from the Triangle, past Clifton Down station, and up the steep hill to the windswept expanse of the Downs has become positively genteel, as befits a road of commerce serving elegant Clifton on one side and Redland on the other.

Organic produce lures source-conscious locals into the likes of Ruby & White, Wild Oats and Better Food. Walk up the Strip at 9am, and the smell of freshly made bread and pastries at Bakesmiths mingles enticingly with seriously brewed coffee at any number of cafés that take the bean very seriously indeed.

Boutiquey interiors shops Whittaker Wells rubs shoulders with award-winning restaurants The Spiny Lobster and The Ox. Innovative fitness studios like Body Street sit up the road from the magnificent Art Deco edifice of the restored Everyman Cinema.

Whiteladies Road has arrived, and it’s done so in style.

But with the renaissance of the road, and its delights now firmly back on the radar of Bristol’s in-crowd, where do we go from here?

Is Whiteladies still a go-to for entrepreneurs eager to make their mark, or is it already saturated with decent places to eat and shop?

Who better to answer these questions than the proprietors who live and work along the road every day, we thought; so we set off on a very different crawl from the kind revellers used to enjoy in the old days, nibbling here, sipping there, probing just a wee bit, in an attempt to work out what the future holds for Whiteladies Road.

ELLIS BRIGHAM

It’s still ski season, and as thoughts turn to depthless blue of Alpine skies and the crisp crunch of fresh powdery snow, the place for kit is Ellis Brigham. Serving skiers, climbers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts since the early 1970s, the shop has long been a fixture on Whiteladies. By offering excellent expert advice and services, such as ski-boot fitting and buying guides, it sets the bar far higher than identikit high-street outdoor stores.

Mark Brigham is ambitious for his store and the future of Whiteladies Road in general, and has a few ideas he’d love to see put in practice “As a resident and business owner I’d love to see carfree days,” he says. “We could hold events spanning the length and breadth of the road; it would bring a lively vibe to the area.”

Predictably perhaps, as a lover of the great outdoors, Mark’s favourite spot on The Strip is “The Easter Gardens in summer. It’s a beautiful community garden behind the King’s Arms pub, and a world away from the busyness of the road”.

BRISTOLIANS ARE FED UP OF DULL, SAMEY SHOPPING EXPERIENCES; THEY’RE LOOKING FOR SHOPS WITH CHARACTER AND DIFFERENCE

BLACK BOY HILL CYCLES

Just up the road from Ellis Brigham is another outdoorsy mecca: Black Boy Hill Cycles. An independent bike workshop that’s been serving the local community for over 30 years, it’s a browse-worthy delight of spokes, sockets and sprockets – because as every cyclist knows, it’s all about the gear.

But Bristol isn’t exactly short of bike shops, and life at the top of the hill can be tricky for business. However, shop manager Ollie says that the changing tastes of students is the biggest issue.

“They all have bus passes now – none of them want to cycle,” he says. “Also, the closure of the Uni halls on the Downs doesn’t help. w www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 61

STREET LIFE We used to get 2000 to 3000 students walking past on their way to lectures, now it’s barely a trickle. Footfall can be a problem.”

But if it all gets too tough, there are always the area’s excellent pubs for a glass of consolation. “The King’s Arms is a cracking place for a pint,” says Ollie.

MARMALADE CAFÉ

Run with bustling energy by Lisa and her partner Shim, this little café, just off the Strip on Worrall Road, is warm and welcoming, the food unpretentious: simple fare, done right. Their breakfasts are a big hit, drawing in everyone from “builders coming off their night shifts through to pensioners in for their lunch”.

Success hasn’t come without a struggle though, and since Lisa and Shim moved into the area five years ago, they’ve seen many independent entrepreneurs try and fail to launch on Whiteladies.

Rents on the main drag are expensive, and business rates can be punishingly high for those not backed by the security of big-chains money. Still, Lisa and Shim are out to change all that; they’ve banded together with other shop owners to form the Whiteladies Hill Traders Association, an organisation that works to nurture and protect independent shops along the road.

I’ll raise a flat white to that.

ALFIE & BELLA

Another member of the Whiteladies Hill Traders Association, this boutique pet shop has everything needed to keep a furry, feathered or scaly companion happy, healthy and well-fed. There has been a pet shop on the site for nearly 40 years; this current incarnation is owned by husband-and-wife team Karen and Bill, and named after the two most popular pet names at the time. Karen and Bill took over five years ago and transformed it into a thoroughly modern pet shop. And their local fave? Marmalade Café, of course (they’re next door). But the Jersey Lily is also worth a punt, and a pint, they say.

TRADEWIND ESPRESSO

The aesthetic of this café is straight outta The Croft: a cosy, intimate space with clean pine-panelled lines and big communal tables to encourage collaboration and conversation. There’s a seasonal menu with an emphasis on local produce, a large selection of vegan and vegetarian options scribbled on walls, and hip-looking staff sporting a bewildering array of tats and piercings. There’s also a genuine passion for coffee here, and a winningly geeky love for the black stuff that showcases the produce of local merchants Roasted Rituals. Customers can choose from a selection

DON’T MISS . . . the Whiteladies Road Farmers and Fair Trading Market: every Saturday from 8.30am to 2pm at the junction of Whiteladies Road and Apsley Road www.sustainableredland.org.uk 62 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

STREET LIFE

OFF-PISTE… Dive up Cotham Hill and Chandos Road, and you’ll find some of the best restaurants and shops in the city – we’re looking at you, Wilsons, Wilks, No Man’s Grace, Otira, Pasta Loco, Bravas, Bellita and Muino!

rotated monthly and choose their own method of extraction from French Press to Aeropress.

WHITTAKER WELLS

‘The boys who sew’ have become something of an institution along Whiteladies. “Our customers tell us we are like John Lewis in the old days – a real retail experience, where you can order your interior furnishings and then watch them being made,” says Ryan Whittaker, who runs the joint with Pete Eastwood.

The shop’s a gorgeous, double height space that feels part-elegant town house, part-modern art gallery. Beautiful furnishings, many made on the premises and others sourced from local makers, are draped across every surface. The lads are engaging company, too; this magazine would be a poorer thing without their regular witty insights into the world of interiors.

As members of the Whiteladies Hill Traders Association, they identify high business rates as one of the greatest difficulties facing owners, and there is a danger that entrepreneurs will be priced out the market. But, they say, customers are voting with their feet and the future of Whiteladies looks rosy.

“Bristolians are fed up of dull, samey shopping experiences.

They’re looking for shops with character and difference – and that’s something Whiteladies is perfectly placed to provide.”

RUBY & WHITE

For fans of well-hung meat (vicar!!), there are few better places to shop than this emporium of flesh and fowl. No sad plastic wrappings here; just row upon row of dark, well-marbled meat, hung to intensify the flavour; it’s butchery as an art form. Alongside the meat, they offer a wide range of farm shop produce, from fresh, free-range eggs to crusty bread; much finds its way into sister restaurant The Cowshed, just next door. They also cater for events, from weddings to corporate entertaining.

BODY STREET

This fitness studio specialises in Electro Muscular Stimulation, or EMS. It’s long been popular sur le Continent, but it’s only recently caught on over here. Here’s the science: by stimulating the muscles with mild electric shocks during exercise, you can supercharge the effects of a workout: it’s 40% more intense than traditional strengthtraining with weights.

Owner and MD Andrew Morrell tells us that the technology has even been used in the NASA space programme. The speed and efficacy of the workout means that it fits perfectly into busy lives and the typical demographic of Whiteladies who are “affluent, fitness-conscious and open to fresh experiences”.

Though he moved only recently to the area, Andrew is already a fan; in particular, he singles out the Spiny Lobster – “A great place – lovely owners, incredible service and the food is extraordinary”. And Whiteladies in general? “It’s the place to be – not only in Bristol, but in the whole of the South West.”

THE OX CLIFTON

Hyde & Co brought their trademark classy, Prohibition-style vibe to basement diner The Ox in Corn Street, and while the second Whiteladies branch is a street-level affair, there’s still plenty of rich, lacquered woods and burnished leather ambience, with polished marble floors to echo to the clip-clop of stilettos. Their business is steak, and they take this business seriously. Meat comes from Ruby & White and is served in cuts ranging from a relatively demure 6oz ribeye to the mighty 30oz T-Bone to share. The meat is also the star of their Saturday brunch, and their Sunday lunch, said to be among the best in Clifton; we couldn’t possibly say, though with a punchy Bloody Mary to hand, amid the rich fug of freshly seared meat, it’s really hard to argue.

For more great places to check out, turn the page

w

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 63

Reach the best in the west Auent, active and inuential and just a call away

Bristol Life team 01225 475800

STREET LIFE

DIRECTORY Don’t miss these fine establishments on Whiteladies Road (or just off it)

INTERIORS

Kitchens Cookshop Kitchenware and cookware 167 Whiteladies Road www.steamer.co.uk The Kitchen Partners Bespoke kitchen designers 102 Whiteladies Rd, Bristol www.thekitchenpartners.co.uk Kutchenhaus Bespoke German kitchens Clifton Down Shopping Centre www.kutchenhaus.co.uk Oskar Furniture Contemporary homeware 47 Whiteladies Road www.oskarfurniture.co.uk Raft Furniture Ethical, well-made furniture 68 Whiteladies Road www.raftfurniture.co.uk Schmidt Kitchens Home design solutions 170-172 Whiteladies Road www.home-design.schmidt The Sofa Library Handmade sofas and furniture 56-60 Whiteladies Road www.thesofalibrary.co.uk Whittaker Wells Interior design, and the coolest wallpaper & fabrics

157 Whiteladies Road www.whittakerwells.com

YET MORE SHOPPING Blackboy Hill Cycles Bicycles and accessories 180 Whiteladies Road www.black-boy-cycles.co.uk

Clifton Brides Bridalwear from leading designers 186 Whiteladies Road www.cliftonbrides.co.uk Ellis Brigham Clothing and kit for outdoor sports 160 Whiteladies Road www.ellis-brigham.com Movement Boutique Fashion and homeware 66 Alma Rd, Bristol www.movementboutique.co.uk

FOOD SHOPS & CAFÉS

Better Food Organic, local, ethical food and café 94 Whiteladies Road www.betterfood.co.uk Bakesmiths 65 Whiteladies Road Bakers, café and ‘epic brunches’ www.bakesmiths.co.uk Brew Coffee Company Lunch, brunch and fine brews 45 Whiteladies Road www.brewcoffeecompany.co.uk

Divino Deli Italian Delicatessen and Cafe 1 Worrall Road www.divinodeli.co.uk

River Cottage Canteen Celebrity chef’s buzzy restaurant St John’s Court www.rivercottage.net

The Marmalade Café Café (see also page 51) 3 Worrall Road 0117 329 3474

Rosa Tapas Bar, cocktail lounge, tapas 85 Whiteladies Road www.rosabristol.co.uk

Papadeli Deli, caterers and cookery school 84 Alma Road www.papadeli.co.uk

The Spiny Lobster The freshest fish and seafood 128-130 Whiteladies Road www.thespinylobster.co.uk

Ruby & White Bespoke meats, cheese, wine etc 48 Whiteladies Road www.rubyandwhite.com

Steam Bristol Popular gastropub Clifton Down Station www.steambristol.co.uk

Tradewinds Espresso Serious coffee from Roasted Rituals 118 Whiteladies Road www.tradewindespresso.com

RESTAURANTS & PUBS

British Barber Co Barber and male grooming experts 137 Whiteladies Road www.britishbarbercompany.com

Bento Boss Japanese restaurant 6 Whiteladies Road www.bentoboss.co.uk

EF Medispa Bristol Aesthetic treatment clinic 10A Whiteladies Road www.efmedispa.com

Bosco Superior pizzas 96 Whiteladies Road www.boscopizzeria.co.uk Happy Bird Organic chicken diner Clifton Down Shopping Centre www.happy-bird.com The Kings Arms Candlelit pub with roof terrace 168 Whiteladies Road www.kingsarmsbristol.com The Ox Clifton Top-notch British fare 96a Whiteladies Road www.theoxclifton.com Port of Call Historic real-ale hostelry 3 York Street www.portofcallbristol.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Bodystreet Fitness studio specialising in EMS 98 Whiteladies Road www.bodystreet.co.uk

Simon Lee Cosmetic medicine and treatments 1-3 Whiteladies Gate www.simonleeclinic.co.uk White Dental Practice Dentistry and teeth-whitening 32 Whiteladies Road www.whitedentalpractice.co.uk

SERVICES

Gold Car Care Premium car valeting Unit 36, 179 Whiteladies Road www.goldcarcare.co.uk Bike Science Ltd Precision bike fitting 184 Whiteladies Road www.bike-science.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 65

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Gold Car Care is Bristol’s premier mobile car valeting / vehicle valet company, offering a range of services for cleaning your car or commercial vehicle.

BLACKBOY HILL CYCLES

We offer a cost effective, professional car and commercial vehicle mobile valeting service throughout Bristol area and beyond.

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GOLD CAR CARE Unit 36, 179 Whiteladies Road, Cliftonm Bristol BS8 2AG Tel: 07812 609039 | Email: goldcarcare@live.co.uk

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Black Boy Hill Cycles is the oldest family run bicycle shop in Bristol, supplying bikes to the community and offering a fast repair service and cycle to work scheme.

180 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2XU Tel:0117 973 1420 | www.black-boy-cycles.co.uk

H E A LT H A N D BEAUTY

HOLDING BACK THE YEARS Thinking of having some facial work, but not quite sure which treatment is for you? The skilled and highly qualified team at Simon Lee Cosmetic Surgery are more than happy to advise

By DE R I ROBI NS

I

’m full of admiration for women who grow old gracefully. You know the sort; they yield to grey at the first silver hair, and have never had a single unit of Botox. “This is me, now,” they say; “Take me as I am”. It’s laudable; it really is.

I admire them, but I am not among them.

If science can offer a quick fix to roll back the years, then I’m up for it.

I say a ‘quick’ fix because my vanity does not extend to having drastic nip-tucking, or the kind of epidermal scraping that requires a week of downtime and/or the temporary wearing of a balaclava. For me, the ideal treatment takes under an hour, doesn’t hurt too much, and won’t frighten the horses when I leave the clinic.

And that’s why I really love dermal fillers.

Tiny amounts of gel containing stabilised hyaluronic acid are repeatedly injected into the skin, in order to fill out facial lines,

KNOWING HOW FAR TO GO IS THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL FILLERS

wrinkles and folds; they’re not suited to the very thin-skinned eye area, but can work wonders in making lip lines virtually vanish, and correcting contours of the face that may have ‘dropped’ with age. And it’s a win-win; the fillers also improve the quality of the skin, leaving it soft and dewy. So, with a landmark birthday approaching, I booked an appointment with Simon Lee Cosmetic Surgery at the lower corner of Cotham Hill.

It can’t be stressed too strongly that while you can get a truly great facial from a beautician, fillers should only ever be ever – ever – be carried out by nurses, doctors or dentists; only the medically qualified have the knowledge or skill to deal with problems if they occur, even if this happens very rarely.

I’m booked to have my fillers with very experienced nurse Emma Davies, but first of all Mr Lee takes me through some of the alternatives. Fractional lasering, for example, can yield amazing results, as it effectively resurfaces the skin.

Emma proves to be the perfect practitioner; calm, skilful and full of insights. We’ve decided to target my cheek area and the lines over my lips, and despite the anaesthetic cream that numbs my face, I’m prepared for a small amount of pain.

Astonishingly, the injections are no more

unendurable than a pinprick; not even the ones over my lips hurt very much.

There’s a little gel left over, and Emma asks if I’d like some in my upper lip – something I hadn’t previously considered, and had even actively avoided (who can forget poor Lesley Ash’s horrific trout pout?) but Emma promises me the effect will be subtle.

Knowing how far to go is the key to successful fillers; as Emma says, “It’s not a great idea to go for Angelina Jolie’s lips, if you don’t also have Angelina Jolie’s cheekbones, jawline and eyes.”

The results of the treatment are instantaneous. My lip lines have vanished, and the fillers around my cheekbone make the skin ‘hang’ higher; my face looks several years fresher and more youthful, and the only sign I’ve had treatment is a faint pinkish rash above the lips, that disappears over the course of the next day. Best of all, the results can last between six to 18 months, sometimes longer.

I’m already scanning Mr Lee’s brochure to see what treatment I can try next…

Simon Lee, 3 Whiteladies Gate, Bristol; 0117 3292027; www.simonleeclinic.co.uk Prices: dermal fillers begin at £350 and take under an hour

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 67

SPORT

WILL CARPENTER Br istol Rugby club jou r nalist

IT’S IN THE RANKS

STARS OF THE FUTURE

JUNIOR THAT MUCH OF THE CLUB’S EXCITEMENT

There may be some high-profile arrivals at Bristol Rugby – but it’s all eyes on the Under 18s . . .

A PHOTO BY JMPUK

ll Black international Charles Piutau headlines a whole host of high-profile arrivals at Bristol Rugby for the 2018/19 season – but it’s in the junior ranks that much of the club’s excitement lies.

In the past month, four members of the Bristol Rugby Academy U18 squad have taken to the international stage – in some instances, going head-to-head – signalling a bright and self-sustaining future at Ashton Gate.

Will Capon and Blake Boyland (England U18), Nathan Chamberlain (Scotland U18) and Ioan Lloyd (Wales U18) all pulled on their country’s colours during March, while Aaron Chapman was named in the England U20 squad before sustaining a season-ending injury in training. The call-ups exhibit some of the fine work being undertaken in the club’s

LIES

academy, under the tutelage of Mike Hall, Mark Irish and Sean Marsden.

“We are delighted to see Will, Blake, Nathan and Ioan recognised in this way by the national U18 coaches,” said Mike Hall.

“Will has obviously been involved in the set-up for the past couple of seasons, so it will be great to see him continue to develop at age-grade international level and how he uses his experience in a leadership role within the squad.

“Blake has done exceptionally well to be recognised as an U17 in the squad. He has put in some good performances in the Academy U18’s League, scoring some great tries and assisting in several, too. Stepping up to international level is a challenge I’m sure Blake will relish over the next couple of months.

“Aaron has done extremely well. We met with him back in the early summer while he Nathan Chamberlain – one to watch

was still at school and had some conversations about potentially coming in for a trial period.

He came in and really impressed during that period. He’s worked really hard at his game and fully deserved to be offered a contract. Then, through his levels of performance in the A League and British and Irish Cup, he got a very deserved call-up to the England U20 squad. Unfortunately for him, injury ruled him out of the campaign, but he’ll come back stronger.”

Pat Lam is keen to strike the perfect balance between international experience and international potential, using the likes of Charles Piutau, Steven Luatua and Ian Madigan to help accelerate the youngsters’ development. ‘Sustainable’ is the head coach’s buzzword, as he aims to bring through the next generation of Bristol Rugby stars.

“I am not going to be here forever, because this is the professional game –people come, people go – but if you have world-class structures and systems it will be sustainable.

“The speed in which these young guys come through will depend on their willingness to learn. What we don’t want is to be in a position where we have an international All Black, and then when he leaves, we get another one in. When he leaves we should be able to fill that spot.”

The last Bristol Rugby player to represent a home nation during their time at the club was Jason Hobson in 2008. But with a wealth of local talent lighting up the junior international scene, Pat Lam and Bristol hope the next one is just around the corner.

Follow the team: www.bristolrugby.co.uk

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

A RETIREMENT TO LOOK FORWARD TO

LAST REMAINING VACANCIES

across our five lovely houses in the Bristol area

Golden years The face of retirement living is changing; our current elderly population expect a high standard of life, whether it’s their own home in a carefully created community, or a residence offering full-time care. Here are some of the best options we’ve found By l i sa wa r r e n

St Vincent

Privately owned apartments in Redland The Vincent offers bespoke retirement living for people over 60 who want to live as part of a community. Overlooking Durdham Downs, the development is an easy walk from the best of Redland, but also offers its own self-contained social and lifestyle hub. Life revolves around the arboretum garden, the barista-fronted coffee bar, the lounge and private dining room, gym, stretch studio and hydrotherapy pools, while a concièrge service is the first port of call for everything from booking a spa treatment to information on Bristol’s latest exhibitions.

For more www.pegasuslife.co.uk

The Chocolate Quarter

Private apartments in Keynsham community Created by Bristol charity St Monica Trust within the former home of Fry (then Cadbury), The Chocolate Quarter offers luxury retirement living within beautifully designed apartments, public spaces and impressive diners.

The facilities in the £60 million development – a spa, gym, pool, craft studios, hairdressers 72 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

and salon, pizzeria B Block and bistro Somer Dining – are all open to the public, encouraging intergenerational use, which helps prevent the sense of isolation that older people often experience in gated communities.

For more www.thechocolatequarter.org.uk

The Hawthorns

Retirement community with a breath of sea air The Hawthorns retirement community, situated on the seafront at Clevedon, is a recently refurbished, purpose-built community for independent senior living, that provides the highest quality rental option for an all-inclusive monthly fee.

The high-quality facilities have a friendly, home-from-home atmosphere, with a choice of stylish apartments, all with their own kitchen and en-suite shower room. Communal areas include a dining room with restaurant-quality dining and table service, a cinema, therapy and treatment room, hair and nail salon, games room, library and beautifully maintained landscaped gardens. Residents can take advantage of the sea air with their own nine-hole

RETIREMENT

Bird’s Fry view? The innovative new Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham

putting green and landscaped grounds; there are also easy walks along the coast. www.hawthornsretirement.co.uk

THE CURRENT ELDERLY GENERATION DON’T WANT A GATED COMMUNITY WHERE OLDER PEOPLE ONLY MIX WITH OLDER

PEOPLE

STOKE GIFFORD RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Homes to buy or rent within a retirement village The ExtraCare Charitable Trust is a registered charity with a vision: to create better lives for older people, creating sustainable communities that provide homes older people actually want, lifestyles they can enjoy and care if it’s needed.

A vibrant community is coming together ahead of the opening of the new £53m retirement village in Stoke Gifford this autumn near the University of the West of England campus. There will be 261 apartments, with homes available for outright purchase, shared ownership and rental.

Around 18 social and health facilities will be open to residents and local older people, families and volunteers, including a reception and main street, shop, café bar, library and IT suite, www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 73

RETIREMENT

hairdresser, salon, craft room, fitness suite and village hall. The village will also have a wellbeing centre, and care and support will be available on site for residents who need help to live independently (around a third of the community).

For more www.extracare.org.uk/Retirement/ Villages

GLENVIEW

Residential care for dementia patients A new home, and sister to Meadowcare, also based on Belvedere Road, Glenview is a round-the-clock personalised high-end care facility for people with dementia in a new state-of-the-art home just off the Downs. Facilities include a hydrotherapy bath, sensory room offering music therapy, light therapy and a range of complementary therapies, such as reflexology and massage. There are also exercise classes, along with cognitive therapies.

For more www.meadow-care.co.uk

ABBEYFIELD

Retirement houses in the Bristol area Abbeyfield’s focus is to support older people and enable them to remain independent for as long as possible. It’s the ideal option for stress-free retirement for those who are struggling to live alone; many residents still drive their own cars, and continue to be active in the community.

Abbeyfield sees its role as helping them to do this for as long as possible. Residents enjoy three home-cooked meals a day along with a calendar of social events. They have the privacy of their own apartment, but with daily coffee mornings, and communal mealtimes, there’s always someone to talk to. Loneliness is never an issue here.

For more www.abbeyfield-bristol.co.uk

AUDLEY VILLAGES

Luxury private homes in a retirement community Audley creates luxurious and aspirational properties for those looking to downsize to a home with a real sense of community. The model is far from that of the traditional care home, allowing owners to maintain the independence they value so highly. With a portfolio of 18 villages across the country, Audley’s vision is setting the bar high for a new kind of retirement living.

The centrepiece at Audley Redwood in Failand is the Audley Club, which offers a pool, health club, library, restaurant, bar and bistro. Owners can use the facilities to stay active and socialise, and there is also access to flexible care if needed, enabling them to live an independent and healthy life. The restaurant and Audley Club are also available to those in the local community, which helps to turn the village into a vibrant community, and stops it having an isolated feel. www.audleyvillages.co.uk

FRENCHAY PARK AND FRENCHAY GARDENS

Independent home ownership Frenchay Park and Frenchay Gardens are the first two phases of the development built on the site 74 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

From top: the new community at Stoke Gifford; the hotel-style indoor pool at The Vincent Right: downsize in style to one of the apartments at The Vincent

of the old Frenchay Hospital. The development has been designed to appeal to everyone, with a choice between traditional homes – the Heritage collection, based on the Arts & Crafts houses of the 1930s and 1940s – and modern ones with open-plan living spaces. Close to Bristol city centre, the site offers suburban living with a community village feel. An unique online system, www.myredrow.redrow.co.uk allows customers to personalise their new home, choosing from a range of high-spec styles.

For more www.redrow.co.uk

HERITAGE HEALTHCARE

Care services for those who want to remain living independently at home, but need extra support Heritage offer services ranging from domestic work, shopping and social events to personal care.

It works closely with any medical parties involved with the care package, such as GPs, district nurses and local authority care teams. www.heritagehealthcare.co.uk

RETIREMENT

THEY SAY…

Stoke Gifford

The Vincent

“Independence is the single greatest driving force in our new generation of retirees. They want to enjoy their later years in comfort, and keeping the mind and body active is important. Retirees are looking for homes which facilitate an active social life; the type of living offered by forward-thinking developments, such as The Vincent, is especially attractive to single retirees, who are looking to meet people and build relationships.”

The Chocolate Quarter

“What worked for one generation won’t necessarily work for another, and the current elderly generation don’t want a gated community where older people only mix with older people.

They want to live in open communities, with access to people from different generations, who will keep them feeling alive and vibrant.”

The Hawthorns

“The demands of the retirement sector are growing and developing quickly, as those entering the age bracket have progressively experienced more in the way of hotels, travel, and an overall high standard of life. They don’t just want an apartment in a retirement block with a residents’ lounge; they want a supported, active and healthy lifestyle within a friendly and vibrant community.

It’s a great blend of being with others, but with the privacy of having your own front door.”

“Older people don’t want an institutionalised model of care. Independence, being part of a community and having opportunities to rekindle old skills or learn new ones are all key parts of meeting people’s expectations.”

Glenview

“Research has proven that the impact of intergenerational contact, cognitive therapies, cohesive communications with all external and internal care staff, doctors, consultants and others is crucial in providing high quality care for those with dementia.”

RESIDENTS TELL US HOW THEY ‘STARTED Abbeyfield TO LIVE AGAIN’ WHEN THEY CAME

TO US

“To convince someone that they’d be happier if they left the home they love is difficult, and sometimes they need to make the move to really appreciate it. We offer a trial period to any prospective resident. There’s no commitment, but the majority end up moving straight in and taking a permanent flat. Residents tell us how they ‘started to live again’ when they came to us. We take away the stress of living alone.”

Audley Villages

“People nearing retirement age now are more discerning, and rightly so – far from the view that once you reach your late sixties you slow down and take a step back. In reality, many want to do the complete opposite, with the luxury of more time, taking up new hobbies and living a dynamic lifestyle well into their sixties and beyond.”

Heritage Healthcare

“It is beneficial to start having care, or extra support at home sooner rather than later as it can help prevent some more serious incidents that result in injuries and, sometimes, a stay in hospital.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 75

BRISTOL’S MOST AFFLUENT AND INFLUENTIAL AUDIENCE FOR OVER 13 YEARS To discuss how we can help you promote your business call 01225 475842 or email lily.dalzell@mediaclash.co.uk

Looking for expert care in Bristol and North Somerset?

With home care services from Heritage Healthcare Bristol, our clients continue to live independently in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. As providers of personal and domestic care services we help elderly, convalescing and disabled clients maintain the highest quality of life possible.

We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the changing needs of our clients so if you’d like help with anything, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Providing care at home with pride and passion A reliable and professional service

Integrated media specialists in magazines, digital and events

Understanding your needs

Trym Lodge, 1 Henbury Road, Avon, Bristol, BS9 3HQ T: 0117 9596498 E: care@bristol.heritagehealthcare.co.uk W:www.heritagehealthcare.co.uk/bristol

ALL INFERTILITY TREATMENTS OFFERED INCLUDING IUI, IVF and ICSI

Bristol Open Evening Thursday 12th April at 7:30 Please book in via the website or telephone the clinic

CRGW’s two independent centres offer the latest scientific technology and facilities needed for all fertility treatments. CRGW Bristol is located adjacent to the M4/ M5 intersection (M5 J16). CRGW Cardiff is located at M4 J34, only 15 minutes from Cardiff City centre

We pride ourselves in placing patients before profit to enable affordable, cost effective treatment options while maintaining the best pregnancy rates.

Options include: • IUI • IVF • ICSI • EmbryoScope time lapse monitoring • Embryo freezing • Egg freezing • Donor egg and donor sperm treatments • Female fertility assessments • Sperm tests • Sperm freezing • Surgical sperm retrieval Fertility consultation (60 minutes) £150, includes:

Dr Amanda O`Leary MBChB, MRCOG, MD

Consultation Pelvic ultrasound scan of uterus and ovaries including antral follicle count (and doppler if applicable) Sperm test with same day results One pre-treatment follow up appointment

QUESTIONS? Ask a question about infertility or fertility treatment options and our expert panel will answer. Submit questions via the website Ask an Expert button.

OPEN EVENINGS Open evenings Join us at our free monthly open evenings in Bristol or Cardiff for a tour and presentations from fertility experts. We offer open evening’s specific for same sex couples and single women also. Ask questions on a one-to-one basis.

Alternatively we can arrange an informal personal tour where your questions can be answered.

FREE SPERM TESTING CRGW offers free sperm testing days in Bristol and Cardiff. Visit the web site to find the next available date and book yourself in.

Bristol: 01174 409999 | Cardiff: 01443 443999 | www.crgw.co.uk | info@crgw.co.uk

A D V E R T I S I N G F E AT U R E H E A LT H

DON'T SUFFER IN SILENCE Putting up with joint pain is not the healthy option says Mr Evert Smith, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at SPIRE BRISTOL HOSPITAL

A

s we get older, we often complain that we can no longer do the things we could ‘when we were young’, but most people want to enjoy an active lifestyle well into old age. In fact, it is important to maintain activity as this not only keeps our joints healthy and in good working order, but it also keeps other parts of our bodies healthy too.

Mr Evert Smith, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Spire Bristol Hospital, finds that many of us believe that you have to be ‘of a certain age’ to contemplate having a joint replacement. However, if a joint such as a hip or knee is no longer working properly, a joint replacement is sometimes the best option and putting off replacement surgery can often cause more problems.

Mr Smith answers some frequently asked questions about joint health and joint replacement surgery: When seeking a specialist opinion, what do patients typically complain of and what can be done?

Joint pain is increasingly common as we age.

It is important that patients do not to ignore joint pain that is worsened by walking. Pain is the body’s way of telling us that something is wrong. However, many people ignore the warning signs and battle through the pain with the help of analgesics, or through sheer grit.

Joint pain can be managed in many ways,

adversely affected if you do not take regular exercise and you may also gain weight.

and does not necessarily mean you will need a joint replacement operation. A course of physiotherapy may be all that is needed to get you back on track. The important thing is to get it checked out, first by your GP and then with a scan or x-ray investigation.

Putting up with the pain is not a sensible option. Persistent or increasing pain is a warning sign and it should be investigated.

What might happen if joint pain is ignored, and can it worsen over time, so that surgery becomes a necessity?

It is a fact of life that as we get older our joints are likely to become stiffer and can cause pain.

However, putting off treatment will only worsen the situation and may have a detrimental effect on other joints, as they try to take the strain of the malfunctioning or painful joint.

For example: If you limp due to a painful knee, you are likely to alter the way you walk, and this in turn will put a strain on other joints such as your hips, your other knee or your back as these joints try to accommodate an altered posture or style of walking.

This may be acceptable in the case of a short-term injury, but when this occurs over a prolonged period, it will affect other parts of your body too.

Do people stop undertaking physical activity to avoid the pain of damaged joints, and can this affect general health?

If carrying out your normal everyday functions, such as walking, exercising or performing ordinary tasks becomes too painful, so that you avoid or stop doing things, it is important to get treatment because reducing activity can affect ones health.

For example: Your heart and lungs can be

Benefits of joint replacement surgery Joint replacement operations have an excellent success rate. A new hip or knee can give you a completely new lease of life. Walking and other activities that you previously loved but could no longer do, not only become possible again but are actually enjoyable.

Many people in their 50s and 60s who are suffering joint pain come to me having given up their favourite activity such as golf or tennis.

Following successful surgery, they can return to their former favourite activities. Depending on age and general fitness, low impact activities are possible.

I always advise my patients not to let painful joints dictate their lifestyle when there are so many treatment options available to resolve these issues.

Spire Bristol Hospital will be hosting a number of joint pain information evenings for anyone who may be suffering from hip or knee pain and are considering private treatment. One of the hospital’s consultant specialists will be presenting on the common causes of hip pain and knee pain and in detail will explain the treatment options available to you. These events are completely free to attend. BL

The knee pain event will be held on Tuesday 24 April. Followed by their hip pain event on Wednesday 25 April. Both evenings start from 7pm and will last just over an hour.

To book onto any of these events please get in touch with Spire Bristol Hospital by calling 0117 980 4080 or emailing their patient treatment advisers on info@spirebristol.com.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 83

Why choose CoolSculpting at

Simon Lee’s Aesthetic Medical Clinic?

- Medically led - owned by Mr Simon Lee Consultant Plastic Surgeon - Coolsculpting is a completely non-invasive fat reduction treatment-no down time, no needles or general anesthesia - FDA cleared treatment - both safety and efficacy has been proven

Before

16 Weeks after Second CoolSculpting Session

*Photos courtesy of Brian Biesman, MD

Simon Lee, Aesthetic Medical Clinic, 3 Whiteladies Gate, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2PH Telephone 01173 292027 | www.simonleeclinic.co.uk

over the longer term, implants are usually a more cost-effective and satisfactory option" - The Oral Health Foundation

DENTAL IMPLANTS We are delighted to offer dental implants in-house at Elgin Park. From an initial consultation to high quality after-care, we aim to put you at ease throughout by fully explaining each step of the process.

We have extensive experience in implant cases, ranging from single tooth replacements to full mouth and jaw reconstructions using multiple implants For more information please call us today or visit our website.

Free consultation | Price from £2588 INCLUDING abutment and crown Opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 8.30 – 6.00. Wednesday - 8.30 - 7.00. Friday 8.30 – 5.00 Email: reception@elginpark.co.uk. Telephone: 0117 9735677 Website: www.elginpark.co.uk

H E A LT H a d v ertisi n g fe at u re

Meet the DENTIST From straightforward fillings and hygiene, to implants and the perfect smile; there’s a world of dentristy out there, and these three practices are poised to welcome you

Cornelius Krause

Ceri Owen-Roberts

Paula Jay

Tell us a bit about yourself I graduated from Humboldt University in 2003. A friend introduced me to dentistry, and I was interested in the variety of skills needed to achieve the best outcomes for patients. I enjoy meeting lots of nice people and being able to help them. I value all my patients so I think it’s a profession where I can meet people from different paths of life.

Tell us a bit about yourself After graduating from Bristol Uni, I have now settled in my adopted city.

Outside work I¹m kept busy with my three-year-old twin girls, Orla and Ruby.

How did you get into dentistry?

I got into dentistry after successfully replying to a job ad aged 19 years to become a dental nurse.

CK Dental 0117 906 4868 www.ckdental.co.uk

How would you best define modern dentistry?

Modern dentistry is a combination of proven techniques together with new advances in technologies and materials. This means patients get the very best outcomes possible.

Why are some people scared of going to the dentist?

The main reason for being scared is past experiences, hearsay and the fear of the unknown. At CK Dental we use the latest techniques to make dental treatment as comfortable as possible.

Our genuine friendly approach allows us to provide a more relaxed treatment.

Why should we come to you?

CK Dental is a unique dental practice.

Our patients can have general as well as cosmetic dentistry of a high quality in one place. Our focus is on the individual and not on factory work. We take our time to get to know the patients and their individual preferences. On top of that we can do all this and more under Sedation or General Anaesthetic.

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

Elgin Park Dental 0117 973 5677 www.elginpark.co.uk

What’s special about your practice?

We are an independently owned family practice offering a range of treatments from routine dentistry to cosmetic work and dental implants.

What’s the best bit about your job?

I enjoy building good relationships with patients, and involving the practice in the local community. We are proud to support local artists, and always have something interesting on display in the waiting area.

Why come to you?

We are a friendly team, and have a wealth of expertise between us. We use a CEREC machine which allows us to make single visit computer designed crowns, in as little as 7 minutes, without the need for traditional impressions!

What’s your special interest?

I take great pride in placing dental implants in simple and complex cases. as well as giving lectures nationally, I organise local talks from some of the worlds experts in Implant dentistry. As a mentor, I teach others how to place dental implants, helping new dentists learn this life-changing technique.

Hygienist; White Dental Practice Clifton 0117 973 9346 www.whitedentalpractice.co.uk

Did you always want to be a dental hygienist?

I wanted to work in the caring profession.

I then moved to London in 2002 to further my career to become a dental hygienist.

Describe your ideal day My ideal day is a mixed day of new patients where I put together a treatment plan for getting their mouth clean and healthy to meet their expectations, and also seeing my maintenance patients to continue their preventative treatment; great job satisfaction!

Why are some people scared of going to the dentist?

Some people are scared of dentistry because it is very much in someone’s personal space and they feel out of control. Regular dental visits will mean you can build trust and confidence with your practice and prevent tooth pain and excessive treatment.

How would you best define modern dentistry?

Modern dentistry is a good mix of ‘prevention rather than cure’ – although we do cure tooth ills!, and enhancing and making patients confident with their smile and appearance knowing the health of the mouth is paramount.

Adventures in party-going

SNAPPED! AC ROS S B R IS TO L , O N E S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

AMAZING GRAZE

Sebastian Langkamer and Pete Snowman

As excitement for the Bristol Life Awards ramps up, we raised a glass (OK, several glasses) to our finalists at a reception held in new steak restaurant and bar, Pasture. You’re all total winners as far as we’re concerned – find out who our judges selected at the big Awards ceremony on 26 April!

Photos by Jon Craig @JonCraig_Photos

Helen Edwards, Tara Milne and Fiona Francombe

Anna Brewin, Nick Cryer and Sarah Brain

Lindsay Davis and Claire White

Jo Maggs, Amy Tout, Suzie Wood and Lily Dalzell

John Reid, Michael Barker, Sam Bell and Deryn Lindsay

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

SOCIETY

Pilo Selguera Peso, Colin Evans, Ilaria Pignatelli and Deanna Roberts Jenna Freeman, Michael Jenkins and Alex Topham

Robert Massey, Lizzy Cummins, Rhiannon Kearns and Niki Facey

Bob Irwin, George Danells and Darren Armstrong

Daliah Haughton and Kiryn Howard

Bruno Forte, Pat Powell, Michael Potts and Jennifer Potts

Vicki Neath, Annie Miekus and Tilly Boon

Paul Morrissey, Jacqui Ham, Rustin Allison, Sarah Thorp and Fiona Kelly Charlotte Temple, Julian Cook and Stephanie Parsons

Zoe Hewett, Emily Molyneux-Gershon and Ani Stafford-Townsend

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 89

B

ased in the Cotswolds, Brookman Greene has quickly established a reputation for producing high-end elegant events. We produce celebrations ranging from stunning weddings to private celebrations in your residence, on fields and lawns or in venues of your choice.

We also offer a service where we can help style your venue, using our eclectic mix of prop hire, or we can provide a set up service, and management on the day.

We focus on the timeless values of fairness, generosity and trust to ensure that you receive the best possible service, all delivered with the warmth, style and elegance that Brookman Greene is known for.

We care about each occasion as if it were our own Brookman Greene West Kington, Wiltshire SN14 7JJ +44 (0)1249 782906 | info@brookmangreene.co.uk www.brookmangreene.co.uk

SOCIETY

GO, GIRLS Local entrepreneur Amy Goodall is on a mission: to inspire women to set up their own businesses, and to help reduce some of the isolation that women who work for themselves can experience.

Amy is the self-elected ‘tribe boss’ for Bristol Tribe – a booming networking organisation and members-only collective. Tribe launched on 19 February at Pata Negra, with a follow-up event at the same venue on 15 March at which Meg Pope and Frankie Wallington, aka Duchess Media, took the chair to speak on the theme of ‘How to Start an Agency by Accident’.

Follow them on Twitter @girltribegang

Carey Hibberd, Amy Goodall and Elle Sullivan

Kate Wyatt and Becky Male

Anna Jackson, Chrissy Ellis and Lucy Eastment

Nina Hearn and Chanelle Greenwood

Chanelle Greenwood and Sasha Seaward

Amy Goodall, Anna Jackson, Chrissy Ellis, Sophie Carefull, Louise Blackmore, Marie Smeets and Lisa Gunn Frankie Wallington, Meg Pope and Amy Goodall

Anna Jackson, Chrissy Ellis, Sophie Carefull and Louise Blackmore

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 91

Proud sponsor of

Email: simon@serialtrainer7.com

Shake-ups/launches/intel/promotions

B R IS TO L G E T S S ER I O US AWARDS

BOOM TOWN

QUOTE OF THE ISSUE

Extra capacity has been created AGAIN for the Bristol Life Awards, due to extraordinary demand . . .

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ith an unprecedented surge in demand for tickets, the Bristol Life Awards 2018 looks set to surpass even its triumphant first year.

The increased capacity allows for more people than last year’s bursting-at-the-seams 600, housed in Bristol’s then largest-ever marquee.

Businesses wishing to attend the Awards on 26 April should act at once, as the remaining tickets look set to fly out of the door. There is already a waiting list for tables of ten, which sold out in record time.

“We’re doing all we can to cope with the incredible demand for tickets. It’s quite a juggle, even with increased capacity, so please bear with us,” said Steph Dodd, event director for MediaClash, Bristol Life’s publisher.

With the big night just one month away, finalists came together to celebrate at a sponsors’ and finalists’ reception at new restaurant Pasture this month (page 88).

“It was lovely to have all our finalists all together, and for them to meet their category sponsors,” says Steph.

“We have been overwhelmed with the quality of this year’s nominations, and it’s been an extremely tough job for our judges. We’d like to send a massive thanks to all who have contributed so far – to our sponsors, partners and to our nominating companies. Roll on 26 April: it’s going to be immense.”

Winners receive a golden Bristol Life Award, as well as

Get your glad rags ready . . .

coverage in Bristol Life magazine, email marketing and across all social media channels, on top of the incredible memory of that magical “And the winner is…” moment.

A very limited number of category and Silver Sponsorships are still available, and are backed by an extensive marketing campaign. Last year the Awards were trending on Twitter, such was the interest in them. To align your brand and benefit from the Awards, contact Lily Dalzell: lily.dalzell@mediaclash.co.uk The Awards are led by long-term headline sponsors Bristol Airport, and Platinum sponsor Bluefin Insurance.

The latest sponsor to join the bill is British Corner Shop, sponsoring the Food and Drink Category. It joins CityFibre, The Alternative Board, Burston Cook, Acorn, Juice Recruitment, Clear River, Triangle Networks, Dribuild, Clifton College, VWV, Amarelle, SAM FM, Clifton Marquee Company, Enlightened Lighting, Nicholas Wylde, Cabot Circus and Lexus Bristol. www.bristollifeawards.co.uk Twitter @BristolLifeAwds

“TOGETHER, WE ARE BETTER; WE SHOUT LOUDER AND BRIGHTER” Who believes that the group is mightier than the individual?

Turn to page 101

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THE BIG NUMBER

The milestone anniversary that legendary local company Bristol Blue Glass is celebrating this year. Happy birthday! www.bristol-glass.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

HORTICULTURE

GROWTH INDUSTRY For the first of our two Old Market profiles, we meet Jamie Innes, who, along with fellow horticulturist Kathryn Braithwaite, runs Old Market Plants on Gloucester Lane amie and Kathryn met while working at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, where they clicked over their passion for plants. They decided to open a store offering interesting and unusual houseplants, along with all the expected classics.

Jamie, why are you based in Old Market?

It’s so close to the centre, and the rents are still JUST about affordable – this is crucial to us in a few ways. For a start we’re not going to have a huge turnover; we have to be practical. We wanted to be sure we found a spot with an old-fashioned shopping feel – it’s important to us that people want to browse as well as come for specific things. Old Market covers both of these, with its mix of business and amazing new dining places. The area is also supporting a profusion of artists and makers, and to be amid all that suits us, and the work we do, so we want to support them too.

The shop presents opportunities to collaborate with local makers too, so we’re able to arrange related courses that also act as a route to connect with really broad groups of people. On Instagram you can find the macramé we stock from @skeinandtremble, for example. We also have plans for kids’ workshops.

And there’s also a plantscaping side of the business, yes?

I am a garden designer, so my skills also apply to plantscaping. We are really happy collaborating with interior designers at any level, and can also work very small scale, to provide relevant and desirable plant décor in any environment, based on a site visit. The old gardening mantra ‘right plant, right place’ is essential to plant selection. This is based on the environmental conditions, shape and size of the space, the desired plant aesthetic and, of course, use or purpose of the space. Prices start at £50 for a visit to select plants, with a full design costing more, but it can be hard to be specific on costs for the above reasons.

HOUSEPLANTS ARE GOOD FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

Do you specialise in any type of plants?

We only sell houseplants. The collection is always changing so there are new things to be discovered. A houseplant shop is a modern phenomenon, but our space has the feel of an old-fashioned, fairytale shop; a place of intrigue and fascination.

And do you have a personal favourite?

I have a favourite plant every day; each type of light that filters through and every situation they are presented in. But I have a soft spot for the straggly, messy looking plants. I get them in, and I end up taking them home. Hoya Retusa was my last folly.

How important is social media to your business?

We use Instagram a lot because it is a predominantly visual tool; it is also an immediate and brilliant space for networking within the plant community. At a local level it connects us directly to our customers, as does Facebook. It is also really fun – we love seeing customers’ photos with our plants in situ because they’ve tagged us (#oldmarketplants).

For more www.oldmarketplants.co.uk

What can a houseplant add to a room?

Houseplants are extremely good for mental and physical health, help mitigate urban environmental issues and even raise work productivity.

Plants are also a naturally a beautiful feature for your décor. Social media, especially Instagram, has propelled plants back into fashion. It is my hope that it is not just a trend, and that they will be used as a tool to help address environmental problems and improve health and wellbeing.

Tell us a bit about the classes and courses you run Classes are aimed at encouraging a lifetime passion for gardening and plants. For many people, a houseplant is their first experience of gardening. If the plant flourishes and thrives, then caring for it has the potential to grow into a lifelong obsession.

We aim to give people a solid framework for interpreting, growing and propagating their plants. For this we run a beginners’ guide to growing them; the aim is to equip people with the skills to develop their experience. An essential part of this is plant identification, so we’ll be running a course that covers plant ID and taxonomy. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 99

BUSINESS INSIDER

UPHOLSTERY

NICE THREADS! They’ve been chosen as finalists in the Bristol Life Awards AGAIN – so what makes Bristol Upholstery Collective so special? Founder and managing director Leigh-Anne Treadwell takes us back to the beginning . . .

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ho can predict what might trigger a change in career?

Sometimes it can be the most random occurence.

“As a fine-art graduate, I was a community artist, delivering art workshops of all disciplines,” says LeighAnne. “A struggling artist also makes a great barmaid, and I became manager of The Old Duke pub. After the smoking ban in 2007, the whole place stank; the seats were covered in cigarette burns, so I thought I’d fix them. I hadn’t a clue what skills were needed, so I went away and learned them – and I loved it. I attended Silai For Skills, a women’s college in Easton, where I became hooked on transforming chairs and the enchanting traditional upholstery process.

Then one project lead to another . . .”

So how did this lead to you founding Bristol Upholstery Collective?

After a few years of cutting fabric and stacking projects in a tiny art studio space without room to swing a hammer, I moved to a shared maker-space in Old Market. BUC aims to enable livelihoods in affordable workshop/retail premises, where upholsterers can share resources, knowledge and a workforce, while playing with their skills, expressing individual style and making ideas a reality. The space houses a talented amalgamation of resident upholsterers, all highly qualified and experienced. We all share a passion for creative upholstery, but have different styles, interests and ideas. We utilise our skills and knowledge to produce high-end, quality upholstery, as individuals or working efficiently as a team if the demands require.

possessions, and so support the concept of New Materialism, promoting investment into products that are high-quality, hand-made locally, encouraging community resilience and making items that can be restored and maintained to last a lifetime. We enjoy our creative, supportive and efficient space, among others who truly appreciate and love the upholstery practice as we creatively ‘play’ with our skills.

Is it mostly all about covering chairs and sofas?

Since becoming an artisan maker on BBC1 One’s Money For Nothing last year, we’ve had many a random project to transform. I love the challenge! We also enjoy working with interior designers in developing commercial seating, such as Spike Island Café, Bristol Student Union, Society Café, Acorn Café Bath and The Old Duke.

Statement chairs are so satisfying to reupholster.

We enjoy transforming granny’s old chair, and working on the design with the client to continue the life of a chair that has become a cherished member of the family. For me, it’s all about the traditional upholstery processes. I find it therapeutic, enchanting and worthwhile.

I love a good story, and traditional chairs Fabric by Jacky Puzey certainly tell the best tales.

TOGETHER, WE ARE BETTER. WE SHOUT LOUDER AND BRIGHTER

What’s the philosophy of the collective?

Rather than being a company with a big boss reaping all the financial rewards, and dishing out demands, all residents are self-employed and very much their own boss. There’s never a dull day, and the freedom for creativity is enhanced by its community of fellow enthusiasts – and not just those of us sharing the same space.

The network expands to all the upholsterers we know, some working from spare rooms during school hours, on the kitchen table after work, or in the shed when the kids are in bed.

Together, we are better. We shout louder and brighter, and benefit more greatly for the variety of styles and personalities that shine through our work. We are independent, happier and healthier; collectively, our sum is greater than our parts.

We feel consumers need meaningful relationships with their

What trends/colours are you loving?

I’m a massive fan of turquoise. It appears everywhere in my life and is becoming recognised as my favourite by all who know me. I especially enjoy the emergence of bold printed fabrics – students are playing with creating their own fabrics, screenprinting and digitally printing online. It’s fun and unique.

What’s the best thing about the job?

Sharing my skills and inspiring others to be creative; bouncing ideas with fellow BUC resident upholsterers, and being able to let playfulness direct my structured practice everyday. Making people’s chair-dreams a reality and seeing their faces light up when they see the final result.

Hard work and authenticity pays off.

If you weren’t an upholsterer, what would you do for a living?

I can’t imagine doing anything else – although I would love to be a pyrotechnic firework display choreographer. . .

For more: www.bristolupholsterycollective.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 101

a d v e r tisi n g feat u r e f i n a n c e

The Family home allowance PHILIP BARRY, partner at Hollingdale Pooley Chartered Accountants looks at the new family home IHT allowance and its implications.

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ising property prices have left more families being elevated to millionaire status and dealing with the inheritance tax (IHT) implications that come with it.

The Treasury collected £4.6 billion from IHT in 2015/16, compared to £2.69 billion in 2010/11, to reflect a rising year-on-year trend. And that shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

In attempt to ease the growing burden on families by making it easier to pass on the family home to direct descendants without incurring a tax charge, former chancellor George Osborne revealed plans to introduce the residence nil-rate band in his Summer Budget 2015. The family home allowance, as it’s also known, came into force in April 2017 – but the rules are far from straightforward.

How it works

The family home allowance enables people to pass on one property to family members and save on death duties, in theory at least.

It permits the further reduction of IHT due on passing their interest on death in the family home and works on top of the £325,000 basic nil-rate band.

As of 6 April 2017, when an individual dies their estate will qualify for the family home allowance if the deceased owned a home, or a share of one, that is included in their estate and left to their ‘direct descendants’. These exclusively include children, grandchildren, stepchildren, foster children, adopted children and their lineal descendants.

Much like the basic nil-rate band, the family home allowance is transferable between spouses and civil partners. The following thresholds for individuals and couples are being phased in over the next four financial years.

From 2021/22 onwards, the residence nil-rate band will increase in line with the consumer prices index.

Exclusions

Childless couples – Controversially, the family home allowance is not available to couples without children.

Siblings – Siblings are not classed as direct descendants and, as such, are excluded from the residence nil-rate band.

Wealthy estates – Estates worth more than £2 million will be penalised in the form of tapered relief by losing £1 for every £2 above the threshold.

Buy-to-let properties – A property owned by the deceased but never lived in by them is not eligible for the additional threshold, ruling out owners of buy-to-let properties,

TAX YEAR

FAMILY HOME ALLOWANCE

INDIVIDUALS MAX IHT EXEMPTION

COUPLES MAX IHT EXEMPTION

2017/18

£100,000

£425,000

£850,000

2018/19

£125,000

£450,000

£900,000

2019/20

£150,000

£475,000

£950,000

2020/21

£175,000

£500,000

£1 million

handing out a potential blow to the direct descendants of landlords.

Tax reliefs – Certain tax breaks, such as the business property relief and agricultural property relief, are also ignored when calculating the value of the deceased’s estate.

Trusts and wills – Until recently, discretionary trusts have been commonly used to pass on property to children or grandchildren. Now, families who used these as a way of limiting tax liabilities on their estates risk missing out on the family home allowance. BL

If you would like to discuss how we could help you and your company, please contact us at our office.

If you would like further advice or assistance, please call us on 0117 973 3377 or visit www.hollingdalepooley.co.uk.

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THE AMD SOLICITORS PRIVATE CLIENT DEPARTMENT PRESENTS A SPRING WORKSHOP ON

AMD Solicitors invite you to join us for a practical afternoon workshop on The Snakes and Ladders of Life. This workshop will cover:

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• Who pays? - Care Fees and Inheritance Tax • Bank of Mum and Dad – The Lenient Lender • Where there’s a will there’s a way • Incapacity – who’s in charge?

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We will be holding the workshop in Henleaze as follows:-

REARRANGED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER

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Henleaze – Thursday 12th April 2018 – 3pm to 4pm Leonard Hall, Trinity-Henleaze United Reformed Church, Waterford Road, Henleaze, BS9 4BT The workshop will begin with talks by two of our Solicitors, Florence Pearce and Andrew Jack, and will be followed by a question and answer session. Florence and Andrew are experienced specialist private client solicitors. Florence is also a full member of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), the leading professional association in this field.

Refreshments will be provided. There is no charge but a donation to our charity of the year, Guide Dogs For the Blind, would be appreciated.

To book a place at our workshop please

TELEPHONE: 0117 9621205 EMAIL PROBATE@AMDSOLICITORS.COM

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or call in to one of our four Bristol offices:

100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze BS9 2 Station Road, Shirehampton BS11 9TT

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139 Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2PL 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS

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4 Whiteladies Road Clifton, BS8 1PD Tel: 01179 292281

“A name you can trust for specialist legal services” • Accident Claims • Attorneyships & Court of Protection • B usiness Sales & Purchases • Commercial Property • Conveyancing • Debt Recovery

• Dispute Resolution • Divorce, Family & Children • E mployment Advice • P robate & Estate Services • W ills, Trusts & Tax Planning

Call free for a no obligation consultation

0800 097 8611 www.johnhodge.co.uk | email: mailbox@johnhodge.co.uk

BRISTOL | CLEVEDON | WEDMORE | WESTON-SUPER-MARE | YATTON

NEW BUILDS

NEW HORIZONS The local cityscape is changing.

As a property hotspot, Bristol is off-the-scale-scorchio – we’ve seen a big influx of Londoners, for example, priced out of their former manors and disillusioned with the pressure of living in the Smoke – but where, exactly, are all these new residents going to live?

By L I SA WA R R E N

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ust look at the polls. Bristol is officially one of the best places to live and work in the UK; the only problem is that there are a finite number of existing homes to house the growing population.

Turning a problem into an opportunity are those developers engaged in regenerating once-neglected parts of the city, and renovating grand old buildings.

Harbourside plots were understandably the first to be snapped up – need we outline the advantages of the views, and the walkable-to-justabout-everything location? – but now these have been mostly taken, builders are looking to other central yet comparatively overlooked areas.

“There are a number of new and exciting developments alongside Bristol’s harbour, such as Brandon Yard, Huller & Cheese and The General; these are considered prime schemes, because they afford attractive water views, while being bang in the centre of Bristol and all that it has to offer,” says Vicky Dudbridge, director of residential development services at Savills.

“Other important development spots are in the city’s regeneration areas, such as Redcliffe, Old Market and Bedminster, and we expect to see substantial redevelopment taking place here over the next five years.” w 112 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

NEW BUILDS

KEY IS TO EXAMINE AND UNDERSTAND LOCAL SURROUNDINGS, AND THEN RESPOND WITH THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN THE

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 113

NEW BUILDS Turn the page for a snapshot of some of Bristol’s tastiest new developments. But before that, we ask a bunch of local experts to give us some tips and opinions about buying a new-build.

So, what are the advantages of a new-build?

“Buyers looking for a new home are often attracted by the lowmaintenance, and the opportunity to lock up and leave easily,” says Vicky of Savills.

“Low-maintenance living is very appealing in today’s fast-paced world. More often than not, new-build developments are located in prime regeneration areas – ideal for buyers for whom location is a top priority. New-build and refurbished home-buyers also have the reassurance of new, modern features such as energy-efficient heating systems and high-tech security systems.

“Where capital growth is a priority, especially for first-time buyers and those who are trading up, new-builds are ideal.

Guild Heritage House (see opposite) will offer an ideal scheme for first-time buyers and young professionals; the ideal first step on the property ladder, as well as a comfortable home”

THE

GENERAL IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THE POSITIVE EFFECT A DEVELOPMENT CAN HAVE ON AN

What’s the secret of turning a new development into a real, living community?

“The General, on the site of the former Bristol General Hospital, is an excellent example of the positive effect a development can have on an area,” says Vicky of Savills. Indeed, serving the 200 apartments and houses within the Grade-II building and new homes is renowned finediner Casamia, alongside Paco Tapas and Pi Shop on the ground floor, creating a vibrant hub of social activity and an exciting new gastronomic destination.

“At Number One Bristol, the addition of the roof garden, residents’ lounge and gym have all seen a feeling of community build within the development,” says Jenny Gee, marketing manager for PG group.

“People have been living in the development for a mere six months, and social events in the residents’ lounge are already being organised.”

Meanwhile, the regeneration of The Carriageworks, a Grade-II* building designed by EW Godwin, and Westmorland House, a 1960s concrete office building, has turned long-standing derelict eyesores into developments that will make a positive contribution to the culture and environment of the surrounding area, providing homes and commercial units, as well as a large public space with a market area.

AREA

What is the key to making sure that new developments complement their surroundings?

This is a question that strikes a chord with Rebecca of Whitecroft.

“This is something which we really strive to get right. We have experience of working on listed buildings, and while the restoration can sometimes be slower and more complicated, we gain the privilege of our work sitting alongside a master craftsmen’s work which has lasted for ten, sometimes hundreds of years; this inspires us to take pride and care in what we do.

“Ultimately, I would say the key is to examine and understand local surroundings, the hierarchy of design and the evolution of design styles, and then respond with appropriate design.” w 114 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SO, WE’RE THINKING OF PURCHASING A NEW-BUILD… … but are there any specific issues that we should know? We spoke to Iain Robinson, commercial property solicitor at Barcan + Kirby “The major point is not knowing when the building will be finished. This makes it very difficult to time a related sale, or at least to convince your own buyers to do so. You might even need to renew your mortgage offer if the build overruns. You’ll have to complete on your purchase a set number of days after the developer finishes the building works.

“If you are in rented accommodation, you should wait for the notice and tell your landlord when it happens, even if it means you have to buy before your tenancy ends and you are paying for two places at once. There’s a bit more for your lawyers to check too, and the transaction is a longer one, so your costs may be a little higher.”

What hidden or little-known costs are likely to be involved for leaseholders?

The ground rent for a flat should be settled from the outset, but service charge costs can only ever be an estimate. For newbuild flats, you’d be wise to hire a surveyor who will inspect the property and make a ‘snagging list’, which is a list of minor problems with the property that the developer will have to fix.

Shorter leases become less mortgageable, so if it’s 100 years or less you might need to bear the cost of an expensive lease extension in mind; even if you never have to do it, you might sell to someone who does and they’d price accordingly.

Is a new-build a good investment as a buy-to-let?

You’d need to see an investment advisor about your own investment risk profile, but bear in mind that new-builds are the finished article and priced accordingly. There’s no opportunity to make it more valuable by refurbishing. They also come with no rental history, and you aren’t in control of the level and cost of the repairs. Buy-to-let is a lot less tax-efficient than it was, especially for higher-rate taxpayers, so many buyers are buying through a company now.

What factors would you advise potential purchasers to bear in mind when choosing a flat in Bristol?

You should ask yourself “why am I buying this?” and answer yourself honestly. Someone without a car purchasing the flat to live in probably doesn’t want a parking space. However, if they’re buying the property as an investment, a parking space might well make sense in terms of rental and resale value.

When you’re in negotiations, it’s better to leave no stone unturned and ask as many questions as possible, as after all, buying a property is one of the biggest purchases a person can make in their lifetime, and you want to get it right the first time around.

For more www.barcankirby.co.uk

NEW BUILDS

Clockwise from top: Newfoundland Road, so new it’s just a twinkle in the CGI-maker’s eye; Guild Heritage House, ideal for first-time buyers; best-selling Number One; Whitecroft’s vernacular-respecting homes; the highly-praised The General

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 115

NEW BUILDS

Brandon House, with its enviable waterside location

GUILD HERITAGE HOUSE

Developers: Hatchbury Guild Heritage House is a new development of 20 studio, oneand two-bedroom apartments in the increasingly vibrant area of Old Market. The area is now undergoing a renaissance, and due to its central location and proximity to the centre of Bristol it’s a prime location for regeneration; close to Cabot Circus, there’s also a wonderful array of indie restaurants, bars and cafés on your doorstep. Prices from £140k. www.savills.co.uk

THE GENERAL

A quick snapshot of the best of the bunch: BRANDON HOUSE

Developers: City & Country The former Bristol General Hospital closed in 2012, since when City & Country has undertaken an all-encompassing restoration of the site, transforming it into what is now known as The General.

After more than five years of painstaking restoration and conversion, The General has become known not just for the outstanding quality of its homes and the vibrant community of residents and visitors, but for the award-winning restaurants owned

by Sanchez Brothers at ground level.

In true idiosyncratic City & Country style, some of the properties have been created from unusual spaces, such as the converted chapel, historic lodge house, and a triple floor apartment within the original Ogee Dome – a domed tower that adjoins the main building.

Many other homes have private terraces overlooking the tranquil waterside and over to the city centre. To complement these historic properties, City & Country has added a contemporary new building named The Iron Foundry, as well as a further range of new apartments called The New Yard. Prices £300k-£875k www.savills.co.uk; www.cityandcountry.co.uk w

Developers: Acorn Property Group This prestigious new waterfront development of 58 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments has bagged the last available position on north Harbourside, and so gazes across to the ss Great Britain. The Grade-II former Purifier House offers apartments with harbour views, and the Grade-II Engine House, with its restored brick chimney, makes two new properties. A new apartment building designed to complement the industrial heritage has further balconies and a roof terrace. Prices from £295k. www.savills.co.uk; www.acornpropertygroup.org

LOFT HOUSE

Developers: Acorn Property Group The conversion of the Grade-II Brunel House into a development of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes sets the standard for the regeneration of a landmark building. Stylish, distinctive and chic, combining the best of contemporary internal design with a superb location in the increasingly popular Bishopston area. From £222.5k. www.savills.co.uk; www.acornpropertygroup.org

BANKSIDE

Developers: Juniper Homes An exciting new development in Southville, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom houses.

The properties are positioned close to Coronation Road, yet tucked away from the main road, and hidden to create a beautiful ambience with properties benefiting from views across the open green and parkland to the rear of the development. Positioned within walking distance of all the delis, restaurants and bars in Southville and yet also within walking distance of the city centre; prices from £234.95k

The cool and contemporary interior of Loft House

www.savills.co.uk; www. juniperhomes.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 117

NEW BUILDS will enjoy the waterside location and relish the myriad activities, entertainment, cultural and dining options on their doorstep.

The one- and two-bedroom apartments within Redcliffe Parade all offer views over Harbourside with the living space embracing its rich Georgian heritage, with many original features restored to bring these beautiful apartments back to life. The two and three bed apartments at Redcliffe Place – the converted 1970s building to the rear – are light, airy and contemporary. The apartments have spacious terraces and balconies, some with views over the Bristol skyline, others with views towards the waterfront.

Prices: Redcliffe Parade from £325k; Redcliffe Place from £380k. www.knightfrank.co.uk; www.changeliving.co.uk

DILLY MEADOWS

The Carriageworks: area regeneration in action

NUMBER ONE BRISTOL, THE CARRIAGEWORKS AND NEWFOUNDLAND ROAD

Developers: The Property Group ‘The developers with their heart and soul in Bristol’ currently have Number One Bristol, The Carriageworks and Newfoundland Road as their latest Bristol developments.

It’s hard to imagine now, but Lewin’s Mead, an area bordering the old city walls, was once an ancient meadow running alongside the River Frome. Now it’s home to Number One Bristol, one of the city’s most prestigious and best-selling addresses.

From the concièrge service to the residents’ eighth-floor roof garden, the private lounge, the calm atrium with its spectacular living wall and the first floor private gym, each resident enjoys an exceptional service-led environment. The development has a wide appeal, with a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments designed to appeal to busy professionals and downsizers alike. “As anticipated, this is exactly who is living here,” they say.

The price of the last-remaining penthouse is £539k.

The PG Group is also about to launch ten new eco-homes on Newfoundland Road, while in February demolition started on the Carriageworks and Westmorland House, where PG Group is developing a community-led mixed-use scheme providing homes, public space and commercial units. Prices tbc.

Developers: Whitecroft Developments Limited Dilly Meadows in West Harptree is a select community of 18 new-build homes that offer all the easy-maintenance and highspec benefits of a new property, but which have at the same time been “designed to deliver a home which evokes emotion, and has a character which responds to, and adds positively to, the local environment in West Harptree.”

The design at Dilly Meadows is contemporary-country – “well, that’s how we describe it anyway!” they say. “The design is the most attractive element, though we feel that this is on a par with the location. The Chew Valley is a rural gem made up of a number of attractive villages; these are often a preferred location for those wanting a home which rebalances their busy lifestyle, and provides country life-style opportunities, yet within commutable distance to Bristol and Bath.” Prices: £449k-£700k www.gabrielhirst.co.uk; www.whitecroftdev.co.uk

Another charmer from Dilly Meadows

www.thepggroup.co.uk.

REDCLIFFE PARADE AND REDCLIFFE PLACE

Developers: Change Living One of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, the terrace dates back to 1768 and has seen many uses in its time, from individual homes to a school and even a drapers shop. In 1972, the homes at 3-8 Redcliffe Parade were extensively altered to create offices, and an additional office block was built at the rear.

Over the last two years, Change Living has carefully and meticulously renovated both the Georgian terrace and the 1970s offices into new homes, now named Redcliffe Place, including a new-build three-bedroom coach house.

The space and modern luxury found in these one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments make them ideal for a variety of buyers – young professionals working in the city, or downsizers, who www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 119

h o m e s & b u i l d i n g a d v e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

Build Bristol Happy fourth birthday, build bristol! As Dom and Hannah Walkiewicz prepare to celebrate, they share their future plans and some of their past memories

D

om and Hannah Walkiewicz are the founders of Build Bristol. They started the company right here, in the wonderful city of Bristol which they call home.

Build Bristol will be four years old in April, though Dom has worked within the building industry since 2001. After the birth of their third child, Hannah decided to pack in her career in recruitment, and support Dom with his business. In a very short time, the Build Bristol team has grown from just one to 25.

Dom and Hannah juggle a demanding job with an equally busy home life: daughter Matilda

is now 10, eldest son Ludovic six, and Theodore is now three – add to the domestic mix two pups, Stella and Casper, and an ancient cat named Spencer. Let Hannah tell you more . . .

Where are we?

The name kind of gives it away – here, of course, in Bristol. Where else could we possibly want to be? We love this city so much. Bristol has a population of 469,000 – that’s a lot of houses that need building! In 2017 The Sunday Times named Bristol the best UK city to live in, and we couldn’t agree more. It's full of brilliant indie businesses, like Build Bristol!

How we started....

In January 2014 Dom finished work for a large property developer based in the South West.

After doing several projects for friends and family in Bristol, as well as renovating our own houses, we thought Bristol was lacking a very good independent building company. After lots of brainstorming, Build Bristol was born. And the rest, as they say, is history.

garden that was perfect for a studio, and we needed some extra space for our three kids to use at the weekend, and for the occasional overnight guest, but most importantly we wanted a Build Bristol HQ. Last year we set about creating our new studio – and it’s better and more gorgeous than I could ever imagine!

Trends and requests...

The biggest enquiries that come in to BB are for kitchen extensions and loft conversions. It’s always really exciting to see what clients would like. We’ve now started to see the basement trend, which is massive in London, make its move to Bristol.

Plans...

2018 is a big year for BB. As we turn four in April, we’ve decided, with the growth of the business, to divide it into ‘commercial’ and ‘residential’. We have taken on an in-house architect, Martin, so we are now able to offer a full service to our clients. BL

Favourite build?

It’s a really really hard one. We’ve worked with so many amazing clients that I feel it would be unfair to single one out. So I’ve actually chosen our kitchen. It was a labour of love, and it took a zillion years, and lots of nagging, as Dom is always too busy with clients' projects to do ours, but it’s now the hub of our home.

Workspace...

We always had the idea we’d like a home office.

We had some ‘dead space’ at the end of the 122 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Build Bristol Consultancy | Design | Build 01179 091969 www.buildbristol.com

We specialise in a variety of aspects of groundwork.

From landscaping to surfacing, we pride ourselves in top customer care and great communication.

No job is too small or too far for us! We are highly trained and covered by public liability insurance.

“I was very happy with the service I got from RJH Groundwork!

They were reasonable, reliable and very friendly and pleasant to deal with. I would certainly recommend them.”

Karin – East Bristol Area

To get in touch with us for a no obligation quote, call Rory on 07545 057794 or email rjhgroundwork@hotmail.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with your tailored quote.

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Unit 1 Oldland Business Units, 33 Barry Road, Oldland Common, Bristol, BS30 6QX 0845 2996422 | www.keystonecontracts.co.uk | sales@keystonecontracts.co.uk

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Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

• Sales/Lettings

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BRISTOL LIVES

Q&A

I

t’s every movie buff’s dream: managing a beautifully restored Art Deco cinema, with a gorgeous red and gold auditorium, marble pillars and sofas for seats – if it wasn’t for the fact that the carpet is a copy of the one in The Shining (scary!) we’d happily move in full-time.

Before he landed the job that’s making us green with envy, Darren owned his own restaurant/bar for nine years.“I’m a creative person at heart, and the hospitality industry allows me to express this daily,” he says.

What was the first film you ever went to see?

I believe it was The Goonies. That film was a smash for us kids back in the ’80s, and one of my best cinema memories.

Name a few all-time favourites movies When I was young I loved the Back to the Future films – great escapism for a kid, and I’ve revisited them loads of times since. Forrest Gump is another all-time great for me, and also Blade Runner – seeing the 4k remastered version on the big screen at Everyman recently was simply awesome. The 2049 sequel recently was cinematically beautiful, too.

Confess a guilty movie pleasure . . .

Pretty Woman. I know most of the words – but don’t tell anyone! [We won’t Darren. We won’t…]

How do recent movies compare with those of, say, the 1970s, when there seemed to be more investment in maverick directors?

Has Hollywood become too ‘safe’?

The ’70s, for sure, had some great movies, despite Hollywood having a financial and artistic depression at the beginning of the decade.

With the ’70s being much more ‘free’ for the first time to allow creative use of language, sexuality and violence, the decade produced some of the finest, boldest, most memorable and commercially successful films ever made.

Most standard Hollywood fare today is so expensive to produce and distribute, with the aim of capturing the minds of the main audience. The pace of films and the editing is much faster – a formula that is indeed safe.

However there are always films that break the mould, like last year’s La La Land and Moonlight, and this year’s Oscar-winner, Shape of Water – all critically acclaimed.

Some of the films we’ve had at Everyman this season have also really impressed me, and are far from playing too safe: Three Billboards, Detroit, I, Tonya and Lady Bird have stood out for sure.

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DARREN ARMSTRONG

Does the manager of the Everyman Cinema on Whiteladies Road have the best job in Bristol? Let’s ask him, shall we?

Bristol has a mainstream film festival, as well as many niche ones, such as Encounters – is there still room for another fest?

Bristol has a culture of supporting independents, and that includes film, so a focus on the best of indie world cinema would be amazing. As Bristol has recently become an UNESCO City of Film, I think that the city is going to see more and more great festivals, events, education and training, as well as highlighting the city as a hub for future UK film.

Which among the batch of new releases are you most looking forward to screening?

Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. I love dogs, and I studied Japanese at university, and lived in Tokyo on my year abroad – so having an animated film about a dystopian future Japan where dogs have been quarantined on a remote island due to ‘canine flu’ seems like a great comical adventure watch to me! I think it’ll be a smash when it opens on Easter weekend.

If we love anything more than movies and Bristol, it’s movies set in Bristol. Do you have any faves?

I’d have to say I’m in love with Aardman’s movies – not that they are set in Bristol, as such, but I grew up loving Wallace & Gromit. We’re still

showing a few screenings of Early Man during the Easter holidays. I’d love to have a tour around Aardman sometime (hint, hint!).

Living and working in the Whiteladies Road area, we’re guessing you must have a few favourite haunts . . .

Bosco is awesome for modern, rustic Italian food and the atmosphere is always great. Always love a Sunday roast or a steak in The Cowshed, and Hubbox for a casual diner-style meal. Bakesmiths is a great place for lunch and a catch-up with my team, and we do like to have a few cocktails in our own bar – we think it’s just like being in an Art Deco New York-style hotel.

Who would play you in the movie of your life, and who would be your leading lady/man?

I’m a frustrated actor at heart, so I guess I’d just have to play myself! As for a leading lady – well, there’s never been a role in my life for that someone. However, as for a leading man, I’m currently keeping my options open!

Before you go, tell us a fascinating film fact Titanic cost more money to film than the actual ship cost to build. www.everymancinema.com