Bristol Life - Issue 298

SPRING IT ON!

ISSUE 298 / SPRING 2021 / £3

ISSUE 298 / SPRING 2021 / BLUE SKY DRINKING

EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD BE DOING IN THE GARDEN RIGHT NOW

(AND NO, IT’S NOT MOWING THE LAWN) + OTHER OUTDOORSY STUFF TO BUY AND DO

ALL UNDER THE NIGHT SKY

A WOMAN’S RIGHT TO LIVE FEAR-FREE

LIVING ROOM DRAMA THE BEST ONLINE THEATRE RIGHT NOW

TAKE IT OUTSIDE THE SUN’S OUT* – LET’S ALL DINE AL FRESCO! (* hey, even if it’s not, let’s do it anyway!)

EDITOR’S LETTER

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Cabin fever

Bristol’s cleverest new al fresco idea comes courtesy of Bristol Old Vic, whose colourful King Street Cabins are inspired by the colourful houses of Totterdown. Image by @JonCraig_Photos

ngland expects. The phrase was first coined at the Battle of Trafalgar; it later popped up as a World War II slogan, urging dutiful exertion on the home front. Today it’s often used, without any discernible trace of irony, whenever the England football team managed to scrape into a World Cup. And now Bristol expects us to do our duty, too. Honestly, it’s not a very onerous one. We don’t need to fight the French in a naval battle, join the Land Army or score a winning goal against Brazil. What Bristol does hope and expect is that we’ll get behind all those businesses that have reopened their doors this week, and support the hell out of them.

Welcome back, you non-essential retail!

(We were so bored with the essential kind.)

Ciao, all you pubs, restaurants and cafés with outdoor seating; you gyms and leisure centres, hairdressers and salons. We’ve missed you all so much.

Citizens of Bristol: we expect to see you all eating yourself stupid on every available al fresco terrace. We expect to see your sharp post-lockdown haircuts.

We expect to see you walking around with bags of unnecessary treats bought from small independent shops. We expect to see couples holding hands in chalked hearts in parks, and to hear music drifting across Harbourside, from buskers #outsidefini.

Our irrepressible, inventive, kind-hearted city is getting back on its feet. We know there’s still a way to go; but like the Bristol Balloon Fiesta when the green smoke signal fires, it feels as if we finally have lift off, and the only way (surely?) is up.

Spring it on . . .

DERI ROBINS Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

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

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Issue 298 / Spring 2021 COVER Wish you were here? Well, you can be, because Bambalan is now open! Big thanks to Louis Smith (studiowhisk.co.uk) for taking the photo, Bambalan for hosting and (clockwise from left) Meg, Thom, Dave, Shonette and Frankie for sel essly drinking all the Aperol and eating all the pizza

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THE ARTS 11 12 14 19 21

ART PAGE Living free from fear WHAT’S ON Still online, but travelling hopefully BRISTOL HEROES That’s so Bristol THEATRE Best seats in the house (your sofa) BOOKS Storysmith’s typically eclectic edit

FOOD & DRINK

26 AL FRESCO Welcome back, hospitality heroes 33 YES CHEF! Tom Hunt: saving the planet, one recipe

at a time

38 FOOD AND DRINK NEWS en’s latest ame, and

all the newsy bits

41 CAFE SOCIETY Things can only get Burra

SHOPPING

42 EDITOR’S CHOICE Pimp up your patio 45 FASHION Are you ready to go out-out again?

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LIFESTYLE

47 BARK LIFE Hula-hoops and elephants in trees (and

no, Stan hasn’t been drinking)

48 GARDENING The plot thickens 52 THE BIG INTERVIEW Sarah Mead of Yeo Valley 57 GREEN FINGERS Another gardening Sarah, this

time of the species Cheetham

BUSINESS

69 BRISTOLWORKS Sustainable Uni aims and a

property company with a difference

PROPERTY

79 SHOWCASE Appearances can be deceptive

REGULARS

7 SPOTLIGHT 9 BRIZZOGRAM 90 BRISTOL LIVES Kellie Hasbury

TOP: How Bristol Old Vic’s new King Street Cabins might look after a few ales from Left handed Giant; MIDDLE: Beautiful garden design by Kate Savill; BOTTOM: Stop press! The Upfest hearts are back! It’s too late for us to run a feature, but check them out in Queen Square, College Green and Castle Park

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore, Milly Vaughan, Storysmith Books Advertising manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk New business manager Craig Wallberg craig.wallberg@ mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Jake Horwood jake.horwood@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. 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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 5

SPOTLIGHT Live music (yes, actual, live music...)

HO E BO S

The biggest band to come out of Bristol since assive Attack and ortishead, Idles will play The owns on September in a one-off gig organised by Team Love and Simple Things.

It’s an amazing feeling, to be able to announce Idles’ homecoming show for September, said organiser ave Harvey. We’ve been huge fans of the band for years, and have watched them grow from playing small venues for Simple Things into one of the world’s biggest rock bands.

It feels all the more important to put on a show with them now; we really feel like this is the light at the end of the tunnel, to be back standing in the audience, watching one of Bristol’s best bands play their number one album live, for one of the very first times in front of their hometown fans.

Follow the link for tickets: idlesband.com

Art & science

AN ACCIDENTAL HERO

Henrietta Lacks was a mid-century farmer and mother of five from irginia, SA. She died of cervical cancer in , but not before a sample of her cells were taken and sent to a laboratory. ot only did the cells now known as the HeLa cells survive, but they multiplied.

The cells have been studied ever since, paving the way for some of the most important scientific advances of all time, from the polio vaccine to chemotherapy and Bristol niversity’s own Covid research. ow used in every major hospital and science university in the world, the HeLa cells have even been sent into space to monitor the effect of zero gravity.

In tribute, Bristol niversity has commissioned a statue of Henrietta

by Helen Wilson oe the ’s first public sculpture of a black woman by a black female artist. The sculpture will be installed on the university’s campus later this year.

To have the niversity of Bristol commission me, as a black female Bristolian artist, to create a lifesize statue of an iconic black woman, will be history in the making, said Helen. As a child growing up in Bristol there were no statues of black women that I could identify with, so knowing that my children, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, will be able to see Henrietta’s statue in Bristol is just fantastic, especially at this time when Bristol is starting to address its past.

For more helenwilsonroe.com

LOLs

THAT’S FUNNY…

A ‘reimagined’ Bristol Comedy Garden will also take place on the Downs, between 2-6 June. It’s a big change from the festival’s previous incarnation in a couple of largish tents on Queen Square; this year’s acts will take to an open-air stage, while audiences will be placed in socially distanced groups.

No street vans this year, just drinks and snacks delivered to your seat.

For the line-up so far see bristolcomedygarden.co.uk

CO I SOO

© MARK DOUET

The Comedy Garden, 2021-style; it’ll probably look a lot like this

Theatre

What, no masks? Don’t panic, rude mechanic(al)s; this was 2019’s Much Ado

Always a highlight in Bristol‘s cultural calendar, Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory has announced a short run for 26-28 May at the TFT. Bard-fanciers should keep a close eye on the websites for further announcements and booking details: stf-theatre.org.uk; tobaccofactory theatres.com

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SPOTLIGHT

COLOUR US HAPPY

Primary pops and ice-cream pastels that make you want to lick the page: Bristol’s colourful terraces could give any Italian seaside town a run for its lire* (*old-school)

@polly_newt

@mick_the_click

@helenisbell

@porthjess

@zfjsutton

@neiljamesb

@jespionne_avec_mon_petit_oeil

@trav_tography

@jodie.coastal_adventures

lz.bristol

@bestofbristol

@thiscitymum

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

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F B R I S T O L’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

UNDER THE NIGHT SKY Bristol has many excellent photojournalists. They’ve had a busy time of it of late, too, with no lack of grist to their mill; in recent weeks, their startling captures of the Kill the Bill protests have dominated our daily Insta feed (normally 30% street art, 30% colourful houses, 30% hot-air balloons, a few dogs) making for a much grittier daily scroll than usual.

Niki Groom, however, captures moments not via an SLR lens, but through her distinctive line and wash illustrations. Her latest piece, All Under the Night Sky, features a crowd holding placards at the Sarah Everard vigil. It can currently be seen on five billboards and three posters across Bristol, following a crowdfunded project that aims to spark debate around women’s safety and the policing of protests.

“I hope it makes people think, and starts conversations, says iki. There’s no uick fix for the issues that women face.

“People from minority groups have been saying for years that these deep-rooted problems in our society are structural, and it’s true that to tackle them will take time and effort from all people. Women will only see change if men want to see it too”.

The image is also available to purchase as a giclee art print in five sizes, from , with a donation from each print split equally between Refuge, The National Stalking Helpline and local charity efugee Women of Bristol.

For more missmagpiefashionspy.com www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 11

Look out for a much more extensive What’s On in our next issue, when the local culture scene really starts to hot up . . .

WHAT’S ON (& WHAT’S ONLINE) 16 April -16 May

ART

Ongoing

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION The Royal Photographic Society’s gallery is closed until mid-May, but you can still view the 162nd outing of the world’s longest running photography exhibition virtually, and admire the work of 43 international photographers. rps.org SUGAR PAPER THEORIES: Meanwhile, also at the RPS, the ice-cool Sugar Paper Theories offers a true-life Nordic noir, as Bristol photographer Jack Latham chronicles the most controversial murder investigation in Icelandic history. More fun than The Valhalla Murders. rps.org ANDY NEWMAN An exhibition of Andy’s strong, graphic prints, many of them featuring Bristol landmarks, at Southmead Hospital; organised

by Bristol’s NHS Fresh Arts Programme. fivebargatestore.myshopify.com

Until 30 April

BIG JEFF JOHNS WELCOME TO MY WORLD rolific Bristol music fan Big eff presents his debut exhibition of artworks, aiming to surprise and challenge the viewer while instigating conversations about mental health. Presented with Bristol Beacon as an online exhibition; bristolbeacon.org PASCOE-KELLY SINCLAIR: WOULD YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH WITH DETTOL IF YOU RAN OUT OF TOOTHPASTE? That Art Gallery continues its ‘In the Windows’ walk-by series, with sculptor Pascoe Kelly-Sinclair’s large concrete works; a timely expression of the artist’s continuing practice of repurposing construction materials to celebrate, in larger than life forms, the beauty of everyday objects. thatartgallery.com

Until 30 May

TALKS | ART IN THE CITY – HEATHER AGYEPONG Heather appears in recorded

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conversation with Keiko Higashi at Arnolfini, arnolfini.org.uk

Until June (tbc)

JO SPENCE: FROM FAIRY TALES TO PHOTOTHERAPY Drawn from one of the most comprehensive collections of Jo Spence’s works in the world, and focusing on the intersection between arts, health and wellbeing.

At Arnolfini; arnolfini.org.uk A PICTURE OF HEALTH: WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM THE HYMAN COLLECTION An exhibition of contemporary women photographers, featuring autobiographical perspectives and social commentaries; at Arnolfini, arnolfini.org.uk

From 22 April

KATE SHOOTER: THE VIOLET HOUR That Art Gallery reopen with Kate’s paintings, examining the final days of six great writers partly figurative and partly abstract; thatartgallery.com

Opening dates tbc – please check websites

BRISTOL PHOTO FESTIVAL The inaugural festival will show at various Bristol galleries, from late May onwards. bristolphotofestival.org 168TH OPEN EXHIBITION The RWA’s Annual Open will finally, well, open, probably on May, with a wide variety of work from emerging and established artists; rwa.org.uk

SHOWS AND MUSIC Until 11 April

THE GREAT GATSBY The Wardrobe’s two-woman take on the Fitzgerald classic; more on page 19. thewardrobetheatre.com

Until 17 April

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY In a filter-fixated world, in uencer Dorian makes a deal for his social star never to fade... with Fionn Whitehead, Joanna Lumley,

WHAT’S ON OPPOSITE PAGE:

Stride-by sculpture at That Art Gallery Practically Purdown in every way: Andy Newman; BELOW: Who wouldn’t strike a devil’s pact to keep that face?: Dorian Gray at BOV; LEFT: What on earth is Travis Alabanza up to in the bathroom?: Overflow at BOV

© ANIASHRIMPTONPHOTOGR APHY

LEFT:

A choice of two Wardrobe’s interactive Zoom murder mysteries with SharpTeeth: Murder at the Circus runs until 1 May, Murder on Ice until 29 May. Head to the website for all the deets; thewardrobetheatre.com

19-28 April

Stephen Fry and Russell Tovey, online at bristololdvic.org.uk

Until 30 April

BRISTOL OLD VIC AT HOME: BO continue the online run of five of their biggest past shows: A CHRISTMAS CAROL Their most popular Christmas show ever, with charismatic John Hopkins as literature’s most notorious miser.

THE GRINNING MAN Tom Morris and Carl Grose’s vastly entertaining musical based on a ictor Hugo tale.

MESSIAH Handel’s masterpiece, performed as the composer intended: in a secular theatre, not a hallowed place of worship.

THE NIGHT THAT AUTUMN TURNED TO WINTER A treat for tiny theatre fans (so that’s all children, then) and their families.

SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS The BO family show most requested by audiences for revival.

All online at bristololdvic.org.uk

Until 19 April

PINK MIST Inspired by interviews with returned servicemen, Owen Sheers’ heartrending verse-play brings the di culty of returning to civilian life into razor-sharp focus; see page Online; bristololdvic.org.uk

12-25 April

ONE MORE EDIT A collection of works made for film from some of the most exciting artists working in dance, from the UK and overseas, performed by Impermanence. Online; bristololdvic.org.uk

16 April-29 May (selected dates)

SHERLOCK IN HOMES

DESERT ISLAND THEATRE WITH TOBY JONES The first guest in Bristol Old ic’s new series recalls, and attempts to recreate, seven moments of theatre which have had a profound effect on him and his career. bristololdvic.org.uk

23 April

GARDEN SESSIONS: ISOLDÉ & JACK SALT Bristol singer-songwriter Isoldé joins beatboxer ack Salt in a live looping collaboration. With live Q&A; at St eorge’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

30 April

GARDEN SESSIONS: ORIFIC The exhilarating new acoustic jazz quartet perform under a canopy of trees in the gardens of St eorge’s; with live Q&A. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

6-8 May

OVERFLOW A hilarious and devastating tour of women’s bathrooms, produced by Bush Theatres, with internationally acclaimed writer and one of the UK’s most prominent trans voices, Travis (Burgerz) Alabanza. Online, bristololdvic.org.uk

10-23 May

LADY BLACKSHIRT A new feature-length experimental film from Impermanence dance troupe, looking back at the growth of modernism and the accompanying radical ideologies of the early th century. Online; bristololdvic.org.uk

OTHER

Until 25 April

LYRA othing to do with His Dark Materials; it’s the Bristol oetry Festival. This year’s theme is Reconnection, with events, readings, workshops, panel discussions, a film screening, and a poetry slam. lyrafest.com

17 April, 3 May

JULIAN BAGGINI: THE PHILOSOPHICAL TIMES oin St eorge’s resident big thinker in your own home for his regular look at philosophy behind the headlines; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

1-31 May

BRISTOL WALK FEST Get out! The popular Walk Fest returns this ay with Covid-secure digital excursions, a variety of walking routes and activities, stepcounting incentives and, it’s hoped, a choice of guided and themed walks for all ages, interests and fitness levels. bristolwalkfest.com ■

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THAT’S SO BRISTOL Quirky Bristol. Arty Bristol. Downright bonkers Bristol. We do things differently here...

Words and pictures by Colin Moody 14 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

BRISTOL HEROES

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ne thing I know is that we do things differently here. So, not for the first time, and probably not for the last, here’s a round-up of some That’s so Bristol’ heroes for you. andom moments, from around the postcodes, that showcase our city, through street photography that I hope will give you a little lift.

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ow, that appears to be repurposed action figures, dolls and pop star figurines, reimagined as a wonderful circus in someone’s window. Which is exactly what it is.

Every year, the Window Wonderlands seem to get bigger and bolder, and given that art exhibitions are otherwise few and far between at the moment, this art form has become my favourite.

Thanks go to Lou ( lousdecorium on Instagram) who created this amazing world; I can only show you a fraction of her work here, it has many layers and ideas in ow. Hands-down the best window art I’ve ever seen. And the little footstool she left by the window, so little people could scramble up to see action man doing the trapeze in a beautiful off-the-shoulder number, was a nice touch, too.

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Wacka wacka wacka... what’s a ghost got to be scared of ? ntil ac an gets his power pill, this red fellow is, if my ’ s Atari knowledge serves me correctly, at the top of the food chain.

That was my first thought. Then I got to thinking, Why put this art out on the street? But then I thought, it’s so Bristol, and right now maybe lots of us are uite apprehensive about being out. Anyhow, with the vaccine rollout trucking on, maybe soon we will all be able to get out there and chase a few ghosts.

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ow that appears to be a Bristol crocodile, wrapped in clingfilm, on the rooftop of a rusty camper, with a note taped on the passenger window saying good luck kittens kiss kiss Camilla , parked in a warehouse that will soon be demolished, and turned into ats with small windows and big artworks on the wall. aybe I should put postcards in a limited run of this image through the letterboxes of the new tenants, when the cranes are gone and the plasma T s are up.

“The footstool left outside the window, for little people to scramble up and see Action Man doing the trapeze in a beautiful o -the-shoulder number, was a nice touch” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 15

PHOTOGRAPHY

At first assumed he liked to set the record for substantive jewellery. I soon discovered it’s the chain he’s about to lock the doors with” 5

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Team Love at the Love Inn in Stokes Croft, and the people at the Star and Garter and The Plough have teamed up, doing amazing veg box delivery over the last year. It was nice to see this fellow leaving the building, where I’d recently filmed a short doccie about their lockdown story so far. At first, I assumed he liked to set the record for substantive jewellery. I soon discovered it’s the chain he’s about to lock the doors with.

After a year in lockdown, isn’t it great that there is so much love in the air? Every sight and every sound. Pretty much everywhere I look around. I don’t know if I’m being foolish, but it’s something I know I have to believe in... now excuse me, I’m off to listen to the whisper in the trees.

Hang on Bristol. L O V E.

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Love is in the air! Taking your mum down to the shops for her first trip out in ages and ages? Love. Holding hands while the smell of pies wafts in? Love. Matching shoes and walking sticks with ya blooming mum! Love.

Letting a random pair of street photographers ask you to stand for a socially distanced photo call and having bants.

Love. Thanks to Lee (@pit_lad on Insta) who is my go-to socially distanced, walking for exercise buddy. Go check his profile for amazing real-life moments all over the city but especially the wonderful East Street where this encounter took place.

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Yep. That’s so Bristol. Nothing to add here. Other than, impressively, this was lunchtime. But lockdown time can be any time. Aren’t we all ‘head stuck a bit in the tra c cone of nothingness’ some days?

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The course of events went a bit like this.

Harbourmaster pootles over to this boat and tells them to get going. Woman rowing tells them no way pal, she’s doing a trash clearance. Bottle after bottle has been ending up in the harbour, and she, as a local, wanted to do something. Once she filled the bag she headed off into, quite literally, the sunset.

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. email: mrcolinmoody@gmail.com Twitter: @moodycolin; Instagram @moodycolin319

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t: 0117 279 0980 | m: 07956 846307 e: simon@bristolcityroofing.co.uk

www. bristolcityroofing.co.uk

THEATRE JAMIE REES

TOP:

Multi-roling Gatsby; When war stops being a kids’ game: Pink Mist; BOTTOM: Caller, we have Out of Chaos on the line...

MIDDLE:

Can digital theatre ever replace the live, sitting-in-the-stalls experience? Maybe not; but three Bristol productions have brought a special kind of viewing intimacy into our homes

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’ve watched plays in many unusual settings, but never before over the phone, so I couldn’t wait to see how Out of Chaos Theatre Company would execute their ‘tele-theatre’ piece for Tobacco Factory Theatres.

Set in the call centre of Red Onion Research, Is Now A Good Time? involves a series of tele-marketing phone calls played over 50 minutes. Characters Sam (Paul O’Mahony) and Alex (Laura Mugridge) carry out a set of survey questions, randomly generated by a computer that keeps breaking down.

It’s the very randomness of the questions that makes the comedy, and puts you at ease in the opening sequences of this oneto-one theatre experience. From the colour of your washing-up liquid and your opinion on

pickled onions to a set of questions about Alex herself – “am I a vegetarian?”, she asks at one point – the humour is silly, yet so enjoyable.

As the phone-calls keep coming, after reoccurring mishaps, including a fire in the kitchen, the play develops into a burgeoning workplace love story between the two characters. This is when it gets serious, and your answers can make or break their future as a couple.

A down-the-line love story with audience participation, where you are the only audience member, makes this a unique, warm and very intimate experience.

The Great Gatsby has had a number of high-profile stage and screen adaptations over the years, with big budgets, big casts, big sets and lavish wardrobes being the order of the day. No

“This Gatsby was a small, low-key a air with invention at its heart and loved it

such luxury with this all-female two-hander from The Wardrobe Theatre Company; this is a small, low-key affair, with invention at its heart, and I loved it.

What Jesse Meadows and Tamsin Hurtado Clarke achieve is remarkable, tackling the many roles at breakneck speed as they transform from character to character, sometimes in dialogue with themselves, and it’s a delight to watch.

They use simple characteristics and props to navigate their way around the story, never once blurring the boundaries of who’s who, with perfect precision and timing. Every theatre technique you can think of is utilised; even the lighting by Chris Collier feels like an intrinsic part of some of the characters.

Although Pink Mist wasn’t made in lockdown, its return was hugely welcome as part of Bristol Old Vic’s Theatre At Home series.

Welsh writer Owen Sheers’

lyrical style fuses beautifully with the lilt of the Bristolian accent in this drama about three young men who go to war. As kids they played war games on the streets of Bristol and here, as adults, the game is played out for real in Afghanistan and brutally laid bare in an outstanding production.

“The army makes them and then breaks them,” says one heartbroken mother as she visits her son in hospital. One by one, we hear the heartbreaking stories of the three young men, inspired by real-life interviews carried out

by Owen Sheers with those who actually served in Afghanistan.

Plays written in this poetic way can often lose their sense of reality but that’s not the case here.

The title of the play refers to the spray of blood in battle, and this production strikes like a bullet to the chest. ollow amie on witter

am ees

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EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS

Together in eclectic dreams

W

hen it was announced that we could reopen Storysmith after the third(!) lockdown, we started to feel a bit like the bookshop that cried wolf. This time, though, we have a feeling it’s going to stick. Like many other independent retailers across the city, it’s been the longest period of consecutive closure we’ve faced, and to say we’re excited about seeing customers again is a bit of an understatement. Will we remember how to use the card machine? Can we resume conversations we began in December? Most importantly, how is our shop dog Roy going to cope without our 100% undivided attention?

Fortunately these are questions for us to worry about, not you, so we’ll just do what we normally do and recommend some top-tier new books.

“This is a clutch of devilish and addictive horror stories with a di erence 20 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Obsessive cycling, horror, black music and queer spaces: Storysmith reopens with a typically broad-ranging selection of new books. Plenty more in store, so call in . . .

End To End - Paul Jones Paul has been a faithful visitor to Storysmith ever since we opened, and we can vouch for his excellent purchasing history. So when he told us his latest book had been picked up by a major publisher, we couldn’t wait to see the results. End To End is his warm and deeply researched history of one of the most gruelling and idiosyncratic cycle challenges in Britain, the journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, undertaken at a hallucination-inducing pace.

It’s a portrait of the country as it ies past, it’s a portrait of obsession as it arrives and takes over, and it’s beautifully written.

The Dangers Of Smoking In Bed - Mariana Enriquez We were absolutely stunned by Argentine writer Mariana Enriquez’s short story collection from a few years ago, Things We Lost In The Fire. Latin American ghost stories, haunted vignettes, unsettling snippets of lives you’d rather not think about too hard – it was a bracing read to say the least. With her new collection, Enriquez has not diluted her approach. This is another clutch of devilish and addictive horror stories with a difference. If you’re at all faint of heart or liable to being unsettled, best give this one a miss; but if you’re feeling fortified enough for some truly disturbing and somehow still beautiful writing, you’ll be richly rewarded.

A Little Devil In America - Hanif Abdurraqib Writing about pop music is meant to be more

prosaic than this. Poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib seamlessly blends his own personal experiences into this sumptuous account of black performative excellence, with writings on topics from the culture of dance marathons to the death of Michael Jackson, via the precise vocal brilliance of Whitney Houston. It’s an effortless read, and an impassioned one, a brilliant balance of enthusiasm and heart and scholarly rigour.

Gay Bar: Why We Went Out Jeremy Atherton Lin Weaving personal account with social history, this evocative and important document of the erasure of queer spaces is compelling and illuminating, itting between the emerging and disappearing scenes of Los Angeles, San Francisco and London. A love letter, a series of rich descriptions, a map for hedonism, and an indispensable guide to an ongoing story. As we contemplate a return to some kind of nightlife in the coming weeks and months, this is a glitterdrenched reminder of just what it means.

As always, it’s books like these that make our job interesting. It’s painfully obvious from our ramblings that we’re capable of talking anyone’s ear off about our recent favourites, but it’s even more gratifying to know that we can do it in person once again. Whether you’re a regular in our shop or you’re yet to experience us banging on about books in real life, we can’t wait to see you. Apologies in advance if we go on a bit.

Storysmith, 49 North Street; storysmithbooks.com

Register for our Open Day on Monday 3 May on our website: badmintonschool.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

COMING THROUGH COVID BIGGER AND BETTER! Ben Gilks of NAILSEA ELECTRICAL tells us about how he’s managed to grow his business during a pandemic

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’m the managing director of Nailsea Electrical; my family business, where I started working as a Saturday boy at the age of 11. I’m a lifelong Bristol boy, a massive rugby fan and I live in Chew Valley with my wife Kerri and my baby boy Ralphi, born in October 2020.

Congratulations! That must have been interesting – having a new born while running a business during a pandemic?

It’s much the same as running the business as before, just with no sleep. Ralphi now gives me a reason to work harder.

You’ve been running Nailsea Electrical for 17 years. Looking back, did you think you’d be where you are today?

Honestly, yes, but that’s just me being a positive person and always believing I can do better, though some people are amazed at how I manage to do it all. I have another two businesses and have just purchased another.

When I took over the business from my dad at 18, we were known for cheap appliances and electricals. We were turning over around £700k at that time, and I had big dreams of developing it to be the no. 1 appliance destination in Bristol. I knew I had to bring it up a level by specialising in high-end appliances.

My dad didn’t think it was the right thing to do, but he was willing to let me try, and said “prove me wrong”. My dad was and still is a very good business man. To this day, I still ask his advice on most of my mad ideas or business moves.

Within the first year, I’d increased our turnover to over £1 million, specialising in higher end appliances, and now Nailsea electrical is a completely different business to the one I took over.

So your gamble was a success; what did you do next?

After doubling turnover again, I needed a bigger shop and warehouse. Two years later I moved into a larger premise over the road, which became the Nailsea Electrical that everyone

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

knows today. As a business, we’ve carried on growing from there, concentrating on retail, personal service, and high-end products.

We’ve become the place in Bristol for appliances, and I couldn’t be prouder of that.

We value our customers, and know that without them we couldn’t be what we are today. I believe in Bristol, which is why we are part of the community as well as a business; so far we’ve raised over £200k for local charities and we are a regular sponsor of Bristol City, Bristol Bears, and local sports clubs, such as Chew Valley rugby.

What’s next?

Well seven years ago I bought the domain name neappliances.com. I knew that at some point the only way to grow was going to be to diversify again. It was something that I had been keeping in my back pocket, waiting for the right time, and then the pandemic hit. Overnight I had to shut and I sat at home for two days thinking “How am I going to keep the business going through this?” The next day I met three of the 40 staff at the shop and presented my game plan, within one day I got our website functioning and started pushing out as much online marketing as we could. I had to try my hardest to let our customers know that we were open for online orders and phone orders.

Within the first week, we were back up to 50% of our turnover and within three months we were back up to 100%. I have now surpassed the turnover we were doing before Covid, with a closed shop and less than half the original staff. I’m looking forward to reopening the store and having all the staff back this month. That’s when I knew, the only way my business was going to survive was if I had a real online presence, and finely tune the business, and most importantly, the staff. I have been working so hard to make sure we are 100% perfect in the way we do things.

I have invested heavily in the past year in a new website, logistics department, distribution centre, new store, new staff, new branding, and a new name. I have a close friend to thank for the website.

So neappliances.com came out of the back pocket?

Exactly, I couldn’t have ever seen this past year coming, but it was the right time.

What can we expect from you in 2021?

In 2020 I had to learn my whole business again from scratch. Back on the frontline, I could see where we could improve, and how we could serve our customers better. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to launch our new superstore and website, neappliances.com, in Bristol. It’s will be the no.1 destination for appliances in Bristol and Bath, where you can see all of the UK’s leading appliances at online prices. We now deliver as far as Manchester, East London, Cardiff and Exeter. Within the first year, I want to cover the whole of the UK. My end goal has always been to grow the business to a national business from a local independent business.

We will also be hosting a whole host of events with cookery days, product demos and more. Our new website is easy to use, and will guarantee delivery in Bristol and Bath within 24 hours. We are carrying over everything you know and love about Nailsea Electrical in terms of service and range, but making it bigger and better.

If you were to offer advice to someone running or starting a business at this time what would you say?

Be ready to diversify, make quick and controlled decisions, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and make sure your website and delivery services are up to scratch. n FORMERLY

ne appliances, Bristol BS4 1UN. Order online today at www.neappliances.com

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SUPERSTORE OPENING 17TH MAY 2021. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23

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AL FRESCO

BLUE SKY DRINKING Dining and imbibing al fresco is always an alluring prospect – but right here, right now, it’s practically your civic duty . . .

Words by Deri Robins

W

e’re prone to kicking off our annual al fresco features with a sarky little comment, about how planning to dine outdoors in Bristol is a triumph of optimism over experience, etc etc.

However, this April, the weather is academic. With outdoor service being the sole recourse for hospitality until mid- ay, we can’t afford to be nesh about it ; even if it’s chucking it down, many restaurants and bars have sheltered areas and heating.

So, unless it’s actually snowing – even if it is snowing – get out there and show them some love. Wear three coats and two scarves if you have to. ( esh: an English dialect adjective meaning unusually susceptible to cold weather’, from the Old English hnesce meaning feeble or weak.

Are you feeble and week? You are not. So don’t be nesh.)

BAMBALAN

With its lavish outdoor space, affordable cocktails and laidback vibes, Bambalan would probably top our al fresco list even if it didn’t begin with a B What’s the al fresco deal?

The aces in the hole are the three drinking and dining terraces, with city-centre views down to the harbour. The terraces are covered, and a booth on the larger top one hosts some of Bristol’s best DJs every Friday and Saturday, playing funk, soul, house and disco from 5-10pm.

What’s on the menu?

Following their recent collab x Flour Ash, wood-fired sourdough pizzas now feature alongside the Mediterranean-inspired mezze dishes.

Fun fact Bambalan means lazy bum’ in uerto ican. This is in no way a re ection on the energetic wait staff.

Where? Beacon Tower, Colston Street; bambalan.co.uk

BOCABAR

A favourite at Paintworks for many years, Bocabar opened a second bar and restaurant at Finzels Reach in 2019 What’s the al fresco deal?

aintworks: think beach shack meets urban terrace, with outdoor

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

“Each of the cabins is individually decorated with memorabilia from Bristol Old Vic’s 255-year history”

festoon lighting and stretch sails, and a casual, friendly service style.

Finzels: think city-centre buzz meets piazza-style terrace, with giant Jumbrellas and a fairylit stretch tent, and (they absolutely guarantee) “all day sun.” Same warm welcome as Paintworks.

What’s on the menu?

Over different pizzas, along with salads, wraps, burgers etc; drinkswise, the Boca team have spent lockdown busily devising new cocktails to add to the always interesting, sustainable list.

Fun fact It’s perhaps unsurprising that Boca has such a cool, laidback, festival vibe; after all, owners aul and el get to call lasto’s ichael Eavis ‘uncle’…

Where? aintworks and Finzels each; bocabar.co.uk

BOX-E

Elliott and Tess Lidstone have never let a lack of space hold them back; despite having a tiny 14-cover indoor dining room, Box-E has become one of Bristol’s best-loved restaurants What’s the al fresco deal?

The spacious outdoor terrace is the perfect spot for people-watching, and is protected from the elements by a large canvas stretch tent, with heaters and blankets.

What’s on the menu?

The ethos has always been to let amazing seasonal produce shine, through Elliott’s inventive modern British cooking: “You don’t need plush carpets and a suit and tie to get good food; a shipping container will do, says Tess. obody’s arguing; Box-E holds a Bib ourmand.

Fun fact

When setting up Box-E, Tess and Elliott spent their life savings on their snazzy solid-top stove. Her name is Sandra.

Where? Cargo , Wapping Wharf; boxebristol.com

BREAKING BREAD They’re back, baby!

What’s the al fresco deal

Like you didn’t know: a bespoke tipi village on the Downs. The Pipe & Lovers pub gardens will be opening on 15 April, with bookings already ying. The ony Trap and asta Loco are set to open in ay.

What’s on the menu?

The covered pub garden will be serving a new menu created by the Pony and Pasta Loco teams, with cocktails from Pipe And Slippers and

ABOVE: Best terrace in Bristol? Discuss... BELOW: The clue is on the Jumbrella, ella...

The Love Inn, and selections from the best local breweries in Bristol. enus will be seasonal, changing and exceptional: think incredible fish and chips, amazing curries and your classic Sunday roast, they say.

Anything else new for 2021?

Breaking Bread is now available to hire, so you can hold your corporate meetings and even your wedding reception in the tipis.

Did you know…

Last year Breaking Bread employed 100 people, saving the government an estimated £220,000 in furlough.

Where? The owns; breakingbreadbristol.co.uk

BRISTOL AVON GORGE

The main Goram & Vincent restaurant is closed until mid-May, but its informal White Lion pub is now serving on the terrace What’s the al fresco deal?

Is the terrace here the best dining spot in the city? Well, it practically hangs over the Avon orge. It has the Suspension Bridge as a backdrop.

It’s vast. It makes you feel like you’re on holiday. So yeah; probably. The White Lion pub is now open, serving up to 250 people.

What’s on the menu?

Robust modern cuisine, as well as a wide variety of tap beers and an extensive wine list curated by parent company Hotel u in.

Fun fact

Before World War II, newly ualified AF pilots used to y under the Bridge as part of their initiation ceremony, while being toasted by o cers standing on the hotel terrace. on’t try this today, kids, ’mkay?

Where is it? Sion Hill; hotelduvin.com

BRISTOL OLD VIC

Prepare to succumb to cabin fever on King Street . . .

What’s the al fresco deal?

Cabin fever! 17 beach hut style cabins inspired by the colourful houses of Totterdown. Each cabin is themed differently, with memorabilia drawn from various production from the theatre’s -year history; bagsy us the Peter O’Toole’s 1950s Hamlet hut . . .

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

AL FRESCO What’s on the menu?

What’s on the menu?

Anything else?

Anything else?

Craft beers from Left Handed iant, local ciders, coffee, tea, snacks, arshfield ice cream; when evening draws in you can have Bristol’s favourite comfort food, ieminister pies, delivered to your table.

We’ll be launching an exciting new dining offer mid- ay stay tuned ! O !!

Where? ing Street; bristololdvic.org.uk

ishes include moules frites, veggie lasagna and Five Acre Farm pies, with a selection of small plates and sides. They also love a good pud, so look out for the sticky milk stout pudding It’s an ideal, instagrammable spot to lazily watch the sun go down as you watch the busy harbourside activity, from boats to S paddlers.

Where? Hotwell oad; grainbarge.com

GAMBAS

LIDO BRISTOL

What’s the al fresco deal?

What’s the al fresco deal?

A holder of a Michelin Plate, and with unparalleled views across to Lloyds, shown in the photo below A first- oor terrace in Cargo with views across the harbour. We always gravitate to food markets or seaside terraces when we travel in Spain, and we want this culture of enjoying seafood or tapas in a beautiful, relaxed setting to be felt when dining on our terrace, as if you’re on holiday, says manager ark Chapman.

What’s on the menu?

Tapas, mostly focused on fish and seafood; Spanish wines from small artisanal producers. Aperitivos with Spanish soul running through them, and a focus on gin, vermouth and sherry.

Fun fact

Tapas means cover’ or lid’ in Spanish. Bartenders in traditional bodegas would serve beer or sherry with a piece of bread on top to keep the ies off, a tradition that developed into a more elaborate spread.

That’s one of several theories; it’s the one we like, anyway.

Where? Cargo ; gambasbristol.co.uk

GRAIN BARGE

What’s better than dining al fresco at the harbour? Dining on an actual boat, obviously...

What’s the al fresco deal?

A large open-air deck with panoramic views along the water, from ss Great Britain to nderfall ard.

Para bailar la Gambas . . .

Lido has a killer USP: it’s the only place in Bristol where you can dine next to a restored Grade-II Victorian outdoor pool The outside tables only will be serving from too, though you need to book.

April; the pool is open

What’s on the menu?

Freddy Bird may have left Lido to run his own gaff, but the kitchen stays true to the Bird tradition, with oorish and editerranean dishes cooked in the wood oven and grill.

Did you know Even watching the swimmers in the pool uses up so many vicarious calories that you can always have pudding.

Where? Oakfield lace; lidobristol.com

LITTLEFRENCH

Speaking of Freddy B, littlefrench has just been named one of the top six outdoor dining venues by The Telegraph. Nice!

What’s the al fresco deal?

A -cover al fresco dining venue in the courtyard of a neighbouring church, sheltered by Easton’s rickly ear Stretch Tents.

What’s on the menu?

Top bistro fare: French avours with a dash of boho Bristol.

Did you know It’s very much a family affair; Freddy’s French wife essa designed all the crockery and ceramics, which were hand-thrown in Freddy’s mum’s studio.

Where? orth iew, Westbury ark; littlefrench.co.uk

SWAN AT WEDMORE

If you fancy getting out of town, there’s no better place to get your laidback country chic than this 1 th century village pub

What’s the al fresco deal?

A large, stylish under-canvas terrace, with heaters, sheepskin rugs and romantic lighting.

What’s on the menu?

A strong focus on farm-to-plate food: a modern British base enlivened

by European, North African and Middle Eastern panache. Local milefriendly and fuss-free food with a twist, from head chef Sam SperringTrendl.

Try the Inside Out cocktail list, English fizz from the Test alley, local cider or even (gasp!) a chilled red Nebbiolo Elvio Tintero from Piemonte, to make you rethink everything you thought you ever knew about red wine.

Anything else?

The Inside Out Festival of Eating and Drinking will be run weekends between 16 April to 16 May. Where? Cheddar Road; theswanwedmore.com

TOBACCO FACTORY CAFÉ-BAR

The Tobacco Factory has been a hugely important social hub for B ever since it opened in 2001 n previous years the ard has hosted numerous outdoor events, from beer festivals to food festivals, as well as the regular unday market What’s the al fresco deal?

A large,colourful and attractive space with lots of planting and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a suntrap, but with plenty of shade beneath the big umbrellas.

What’s on the menu?

THE MALAGO

he alago won Best Restaurant in the 2020 Bristol Life Awards An ingenious, inventive menu and hospitality space that has e panded its local food offering and mastered new vegan deals to cater to all tastebuds, reckoned the udges

The ard itchen Bar serves a veggie and vegan offering, using seasonal produce from their own Five Acre Farm. They’ve got Bristol Distilling Co. G+Ts on tap, beer and cider from neighbours Bristol Beer Factory, and a whole lot more.

What’s the al fresco deal?

Outside tables and benches on the terrace, with heating and cover.

What’s on the menu?

French-inspired, modern British food; very vegetarian- and veganfriendly. Brunch classics run until 3pm, with a small plates and deli boards after that.

Did you know…?

The alago is a five-mile tributary that rises in undry. uch of the river has been culverted as it ows through south Bristol.

Where? 220 North Street; themalago.club

SEVEN LUCKY GODS

The lucky gods certainly blessed this laidback Pan-Asian drinking and dining destination with one of the best outdoor spots in Bristol he team at yde ompany did the rest What’s the al fresco deal?

L offers the biggest roof terrace at Wapping Wharf, with space for more than 30 diners under a newly installed weatherproof cover, making it perfect for al fresco dining, whatever the weather.

What’s on the menu?

Taking inspiration from the buzzing izakayas of downtown Tokyo, 7LG’s menu brings Japanese-inspired small plates designed to be enjoyed with drinks. Menu favourites such as the chicken katsu arancini balls, sandos and Korean fried chicken are still very much on the menu, and you can also get stuck into a great selection of sushi, sashmi and veggie and vegan dishes.

Did you know? L shares its terrace with Woky o (see page ), making it the perfect destination for some of the best Asian food in Bristol. Think of it as Bristol’s Little Tokyo; we do.

Where is it? Cargo 2; 7luckygods.com

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

TOP: Incognito, down at the Lido;

BOTTOM: Sunshiney vibes at the Tobacco Factory café-bar

AL FRESCO Fun Fact

THAT’S A GOOD IDEA…!

Following a recent survey carried out on and around Cotham Hill, Bristol City Council concluded that more space for pedestrians and outdoor traders was a big priority for those living and working in the area. With the staggered easing of lockdown, closing the road to traffic has meant that several cafés, bars and restaurants can now serve customers on outside tables; it’s planned as a temporary scheme at the moment, but could become a permanent thing.

Here’s a joint statement from Dan Williams, owner of Coffee and Beer, and Kieran Waite of Bravas: “We’re really grateful that the Cotham Hill community will get the road closure, which will allow us to reopen this April using outdoor space. Without it we would have to remain closed and, after an incredibly difficult year, this could make the difference between our businesses surviving or not.

“The closure will help to cement Cotham Hill as an independent, destination high street where people can come for a stroll to browse and support the variety of great businesses.”

It’s easy to get your Wills tobacco factories mixed up. Despite being by far the best-known of the group today, and the only one generally referred to as ‘The’ Tobacco Factory, the Raleigh Road building was once merely known as ‘Number 3 Factory’.

Where is it? Raleigh Road; tobaccofactory.com

WOKY KO

Former asterchef nalist arkin en now has a mini Bristol chain, with each of his Woky sites having its own menu and vibe What’s the al fresco deal?

Woky Ko Rooftop has an unusually large terrace right next to Seven Lucky Gods, with a new stretch tent; Woky Ko Cargo’s outdoor seating is directly on the Wharf, making it people-watching central.

What’s on the menu

Woky Ko Rooftop: some amazing baos, with an all-new drinks menu.

Woky Ko Cargo: a new menu concept that focuses on fresh, handmade noodle dishes.

Did you know…?

Want to know how to cook Asian food like Larkin? He now has his own YouTube channel – search for Woky Man. Where? Cargo; wokyko.com ■

“The Pipe & Lovers will be serving a new menu created by the Pony & Trap and Pasta Loco””

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 31

YES CHEF!

ROOT TO FRUIT Chef Tom Hunt: protecting the planet, one recipe at a time

YES CHEF!

A

n award-winning chef, educator, writer and climate-change activist, Tom Hunt has long been a poster boy for the ethical food pack. He’s also the author of two books: The Natural Cook, published in 2014, and Eating for Pleasure, People & Planet, which came out this time last year.

Tom’s ‘thing’ is waste; or rather, the lack of it. When he founded his Stokes Croft restaurant Poco Tapas in 2004, the emphasis was not just on local, seasonal produce – by then, almost everyone was doing that – but the minimum carbon footprint; the aim was, and still is, to produce zero waste by recycling and composting and using every part of the ingredient. His root to fruit philosophy is based on three core principles: eating for pleasure, eating whole foods, and eating the best food you can.

This philosophy runs through every menu at Poco, and every recipe in the new book. Here’s a avour:

WINTER* CAESAR SALAD Serves 4 as a light lunch, 8 as a starter

This is a plant-rich winter version of a classic Caesar salad, made using a variety of nutritious bitter leaves in place of the rather dull iceberg lettuce. Seaweed and salty capers give it a hint of the sea, as an alternative to anchovies, and grated walnuts replace the Parmesan. Leafy winter greens (whites, reds, pinks and purples) keep us going through the coldest months of the year with nutritious, colourful and avourful ingredients that can withstand seriously cold temperatures, making them a good source of local nutrition, including vitamins A and C and minerals iron, potassium and calcium. Market gardens and specialist farmers are growing more and more varieties from old heritage species to new colourful hybrids, including variegated purple and green kale, magentacoloured fingers of tardivo and radicchio del Veneto, a frilly chicory dressed in pastel-pink. * We planned this feature before lockdown, but left this recipe in, because it’s just as good in spring as it is in winter...

For the salad 1 head of chicory (e.g. tardivo, treviso, endive), leaves picked Small bunch of baby kale (eg red Russian, redbor, cavolo nero), stalks removed and finely chopped, leaves torn into large pieces 5g seaweed, soaked in cold water for 10 minutes, then drained 4–6 walnuts, chopped pinch of kala namak or sea salt For the croûtons 1 garlic clove, crushed to a paste glug of extra virgin olive oil 3 slices of stale wholemeal sourdough (or other bread), cut into long batons

For the dressing 4 tbsp aquafaba** 1 small garlic clove 1 tbsp capers, plus 1 tbsp for the salad 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, optional 100–150ml extra virgin olive oil Juice of unwaxed lemon 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Method To make the dressing, combine the aquafaba, garlic, capers and nutritional yeast, if using, in a food processor and blitz together.

Keeping the motor running, carefully pour in the extra virgin olive oil through the feeder tube in a very slow, steady stream, just like when making mayonnaise. After a couple of minutes, when the consistency is as thick as double cream, stop adding the oil and blend in the lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce.

To make the croûtons, combine the garlic and extra virgin olive oil in a bowl. Add the bread and turn it in the garlicky oil to coat it thoroughly. Season generously with salt.

Transfer to a frying pan and fry over a medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over. Set aside.

To prepare the salad, combine the leaves, seaweed,croûtons and capers in a bowl. Drizzle over the dressing and turn together just once or twice so the bright colours of the leaves shine through. Serve immediately, topped with a generous grating of walnuts and a sprinkling of kala namak or sea salt. ** Just use the liquid from a can of chickpeas!

ROASTED SQUASH AND CELERY WITH SOUR CHERRIES, BRAZIL NUTS AND AIOLI Serves 4

This dish is a good example of how creative you can be when making a salad. Forgetting rules about which ingredients you should use in a salad, or how they should be prepared, allows for creativity and invention. Next time you have a vegetable that needs using up, create a warm salad with it, pairing it with two or three ingredients from your larder. Roasting the vegetables in this way will intensify their avours, making them sweet and moreish.

Brazil nuts only grow in wild rainforests, meaning that the area where they are grown must be protected from deforestry. For best practice, buy organic, Fairtrade or FSC-certified nuts.

Ingredients 600g pumpkin, cut into wedges, with skin on 6 celery sticks, cut into 5cm lengths, leaves and butt saved Glug of extra virgin olive oil 60g dried sour cherries 80g Brazil nuts, lightly crushed For the aioli 100ml yogurt 1 small garlic clove, crushed to a paste Dash of extra virgin olive oil Unwaxed lemon, zest and juice

Method Preheat the oven to 220ºC/425ºF/Gas Mark 7.

Place the pumpkin wedges and celery on a baking tray, drizzle with the olive oil and roast in the oven for 30–40 minutes, or until they begin to char.

Meanwhile, to make the aioli, combine the yogurt with the garlic, a dash of extra virgin olive oil and the lemon zest and juice in a bowl.

Serve the squash and celery in the baking tray drizzled with yogurt aioli, topped with the saved celery leaves, cherries and Brazil nuts.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 35

PRESENTS

F

ITY CON HOSPITAL

@CrumbsMag

9 APRIL

DAY 1 N O M E C N ERE

@crumbsmag

YES CHEF!

ELDERFLOWER AND WHITE CHOCOLATE TORTE

Equipment 4 x 8–10cm tart tins or 1 x 23cm tart tin

Serves 8

Elder, ‘the witches tree’, has been used medicinally for thousands of years to treat u, colds and other conditions and it continues to play a part in modern herbal medicine. ust going out to pick the owers or berries is healing in itself. They are plentiful, easy to identify and beautifully scented – making them perfect in this delicate and tasteful dessert.

The base of this torte is made with dried apricots and aked grains, which complement the sweet vanilla- avoured white chocolate and subtle aroma of the elder owers. If you have any base left over, roll it into balls and eat as a pick-me-up snack later on. Store in a sealed container.

The presentation of this tart is inspired by one of chef Bertrand Grebaut’s desserts at his restaurant Septime in Paris. Simplicity and a deep sense of respect for their ingredients is clear throughout their menu, which is what makes it one of my favourites. There is a clear

drive – at Septime and amongst some of the best restaurants in the world – for a more real food style that aims to bring us, the eater, closer to nature and the origin of our food. This is a million miles from the frilly food of yesteryear and something I try and emulate within my own cuisine.

Ingredients Extra virgin olive oil, for greasing 100g mixed nuts (e.g. Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts) g aked grains (e.g. buckwheat, oat, spelt) 150g unsulphured dried apricots g puffed millet, amaranth or rice 200g good-quality white chocolate, chopped g organic certified silken tofu 1 tbsp chia seeds, ground in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder Elder owers (and or edible owers), to decorate

Method Grease the tart tin(s) and line with unbleached parchment paper.

To make the base, pulse-blend the mixed nuts in a food processor to rough pieces. Add the aked grains, apricots and two tablespoons water and blend to a rough paste. Turn out the mixture onto your work surface and knead in the puffed grains. oll the pastry to about 5mm, then transfer to and line your tart tin(s).

To make the topping, melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of hot, but not boiling, water. Pour the tofu into a food processor, followed by the melted chocolate and ground chia seeds. Pulse-blend until smooth. Pour into the tart base(s) and refrigerate for a couple of hours until set.

Serve the tart or tarts decorated with lots of individual owers.

Eating for Pleasure, People and Planet by Tom Hunt, RRP £26; tomsfeast.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

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

HER LATEST FLA E

She’s a firestarter...

Food writer and stylist Genevieve Taylor has published 10 books, many of them focused on outdoor cooking. Her latest is the admirably self-explanatory Foolproof BBQ: 60 Simple Recipes to Make the Most of Your Barbecue

G

en says she’s always had a yen for the great outdoors.

I’ve enjoyed cooking outside for many years, starting with campfire cooking as a uke of Edinburgh teen on artmoor.

I progressed to barbecues and fire pits in my own back garden, to a wood fired oven basically I just want all the fire toys! I really love being outside, so this kind of cooking is just a good excuse not to stay indoors any more than I have to.

It’s really important to her that the recipes work and are achievable. I want to make people more confident with their cooking, so if something turns out to be too tricky, or just a bit average, it doesn’t make the final recipe list.

Which takes us to her new book, Foolproof BBQ , which contains everything you need to attain al fresco cooking nirvana through failsafe, colourful recipes and sound advice.

This book is foolproof ’ because none of the recipes is too taxing to shop for, or to cook, says en. All the recipes were cooked on a standard kettle barbecue with a lid. ou can’t beat the taste of food cooked outside. The high heat causes deep caramelisation and creates irresistibly crispy, charred edges. Barbecuing also injects a little theatre into your life.

Cooking over fire is my passion, and it allows me many culinary adventures. One way to make it foolproof is to get ahead. rep everything you need in the kitchen in one go, then have it lined up and ready by the barbecue before you begin cooking.

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The other way to make things easier is to practise. If you drag a dusty grill out of your garage twice a summer, it will probably always feel more challenging than foolproof. Barbecue a little more regularly and you will gain confidence each time you fire up and with confidence will come a desire to experiment and learn more.

I’ve been cooking this way for years, and I’m still learning. I still get things wrong occasionally but, importantly, I have e uipped myself with the basic skills to adapt and work with the heat the fundamental skill you need for barbecuing success.

I try not to categorize food as barbecue

food’. Think of the fire in your barbecue as simply your heat source, just as you would your indoor hob or oven. Once you grab hold of that mindset, you will realize that pretty much everything can be barbecued . . .

Published this month by Quadrille, Foolproof BBQ:

60 Simple Recipes to Make the Most of Your Barbecue

costs £12.99 For more: genevievetaylor.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

MORE TASTY BITES

CRUMBS TAKEAWAY

Do you run a business in the food and drink industry? Have you signed up for the free online Crumbs Takeaway conference on the morning of 19 April? If not, why not?

As hospitality re-emerges from lockdown to full trading, the Crumbs Takeaway offers practical advice and inspiration, national insights on the sector, top tips from local business owners and questions answered by leading players on the scene. Look out, too, for a special ristol ife section celebrating all the good that food and drinks companies have done during the pandemic.

“The Crumbs Takeaway will be a chance for cafés, restaurants and bars in Bristol, Bath, Cardiff and Exeter to come together for advice, and to share stories, ahead of the return in the coming weeks,” says event producer Nell Robins. ponsorships are available nell.robins mediaclash.co.uk egister crumbsmag.com rumbsMag Oh look, we’re back at Bambalan again. We just can’t stay away!

PICK UP A PICNIC Picnics are the perfect solution to the current rules for socialising, being ideal for park or garden meet ups . Which brings us neatly to the latest initiative from Bristol chef community All About the Cooks . . .“Forget factory-made nibbles from the supermarket,” says AATC founder Claire Ladkin. “There are talented cooks just minutes from your front door who are making picnic-friendly food with love and passion, from cakes to a full-on afternoon tea, grazing platters, Middle-Eastern tapas, pies and a whole lot more.

For more: allaboutthecooks.co.uk

AMUSES BOUCHES It feels like every major event is headed to the Downs this year. Following the announcement of Idles’ outdoor gig, and the newly revamped Comedy Garden (page 7), 5-8 August brings Film and Food, the UK’s first touring film and food festival, to Bristol’s favourite sward. Expect four days of open-air cinema, live comedy and specially curated short indie films; a street food warehouse will run the gamut from gourmet burgers to bruschetta, crêpes to ice-cream, along with beers and cocktails. filmandfoodfest.com Alex Hayles plans to do for hot dogs what his award-winning Squeezed has done for burgers. Collaborating with fellow chef Ben Nash, and Henry Revell of Beer Necessities, Alex plans to open DOG TOWN in Cargo,

just a bun’s throw from Squeezed, in early May. bristoldogtown Gelateria SWOON has launched three avours into Waitrose: Salted Caramel, Vanilla & Passionfruit Stracciatella and the Bacio all cost £5.95). swoononaspoon.co.uk All change at the former CHATTERTON’S CAFE on edcliffe Way, as Italian restaurant La Panza moves in with its rustic, regional

Alex Hayes

fare. We’d make an amusing pun about Chatterton and Italian food, if we could remember a single line that Bristol’s boy poet ever wrote. Anyone? lapan abristol.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 39

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Things can only get urra

Stan discovers sunshine on a cloudy day on Lower Redland Road

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his week’s coffee stop was one of those little rays of sunshine. The sort that pop up out of nowhere to brighten an otherwise dull day. id exactly what coffee shops are supposed to do. Blew away the clouds and made things just that little bit better. Reminded me of the good old days, before crazy became the new normal. Which was nice.

Especially as it is a brand spanking new affair, opened during lockdown by a couple of

he sta are so sweet you can almost see the smiles behind the masks”

Antipodean lads from Bristol Bears. All of which makes it a place worthy of respect, right from the drop kick. Who can fail to fall in love with a business that starts up at such a time as this?

Not me, that’s for sure. Especially when the staff are so sweet you can almost see the smiles behind the masks.

Burra is the place I’m talking about. When I visited they were just serving takeaways through a window on Lower Redland Road, just off Whiteladies, next to Wild Oats. Most lovely it is, too.

Our story begins, as these things often do, when I took the dogs to the local park. Turning a corner, someone came jogging towards me. Or rather, plodding.

Much too slow for a jog, slightly too fast for a stroll. And that was when they were going downhill.

Stopping to stare shamelessly, trying to keep my jaw from dropping and giving the game away, I suddenly realised the plodder was an old mate. We used to go running together.

Those days are long gone, and we haven’t caught up with each other for ages, until this chance meeting.

Naturally, we stopped to have a chat about the world, the weather and the price of fish. As you do. After a couple of laughs, we

decided to change our plans and go for a walk together.

Slowly circling The Downs like arthritic eagles, we agreed that there was only one way to celebrate our happy reunion, and that was to visit a café. Turns out, my mate was already a big fan of this new place, and since it was also high on my list of ones to visit, we decided to head on over that way.

Which is when the world went gently spinning back in time for us both. Years ago, we used to go running and afterwards head to the pub for a pint. Back then, we would talk rubbish, laugh loudly and generally enjoy being alive.

The pubs might have been closed on this occasion, but this lovely café was just the ticket for a daytime drop by. We went for a cakey thing to share and a couple of coffees. The young lady who sorted out our order was the perfect host, and all in all, it was a reminder that when you’ve got a mate to laugh with, coffee to sip and cake to share, the world is a truly wonderful place.

Seems that things can only get Burra. . . ■ Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer For more: stancullimore.com

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ED’S CHOICE HUBSCH STONE CANDLE HOLDERS, £10 EACH Candlelit dining al fresco; is there anything more romantic?

(Use citronella candles and you'll keep bugs at bay, too...)

From Mon Pote, 217 North Street, monpote.co.uk

MELAMINE BOWL, £25 Even the clumsiest family member would struggle to break this pretty salad bowl

THE OUTSIDERS Quick; the sun's out! Let's all rush out into the garden before it changes its mind . . .

PEDRALI ARA LOUNGE CHAIR, £POA The armchair design from Spanish design maestro Jorge Pensi's studio is supremely comfy, the polypropylene material eminently practical, and it stacks easily, too From Oskar Furniture, 47 Whiteladies Road oskarfurniture.co.uk

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

WICKER TEA LIGHT HOLDER, £9.95-£12.50 The charming tea light holders are large but lightweight, and a cinch at the price Both from Pod Company 24 The Mall; thepodcompany.co.uk LIDDED MELAMINE BOWLS, SET OF THREE, £38; MUGS £2.75-£2.95 Mix and match the ice-cream colours; plates, bowls, jugs, cutlery etc available too. rom ig 1 nit aol erry teps fig1.co.uk

FERM LIVING BAU PLANT POTS, £35-£59 Inspired by the uncluttered lines and industrial surfaces of Bauhaus. Easily moved back indoors overnight if the plants are of the temperamental variety that fussily object to snow in April.

From Truce 54 Pricness Victoria Street truceonline.co.uk

CREAM FRINGED HAMMOCK, £98 Made from 100% cotton with hand-knotted cream fringing; a little corner of boho luxe for the garden.

From Graham & Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath grahamandgreen.co.uk

QUILTED NEWBURY PICNIC RUGS, £48 Make a picnic in Perrett Park feel like a trip to Glyndebourne with this elegant rug From Pod Company 24 The Mall; thepodcompany.co.uk

PRESENT TIME METAL WATERING CAN, £27 Just because it''s functional it doesn't mean that it can't be pretty From Fox + Feather 41 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

JERSEY SIDE TABLE, £ 249 An incredibly versatile table, in matt laquered steel, that captures the effortlessly cool look of Scandi design From BoConcept 51-53 Merchant Street boconcept.com

PARROT CORKSCREW, RRP £38 If there's a jauntier tool for opening your favourite summetime tipple than this gizmo by Alessandro Mendini for Alessi, we haven't located it so far From Bristol Guild 68 Park Street bristolguildgallery.co.uk

SMOKEY JOE PREMIUM CHARCOAL GRILL, £80 (IN SALE) With top cooking power and the ultimate in portability, though it would obviously look a treat as a permanent fixture on the patio From Whitehall Garden Centre Norton Lane, Whitchurch; whitehallgardencentre.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 43

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

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Phone pocket, Fox + Feather, £34.95

WINDOW SHOPPING MILLY VAUGHAN

Victoria Beckham skirt, Harvey Nichols, £235

Chie Mihara heels, Grace & Mabel, £132.50

Munthe sustainable top, Grace & Mabel, £159

YAS cardigan, Fox + Feather, £48 Scrunchie, That Thing, £5

Baum Und Pferdgarten, Grace & Mabel, £119

Kitty Clogs, Movement Boutique, £115

Going out-out again Reluctant to rejoin the social whirl? Start with the wardrobe, and the rest will follow, says Milly

T

his April, the country will be divided into two camps: There will be those itching to dust off their heels and wriggle into jumpsuits, to be first in line for an al fresco blush rosé amongst friends in that mythical kingdom known as In Real Life.

Then there will be the rest of us, who will have to dust off our excuse book for reasons to wriggle out of someone-from-the-o ce’s

birthday drinks. How do you say “Sorry I’m late, I didn’t want to come,” to folk you haven’t seen for over 12 months?

Sometimes I’m in the former camp, but increasingly I’m in the latter. Throw three national lockdowns into the mix, and I think I’m only a click away from full-on agoraphobia, or transitioning from extrovert to introvert.

Often, I’ll genuinely and willingly say ‘yes’ to an event and then as it creeps closer the thought

“How do you say “Sorry I’m late, I didn’t want to come,” to folk you haven’t seen for over 12 months?”

Ganni denim skirt, Harvey Nichols, £125

Veja high tops, Grace & Mabel, £85

of having to conjure up an outfit (or brave any hint of inclement weather) seems all too stressful, the lure of snuggling up on the sofa in elasticated loungewear seeming a far more attractive prospect. A tricky conundrum if you’re a chronic people-pleaser and don’t want to appear aky.

Maybe it’s more to do with having an outfit ready to wear than the actual going-out part.

I’ve bought a new work top in the past and have actually woken up in the morning excited, remembering it’s simply because I have something new to wear to work. Small pleasures.

So if this micro mind- ip can happen with work, if we can

Munthe skirt, Grace & Mabel, £179

get a couple of new pieces, it will hopefully make stepping back out into the macro world a bit more palatable. And because this past year we have spent a lot less on going out’ outfits, it’s undeniably time to splash out on clothes with a non-expandable waist again.

What better way to fake it, for example, than getting the eye of the tiger with this Baum und Pferdgarten print dress?

The next stop on the roadmap out of our Covid-induced gap year is May, when hopefully we can get excited about going out to actually sit in. Watch this space. ■ @millyvaughan on instagram camillapettman@mac.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 45

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BARK LIFE STAN CULLIMORE St Andrew’s Park – so much more than a bit of grass and a playground . . .

A

h, St Andrew’s Park. So small, so slight, so close to heaven, day or night. What immortal hand or eye, dare frame thy fearful symmetry? Or similar. Expect you get the idea. William Blake was a fan of tygers, I’m a fan of this

modest patch of greenery.

Should probably start here, right off the bat, by doing some full disclosure warnings. You see, I have a special relationship with St Andrew’s Park.

It began many, many years ago, when we moved to Bristol with our tribe of small children. Our very first house was just a couple of streets away from this green corner of north Bristol suburbia.

First morning in our brand new home, we went to the park for an explore, to play on the swings and race around the grass. And that was just me.

That said, this being Bristol, our peaceful trip was interrupted by police sirens, riot vans and armed police. Swarming round the streets in pursuit of some hardcore altercation which was underway nearby. Which was, to put it mildly, a pretty intense introduction.

Fast-forward three decades, and the place has still not lost its ability to surprise and amaze. When my wife and I arrived with our dogs

he girls o ered the toddlers a go with the hula-hoops, while the dogs did their level best to make things di cult for everyone involved

recently, to snap some pictures for this very piece, the first thing we saw was a trio of girls hulahooping away happily on the grass.

The dogs wandered over for a sniff, as did a couple of passing toddlers.

Without missing a beat, the girls smiled at the parents, made friends with the toddlers and offered them a go with the hoops., while the dogs did their level best to make things di cult for everyone involved.

The happy scene that followed was a picture-postcard moment, showing just how warm and wonderful the world can be when people choose to connect. Which, to my mind, sums up this small and welcoming space in one simple snapshot.

Walking round the park in these roadmap-out-of lockdown days offered a reminder of how good life can be, when the sun shines and being merry is the order of the day. Everywhere we looked, there were happy smiling faces as friendly laughter filled the air.

After a long year of silent spaces and haunted faces, this was balm for a bruised soul. Felt as exciting as that delicious rush you get when you first walk into a music festival.

Which just shows how deep the lockdown scars run.

It’s not just the people who make St Andrew’s Park great; there is much more to see and enjoy.

The play park, for instance, an inviting grassy knoll for families to

stretch their legs, complete with a paddling pool that’s perfect for summer splashing. Just right for making magical memories.

If all of that is not your thing, well, then there is always the smorgasbord of weird and wonderful trees. Laid out like a chocolate box of arboreal amuse bouche for those of us who admire their architectural beauty.

There are other hidden gems waiting to be discovered, too. An elephant hiding in the trees, ready to be climbed. A boutique bookswap library, ready to whisk you away on a magic literary carpet ride. A memorial to a wartime aircrew. Seems like every which way you turn there are new things to make your heart beat just that little bit faster.

If all of that were not enough, there is also a rather fine tea shop on hand. Right smack-bang in the middle of the action. Just right for a coffee and cake stop. And what a thing of beauty it is! Truly, a jewel amongst compact cafés. A bijou bistro. With lovely staff, snacks for all appetites and ages, it even has water on hand for thirsty pooches.

We spoiled ourselves with a couple of coffees along with a pair of rather posh custard tarts, which were, well, mighty fine. Bit like the park, really. ■ For more: stancullimore.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 47

GARDENS

GONE TO EARTH

Does your garden resemble the idyllic urban oases shown on these pages? If not, this could be the feature you’ve been waiting for . . .

Words by Ursula Cole

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ur top tip: when gardening, the best way to make sure you’re removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it was a valuable plant.

OK, that more or less sums up our entire knowledge of plant care; you’re welcome.

Luckily, if you’re wondering how to thrust your dibber into a bed of mulch (not a euphemism) or unsure when to broadcast your seed (ditto), we have three top professional Bristol gardeners on hand to offer top tips for improving your patch/allotment/rolling estate this spring.

And yes, very soon, you can sit out in your little patch of paradise, Thatcher’s Gold* in hand (* other ciders available); but before you reach this state of al fresco nirvana, there’s a bit of work that needs to be done. So tool up, and read on . . .

TASK FORCE Here’s the task list for getting your garden into shape right now.

Lee Bignall of Mobius Home wants to see us giving our ower beds a good going-over, ensuring they’re free of weeds and winter debris, to allow all bulbs to come through and the planting of any new ones.

“If you’re planting in a month or so, consider sheeting over the soil to ensure it’s warmed, to give the bulbs the best start possible, he says. Any last ower seeds should be going in now. Planting shallots and onions outdoors, along with the moving of seed potatoes to outdoor beds, also needs to be completed.

“Now is the time to ensure the greenhouse is ready for planting, and getting early seeds in for tomatoes and herbs, ensuring protection from any late-season frosts.”

“Spruce up the beds with a weed and a dig-over; then plant up some pots, says garden designer Tabitha Tarling. eraniums will ower all summer, and sedums look great nearly the whole year round.

“Sow seed this month for tomatoes, beans, peas, and peppers – all relatively easy things to grow.”

And not all improvements re uire green fingers; Tidying up the

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shed and giving the patio a jet wash are both instant fixes. And it’s worth spending a little more money on good furniture, too.”

“Tidy up borders by picking out early weeds, then mulch with chipped bark or peat-free compost,” says Sheldon Wressell at Eden Garden Design.“Take care not to smother low-growing plants, or to pile mulches up against the stems of woody plants.

“Plant up pots and hanging baskets with spring bedding plants to create a display on your terrace, courtyard or to frame a door. Be creative, and position pots at different heights to imitate a border and create further interest. And sowing seeds for vegetables and perennials is a great way to save money with the added bonus of eating your own crops later in the year.”

THINKING OUTSIDE THE WINDOW BOX Garden design has evolved dramatically over recent years, with the pandemic helping to accelerate change.

“Natural meadow-style planting is a continuing development,” says Lee Bignall, adding that “creating split levels and usage is also a key trend. Having multiple levels of garden space, with either brick walls, raised beds or gardens allows for real identity to be created, even in the smallest of spaces. The split levels and areas also help to define different zones: they could be veg plots, ower beds, rose bushes or water features.

Tabitha believes that a major blurring of the boundaries between indoors and outdoors will continue. “People want to spend time outside with friends and family – al fresco dining and seating areas are bigger than ever. So go for lighting and fire pits to extend the length of time we can stay outside at night.

“Creating split levels and usage has become a key trend, with split levels defining di erent ones

this page and inset opposite: a trio of

urban oases by Tabitha Tarling

GARDENS OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP LEFT AND BOTTOM

RIGHT: Mobius Home; all other

pics, Tabitha Tarling

Climate change is also a consideration, according to Tabitha: planting has to be more drought-resistant now, and people are less keen to spend money on irrigation, viewed as less ecologically sound these days.

Sheldon at Eden Garden believes that with staycations high on the priority list, many people are looking to entertain at home.

This means fire pits surrounded by comfy seating, outdoor kitchens and bars, covered areas for year-round enjoyment; even the occasional natural swimming pool to get that holiday fix, he says.

“It’s important to have somewhere you can escape to, especially if you’re working from home. So we’re creating peaceful, secluded relaxation areas as well as creating more privacy and screening of unsightly views. A getaway in your own garden.

SIZING UP YOUR SPACE You may not be lucky enough to have a garden big enough to create a Capability Brown-style ha-ha or hermitage, but you can still make the most of a small urban outdoor space.

The word from obius Home is that you need to consider lots of different levels of planting at different heights: this creates a diverse space. Think about the kinds of owers and plants you like, and then start small and nurture the planting to give it long-lasting life, says Lee. ixing high planting beds with bench seating on low walls helps to double the usage of settings while not using too much physical space.

If you have wall space, consider a vibrant, light and re ective wall colour to allow light to bounce and create a beautiful sun-trap. Then have wall climbing plants and owers, with perhaps a small timber lattice hanging structure to create privacy.

Tabitha Tarling’s take is that with a small garden you have to be even more creative. “But with clever thinking, you can create a real oasis. ou could look at zoning an area for a table and chairs and then fill the rest of the space with plants to blur the boundaries and create the illusion of a bigger garden. irrors are also great for this.

“Perhaps green up the walls with evergreen climbers that don’t take up too much room, and have some large feature trees in planters which draw the eye.

THINK LIKE A GARDEN DESIGNER

Mistakes are common when planning and planting a garden – but there are ways to beat the greenfinger blues.

“Avoid overplanting and overwatering. Putting too many plants or flowers in one area can kill off plants by reducing light and water supply. And while good watering is required at planting stage, make sure you don’t overwater a plant, as a bogged-down bed can cause roots to rot and kill it” – Lee Bignall “People often overcomplicate a garden. Think about what you want to use the space for. Stand in it and track the sun. Look for the private spots where you may want to sit or dine. Think about the flow around the space. People also tend to overcrowd their planting beds. I find clients will have often gone to a garden centre and bought one of everything they like without really thinking about how it all goes together” – Tabitha Tarling

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“It’s important to have somewhere relaxing you can escape to; a getaway in your own garden” THE BIRDS, THE BUGS AND THE BEES ardens are havens for wildlife, and we can enhance that with just a few tweaks. “Creating natural and varied habitats is always a great starting point to help wildlife thrive, says Lee Bignall. Be it a small compost heap, a natural hedgerow or copious planting, wildlife is keen on lots of different varieties. The larger spread of planting both in volume and type will increase the range of wildlife coming into the garden, be it insects, birds or animals.

A uick search on the web will inform you about the types of wildlife you can expect in your area, and what plants will encourage and help insects and animals thrive there.

Then there are the slugs. ou need to be thoughtful about dealing with this issue; slug mindfulness is re uired, says Lee. Where possible, use a natural deterrent such as used coffee grinds, egg shells or even copper ring surrounds many a beautiful, freshly planted ower bed can be decimated overnight by slugs. nsightly and also demoralising.

Tabitha advises leaving a little undisturbed patch in the garden; leaves, twigs, stones are all great homes and hiding places for insects and frogs. Think of growing nectar- and pollen-rich plants for bees and other pollinators. A pond, even a small one, provides a habitat and a drinking hole for so many different bugs, insects and animals. ■

YOU’VE BEEN READING . . .

Mobius Home mobiushome.co.uk

Tabitha Tarling tabithatarling.co.uk Eden Garden design edengardendesignbristol.co.uk

GARDENS

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

BEST IN YEO

This year, Yeo Valley Organic Farm will be exhibiting at the RHS Flower Show for the first time. Sarah Mead tells us how she plans to take a little slice of Blagdon to Chelsea, and how we can all create our own organic paradise (spoiler alert: it’s great news for anyone who hates mowing the lawn . . . ) Words by Ursula Cole www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 53

O

ur beginnings never know our ends,” pontificated TS Eliot in A Portrait of a Lady. So how did one lady – Sarah Mead, once a drama student in London – end up co-running an organic farm in deepest Somerset?

“That’s quite a question, isn’t it?” says Sarah. “I met Tim [Mead, Sarah’s husband] in London, while I was at drama school and he was training to be a chartered accountant. After his father died, Tim took over the yoghurt manufacturing business at Yeo Valley, and I became a farmer’s wife – something I had never imagined for my future, but have not once regretted.”

Tim’s parents originally bought the farm in 1961.

With a herd of 35 cows, they started making yoghurt from the leftover milk from the cream teas they served in the farm tea room. Today, Yeo Valley Organic is Britain’s largest organic brand and a household name.

The farm celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019, and this year, along with their regular events at the Yeo Valley Organic Garden in Blagdon, they’ll be exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for the first time.

What changes have you and Tim made to the family business?

Tim and his mother Mary have worked together on becoming fully organic, and it’s been a steady switch to organic principles across everything we do. The biggest change I’ve been involved with has been here in the garden. I was fortunate to take over an established garden from my mother-in-law, and she

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SARAH’S TOP TIPS FOR A MORE DIVERSE LAWN THIS YEAR

1

Give your lawn an early spring trim to tidy up winter growth and then decide which parts of your lawn you can comfortably allow to grow long in 2021.

2

Only cut the areas you need to keep short, for example for ease of movement around the garden and children’s ball games.

3

Be experimental; try cutting a trail or maze into your longer grass and listen to the buzz of pollinators as you wander through.

4

Be brave – grass is like hair, it grows – have some fun!

gave me the confidence and encouragement to put my own creative stamp on it. I was no gardener when I first arrived here, but now it’s where you will usually find me.

We’ll be open every Wednesday and Friday, from late April until the end of September, and this year we have added Saturday openings in June and July. We will also open until October this year, so people can visit us in Blagdon after the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

How has the business been during lockdown?

We were able to open to visitors from July to September, and it was great to see people strolling around the garden again. It also gave us the chance to add a new shop and entrance, so now people can leave with their organic dairy goodness as well.

And because we weren’t running at full capacity we were able to host the BBC Two Your Garden Made Perfect team for a week last August, which was great fun. We introduced an online booking system and a limited number of tickets within two-hour time slots to ensure everyone had the space to visit safely and comfortably.

Tell us about your plans for the RHS show garden It’s been a dream of mine to exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show ever since I got into this gardening lark. I visit the show most years and have been waiting for the right moment to bring a slice of our Yeo Valley Organic Garden to Main Avenue.

We are fortunate to be working with Tom Massey on the Chelsea garden – he is so calm, creative and completely understands what we want to achieve

THE BIG INTERVIEW at the show. I have loved supporting him on his gorgeous design for our show garden, and most recently helping him redesign the planting for September.

It’s inspired by the real garden here in Blagdon, so we have selected some of the plants that will be doing their thing in Somerset to use in the show garden. Tom’s design features a diverse range of habitats and a rich tapestry of flowering plants, all chosen to encourage wildlife and support pollinators, mirroring the diversity of life found in the organic garden here in Blagdon.

What are the best things we can do for nature in our own gardens?

If you only do one thing this year to improve your garden’s value for nature, cut your grass less, or not at all. The UK’s climate is perfectly suited to allow grass, and the many species of beneficial plants that share our lawns, to thrive, but regular cutting deprives

“Allowing your lawn to grow for a single month can provide enough nectar for 10 times the amount of bees and other pollinators than a regularly cut lawn”

HOW GREEN IS YOUR GARDEN?

As well as cutting your lawn less, these easy things will also take you a step closer to gardening organically: DIG LESS – this helps maintain the soil’s balance of microorganisms that are constantly processing carbon and ensuring your plants have enough to eat.

FEED THE BIRDS WISELY – remove your bird feeders in the Spring, to encourage your feathered friends to predate on your bugs instead.

GROW MORE FLOWERS – Pollinators need us gardeners more than ever and the more nectar we can provide the better.

Find out more and book tickets to visit the garden online at yeovalley.co.uk/ the-organic-garden You can now also stay on site at Yeo Valley in Will’s Barn self-catering cottage: yeovalley.co.uk/wills-barn

essential pollinators of an important food source.

Allowing your lawn to grow naturally for just a single month can provide enough nectar for 10 times the amount of bees and other pollinators than a regularly cut lawn. The kids will love it and you’ll be giving the bees a much-needed boost.

At our Blagdon garden this year, two-thirds of the grass will not be mowed at all, leaving only the heavy footfall areas regularly trimmed. We’ll be showing throughout the year how less cutting not only improves your lawn’s value for nature, but can also provide a fun and cheap way to add more interest to your garden’s design. Anyone can join in – just visit the PlantLife website (below) to find out more and get signed up.

To amateur veg growers who say they’d love to be organic, what do you suggest for dealing with pesky slugs and snails?

A baby lettuce is nectar to a slug and an attack by cabbage whites will completely destroy a brassica.

We advise you not to over-cosset your youngsters and certainly don’t put them out into the veg patch until they are big and strong enough to survive slugageddon!

At the Yeo Valley Organic Garden we try to grow everything on in pots (old yoghurt, of course) until they are teenagers and much less attractive! And if you feel the wildlife has enough to eat elsewhere in the garden, and you’d like at least one hole-free crop, cover your brassicas, salads or other edibles with a fine horticultural mesh. Make sure it’s tight and hole free;, butterflies can be very determined when they’re laying. ■ For more yeovalley.co.uk plantlife.org.uk/uk

GARDENING

SARAH CHEETHAM

Speaking of gardening – which we are a lot, in this issue – it’s time to meet the owner of plant emporium Twig Plants . . .

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE I’VE FACED DURING LOCKDOWN... has been mental

exhaustion. I wasn’t aware how tiring it could be to constantly change and adapt the business. Keeping on top of the ever-changing news, and clearly communicating any adaptations and changes to my customers, took a lot of energy. But with the support of family and friends and numerous outdoor walks I got through it, and I am very grateful.

I’VE BEEN BOWLED OVER BY.... the amount of community and support for Twig. Customers have become friends and I wouldn’t have got to this point without them.

The small business community, and especially Holly Tucker of ot On The High Street, really kept me going in uncertain times.

HOUSE PLANTS ARE...

incredible air purifiers.

Humans and plants are reliant on each other; we’re completely connected. Plants need the carbon dioxide we breathe out to photosynthesise, and we need the oxygen all plants produce to survive. We wouldn’t be alive without plants.

WHO ARE YOU?

I am a 33 year old botanical enthusiast who loves wearing dungarees. I spent the majority of my twenties working and living in tropical rainforests round the world from Congo to Papua New Guinea.

I SET UP TWIG PLANTS... because of the multiple hidden benefits from being around nature, whether inside or out. I really noticed, coming back from eight years in the rainforest, how much I longed to be surrounded by plants and nature. At that point in my life I was living in a at in London; it was there that I started to build my first indoor jungle. y ever-growing green at was my calm sanctuary away from busy and bustling London life. I thought if it was having this effect on me, then other people might be thinking and feeling the same.

THE MAIN REASONS HOUSEPLANTS ARE SO POPULAR NOW IS DOWN TO . . . the discovery of their physical and mental health benefits. ASA’s study looking at the top air-purifying plants sparked curiosity. They are also aesthetically amazing! With easier access to the large exotic Amazonian beauties like the Alocasia Zebriana and Monstera Deliciosa to the rare and unusual host and Fishbone cacti means that the sky’s the limit when it comes to plants. Choosing plants that fit your personality has never been so easy.

IN MY TWO-BED BRISTOL FLAT...

I have nearly 60 different houseplants – crazy plant lady, for sure! [cue Alex, Sarah’s partner: “Are you kidding?

There’s 60 just in the living room...”]

APART FROM MY PLANTS... the things I love most in my home are my printed photo albums full of my conservation and travel adventures, a cosy uffy throw to curl up on the sofa, and my partner Alex.

WHEN EVERYTHING REOPENS...

I can’t wait to have brunch at The Bristolian.

That place is just amazing the food, the plants, the atmosphere, the ceramic sink in their bathroom. es please!

MY BEST HOUSEPLANT TIP... is before watering, always check the soil. o the finger poke and prod into the soil up to your first or second knuckle. For the majority of plants, if this top layer of soil is still wet then there’s no need to water. The most common houseplant cause of death is overwatering so if you do this it will minimise those chances. It’s only a bit of dirt, so get stuck in! ■ For more twigplants.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 57

MEET THE

VAN CONVERTER Whether you’re a ‘van lifer’ or fancy taking to the open road for a staycation, there’s never been a better time to invest in your campervan.

So who you gonna call . . .?

SPONSORED CONTENT

MATT THORPE

INFINITY CUSTOMS 0117 9679929; www.infinitycustoms.co.uk Who are you?

We are a bespoke van conversion company based in Bristol that specifically fulfils bespoke orders for our trade and public sector clients. We offer full custom-designed units for all makes and models of vehicles, motorhomes and even boats.

What do you specialise in?

We mainly specialise in undertaking projects that many other companies choose not to take on – purely because they are not on-the-shelf and require a fully bespoke design. We are very lucky to have full in-house design and cutting options which give us a nice edge in the market. It allows customers to sketch a design that we can then turn into a 3D CADM before we cut and build the design they have chosen. It’s nice that we are able to be a part of their journey and are able to make it a reality for them.

How has your business changed in the last 12 months?

During the last 12 months, we and many other van conversion companies have seen our orders more than double as more and more people realise the beauty of having your own contained unit, giving you the freedom to travel anywhere in the UK and create your own road trip and life experiences.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 61

SPONSORED CONTENT

SHELLY HOWLEY & ISSEY CANNON

HANDKRAFTED CAMPERS LTD Instagram @handkrafted_campers; www.handkraftedcampers.com How did your business begin?

It all began a few years back when we built our own quirky, off-grid home on wheels. She’s a big Mercedes 614D Bus that we called Joy. It was amazing exploring another country and having all you needed with you.

She has just had a beautiful revamp and will be on the market at the end of April 2021. Get in touch for more details.

What is your design style?

We focus on full conversions from van to camper. Our passion is to reclaim materials where possible. To combine simplicity with function and comfort.

We meet our clients’ needs, whether that be rustic or contemporary. Our experience living in a van means we understand the details that make a van feel like your very own home, wherever your park up – the little details that make you feel cosy and secure.

What experience do you have as a company?

We’ve built family campers, full sustainable adventure vans, full-time dwellings, small day vans, and have worked with people from all over.

The next campervan in the workshop will be a five-berth, self-contained adventure van for all the family or for you and your best friends and will be ready for rental in July 2021.

Do you offer custom floor plans?

Each campervan build is completely bespoke. The design process is really important. Normally, our clients have a rough idea of their perfect layout; we work with this to scale-draw their design to ensure everything about their camper comes to fruition. It’s all about you. We advise along the way and remain in close contact. 12 weeks later it all becomes a reality. It’s always a bit of a magical moment when our clients step inside and drive away.

I’m completely new to all of this, how can you help me?

If you’re hearing the call of the open road and you’re ready to get your van plan in motion, get in touch with us detailing the van you have or want, what you’d like to do and we’ll get started on a quote for you. We work on the basis that you supply the base van. Our process is collaborative. We are booked up for 2021 and are now accepting bookings from Jan 2022. The cost is variable and depends on the size of van, and your design spec.

JAMES SMITH

HOMESMITH CAMPERS 07394879979; www.homesmithcampers.com Why van converting?

Adventure has always been a big part of my life. After travelling the world, my family and I then lived the van life on a 12-month road trip across North America. A new passion evolved and Homesmith Campers was born.

What sets you apart?

With 16 years military experience as an RAF officer, I know the devil is in the detail. Working closely with a client ensures nothing is left to chance and they feel fully involved in the journey.

There is so much information out there, where do I start?

Think of the ‘5 Ws’: WHO is it for? Are you a family, a couple or adventuring solo?

WHAT are you going to use it for? Full-time van lifer, longer adventures or heading off on shorter escapes?

WHERE are you heading? UK, Europe or beyond? Chasing surf, snow, or a bit of both?

WHEN are you going to use it?

Fair-weather camper or hardcore four-season adventurer?

WHY do you want a campervan? To travel the world off-grid or explore campsites in comfort?

Do you have any tips for design?

With small spaces you’ve got to think multi-purpose, so clever design is key. Having a theme really helps bring it all together and make it bespoke and personal.

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

NICK TAYLOR-MASTERS, PHILIP TRIPPEDWARDS AND SCOTT HORNE HANG-10 CUSTOM CONVERSIONS 07495 381 753; www.hang-10.co.uk

What experience do you have as a company?

Well, we’re all van enthusiasts; Phil and Nick have been converting vans professionally for 10 years and Scott brings the business acumen to the table, as he runs a well-established company, and has done so for years.

What is your design style?

Practical/different with a big dose of lifestyle and wanderlust.

Will I be involved in the decision-making process?

100%. We are very happy to give our opinion but for us it’s all about delivering a van that does what you want it to. We’re not going to try to sell you a full conversion if a few carefully selected enhancements will deliver the desired outcome. Often ‘less is more’, you can always bring it back to have more done later down the line.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

It sounds a cliché, but we’re all about the customer journey. There are lots of van companies out there that will do a great job (us included) but we really want to get to know our customers and understand what they want from their vans so that we can make suggestions that will help deliver the best possible result for their specific needs.

SPONSORED CONTENT JASON MCDONNELL

DOMINIC KELLY

THE SOULFUL EXPLORER 07955381295; www.thesoulfulexplorer.co.uk

SOUTH WEST VAN CONVERSIONS 01761 451144; www.southwestvanconversions.com Tell us about your company?

We’re a small but growing friendly business with fully skilled, trained professionals. We pride ourselves on offering bespoke, high quality conversions and offer one-to- one consultations to arrange and discuss your exact requirements and budget.

From cost-efficient designs to high-spec projects, we can provide the perfect solution for your requirements.

What is your favourite part of the job?

I know I speak on behalf of my entire team when I say our favourite part of the job is customer satisfaction. A campervan opens up a world of opportunity, and we feel that excitement.

Will I be involved in the decision-making process?

Absolutely! Every decision is based on your vision. From our very first consultation until completion you’ll be involved every step of the way.

Is there any type of conversion you specialise in?

Yes; we are team VW, and ultimately that’s our specialty, although we have and do convert other van types.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our customers are the heart of our business and we believe we provide five-star service in all aspects. Our motto is “If you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life”.

What is your favourite part of the job?

We take real pride in what we build, it’s the best feeling working through the technical elements, taking care in your work and watching a conversion grow. It’s only second to that moment you have the big handover.

What experience do you have as a company?

For nearly six years we’ve lovingly produced many conversions, each one completely unique, giving us the experience and know-how to turn your ideas and dreams into a reality.

What’s your design style?

We like to step outside of the norm, creating bespoke conversions from scratch, carefully tailored to each customer. Think real wood, plenty of colour, lots of light, with high-quality kit and appliances ensuring great functionality and cosiness. We’ll work closely with you so that the end product is exactly what you imagined. See our Facebook page for more inspiration.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

We’re a small successful independent conversion company so each campervan is incredibly important, enabling us to focus all our skill and passion into each project. You’ll be guaranteed to get a high-quality campervan that really sets you apart from the crowd.

LEON CULLUM

APPLE COUNTY CUSTOMS 07813 697044 www.applecountycustoms.co.uk What experience do you have as a company?

Since starting the business a decade ago, we’ve grown to a team of six and have worked on thousands of vans. Everyone in our team has their own unique specialism ranging from auto electrics to pop-top roof fitting, so we’ve got a great variety of skills and experience between us.

What is your favourite part of the job?

The best part of the job is definitely when we complete the work and get to hand the finished campervans back to our clients. The vans undergo a huge transformation, so seeing the customer’s first reaction to their new camper never gets old!

What advice would you give to someone looking to get a van converted?

If I could give one piece of advice, I’d say do your research. It’s a very saturated market and there are hundreds of conversion companies out there who suit different people for different reasons.

Check company reviews, websites, and if you can, meet them in person to get an idea of them as a team and to see the

quality of their work firsthand.

How has coronavirus impacted your industry?

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, we’ve noticed a huge surge of interest in the camper community, with lots of people now looking to invest in their own van. Staycations are definitely going to be the way forward which is great because I honestly don’t think there’s a better way to spend a holiday in the UK than in your own custom-built camper van!

What services do you offer?

We specialise in working on Volkswagen Transporters (T5/T6) and offer everything from full camper van conversions to pop-top installations, window fitting, electric installations, exterior upgrades and lots more. We also sell fully converted campervans that are ready to drive away.

Are there any features in a campervan that you couldn’t go without?

First, I’d have to say a diesel heater.

Whichever season you choose to go camping, it’s surprising how cold it can get in the van (especially at night), so it’s nice to have the option to turn the heater on if temperatures drop! Secondly, I’d say a pop top roof because they’re great for adding height to the interior of the van as well as providing space for an extra bed.

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

divorce”? divorce”? Seven Seven things things to to avoid avoid a a look look out out for for

SPONSORED CONTENT

We know that a “good divorce” is one that fac We knowworking that a “good divorce” is one that facs lawyers; together to help things run lawyers; working together to help things run s relationship breakdown. relationship breakdown.

The Ince Metcalfes’ Family team outline what The Ince Metcalfes’ Family team outline what out for during your divorce proceedings: out for during your divorce proceedings:

SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT 1.

1.

Edward Chapman, corporate managing associate at INCE METCALFES, explains why this document could be the best investment youKerry everGraham make for 2. your business.

Kerry Graham Head of Family Law 2.

E

very company must have its own articles of association; a document which outlines the governing rules for how their company operates. These are publically available documents and can be found on the Companies House website. Fortunately, a set of template articles (known as model articles) are available for business owners, which are sufficient enough to get a company up and running.

However, as a company grows, and particularly if you have a number of different shareholders or are taking on external investment, it is advisable to consider amending the articles so they reflect your circumstances and future plans. The kind of things that should be covered are the day-to-day operation of the company (director decision-making) and what happens when a shareholder wishes to transfer their shares.

SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENTS Alongside the articles of association you can also have a shareholders’ agreement, which is a private document to govern the relationship between the shareholders. This is intended to be read together with the articles and should be worded so the documents do not conflict with each other.

There is no requirement to have a shareholders’ agreement, so why should you put one in place?

1. It is a private, secure document As a shareholders’ agreement generally does not need to be filed at Companies House, you can include things which you may rather keep private, such as dividend policies and restrictive covenants (to protect the company from exiting shareholders competing with the business after they leave).

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

Head of Family Law KerryGraham KerryGraham @incemetcalfes.com

2. It provides a solution for any future conflict You can also set out what happens in the event that shareholders disagree on decisions, which is particularly relevant in a 50/50 company with two shareholders. Any disagreement leads to deadlock and this can be difficult to manage. If this cannot be resolved between the shareholders then a variety of different mechanisms can be put in place to resolve matters.

3. It can set out dividend policies In the event you have a number of shareholders with different classes of shares it may be helpful to include a dividend policy, which ensures clarity on how profits are to be split.

The default position if you only have one class of shares is for dividends to be split pro-rata based on shareholdings. Where this may not be appropriate, you can tailor your approach to ensure shareholders are rewarded based on their involvement and contribution to the company.

4. It offers protection for minority shareholders It is common to include protections for minority shareholders in a shareholders’ agreement; in order to reserve certain decisions which can only be made with unanimous consent. This is particularly important where your company has investors who want to retain an element of control when it comes to overall strategy, and such investors will usually insist on these protections as a condition of their investment. The type of things that these protections (sometimes called negative pledges) cover include the ability to borrow money, to employee new staff or issue new shares to name a few.

5. Restrictions for exiting shareholders can be put in place After starting a business, it is important that you protect your company from any preventable

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Gordano January 2021 edition.indd 1 Gordano January 2021 edition.indd 1

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS Learning curve 56 universities from across the globe have committed to meeting the UN’s sustainability goals – and Bristol University is among them

T

he University of Bristol has joined universities from over 30 countries to sign a statement committing to joint action on reaching the UN’s 2030 sustainability goals.

At the first global online forum for university leaders, the institution committed to working alongside other universities to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs), in the Joint Statement of Global University Leaders on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The pandemic has slowed progress in meeting sustainability targets, and the purpose of the forum was to bring together leaders from some of the best universities in the world to share the UN’s visions and best practices on SDGs, and

explore opportunities for potential cooperation in safeguarding a sustainable future.

At the first online forum, presidents from universities across six continents committed to working together to meet the SDGs. The initiative includes five key aspects which all signatories have agreed to: implementing the concept of sustainable development, improving sustainable development competence, supporting scientific research in response to global challenges, working with global partners to provide innovative solutions and constructive transnational cooperation on specific issues.

Speakers reinforced how universities can work together to harness the power of technology to expand access to quality education. They also

discussed how they should draw on their academic ecosystem to support scientific collaborations and knowledge-transfer across disciplines.

“The organisation of the forum is timely, especially given the increasingly pivotal role of universities not only in fostering understanding and knowledge, but also in contributing to the building of knowledge-based societies and for the achievement of the SDGs,” said Stefania Giannini, assistant director general for education at UNESCO. “SDGs belong to each of us, and everything we do impacts on the achievement, in the aggregate, to SDG achievement,” said Nikhil Seth, assistant secretary-general of the United Nations.

For more bristol.ac.uk

THE BRISTOLWORKS INTERVIEW

The home front

S

SIMON HECKFORD explains how Oasys Property Solutions offers that little bit extra . . .

imon Heckford is the director of Oasys roperty Solutions, which designs and delivers residential building projects ranging from remodelling to new builds.

O S has been in business in Bristol for years; Simon has lived in the city for years, from Clifton to ictoria ark and Bishopston, to his current family home in edland.

“O S provides a turnkey solution to clients, but operates in a way which we believe offers advantages over the standard design and build model,” says Simon. We act on behalf of the client throughout, developing designs to suit the brief within a realistic budget, and appointing the appropriate trades to deliver the project, meticulously overseen by ourselves. We offer potential clients a free initial discussion to discuss their ideas and how we might be able to help them.

We read on the Oasys website that even when you were in primary school you were monitoring the conversion of garages into town houses from your bedroom. When did you first become fascinated with the world of property and interiors?

A long time ago! We moved to Bristol when I was eight, and I ‘helped’ my parents renovate the house over the subsequent years. y first real taste of construction came some time later when I went to Uganda over multiple years with the enture Scouts to help local Scouts build a head uarters, school and campsite overlooking the iver ile.

How and when did you come to start OPS?

I studied engineering and management at university, and then worked for large manufacturing

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

and contracting companies for several years. In I refurbished my own property in Bishopston, through which I ac uired a trusted network of trades and suppliers, and developed a keen interest in both designing and delivering residential projects. It was then that I decided to give up my job to establish O S, utilising my design and management skills, albeit in a different industry.

How did the company get its name?

The origins of Oasys are a stark contrast to what it is today, but it has no history relating to a rock group, or fruit drink. It was formerly a computer business in the early ’ s, owned by a family member. A decade later the company was available so it was logical to continue with the name.

You’re a director of both Oasys Property Solutions and Oasys Projects – how do they complement one another?

Oasys roperty Solutions is our main company and manages projects for clients.

Oasys rojects is a property development company focusing on

delivering high quality homes, using the skills and resources of O S. It is not fazed by challenging sites, and we should be pleased to talk to anyone who has land or buildings which may be suitable for redevelopment.

The ethos of Oasys roperty Solutions and Oasys rojects are very similar, with the focus on marrying exemplary design with a realistic budget, maximising bang for buck’.

Do you have a particular interiors style/philosophy?

The majority of our projects include remodelling and extending period properties that are typical of Bristol.

I am an advocate of producing a scheme that remains honest and sensitively pairs modern design with the host property, as opposed to attempting to replicate the original materials. any clients will present us with their own preferred styles and to that end we are mindful not to impose our own styles. We thrive on familiarising ourselves with different styles and this is one of the many interesting aspects of the projects we undertake. In recent years, projects have included Chinese feng shui, Scandinavian hygge and also Japanese tatami rooms.

BRISTOLWORKS

A Steph up . . .

Both photos: OPS’ refurbishment of a 1970s home in Wotton-Under-Edge

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Delivering projects that exceed the original expectations of the clients, and sharing the excitement of (cue the cheesy saying) making a house a home.

What’s the most unusual job you’ve taken on to date?

Several years ago we were approached by a young family wishing to extend and refurbish a 1970s property in Wotton-underEdge. The one key word which was at the forefront was hygge, a Danish term relating to cosiness and comfortable conviviality that incites contentment and wellbeing. They put all their trust in Oasys to develop a scheme, and were amenable to brave design that pushed the boundaries rather than following the pastiche.

The result was a bold, at-roofed extension that complemented the main property, and the bright orange front door originally incorporated in the concept designs for a bit of fun, followed through to the built form.

The project made quite an impression in the area, and to date we have been approached for 4 further projects in Wotton.

What trends are you seeing in interiors, and what effect has lockdown had on what people most want from their homes?

When undertaking projects we always consider the evolving needs of occupants and strive for the accommodation to be exible.

The pandemic has exacerbated this; perhaps the most obvious consequence being the need for working from home, but also home schooling.

Hopefully the pandemic will soon be a thing of the past, but for the foreseeable future I think working from home, at least for a portion of the week, where it is possible to do so, will continue.

Tell us about one or two recent projects that you’re particularly proud of

Last year we completed a large project that comprised the remodelling and refurbishing a town house in Cliftonwood. The clients really embraced the Oasys model, and fully recognised that there are inevitable challenges thrown up when working on a period property. However, the fantastic relationship between the project team and clients facilitated such events to be resolved with relative ease. I’ve no doubt this was helped by the client often volunteering to act as a labourer. He even joined the build team on the next project, which is testament to how well all parties jelled together.

For more: oasysps.com

MediaClash is pleased to announce the appointment of former events director Steph Dodd as managing director – a newly created role which coincides with Steph returning from maternity leave.

In addition to Bristol Life, MediaClash publishes ath ife ardi ife and eter iving magazines, and runs over 100 events, both virtually and in real life, such as the magazine and Property Awards in each city.

“This is a wonderful opportunity,” says Steph. “MediaClash has superb brands powered by a highly talented team. It has risen strongly to the challenges of the last year and I can’t wait to play my part in MediaClash’s next era.”

Steph has consistently impressed since joining us five years ago, rising excellently to every challenge,” said MediaClash founders Jane and Greg Ingham. “She brings drive, energy and dynamism, and is a great advocate for our values internally and externally.”

Steph joined MediaClash in 2016, having worked in magazines and events at Future plc. or more stephanie.dodd mediaclash.co.uk or greg.ingham mediaclash.co.uk

TOP OF THE CLASS Two senior appointments at Badminton School Badminton School has announced the appointment of Michael Waymouth as director of finance and operations.

Michael, who takes up his post on 1 July, joins the school after a distinguished army career and brings a truly international perspective along with a wealth of commercial and strategic experience from the Ministry of Defence.

The school has also appointed Heidi Pedlar as head of the Junior School. Heidi comes from Bristol Grammar School, where she is currently assistant head (pastoral and daily operations) and designated safeguarding lead. Heidi joins the school in September.

For more badmintonschool.co.uk

BRISTOLWORKS

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“TICK TOCK! NOMINATIONS CLOSE SOON!”

Get your entry in by 22 April!

L

ook lively! You can still win a prestigious Bristol Life Award – but you’ll need to get your nomination in before the cut-off date of 22 April.

Anyone can enter: it’s free via the Awards website. Winners gain marketing benefits, a magnificent trophy and the joy of being endorsed via Bristol’s biggest business ceremony.

“Write your nomination, share your story and then you, your team and your business might be a finalist or even winner at the Bristol Life Awards,” says Claudia Butler, events and brand manager at MediaClash.

There are massive benefits in being associated with the Awards – but please don’t leave it until too late.”

“The Awards celebrate all aspects of Bristol – from all areas of business to culture, arts and charity.

Everyone plays their part in shaping this city: from the smallest of indies to the largest of corporates. And

uniquely, they all come together in the Awards.

Winners receive coverage in Bristol Life, a handcrafted trophy and window stickers to proudly display, plus the long-lasting remembrance of an award-winning moment.

There’s also the special invitation to watch the Bristol Life Awards Grand Reveal Day, Wednesday 28 April via Zoom starting from 12pm. It’s sponsored by Bristol Sport and is free to attend; registration is on the Awards’ social media and website. It provides an unmissable opportunity to join dozens of businesses and companies from across the Bristol business community as we find out the 2021 Finalists – as well as to hear all the latest updates on the Awards.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Harriette Dixon: harriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.uk For more: bristollifeawards.co.uk @BristolLifeAwds

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Fancy winning a Bristol Life Award? It’s time to enter…

If your business is based in Bristol, and you’ve had a strong performance this past year, then enter for the chance to win . . .

TESTIMONIAL

SPONSORSHIPS For remaining options, please contact harriette.dixon @mediaclash.co.uk or neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk NOMINATIONS Open via website www.bristollifeawards.co.uk

TICKETS BRLA: updates when on sale.

Limited number of Silver Sponsorships including Table.

Please note: we sell out every year with many on the waiting list.

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

AWARDS The uberglam Bristol Life Awards will be held on 16 September 2021. Nothing beats being there…

SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for all updates.

“The Awards are a very enjoyable experience and a great insight into many other fascinating companies in the Bristol area. The quality of the entries is a testament to Bristol Life as an organisation, and I’m very much looking forward to the next Awards evening.”

Andrew Cheater LGT Vestra

After THIS year of all years, please NOMINATE for your teams: closing on 22 April

NOTHING BEATS BEING THERE… 16 SEPTEMBER 2021

HEADLINE SPONSOR

Initial sponsors

Commercial Property Consultants

Sponsorships available, please get in touch with harriette.dixon@mediaclash.co.uk events@mediaclash.co.uk

bristollifeawards.co.uk

@bristollifeawards

SPONSORED CONTENT

FAIR SHARES Did you start a new business during lockdown? You may need a shareholders’ agreement. Anna Sivula at AMD SOLICITORS can help.

D

espite a tumultuous year, the changing way in which we live and work has created opportunities for new business models to spring up and we have been pleased to advise many new business owners who have started a business during lockdown.

While setting up a business is an exciting time, it is worth setting aside some time to put in place the appropriate legal framework

to help support and protect your business through its early years. For a company with two or more shareholders, this includes creating a shareholders’ agreement to regulate how the shareholders work together.

A company’s internal affairs are regulated by the Companies Act 2006 (‘the Act’) and the Articles of Association. In addition to this, the shareholders can enter into a shareholders’ agreement which is a flexible way of regulating the rights and responsibilities of the individual shareholders. Some of the areas that are typically considered within a shareholders’ agreement include:

DECISION-MAKING The directors have control of the day-to-day management of the company, save for a limited number of decisions that require shareholder consent under the Act. The shareholders’ agreement can reserve additional decisions for the shareholders, other than just those required by statute which can be particularly useful if there are minority shareholders without a board seat.

shareholders first before they can sell the shares to a third party.

INCAPACITY OR DEATH A shareholders’ agreement can also specify what will happen to a shareholder’s shares in the event of their incapacity or death. Shareholders may need to hold frank conversations about how they can best balance the interests of the remaining shareholders and the incapacitated or deceased shareholder’s family members. For example, what should happen to their voting rights and dividends? Should the incapacitated or deceased shareholder’s shares be transferred to the remaining shareholders?

While there is no legal requirement to have a shareholders’ agreement, companies with two or more shareholders should consider putting one in place. There is less potential for serious conflict between shareholders when their roles and responsibilities have been clearly recorded at the outset, particularly in circumstances where emotions are likely to be running high on both sides. ■

SHARE TRANSFERS While all businesses start with a shared goal, the shareholders’ personal circumstances and objectives may change along the way. It is imperative to document the agreed terms at the earliest opportunity while the shareholders are still on the same page.

A departing shareholder may wish to sell their shares to whomever they choose, whereas the remaining shareholders may not want to end up in business with someone they had not chosen to work with. A shareholders’ agreement can balance these objectives by providing a clear procedure for share transfers, for example by requiring the selling shareholder to offer their shares to the remaining

For further advice and assistance on shareholders’ agreements and other company matters, please contact the Commercial team on 0117 9733 989 or fill out our contact form at amdsolicitors.com/contact www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 77

PROPERTY A PL ACE TO C ALL HOME

SOUTH VILLA Where period elegance meets 21st century luxury

By Ursula Cole

A PROPERTY PLACE TO CALL HOME

A

ppearances can be deceptive. We atter ourselves that we’re fairly well-versed in the local property scene we’ve been writing features about beautiful Bristol houses for years, after all but we were momentarily confused by South illa. ue to its classic good looks the facade combines brown stone with cream uoins, bow sashed windows, arched mullions and a balustrade we’d casually pinned it as a traditional early ictorian home, albeit one in extraordinary good nick, with no signs of ageing or weathering (perhaps this should have tipped us off).

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

In fact, the home was built as recently as , but skilfully designed to complement the neighbouring period properties in this elegant Canynge oad enclave.

What you get, then, is the best of both worlds; the style and dignity of a much older, classic home, without any of the problems that typically beset the owners of historic properties, in which anything that can go wrong, does, and with monotonous regularity.

As befits the dignity of this house, electrically operated gates open into a drive providing off-street parking. A ight of side steps lead to the front door, which opens into a wide hallway. As you may have guessed from the tall, narrow shape of the house, this is a home that stretches over several oors with two major rooms on each level. The ft kitchen occupies the lovely halloor front room with its deep bay; the drawing room at the back has a balcony looking across the back garden towards the playing fields of Clifton College.

The top two oors have an en suite apiece another very st-century mood. Heading down to the lower level, the garden oor has its own exterior door, and is practically self-contained in its own right, with a sitting room, en-suite bedroom, utility and cloakroom.

There’s obviously a huge amount of exibility in how you use all the space; the house was planned before a home o ce became an absolute must-have, but with four storeys at your disposal you’ll have no di culty at all in carving out a generous area for work.

PROPERTY

Every square foot of South Villa has been designed to create a sense of light and space, enhanced by a palette of pale Scandi greys, blues and whites, teamed with immaculate polished oorboards; the large bespoke kitchen breakfast room is a particular delight, with its marble worktops, central island and elegant storage.

Location-wise, it’s a total box-ticker. Clifton illage, the Suspension Bridge and Durdham Downs are just a walk away, the latter offering over acres of grassy space to wear out boisterous kids and dogs. Whiteladies oad is easily doable on foot or bike, too.

For al fresco relaxing and socialising at home, you’re comprehensively covered, thanks to a beautifully landscaped garden enclosed by high walls, in which a terrace is divided from a level astroturf lawn by wellstocked contemporary raised beds, echoed by a further border at the far end. ■

HOUSE NUMBERS Square footage Bedrooms

2,974 5

Bathrooms

5

Reception rooms

2

Garden Good-sized and delightfully landscaped Price

£1.95m

Where

Canynge Road

What else?

Period style meets 21st century luxury Lloyd Williams, 69 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton BS8 4DD; 0117 407 0113 lloyd.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 81

BRISTOL LIVES

“Our team all have different skills and personalities, which makes for an interesting office playlist” entertainment across two miles of the harbour. It might be old (its nearly 50) but it’s an incredible asset for the city.

It’s been a pretty tough few months, but our team is

KELLIE HASBURY The leader of Plaster Communications can more commonly be found behind the scenes, promoting her varied list of clients.

In this issue, however, we dragged her into the limelight…

I

t takes a special kind of comms ninja to host a positive, upbeat live-stream at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, when the weather isn’t playing ball, and not a single balloon has risen for three days. But then ‘upbeat’ and ‘positive’ are built into Kellie Hasbury’s DNA . . .

I moved to Bristol in 2005. I’d

spent a grand total of three hours here before that, sitting on the balcony at Mud Dock soaking up the rays, and deciding it must be like that all the time. We went to a club; I was wearing what I’d have worn in Leeds, and I didn’t fit in!

I love the creative people here, and Bristol’s unorthodox nature, which makes you think that anything might be possible.

At Plaster we’re very lucky to be the communications

team for some of the city’s most amazing events and companies, including Bristol

International Balloon Fiesta, St Monica Trust, WokyKo, Bristol Craft Beer Festival, Architecture Centre, Bedminster BID, Bristol Beacon – the list goes on. Thankfully we also have a very strong technology arm, specialising in emerging tech, AV and IT, otherwise we’d be in a bit of a pickle right now!

We’re fully integrated and we lead with ideation and strategy, but it’s the application

of those ideas that makes us unique – an idea is nothing without meticulous delivery.

Our longest standing client is Bristol Harbour Festival,

an event which really takes all of Bristol’s creative elements and crams them into two days of free

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

incredibly positive and talented.

They all have different skills and personalities, which is part of our strength, but blimey, makes for an interesting o ce playlist . . .

We worked on Breaking Bread last year, and it’s coming back for 2021! We’d worked with Josh

for five years previously, and he’s an amazing energy to be around, as are Tom, Dave and Penny from Team Love. They have an incredible passion for the city, creating things properly no matter how hard it is, and doing business in an ethical and sustainable way, which really rings true with our beliefs, too.

We worked with Bristol City Centre BID and other

city organisations to create the campaign #BristolTogether. We worked with Upfest to concept the 375 hearts across the city’s parks, which went more viral that we could ever have hoped. Singapore copied it, we had media enquiries from Mexico and Russia, and we were one of the BBC’s photos of 2020 in the annual round-up.

At Christmas, the amazing team from SLX helped us to light

one building every day through December to create a trail of light through the city. The whole project involved hundreds of people to make each one happen. So Bristol!

All-time highlights? Aaarghh! I loved working on Grillstock in its heyday, watching the chilli-eating

competition from the side of the stage while the milk is passed out to the contestants.

There’s a very funny story involving Bristol Beacon and Goldie, but not one for here… filming overnight with street artists who didn’t want to be seen in daylight for See No Evil... morning balloon lifts at 6am at the Fiesta – I’m not a morning person, so I might never have experienced that if it hadn’t been for work.

I love Bristol Sounds, which sadly isn’t happening this year, but Conal assures me he’s got some offers out to brilliant artists for next year. We work on Upfest too, and if that can happen then I’ll be really pleased. Bristol Craft Beer Festival was one of the only events to run last year. Tickets are nearly sold out for this year, and it’s in June, so it’ll be a moment to really raise a glass.

I bought a house on Whitehall Road when I moved here and

quickly discovered I lived next to the best pub in Bristol, The Plough, I feel like I was made for BS5.

Other favourite places are The Old Bookshop, Salt & Malt in Chew Valley and WokyKo Rooftop.

My secret skill is that I’m actually

uite a good shot with a ri e.

The box sets I binged on during lockdown were Call my Agent

– thanks to Bristol Life’s weekly newsletter – and The Fall – can’t be alone in the house now.

Immediately after answering these questions I’m making

salmon with my first ever attempt at wild garlic pesto foraged this weekend. I don’t even know myself any more . . .

For more: weareplaster.com