Bristol Life – Issue 274

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property ISSUE 274 / WINTER 2019/20 / £3

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CITY

ISSUE 274 / WINTER 2019/20 / MERRY TWIXTMAS

2019: HOW WAS IT FOR YOU? AREA 404: WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF FUN TUCK IN: CHEFS IN WINTER

SAFETY IN NUMBERS REFUGE AND RENEWAL AT RWA

EDITOR’S LETTER

30 T

o be honest, I’m not sure whether to wish you a merry Christmas, a happy Twixtmas or a joyful new year: all three, I guess. This issue comes out five days before Christmas, then keeps on trucking through that bewildering lull between 25 December and New Year’s Eve, when imbibing bread sauce, trifle and Pringles at 11am each morning seems a perfectly acceptable lifestyle choice. But the issue also runs until 10 January – by which time we’ll all have hopefully pulled ourselves together in order to face the new decade with bright-faced hope, resolution and good intentions – or at the very least, more sustainable breakfast options.

So what does this translate into?

Well, representing Christmas, we have an interview with literature’s most infamous miser on page 114; for Twixtmas, a pair of though-provoking exhibitions at RWA; and for the New Year celebrations, a look inside the city’s exciting new club venue, AREA 404.

And as it’s traditionally a retrospective time of year, we also have a special Bristol Heroes from Colin that takes a look at some of his personal highs from 2019 – quite literally, in the case of the Darth Vader balloon at the Fiesta.

Get stuck in; we promise you, this issue pairs exceptionally well with trifle and Pringles.

DERI ROBINS Destino by Humberto Gatica

Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

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Issue 274/ Winteer 2019 COVER Masks; Veils by British- Iranian visual artist Zory Shahrokhi. Zory used herself as a model in this photograph, wearing a veil of 4000 safety pins, exploring both the confinement of the veil and the act of resistance.

From Refuge and Renwal at RWA; feature page 30

66

30

THE ARTS

12 2019 HEROES That was the year, that was; at least,

the way Colin saw it

20 WHAT’S ON Taking you through Christmas and into

the new year

30 ARTS A thought-provoking duo at RWA 36 COMEDY Everyman for himself 42 CLUBS Welcome to the house of fun 49 BOOKS Reads for the witching week

FOOD & DRINK

60 RESTAURANT New Moon over Harbourside 62 FOOD AND DRINK New openings, new menus and

some Dry January treats

66 YES CHEF! Christmas and after-Christmas tips from

our boys in white

75 CAFÉ SOCIETY Stan’s beautiful launderette

SHOPPING

78 FASHION Putting on the glitz

LIFESTYLE

82 RETIREMENT Golden years 90 TRAVEL Happy Torquay, Torquay

BUSINESS

97 BUSINESSWORKS It may be Christmas, but

business is business

PROPERTY

107 SHOWCASE A trio of tempting apartments

REGULARS

7 SPOTLIGHT 9 BRIZZOGRAM 55 ON THE RADIO Kam Kelly 114 BRISTOL LIVES Well hello, Mr Scrooge…

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy editor Meg Coast meg.coast@mediaclash.co.uk Art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore, Kam Kelly, Rachel Ifans, Steve Mellen, Jessica Paul Advertising manager Neil Snow neil.snow@ mediaclash.co.uk New business manager Craig Wallberg craig.wallberg@mediaclash.co.uk Advertising & sales executive Hayley Allwood hayley.allwood@mediaclash. co.uk Production/distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@ mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bristol Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of 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 and Exeter. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag. 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

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SPOTLIGHT

This good boy may not have won any awards for obedience, but did nail a classic cannonball

Festivals

EMBRACE THE BARK SIDE TOP TO BOTTOM:

Olivia Colman, Erin Doherty (brilliant) and Josh O’Connor

Television

HOPE AND GLORY

We’ve been hooked on all the Buck Palace shenanigans in the latest season of The Crown – not least because three (count ’em) leading cast members were trained right here, at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Seizing the tiara from Claire Foy is1999 grad Olivia Colman as a middle-aged Queen Elizabeth II. Josh O’Connor, a BOVTS graduate in 2011, has convinced us that he is, in fact, Prince Charles, and, within a mere four years of graduating in 2015, Erin Doherty has achieved regal status as Princess Anne – surely a career-making role.

While one mustn’t show off, one is terribly, terribly proud of this talented lot, and one is most unimpressed at having to wait another year for Season Four.

For more: www.oldvic.ac.uk

PREPARE TO MEET THY MAKER

Shop ’til you drop, get your Christmas gifts in the bag and boost the businesses of local makers in one festive swoop.

Located on South Bristol’s most successful independent high street, an exciting new Tobacco Factory venture combining workshops and retail opportunities will provide a space for makers to produce and sell their products directly to the public – making it even easier to buy local.

Ahead of the full opening of the venue in February, a popup Christmas Market will be taking place from Tuesdays until Sundays starting from 8– 22 December. Shoppers can fill their boots with handcrafted gifts including art and prints, jewellery, ceramics, festive foliage and more – and, keeping it oh-so-eco this Christmas, there’s going to be a pop-up Zero Green shop with a range of reusable products, perfect for a greener 2020.

For more: www.tobaccofactory.com

Passionate about pooches? Mad for man’s best friend? Crazy about canines?

Okay we’ll stop, but if you dig doggos (really stopping now) , you’ll want to get yourself and your pup along to Ashton Court where they’re releasing the hounds from June 20-21 for Dogfest 2020. The ultimate day out for doggos and humans alike, tickets for the pawsome weekend are on sale from Monday 2 December and make a great stocking filler for the dog lovers in your life.

The Fun Dog Show is back, giving your dog the opportunity to compete across a number of categories and a chance to be crowned Best in Show. Get your pup involved in hay bale racing and make a splash over at the dog diving pool. At Hound Hangout you’ll have the chance to shake paws with some of the most famous dogs on Instagram, and visit the Dogs With Jobs area to meet some of the most remarkable working canines in the country.

In addition to all the fun and games, wellbeing and education is at the heart of DogFest 2020, with much of the show content focusing on the allimportant health and the emotional wellbeing of dogs and their humans.

For more visit www.dog-fest.co.uk

FAR LEFT:

The lads laying it bare in style; LEFT: The ladies working the rainbow colour scheme

Charity

HOT DATES

We’re all far too busy with Christmas to give the New Year much thought but, while we’ve got your attention, why not kick off 2020 with a good deed and buy a Bristol-based business charity calendar?

Inside you’ll discover a host of butt-naked Bristolians who are baring it all to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The calendars are part of a wider fundraising campaign that aims to raise £20,000 for Cancer Research UK, which also includes a prestigious black-tie dinner taking place on World Cancer Day 2020 (4 February), at Ashton Gate Stadium.

The money raised from sales of the calendar and ticket sales at the gala dinner in February will be used where possible to directly support those battling cancer in Bristol.

Calendars are available just in time for Christmas, with a suggested donation of a tenner. Dig deep, my luvvers.

Order your calendar at l.cox@baltimoreconsultingltd.com

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SPOTLIGHT

THE LITTLE ST NICK’S

Vibrant and colourful during the daytime, magical and fairylit at night – along with Christmas Steps, St Nick’s probably does ‘festive’ better than any other spot in the city

@richmccluskey

@thisiscarrington

@mrfrankstreet

@inside.bristol

@doctoroctor

@sambinding

@chill1983

@ichtroje

@stnicksmarket

@zfjsutton

@t0m.wright

@tomsapirate

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“May the Balloon Fiesta be with you always”

PHOTOGRAPHY

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS So, cheerio, then, 2019. How was it for you?

I

Words and pictures by Colin Moody

t’s late December 2019. Not quite January 2020; not by the time this magazine lands, anyway.

That being the case, we thought we’d do one of those ‘what happened in Bristol during the past 12 months?’ things; but then reckoned you probably knew all of the big stuff anyway.

Instead, we thought we’d go to Bristol’s premier photojournalist Colin Moody – the man who always sees the story in every shot, who loves Bristol and its people, and who tirelessly captures the less obvious angle to every event and happening – and ask: Colin, what made you stop and think in 2019?

2

“2019. What a year. I’m parking politics for a minute (you’re welcome) and having a look at some of the amazing random moments that, for me, sum up the spirit of the year. Where to begin? I’m just going to go for it. Some of the best things I’ve seen this year, then…”

1

If one year sums up 2019 for me, it’s this one. The people who fundraised to bring the Darth Vader balloon back to the International Balloon Fiesta were able to bring back a creation that was made right here, in this city, but never flown in Bristol skies. Until now.

We take for granted the amazing spectacle of hundreds of balloons sailing over our heads every year, but bringing this one over from the dark side was such a crowd pleaser.

Oh, and when your pilot promises he can pull alongside it on its journey from mass ascent to corn field – believe him.

Given the fractures in our society that are not going to fuse in any shape that we can apparently all live with any time soon, we needed this visit. When Mark Hamil himself tweeted how nice it was to see his ‘dad’ up and about we cheered Luke up, we cheered Bristol up and all those international pilots, crews and spectators who choose to spend their dollars and pence here. In Bristol. And they are all welcome. May the Fiesta be with you... always.

2

I promised no politics, didn’t I? Oh, well; didn’t take me long to renege on that. But I’m looking at the man in pink. What’s he thinking?

Extinction Rebellion stopped traffic in the summer to draw attention to the climate emergency, and some people fell instantly on one side or the other, with them or angry at them.

For me, living in a city by the coast, it does seem right to draw attention to those ignoring the climate crisis that so many of us fear is already having a catastrophic effect on our planet. I put this one in not to have a pop at these three... gentlemen… in particular, but to draw attention to how this year has been dominated by some very unique personalities, when I’d really like to see the issues that are affecting us all in the real world being faced front and centre.

Bristol protests, but in a way that is playful, witty, strong. It’s what we do. We have the best people; the best, I really truly believe that – the best ever. No one else has ever had people like us.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

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Pride. While others had to fight, we can now sprinkle on the glitter and march in unison, while the mounted police are among the most rainbow-adorned of the lot. The fight is by no means over; hate crime is on the way back, to alarmingly high levels, and not everyone attending this year probably knows the origins. What I see is people coming together and standing up for who they are, who they want to be, in a joyful world they want to live in.

One young girl stopped me at Pride, and asked if it was me that took that shot of the two paramedics kissing last year. I said yes, and she told me that it was seeing that photo that gave her the confidence to come out this year, and march. I thanked her. I didn’t know what else to say. I just take pictures; it’s these amazing loves and lives intermingling that push through into telling stories

4

I’m continuing this round-up with the Harbour Festival, and a lovely couple who showed me round their boat and brandished a blow-up champagne bottle. Why this shot, you ask? Because the festival is full of people from all walks of life, coming down for a free event, and whether that’s four tinnnies in a bag or a wine-flight private dining on a speedboat with Concorde-level instrument panels (one might be the minibar temperature) this must be one of the last decent shows where everyone is in, everyone has a ringside seat, and they can all get across Pero’s Bridge before the one-way control kicks in.

Thatchers, Bolli, jet skis and music. Naval uniforms and onesies.

It’s for us all. And that makes it a star in the festival crown for me.

Be interesting to see how it changes over the next few years, with new developments popping up fast.

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5

Big Jeff. He’s been doing drawings at every gig I’ve seen him at.

He’s made the year extra-special by being the artist in residence at the best music nights all over the city.

2019 has been mega for music, and there is so much planned for 2020. Jeff’s gonna need a shelf.

6

Star and Garter reopened, and what a party. But what made it for me was seeing long-standing locals coming to see the history, to be there while a new crowd made their first discovery of the place. DJ Derek’s records are in the jukebox, and the collection will look back and evolve.

It started me off on a desire to do a citywide series on pubs. If you have a laptop-free boozer with a story, let me know.

7

Don’t care if I’ve run this shot before, when we celebrated the Grand Iftar in Easton. That face tells me we’re blessed with an amazing generation coming up fast, if we can have just a few more moments like this. Easton recently won the coolest place in the UK award, St Marks the best street; but it’s this kid that’s the coolest of the coolest. There is nothing we cannot achieve if we can tap into this spirit. Are you with me, Bristol?

5

“I think 2019 needs to be marked as a year for the indie, the smallholder, the sole trader. They are at the centre of our communities” 6

PHOTOGRAPHY 7

8

Lord Mayor Cleo Lake has her ceremonial cloak put on for one of the last times she hosted a party at the Mansion House. I’ve watched Cleo carrying out her duties at so many events, and I’ve been impressed by the ways she engaged with people from very diverse backgrounds, using words, dance and other combinations.

In this diverse city, a city of sanctuary, where we challenge the norms and strive for betterment of all, it seems to me some people just ‘wear it well’, you know?

9

Darren at the East Street veg shop. He is the only person left on the street who calls out the name of his wares: “Aaaaaaapples…” you know the sort of thing.

I was asked to shoot him for the local business improvement district in a street style. You may have seen him in the posters they’ve put up all along the BS3 area.

We need to celebrate our high-street champions like Darren. Blow me down if most of everything here isn’t plastic-free, and according to one customer “everything here is at least three days fresher than everything in the big stores”.

I think 2019 needs to be marked as a year for the indie, the smallholder, the sole trader, who if they get it right, are anything but sole trading. They are at the centre of our communities.

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“In this diverse city, a city of sanctuary, where we challenge the norms and strive for betterment of all it seems to me some people just ‘wear it well’, you know?”

PHOTOGRAPHY 8

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10

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Radioactive mariachi man. Yes. He has had a good year. This goes out to the Area 404 team, who have opened a new club in Bristol. With all this talk of clubs under threat of closure due to planning applications of new housing and so on, it felt a good time to mark a change the other way. In a post-apocalyptic theatrical wonderland just off the circular in an industrial sector, people came to be part of the show. And given the energies at flow this year in the real-world picture, I think this one sums up a lot of that Bristol spirit in the face of what’s really coming down the pipes.

IN SUMMARY: 2019 has been a bit whooooah. Yeah? And if there was a word on the street that word might be “Aaaaarrrggghhhh!”

But after all that, listen. We have been getting on with getting on.

Parking the big stuff, did you see those pubs open up? Those clubs?

That scheme? Those plastic-free this and that? Free water refills now all over the UK, and it started right here. So for 2020 from 2019 with whatever develops, it started here. And we grew it from local, become that’s where the goodies are.

Colin is available as a ‘mini-mobile PR/marketing/social media unit’, to shoot striking street-style photographs at live events: parties, launches, promos and performances, for impactful immediate social media. Fees start at £100 for a two-hour package. www.colinmoodyphotography.wordpress.com mrcolinmoody@gmail.com Twitter: @moodycolin Instagram @moodycolin319

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WHAT’S ON

20 December 201920 January 2020 To Bristmas, into Twixtmas, and beyond…

After all, there’s only one more sleep* ‘til Chri-i-stmas (*or five, or maybe 360, depending on when you pick up this mag)

ART

between photography and truth at RPS; rps.org/spt

THE ENGLISH SEEN BY TONY RAY-JONES Fascinating exhibition of work by this 1960s English photo- journalist; a major influence on Martin Parr.

At MPF, martinparrfoundation.org

Until 1 March

Until 21 December

Until 31 December

INTERVENTIONS/2: FILMS BY YOKO ONO The New York artist and activist’s solo intervention at The Georgian House Museum, including rarely seen short films; bristolmuseums.org.uk

Until 26 January

SUGAR PAPER THEORIES Using the most controversial murder investigation in Icelandic history, Jack Latham explores the relationship

AFRICA STATE OF MIND/ REFUGE AND RENEWAL Two new RWA’s exhibitions: one exploring the work of an emergent generation of photographers from across Africa; the other a timely exploration of the impact of artist refugees on art in Britain, taking a perspective across the last 150 years; see page 30. shop.rwa.org.uk

Until 19 April

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? From ancient uses of witchcraft to the role superstition plays in the modern mind, Bristol Museum explores how magic has been used to heal, hunt and harm down the ages; bristolmuseums.org.uk

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Until 4 May

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION The world-renowned photography exhibition returns to M Shed. bristolmuseums.org.uk

SHOWS

Until 22 December

UNDERCOVER CHRISTMAS CLUB England,1647; Christmas celebrations have been banned by the Puritans.

But Riddlestick Theatre don’t give a figgy pudding at The Wardrobe, with a late evening of riotous festive revelry, misrule and mayhem; thewardrobetheatre.com

Until 30 December

KIRK V MING Bad Vs Evil have concocted a

subversive sci-fi/drag/comedy play with laser beams, ill-fitting costumes and false eyelashes: standard festive fare, then. Tobaacco Factory Theatres, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Until 5 January

BOING! Travelling Light’s much-loved award-winning show for littler ’uns returns to BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk DICK WHITTINGTON London chancer makes good – who else to play the role other than cockney national treasure Shane Richie? Hippodrome; atgtickets.com NOISY NATIVITY Bristol’s much loved Kid Carpet gives the traditional Christmas story a radical remix with big beat songs, live special effects,

WHAT’S ON puppetry and animation. At TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

musical comedy from the creators of South Park and Bobby Lopez follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries; at Bristol Hippodrome. atgtickets.com

Until 12 January

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Everybody’s favourite Christmas Dickens tale (and yes, fyi there are others) is back with a new cast at Bristol Old Vic; bristololdvic.org.uk. See page 114.

16-18 January

LABERINTO The Bristol troupe are back with three nights of striking dance from local choreographer Lea Anderson; at BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

Until 19 January

DRAC & JILL Hang out with Count Drac at The Wardrobe’s offbeat alternative festive offering for grown-ups; thewardrobetheatre.com

above: The Mormons weren’t expecting to share the Hippodrome green room with leftbehind cast members from The Lion KIng left:

It’s Christmas, Jim, but not as we know it: Kirk v Ming beams into the TFT below:

Somehow, Bristol Old Vic have made their A Christmas Carol even more festive, magical and witty than last year’s

18 January-1 February

SNOW WHITE TFT present an original take on the fairytale of friendship, love and why an apple a day isn’t always conducive to health; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

21-22 December

PHIL WANG Phil’s made a name for himself (that name being Phil Wang) exploring sex, romance, politics, and his mixed British-Malaysian heritage; his new show is about morality and the modern sense of self, and you’ll find it at BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

21-31 December

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Full-on panto time at Redgrave, as award winning Polka Dot bring their spectacular scenery, glittering costumes and amazing special effects; redgravetheatre.com

7 January

8-11 January

ANTIGONE The war has ended. Outside the city gates, declared a traitor, Antigone’s brother lies unburied. In defiance of her uncles’ rule, Antigone stands on a line between city and desert, laws and gods... With bold movement and a cinematic synth score, Bristol Old Vic Young Company (The Love of the Nightingale) present a new translation

by Canadian poet Anne Carson. bristololdvic.org.uk

© BEN ROBINS

KNEEHIGH’S UBU! Kneehigh bring a singalong satire of a play that was pretty absurd to begin with; expect a lot of contemporary resonance and world-class buffoonery in a deliriously unhinged improv promenade musical, delivered by a belting band and a choir of extras (ie you); bristololdvic.org.uk

15 January- 22 February

THE BOOK OF MORMON Singing Mormons! The outrageous

COMEDY 2 January

STEAMED: A DICKENSIAN IMPROVISED CHRISTMAS TALE Board the ss Great Britain for an entirely improvised evening of Dickensian festivities; ssgreatbritain.org

8-25 January

ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS Wise Children’s AD Emma Rice directs a musical love story about breaking the mould and finding the courage to be happy; it’s based on the movie Les Émotifs Anonymes. Shades of Amélie, peut-être? At BristolOd Vic; bristololdvic.org.uk

I’M SORRY I HAVEN’T A CLUE The Beeb’s long-running self-styled antidote to panel games brings Tim Brooke-Taylor, Tony Hawks, Miles Jupp, Rory Bremner and host Jack Dee to a live show at Bristol Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

8-22 January

BELLY LAUGHS The excellent series of comedy shows curated by Mark Olver in restaurants, cafes and bars across Bristol. All proceeds will go to the Julian Trust night shelter Follow them on Twitter, @bellylaughs2

10 January

JIMMY CARR: TERRIBLY FUNNY The one-line wonder’s back with new jokes about terrible things. But they’re just jokes; and having political correctness at a comedy show is like health and safety at a rodeo. Now you’ve been warned, buy a ticket.

Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

11 January

STEPHEN K AMOS: EVERYMAN Stephen’s on a mission to bring about world peace – one venue at a time.

Tonight, it’s Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com. See also page 36

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WHAT’S ON 17 January

JAZZ JAMAICA A wealth of musical talent, from well-known regulars to some of the hottest young talent around, Jazz Jamaica mixes up the rhythms and songs of reggae, ska and jazz improvisation to produce the soundtrack to a guaranteed good time at St George’s Bristol; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

22 December

A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS Exquisite music from the Baroque and Classical eras, with arias by Mhairi Lawson; St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

BRISTMAS

Until 21 December ABOVE:

Real-life Nordic noir at Royal Photographic Society BELOW: Kneehigh at their most anarchic (which is saying something) at BOV

CHRISTMAS AT THE SPIEGELTENT The magical wooden mirrored tent returns to Waterfront Square with its legendary Christmas parties, live music, DJs, performance, theatre, masked balls, fine food and family events; christmasspiegeltent.co.uk MAKERS MARKET Pop-up shop at St Nick’s; local, indie and cosily ensconced in the covered market. bristol.gov.uk

Until 22 December (weekends)

HARBOURSIDE MARKET Five festive-fuelled weekends, as the covered walkway transforms into a magical Makers’ Market, showcasing around 50 of Bristol’s brightest indie traders; theharboursidemarket.co.uk TOBACCO FACTORY MAKERS MARKET A special Christmas pop-up as a taster of the permanent new market coming in February (more details here soon). tobaccofactory.com

MUSIC

20 December

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Bristol Ensemble and the 90-strong City of Bristol Choir join forces again to bring Christmas cheer to St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

3 January

WNO: A JOURNEY TO VIENNA Welcoming in the new year, and whetting your appetite for their opera tour coming to Bristol in

March, the renowned Welsh National Orchestra takes us to Vienna via St George’s for a celebration of Europe’s greatest ever music; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive homage to the Detroit sound, at Bristol Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

SNOW HOUSE BRISTOL Six VIP snow domes, a wide selection of festive food and drink,in Quakers Friars; free non-bookable entry Mon-Thurs, bookable and £60 a slot at weekends. cabotcircus.com

Until 23 December

BRISTOL CHRISTMAS MARKET After the switch-on, the Shopping Quarter undergoes its annual transformation into a wonderland of wooden chalets; perhaps more interesting is the adjacent Local’s

Market, which also runs until 23 December. bristolchristmasmarket.com

Until 24 December

BRISTOL BAZAAR CHRISTMAS POP-UP SHOP The fifth and funkiest BB Xmas shop pitches up at The Island, with everything from ceramics to pickles, fine art to faux fur, from some of Bristol’s very best makers; estateoftheartsbri.wixsite.com

Until 31 December

THE GREATEST SHOW Hype’s annual bonanza is the biggest party on the festive circuit; this year they’re promising the Greatest Show on Earth, or at least in the South West. Passenger Shed; hypeagency.co.uk

Until 5 January

A VERY VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT TYNTESFIELD Tyntesfield takes the season’s best-loved traditions and brings them to life with an immersive Victorian experience; nationaltrust.org.uk WINTER WONDERLAND As usual, The Mall lays on the South West’s largest outdoor ice rink, Santa’s Enchanted Ice Castle, a Christmas train ride inside The Mall, and foodie treats; mallcribbs.com

21 December

CRAIG CHARLES FUNKY CHRISTMAS PARTY Craig brings his signature funk and soul toons to O2 for your festive delectation. academymusicgroup.com

22 December

CHRISTMAS MARKET AT TOBACCO FACTORY Tobacco Factory’s thriving community Christmas market, with over 50 food and craft stalls; plus, mulled drinks, local choirs and Ali & Joe’s Christmas Tree Sale – Bristol’s very best non-drop Nordmann firs. tobaccofactory.com

30 December

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL Kermit does Cratchit and Michael Caine does Scrooge, in a special screening at Bristol Old Vic – neatly offering a compare-and-contrast with the theatre’s big Christmas show. This is the theatre’s first team-up with Bristol Film Festival; they’re screening The Wizard of Oz, too. Remember kids; it may be past Xmas Eve, but AMCC is for life, not just for Christmas. bristololdvic.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON NEW YEAR’S EVE Just some of the celebrations going down as we dive into 2020 NYE AT MOTION After a momentous NYE 2018, In:Motion is reuniting with The Blast once again to usher in 2020 in spectacular style; motionbristol.com

NYE PARTY AT THE SQUARE Party like Bond, or a Bond girl, or indeed, a female Bond (look, this might easily happen) at a Casino Royale-themed NYE party; expect casino tables among the other glamorous delights at The Square Club; thesquareclub.com

© SOUL MEDIA UK

NYE AT RACKS Racks Bar & Kitchen’s legendary Black Tie NYE party returns this year with a free bar all night, live band, DJ and food; racks-bristol.co.uk

above:

below:

Doors to manual: Area 404 is open just in time for NYE Nine out of ten pugs said they preferred the Harbourside Christmas Market

STEAM’S NEW YEAR’S EVE ABBA, disco and live performance, at Clifton Down Railway Station; www.eventbrite.co.uk CLASSIC COCKTAILS Join The Milk Thistle for a night of cocktails, and a sneak peek at their new menu, ‘Meet Jacques’. milkthistlebristol.com AN ODE TO BRISTOL An evening of cocktails at Hyde & Co, celebrating their latest menu, Dens; a delicious dedication to Bristol’s drinking dens of past and present. hydeand.co AREA 404 Two events at the newly opened St Philip’s venue: a post-apocalyptic New Year’s Eve co-headlined

by French DJ Chinese Man and legendary reggae DJ Rodigan, followed by a New Year’s Day party in collaboration with London LGBTQ+ promoters Little Gay Brother and Bristol’s own Bitch, Please!, headlined by DJ Hot Chip. www.boomtownfair.co.uk/area404 JAPANESE FEAST Seven Lucky Gods are laying on a special feast for a bunch of lucky NYE revellers, with a sharing menu, sake and cocktails; 7luckygods.com STUDIO 54 PARTY Wish you’d been around for New York City’s famous Studio 54 nightclub? Head to Bambalan’s

disco club night for the next best thing. Who knows; it may turn out to be even better than the original club; bambalan.co.uk ‘80S PARTY: STEPPIN’ OUT Tobacco Factory parties are the

stuff of legend, turning the whole of the building into one huge themed event. Break dancers, roller skaters, jugglers, acrobats and huge hits, from the decade of big hair and big beats!

Dress up and party like it’s 1989. tobaccofactory.com

11 January

BEDMINSTER WINTER LANTERN PARADE Local schools and community centrs parade their own special lantern shapes along North Street, in one of the best local events of the winter. bwlp.org.uk n

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ART

RWA STATE OF MIND Two major new exhibitions; a single venue. One explores the work of a new generation of photographers from across the African continent; the other takes a timely look at the impact of refugees on art in Britain. Find them side by side at the RWA…

T

here’s some incredible, exciting photography coming out of the African continent right now: that’s the premise of Africa State of Mind. Meanwhile, just a few rooms away at the Royal West of England Academy’s second exhibition, Refuge and Renewal, you can get a sense of the incredibly rich body of work created by Eastern and Central Europe émigrés during the 1930s and 1940s. Buy a ticket for one, and see the other for free…

AFRICA STATE OF MIND

“The goal of this exhibition,” explains curator Ekow Eshun, “is to present work by some of the inspiring photographers currently coming out of Africa to the UK, as an indication of how rich, how abundantly talented their work is. And also to allow us, here in the West, to be able to see Africa through their eyes, as a place of promise and possibility and creative inspiration.

“The show offers a consciously subjective set of impressions about African life and identity. It steers away from reportage or documentary imagery, and instead presents work by photographers who are looking inwards, to explore questions of memory, place, gender and sexuality, and identity. Photographers who are seeking to capture the texture and sensibility of what it means, and how it feels, to live in Africa today.”

There are three main strands to the exhibition. Inner Landscapes is given over to highly subjective visions of Africa and Africanness. In contrast to, say, the objective lens of reportage photography, the section focuses on artists whose work offers a deeply personal interpretation of

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ART

s Athi Patra Rugas’ Night of the Long Knives: “a queer black fantasia with added zebras”

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ART setting or sensibility. Zones of Freedom brings together photographers exploring questions of gender, race, sexuality and cultural identity, while Hybrid Cities brings together work documenting the African metropolis as a site of rapid transformation.

We asked Ekow how he went about sourcing the photos, and finding the photographers, across such a vast continent.

“I spend a lot of time looking at work in exhibitions, magazines, self-published books, on Instagram,” he says. “There’s a lot of extraordinary work from African photographers around if you search for it. In fact, the difficult task is the job of editing and curating.

“That’s why I ended up structuring the exhibition around these three themes; because in researching the show, I started to see patterns emerging, works that talked to each other, and seemed to benefit from being gathered together.”

For example, he says, there’s the work of British/Nigerian photographer Ruth Ossai. “Her series Fine Boy No Pimples takes its name from a phrase commonly used in Nigeria to compliment young men on their appearance. In this series, Ruth uses the term as inspiration to push boundaries of gender and identity, while photographing a selection of Nigerian youth made up of her cousins, extended family, friends and neighbours.”

The exhibition also includes Kiluanji Kia Henda’s series The Last Journey of the Dictator Mussunda N’Zombo Before the Great Extinction (in 5

Acts), which “draws from a raft of literary and historical references to consider the European gaze on Africa, and the myths and stories the continent tells about itself.

“Then there’s Emmanuelle Andrianjafy’s series Nothing’s in Vain, which offers a kaleidoscopic view on Dakar in Senegal, reflecting her fascination with the people and places and accidental beauty of a city in constant flux.

“And in Girma Berta’s series, Moving Shadows, we see solitary figures juxtaposed against vibrant backgrounds, creating images which exemplify the contrasting colours and personalities on the streets of his home town of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Berta says his goal is to capture ‘the beautiful, the ugly and all that is in between’ in his city, which I think is a great description.”

Finally, Ekow – why is photography such an apt form for representing modern Africa?

“Photography is a particularly significant medium by which to explore the continent,” he says. “It is the art form that, more than any other, has framed how Africa is represented in the West, from colonialera photos of the ‘dark continent’ to TV news reports of war and famine. But photography has also been the means by which African artists have defined themselves and enabled the dissemination of contrasting, more positive, views of Africa. And no more so is this the case than now.”

Kiluanji Kia Henda’s snappily entitled series The Last Journey of the Dictator Mussunda Nzombo Before the Great Extinction (in 5 acts) has a Mobutu-like figure posing in fashionable wear on a savanna peopled with stuffed African animals – a kitschy backdrop parodying many Westerners’ idea of a safari-like scene

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Eric Gyamfi’s Just Like Us series explores the contradictions of queer life in Ghana

REFUGE AND RENEWAL by Stephen Morris Hundreds of artists have come to Britain over the centuries. Some moved on, others made new lives here, teaching, working, exhibiting – baffling the public with Expressionism, rich colours and freedom of gesture, and co-mingling with British artists to change the nature of British art. Some came freely, and some to escape poverty or horror.

When Hans Holbein landed on English soil in 1526, 29 years old and in search of work, he carried with him a letter from his friend Erasmus to Thomas More. “The arts are freezing in this part of the world,” he wrote, “and [Holbein] is on the way to England to pick up some angels.”

It didn’t work out; Holbein left England without ‘angels’ (money) and returned to Basle. It was not a good time for a painter of Catholic inclination. Basle was in turmoil.

Holbein’s work was destroyed by Protestant zealots. He fled to a still-Catholic England, and a year later unveiled his masterpiece, Ambassadors. By 1536 he was painter to Henry VIII, and by his genius survived both the king’s bloody split with Rome and his portrait of Anne of Cleves – a ghastly exaggeration of the future queen’s beauty.

Five hundred years later, Samira Kitman, a calligrapher and miniaturist in Afghanistan employing a women-only workforce, survived modern-day zealots. When a kidnap attempt failed, the Taliban announced her imminent murder. Samira fled to England and now runs her business from London.

Holbein and Kitman stand for the many artists who have escaped dispossession, persecution, torture, oppression and war, to settle in Britain. In the book of the exhibition, Refuge and Renewal: Migration and

British Art, Peter Wakelin tells their story.

In artists such as Dobrivoje Beljkašic, whose Sarajevo studio was bombed and whose work is shown at the RWA, Wakelin has found astounding resilience. He says: “I doubt I would have survived what they survived – had I lost my family and home, known my work to be destroyed, found neighbours turned against me, experienced imprisonment or seen cruelty reign unopposed.”

Such cruelty has been England’s gain. Think Monet, Pissarro, Ferdinand Heilbuth and many more escaping the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian war – the trials, executions and reprisals which left 10,000 dead. For a year and more London was teeming with French refugees – the School of Paris transposed to the dirty old Thames.

Artists, Wakelin finds, are reluctant exiles, stateless and vulnerable and frequently traumatised by their experience. Some cannot shake off the memories of childhood and home. In 1979 (four decades after arriving) Else Meidner described an endless sense of dislocation: “Here in London I walk about as in a dream and am surprised I’m here. Some plants thrive wherever you transplant them, but I could never put down new roots. My roots are in Berlin.”

For some, trauma and flight was too much to bear. The cartoonist ‘Vicky’, Victor Weisz, who had produced anti-Nazi cartoons so courageously in Berlin, committed suicide. As Wakelin writes, art for the Nazis was a critical force, and for Hitler, a failed artist, retribution was personal. Artists of the degenerate style were enemies of the state and some such as Ludwig Meidner – communist, expressionist and Jew – especially so. Goebbels seized over 21,000 modernist paintings.

“It’s a common desire for safety and our pride in simple acts of humanity that makes Refuge and Renewal such a moving and positive experience”

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ART Britain, though it flirted with fascist elements, was to be a vital refuge from the Nazis and their collaborators. 50,000 people from central Europe settled here between 1933 and 1939 (a fifth of them children accepted in the Kindertransport). Over 300 were acknowledged as artists. For every one who made it to safety there would be one who didn’t.

The turmoil in Iraq, in Kurdistan and other crumbling regimes brings new arrivals. Some bear witness to the horrors they have encountered; others work to escape it. The Iraqi artist Emad Al Taay paints pictures of Arab horses. He says: “I won’t paint the blood or the killing; I was a victim in Iraq, but I can’t accept myself as a victim forever. I can’t change the world, but I can help other people who are suffering to leave that aside for half an hour while they look at my paintings […] there is peace somewhere and we can find it.”

For all our shortcomings as a nation, Britain has given Al Taay and many others safe haven – offering peace, hope and creativity in place of death and destruction. Josef Herman’s wife Nini wrote about finding a home from home in a Welsh village, calling it: “A haven, like the arms of a mother, had seemingly been restored to him… a home for the imagination… A place in which to grow and rest.”

Perhaps it’s this common desire for safety, and our pride in simple acts of humanity, that makes Refuge and Renewal – book and exhibition – such a moving and unexpectedly positive experience in which questions of politics, morality and the value of art coalesce. n above: Zory Shahrokhi combines traditional art techniques and new technology to

express the dehumanisation of refugees and the ongoing struggle to be part of her new society below: Josef Herman’s My Family and I; the artist painted this memory of his home in Warsaw. Herman and wife Nini subsequently found a new ‘haven’ in a Welsh village

Africa State of Mind and Refuge and Renewal run at the Royal West of England Academy until 1 March www.shop.rwa.org.uk Refuge and Renewal: Migration and British Art by Peter Wakelin,£20 www.sansomandcompany.co.uk

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

ONE TO ONE

EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF? It’s easy to feel angry when mad talking heads and evil officials are looking for any slight difference of opinion to plough open and exploit. We need an Everyman to bring people together, using the most powerful tool we have: comedy. In short, we need Stephen K Amos…

Words by By Brian Donaldson www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

ONE TO ONE

S

tephen K Amos is on a mission to bring about world peace. Or to at least bring about an evening of peace, one venue at a time.

In an age when arguments are started over everything from politics to bendy straws, Stephen is rising above the anger to remind us of what we have in common instead of what divides us.

Stephen has always been an everyman comedian; the clue’s in the title of his new UK tour, Everyman. However, in typical non-polemical style, he wants to you to do the thinking yourselves on the title.

“You can take it in a variety of ways: is it every man for himself, as it appears to be around the world at the moment?” says Stephen. “Or is it that we should reconsider the fact that the whole of humanity will only survive and progress if every man pulls together? It really does depend on your point of view. I’m not a preachy sort of comic; I prefer to leave things up in the air and allow the audience to reach its own conclusions.”

Every year, Stephen takes a new show out to the nation; and each time fresh social and political challenges are there to be faced. This time around, some of the Everyman gigs may well be performed in a country which is now no longer part of the EU.

“What I’m trying to be prepared for is how the audience will react.

I did a show on the night of the Brexit vote, and that was the weirdest crowd I’d had for many years: there was a huge division in the room and people were in shock.

“The only other gig I could equate that to was one in East Anglia, where there was a funny mood in the room, and after about seven minutes I just said, ‘hey guys, there’s about 800 of us in here: what’s happened?’ Someone shouted out ‘they’ve closed the car park and we had to walk for ten minutes!’ So they just sat there in a grumpy mood, and that was the exact same thing that happened on the night of Brexit.”

Stephen insists that he won’t cover Brexit if he finds he has nothing new to say about it, but he does have some broad areas he will definitely be confronting in Everyman. “I’m tackling things as simple as how we face our own mortality as we get older, and looking at things you can do to improve yourself when you’re trying to find answers to questions.”

This desire for answers has been partly sparked by a TV show he appeared on earlier in 2019. BBC’s Pilgrimage featured a number of celebrities who embarked on a journey, both physical and spiritual, to Rome. As an atheist and gay man, Stephen was initially taken aback when the group was offered a private audience with the Pope as part of their adventure.

“Never in my wildest dreams, at the dizziest heights of stand-up comedy when you’re meeting very famous people, and on bills with Rihanna or Madonna, never did I think I’d be sitting down for a halfhour private audience with the Pope. Particularly for a man with no religious leanings; it was so surreal.

“I said I would only be part of it if I could ask some questions; I didn’t want to be sitting there being talked at and not have the opportunity to address issues. I had a weight on my shoulders; I felt that if I didn’t do this, that I would be doing a disservice to a whole community of people.

They did say it might spark an international incident depending on the question, but I said, bring it on.”

The pontiff’s response to Stephen’s question about not feeling accepted as a gay man by religion and religious groups surprised him by being so open and generous.

“I said to a friend there beforehand that I was 100% prepared to walk out – not flounce, though that might have been great for TV – but just get up and leave if he had given me a stock response. But I was blindsided by how candid he was. He wasn’t that explicit in what he said, but it was enough to make me realise that, you know what, he’s one of the good ones.”

His experience during Pilgrimage left him altered, and has bolstered one of the longstanding ideas he’s had for his own comedy.

“I’ve always wanted to have people in the audience who don’t share the same views as me, whether politically, socioeconomically, and racially, and to see if we can have a common ground for laughing together. I don’t want to be that kind of comic who gets a big round of applause and everyone goes ‘yeah, I agree!’. I want you to laugh and to be blindsided in the way that the Pope blindsided me. I want you to be surprised, not to feel like you’re at a rally with like-minded people.”

Stephen is happy to be back on the road and delighted with the show he has put together. “The structure is in place, and I’m very fond of it and pleased with it. I think there’s a maturity to the show; I’ve got peace with myself in terms of not having to show off. It’s a departure for me.”

But one thing that won’t be different is Stephen K Amos’ ability to make audiences laugh, wherever they are around the country. Especially if the venue car park is fully operational. n

“I’m not a preachy sort of comic; I prefer to leave things up in the air and allow the audience to reach its own conclusions”

Stephen K Amos brings Everyman to Redgrave Theatre on 11 January www.redgravetheatre.com

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“AREA 404 is Boomtown distilled, mixed with Bristol culture and then drizzled over a part of the city better known for reversing lorries and the sound of industrial machinery�

Who you gonna call?

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CLUBS

WELCOME TO THE PLEASURE DOME This winter, at a time when many of Bristol’s clubs and music venues are under threat, something extraordinary is happening at a former warehouse in St Philip’s. We gave STEVE MELLEN a boiler suit, and sent him in. BOOM…

I

t’s 1am in St Philip’s. The factories have closed, the Fruit Market is silent and the train tracks no longer hiss as carriages approach. The streets are deserted, and all the buildings are dark and empty.

All except one.

On Albert Road, in a former paint factory, a wild scene from the wildest dream is unfolding. Thousands of people in outrageous costumes are dancing in five different rooms, each pumping out different genres of music.

Wander through one set of doors, and it’s techno. Round the corner, it’s house. A few yards away, in a huge chamber, a live band is playing.

In the pathways linking the rooms, actors in boiler suits shepherd people towards a decontamination chamber. High above them, flames shoot from the roof and lasers are cutting into the clouds. Welcome to the most magical night out Bristol has ever seen. Welcome to AREA 404.

It’s the brainchild of the team behind Boomtown Fair, the immersive festival which draws 60,000 ticket holders to a green space in Hampshire every summer. Now Bristol’s biggest music venue, AREA 404 launched with four post-apocalyptic themed nights in November.

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Lak Mitchell, Boomtown’s founder, is a glutton for punishment. As if organising a festival whose tickets sell out almost as fast as Glastonbury wasn’t enough, his team have spent the autumn, normally a more relaxed time, creating something which has never been done before.

Boomtown is a music festival, but it’s so much more than just bands and DJs; elaborate theatre sets are merged to create a new world, each part with a different theme. Actors mingle with the ticket holders meaning you never know if you’re watching a performance or if you are in one.

AREA 404 is Boomtown distilled, mixed with Bristol culture and then drizzled over a part of the city more known for reversing lorries and the sound of industrial machinery.

“It’s been a pipe dream for years,” said Lak. “We’ve always been building big sets and theatre pieces at the festival. The idea was that we could create a winter experience with those sets, perfect the detail and get more life out of them.”

Turning visions into reality isn’t always easy. It was only when the Boomtown staff took a good look at the factory they’d bought that they realised the size of the challenge ahead.

“It had been raved heavily, every single thing had been stripped out of it. There was no copper left in the building,” recalls Lak. “When we bought it we didn’t really realise how much it the building had been plundered until we found out we didn’t even have power, and had to dig up the road for half a mile and lay huge cables.

“It was bonkers. We were building and launching a 3,500-capacity multi-room event space at the high level of production that we set ourselves. We had 150 people working on it for weeks.

“But we did it; we knew we could do it because we build the festival but it definitely threw up some challenges on the way.” He pauses and smiles; the kind of smile you see on a workman sipping a cold pint at the end of a long shift. “It’s been immense.”

The people who will benefit from the steep learning curve Lak and his team have been on will be the ticket holders for not one but two New Year’s events.

Heralding the start of 2020 will be a late-night spectacular featuring legendary reggae DJ Rodigan, French trip-hop act Chinese Man and the multiple-choice music buffet of techno, drum‘n’bass, disco and house in different rooms.

When the punters leave at 4am, a normal venue would call it a night and switch the lights out. But this is no normal venue. From 2pm the music will start up again, although this time with a more flamboyant flavour.

A DJ set from synth legends Hot Chip will headline a line-up featuring London LGBTQ+ festival and night-time collective

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“You never know if you’re watching a performance, or if you are in one”

Missed the launch event? You can still step into the ‘dystopian dreamscape’ of the spectacular Boomtown New Year’s Eve party, or be part of an inclusive bash in a ‘post-apocalyptic paradise’ on New Year’s Day

CLUBS Little Gay Brother, Bristol’s own Bitch Please! and Viva La Disco for a cabaret-rich party which will finish at midnight.

Anna Wade, Boomtown’s Director of Strategy, isn’t expecting anyone to do both.

“But fair play if they do,” she adds.

AREA 404, an industrial wasteland, was chosen as the theme for Bristol’s latest venue partly because it was the newest zone at Boomtown 2019 and partly because it’s surrounded by the sights and sounds of industry.

“I think that the surroundings really complement the theme,” says Anna. “When you’re stood up on the terrace and you can see the concrete works it’s almost as though it adds to the true immersive experience.”

That theme of creativity and immersive theatre is one of the ways Boomtown has Bristol in its DNA. The festival has always been based here, first in Stokes Croft, then St Paul’s and now St Philip’s. At the first-ever Boomtown, one of the theatre sets was a replica of Stokes Croft. Even now, there’s a St Nick’s Market food zone.

Lak said: “I think most people would look at Boomtown and say ‘that’s Bristol’. It’s such a creative city.

“Our foundations are in reggae and ska, and that all came from things like the St Paul’s Carnival and the crews there, getting their big sound systems out in the streets.”

“When we first started 11 years ago,” says Anna, “I don’t think people really understood how deep-rooted the Bristol culture is, but bringing a slice of that to Boomtown has helped showcase the city.”

The neighbours have, Lak says, welcomed AREA 404 with open arms, delighted to see a derelict building given a new identity. The electrical factory next door is even letting their car park be used as a taxi rank.

The majority of tickets for the four launch events were sold to Boomtown devotees from other parts of the country but Anna is keen that, like the neighbours, Bristol embraces AREA 404.

“We’re open to everyone but we do really want this to be a venue that people in Bristol are really excited by. Even if they’ve never been to the festival, they can still enjoy the immersive theatre and incredible line-ups which give a taste of what we are.

“We’ve almost launched something entirely new, something that nobody else has done. Mixing up venues, festivals, music, theatre, set design and circus in one place – it’s really exciting.“ Lak agrees: “We’re feeling so proud of where we’ve got to. We’ve learned so much and we’ve got a long way to go but we are so excited about where this can take us.”

Sometimes, just sometimes, the wildest dreams can come true.

AREA 404, 126 Albert Road BS2 0YA www.boomtownfair.co.uk

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BOOKS JESSICA PAUL

The witching hours This issue comes out on 20 December, and so covers the ‘witching week’ – those lost, hazy days between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The only thing that can get you safely through is a pile of books – just add an open fire, turkey sandwiches and woolly blankets WEATHER FOR HILLWALKERS

BY MALCOLM THOMAS, £10.99 For years, hillwalkers and climbers have struggled to understand the complexities of weather systems. Written by a professional weather forecaster, Weather for Hillwalkers provides invaluable insight to the beginner and veteran alike. In this new edition, Malcolm Thomas offers an understanding of the principles of the elements – the causes of wind, rain, snow, cloud, fog, thunder and clear skies – and looks at how they are affected by mountains and high ground.

vengeful demon returns, stronger than ever.

Determined to engulf the world in chaos, he finds allies among men and spirits.

THE SECRETS WE KEPT

BY LARA PRESCOTT, £12.99 Continuing our previous theme of booksellers recommending books about book: it’s1956 Russia, Dr Zhivago has been promptly banned by the Soviet, but in the rest of the world it’s fast becoming a sensation. In Washington DC, the CIA is planning to use the book to tip the Cold War in its favour.Their agents are not the usual spies, however. Two typists - the charming, experienced Sally and the talented novice Irina, are charged with the mission of a lifetime: to smuggle Doctor Zhivago back into Russia by any means necessary.

“Lauren Pailing is born in the 1960s. She is 13 years old the first time she dies…”

THE STATIONERY SHOP OF TEHRAN

BY MARJAN KAMALI, £8.99 If you read The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul and enjoyed The Beekeeper of Aleppo, you will love The Stationery Shop of Tehran. Get warmed up in the streets of Tehran in the love story set amongst the violence and turbluence of a war-torn city.

THE FIRST TIME LAUREN PAILING DIED BY ALYSON RUDD £8.99 Lauren Pailing is born in the ’60s and is a child of the ’70s. She is 13 years old the first time she dies. Lauren Pailing is also a teenager in the ‘80s, and becomes a Londoner in the ‘90s…

And each time she dies, new lives begin for the people who loved her, while Lauren enters a brand new life, too. But in each of Lauren’s lives, a man called Peter Stanning disappears.

And, in each of her lives, Lauren sets out to find him.

Think Maggie O’Farrell mixed with Stuart Turton in this brilliantly twisty tale.

FIND ME BY ANDRE ACIMAN, £14.99 In this spellbinding new exploration of the varieties of love, the author of Call Me by Your Name lets us back into his characters’ lives years after their first meeting. Aciman shows us Elio’s father, Samuel, on a trip from Florence to Rome to visit Elio, now a gifted classical pianist. A chance encounter on the train upends Sami’s visit and changes his life forever. Elio soon moves to Paris, where he, too, has a consequential affair, while Oliver, a New England college professor with a family, suddenly finds himself contemplating a return trip across the Atlantic.

THE WINTER OF THE WITCH

BY KATHERINE ARDEN £8.99 A magical, captivating coming-of-age novel set in medieval Russia – perfect for fans of Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus.

Vasilisa, a girl with extraordinary gifts, must flee for her life, pursued by those who blame their misfortune on her magic. Then a

WESTWIND BY IAN RANKIN, £20 A brilliant suspenser from the mMaster of thriller writing. Think Pelican Brief and every other ’80s classic thriller. Available for the first time in 30 years, and definitely worth the wait.

DOWN IN THE VALLEY

BY LAURIE LEE, £12.99 A moving, never-before-published portrait of the landscape that shaped the life of Laurie Lee, the beloved author of Cider With Rosie.

Laurie Lee walked out of his childhood village one summer morning to travel the world, but he was always drawn back to his beloved Slad Valley, eventually returning to make it his home. In this portrait of his Cotswold home, Laurie Lee guides us through its landscapes, and shares memories of his village youth, from his favourite pub to winter skating on the pond and playing jazz records in the privy on a wind-up gramophone. Filled with wry humour and a love of place, Down in the Valley is a writer’s tribute to the landscape that shaped him, and where he found peace.

Max Minerva’s Marvellous Books 39 North View, Westbury Park 07498 538858; www.maxminervas.co.uk

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

MEET THE EARLY EDUCATION EXPERT “Give me a child until he is seven and I will show you the adult,” Aristotle (almost) said – and it’s vital to make sure that your child’s first experience of education is as happy and inspiring as their primary and senior school days

ADVERTISING FEATURE MARIE TAYLOR

ST BONAVENTURE’S PRE-SCHOOL 0117 3532887 www.stbonaventuresearlyyears.co.uk

BECCA FLETCHER

What is your school’s/ nursery’s ethos?

At St Bonaventure’s Pre-school we strive to provide a warm, welcoming and safe environment that feels like home, where the team feel like family, reflecting the trust we have built between us. Our caring, stimulating and inclusive setting enables all children to develop their capabilities as successful learners and confident happy individuals.

How does your school/nursery differ from others?

Our pre-school is open from 8:15-5:30, five days a week.

We are located in the heart of Bishopston. Our purposebuilt early years provision has generous indoor and outdoor spaces giving the child everything they need to learn through play and prepare for their journey into primary school.

What do you enjoy most about working in your pre-school?

Watching the children develop, thrive and flourish on a daily basis, where every day is different and exciting, full of laughter and fun.

How does your nursery differ from others?

We benefit from access to an enormous forest area, with Forest School leaders, an on-site Forest Garden, weekly music sessions, a fantastic library and regular French lessons with a specialist teacher, to name but a few! We have incredible staff who are passionate about working with children, and are lucky to have access to the College facilities and resources, such as dance halls and sports areas plus multiple playgrounds.

What do you enjoy most about working in your nursery?

I love seeing the children thrive and get the most out of their time with us. It’s very rewarding to be able to manage a nursery that provides so many high-quality learning and development opportunities for the children in our care and to watch them progress.

What do you feel are the most important aspects of the formative years education for children?

Learning through play is a huge aspect of our nursery, ensuring all children have the balance between play and adult-led activities. The children have ‘free-flow time’ and also have a key person, who provides group times to extend and challenge each individual’s stages of development. Working closely with our parents is also a key aspect of our provision. It is important to us to ensure they are fully involved in the care we provide.

CLIFTON COLLEGE NURSERY 0117 3157000; www.cliftoncollege.com

Marie Taylor

SALLY REYNOLDS

TOCKINGTON MANOR SCHOOL AND NURSERY 01454 613229 www.tockingtonmanorschool.com How does your school/nursery differ from others?

Our nursery is an integral part of Tockington Manor.

Our children can enjoy the facilities of the whole school; taking welly walks through our 28-acre site, using the hall for our Christmas performance, swimming lessons in our indoor pool or enjoying lunch in the dining hall. The benefit of a small, family -friendly nursery being part of the larger school family, ensures the children develop confidence in social situations and a positive sense of self in the school environment and the wider world.

What do you most enjoy about working in your school/nursery?

I have worked at Tockington Manor for 20 years and have had the privilege of watching children arrive in the Nursery aged two and develop a lifelong learning habit and become the best that they can be. We have so many ‘Tockington Lifers’, who stay from nursery to Year 8 and it is a delight to see them progress with their own sense of identity, ambition and confidence. It is great to work in a nursery where children demonstrate exceptionally positive behaviour and high levels of self-control, cooperation and respect for others.

Describe your establishment’s environment?

Children need a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming environment, rich in opportunities to play, learn and develop. This ensures the children keep motivated and interested. Situated in such beautiful grounds we have a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and a free flow approach gives all classrooms access to the outdoors.

Becca Fletcher

SARAH BARKER

CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL 0117 973 0201; www.cliftonhigh.co.uk

Sally Reynolds

Sarah Barker

How does your school/ nursery differ from others?

Our ‘Hive’ nursery offers consistent pre-school education year-round, between 8 am-6 pm. This provision has been warmly received by families and is proving highly popular and attractive. Clifton High is known for its pastoral care.

In the early years at the school we harness this through our child-centred approach, interacting with each child to nurture and adapt each child’s development to them as an individual.

What do you most enjoy about working in your school/ nursery?

That every day you feel privileged to be a part of each child’s individual progress, encouraging and observing first experiences to shape the early years of their school journey.

What do you feel are the most important aspects of the formative year’s education for children?

Creating a seamless transition from the home into safe and secure surroundings, with supportive and collaborative influences. This approach enables the children to progress confidently in their learning and social interactions. We are fortunate at Clifton High to have outstanding qualified teachers and teaching assistants who nurture each one of them. The excellent range of physical environments within our beautiful school grounds allows the children to explore with curiosity both in and out of the classroom, from the new STE(A)M room and climbing room to the wildlife pond and our on-site forest school.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Meet the early education expert

A

Rebecca Clevett shares the secret to 33 years of success and what makes ARCHFIELD HOUSE so unique.

rchfield House Nursery recognises that early childhood is a precious time. This is why it makes every effort to ensure that all children reach their full potential and leave with nothing but happy memories of their formative years here.

How long has the nursery been established?

Archfield was founded in 1986 by my mother, Susan Parslow, to support working families. I then became a director in 2005 after starting my own family. The Early Years sector has grown hugely during that time, due to a variety of socio-political factors. We are aware of the huge financial burden on families to access good quality childcare and are keen to support this challenge by providing affordable childcare in a prime location.

What is your nursery ethos?

Children are active learners and our environments and activities are planned to give the children opportunities to learn through play, discovery and exploration, thus stimulating their natural curiosity, creativity and imagination.

What makes Archfield unique?

Archfield is an Ofsted Outstanding and awardwinning nursery and we strive to go above and beyond the basic expectation of ‘childcare.’

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

We operate our own established Forest School site at Ashton Court and our Beach School. We have a wealth of learning opportunities accessible by our local train line – Severn Beach! Our philosophy is to inspire and encourage children by exposing them to positive outdoor experiences using nature as the teacher.

What is your approach to healthy eating?

Our qualified chef plays a central role in the nursery and ensures that food is given the highest priority. She talks to the children about their food, nurturing a deep interest not just in ingredients but food culture as a whole. This excellent knowledge is also shared with parents at parents’ evenings and play days. We work closely with the Early Years Nutrition Partnership to ensure that our menus are nutritionally balanced. Our chef’s unique cooking style is to use alternatives to refined sugar by using dried and fresh fruit and vegetables to sweeten cakes and puddings.

What should you look for when choosing a reputable nursery?

Choosing the right nursery for your child can be a daunting experience. I would always recommend looking around a few different nurseries to compare. Parents tell us that they value a diverse mix of staff, including staff with children of their own.

Parents often comment that they have chosen

Archfield because of the ‘feel’; it’s important to feel comfortable handing over your child. You can also have a look at the nursery checklist on our website which outlines some of the questions you might consider when choosing a nursery. Good quality nurseries get full very quickly. My recommendation is to look around when you are pregnant and register with plenty of time to spare in order to secure the nursery of your choice.

How do I find out more about Archfield?

Come and meet us! When you choose Archfield, you are choosing a professional, well-established and quality education in a stimulating environment which ensures that every child is supported to achieve their full potential. ■

2 Archfield Road, Cotham, Bristol, BS6 6BE. Tel: 0117 942 2120 Email: office@archfieldhousenursery.co.uk www.archfieldhousenursery.co.uk

OPINION KAM KELLY

Accentuate the positive Decent TV, cheap beer and the joys of the single life (with dog); maybe 2019 wasn’t that bad after all…

W

hen was the last time you started a new year with the phrase “I hope this year’s going be at least half as good as the last?”

I can’t remember saying that.

Not for ages, anyway. Maybe I have a rubbish memory. Maybe

it’s just down to too many “happy new year, hopefully this one will be better than the last,” kind of toasts. And we mean it, and want it so much; as we charge our glasses together we almost smash them with the power accelerated by forced belief.

OK, this is going to be a toughie, but I am going to try and find at least a handful of reasons

“I am blessed to love what I do both for Sam FM and Bristol Life. I also love the fact that I singlehandedly kept a fair few pubs in my local vicinity in business for another year”

to celebrate, or at least not damn, the memory of 2019.

Come on Kelly, think. Oh, OK: England did all right in the Rugby World Cup, and the Lionesses got to the semi-finals of The Women’s World Cup. And actually, as flippantly as that may come across, the fact is that women’s football has started to get the recognition it deserves, with many of its players both on a national and international league level outshining their male counterparts. Nice.

I’m moving on from sport now.

Ooh, TV. Killing Eve 2 was pretty good. And at least some Game Of Thrones fans seemed to enjoy the final season, despite a fair few complaints about a modern day coffee cup being caught in shot.

But let’s accentuate the positive here; this was no Starbucks cup, but one from a local coffee shop in Banbridge, Northern Ireland.

I mean, this is just flowing isn’t it? It’s so easy to be positive about 2019.

What about the economy?

Well, I can speak with some clout and authority about the fact that many shops were knocking out a box of 20 Buds for a tenner, which made for a pleasingly blurry summer.

On a personal note, I have genuinely enjoyed 2019. I am blessed to love what I do both for Sam FM and Bristol Life. I also love the fact that I single-

handedly kept a fair few pubs in my local vicinity in business for another year.

I also learned during 2019 that my relationship status was not merely ‘single’, with all the connotations of lonely ready-meals-for-one that this tag traditionally conjures up.

No; it turns out that, to quote Emma Watson, I am, in fact, ‘self-partnered’, and I’ve properly embraced the lifestyle.

After a while, the sidelines are an amazing place from which to comment on other people’s relationships. It’s so great to be able to offer wise stuff like “I’m sure you guys can work it out,” or “Just give it time,” with a pinch of “Oh, you know they didn’t mean it like that,” while all the time not caring even the tiniest bit. While all the time just thinking, when I get home my dog will be not only happy to see me in whatever state I turn up in, but she will also happily watch whatever I want to watch on the telly.

She’s a big football fan. At least, I’m assuming she is. She hasn’t said otherwise, so until she does, the agreement we have is that she’s a big football fan.

Merry Christmas, and happy 2020! Adios 2019!

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

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

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NEW MOON ON THE QUAY

Clifton’s favourite culinary globetrotters have expanded into a new site on Harbourside, at a gaff that’s every bit as quirky and original as the menu Words by Meg Coast Photos by Ben Robins; www.benrobinsphotos.com 60 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

RESTAURANT

W

e’re walking through Millennium Square on a and makes for a seriously refreshing sipping tipple, with just the right chilly December evening, and Bristmas is on. amount of bitterness.

It’s a Thursday night, when sensible folk would Tonight we don’t have to fret over what to order, as we’ve agreed to go be holed up at home with a bottle of wine and with a selection of chef ’s choice picks from the menu. First on the table Netflix; but who wants to be sensible when are grilled aubergine rolls filled with goat’s cheese, sundried tomatoes there’s a barrage of festive revelries – complete and basil mousse; a gorgeously creamy cold plate aperitif that goes with roller disco – on offer right here in the city perfectly with a swipe of sharp balsamic glaze. So far, so not especially centre? We’d usually be the first to lace up our skates and join in, but Filipino, admittedly. this time we’re on a mission; we’re headed for that weird little winged Next to arrive is an artichoke parmigiana, combining generous shaped kiosk on Hannover Quay – formerly the digs of Young and lashings of garlic and melted mozzarella that give way to subtle, nutty Foodish, and now occupied by the second site of New Moon Tapas, our undertones of a vegetable (fruit? berry?) that I previously would have dining destination for the night. eyed without love at the supermarket, but would now happily toss in There’s a bit of a TARDIS thing going on the trolley. Our next offerings are from the sea, here. As you approach the place, you can’t help in the form of sautéed king prawns in a silken DINING DETAILS wondering how an entire restaurant could fit pesto rosso sauce, closely followed by charred New Moon On The Quay, Kiosk 3, Hannover Quay, inside, but once you’re through the door, the octopus – soft, succulent and devoured in mere Bristol, BS1 5JE; 0117 927 9689 space is a lot bigger than you’d expect. It’s minutes, with every drop of balsamic glaze somehow spacious yet cosy, with a lot crammed mopped up with leftover bread.

Opening hours Closed on Mondays; Tuesday & Wednesday 5-10pm, Thursday & Friday middayin; bold, funky wall designs combine with Just as we’re wondering when the Filipino food 3pm; 5-10pm, Saturday midday-10pm, Sunday furs flung enticingly over chairs, and there’s is going to make an appearance, Nick presents 10am-4pm foliage everywhere, cascading from the ceilings, us with a pork, vegetable and tamarind stew.

We visited Thursday dinnertime clustered along the far wall – yet somehow the Shiitake mushrooms, aubergines and green beans Prices dishes from £3- £9 space doesn’t feel at all overcrowded. accompany tender pieces of meat in a flavour We get a friendly welcome from waiter Nick explosion of five spice sauce that we have to resist Atmosphere Relaxed, informal and shown to a table nestled in a veritable licking directly off the plate.

Service Attentive, friendly, knowledgeable forest. He talks us through the eclectic menu Russian pelmeni (dumplings) finish up Vegetarian choice Extensive as the branch of a nearby palm tree gently our feast for the evening. Almost identical to Wine List Good geographical spread with wines brushes the back of my neck. tortellini shells in appearance, these little babies from Bulgaria to Chile. Expect to pay around £20 Just like its sister venue in Clifton, New Moon are generously stuffed with beef and pork, and for an excellent vintage On the Quay serves small plates and tapas leave a lingering heat at the back of the throat with a transnational twist. Every new moon, long after we’ve polished them off. chef-proprietor Takvor Terlemezyan and his wife Irena wipe the menu The small-plate setup is perfect for a social meal, and a timely clean, and embark on a edible tour of a different country – and they’ve reminder in our otherwise busy lives that eating is best done as a already covered over 60 to date. marathon rather than a race. As we share a glass of wine with owner It’s tempting to stick to such tried-and-tested tapas favourites as TK after our repast, time does start to slip away – and the brandy chaser patatas bravas; feel free to do so, but if you don’t try at least some of does nothing to help (but was most welcomed). the specials you’ll be missing out on a cultural tour that’s guaranteed to In its second location, that’s as as quirky and original as its globeexpand your culinary horizons every time you visit. trotting menu, New Moon On The Quay looks set to be just as The Philippines is the featured country on the night we’re in, so we successful as its Clifton counterpart. With well over a hundred countries promptly take up Nick’s recommendation of Filipino inspired Papa left to cover on the culinary tour, we can’t wait to see where in the world Negroni cocktails to kick off the tour. The pungent aroma of fresh they’ll head to next; but we’re certainly happy to have them right here rosemary is perfectly tempered by a thick slice of pink grapefruit, on our doorstep. n

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FOOD & DRINK S N A P S H O T S O F B R I S T O L’ S F O O D S C E N E

EXTENDED REACH The food and drink offering at Finzels Reach just gets better and better. With Left-Handed Giant now nicely bedded in, the waterside community has now welcomed the newest branch of Bocabar, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, including 20 of the most loved Boca pizzas. The décor has an eclectic feel, combining a vintage, rustic look with a little bit of luxury: velvet drapes in the doorways, vintage lamps and reclaimed wood and copper features, a Chesterfield lounging area, and an ample, part-covered outside seating area with heaters and festoon lights.

Also recently opened is a new branch of wine lounge and shop Le Vignoble, offering up to 64 wines in a sophisticated bistro-style vibe, with reclaimed wood tables, vintage lighting and (it’s been a good year for the manufacturers of leather button-backed sofas!) yet more of those must-have Chesterfields.

You’ll find both venues within the Fermentation Buildings, beneath Channel 4 – which tells you roughly all you need to know about the clientèle. www.bristol.bocabar.co.uk www.levignoble.co.uk

BELOW: La Vignoble; RIGHT: Bocabar

THAT’S A-MORAY… GOOD NEWS FOR Glo Road pescaphiles, with the opening of new fish house and bar The Palomar, on the site of the former Urban Standard; the chap behind it is Aly Hussein, who also owns the adjacent café-bar Blue Lagoon. You can choose your fish straight from an ice-filled cart carrying the catch of the day, while imaginative menus offer everything from limeand wasabi-marinated tuna with caramelised walnuts to fried tiger prawns with barley risotto; there’s even steak for your hopelessly unreconstructed cave-person pals, a kids’ menu and a wellpriced set lunch. www.palomarfishhouse.com

TOP: This is a London branch of the Alchemist, so

A SPELL OF WINTER DID YOU KNOW that the week between Christmas and New Year

(ie, the time when you’re most likely to be leafing through this magazine) is known as the Witching Week? The ideal time, surely, to check out new bar and all-day diner The Alchemist on Corn Street, which bills itself as ‘unconventional, dark and controversial’.

“We’re masters in the dark arts of molecular mixology, and demons in the kitchen,” they also say. “Our mixologists create every cocktail with an obsessive eye for detail, presented in vessels orchestrated to add a devilish dash of theatre.” www.thealchemist.uk.com

MEANWHILE, ON COTHAM HILL, Crying Wolf has launched 12 new cocktails that take inspiration from herbs and plants used in traditional witchcraft, with syrups, cordials and shrubs hand made from locally grown ingredients and regionally produced spirits.

Ours is an Amulet, if you’re asking; rowan berry-infused JJ Whitley vodka, house-made rowan berry shrub, dry vermouth, fresh lemon and demerara.

There’s also a new bar food menu to go with, from hand-raised Bristol pork pies to a Bristol rarebit or Somerset halloumi bites. www.cryingwolf.co.uk

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

we’re assuming our one will look a bit like this BOTTOM: The actual Crying Wolf

FOOD & DRINK

EAT, DRINK, COOK BRISTOL The first Bristol and Bath Cook Book – celebrating the thriving independent food scene in Bristol and Bath, from its finest restaurants to top bakeries and delis – proved so popular that they’ve brought out another one.

We’ll be bringing you more info, and who knows, maybe a recipe or two, if you’re extra good?, in our next issue; in the meantime, know this: among the restaurants and groups featured are1766 Bar & Kitchen, Brace & Browns, The Bristol Food Tour, The Community Farm, Jamaica Street Stores and loads more. You can buy the book from all of the contributors as well as local bookshops big and small. www.thecoconut-tree.com Leek, potato and chive hash browns with poached eggs from Community Farm

DRY JANUARY?

W

e know, we know – over the past week or so you’ve become accustomed to having port for breakfast, prosecco for lunch and Bailey’s for tea; but this state of affairs really can’t go on. We don’t want to be total killjoys though, so with this in mind, we had a chat with Clare Warner, MD of Æcorn Aperitifs – the world’s first range of premium non-alcoholic aperitifs and sister brand of Seedlip.

We really wanted to create something that was not a replica of something alcoholic, but rather to add something different to the drinks category. We were inspired by acorn wine, which reminded us of a vermouth; acorns are incredibly bitter, and bitterness helps to stimulates our appetite. Many European aperitifs are based on this principle, and the idea to create a range of aperitifs, using acorns as a British bittering ingredient, was born.

Clare, how have non-alcoholic drinks changed and improved over recent years?

Tell us about the three flavours

I think the biggest shift is the range of options that are now available. A few years ago there was very little on offer, and Seedlip’s introduction really helped to crystallise the dilemma of ‘what to drink when we’re not drinking’.

With the introduction of Æcorn earlier this year, our focus has been to provide greater options to complement food. There are still so few credible NA options available – we want to see more restaurants championing nonalcoholic drinks that enhance food, with the same amount of thought and consideration that goes into the creation of a wine list.

Æcorn Bitter is is our big, bold and bitter expression: perfect for the classic spritz. It pairs well with small plates and tapas, and food such as charcuterie, bold cheeses, green olives and salted almonds. Æcorn Dry is elegant, floral and herbaceous; serve as a spritz, or chilled and neat. It works well with a range of food such as fish or seafood, but is also great with light cheeses, salads and grilled white meat. Æcorn Aromatic is sweet and aromatic, fullbodied and silky smooth, and pairs well with creamy cheeses, roasted nuts and dried fruit.

It’s also a great match for chocolate and coffee, so is an ideal serve at the end of a meal.

What was the recipe inspiration for Æcorn?

How should we serve it?

Our aim was to create a range of aperitifs that were informed by both 17th-century English herbal remedies and the European aperitif tradition. The range is based on English-grown sparkline wine grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir and meunier grapes. These are pressed early and then blended with appetite-stimulating herbs and bitter botanicals.

Simply pour Bitter or Dry over ice and top with sparkling water. Alternatively, for the cocktail lover we recommend our ‘Nogroni’. Seedlip Spice, Æcorn Bitter and Æcorn Aromatic: pour over ice, stir and add a slice of orange…

For more: www.aecornaperitifs.com

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BUON NATALE E FELICE ANNO NUOVO!

Recover the right way and join us for New Year's Day! Revitalise with an award winning feast and a hearty Bloody Mary. Job done Betwixmas Opening Hours: 27th December - 1st January 09:00 - 15:00 | Normal operating hours resume 2nd January Normal hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 09:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 22:00 | Sunday to Monday: 09:00 - 15:00

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CHEFS IN WINTER

All we really want for Christmas is a top Bristol chef in our kitchen to do all the grafting; but as that’s probably not on the cards, we’ll take their top tips for the big day, ideas for using up the leftovers, and a top recommendation from their winter menu for when we can’t be faffed to cook during the holiday…

ROB HOWELL – ROOT Tempt us with one dish from your current menu My favourite on the menu at the moment is a superseasonal treat of squash risotto, roasted chestnuts and tunworth. It’s just everything you need right now; warm, comforting, flavoursome food.

What are you and the family having for the big Christmas meal?

We are having a selection this year, and everyone is bringing something to the table. It could work really well, or be total chaos.

I’m going for the beef Wellington; no pressure.

T

he chefs featured on these pages all have their own individual styles, tastes and quirks, but they have one thing in common: right now, they are all VERY busy. But because they’re legends, they still found time to answer our questions. Cheers, chefs!

Give us one top tip for surviving the cooking at Christmas Plan ahead; most of the work can be done in the days leading up to Christmas, so that on the day it just needs finishing off or warming up. Gives you way more time to enjoy your day... and drink.

What do you have playing in the kitchen when you’re cooking?

From the start of December onwards it’s all the Christmas tunes.

What’s the best thing to do with Christmas Day leftovers?

Sandwiches, bubble and squeak, ploughman’s-style lunch. Just eat it all in any form. Don’t be wasteful, just enjoy it. www.eatdrinkbristolfashion.co.uk/root

YES CHEF! JOSH EGGLETON – PONY & TRAP

Can you tempt us with one dish from your current menu?

The fish soup is an indulgent starter, with a real hit of umami with the seaweed. Great texture, with the addition of deep-fried cod cheeks.

What are you cooking for the big Christmas meal?

On Christmas Day I’ll be at the Trinity Centre with Caring in Bristol for their Caring at Christmas project, cooking Christmas lunch for about 300-400 people in Bristol who are experiencing homelessness and hardship, with some other chefs and friends. Partnering with FareShare South West and The Community Farm as well, we’re producing and providing a full sevenday menu of three hot

restaurant-quality meals a day. We all wanted to work together to bring something special, with a Bristol theme to those in need.

Give us one top tip for surviving cooking at Christmas

Plan ahead, and right before you start cooking on Christmas Day, make yourself a really good Bloody Mary!

What do you have playing in the kitchen when you’re cooking?

On Christmas Day it’s always Elton John.

What’s the best thing to do with Christmas Day leftovers?

Bubble and squeak, but add eggs to the mixture to make it into a tortilla.

Also mix in any leftover parsnips, as if you’re like me, you probably won’t have leftover roast potatoes, and then bake it in the oven with loads of cheese on the top. www.theponyandtrap.co.uk

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YES CHEF! ELLIOTT LIDSTONE – BOX E

Can you tempt us with one dish from your current menu?

Roasted and pickled turnip with hot smoked trout and fresh horseradish. People often turn their noses up at turnip, but it’s a winter gem. Our celeriac with goats’ curd, chilli, sesame and peanut is a winner, too.

What are you and the family having for the big Christmas meal?

We’re thinking about duck, but for us it’s definitely all about the trimmings: shredded sprouts with lardons and roast chestnuts, loads of parsnips, the works. We have very set roles in the home kitchen at Christmas. I’ll do meat, roasties and gravy, and the Mrs is on stuffing, bread sauce and sprouts duty.

Give us one top tip for surviving cooking at Christmas.

Don’t get too drunk too early in the cooking process! One year we

went for a small Christmas Day drink in our local and a rather halfcut man suddenly got up and announced that he’d better get home and put the turkey in the oven. At least it would have been ready for Boxing Day… What do you have playing in the kitchen when you’re cooking?

All the Christmas classics.

What’s the best thing to do with Christmas day leftovers on Boxing Day? Pile it all into a sandwich (all of it, from bread sauce to roasties). Add pickled onions. Enjoy. www.boxebristol.com

“Don’t get too drunk too early in the cooking process...”

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

TODD FRANCIS – THE OX

Can you tempt us with one dish from your current menu?

Roasted breast and crisp confit of Creedy Carver duck, jamon and potato croquetta, grilled hispi, date jus, carrot purée – the bird option on our Christmas menu. Rich, comforting, refined and meltingly tender.

Give us one top tip for surviving the cooking at Christmas.

All your veg prep, sauces and stuffing can (and should) be boxed off at least the day before, requiring minimal effort on the day. Clean up as you go, and don’t leave it until the day to try something you haven’t done before.

What do you have playing in the kitchen when you’re cooking?

Soul; ’70s hits.

What’s the best thing to do with Christmas Day leftovers?

This, for me is the best part of Christmas. Lounging and grazing through the 26th and 27th is well-planned at my house: toasted turkey cubans, fried, fully loaded stuffing sandwiches surrounded by pickles, cheese and any other stray condiments; the best. www.theoxbristol.com

MARK CHAPMAN – BRAVAS

Can you tempt us with one dish from your current menu?

Braised Iberico pork cheeks with PX, celeriac and black truffle. It’s cold outside, so here’s a winter warmer, to show off the amazing pork cheeks we get from Mevalco; the addition of truffle this year is new to Bravas, while the addition of Pedro Ximinez is great with the slow-braised cheeks; the addition of nora paste and dried guindillas adds creaminess and spice to the marinade.

Who’s cooking the big Christmas meal at home?

My wife and I are cooking a traditional turkey roast, as it pleases the whole family, with fluffy crispy potatoes, spiced braised cabbage, honey-roasted carrots and parsnips, sprouts, garlic kale, jus/gravy, pigs in blankets, cauliflower bake, fresh green salad, every mother of sauce alongside a cranberry sauce and a endless supply of Yorkshire puddings.

Give us one top tip for surviving the cooking at Christmas Don’t let too many chefs (or family) into the kitchen. Space is important, and can speed up your prep and serving time, allowing you to focus. If you have too many head chefs in the kitchen, nothing gets done, so have one family member alongside yourself as your home sous chef, who will help you get through the work – add some tunes and it goes fast, fun and clean! Also, prep veg one day ahead.

What do you have playing in the kitchen when you’re cooking?

Charles Bradley, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Bonobo.

What’s the best thing to do with Christmas Day leftovers?

When I first came over from Australia, everyone in England was eating bubble and squeak, but I don’t think people do it much anymore. At home we bubble and squeak it and then stuff it into vol-au-vents. Add some of the left over jus/ gravy left and it makes for a quick Boxing Day lunch before a walk and a pint. www.bravas.co.uk

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YES CHEF! LIAM STADDON – AQUA

Tempt us with a dish from your current menu Our Barbary duck two-ways; a perfectly pink duck breast accompanied by a confit leg – the best way to enjoy duck in one dish. With a sweet cherry and rosemary jus it’s the perfect winter treat, glugged down with a nice glass of Malvasia Nera from San Marzano. To finish would have to be our homemade chocolate dome, with a sweet but salted caramel sauce.

What are you having for the big Christmas meal?

Just today my wife and I went to a local farm shop and pre-ordered a beautiful locally sorced five-bone rib of beef.

I’ll be cooking this alongside my wife and serving to my whole family, as a special treat from us to them.

Give us one top tip for surviving the cooking at Christmas.

Get all your produce from a trusted local butchers, if at all possible, as this will give you the edge. Most importantly, relax and enjoy yourself, drink plenty of wine, and laugh A LOT! Otherwise, what’s the point?

What do you have playing in the kitchen when you’re cooking?

The Pogues, of course! And all the other classic Christmas tunes, but if we get fed up with those then a bit of Paul Weller and The Stereophonics goes a long way.

What’s the best thing to do with Christmas Day leftovers?

A classic tradition with my family is to make anything left over into Christmas pasties – a mix of beef and turkey with some of the vegetables and potatoes, binded with a little gravy inside a light shortcrust pastry. The secret is plenty of cracked pepper. It’s the perfect Boxing Day snack. www.aqua-restaurant.com

“Relax and enjoy yourself, drink plenty of wine and laugh A LOT! Otherwise, what’s the point?”

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THE CONCEPT IS BOLDLY AND SIMPLY QUALITY SEAFOOD. Our focus is fresh ingredients for all of our food offerings, and transparency of our ever-changing menu. Our friendly and experienced staff is there to help you make an informed decision about our food and will always recommend the best wine to go with your dishes.

BOOK NEW YEARS EVE WITH US! Get a complimentary glass of Prosecco when you book for New Years Eve! 35 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8AD 0117 9425888. www.palomarfishhouse.com PalomarFishHouse&Bar Instalomar

YES CHEF!

“After having so much meat over Christmas and Boxing Day, it’s nice to let the root veggies shine” MARK PAYNE – AZTEC HOTEL, THE CURIOUS KITCHEN Can you tempt us with one dish from your current menu?

The salt-baked celeriac risotto, with roast Jerusalem artichoke, celery and freshly grated black winter truffle – epic winter comfort food for the soul. And after having so much meat over Christmas and Boxing Day, it’s nice to let the root veggies shine.

What are you having for your own Christmas family meal, and who’s cooking?

My wife Sally normally does the cooking on Christmas Day, as I’m at work in the morning, which is nice to come home to. This year we’ve decided to have fillet of beef; in hospitality during the festive season we chefs see a lot of turkey, so at home we opt for something different; in previous years we have had goose, lamb and beef Wellington.

Give us one top tip for surviving the cooking at Christmas.

Remember that it’s just a Sunday roast that you do all year round.

What do you have playing in the kitchen when you’re cooking?

AC-DC or Def Leppard; but sometimes the style of cooking directs the genre of music I listen to.

What’s the best thing to do with Christmas Day leftovers?

As my father-in-law would say, ‘a bit of bubble’; get your leftover roasties mashed up, mix in your veggies, season to taste and bind, make into patties and then fry in a non-stick pan with a good knob of butter. Serve with haggis, grain mustard and a whisky cream sauce. www.www.aztechotelbristol.co.uk

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CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

His beautiful launderette He’s taken coffee and cake in a former rest room, a garden centre and a railway station – but none of them did Stan’s washing while he tucked in…

C

razy combinations, I’m all for them.

White port with grapefruit, Marmite with apple, cheese with nuts, they’re all good. Honest.

But how about avocado with pancakes? Hmm… dinner winner, or tastebud disaster?

Strange how unexpected combos can either turn out to be a stroke

“It’s strange how unexpected combos can either turn out to be a stroke of simple genius or, well, just a rather foolish notion”

of simple genius or, well, just a rather foolish notion.

Luckily, this issue’s gorgeous coffee shop, At the Well in Stokes Croft, definitely falls into the ‘stroke of genius’ category. As crazy combos go, it’s right up there with the best, a glorious mixture, being half cute café, half working laundrette.

It’s run by a trio of sisters, who got the idea from a trip to Africa with their mum, after they noticed how the locals liked to hang out and chat while washing clothes and drawing water at the well.

Hence the name.

Have to say, it really does work very well indeed. Walk through the front door and it feels like the space is reaching out to give you a hug. Inviting you to sit a while, tuck into something nice, maybe (though not necessarily) even get to work on your laundry.

It’s warm, cosy and welcoming, with just the merest hint of tumble dryer humming away in the background. You can either do your own wash, or they will do it for you.

I went with my teenage grandson. We had been out doing fun stuff in cold weather, and were in need of something to warm us up in preparation for the journey home.

Looking at the menu on the wall, two things leapt out. First, they do stacks of pancakes in

various combinations, which is always a good thing. Second, they actually have green eggs and ham on the menu. Which was brilliant, but also a bit confusing, until I noticed avocados were involved.

This put me in a bind. Suddenly I wanted them all on one plate. But would it work?

I flirted with asking the chef to do me a crazy combo all of my very own. OK, the chilli-kissed avocado might fight with the sweetness of maple syrup-covered pancakes and bacon. But there’s only one way to find out, right?

However, my grandson was in no mood to brook such foolishness. He went for a stack of pancakes with bacon and blueberries and I joined him.

They were good. My young companion declared them to be the tastiest and fluffiest pancakes he had ever had.

If you’re ever passing by this part of the world, treat yourself.

Go inside, get fed and get happy.

And don’t forget your laundry basket.

As for me, I’m already planning a return visit. This time, I’m going for it. Going to ask for green eggs and ham with pancakes. Crazy combo central, here we come. n Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com

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FASHION

SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND

Partywear designers are embracing glitzy 1970s and ’80s style excess – and we just can’t get enough of the stuff…

F

rom dresses dripping with sequins to accessories oozing opulence, this season’s partywear is all about sparkle, with a host of dazzling styles from exclusive designers including Rotate Birger Christensen, Rixo and the much-loved Self -Portrait.

Rixo’s glitzy midi dresses are destined to glimmer under the disco ball. Worked with a plunge neckline and high front split, the Emmy mint chiffon style is decorated with striped rows of purple, blue and green sequins for a dazzling party-ready finish.

Epitomising disco-ready dazzle, the Celia dress is patterned with striped blue and green sequins and tailored to a slim silhouette, with cut-outs at the shoulders and back that secure with plush velvet ties.

Alternatively, get the star treatment in Aidan’s celestial cocktail dress.

A 1980s trend edit without puffed-up, extravagant sleeves is rarely seen this season, and is showcased in Birgitte Herskind’s Baker shimmering mini-dress with ruched skirt, crafted from gleaming lamé that reveals a mystical array of iridescent hues under the light.

Also emphasised by voluminous shoulders is Rotate

by Birger Christensen’s coral wrap dress; cut from sumptuous satin, and embodying the label’s masterful eye for bold colour, the wrap style’s flattering silhouette has a waist tie-fastening.

In contrast to summer’s capacious silhouettes, winter has witnessed a return to the cinched waist. SelfPortrait’s sequin dress is cut to a thigh-skimming mini hemline, worked with a wrap-effect waist and alluring V-shaped neckline.

Velvet by Graham & Spencer’s high-shine Dasha dress channels this trend with a loose silhouette cut, a gathered neckline and tie-fastening belt at the waist.

The gold lamé weave will glimmer under the light – perfect for the New Year, infinity and beyond.

The obsession with embellishment and lavishness extends to accessories. Team highly decorative clutches with silky separates, dress your ears with crystal-encrusted jewellery, or take to the dancefloor in a pair of metallic sandals; this season, nothing succeeds like excess.

All products are available at Harvey Nichols Bristol or HarveyNichols.com

Rixo Emmy striped sequin midi dress, £375

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SHOPPING LIST

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1. RIXO, Celia striped sequin dress, £385 2. Aidan Mattox Star sequin cocktail dress, £265 3. Rotate Birger Christensen, Number 31 coral satin wrap dress, £210 4. Velvet by Graham & Spencer Dasha sand lamé mini dress, £275 5. Gestuz, Fei black printed satin dress, £140 6. Valentino Garavani VLock small blush leather shoulder bag, £1,455 7. Birgitte Herskind, Baker puffsleeve lamé mini dress, £270 8. GG Marmont 100 silver leather mules, £630 9. Self-Portrait Black sequin mini dress, £350 10. Gestuz New Season Solin black metallic jersey jumpsuit, £130 11. Rosantica Kingham featherembellished top handle bag, £705 12. Saint Lauren Call Me Earrings, £340 11

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www.gissingsboutique.com

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RETIREMENT

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 Lisa Warren

THE 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

“The current elderly generation don’t want a gated community where older people only mix with older people”

Private apartments in Keynsham community Created by Bristol charity St Monica Trust within the former home of Fry, later 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 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

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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 putting green and landscaped grounds; there are also easy walks along the coast.

For more: www.hawthornsretirement.co.uk

STOKE GIFFORD RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Homes to buy or rent within a retirement village community 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 has been created at the £53m retirement village in Stoke Gifford near the University of the West of England campus. There are 261 apartments, with homes available for outright purchase, shared ownership and rental.

Around 18 social and health facilities are open to residents and local older people, families and volunteers, including a reception and main street, shop, café bar, library and IT suite, hairdresser, salon, craft room, fitness suite and village hall.

The village also has a wellbeing centre, and care and support is 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

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

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GLENVIEW

Residential care for dementia patients A new award-winning sister care home 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.glenviewbristol.co.uk; www.meadow-care.co.uk

ABBEYFIELD

“Residents tell us how they ‘started to live again’ when they came to us”

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 apartments, but with daily coffee mornings, and communal mealtimes, there’s always someone to talk to. Loneliness is never an issue.

For more: www.abbeyfield-bristol.co.uk

AMELIA LODGE

two-bedroom retirement apartments and shared facilities, designed exclusively for the over 60s.

Apartments have spacious rooms throughout, and an ideal combination of design and functionality. Owners also enjoy ultimate peace of mind from a fitted camera entry system for the highest level of security and a 24 hour emergency call system.

A lodge manager oversees the day-to-day running of the development, offering a friendly face to turn to, and taking care of all the upkeep and maintenance so that owners don’t have to. With less to worry about, owners have more time to do the things they enjoy, such as having family or friends to stay in the development’s well-appointed guest suite, having a chat with neighbours, or attending one of the regular social events in the owners’ lounge.

For more: www.churchillretirement.co.uk

Private community in Henleaze Located on Henleaze Terrace, next to a beautiful park and close to local shops, Amelia Lodge is a collection of 33 privately owned one- and

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 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 at the weblink below allows customers to personalise their new home, choosing from a range of high-spec styles.

For more: www.redrow.co.uk

Whether you want to relax in the arboretum or settle down in the spa, the Vincent is all about the good life

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RETIREMENT The Vincent’s new-build apartments have open-plan living areas with tall windows that let in natural light, as well as the views of the Bristol skyline beyond.

THEY SAY . . .

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.”

STOKE GIFFORD “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 inter-generational 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.”

ABBEYFIELD “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.”

AMELIA LODGE “Amelia Lodge has proved a popular choice for local retirees thanks to the lifestyle on offer.

The development has a real sense of community and offers all the support and facilities needed for an independent, hassle-free retirement. With just three apartments now available, potential buyers will have to act quickly to secure a move to this well-connected part of Bristol.”

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HAPPY TORQUAY TORQUAY… …Happy walk. Rachel Ifans uncovers a historic hotel on the English Riviera, a great base for attacking the ups and downs of the South West Coast Path

GREAT ESCAPES

H

ow’s about a weekend in Torquay in a familyrun hotel on a hillside?” Sorry, what? You’ve got to admit, invites like this don’t come along all the time in 2019, so I pushed my Editor for more (while surreptitiously checking the Apple Watch on my wrist to check that I hadn’t somehow slipped into a 1980s dystopian timeslip), hoping three questions:“Do you know me at all?”, “Have you gone insane?” and “Can you tell me more, I’m intrigued?” – would be obvious from my perky eyebrow arch.

On further investigation it turned out that there is such a family-run hotel just off the South West Coast Path in Devon; one that is currently scooping gongs for its restaurant in local food awards (without a Waldorf Salad in sight), and that has a strong link with Bristol to boot.

We duly packed our walking boots, and on a sunny autumn day we were off to the English Riviera! We may be from Bristol but that doesn’t mean we’re above a bit of retro seaside kitsch.

Orestone Manor sits overlooking the sea in Maidencombe, a small coastal village outside Torquay. My nerve faltered just once when we drew up at the entrance; the pale green stucco briefly conjured up visions of a frantic Basil attacking his car with foliage and I just managed to utter a feeble “Qué?” as I trailed in after my husband marching the bags in.

Thankfully, that was the last hint of Fawlty Towers we experienced during our impeccable mini-break at Orestone. The slightly dated painted side entrance that had been our first impression contrasts starkly with the glorious back of the hotel, which looks out to sea, a red-bricked, verandah-ed and bay-windowed beauty from the 1800s.

Memories of the murky M5 slipped away, replaced by blue skies and palm trees and an elegant bedroom from which to view them.

Orestone Manor doesn’t do pretensions – it does what it does and it does it really well. The judges of Food Drink Devon Awards recently crowned it the Best Hotel Restaurant: “It’s not a generic, ‘following the latest trend with décor, food and service restaurant’, instead Orestone Manor’s passion for what it does and how it does it, shines through everything. It should be applauded and recognised for it. The overall experience, the quality of the food, the service and selling of local provenance food and drink, is the embodiment of the Food Drink Devon awards.”

Cheers to that, we said, while supping a Salcombe Gin and a Devon Rock Lager in the hotel bar before dinner.

Our spot-on three-course dinner was reasonably priced at £27. We shared a plate of meaty mussels in a moreish buttery sauce for starters, followed by belly pork with mash and perfectly-crunchy vegetables for main, with an assiette of puds to share. No boundaries were pushed, no gastro taboos exploded, but execution was top-notch and the service was attentive.

In the morning, after a traditional breakfast overlooking the view, we pulled on our boots and skittered and skid on the fallen autumnal leaves carpeting the vertigo-inducing lane to Maidencombe village and the sea. That lane was a precursor of things to come and the punishing up-and-down of the SW Coast Path towards Teignmouth left us sweaty and gasping for breath at points.

The way was deserted – we counted maybe five other walkers during the whole day I think – and the uninterrupted views over Ness Cove, the calm blanket of blue and the innumerable other coves stacking up eastwards in the distance were only interrupted by the sight of other walkers when we climbed down to Shaldon beach, where the tiny ferry takes you over the Teign. The sun warmed our backs as we sat in the Ferry Boat Inn’s seafront garden – it’s the end of October! we marvelled, with the unattractive smugness of the traveller who’s been lucky with the weather.

Shaldon village stores provided a picnic which we ate on Ness Beach having burrowed through the thrilling Smuggler’s Tunnel before walking back to base.

It was a perfect day, topped off with another traditional hotel dinner in the evening (me – smoked salmon followed by rump of lamb; him – chicken liver pâté, and salmon for main course) while we chatted about the walk we had planned for the next day, this time in a westerly direction. That night, though, the mist rolled in, the winds blew and the rain came so we lazed around instead, and – sshhhh – we never actually made it into Torquay at all.

If you fancy a coastal walking weekend, Orestone Manor is really well placed. It’s comfortable and there’s warmth to bask in, in terms of balmy temperatures, and very friendly welcome and service, and we left with a very soft spot for it and its surrounds.

“We may be from Bristol, but we’re not above a bit of retro seaside kitsch”

Rock House Lane, Maidencombe, Devon TQ1 4SXW; 01803 897511; www.OrestoneManor.com

FROM BRISTOL WITH LOVE Maybe we felt so at home at Orestone due to its historical links with Bristol’s Brunel. The picture that hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in London of IBK was sketched on the gorgeous green lawn of Orestone Manor.

Brunel sat for his brother-in-law, famous artist, and founder of Orestone, Sir John Calcott Horsley, sometime in the mid-1800s, the visits for the sitting leading to Brunel’s love of this part of Devon and his decision to build a home there with his wife, Mary Elizabeth Horsley.

Rooms from £95 (for the best price and latest deals, call the hotel directly).

Special offer: Pre-book dinner for an additional £27 per person, and enjoy three courses from the set-price menu.

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NEW YEAR NEW FINANCES

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Bristol’s financial experts can help you start the year off right

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ADVERTISING FEATURE ED GREEN

CLOSE BROTHERS ASSET MANAGEMENT 0117 9170720; www.closebrothersam.com What’s the biggest bit of advice you would give at the start of the calendar year?

One of the ongoing conversations I have with clients is budgeting, and the start of a new year is a great time to assess what you’ve spent in the previous 12 months, so you can start considering the next 12. Breaking it down to ‘essentials’ (utilities, food, clothing) and ‘luxuries’ (holidays, meals out, etc) should help with the analysis, alongside any particular plans which may involve lump sums, such as a new car. If a surplus is identified versus likely net income, then perhaps this could be allocated to help meet short, medium and long term goals. If there’s a shortfall, then clearly some changes need to be made to avoid creating debt.

What advice would you give to somebody considering retirement?

‘Retirement’ is a bit of an outdated concept. The phrase should be ‘when can you achieve financial independence?’ ie when you’re not reliant on working to fund your lifestyle. Many people enjoy working (at least to some extent!) so stopping completely may not be desirable. The knowledge that you don’t need to continue

DAN SMITH

SOUTH WEST BUSINESS FINANCE (SWBF) 01225 800849 www.swbf.co.uk What’s the one biggest bit of advice you would give at the start of the calendar year?

As business owners are often busy running their businesses I would suggest they take some time to reflect on whether they have the right structure or funding to achieve their goals for the next 12 months. Also seek advice on where to turn for support for your business; who are your trusted partners and advisors and are you getting everything you need from these relationships.

If clients start the year concerned and worried about their finances, what advice would you give?

Speak to an expert and build a relationship with someone who you can trust to talk to about your finances. We can sit down with you, provide advice about your funding structures and help you navigate the plethora of funding options in the market that you might not be aware of. There are over 200 alternative lenders in the market who are ready and willing to support businesses, often where mainstream banks have closed doors to them. As a Commercial Finance Broker, we are ideally placed to guide you through the finance market, we know the lenders available, their strengths and weaknesses and how they want proposals presented to ensure a swift and competitive response.

What should be your clients’ priorities at the start of the year?

Decide what is important for you in sourcing finance; whether it be rate, term, flexibility, requirements to give security, or having a relationship with the lender. As a broker we are well placed to review your existing finance and suggest alternative providers or structures.

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

earning to live the life you want is the crucial bit, with aspects like charitable work providing a form of fulfilment instead.

Take some time out to think what you want your lifestyle to look like, ie what’s important to you, what activities do you like, and what do you think these will cost. Engaging with a financial planner can help with this discussion.

Alongside this, reviewing your overall financial position, not just pension arrangements, is important to help establish a ‘starting point’.

A strategy can then be considered to bridge any gap and consider timings. One of the most valuable services a financial planner can add to this is proving that you could potentially stop working sooner than you think…

What are the best investments you could advise your clients to make?

Invest in spending time with your family and those you care about, but don’t ignore having your own space from time to time! Having a robust financial plan will give you the confidence to be able to do this – but work on the basis that no one has a crystal ball…

Your capital is at risk. Investments can go down as well as up.

Telephone calls made to any member of Close Brothers Asset Management may be recorded.

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TONY ANDERSON

ANDERSON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 0117 332 1570; www.andersonfinancial.co.uk What are the best investments you could advise your clients to make?

Invest time in understanding what you want to get out of your money and put a financial plan together. That’s the best place to start.

Instead of rushing into a decision, always ask questions, so you have total clarity. We pride ourselves on the open and meaningful relationships we have with our clients.

What’s the one biggest bit of advice you would give at the start of the calendar year?

Never start with the money. Think instead about what you want to achieve.

What is important to you and your family? What are your ambitions and values? That’s where we start our meetings. Some clients say that it feels more like a counselling session than financial planning.

It might be that you want to prioritise ethical investments. Many Bristol businesses and individuals want to invest in companies that have good social and environmental credentials. How ethical funds are run have changed. They now assess companies that have a positive impact, and we know that investing in these organisations is a powerful way to effect change.

If clients start the year concerned and worried about their finances, what advice would you give?

Worrying about finances is a major contributor to stress – UK employees worry more about money than they do about career, health or relationships. In this country, we are often culturally conditioned to avoid talking about money, but delaying decisions doesn’t help. Instead, schedule a meeting. Good financial planning is about being prepared. And being prepared is the best way to combat worry and concern.

TOM ANNEAR

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, BREWIN DOLPHIN 01225 487772; www.brewin.co.uk/bath What’s the biggest bit of advice you would give at the start of the calendar year?

To look at things differently in 2020. Rather than deciding how much you can afford to save or invest, decide what you want your life to look like when you’re not doing what you’re doing now. So many clients are only ever advised on the here and now that they forget that money is an enabler, not an end in itself. Attaining your dream life should be your goal, whilst the composition and performance of your portfolio should be the concern of your financial professional.

There’s no point in being the richest person in the graveyard, so work out how much your dream life costs and then try and work back from there.

A cash flow model can help show you what your “magic number” is and, critically, when that magic number could become a reality.

What advice would you give to somebody considering retirement?

To get a handle on how they will fund their retirement. Most people believe that a pension is the best way to fund their retirement, but with current rules as they are, it might be worth considering living off other investments and leaving the pensions untouched for longer. A financial planner can help you decide how best to enjoy the results of your hard work.

What is the most frequent problem you encounter this time of year?

We actually find that our clients look forward to this time of year. Spending time with – and money on – loved ones is one of the best things we can show clients they can afford to do.

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

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS THIS ISSUE >>STONE LOVE MANDARIN STONE (98) >>GO NOMINATE! BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS (101)

Arena plan music to the ears of hoteliers

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ristol is set to become one of the UK’s Big 3 in terms of entertainment venues, as plans to develop the Filton aircraft hangar into a multi-million pound arena take shape.

YTL – a Malaysian investment firm – has unveiled its vision for the 17,000-capacity venue, which will be third only to London’s O2 and the Manchester Area in size and built in the former Brabazon Hangar, already famous for being the birthplace of Concorde.

So far – from information in the current proposals – we know that developers are planning a main Festival Hall, which will be created from the adjoining east and west hangars; a neighbouring break-out area from the main show which would also double up as a great place to house trade shows, exhibitions, conventions and other events; and The Hub, a place – the plans say – to eat, work and play, with leisure facilities, food and drink and home to small or start-up businesses.

Plans in the pipeline Let’s wind the clock back a bit. Bristol has been batting around the idea for a big-win entertainment venue for over 15 years so these plans are definitely not a flash in the pan. Initial talks about a 10,000-seat venue near Temple Meads hit the news back in March 2003, and were subsequently abandoned in 2007. Two years later, the idea of an arena resurfaced with Temple Quarter area and Ashton Vale being bandied around as potential plots.

Temple Quarter would have housed around 12,000 seats and was the only likely contender for a number of years until November 2017 when Filton became a potential alternative site.

By the end of 2018, Mayor Marvin Rees had scrapped plans for the central Temple Quarter venue and all eyes were on the outlying hangar.

Room at the inn The nadir for Bristol’s hoteliers is, of course, a year-round boost to occupancy. Developers have

spoken about Filton being a 365-day-of-the-year venue, which would be an amazing addition to the city’s cultural offering, and create a lot of interest from people visiting the area. Everyone wants to avoid big-name music concerts, for instance, that provide only a brief boost to business when they happen, and hoteliers for one are interested in attracting significant numbers of people all year round, and creating tremendous potential for the local economy.

Raphael Herzog, acting chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA), which represents 40 major hotels – that’s 4,000 rooms – in the city, muses, “There has been considerable debate for years over whether an arena should be in the city centre or at Filton, and both locations have their advantages and disadvantages. There is no doubt that an arena of this size could attract some huge names, which will draw many people from far and wide, and it’s therefore important that accommodation providers throughout the city are able to benefit from this influx of visitors.”

Herzog emphasises the financial importance of Bristol hotels, an industry which brought £200 million into the local economy last year.

“Efficient transport links between the centre and Filton could help provide a huge boost to the local economy and encourage people to choose central accommodation,” he says. Herzog envisages event-goers travelling to the arena for the gig but returning to the city to explore its many other attractions.

He continues: “An arena of the size being proposed will be a major boost for Bristol; there just needs to be a co-ordinated effort to ensure there is the correct transport infrastructure, so people are encouraged to venture further than the venue itself and spend some time – and money – in other parts of this beautiful city. It is imperative that our local councillor’s work together to ensure the planning application is supported. While Bristol is well known for its cultural and music heritage, a venue like this will put Bristol firmly on the map as a world class concert destination.”

For more: ww.bristol-hoteliers.co.uk

Stone love One of the most established interiors companies in the city, Mandarin Stone is a one-stop shop for top quality stone and tiling. We asked Louisa Morgan to tell us more

‘‘

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andarin Stone is a familyrun company that was established in 1989, offering an unparalleled selection of natural stone, porcelain and decorative tiles,” says Louisa. “Showcasing the very latest surface designs to the UK market, key ranges include large format stone and concrete

effect porcelains, stylish patterned tiles, outdoor porcelains as well as timeless limestones and marbles.

“Importing worldwide, virtually all stock is held in the UK, meaning that deliveries can be made within short timeframes.

“We’re now celebrating 30 years in business, and we have 13 inspirational showrooms in the UK; the Bristol store is on Clifton’s Regent Street.

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

How was the company first formed, and why do you specialise in stone?

Alma Small started Mandarin Stone in 1989. Previously working as a school teacher and raising a young family, Alma was asked to help sell a container of Chinese flooring slate that had been imported by a roofing company. Initially Alma predominantly sold slate and other natural stone tiles to distributors and tiles shops, until our first showroom was opened in 2000.

For many years we only offered natural stone including slate, marble, limestone and sandstone but as customer demands increased we decided to offer man-made porcelain and ceramic tiles which now make up over 50% of our entire collection.

Can you give us a brief overview of the range you offer?

Our range includes both natural stone and man-made porcelain and ceramic tiles, as well as glass tiles and a comprehensive range of products such as adhesives, grouts and sealants.

Please talk us through the pros and cons of the range

Natural stone offers an inherent natural beauty and includes limestone, marble, slate, sandstone and travertine, in a vast array of formats and finishes. Man-made porcelain tiles often cleverly replicate other materials such as stone, wood and concrete, but without the need for sealing and with generally less maintenance.

Other ranges include metal effect,

BRISTOLWORKS

marble effect as well as endless patterned and glazed tiles.

Where do you source the stone?

We import from many different countries for both natural stone and man-made tiles. Key countries include Italy, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Egypt and China.

Our collection is constantly evolving as our suppliers introduce new products and designs. This year we launched a stylish terrazzoeffect porcelain which has proved extremely popular.

Stone-effect porcelains are particularly impressive as nowadays it’s hard to differentiate them from the real thing. Large-format sizes are particularly desirable as well as stone- and concrete-effect tiles which can be continued from inside to out. Discovering a new stone or stone finish is always particularly exciting for us as we are natural stone lovers at heart!

How have trends in stone changed since you launched?

Natural Stone is still desirable; however, because of advancing technologies in tile graphics and designs, man-made porcelain tiles have become extremely popular.

There has also been a large resurgence in patterned tiles in recent years, often based on traditional designs. Marble is generally far more popular than it was 30 years ago, too.

Is there anything about using stone that may surprise us?

I think customers often have a fear of natural stone because of the sealing element involved. However, as long as thoroughly sealed initially during the fixing period, a natural stone floor will last a lifetime.

Remember natural stone has been used in buildings and homes since

time began. It is worth noting to never use harsh household cleaning products on stone and marble, as this can damage the surface and remove the sealants.

Can you give us a design tip?

Don’t think that if you have a small space you need small tiles. Often using larger tiles can make a space look bigger with fewer grout joints to draw the eye in.

What lines have been most popular?

Our ‘classic’ range is a specially formulated collection to offer the most cost-effective tile options to customers. Our timeless white/grey Calacatta marble in a wide variety

of finishes and sizes is extremely popular. Casablanca is a range of slightly vintage style monochrome patterned tiles in both squares and hexagons – very versatile and stylish.

Any trends that seem to be on the wane?

Grey has been a household staple for many years, but this is becoming less so in the last year or so. Some natural stones such as slate, travertine and sandstone are less popular, often because of manmade alternatives. With so much inspiration out there, safe creams and whites aren’t always the norm with customers going braver and bolder with tile choices.

Can you predict some new trends for 2020?

Using bolder colours is already becoming more popular, and I think this is set to increase in 2020.

Warmer shades such as beige & sandy colours are being favoured again over grey; they call these colours the ‘new neutrals’. I think materials that will offer more character and movement to a space such as terrazzo and luxe marble effects will become more desirable as well as adding that fun element to an interior.

www.mandarinstone.com

BRISTOLWORKS

BUILDING BIG In 2015, as part of Bristol Green Capital of Europe, Stride Treglown came up with ‘52 Big Ideas for Bristol’, a collection of creative and quirky ideas to make the city more sustainable, spark imagination and drive positive change. Four years on and the creative cogs are definitely still turning!

On 12 November, Gregg Latchams hosted its latest Construction Breakfast at the Watershed and Stride Treglown took centre stage with its ‘53rd Big Idea for Bristol’. The team presented a reimagining of Castle Park which, 100 years ago, was a commercial hub for the city, with densely packed housing and commercial enterprises rubbing shoulders. Big Idea No. 53 included a vision for the area’s buildings, green space, cafés, indoor and outdoor fun and even a beach.

David Morris, Head of Construction at Gregg Latchams, said; “Thank you to all who came and to Stride Treglown for presenting such a creative and inspiring idea which sparked our imaginations and a great follow-up discussion. The momentum on these breakfasts continues to grow; it is brilliant to be such a part of the current conversations in the Bristol construction industry around development and shaping Bristol for the future, as well as the contracts governing some of our local developments.”

Gregg Latchams provides legal services for SMEs, private individuals and business owners across the UK and overseas.

For more: www.gregglatchams.com

It’s a local currency, for local people

Focus your mind – on glory! The countdown to the Bristol Life Awards is underway

ENTER YOUR CRACKER OF A BUSINESS! Just over four months remain until the prestigious Bristol Life Awards on 23 April – and nominations are fast being written for the biggest ceremony yet.

Businesses wishing to make 2020 an award-winning start to the decade are encouraged to enter before the New Year rush – and to show the judges what makes their company shine above the rest.

With nominations open, the panel of independent judges being prepped and few category sponsorships remaining, excitement for the glittering Bristol Life Awards is building towards the city’s biggest business celebration.

Nominations close in March and, for yet another year, tickets have been restricted to finalists-only after incredibly high demand. Finalists will be announced on 11 March, to coincide with tickets going on sale.

Sponsors and finalists will also be invited to a special reception event on 1 April at Keepers Kitchen & Bar. Perfect for networking before the big night!

The Bristol Life Awards are on 23 April at Lloyd’s Amphitheatre and are Headline Sponsored by Jelf. www.bristollifeawards.co.uk @BristolLifeAwds

BRISTOL POUND NEEDS YOUR HELP! The Bristol Pound currency is celebrating its seventh birthday by gearing up for the future. The non-profit organisation is seeking to raise £20,000 so that it can carry on providing Bristol’s local currency, fund the development of new services and technology and deliver more impact in Bristol.

By encouraging people and businesses to buy locally, Bristol Pound is helping to reduce carbon emissions from transport, and supporting a circular economy, minimising resource use and production of landfill waste. It helps create a flourishing small business community, and protects Bristol from the shifts in the global economy.

Here’s a reminder of how you can support Bristol Pound. You can buy the paper £Bs from exchange points, and find out where you can spend them on the website, or you can open a £B account with the Bristol Credit Union, and use the phone app to pay for things electronically. The app has a handy map showing you all the £B businesses, and you can top up your £B account from your normal online banking.

You can also set up recurring payments for your Bristol City Council tax, and encourage the council to support local businesses too.

For more: bristolpound.org

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Are you protected?

Josephine Tasker of AMD SOLICITORS considers how you can protect your property against fraud.

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illions of pounds are lost each year to property fraud in the UK, which unfortunately is a serious ongoing issue with fraudsters continuing to target property owners, regardless of whether owners are individuals or companies, and leaving you to deal with the consequences. The most common types of frauds are typically where criminals steal a property owner’s identity and then attempt to sell or mortgage their property by pretending to be them.

In particular, fraudsters are more likely to target properties where: • the property is rented out • the property is empty • the property is not mortgaged • the property is not registered with HM Land Registry • you live oversees T protect your To property, place a restriction on it. Y You can instruct our conveyancing team to

put a restriction on your title. If you have a property which you rent out, a second home or live somewhere else for all or part of the year, you should consider registering a restriction against the property. The benefit of taking this additional step means it will prevent the Land Registry registering any sale or mortgage on your property unless a conveyancer or solicitor certifies that the application was made by you.

THE LAND REGISTRY’S FREE PROPERTY ALERT SERVICE The Land Registry offers a free property alert service for properties registered in England and Wales. This is an essential tool that should be considered by anyone wishing to take steps to protect a registered property from risk of fraud.

To sign up, all you need to provide is a valid email address and the postcode or title number of the property(ies) you want HM Land Registry to monitor (can be up to ten properties). Once you have signed up to the service, you will receive email alerts from the Land Registry when certain activity occurs on your monitored properties, allowing you to take swift action if these activities are suspicious. The alert will signpost you to who to contact in this event.

KEEP YOUR CONTACT DETAILS UP TO DATE Please remember to update the Land Registry in writing if your contact details change while you own the property to ensure you receive any

such correspondence. For added peace of mind, the Land Registry can hold up to three contact addresses for you, including an email address and an address abroad.

WHAT IF MY PROPERTY IS UNREGISTERED? If your property is not registered at the Land Registry, you should consider making an application for voluntary first registration because it helps protect against fraud, gives you proof of ownership and makes it easier to buy and sell.

If you are unsure whether your property is unregistered or would like to discuss making a voluntary application, our experienced conveyancing team will be able to assist you.

If you would like any advice or assistance in connection with the above, please get in touch by emailing info@amdsolicitors.com, or calling our conveyancing team on 0117 973 5647.

Our ever popular talks will be returning in spring 2020 watch this space for more details ■

Call into one of our four Bristol offices.

100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, BS9 4JZ 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS 139 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, BS8 2PL 2 Station Road, Shirehampton BS11 9TT

FIND OUT HOW MUCH WE COULD SELL YOUR PROPERTY FOR...

Clifton Village sstc. Marketed at £3,000,000

Henleaze sold. Marketed at £1,000,000

A once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase one of the finest period homes in Clifton. A truly magnificent double fronted Grade II listed Georgian townhouse (c. 1780) boasting light and airy accommodation over four floors (5,606 sq ft) with its own sizeable self contained basement flat with private entrance, generous 114 ft x 45 ft south facing walled gardens and nearby double garage with inspection pit.

A stunning one of a kind detached period home. The house is set centrally in its third of an acre grounds, in a superb sought after private location, just five minutes walk to Henleaze high street that to the rear has a excellent outlook overlooking Golden Hill cricket pitch.

Leigh Woods for sale. Marketed at £1,650,000

Abbots Leigh sstc. Marketed at £650,000

A substantial detached contemporary family residence situated in one of the most desirable areas of Bristol. Leigh Woods is a superb leafy suburb within walking distance of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and the impressive range of cafes, restaurants and bars that Clifton Village has to offer.

A golden opportunity to acquire this delightful detached four bedroom home, benefiting from sizeable accommodation over two floors (1,800 sq ft) and set within beautifully landscaped gardens of a quarter of an acre with detached garage and driveway parking. Great access to Clifton and Bristol.

Goodman & Lilley, 156 Henleaze Road, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4NB | Sales - 0117 2130777 | Henleaze@goodmanlilley.co.uk

PROPERTY A PL ACE TO C ALL HOME

THREE’S A CHARM

A special focus on city centre apartments

By Rachel Ifans www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 107

A PLACE TO CALL HOME BRANDON YARD

Lime Kiln Road, Bristol, BS1 5AT £670,000 Key features: 1,023 sq ft; two bedrooms; character features, parking and garden As 2019 draws to a close, why not set your sights on a brand new start, and snap up one of the last remaining apartments in this smart and characterful development on Lime Kiln Road? This two-bedroomed place in Oculus House – so named because of its unusual eyeshaped windows on the top floor – is a sight for sore eyes inside and out.

For me, there’s much to commend city centre apartment living – especially in Bristol where nightlife, culture, green spaces and restaurants provide lure enough – but there are certain things that hold me back from my cosmopolitan idyll: shared entrances, no garden, and nowhere to park my car (the vision of me rattling round the neighbourhood at night in search of an empty bay always sends me back to the ’burbs) to mention a few.

Well, this Brandon development sends all those reservations packing, providing purchasers with their own front door, both riverside terrace and communal gardens, and a parking space too. The location plonks you in walking distance from both city centre and Clifton and, edging the river, you’ll find open skies and fresh air you wouldn’t expect to encounter in the city. The terrace looks out towards the south and on to the floating harbour and the greenery of Ashton Court.

The highlights once inside are many and varied. The developers have cleverly fitted ultra-modern patio doors in the historic constraints of the beautiful arched windows, and the apartment is flooded with natural light. It’s also flexing a lot of muscle in the quality of its fixtures and fittings: the kitchen units are a fresh bright white, the bathroom is tiled from floor to ceiling in neutral grey tones.

Put Oculus on your list of New Year’s resolutions: 90% of the apartments have gone already and this one is ready to move into. I couldn’t think of a brighter way to see in the new year; total 2020 vision.

“The developers have cleverly fitted ultra-modern patio doors in the historic constraints of beautiful arches”

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

PROPERTY

PENTHOUSE, THE GENERAL

Guinea Street, Bristol, BS1 6SX £1,025,000 Key features: three bedrooms, double-height ‘wow’ living space, two parking spaces The General is a big development; once complete, it will shelter 205 apartments under capacious roofs. This absolute belter – aka The Penthouse – is one of the last to come to market and boasts all the ‘extra’ qualities you’d want from a penthouse. Apartment 4-17 is in the King Edward VII Wing, has two floors, three big bedrooms, a dressing room, two bathrooms and not just one parking space (two!). Don’t let me go without mentioning the tub.

Okay, let’s rewind. If you’ve been living under a stone for a few years, I’ll do a mini recap now.

The General is the redevelopment of Bristol’s former hospital. Large-scale, its renovation boasts one-off character features that still bear the feel of an ancient hospital; no wards, no canteens, no operation theatres survive, I promise, and matrons have been replaced with a concierge service.

One apartment is housed in a former chapel, another has an octagonal tower, but even without these architectural boasts, the dwellings in the Grade II-listed gated community offer top quality furnishings, secure underground parking,

and gated and voice-controlled entry.

The Penthouse is on the second and third floors and boasts a smidge under 2,000 sq ft of light-filled space. The elevated outlook means great views from the long sash windows which edge the lovely lounge.

And, talking of windows, my favourite view by far is the one from the bath; boats bob and clank, coloured houses line up in a recognisable row and, further in the distance, the Mendip hills roll away, and you can see it all from the comfort of your roll-top tub.

quickening of pulse? I’ve seen hot tubs before.

Nope, it must be the whole shebang. Split level, spacious (over 1,750 sq ft for your money) and stylish, it’s been done beautifully, with Georgian features, underfloor heating, vaulted ceilings, solar panels, a glass-walled-andceilinged sun room, and two courtyards (one Med, one Japanese style). Two of the three bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and the flat boasts another useful shower room.

Logistically, there’s a 250-year lease, three parking permits, low annual service costs and the bonus of unbeatable location in Clifton Village. And just to be clear, there’s a jacuzzi within 10 paces of the master bedroom. How often does that happen in Bristol? I’ll fight you for it. n

38 PRINCESS VICTORIA STREET Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4BZ £795,000 Key features: three bedrooms; sun room, garden with jacuzzi; vaulted ceilings

Oh lordy, hold me back, take control of my credit cards… I’m in danger of making the biggest impulse purchase in history.

This personality-filled, feature-laden maisonette in the centre of Clifton Village has got something nestled in its private terrace garden that is causing me palpitations of house envy the like of which I’ve never experienced before. But surely it can’t just be the Japanesestyle jacuzzi – there, I said it – that’s causing the

All these properties are available from Savills; www.savills.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 109

PRIME CITY BARS AND RESTAURANTS Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

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© BEN ROBINS

“What’s Christmas but a time for paying bills without money?”

EBENEZER SCROOGE We found literature’s most infamous miser grouching around the green room at Bristol Old Vic ahead of his appearance in this year’s A Christmas Carol. He didn’t want to talk to us – but then again, he didn’t much want to be in a jolly all-singing, all-dancing Christmas show, either Before he threw us out, we managed to ascertain a few crucial things. Ebenezer’s favourite carol is In the Bleak Midwinter (don’t get him started on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen), his favourite sweets are those hardboiled stripy minty things, and if you were wondering what to get him for Christmas, he’ll take cash, cheques or PayPal. Spoiler alert: he’s a much nicer, more cheery Scrooge by the end of the show, but he doesn’t know that yet. Basically, the dude’s trapped in a kind of

Christmas Eve equivalent of Groundhog Day….

Merry Christmas, Ebenezer!

Merry Christmas? What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry?

You’re poor enough.

Well, true, but still…

I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry.

You don’t think you’re being a bit, well, curmudgeonly?

What else can I be when I live in

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

such a world of fools as this? What’s Christmas time but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer? Every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.

haring off again at the first whiff of the next TV blockbuster.

Ah. Maybe this isn’t the right moment, then, but we were hoping you might make a charitable donation for the poor and destitute – after all, it is Christmas

So how would those who know you best describe you?

Ohh-kay. So what are your top tips for getting the most out of the festive season?

He works one day a year, has no obvious legitimate source of income and drops deliveries under the cover of darkness. Draw your own conclusions.

A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every 25th of December!

Keep your friends distant, your enemies distanter, and receipts for all major purchases. Remember that batteries are rarely included.

And if you run out of money, come and see me; I can arrange favourable terms.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Who hasn’t played me is more to the point. Alastair Sim (rather good). Patrick Stewart. Michael Caine (not bad, until he tried to duet with a frog). Albert Finney.

They’ve all had a bash at it. And now that Aussie chap in the new BBC version; though frankly I was hoping for Matt Smith.

Frankly, we all hope for Matt Smith. So who would you like to see playing you on stage?

I suppose you’re wanting me to say John Hopkins. At least he appears to be rather handsome, with a decent line in lip-curling.

The bad guy from Poldark?

Yes. Now the blighted thing’s finished, half the actors in the West Country are begging to be taken back into theatre. They’ll all be

You’re in Bristol over Christmas, but also appearing in London and many other places – are you ubiquitous, like Santa?

Believe me, I’m nothing like Santa.

A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner. Has a certain ring to it, no?

Has to be said, Santa seems more in tune with the spirit of the season…

Let’s talk about the show. Do you think young children may be upset by the plight of poor, plucky little Tiny Tim?

Oh, I do hope so.

What is your most regrettable habit?

Lavish prodigality. I’m still kicking myself for allowing Cratchit to burn that second piece of coal.

Helpful tips for the New Year?

If, like me, you kept your 1992 calendar, you’ll find the days are exactly the same for 2020; so that’s a few guineas saved.

We’d better let you get on.

What are you doing after answering these questions?

Replacing my doorknocker.

Don’t ask.

Oh, and one last thing. Do you believe in ghosts…?

A Christmas Carol plays Bristol Old Vic until 12 January www.bristololdvic.org.uk