Bristol Life - Issue 306

ISSUE 306 / OCTOBER 2021 / AUTUMN LEAVES

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36

Ice, ice baby

Love Saves the Day, captured by Colin Moody.

It’s OK, Issuu! Mr Whippy just makes ice-cream . . .

PHOTO BY TIM WOOLF

EDITOR’S LETTER

ast issue, we had a bit of an issue with Issuu – the digital platform that uploads this magazine for your online reading pleasure.

Much to our surprise, an Issuu bot decided that our blameless September edition contained potentially offensive content, as if Bristol Life had suddenly turned into Oz. I wonder what Issuu will make of this new edition. Will the censorious bot be offended

by Nick Walker’s Moona Lisa on page 21?

Relax, Issuu; it’s art. You can see Nick’s bronze sculpture at the Vanguard show at M Shed; and if street art doesn’t float your boat – in which case you might be living in the wrong city, but never mind – you’ll find 21 more picks from the packed autumn arts season on page 18.

The summer of 2021 saw Bristol edging back towards normality, with the return of festivals, outdoor gigs and other large events. However, it was working on this autumn issue that really brought it home to us: with all the theatres and concert halls open again, and fresh new exhibitions filling the art galleries, Bristol really is looking like its old self.

Take the show featured on our cover.

Emma Rice started planning Wuthering Heights two years ago, but guess what got in the way? Yet now here we are, just ten days away from opening night at Bristol Old Vic; try telling us that’s not exciting.

Anything else? Oh yes! On 16 September we held the first live Bristol Life Awards since 2019. Look out for the full review in our next issue; I’ll be keeping the strapless frock on until then, as long as Issuu doesn’t have a problem with it.

DERI ROBINS Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

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Issue 306 / October 2021 COVER Wuthering Heights comes to Bristol Old Vic; photo

by Hugo Glendinning

ARTS

6

11 ARTS INTRO Gill power at Arnolfini 12 WHAT’S ON The (cultural) heat is on 18 ARTS Yes, yes, yes, it’s your autumn almanac 30 THEATRE Obsession, passion, cruelty and revenge

(and yes, we know you could get all that at home)

18

36 BRISTOL HEROES Bristol is a many-coloured thing 41 VERDICT Theatre’s back, and so is our Jamie

FOOD & DRINK

42 RESTAURANT Yet another great reason to move to

Southville

45 CAFÉ SOCIETY Stan goes in for the full brunch Monty 46 CHRISTMAS PARTIES Only *checks calendar* 86

more sleeps to go. Thought you’d like that . . .

56 RECIPE Squash season

SHOPPING

60 EDITOR’S CHOICE Join the cosy club 62 FASHION Walkies wear

LIFESTYLE

65 HEALTH & BEAUTY Bang on the money piece

BUSINESS

71 BRISTOLWORKS Feeling the white collars of

pro Bristol

PROPERTY

83 PROPERTY NEWS Building the city 85 JACK HEAD Buy-to-let dos and don’ts 88 SHOWCASE A Canynge plan

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT Stuff we thought you’d find interesting 9 BRIZZOGRAM Play misty for me 98 BRISTOL LIVES The contagiously enthusiastic

Beck Prior

45 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, Jack Head, Jamie Rees 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 West Country-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

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Film & TV

BRISTOL ON THE BOX

Eyes left for a sneak peek of Stephen Merchant’s soon-to-bebroadcast series, The Outlaws.

In the photos we can see (from the top) living legend Christopher Walken, in his first lead role for British TV; Bristol’s favourite and tallest homeboy Stephen Merchant, and Eleanor Tomlinson; also co-starring are Rhianne Barreto, Gamba Cole, Darren Boyd, Clare Perkins, Jessica Gunning and Charles Babalola.

The series follows seven strangers from different walks of life trying to complete a community payback sentence in Bristol. At first they appear to be easily-pigeonholed archetypes, but as we see behind their façades we come to understand what made them the people they are today.

The message? No one is all good or all bad, and everyone has a story.

As well as a character study and a comedy, it’s a thriller: as these unlikely new friendships intersect with complicated private lives, the Outlaws must unite to protect one of their own from Bristol’s most dangerous criminal gang…

The new six-part series will air this autumn on BBC One, bbc.co.uk

© BRIT T WILLOUGHBY DYER

SPOTLIGHT

We’d kill for that egg-shaped hide thingy...

Gardens

EVERYTHING IN THE GARDEN’S LOVELY

Congrats to Yeo Valley, who won a RHS Gold Medal for their garden at the Chelsea Flower Show last month.

Designed by Tom Massey and Sarah Mead, the garden was inspired by the real Yeo Valley organic garden and farm at Blagdon. It was designed to highlight the benefits of organic gardening, and how taking small steps to work with nature makes a positive impact on wildlife and plant biodiversity. More in our next issue.

For more: yeovalley.co.uk/chelsea

Civic

SIGNS O’ THE TIMES Art & science

THE MOON’S A BALLOON In August, Bristol Cathedral hosted Bristol artist Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon: a 1:500,000 scale model using NASA photography printed onto a balloon made by Cameron’s.

In the 18 days it showed at the cathedral, over 65,000 visitors came through the doors – more than any other exhibition in its history – raising £13,000 for homeless charity St Mungo’s in the process.

Just look how immense it looks, nestled among those Gothic arches...

For more: bristol-cathedral.co.uk

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A new campaign to raise safety awarenesss has been launched by the Council, in collaboration with universities and venues across the city, with five themes offering advice and support to anyone enjoying Bristol’s night life.

Timed to welcome the new student community to the city, the campaign offers insights into drugs and alcohol harm-reduction, women’s safety, looking out for your friends and stopping harassment. It aims to improve confidence in the night-time economy, which reopened on 19 July for the first time since March 2020.

The signs and social media posts include warnings not to swim in the harbour, which from every point of view – pollution, temperature, currents – is a really bad idea, mkay? Especially after dark. And extra-especially after dark after drinking…

For more: bristolnights.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT

TURNER ROUND, BRIGHT EYES...

It’s autumn, the mists are moving in, and Bristol‘s photographers have apparently reinvented themselves as Impressionist artists . . .

@sambinding

@theperkspective

@mikeyknighty

@aaronpjsims

@moodycolin319

@kruggy01

@eddcope

@sambinding

@lz.bristol

@kruggy01

@josh.perrett

@theperkspective

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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

COMING UP FOR AIR

The excellent Bristol Photo Festival has announced its autumn programme, and everyone seems very excited about one particular show: it’s at Arnolfini, and it celebrates over 30 years of extraordinary work from Bristol-born photographer Stephen Gill.

Having been bitten by the photography bug in childhood, the young Stephen enrolled in a course at Watershed, when he photographed local streets and cityscapes; he was further inspired by the exhibition Graffiti Art at Arnolfini in 1985.

Creating numerous distinct bodies of work, Stephen has built his career upon experimentation, eschewing a signature style in order to adapt both his creative and technical approach to his subjects, from photographic burials to floral collages and in-camera photograms.

In Stephen’s unique world, the constraints of photography are turned upon their head.

Exploring this vast resource for its new exhibition, artist proofs, original photo books and archival material will be displayed alongside prints, selected by the artist, highlighting the often unseen poetics of urban and rural environments.

From The Pillar © Stephen Gill

Coming up for Air: Stephen Gill – A Retrospective shows at Arnolfini 16 October- 16 January 2022

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The angelic-faced one brings their signature angst to Bristol: Mae Martin at St George’s

1 October-1 November 2021 Modernist, Lips Touched with Blood by ART Sarah Waiswa; bristolphotofestival.org Until 17 October

NICK DARTNELL A chance to buy directly from the artist, whose recent realist style has mainly focused on images from Notting Hill Carnival and Southern India. At Cass Art; nicdartnell.com

Until 24 October

IN PROGRESS Solo shows by five of today’s most innovative photographers and photo-based artists. At RPS, rps.org

Until 31 October

VANGUARD Another few more weeks to catch this mega exhibition at M Shed, celebrating the role of Bristol’s creatives in the development of UK street art. bristolmuseums.org.uk ISLAND LIFE Fascinating exhibition of photos showing the UK at play, protest and leisure, at Bristol Museum. Also showing: James Barnor’s Ghanaian

Until 19 December

THILDE JENSEN: I AM NOT INVISIBLE The result of Thilde’s four-year project documenting the homeless community in America; at MPF martinparrfoundation.org

16 October-16 January

STEPHEN GILL: COMING UP FOR AIR The Bristol photographer gets a major retrospective at Arnolfini; see page 11.

SHOWS

Until 2 October

THEATRE ON THE DOWNS Catch the final knockings of Wardrobe Theatre’s excellent theatrefest in a specially built big top; theatreonthedowns.co.uk THE GREAT GATSBY This stripped-back female two-

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hander from Wardrobe Ensemble comes the closest we’ve ever seen to the spirit of the book, thanks to the large verbatim chunks of narration typically omitted from the big-budget movies. thewardrobetheatre.com PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT The dragtastic classic sees Tick, Adam and Bernadette digging out the wigs, heels and all the glitter to put on the show of the lifetime once again. Sass central. Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

4-6 October

SUBMISSION When a woman wakes in a cold, dark basement unaware of how she got there, she quickly realises she is not alone; two others share her fate.

Black Doh productions at Alma Tavern; tickettailor.com

4-10 October

CAN I LIVE? Through hip-hop and spoken word, Fehinti Balogun tells the story of a young Black British man whose path is changed forever by what he’s learnt about the world; bristololdvic.org.uk

6-9 October

THE ADDAMS FAMILY Click-click: Sam Womack is our

© DAVID LEVENE

WHAT’S ON

CIRCUS CITY Until 16 October

It feels a long time since Bristol hosted a multi-date, multi-venue, multi-artform, multi-national festival of live performance.

This month, though, we get to feast our eyes on the UK’s biggest celebration of contemporary circus, with an international line-up of indoor and outdoor events combining circus skills with music, film, theatre, urban dance, juggling, Chinese pole, tipsy hoop swirling, and a jukebox cabaret of camp classics which may or may not require you to sing along to YMCA...

Loads of shows, see website bristolcircuscity.com

WHAT’S ON MUSIC 1-2 October PHOTO BY MARTIN JONES

A CELEBRATION OF KEITH TIPPETT Bristol Beacon and St George’s co-host a weekend of music celebrating the inimitable jazzer; various venues, bristolbeacon.org

3 October

Morticia and Cameron Blakely our Gomez, at Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

HENGE Attention Earth! This is Henge. They come in the name of rave. They bring you the gift of Cosmic Dross as they destroy your world with weapons of war... trinitybristol.org.uk

9 October-6 November

7 October

WUTHERING HEIGHTS Emma Rice takes on the Brontë classic, with Lucy McCormick as Cathy; see page 30. bristololdvic.org.uk

FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS Huey Morgan and the lads burst onto the music scene in 1996, gate- crashing the Britpop party with their signature blend of Lower East Side charm, in a refreshing cocktail of rock ’n’ roll, funk, blues, soul, hip hop and jazz.

At O2; academymusicgroup.com

12-16 October

9-5 Stumble to the kitchen, pour yourself a cup of ambition; the new West End production based on the Dolly Parton movie is here, and it literally means business; at Hippodrome; atgtickets.com A NUMBER You have a son you dislike. Your wife is dead. What do you do? How far would you go to get a better one? As in, one you like? Caryl Churchill takes her trademark look at questions of moral inquiry at Alma Tavern; tickettailor.com

19-23 October top:

Bombin’ at Vanguard Film Fest middle: Literally everyone’s talking about him: Jamie at the Hippodrome bottom: Sian Davey’s Slumbering Boy has yet to wake up at Island Life

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE They certainly are; there’s even a new movie of the play. Find out why everyone’s not just talking about but loving this hero, while getting yourself a slice of the funny and the feelgood, at Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

26-27 October

HARVEY GREENFIELD IS RUNNING LATE One-man piece of comedic theatre with Paul Richards asks a simple question: is it possible to please everyone, all of the time? And at what cost to your family and health? Alma Tavern; tickettailor.com

26-30 October

WELSH NATIONAL OPERA Red-letter days for opera buffs, as the Welsh wizards bring their current take on Madam Butterfly, Puccini’s soaring tragedy of unrequited love (26-28 October), and Rossini’s witty Barber of Seville (29-30 October) to Bristol Hippodrome; tgtickets.com

EDDI READER Scotland’s greatest living female rock singer celebrates her 40th year with a special tour. It’s got to be-e-e-e perfect.

St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

12 October

THE STAVES Sororal indie-folk trio Jess, Milly and Emily bring their Good Woman album tour to O2; academymusicgroup.com

13 October

FONTAINES DC The Dublin lads have followed their acclaimed first album with A Hero’s Death, a poetic and brilliant follow-up; now they’re coming to O2. academymusicgroup.com

14 October

TURIN BRAKES The Brakes bring classic album The Optimist back to the live stage; O2’s, to be precise. academymusicgroup.com

31 October

KASABIAN An intimate show, promising all the classic tracks, plus something new too. At O2; academymusicgroup.com

COMEDY

2 October

SAM AVERY: TODDLERGEDDON Yet another once-young-andfootloose male stand-up discovers the joys of parenthood; Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

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‘Mellow’, Solo exhibition by Michael G Clark PAI RSW October 16 - November 16 84 Hotwell Road, Bristol, BS8 4UB. Tel: 0117 929 2527.

www.limetreegallery.com

WHAT’S ON Stand-up’s back, baby! top: What happens when pure comedy takes human form?

Ross reveals all at the Hippodrome; below: voicethrowing queen Nina brings her big lips to BOV

himself, and tries to decide if he has any traits at all that are worth passing on to his children. redgravetheatre.com

31 October

NINA CONTI: THE DATING SHOW The quick-thinking queen of ventriloquism brings you her pioneering new dating show. Think Cilla, but with masks. At Bristol old Vic, bristololdvic.org.uk

10 October

ROB BECKETT: WALLOP The marff of the sarff is coming this way to make us larrff; Bristol Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

The mainstream cinefest returns with a massive programme that runs right the way through until the end of December.

The 2021 season kicks off on 1 October with two Coen Brothers bangers in Redcliffe Caves: crime caper Fargo and (bring a flask of White Russian!) cult comedy classic The Big Lebowski. Also in the Caves on 2 October are Donnie Darko, Quatermass and the Pit, Se7en, The Breakfast Club and Silence of the Lambs, while on 3 October we have Doctor Who Cue the Tubular Bells.... and the Daleks, Midsommar and The Shape of Water.

Head over to Arnos Grave Cemetery on 20 October for Michael Keating’s first Batman, and the slightly more site-specific The Corpse Bride and Sleepy Hollow; ditto Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd on the 21st.

In a new and typically appropriate venue for the fest, 23 October sees Up at Clifton Observatory, along with La La Land, while we’re in familiar territory on 25 October when Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure shows at Bristol Museum; on the 28th, because it’s nearly Halloween, it’s Hocus Pocus and The Witch.

The Naked Gun shows at The Station on the 27th, then it’s back down to the Caves for Midsommar again on the 29th, and a proper fright night (actually, a full day) with A Nightmare on Elm Street, Frankenstein, The Babadook, The Lighthouse, What we do in the Shadows and Suspira on the 30th. The spookiest night of the year sees Suspira again, joining Dracula (the Bela Lugosi version, none of your Hammer Horror kitsch), The Descent, The Exorcist and The Thing on the 31st.

OK, so it’s not the Sundance Film Festival. It’s not Cannes. It’s not even the Scala Cinema in its heyday. But it’s good, clean fun, in some pretty iconic settings. We’ll cover the November/December screenings in our next issue. bristolfilmfestival.com

20-21 October

JIMMY CARR: TERRIBLY FUNNY The one-line maestro comes to the Hippodrome with jokes about all kinds of terrible things. The easily offended should probably stop at home. Hippodrome. atgtickets.com

FESTIVAL OF THE FUTURE CITY Mega public debate about the future of cities, with politicians, writers, artists, scientists, change-makers, economists, futurists, policy makers, philosophers and so on tackling themes that range from social justice to sustainability. Both IRL at Watershed and online. Fascinating stuff. bristolideas.co.uk

24 October

13-14 October

17 October

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL

OTHER

ROSS NOBLE: HUMOURNOID What happens when pure comedy takes human form? What happens when a creature is created and bred to do stand up? Nobody knows, because that isn’t a thing. What is a thing is Ross Noble doing a new show.

Hippodrome. atgtickets.com

25 October

MAE MARTIN: SAP Mae looks at the uphill battle of trying to do the right thing in a world that sometimes seems to have lost its moral compass. With their characteristically manic self-reflection, they bounce between vice and virtue, optimism and pessimism, the urge to be our best selves versus the urge to give in to our more base instincts. But it’s not all big questions – there’s also a lot about sloths, moose, hot dogs, love, and tree sap. We love them. St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

24 October

JAYDE ADAMS: THE BALLAD OF KYLIE JENNER’S OLD FACE If you want to be a successful woman in 2019, it’s time to get serious. If pop stars, razors and even sausage rolls can attach themselves to important movements to sell themselves, why can’t Jayde? At Bristol Old Vic, bristololdvic.org.uk

26 October

ED BYRNE: IF I’M HONEST One of the finest observational comics on the scene takes a long, hard look at

BLUE EARTH SUMMIT A cross-section of positive thinkers across business, the outdoor industries, elite sport, academia, politics, activism and sustainability challenges us all to commit to values and habits for the common good;.

At The Marble Factory and The Wave, blueearthsummit.com

22-24 October

THE WORKING CLASS WRITERS FESTIVAL A dynamic new festival aiming to enhance, encourage and increase representation from the working class across the country, while connecting authors, readers, agents and editors. Various venues; bristolideas.co.uk

23-24 October

VANGUARD X VANS: ON THE SCREEN On 23 October, Shextreme Film Festival shines a light on the incredible women making waves in extreme sports; on the 24th, Vanguard Film Festival captures the global street art scene on film, from the Bronx to Bristol. arnolfini.org.uk

12 November

BRISTOL PROPERTY AWARDS Celebrate the dynamic Bristol property sector, from residential to commercial, from lettings to new builds, from civic buildings to bold re-imaginings. At Ashton Gate; bristolpropertyawards.co.uk n

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One of the faces of 2021: Mae at St G’s

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ARTS

t’s been a weird old time for Bristol’s arts venues. During the past 18 months, they’ve closed, reopened, closed again, shrugged, and largely moved their offering online. But right here, right now, in October of 2021, we’re looking at an almost normal programme. We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to get stuck in Here are 22 brilliant ideas to help you get your culture on between now and Christmas.

1

CATHY COME HOME “I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!”

The greatest Gothic novel and sort-of love story of all time launches the Bristol Old Vic autumn season. “We couldn’t reopen with just any show – it had to be a brand-new one,” says comms manager Amanda Adams. “Wuthering Heights is a big, passionate story of love, revenge, jealousy and rage, all wrapped up in director Emma Rice’s bold and brilliant style.

“There will be music and dancing like you’ve never seen, as the world’s most dysfunctional relationship, between Cathy and Heathcliff, is given the Wise Children treatment. Whatever you think you know about the novel, prepare to have your imagination set alight!”

See also page 30.

Bristol Old Vic, 11 October-6 November; bristololdvic.org.uk

2

GO AND ADORE MAE MARTIN Can everyone please calm down? The co-writer and BAFTAnominated star of Netfl ix sitcom Feel Good, and star of their own Netfl ix stand-up special, is at St George’s, looking at the uphill battle of trying to do the right thing in a world that sometimes seems to have lost its moral compass. With their characteristically manic selfreflection, they bounce between vice and virtue, optimism and

“It’s not all big questions; there’s also a lot about sloths, moose, hot dogs, love and tree sap...”

You spin me right round, baby. Right round

3

DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME, KIDS There’s still time to catch the fi nal fortnight of Circus City, the UK’s biggest celebration of contemporary circus, with an international line-up of indoor and outdoor events combining circus skills with music, fi lm, theatre, urban dance, juggling, Chinese pole, tipsy hoop swirling, and a jukebox cabaret of camp classics, which may or may not require you to sing along to YMCA...

Until 16 October, various venues, bristolcircuscity.com

pessimism, the urge to be our best selves v. the urge to gleefully give in to more base instincts. But it’s not all big questions – there’s also a lot about sloths, moose, hot dogs, love, and tree sap...

St George’s Bristol, 25 October; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Creature comforts: Howard and Stu take on Frankenstein

4

CATCH A CULT CLASSIC Bristol Film Fest is back, and all over the city between now and the end of the year. There are lots of site-specific horror screenings at Redcliffe Caves around Halloween, but most other genres are pretty well represented, from cult comedy to action pics and rom com. It’s all fairly mainstream –this ain’t the Sundance Film Fest – but good clean fun nevertheless.

Until end of December, various venues; bristolfilmfestival.com

5

DO THE MONSTER MASH Not since Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein has Mary Shelley’s horror staple come with so many laughs. It’s Howard and Stu of Living Spit, of course, whose latest creation, Frankenstein: the Musical ropes in original tunes, puppets, grotesque gags and diabolically desperate dance moves.

2-13 November, Tobacco Factory Theatres; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

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ARTS

Tenderness and occasional pyrotechnics: Isata at St G’s

8

HEAR SOME WORLD-CLASS IVORY TICKLING St George’s Bristol’s Keyboard Festival returns between 29 October-5 November, celebrating keyboards of all shapes and sizes, while Isata Kanneh-Mason is in on 3 December for her debut solo recital – think classical elegance, tenderness and pathos, and the occasional flare of keyboard pyrotechnics. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

6

Pump up the volume: Ronni Size and Krust in Bristol Sounds by Mark Simmons

MARVEL AT THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE WHOLE DAMN WORLD Before we get stuck into the Bristol Photo Fest’s new autumn programme, here’s one last reminder: you have until 31 October to catch Island Life, the Martin Parr-curated exhibition of photojournalism from postwar Britain and Ireland. It’s immense; we won’t tell you again.

So, BPF, what’s new for autumn?

“The Stephen Gill retrospective at the Arnolfi ni is a highlight,” says Eleanor Macnair. “Stephen was born in Bristol, so it’s great that such a significant exhibition is being held in his home city. Another show fi rmly rooted in Bristol is Mark Simmons’ High Volume: Bristol Sounds, in which Mark has delved through his extensive

archive to fi nd photographs representing Bristol’s music scene over the past 40 years. Then there’s Thilde Jensen’s exhibition at Martin Parr Foundation – sensitive work capturing the homeless community in the US.” Various venues; bristolphotofestival.org

7

DRINK RUM WITH EXPATS So, how does a hilarious and passionate exploration of British expat culture in Malta and terrifying political corruption sound?

From our small island in the sea to another small island in the sea, the multi award-winning Sh!t Theatre fi nd mystery and murder in the fight to be European. It also provides them with another excellent excuse for to get drunk on stage. It’s won five-star reviews everywhere.

The Wardrobe 4-9 October; thewardrobetheatre.com

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Sh!t Theatre.

Any excuse to drink on stage

“Nick Walker’s bronze of Moona Lisa has been busily grabbing the national headlines”

9

TAKE A WALKER THE WILD SIDE There are too many highlights at the Vanguard street art exhibition to list here, but Nick Walker’s newly arrived bronze sculpture of his Moona Lisa is the one grabbing the national headlines.

The exhibition also brings together one of the largest collections of original works and memorabilia of street art ever seen in the UK, with new and original pieces

by Andy Council, Bill Posters, Conor Harrington, Dicy, Eko, Feek, Filthy Luker, Inkie, Mr Jago, Paris, Rowdy, Sickboy, Swoon, Will Barras and Xenz and many, many others, along with a truly impressive archive collection.

See the show, get the T-shirt, buy the album, drink the lager brewed by Bristol Beer Factory in its honour . . .

Until 31 October, M Shed; bristolmuseums.org.uk

10

HEAR WHAT’S GOING ON This autumn, St George’s are launching two big new programming themes.

Rebel Music looks at politics, protest and progress through music, beginning with Nu Civilisation Orchestra’s What’s Going On, a celebration of the 50 year anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s seminal album, on 12 November.

Next up, Nature Reconnect kicks in with Arctic Ice Music on 18 November, with pioneering ice instruments, Scandinavia’s best jazz musicians, and Inuit, Sami and Siberian singers.

St George’s Bristol, stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

Shouting words of wisdom: it’s far too late to let it be. Strike a Light at TFT

Rhod’s back on tour with The Book of John, and this time it’s personal

“Only have time to see one stand-up? Let it be Rhod...”

11

LAUGH YOURSELF SILLY The end of lockdown has opened the floodgates for the cream of the stand-up circuit, and they’re all headed our way. Big guns Rhod Gilbert, Rob Beckett, Jimmy Carr and Ross Noble all play the Hippodrome; Jayde Adams, Nina Conti, John Shuttleworth, Bridget Christie and Sofie Hagen are at Bristol Old Vic; Sam Avery and Ed Byrne are at Redgrave, Ed Gamble, Tiff Stevenson at the Wardrobe, with Ellie Taylor and Michael Spicer at TFT. Only got time for one? Make it Rhod, for god’s sake. Various venues and dates

12

Marvin Gaye’s song cycle reaches its 50th anniversary, and Nu Civilisation are here for it

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STRIKE A LIGHT In 2019, theatre company Strike a Light met a group of teenage climate activists from Gloucester.

They were protesting in the streets, shouting for their future and shouting in the wind; shouting words of wisdom, and shouting beautifully crafted speeches that would put many politicians to shame. They were often met with abuse.

Strike A Light offered them space to hold their meetings, and two years later co-created a new intimate show, I Stand For What I Stand On with a live cast of four climate strikers and a global digital cast of young activists.

12-13 October, Tobacco Factory Theatres, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

ARTS

13

VISIT A GALLERY Bristol’s art galleries were among the fi rst venues to reopen, at a time when concert halls and theatres remained fi rmly shut. Make up for lost time by visiting the likes of Spike Island, where American artist Peggy Ahwesh shows Vision Machines – single-channel fi lms and video installations made between 1993 and 2019, forged in the ruins of originality and authority. spikeisland.org.uk From 16 October, Lime Tree Gallery hosts Mellow, a solo show of subtle, tonal paintings

by Michael Clark; it’s following this from 25 November with a Christmas exhibition of varied and joyous work by multiple artists; limetreegallery.com.

Meanwhile from 4-18 November, Trymwood Studios hosts Decline of the Eels, new work by Somerset-based artist Julia Manning, inspired by the decline of eels in our waterways. trymwoodstudios.co.uk

15

BOP ABOUT AT O2 Big, sweaty gigs are back at O2, with crowd-pleasers/nostalgiapanderers of the ilk of Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Fontaines DC, Turin Brakes and Kasabian in October, Heaven 17, Suede, Billy Bragg, Glass Animals and The Charlatans in November, and Sleaford Mods and UB40 in December.

Fancy a tribute band? The Bootleg Beatles have been together far longer than the actual Fab Four, while Bjorn Again are subject to fewer marital handbags than Abba.

O2, academymusicgroup.com

16 Probing the critical potential of play: Vision Machines at Spike Island

14

TRY NOT TO LICK THE EXHIBITS Love food?

Love photography? Love food photography? Clear the diary

then, because the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year premières at The Royal Photographic Society for its 10th anniversary exhibition.

Through over 20 categories,

from the politics of food to food portraiture, the images capture the great sweep of stories and cultures in the world of food.

20 November1-2 December, RPS; rps.org

HIT THE TRAIL The art trails, that is, showcasing the work of hundreds of fi ne artists, photographers, ceramicists, printmakers and sculptors; meet them in their studios, talk to them about their work and maybe buy directly from them.

The West Bristol Arts Trail returns 16-17 October, with over 50 homes, studios and public spaces open to the public (westbristolarts.com); North Bristol Artists celebrates its 20th trail between 27-28 November; it’s the ideal way to pick up Christmas gifts while chatting to artists and saying howdy to the neighbours. northbristolartists.org.uk

Answer the Gamba ©Allen Markey

“The images capture the great sweep of stories in the world of food” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23

ARTS

17

SEE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN DANCING …in Stephen Merchant’s new Bristol-based show The Outlaws, which follows seven strangers from different walks of life who are forced together to complete a community payback sentence.

See page 6 for more; bbc.co.uk

18

HANG OUT WITH CASPER, DESEAN, AND KRYSTAL Bravely taking on 007 at the box office, Other Parties is showing its first film at Watershed between 8 -14. Directed by Elegance Bratton, Pier Kids is a documentary about three gay and transgender youth of colour who find themselves homeless after coming out to their families, and find community and chosen tribe around New York City’s Christopher Street Pier.

The film is an immersive and timely reminder of the difficulty and marginalisation of vulnerable queer youths, especially those of colour, and has been described as a spiritual continuation of the classic documentary Paris is Burning.

8-14 October, Watershed; watershed.co.uk

above: Christopher Walken shows us his moves in The Outlaws; below: Krystal gets party-ready in Pier Kids; right: Gagana Mendis Wickramasinghe’s Lockdown chicks, Wildlife Photographer of the Year. (PS Gagana’s only ten years old. Ten!!)

19

MARVEL AT THE BEAUTY OF THE PLANET The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition returns to M Shed in November, and you know what that means: four pages of Bristol Life will instantly, miraculously fill up with wonder and beauty during the busiest time in our publishing schedule.

It’s like their annual Christmas gift to us.

27 November-5 June, M Shed bristolmuseums.org.uk

“Bravely taking 007 on at the box office is Pier Kids, a documentary about three gay and transgender youth of colour facing homelessness in NYC” 24 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Bristol Prints Limited Edition Giclée Prints

by Elaine Shaw

Bridge at Sunset

Still Harbour

111 Coldharbour Road, BS6 7SD tel: 0117 944 6244 | email: art@coldharbour.co.uk

Bridge at Dusk

The Perfect Gift Available to buy online View the full collection at www.elaineshawart.com elaine@elaineshaw.com

Horizon Lines

An exhibition of new work by Laura Cramer 8th October to 12th November www.coldharbourgallery.co.uk | x @coldharbourgallery

ARTS

21

FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD The festive biggie for the TFT is OZ, adapted

by Tobacco Factory Theatres and Pins and Needles from The Wizard of Oz books by L. Frank Baum. Expect imaginative storytelling, original live music and family-friendly humour; wearing red glittery shoes optimum but not compulsory.

10 Dec-9 January, Tobacco Factory Theatres; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

LEFT: Off to see the wizard at TFT; BELOW:

These little women want to change the world. But first they’ve got to save it…

20

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY MEN LITTLE

CHRISTMAS “We’re gearing up for the best BOV tradition of all: the Christmas Show,” says Amanda Adams at Bristol old Vic. “We’ve got a bit of a reputation for creating magic each year at Christmas – shows like Swallows and Amazons, Peter Pan and A Christmas Carol went on to become West End smashes or recordbreaking hits, and after the last 18 months it’s time to roll up our

22

HANG OUT WITH THE MARCH SISTERS “Christmas won’t be Christmas without big guns, laser cannons and scary aliens,” grumbled Jo… In its usual anarchic alternative to Chrimbo family fare, Wardrobe Theatre takes Little Women and injects all the guns, gore and sweet 1990s tunes that Louisa May Alcott unaccountably forgot, for new mash-up Little Women In Black.

Desperate to seek out life beyond their 1860s Massachusetts homestead, the four March sisters are impatient to prove themselves. But after a close encounter, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy are on an intergalactic collision course with the worst scum in the universe, and now need to swap their needlework for neuralysers… ■ 18 November-16 January, The Wardrobe Theatre; thewardrobetheatre.com

sleeves and get cracking on the next Christmas show.

“A new Robin Hood story is coming to Bristol Old Vic, bursting with adventure, music and laughs, with a big helping of love and family fun, made in partnership with the mighty Wardrobe Ensemble. A family show at Bristol Old Vic has been a long time coming and we know you’re going to love it.”

25 Nov – 8 Jan, Bristol Old Vic; bristololdvic.org.uk

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

THEATRE

WILD AT HEART Wuthering Heights – if it’s not a romance, what is it?

Find out this month, when Wise Children bring Emily Brontë’s Gothic masterpiece to the stage…

W

e’ve waited a long time to discover what Emma Rice has planned for her much-postponed adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Now it’s happening, we’re keener than a keen thing to hear all the deets; but it would be impolite not to start by asking Emma how the past 18 months have been for her and her theatre company, Wise Children.

“Like everyone else, we were thrown from one crisis and emotion into another, as we struggled to control what was basically uncontrollable,” she says. “We had to give in to uncertainty; something I am very bad at.

“One big win, however, is that we have fast-tracked all the digital strands of our work, and found ourselves industry leaders in live broadcasting and online output.

“We all ‘skilled up’. Our sound designer became our vision mixer, our stills photographer became our head of photography, and our cameras were operated by members of the office and stage management teams.

This made our broadcasts a shared adventure, while ensuring that our virtual audience experienced a genuinely Wise Children event.

“We all loved it; it was so exhilarating, it felt like we were theatrically skydiving. It also helped keep our extended family in employment, which is something that matters greatly to us. We are now committed to live broadcasting every one of our shows.”

OK. Wuthering Heights, then. English literature is hardly short of heroes to fangirl over. Darcy. Rochester. Heathcliff. Christian Gray (just kidding!). Which brooding hunk appealed to the young Emma?

“I was definitely a Heathcliff girl! My family were big campers in the 1970s, and many a wet weekend was spent in Derbyshire and Yorkshire. I remember walking up to Upper Withins, the place that is thought to have inspired Wuthering Heights, and being a little disappointed by how small it was. I was intoxicated by the moors, though, and the Brontë parsonage, and the sheer wildness of that world.”

Out of this wild, unforgiving setting, the relationship between Heathcliff and Cathy seems to grow as organically as lichen on a granite outcrop. But let’s be clear; this is not your average love story.

“Revisiting the text, I was surprised by the total lack of romance,” says Emma. “What I found, with fresh eyes, was a revenge tragedy, steeped in cruelty and its consequences.”

In fact, Heathcliff and Cathy’s love story only takes up half the book; the second deals with the fallout after Cathy’s death, as the life of her daughter, Catherine Linton, becomes tangled with that of her cousins, Linton and

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

“I was intoxicated by the moors, and the Brontë parsonage, and the sheer wildness of that world”

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

Bristol Life team 01225 475800

THEATRE

Lucy McCormick and Ash Hunter in rehearsal

MEET LUCY MCCORMICK . . .

My shows are a mix of comedy, cabaret, theatre and performance art. I love playing with absurdity, silliness, mess and spectacle. I use these seemingly frivolous and entertaining elements of performance to create philosophical and political questions.

In a club or comedy context, the

audience holds all the power – people are usually there primarily to drink and have a good time, and you have to win them over.

In theatre, they give you the status to lay out the rules within the space. There’s also more scope for nuance and subtlety; you can explore things you wouldn’t bother with in a short act.

Cathy is an incredible part in an epic

story. Working with Wise Children is really exciting; it’s still quite a new company, but headed by someone with a clear and inspiring vision.

Collaboration in theatre is everything,

but it’s unusual to find a director who is as willing as Emma to trust her actors and be so influenced by them in the room.

Although my work is quite different to hers, there is a lot of cross over in our interests and an inherent love of Theatre with a capital T. We both throw everything at our shows, and I love that!

I hope to bring Cathy to life, and not

hold back from the complex and chaotic character she is. One of my shows, Post Popular, discussed mental health, grief and loneliness, all of which are found in droves in Wuthering Heights. I guess people are always cast for a reason, and I have to say I feel a huge affiliation with Cathy, as problematic as she is.

Revisiting the book, I was really struck by its darkness and violence. Emma keeps reminding us that it’s not a love story. I remember the second half being more difficult – it all gets very complex and twisted – and I was so impressed and excited by how brilliantly Emma has adapted that part for the stage.

Hareton. “It’s a book of two halves, and without the next generation, nothing makes sense,” says Emma. “We need to understand what made Cathy and Heathcliff the people they were, and how that legacy filtered down through the generations. So much of the debate within Wuthering Heights is about nature versus nurture, and in order to fully explore these ideas we need to see that nature and that nurture fully at work.”

The production also has a deliberate contemporary resonance. “Moved by the heartbreaking scenes of refugee children in the Calais jungle, I knew I needed to tell this story and I needed to tell it now. When Heathcliff is found at the Liverpool docks, the way he is treated sparks a series of events that are catastrophic. This is a cautionary tale, and a revenge tragedy.

Truly a story for our times.”

Emma says she finds it extraordinary that the book should have been written by someone like Emily Brontë: an unmarried parson’s daughter living a sheltered life in rural, Victorian Yorkshire.

“The novel is brutally honest, and frighteningly well-observed. It explores obsession, control, prejudice, jealousy, violence and hope. The detail of Cathy’s neurosis and behavioural issues, and the depiction of illness, is devastating and brilliantly described. I wonder if, as a vicar’s daughter, all of life came to the Brontë’s door, Director Emma Rice and that is how Emily knew so much about the human condition.”

And yet, reckons Emma, all that dark, disturbing intensity is leavened by humour. “I love the comedy!

Nobody mentions it, but there are so many laugh-out-loud moments. Linton Heathcliff is the most despicably funny character ever written, and Lockwood’s a comedy genius.

I hope this production will celebrate Emily Brontë’s sparkling humour as well as her bloody passion.”

Can we also expect a fair smattering of song and dance? This is Wise Children, after all . . .

“Hell, yes. Ian Ross has composed the most extraordinary score, and Etta Murfitt has choreographed some of the coolest steps I ever did see. The puppets are a treat, and the fights as vicious and unapologetic as the book demands. We have denied ourselves nothing. It is raw, ravishing and brimful of collective talent and passion.”

All those who love Wuthering Heights are likely to carry an image of Cathy in their heads, and it’s probably not Kate Bush dancing around in a nightie. Could it be Emma’s choice for the role, Lucy McCormick?

“Lucy is a rock star,” says Emma. “Literally and metaphorically! She is pure charisma, and has a wildness of spirit that takes my breath away. She is fearless, passionate, seriously sexy and maverick. She was my Catherine from the moment I saw her perform, and I can’t believe my luck that she is creating this role with me.”

She’s pretty happy with her Heathcliff, too. “Ash Hunter has a unique intensity that could stop a train in its tracks, and a deep understanding of human love, rage and sorrow. He is one of the finest actors I have ever worked with and when he and Lucy start to fizz together the planets start to spin. I am beyond words . . .”

Well, that we doubt. But we’re seriously excited.

“I wonder if all of life came to the door of the Brontë’s parsonage, and that is how Emily knew so much about the human condition”

Wuthering Heights plays Bristol Old Vic 11 October - 6 November For tickets see bristololdvic.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 33

SPONSORED CONTENT

NEW HEIGHTS

Sporting success reaches global heights at CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL

F

ollowing a triumphant summer at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Clifton High School welcomed back talented alumni Kate and Izzy who competed in the artistic synchronised swimming. The duo returned to the school to deliver an inspiring assembly followed by swimming lessons for younger pupils and a stunning performance to end the day. Kate and Izzy’s memorable debut performance at the Olympic games placed them at number 14 in the world.

Their return coincides with the launch of Clifton High’s Swim Scholarship in partnership with Bristol Sport, which aims to make elite swimming more accessible in Bristol through extra funding and bespoke co-curricular education.

“We’re delighted to announce this innovative partnership with Clifton High,” said Bristol Sport’s communications director, Lisa Knights. ”Bristol Sport’s vision is to put the city on the international sporting map and to help inspire sport in Bristol.”

The first recipient of the swim scholarship programme is Sean Simmons who joins Clifton High in Year 12 from St Bedes; regularly in the top 10 of UK rankings for 50-metre backstroke, 50-metre fly, 100-metre backstroke and 100metre fly, Sean learnt to swim at the age of six and has been excelling in the sport ever since.

The scholarship is launched alongside a new Complete Swimmer Programme at Clifton High School, a three-step initiative for children from Reception to Year 13 which aims to progressively nurture all Clifton High pupils, from early stages, to swimming enthusiasts and athletes throughout the duration of their time at school.

The programme is divided into three sections, each covering a key period of long-term athlete development, accessible for all levels of ability, and a carefully timetabled provision for elite athletes.

To lead the programme, Clifton High has appointed Jez Birds as the School’s new director of swimming. Jez, who is an ex-professional swimming athlete, competing for team GB, joins Clifton High from Henleaze Swimming Club where he ran the swimming programme for almost 10 years. As a Swim England coach tutor and a Level 4 strength and conditioning coach, Jez’s passion lies in developing athletes of all ages and abilities; from learning to swim through to national champions.

“The wrap-around co-curricular programme aims to allow participants to be a student athlete, with access to national-level coaching as well as outstanding education, rather than juggling being a student and an athlete separately,” says Jez. ■

For more information about the school or our upcoming open mornings please visit our website or contact 0117 933 9087. cliftonhigh.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 35

1

PIGMENTOF THE IMAGINATION What colour is Bristol? Here, pass the Pantone chart . . .

Words and pictures by Colin Moody

BRISTOL HEROES

2

W

hat colour was lockdown?

Grey? Black? The colour of the packaging on your favourite takeaway delivered to your doorstep, times x 1000? Or simply NHS blue?

But now things have opened back up, I want to celebrate eight colour heroes that have emerged since the jab-fest.

1 3

First up is the much-anticipated and longed-for Love Saves the Day. A lot of love went into this festival, and so many people young and old… well mostly young… got their mojo working. Thought I’d share this atmospheric moment, where the colours just work, those oranges and blues mixed with the afterglow of smoke machine diffusion. Maybe it’s a metaphor. We’ve been on the downward spiral similar to that helter-skelter. Now we can take a moment to lean in, and grab ourselves a 99 before the next stage calls you forth, with delicious fusions of rock, jazz, hip-hop, grime and wine.

2

The ss Great Britain. It sure knows what it feels like to be stranded. Home to penguins and near-tundra nothingness for decades, beached on the Falklands.

And we just had to endure 18 months off the main plate. Perspective, people. And so when Iron Island sent the poetry of Saili Katabe and composer Joe Acheson, Limbic Cinema brought the ocean back.

And it turns out that sometimes, when you go out by yourself and you look across the water, you get to think of all the things, what you’re doing and in your head you paint a picture… of a better world.

Colour heroes Limbic, Acheson and Katabe have brought the flow. Dive into the colour. Let it wash over you like the ocean.

3 4

And it was oh, so yellow.

Yeah, I get ya.

This was not a photo shoot, and they genuinely hadn’t deliberately chosen to go for that magazine-shoot look, but yet there they were.

Thinking and drinking the caffeine, letting it all just be.

In ancient Chinese past, they laid down the rules.

Yellow was an imperial colour. It’s all about power, and royal priceless privilege. It also represents the Earth. So whatever you have planned for your day, cover it in yellow like this, and you can choose. Earthy goodness, coffee or royal-scented Earl Grey. Have a brew, and ponder your own power.

Then I came along.

I wrote a picture for you.

And all the things you do.

And it was called yellow.

“Colour heroes Limbic, Acheson and Katabe have brought the flow. Dive in to the colour. Let it wash over you like the ocean” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 37

PHOTOGRAPHY

4

We don’t need to travel across the deadly void to get to the moon. Local artist Luke Jerram brought it down to us, nestled among the stone arches and tracery of Bristol Cathedral. And then I noticed the little stained-glass window by its side, and if you looked at it right it was like a mini Earth-rise. Small world of white and blue. Because we have been to the dark side of the Moon, it’s feeling like a kind of bliss to see these little pockets of colour dawning all over the place.

5

No nightglow this year for the balloon fiesta, but we did have a few miniglows behind high walls. I wanted to share those deep spiritual colours with you here.

It only takes a small bit of hot gas and flame to lift them. Hope it lifts you.

6

6

Back to Love Saves the Day. Or, as it was once written, “love saves da (crossed out) the day” (take a macro glance at the balloon).

Colour can shine bright inside your mind.

Red is powerful. Nature uses it to warn you; it means business. And so do we.

Dancing with a spirit free and endorsed and enhanced by the synchronous vibe, thousands strong. And all encapsulated for a moment in a small red heart balloon, floating free by a woman on the shoulders of the collective.

5

“Because we have been to the dark side of the Moon, it’s feeling like a kind of bliss to see these little pockets of colour dawning”

7

You just happened to be holding those bags, didn’t you, ladies as I scrolled past on the bus.

Maybe the universe is keeping all the colours in the right place right about now.

8

Got some advice for you.

Dive into that wardrobe and see what goes with what. Maybe that vintage bag needs some air; get your kit on. Colour your world. Go for a ride. Feel the vibe.

Is it me, or is street fashion upping its game? Are we back to the before-times vibe? You will know when you get that right accessory that will just tie the whole thing together.

Then own it.

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

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

7

8

THE VERDICT JAMIE REES

M is for magic Theatre’s back – and so is Jamie!

O

h, how good it feels to be back in the saddle of the stalls, taking in the wonders of Bristol’s theatre scene, old and new, as the footlights begin to shine once more.

My first foray? Something new, up at Theatre on the Downs with the Wardrobe Ensemble. This huge tent erected on Clifton’s famous Downs was a response to the pandemic and the need for more theatre spaces that cater for fringe theatre. And there’s clearly a huge thirst for it here in Bristol, as this sold-out performance attested.

I’d heard so much about Full Rogue’s Wild Swimming. We often talk in theatre about timely pieces, and this really is such a thing, despite being set on a Dorset beach in the 1500s.

Well, that’s where it starts...

Wild Swimming is actually a madcap journey through gender dynamics, a journey of around 400 years as seen through the shifting relationship of Nell (Alice Lamb) and Oscar (Annabel Baldwin). It’s such a clever piece of theatre from writer Marek Horn, as these two characters poetically see the dynamics of their relationship change with time, revealing with glee and breathless pace the gaps in gender equality over the years.

Do we find a resolution in the modern day at the end of this piece? I’m not sure; it seemed to fizzle out slightly towards the end, but nevertheless, this was a very fine piece of feminist theatre in an exciting new venture from the Wardrobe Ensemble.

From the new to the established, and what a return to form it has been for Bristol

“Wild Swimming is a madcap journey through gender dynamics over 400 years”

clockwise:

Grease, Beauty and the Beast, Wild Swimming

Hippodrome, who reopened in August with Disney’s Beauty & the Beast. If any production was designed to show off the sheer scale of the Hippodrome’s stage, it’s this enormous production.

The place was rammed on press night, with people of all ages and backgrounds lapping up the lavish production values of the show. From the opening bars of the overture, played to rapturous applause from an audience clearly delighted to be back in a theatre, to the poignant and magical ending where the Beast is transformed back into a handsome prince, the whole thing was magical with a Mickey Mouse sized M for magic – a fitting return for musical theatre at this great venue.

Next up was Grease, a musical which never ceases to delight, again performed to a packed house at the Hippodrome.

Peter Andre was the star name playing both Teen Angel and Vince Fontaine, much to the delight and screams of the ladies in the audience. This was an

updated Grease, with new songs and new choreography from Dame Arlene Phillips, and while the dancing was sharp, some of the new songs didn’t really add very much to a show at which people just want to hear the classics.

One makeover of an original song, however, worked a treat, with Josh Barnett and Maeve Byrne as Roger and Jan squeezing all the comedy out of Mooning.

There were some technical issues, with the sound technician seemingly trying to ramp up the volume at certain climaxes in the music, which sent the speakers into a high pitch screech and the audience rushing to cover their ears but that aside, this was another triumphant night for musical theatre at Bristol Hippodrome, with much more to come, with Priscilla Queen of the Desert (28 Sep to 2 Oct), 9 to 5 (12 to 16 Oct) and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (19 to 23 Oct) to name just a few.

Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamRees

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 41

SONNY STORES

Sonny by name, sunny by nature: loveliness abounds at this wonderful family-run Southville restaurant

By Deri Robins

I

RESTAURANT

t would be disingenuous of us to pretend that we’d Sonny by name, sunny by nature; two walls of full-height glass windows rolled up at Sonny Stores with open minds. The word is makes this one of the brightest, most uplifting dining spots in the city. comprehensively out, thanks in part to a rave review by Jay It’s also permeated by a rare atmosphere of happiness and tranquillity; Rayner in The Guardian, that this bijou, unpretentious little the staff may have been masked up, but their eyes smiled serenely. “We restaurant at 47 Raleigh Road, just up from the Tobacco love working here,” one of them confided, echoing sentiments we’d Factory, is currently serving some of the best food in Bristol. already heard from a friend of a friend, who counts himself blessed Number 47 used to be Birch, which was also extremely – blessed! – that was the word he chose – to be working in the Quinn delightful, but then owners Sam Leach and Beccy Massey kitchen. I’ve encountered less fervent members of cults. upped and left to launch a cider-making company. It was A little pre-starter of farinata, a kind of crêpe made from fermented taken over by Tom Masters and chef Lee Bloomfield, who kept the chickpeas that tasted a bit like a very superior eggy bread, set out the name the same, and standards just as high, but this too closed, due to kitchen’s intentions: maximum flavour served with no unnecessary faff – lockdown reasons too sad to dwell upon. a philosophy echoed in the short and to-the-point menu, which ploughs Luckily for the residents of Southville – currently spoiled beyond a democratic furrow between meat, fish and veg. belief with the opening of the new Pony Bistro Your Man has become highly skilled at – there was barely time to throw a proper strop selecting those dishes I am least likely to before it was announced that the site had been plunder, but he had no chance here, because I DINING DETAILS taken over by Pegs Quinn. Not only does Pegs wanted it all. As it happened, our starters were Sonny Stores, 47 Raleigh Road, Southville possess the best name of any chef in Bristol, ideal for sharing nicely. I’m not sure how Pegs 0117 966 0821; sonnystores.com possibly in the UK, but he comes trailing makes pizetta topped with thinly sliced potato Opening hours Tuesday- Saturday, midday-10pm impressive previous, having worked at the so exciting; a generous hand with rosemary We visited Tuesday lunchtime River Café, Bianchis and Pasta Ripiena – and and lardo, perhaps, along with a preternatural Style Italian-inspired neighbourhood restaurant if that’s starting to make you think, ‘Hmm; ability to create pillowy, billowy dough.

Prices Starters £9-£14; mains £15-£22; puds £5-£6 Italian-influenced, much?’ you’d be hitting the Either way, I was willing to trade a few slivers nail squarely on the head. of my beef carpaccio across the table, since the Atmosphere Relaxed, friendly With Pegs in the kitchen and wife Mary pizetta crusts proved ideal for mopping up the Service Delightful, well-informed, super-helpful Glynn front of house, the site acquired a new juices. The beef was succulent, dressed in great Veggie Good choice name: Sonny Stores. This may conjure up a olive oil elevated by mint and red onion, the Disabled access All on one level tooled-up Santini Corleone snarling “We don’t whole dusted with grated pecorino. Again, the discuss business at the table,” and indeed, message came over loud and clear: this is not a there may be a secondary, cheeky Godfather kitchen that shies away from punchy flavours. reference in there too, given the Italian-inspired kitchen, but mostly Pegs also makes terrific pasta. A bowl of silky tagliarini tangled with Mary and Pegs chose it because their eldest son is called Sonny; there’s meaty chunks of lobster, sweet, aromatic datterini tomatoes and salty also a nod to the building’s former use as a general stores. They could bottarga leapt straight from my fork into my dish of the year list. The conceivably have used one of their surnames, says Mary; but calling it open-handedness with the portions verges on the philanthropic, and as Quinn’s or Glynn’s might have raised false expectations of colcannon well as the evident freshness of the ingredients it was the magnanimous and Guinness among a misty-eyed Irish diaspora. ratio of lobster to pasta that made this dish so memorable. I jealously All of which is a slightly lengthy preamble to explain that with kept every mouthful to myself, so was justly denied inroads into Your Sonny Stores, Bristol has gained yet another of those small, superb, Man’s baked ricotta studded with black olives, served with bruschetta independent, passionately-run family restaurants this city seems to topped with San Marzano tomatoes and basil leaves. do so exceedingly well. It must have been a gamble to open last year, A shared pudding found us in democratic mode once again, divvying when they could only run the place as a deli with a few tables, but their up a snow-white meringue that steered an ideal course between faith has been rewarded; today it’s a thriving restaurant, with a lovely crispiness and chewiness, ideal for soaking up the juicy Victoria plums seasonal menu that changes daily. poached in soave and indulgent dollop of crème fraîche.

We turned up for lunch in the middle of a biblical downpour, to A thoroughly lovely meal, cooked and served by thoroughly lovely which the hardy souls on the terrace appeared cheerfully indifferent. people. How ardently Southvilleans must be praying that this particular Walking into the restaurant was like entering a different weather zone. set of owners stick around for a good long time.

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

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Back to Burra

Hold the coffee; park the pastries. Stan returns to Burra for the full brunch Monty...

B

urra is a lovely, newish café on the Lower Redland road, run by Bristol Bears teammates Jake Heenan and Luke Morahan.

Jake is from New Zealand and Luke from Australia; Burra is a nod to these Antipodean roots, being a cross between kookaburra and borough.

I’ve been there several times – even wrote a Café Society piece about it a while ago. Something keeps drawing me back, folding me into its warm embrace like a comfy corner sofa. Could be the sunny back garden, the all-round good vibes, the ever- smiling staff or just the food. Actually, it’s all of the above; especially the food.

A little bird told me they have recently turbo-charged the menu,

“Instead of normal café fare, I was in the mood for a bit of excitement. I wanted to feel fresh powder beneath my skis”

with an emphasis on brunchtime delights. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect when we turned up at noon in the mood for food, but thankfully, it turns out it all made perfect sense, even for a simple soul like mine.

The menu is divided into five sections; eggs, tacos, rice bowls, buns and sweet. There are six egg variants on offer; according to the very helpful waiter person, this is because when most people think of brunch, they tend to think of something with eggs in it.

Apparently, their best seller is feta eggs. A good-times mix involving free-range eggs, whipped feta, avocado and sourdough. Mmm. Was severely tempted by this little gem. Can’t go wrong with anything that contains sourdough and avocado, in my book, especially at brunchtime.

Regular readers will know that normally, I’m a coffee-and-caketype punter. Keeping it simple, keeping it sweet. Occasionally I do wander slightly off-piste.

Maybe taking in a café-style, sourdough combo, or similar.

Thing is though, those are safe options. Safe bets. Normal café fare. This time I was in the mood for a bit of excitement, to feel fresh powder beneath my skis.

So I kept on perusing until I found just what I was looking for. The salmon rice bowl. A tantalising mix of hot smoked salmon teriyaki, along with a smörgåsbord of succulent salads and satay sauce to top off the proceedings. My brunch buddy went for the tacos; all three of them: beef shortrib, chipotle jackfruit and cannellini beans, each one lying on a soft bed of charcoal taco.

I was mildly blown away. Don’t know about you, but when I go out for lunch in a café, I’m not looking for high culinary art, or life-changing cuisine. Usually I’m just looking for a place to sit and eat with a mate while we blether away like there’s no tomorrow.

However, in this case, we were entirely focused on the food. It was just too good to be taken for granted. It was, quite simply, brunchtime for discerning foodies.

So if you are in the mood for something out of the ordinary, wanting to titillate the tastebuds in the middle of the day, get yourself to Burra for some brunchtime goodness . . . n Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer stancullimore.com

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

Lost & Found

CHRISTMAS IS BACK! ...and we know exactly where to party.

Don’t shoot the messenger, but it’s high time you got yours booked up…

By Deri Robins

N

o, we know. Honestly; we agree with you. It’s not remotely beginning to look like Christmas; it barely resembles autumn.

But we also know this: if you’re hoping to book a festive meal for a largish group, there’s no point hanging about until mid-December and then saying, “So, what does everyone fancy?” All the best places will be solidly booked up by the end of November; frankly, even

leaving it until mid-October can be a bit dodgy.

So, if you’re in charge of the office do, flick past at your peril. Wait much later, and it’ll be takeaway kebabs from Jason Donervan all round – and good luck with making that look like a lifestyle choice.

We do feel a tiny bit sheepish showing you pictures of fairy lights and candles draped with ivy this early in October though, so meet us halfway, yeah? Stick on some Nat King Cole, pour yourself a large sherry, and let’s talk turkey. You may jeer now, but you’ll thank us in the long run.

CHRISTMAS PARTIES BAMBALAN When you think about it, what could be more apt at Christmas time than Middle Eastern flavours?

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words* Fun, fresh, and perfect for parties.

Tempt us with some of the menu Drawing on our Mediterranean-inspired menu, Bam’s Christmas offering will be ideal for sharing, showing off mezze plates, slowroasted shoulder of lamb, and some great veggie/vegan options.

Atmosphere and décor be like . . .

Bright, vibey and fun – Bam’s signature style all year round. With a large open-plan dining room, Bambalan is perfect for bigger groups, catering for up to 400 with full venue hire. There are DJs every Friday and Saturday and fairylit outdoor terraces, with heaters, an outdoor bar and plenty of blankets to keep you cosy. bambalan.co.uk

BOCABAR The festival vibe gets festive, at Paintworks and Finzels Reach

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Buzzy, festive, laidback, excellent value.

Tempt us with some of the menu Both Bocabars are running a festive brunch with fizz, a 2/3 course Christmas menu, and a pizza + fizz menu including Christmas pizza specials – eg roast turkey, sage and onion sausage stuffing, or the veggie option of mulled winter squash, Brie and port-caramelised red onions. Christmas cocktail specials, too.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Both Bocabars are buzzing at Christmas, with a dress-up party vibe. There’ll be huge chandeliers, red pom-poms and red feather bowers, and plenty of glitzy sparkle and fairy lights. At Finzels Reach, there’s a fairylit stretch tent, made super festive and cosy with heaters. We’ll also have banging Christmas cocktails, mulled wine and Christmas dance tunes to get into the festive swing. bristol.bocabar.co.uk

THE CANTEEN The super-sustainable Stokes Croft favourite will be pulling out all the seasonal stops

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Vegetarian Christmas party for everyone.

Tempt us with some of the menu Some of the tastiest plant-based food in Bristol. Sharing dishes for the table followed by your choice of main course; try our caramelised onion and roasted rosemary seitan with mulled wine braised red cabbage. Finish it off with sharing desserts including our festive favourite, Eton Mess mince pie.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

We’re ready for you at The Canteen! Bring friends, bring family, bring colleagues; bring ‘em all. We keep it relaxed over here.

In true Canteen style we’ll also be bringing free live music every night for dancing. Bristol beers will be flowing, sustainable corks popping and good vibes ruling. You can choose from two or three courses, and our sharing menu means you get to try everything (almost). Come for the food, stay for the party! canteenbristol.co.uk

© DEAN FORREST

“Bristol beers will be flowing, sustainable corks popping and good vibes ruling”

* It’s official. Only half of Bristol can count to five

Canteen vibes

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

CHRISTMAS PARTIES THE CHRISTMAS STEPS The nearest thing to partying in an actual Victorian Christmas card, though obviously with a bang-up-to-date menu . . .

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Most Christmassy pub in Bristol.

Tempt us with the menu Braised beef short ribs, parsnip rosti, carrot and anise purée, buttered cabbage, red wine sauce; stuffed baby squash, kale, orzo, gremolata, toasted pumpkin seeds...

Atmosphere and décor be like…

This Dickensian area of Bristol is buzzing with atmospheric cheer, and the pub, housed in a 400 year old sugar refinery, is the perfect spot to enjoy your Christmas meal. thechristmassteps.com

CLIFTON OBSERVATORY Want a venue with a difference, in an iconic location?

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Festive fun for everyone.

Tempt us with the menu A luxury three-course festive meal, or our delicious festive bowl menu for the partygoers.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Winter Wonderland, with Christmas wreath-making, a rooftop bar, and festive afternoon tea. cliftonobservatory.com

THE COCONUT TREE Spice up your Chrimbo with the help of our Sri Lankan faves

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Island spice and all things nice.

Tempt us with the menu Whether it’s Sri Lankan-style split sprouts with cashews, or the new spiced turkey baubles with tangy cranberry dipping sauce, the island-inspired festive dishes are sure to warm the cockles on a cold winter’s day. A spicy new Santa Lanka cocktail has also been added to the coco-tail menu.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Warm hospitality, a stripped-back, street-style interior, great tunes. thecoconut-tree.com

FOUR WISE MONKEYS We’re going izakaya style in Old City: perfect for parties wanting to mix things up and do Christmas differently

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Funky, fresh and totally unique.

Tempt us with the menu Step away from the turkey: expect Asian-inspired diner food, including the famous sandos, Korean fried chicken buns, and bowls of steaming noodles.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Inspired by downtown Tokyo and bringing a little bit of an ’80’s vibe, Four Wise Monkeys is fast-paced, fun and perfect for those wanting to let their hair down and have a great night out.

Resident DJs bring you an upbeat soundtrack of hip-hop, funk and house to get you in the mood; and why not challenge your friends to a round of Street Fighter or Space Invaders on 4WM’s bespoke retro arcade machine? fourwisemonkeysbristol.com

HYDE & CO Bristol’s original speakeasy-style bar

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Classy cocktails in prohibition bar surroundings.

Tempt us with the menu Award-winning cocktails combining classics with unique, unusual recipes. Designated drivers can also enjoy a range of specially created non-boozy creations.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

The perfect spot to escape the festive madness; low-lit and atmospheric, bringing a taste of golden-era NYC to Bristol.

Choose your night wisely, and you might catch some live jazz to enjoy with the seasonal specials on the cocktail menu. If you’re a whiskey fan you can try something you may not sampled before from the extensive range on the back bar. hydeand.co

Clifton Observatory brings the sparkle

HYPE – ST MICHAEL’S ON THE MOUNT You can always count on Hype to bring the party, and this year they’re taking over a fascinating new venue

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Underground magic at a unique new venue.

Tempt us with the menu Indulgent and seasonal flavours: confit chicken with shallot and thyme jus, served alongside maple-roasted root vegetables, followed by dark chocolate mousse with candied bitter orange.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Iconic and historic – a mixture of hidden corners and high roof beams, with mystical uplighting and a grand art installation hanging above your head as you dine. Head down to The Crypt – your own personal underground vault, where you can dance the night away.

An all-night show brings some of the region’s finest dancers, with a top-secret performance thrown in for good measure. The Crypt has a full bar and personal DJ, and a photobooth at the ready to capture this one-of-a-kind Christmas party. hypeagency.co.uk

“Whether it’s Sri Lankan-style split sprouts, or spiced turkey baubles, the islandinspired dishes will warm the cockles”

LOST & FOUND Botanical hideaway in the city centre

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Magical. Wonderful. Extraordinary.

Tempt us with the menu We have the most perfect canapés to welcome guests, and a threecourse menu showcasing the very best seasonal ingredients, while our bartenders will be creating wildly wonderful drink concoctions.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

A whimsical world of molecular mixology and Christmastime, all shaken up in one. We’ll also be bringing you festive workshops. the-lostandfound.co.uk

MILK THISTLE Old City’s venue for the discerning drinker, where Bristol cool collides with classic gentleman’s club vibes

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Private dining, parties and classy cocktails.

Tempt us with the menu For private dining you can get stuck into a decadent three-course festive menu, including roast confit duck; there’s also a large indulgent buffet feast, all catered for by sister restaurant The Ox. Atmosphere and décor be like…

High-end yet laidback. Expect outstanding service, a buzzing atmosphere and a playlist to match. milkthistlebristol.com

These aren’t just any sprouts. These are Coconut Tree sprouts...

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

CHRISTMAS PARTIES NUMBER 1 HARBOURSIDE Bar, restaurant and live music venue, right on the waterfront

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Cosy, fun, laidback Christmas.

Tempt us with the menu Our menu is made for sharing. Start the meal off with a tasty array of starters, including wild mushroom and chestnut pâté – plenty for the whole table. Then select your own main course from our vegan, veggie or meat options. To round it off, we’ll bring you sharing plates of tempting desserts.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Our venue comes alive at Christmas; with twinkling lights on the Harbourside it’s a view that’s hard to beat. We’ll be dressing up the interior in true festive style, with the perfect amount of Christmas cheer. Our sharing plates are ideal for getting conversation flowing and the party started. On Friday nights we’ll have live bands picked perfectly to get you dancing. Keep an eye out for extra treats on the table, too... no1harbourside.co.uk

OLD MARKET ASSEMBLY Our favourite Old Market dining destination, set over two floors in a beautiful building that was once a bank

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words A decadent festive sharing delight.

Tempt us with the menu We make it special at Old Market Assembly. All our food is ethically and locally sourced, from our favourite suppliers from Bristol and beyond. Start with an amuse bouche of truffled Jerusalem artichoke soup, and move on to a full platter of sharing starters for the table. With vegan, veggie and meat options, all our mains come with the traditional trimmings of crispy new potatoes, English greens and port-soaked gravy. After your spread of sharing desserts, we’ll finish your meal off with handmade chocolate truffles and house spiced rum.

Atmosphere and décor be like...

We’ll be getting festive in our beautiful venue, making it cosy with the woodburner and sparkly fairy lights. A stylish Christmas party full of friends, food and good times. We’ve also got some great free live bands throughout December on Friday and Saturday nights to bring the party. Our menu features a few little extras to get you in the Christmas spirit, with some Old Market Assembly surprises... oldmarketassembly.co.uk

THE OX Few places are more geared up for Christmas glamour than the candelit, ruby-red interior of the Ox on Corn Street

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words Decadent dining without a turkey in sight.

Tempt us with the menu The Ox will be staying true to their traditional British fare with an alternative Christmas menu offering meat, fish and vegetarian and vegan options; ideal for team lunches, larger parties or catch-ups with friends and family.

Atmosphere and décor be like….

Low-lit and opulent, The Ox is known for having one of the most atmospheric dining rooms in town. Semi-private dining is available in the Green Room for up to 30, while the main dining space can be booked for groups up to 80 for exclusive hire. theoxbristol.com

FROM TOP: Bambalan, St Michael’s on the Mount, The Ox

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

“Hats, table decorations, bad cracker jokes… everything needed for some old-fashioned festive fun” Eyes on the Christmas pies

PIEMINISTER You know what’s even better than Christmas dinner?

Christmas dinner in a pie . . .

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Festive pies, bottomless prosecco + pints.

Tempt us with the menu Make it an extra-merry Christmas with Pieminister’s first-ever bottomless festive feast, with two whole hours of limitless prosecco and pints. All the season’s favourite pies are back, served with mountains of mash (carrot and swede, as well as classic creamy potato), parsnip crisps, stuffing balls and festive gravy. As well as prizewinning free-range British turkey, beef and wild venison pies, there’s the vegan Good Elf and gluten-free pies, too.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Pie-partytastic! Great music and low, twinkly lighting for a fun, relaxed vibe. There will be hats, table decorations, bad cracker jokes… everything needed for some old-fashioned festive fun. pieminister.co.uk

PONY BISTRO The most exciting new opening of the year gets festive...

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Seasonal, warming dishes, cocktails and wine.

Tempt us with the menu Wood-fired hake, roasted onion sauce, pickled cockles, pancetta, sprouts; spiced apple tart, burnt apple ripple ice-cream. Festive drinks on the menu, from special cocktails to rich wintery wines.

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Warm buzzing energy – the courtyard already feels festive, given its low ceilings and fairy lights, so we’ll be enhancing that. And subtle festive décor; think natural greenery like holly and mistletoe. theponynorthstreet.co.uk

ROOT Love plant-based food? Chef Rob Howell serves some of the best in town at his tiny Cargo restaurant

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words Classic Root with a Christmassy edge.

Tempt us with the menu Swede, peppercorn sauce, butter bean, rice pudding brûlée, spiced apple, seasonal cocktails...

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Simple décor, lots of fairy lights, and a covered terrace with heaters to ensure a warm and cosy environment. The oven timer will be set to play Jingle Bells, and we’ll pop a few Christmas tunes on the playlist... rootbristol.co.uk

7 LUCKY GODS Fancy turning Japanese down Wapping Wharf?

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words Sushi, cocktails and izakaya vibes.

Tempt us with the menu 7LG will be staying true to their Asian-fusion style, with small plates and sushi for Christmas.

The atmosphere and décor be like…

Busy and buzzing; 7LG is known for its great fast-paced atmosphere. Sit inside or on the heated outdoor terrace, and take in the twinkling lights of Wapping Wharf.

7luckygods.com

THE SPOTTED COW Is there anything cosier or more welcoming at Christmas than a truly great gastropub?

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words Warm, comfortable country-pub feel.

Tempt us with the menu Turkey and pancetta ballantine, chestnut stuffing; ox cheek Wellington, wild mushrooms and caramelised shallot gravy...

Atmosphere and décor be like…

Large log-fired wood burner and plenty of candles. thespottedcowbristol.com

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

RECIPES PHIL HAUGHTON

Squashes bring all the colours and flavours of the autumn harvest. Why not experiment beyond the butternut variety this year?

ROASTED SQUASH When I was little, no one even knew what a squash was. We had Halloween pumpkins, but that was it. I think my mum started to grow a few in the early 1970s.

Certainly, by the time we had a garden at Lothlorien, the community I lived in, we were growing and eating squashes.

Now they are everywhere and butternut is the biggest seller by far.

Butternut is indeed a great squash, but don’t let that limit you from exploring the huge variety that are on offer these days.

Box schemes tend to grow small ones that fit the size and value of the box, which may mean box scheme customers are missing a plethora of the larger varieties.

So, it’s the allotment holders who rule the roost for squash varieties. In shops like Better Food you can buy a huge range for at least five months of the year.

Of course, they all behave and taste slightly differently from each other, so no one recipe will fit all.

The great thing with squash is that whatever you do with it, if your recipe hasn’t worked well or you have leftovers you can always turn it into a delicious soup.

Here is a roast recipe I made up inspired by a Jamie Oliver recipe from 2005.

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

Ingredients Any seasonal squash that you can get your hands on, mixed or just one variety. Cook as much as you think you need.

Method 1. Heat your oven to 180ºC. 2. Carefully cut your squash in half, take out the seeds and cut the rest into wedges about 2.5 cm or so across at the widest point leaving the skin on.

Put these into a large roasting tin.

3. Make up a rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, some fresh herbs such as sage, thyme or rosemary chopped roughly and a sprinkle of chilli flakes.

Mix together and then rub into the squash. 4.

Spread out in the tin with spaces between each wedge so they have a bit of air around them.

Jamie suggested you throw in the seeds, but this will depend on how big and tough they are. Try it and see. I also like to add a few cloves of garlic, skin on. Just bang them to crack the skin before placing them around the squash. The flavour somehow spreads to lift the dish beautifully.

5. Cover the tray with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Take the foil off and roast off for another 15 or so minutes to get a bit of golden colour.

TOP TIP: Try this with a cumin yoghurt dip.

One teaspoon of ground cumin to 400ml of yoghurt.

Phil Haughton has more than 40 years’ experience of living and working with organic food. He is the founder of the award-winning retailer Better Food, an independent organic food store and café with three (soon to be four) sites across Bristol stocking local, organic and ethically-sourced products, supporting the local and rural communities through responsible and thoughtful retail.

Food for Thought is Phil’s first book. Through a colourful mix of inspiring personal stories, tempting recipes, helpful tips and insightful contributions from 12 thought-leaders and change-makers, Phil shares his passion for organic farming and his mission to create a world where food, nature, business and community can all thrive together in harmony.

For more: betterfood.co.uk

Fundraise as a team or as an individual oor As an outd event we are covidsecure

1625 Independent People are organising their annual Sleep Out event at The Lloyds Amphitheatre, Thursday 21st October from 7pm- 7am.

Sleep Out is our highlight of the year, to celebrate the work that the charity does, and the support we receive from our fantastic community. We cannot replicate what it feels like to sleep rough, but we sleep outside for a night as a symbol, standing up for those who do not have a choice. We enjoy delicious food from vendors over Bristol, drinks, live performances, and speeches before we settle down for a cold winter’s night.

It’s a fundraising event, as sleeping outside for the night is certainly a challenge but you can bring along a sleeping bag, a camping mat, and pillows – it’s ok to try to be comfortable!

Want to fi nd out mo re...?

epout.com

ipsle www.1625

SPONSORED CONTENT

NO BRIDGE TOO FAR Local telecoms provider BLACKSTAR SOLUTIONS took on the challenge of crossing every bridge in Bristol for Jessie May and St Peter’s Hospice

T

he Bristol Bridge Walk Challenge arose from the Seven Bridges of Konigsberg puzzle dating back to the 1700s – a mathematical challenge which involved working out how to cross the city’s seven bridges only once each.

Fast forward to 2013 when Dr Thilo Gross, a former reader of engineering mathematics at Bristol University, cracked the Bristol puzzle – except instead of seven bridges, he had 45 to deal with. The circular route covers 45 kilometres and crosses all 45 walkable bridges. We needed a challenge, and thought, why not? And so the Blackstar Bridge Challenge was born.

THE BIG DAY

7am, 12 September. Armed with jelly babies, energy drinks and enthusiasm, we set off from the Abbots Leigh side of Clifton Suspension Bridge.

We headed towards Avonmouth, making our way through Leigh Woods and Pill before crossing our first bridge at the 10km mark. The bridge at Sea Mills was next, before making our way across the Clifton Downs and down into the floating harbour.

Halfway in, we had reached the city centre and were in our stride. The mood lifted as we started to quickly tick off bridges now, some we never even realised existed. The centre receded as we walked past some bemused faces in Avonmeads Retail Park – must have been the smell after six hours of sweating. We crossed the

most easterly bridge in St Anne’s before making our way back into the centre.

It was great to be met by members of St Peter’s Hospice and Jessie May along the way.

They lifted our spirits and were so grateful for the challenge we were undertaking to raise money for them. How could we not keep going?

After eight long hours we were on the home stretch as we crossed over the Banana Bridge into the floating harbour and towards Cumberland Basin. The final hurdle was making our way up the steep hill into Clifton. “We can do this!” we told ourselves, dreaming of just how good that first pint would taste.

Once at the top, there was one more iconic bridge to tackle. Smiles appeared upon our faces as we crossed Clifton Suspension Bridge and saw the banners of both charities marking the end of our challenge.

It took many blisters, litres of energy drinks, countless bananas, chocolate bars and plasters; sore feet, sore hips, sore everything; but we did it. That first pint lived up to expectation as we reflected back on the challenge at the White Lion, looking onto Brunel’s famous Suspension Bridge.

Jessie May provides home nursing and respite care for children and young people who have a terminal or life-limiting condition. They’ve been providing free specialist at-home support since 1996, and it’s only through the generosity of their supporters that they can continue to be there for families for many years to come.

St Peter’s Hospice provides care and support to adults who are living with a progressive lifelimiting illness. They believe that everyone with a terminal illness deserves the best possible care and to live with dignity.

THE TARGET We’re pleased to announce we have reached our £5,000 target! However, don’t let this stop you, we are so grateful for every single donation. To donate simply scan the QR code. ■

THE CHARITIES We are raising money for two incredible Bristol charities that provide invaluable support for patients requiring end-of-life care along with their families.

For more information visit our website: www.blackstarsolutions.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59

WOOL BLANKET SHIRT, £195 An on-trend shirtjacket hybrid that combines a stylish utility look with premium tweedy fabric. In the menswear section, but we’re nicking it off our man...

From Peregrine Clothing peregrineclothing.co.uk

THE BIG CHILL

WELSH VINTAGE STAR GORSE CUSHION, £65 From Welsh weaving wizards Melin Tregwynt’s midcentury range, revived in 2015. As cosy as a cwtch From Midgley Green, 26 Alexandra Road, Clevedon midgleygreen.com

CAMILLE FAUX SHEARLING COAT, £260 News is that the teddy-bear coat isn’t going anywhere fast This one’s by Stand Studio, in a cooler-than-Nordic-Noir ice-blue.

From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street harveynichols.com

Admittedly it’s not quite brass monkeys out there yet, but winter is coming. Make like a scout, and be prepared

BLOOMINGVILLE WOOL NATURE CUSHION, £25 Tactile, beautifully embellished cushion, made from yarn-dyed wool in earthy, cosy, natural tones From Mon Pote 217 North Street monpote.co.uk

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

WOOL MIX BERET, £8 Admittedly not in raspberry, but not far off. These well-priced berets flew out of the shop last year, so bag yours asap From That Thing 45-47 Stokes Croft thatthing.co BONNY FAUX FUR SLIPPERS, £49 Padded, cuddly faux-fur on a chunky cork sole – you’ll never want to take them off. Working from home? You don’t have to From Mint Velvet 44 Regent Street mintvelvet.co.uk

ED’S CHOICE BLOOMINGVILLE CIANNA THROW, £22.50 Warm and comfy throw made from recycled materials.

Big enough to really tug yourself into, or share when you’re in a together mood From Mon Pote 217 North Street monpote.co.uk

BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN BEANIE, £49, AND SCARF, £99 Classic thick, ribbed knits with a modern fluorescent colour pop From Grace & Mabel 32 The Mall graceandmabel.co.uk

BRISTOL CLOTH 2ND EDITION SCARF, £160 We’re keeping it local with this 200cm scarf made from 100% regeneratively farmed lambswool from Fernhill Farm, dyed with organic plant dyes by Botanical Inks and woven by the Bristol Weaving Mill From Bristol Cloth bristolcloth.co.uk

ICHI JENNIGER HAT, £23.99 Soft green bucket hat made from Sherpa-style fleece From Fox + Feather 41 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

HUDSON BERYL SUEDE BOOT IN RUST, £140 Made from buttery suede, in a soft rusty hue reminiscent of the turning autumn leaves From Maze 26-28 The Mall mazeclothing.co.uk

BLOOMINGVILLE SHEEPSKIN SEAT COVER, £94.90 Soft and luxurious, made from Mongolian lambswool From Fox + Feather 41 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

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

Sherbourne Harris tweed coat, £295, Peregrine Clothing

WINDOW SHOPPING MILLY VAUGHAN Tretorn Wings raincoat, £100, Movement Boutique

Wool overshirt, £195, Peregrine Clothing

Porter ribbed scarf, £39, Peregrine Clothing

Paul Smith beanie, £75, mittens £50, Grace & Mabel 1796 Crew, £95, Peregrine Clothing

Dog days

Bumbag, £20, That Thing

Dog-owning is for life, not just for lockdown. Might as well look the part…

W

ith 2.5 million more pet dogs in the UK since before Covid, I am now that cliché: a lockdown owner.

Although in my defence, it’s not a cockerpoo. I caveat this with the fact that growing up in a family where going to school with dog hair on your uniform was the norm; this wasn’t an impulse purchase born out of boredom, but a decision made when the youngest had set off for school and I had my life back again.

The first thing I did was to get my roots done. The second was

to apply to write this column. My daughter secretly wrote on the back of my CV “Please don’t give Mum a job, because I want to get a dog now my brother’s at school.”

One dog (and column) later, a friend recently said, “You’re not going to become one of those mums who now only wears leggings with a bum-bag full of chicken jerky nibbles and poo bags, are you?” Well, we have had ath-leisure, so perhaps dog-leisure is not out of the question.

I have been surreptitiously studying my fellow dog walkers, and there are definitely some

“Though in firm denial, it only took a matter of days before bulletproof jeans and a battered hoodie replaced my usual garb” 62 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Ichi Felicia high Chelsea boot, £179.95, Fox + Feather

American Vintage jacket, £185, Grace & Mabel

Munthe Reeta jeans, £219, Grace & Mabel

keen beans out there with ‘treat fanny packs’. It was acceptable in the ’80s; except in the actual ’80s people teamed bumbags with a shell suit, not a dog. There are also the men who wear shorts all year round. Shorts with wellies is a personal favourite of mine.

And then there are the dogs who uncannily resemble their owners, which is why I’m not going to say what we got. Whether they do this because on some subconscious level it’s reassuring, or egotistically so they have their own mini-me trotting after them, I’m none the wiser. But it has echoes of the questionable trend of mothers dressing their daughters in the exact same dress, or fathers and sons wearing matching trunks.

I read one puppy book, and the only chapter I didn’t warm to was when the author mentioned that getting a dog will dictate where you live, go on holiday, and – most crushingly – what you

wear. Though in firm denial, it only took a matter of days before bulletproof jeans and a battered hoodie replaced my usual garb.

Damn that dog whisperer! The other night I even changed in the back of the camper van en route to dinner so my tights didn’t get laddered before I even got there.

Sartorial considerations aside, my main problem is finding a way to dodge benign conversations with every owner and their dog you meet across the fields. What’s the etiquette of wanting to walk your dog in morning peace before setting down to work? “I’m sorry I can’t talk right now, but I don’t want to?”

That said, perhaps in a decade or two I’ll be one of those folk hankering after human interaction, too, with a treat bag clipped to my cargo pants. I’m secretly already looking forward to those dog days. ■ @millyvaughan on instagram camillapettman@mac.com

MUCH MORE IN-STORE

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

TREVOR SORBIE There are some names in the hair and beauty world that need no introduction.

Vidal Sassoon. Tony & Guy. John Frieda – and Trevor Sorbie…

Salon photos by Andy Tyler Photography

T

revor Sorbie opened his first salon in London in 1977, and while he’s expanded since then, it’s still a small and boutiquey chain: he now has seven in all, Bristol’s being among the most recent. He has produced his own range of haircare products, created the wedge haircut, been voted British Hairdresser of the Year four times, appeared on TV considerably more than that, and been awarded an MBE. Trevor opened the Bristol salon in person in May 2019. It prides itself on a bespoke service, ramping up the luxury levels: luxury décor, luxury products, luxury service. His are regarded as being among the more ‘natural’ salons, valued by clients for their delicate balayage, gentle hues and restoration colours.

Which is all well and good, but how does this translate into an average customer experience? Pretty well, as it turns out.

We sent in our events producer, Nell.

“The salon is immediately impressive,” she said. “It’s beautifully bright, with a lovely courtyard out the back, and industrial-chic furniture to reflect Bristol’s industrial heritage.

“All the staff were so welcoming and friendly.

My colourist, Taylor, has been with Trevor Sorbie for less than a year, but has recently been promoted to senior colour technician. Although she’s Bristol born and bred, she’s spent the last few years working all over the UK. “I asked her for a colour and cut to brighten and lift my hair. We decided on a high balayage in an ashy blonde, with the ‘money piece’ around the front.”

This is a bit of a ‘90s throwback look, although it’s been on hairdressers’ radar for a while; it works by lightens the front section of the hairline, instantly brightening and lifting your complexion, highlighting your eyes, making the colour of your hair pop, and flatteringly framing your face. It’s a subtle yet striking effect, that gives your hair a luxurious and expensive finish, all achieved by a relatively small change.

“Taylor told me that balayage is still the most popular trend, and that she’s also seeing a big demand for ‘root smudges’. Since salons had to close for so long, it also seems that people are going for the lower maintenance cuts; perhaps just in case they have to suddenly close again!

“TS likes its colour technicians and stylists

“The salon prides itself on a bespoke service”

to specialise in one area, so I then moved on to Roman for the cut. He’s been with TS for a few years, in the Covent Garden branch, but has come to help the Bristol team as they emerge from lockdown.

“Roman gave me a fresh cut, taking about three inches off, shaping around the front and adding some gentle layers.

“Both Taylor and Roman were so friendly; when I described the look I was after, they were able to advise me how this could be achieved, through adjusting the tone of the colour, the length of the cut and the style of the layers to match my face shape and complexion. The result was exactly what I was after.” n

DETAILS

Trevor Sorbie, 65 Queen’s Road 0117 363 4185; trevorsorbie.com Prices Cut and finish £73-£93 Balayage from £68

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 65

www.thebuildbristolgroup.com | 01179 091969

SPONSORED CONTENT

COOL SPACES We take a look at two of the best working environments in the city

THE ETHICAL PROPERTY

STREAMLINE, 436-441 PAINTWORKS, ARNO’S VALE, BRISTOL BS4 3AS. TEL: 0330 016 3440 SALES@ETHICALPROPERTY.CO.UK Streamline is a new workspace for organisations with a shared commitment to social change, and is ready to welcome new tenants to its fully serviced, accessible, Art Deco-inspired building.

Located at The Paintworks, Ethical Property’s vibrant new Bristol hub offers a state-of-the-art, BREAM-accredited building specifically for purpose-driven organisations; charities, non-profits, social enterprises and ethical businesses.

ENGINE SHED

STATION APPROACH, TEMPLE MEADS, BRISTOL, BS1 6QH TEL: 0117 903 1100 ENGINE-SHED.CO.UK/USING-ENGINE-SHED If you’re looking for a workspace where your team can connect and collaborate with the movers and shakers in Bristol, then Engine Shed is the place for you. The enterprise hub, by Temple Meads station, is home to a vibrant network of businesses, entrepreneurs, corporates, social innovators and academics. Workspaces range from private offices to a coworking area, the Arrivals Lounge, and the Members’ Lounge where spaces can be booked by the hour or day. Engine Shed welcomes new tenants and Lounge users who are engaged with the community to reinforce the strength, depth and breadth of Bristol both locally and globally.

Streamline offers workspaces of different sizes and formats, helping potential tenants find their perfect set-up.

Sharing a workspace with likeminded organisations also has the added benefit of potential collaboration within Streamline. The stunning shared spaces, facilities and ethos make Streamline the perfect home for any organisation committed to positive change.

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

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS Coming your way soon…

Look out for our full Bristol Life Awards review in our next issue. And in the meantime...

BELOW, legends in their own

lunchtime, Dom Borel and Josh Eggleton, Breaking Bread

As usual, we had an eclectic array of winners, showcasing just how diverse and entrepreneurial this city is – turn to page 72 to discover who won what. Congratulations to all of them, with an extra high-five to our Platinum winners for 2021 – best in show, if you will – the awesome, innovative, stylish and just all-round great Breaking Bread. Guys, you made the summer of 2020 so much more fun for everyone.

To all who entered, judged, sponsored, partnered, entertained, filmed, aftershowed, photographed, supported, organised, hosted, danced, DJ’ed, fed and watered us all, just two words: thank you, from all of us.

Let’s do it all again next year – and don’t miss our next issue, out on 22 October, for this year’s highlights.

ALL PHOTOS © @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

I

n our next issue we’ll be carrying a full, technicolour, multi-page, all-singing-anddancing review of the Bristol Life Awards that took place on 16 September.

We didn’t want to rush this review.

We needed a little time to let it sink in.

Because while the Bristol Life Awards are always special – the biggest, glammiest, most ambitious event of its type in the city – this year’s was extra-auspicious.

Most of us had not been together, collectively, since our last Awards in April 2019 – and boy, could you feel it in the room. The joy and sense of camaraderie on the night was palpable. The happiness of being together, and celebrating all that is great about Bristol, elevated the evening beyond our expectations, making it truly memorable.

INSET, our host Laura Lexx;

For more: bristollifeawards.co.uk

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Bristol Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk

Crannog house Burraton Coombe, Cornwall

A beautiful Cornish holiday home set in an acre of its own private and secluded gardens just a 2 hour drive from Bristol with its own hot tub and children’s play area.

Now releasing some fantastic deals for long weekend breaks and weeks October through to December 2021

With its own stream which leads to the inlet of Forder just 150 metres away, you can enjoy paddle boarding and even launch your own small boat. It has 4 double bedrooms and a cinema room which can be set up as a fifth bedroom if required.

Please see www.airbnb.com/h/crannoghouse for booking, prices and more details.

Or simply search Crannog House online.

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

www. bristolcityroofing.co.uk

BRISTOLWORKS

INNOVATION CITY A new 2021 study has named Bristol the second most innovative city in the UK. The study, by Paymentsense, carried out a nationwide ‘innovation index’, analysing over 60 cities. The study scored each location on the following factors that contribute to innovation: business startups (the number of patent applications and new business registrations); qualified workforce (percentage of the working age population with NVQ4 and above education); profession knowledge (percentage of private knowledge intensive business services jobs), and entrepreneurialism (Google search volumes and trends for ‘how to start a business’).

Bristol ranked second place on the index, scoring 82.5 out of 100, close behind London. With nearly £11,000,000 in total invested in Kickstarters, Bristol’s innovations just keep coming.

For more: paymentsense.com

THE BIG NUMBER

£6m

Speaking of innovation (see story, above), Auroch Digital, the Stokes Croft-based video games company known for its talent in developing innovative, highquality titles, such as space game Mars Horizon, has been sold for ‘at least £6m’ to the Sumo Group – a major player in the games sector.

Auroch was founded by Thomas and Debbie Rawlings in 2010, and employs a team of 48 staff.

For more aurochdigital.com

START ME UP A Bristol business launched just 10 weeks before the first lockdown in 2020 has reported significant growth, despite the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Advantage Financial Solutions (Advantage FS) was started around the kitchen table by former colleagues Tom Collier, Steven Morris and Dan Light, and now employs a 13-strong team based in Bridgeyate.

With an already impressive client base, the team recently celebrated achieving more than 200 5* reviews on Google – more than any other independent broker in Bristol and the South West.

All three directors advised and managed at Which? Financial Services; it was there that they committed to setting up a farreaching mortgage and protection service.

The ex-colleagues now have their sights set on becoming one of the UK’s most trusted brokers.

“January 2020 was probably one of the worst times imaginable to start a new business, particularly one which relies on the stability of the property market, but we worked around the clock from Dan’s kitchen table,” said founder and advising director

Tom Collier. “Now, just over 18 months on, we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved.

“Our aim was to create a brand known for doing good. We pride ourselves on never saying no, and have helped people achieve their dream homes when they had been told elsewhere it wouldn’t be possible to even get a mortgage. We’ve heard from first-time buyers who were confused and nervous to get their foot on the property ladder, and people who have been misadvised previously, and had lost all confidence in mortgage advisers.

“For us, the proof is in the pudding. We are immensely proud of our testimonials from happy clients, some which are lengthy, detailed and tear-jerking.”

Advantage FS recently rebranded and launched a new website with a dedicated client area filled with useful links and a portal to keep all important documents in one place. They have also been shortlisted for several industry awards.

The firm is also a registered B1G1 Business for Good ‘micro-giving’ movement, which means every time they celebrate a success, they also give to a good cause, making a positive difference around the world.

For more: advantagefs.co.uk

BRISTOLWORKS

TECH FEST The Bristol Technology Festival returns between 10-15 October, with around 50 events across the week showcasing tech in the region.

On the Wednesday 13th, Fintech West will be hosting their annual conference. The recent Governmentfunded Kalifa report into fintech identified Bristol and Bath as one of 10 clusters across the UK. Fintech West aims to support this growth by encouraging more investment, support and mentoring for start ups and better collaboration with existing financial services companies in the region.

This year’s Fintech West conference will take place at the Engine Shed. The event is free to attend to anyone who has an interest in the sector or might consider working in fintech.

For more: bristoltechfest.org

ESTATES OF GRACE Following a competitive tender, national law firm Bevan Brittan has been appointed to the legal panel of Historic England, the public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment.

Bevan Brittan will advise Historic England on a range of legal issues, including planning, property, estate management, commercial, procurement and subsidy control, as well as intellectual property, employment, pension law, commercial litigation, defendant personal injury, construction, charity and judicial review.

Legal and regulatory experts from across Bevan Brittan will support Historic England.

The firm has extensive experience of advising clients who manage significant estates including charities, tourism, leisure, recreational space and environmental management.

For more: bevanbrittan.com

EXCITEMENT BUILDS… The Bristol Property Awards celebrates the dynamic Bristol property sector.

From residential to commercial, lettings to new builds, civic buildings to bold re-imaginings, Bristol simply teems with clever property companies shaping our city’s destiny – and the Awards is all about celebrating the biggest successes in the sector.

Nominations for the 2021 Awards closed on 21 September, finalists were announced in a Grand Reveal on the 24th, and now it’s all eyes on Ashton Gate (again!) when we’ll be holding our first live Bristol Property Awards since 2019.

Look out for our next issue on 22 October, when we’ll be running a big preview of the event, with everything you need to know about the day, along with a look back at the last live event.

For more: bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

KEY DATES

22 October Official Awards preview in Bristol Life 12 November Bristol Property Awards 2021 at Ashton Gate Stadium

SPONSORED CONTENT

EARLY EXIT The last year has been a difficult time for many businesses which have either been unable to open for trade, or have seen their income drop but overheads stay the same. Helen Brewer at AMD SOLICITORS explains the options for tenants looking to make an early exit from their lease...

W

hile the government has tried to help as much as possible with the various measures they have introduced, the inability to trade and falling profits has meant many businesses are facing some tough decisions. The result is that some tenants are looking to exit their leases early, either because their business has failed and they no longer need the premises or they are looking to reduce overheads by offloading underperforming locations. This article covers the options available to tenants who, for whatever reason, are looking to make an early exit from their lease:

for a new lease. They will also most likely want their costs paid for the deed of surrender. There is also the issue of dilapidations and needing to agree a settlement for any existing wants of repair that need to be sorted to enable immediate re-letting of the premises, including the removal of any fit-out works. So this is the best option for the tenant in terms of releasing themselves from any continuing liability but it is something that will need to be negotiated with the landlord.

Given that tenants are few and far between at the moment, a landlord may take the view that they would rather keep a defaulting tenant on the hook than to agree a surrender and face an indefinite void period.

their consent but they can stipulate reasonable conditions to the assignment. Often the landlord will require the outgoing tenant to enter into an authorised guarantee agreement - this essentially guarantees the obligations of the assignee while they are the tenant under the lease.

So, if you are looking for a clean break, then you will not necessarily get that with an assignment. However, if the reason for the assignment is because the business is failing then there will be little point in the landlord insisting on an AGA. The outgoing tenant and assignee will each have their legal costs to pay and often the landlord’s legal costs are split between the outgoing tenant and assignee.

SURRENDER

BREAK CLAUSE

UNDERLETTING

It is fairly commonplace now for a break clause to be included in a lease. If you are considering exiting your lease it would be advisable to speak to us at the earliest opportunity so we can check if your lease contains a break clause and where necessary, a break notice can be served within the required time frame. The rules relating to break clauses can be quite tricky and often there are conditions attached to the break which must be complied with in order for the break notice to be effective. There may also be a break payment to pay, so again taking early legal advice would be prudent.

As with surrendering, early termination of the lease via a break clause may give rise to a dilapidations liability. You will therefore need to consider the existing condition of the premises and the repair covenant in the lease - if the break is conditional upon yielding up in repair, then any works or removal of alterations will need to be done before the end of the lease.

Again, if you are looking for a clean break then underletting may not be for you but it could be a viable option where you want to generate some income from excess space that you do not currently need but which you may require back at some point in the future. Underletting will also need the consent of the landlord and again there will be costs to pay for this. You will still remain liable to the landlord for payment of the rent under your lease so if your undertenant were to default, you still have to pay the lease rent.

If your business is already struggling, then a full surrender or lease assignment may be a more suitable option than underletting.

This is where the lease is formally ended by entering into a deed of surrender. All continuing obligations under the lease are terminated and the tenant can potentially fully walk away.

However, agreeing to an early surrender is solely at the landlord’s discretion. They are not obligated to agree and will mostly want some sort of financial recompense for loss of rent during any vacant period, remarketing costs and legal costs

ASSIGNMENT This is where you transfer your lease to another person or company (the assignee). If you are transferring the lease as part of a business sale then the lease will form one of the assets of the business – as such, an asset sale agreement may also be needed to document the sale of the assets. Most leases contains an alienation clause which requires you to obtain the consent of the landlord before the lease is transferred. This is so the landlord can assess the financial viability of the assignee and whether they will be able to pay the rent and perform the obligations under the lease. The landlord can’t unreasonably withhold 80 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

While restrictions are now starting to ease, shops are reopening and people are getting back to the office, the full effects of Covid 19 on the commercial property market will continue to play out for many months or years to come. But transaction levels are starting to increase which shows that confidence is starting to return. ■

If you need advice on exiting your lease, or on commercial property matters in general, then please contact Helen Brewer on 0117 974 4100 or helenbrewer@amdsolicitors.com who will be able to assist.

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PROPERTY BUILDING THE CIT Y

ON THE WATERFRONT

Wapping Wharf has been one of the most successful regeneration projects in Bristol, transforming a derelict harbourside site into a proper community of 450 new homes, supported by the many independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants in Cargo – and now the area is poised to expand again Plans for the extension of Cargo include space for four new restaurants or retail units, and a gym. The planning application, submitted by Wapping Wharf ’s developer Umberslade to Bristol City Council, would see the creation of Cargo 3, comprising four units between NEXA and Jubilee House along Museum Street.

“It’s been wonderful to see how warmly the city has embraced Cargo since it first landed at Wapping Wharf nearly five years ago,” says

Stuart Hatton, MD of Umberslade. “From the outset, we have been committed to supporting the businesses in trying out new ideas and concepts, so they can flourish, collaborate and expand, and it has grown into an incredible, unique community of independents with a strong customer base.

“We have seen huge demand from other independent businesses keen to join the development, despite the challenges faced by the hospitality and retail sectors during the pandemic, which is testament to the success of Cargo and its community. Our plans will also help pave the way for the next phase of Wapping Wharf, which, subject to planning consent, will bring much-needed new homes, offices and an exciting new permanent home for Cargo – the next chapter in its story.”

Umberslade is also seeking approval from the council to extend the temporary planning permission currently in place for Cargo 1 and Cargo 2 for a further five years, providing certainty for businesses and ensuring they can comfortably invest in their future in this muchloved part of the city.

As previously reported on this page, building has now begun on CargoWork, 20,270 sq ft of new office space for up to 230 people. On the residential front, work will begin early next year on 83 affordable homes next to the Phase 2 building known as Abel Yard.

For more: wappingwharf.co.uk

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

PROPERTY JACK HEAD

Let the good times roll

Setting your sights on a Bristol buy-to-let? You’ve come to the right page...

I

f I got a pound for every time I was asked where the best place in Bristol to invest in a buy to let property would be, I would be writing this column from a beach sun lounger for Barbados Life magazine.

As repetitive as my answer now seems to me, it’s a topic of great value that I love to talk about, mostly because it covers two of my most favourite things – Bristol and property!

There are potentially huge benefits in investing hard-earned

savings into property, rather than stocks and shares or ‘high’-interest savings accounts. Residential buy-to-let property is a long-term investment, and it must be treated as such. But there can be great returns on offer, both in the short term, with a sound return on investment percentage, and in the long term from the capital growth of the asset. Property can be a lowrisk, high-return place to build your pension pot, but only if it’s approached correctly with a sound understanding of the market.

Location, location, location. Is

“There are potentially huge benefits in investing hard-earned savings into property”

it as important as Kirsty and Phil make out? Well in this case, yes and no.

There are, of course, popular areas with Bristol’s renters, many of whom are in their 20s and 30s and want to be where the action is. The suburbs located either side of Whiteladies Road, Gloucester Road and North Street are all very popular with professional renters.

However, we have a saying in our office that every property lets in a similar timeframe, as long as it is presented well and is priced correctly. So properties priced at the lower end of the market, in suburbs on the outskirts of the city, should not be discounted as sound investments, especially for those with lower investment budgets.

Where location does become more important is when you have a strategy for letting your property to sharers – so multiple people forming multiple households within one property. This could be to a group of students or young professionals living together – they have their own room, but share the communal spaces.

These types of lets can bring higher rent returns, but there are numerous considerations for a landlord when choosing this route.

For example, there are various licensing schemes across Bristol which in some instances cover lets to three or more people, and in all instances apply to lets with five or more people from different households. Meeting these licence conditions can be challenging to navigate for new or part-time landlords.

There are also Article 4 planning restrictions in place in many areas of the city that cover a change of use, meaning the route to house conversion for multiple use is dependent on formal planning consent. So, although potential returns can be more exciting, there are numerous hurdles to jump when setting up a house in multiple occupation (HMO), which is where a good letting agent really earns their money.

If you are brave enough to take the HMO route, then student lets are a fabulous option. Popular areas for University of the West of England students are Filton, Horfield and Ashley Down; however, we have seen landlords successfully operating these lets in less traditional areas such as Stapleton and Eastville.

To appeal to Bristol University students you need deeper pockets, with property in Redland and Clifton very popular. Although, with the new campus at Temple Meads, I wouldn’t mind betting that Brislington becomes an area of interest for student landlord investments in the coming years.

If property investment and becoming a landlord interests you, there is much more to consider, so feel free to contact me to discuss this in more detail; but if you get an overseas dial tone, then I am definitely not in Barbados.

Jack Head is the founder of Bristol agencies Boardwalk Property Co. and The Letting Game instagram: @thepropertypatron email: jack@boardwalkpropertyco.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 85

PROPERTY

A CANYNGE PLAN It’s definitely not a square. But it is an absolute box-ticker of an address...

By Ursula Cole

C

anynge Square is a bit of a misnomer. It’s not remotely square; in fact it’s positively triangular. No that this detail is likely to deter anyone in the remotest for lusting after up a home here; this is, handsdown one of the most desirable addresses in Clifton, its tall Grade-II town houses ranged around one of the loveliest communal gardens to be found in the city.

It’s also a no-through road, quietly situated on the edge of Clifton Village, close to Clifton College, and a frisbee’s throw from The Downs, if said frisbee was hurled by someone of Olympic-standard prowess.

We’d take any of the homes here, thanks, but we’d be especially keen on number 6, which has the extra cachet of being an end-of terrace. It’s thought the house was built by renowned local architect Charles Underwood, whose CV also includes the Royal West Academy on Queen’s Road.

White stucco-fronted, with limestone dressings, it epitomises the very best of late-Georgian architecture, complete with a charming first-floor iron canopied balcony which overlooks the ‘square’ and gazes across to its equally effulgent neighbours.

From a wide, enclosed paved terrace with a pedestrian gate, steps lead up to the front door and into the entrance hall. As is so often the case with Georgian homes adapted for 21st-century living, the ground-floor space is shared by a dining room and kitchen, the latter having received a thoroughly modern and distinctive tweak in the form of a new glazed floor that leads out into the south-facing courtyard garden.

French windows make this room a bright and sunny delight, there’s ample room for a breakfast table, while a sea of matt black granite worktops keeps everything looking sleek and crisp. Hidden behind the serene frontage of the units, numerous integrated appliances busily keep the household ticking. Also – try to rein in your jealousy here – there’s a recessed larder, with further storage, room for breakfast prep and a drinks fridge.

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

DESIGNED WITH CONSIDERATION, INSTALLED WITH CARE

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BRING YOUR IDEAS TO LIFE Bristol based cabinet makers specialising in beautiful handcrafted kitchens & furniture

PROPERTY

The kitchen is charmingly linked via a butler’s pantry to a pretty dining room, with its original fireplace and shuttered sash windows overlooking the communal gardens.

In keeping with most Georgian homes, the ‘best’ room is at the front of the first floor, elevated above the comings and goings in the street below; sash windows open to a canopied balcony, from which you can wave grandly at the hoi polloi.

Three bedrooms and two bathrooms spread over the top two floors, while the lower ground floor has its own entrance as well as stairs to the main hallway. The floor is currently put to use as a family room, bedroom, utility and shower room, but you may well have other plans for it. Gym? Cinema room? Home office? Your choice, obviously, not ours.

The back courtyard offers a contemporary, landscaped city garden; it’s fully paved, with wood-clad walls and plenty of space for outdoor seating and dining. South-facing, it catches much of the day’s sun.

It’s really all you need, as to the front is the lawned communal garden with its lawn and tall, mature trees – lovingly overseen by the committed resident’s committee, and regularly used by family groups of all types throughout the year.

HOUSE NUMBERS Where? Clifton Reception rooms 3 Bedrooms 4 Bath/shower rooms 3 Outside Private courtyard garden; communal garden

Guide price

£1.450m

For more: Rupert Oliver 14 Waterloo Street, BS8 4BT 0117 452 3555 rupertoliver.co.uk

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

Bristol & Clifton's premier Commercial Property Agents Keep up-to-date with our latest news, deals, testimonials and market comment at our website: www.burstoncook.co.uk

(0117) 934 9977

16 ORCHARD STREET

(‘AIRPORT ROAD’), BRISTOL

• Stunning bright & contemporary offices

• Retail/showroom • 1st floor office separately available if required

• 404 to 888 Sq Ft • New leases

• Close to Bristol Airport yet 15 minutes from BS1

CLIFTON RUGBY CLUB

35 QUEENS RD, BS8

• Suites from 226 – 1,378 sq ft

• Immediately opposite Bristol University

• Economical and affordable inclusive rent

• Very busy pitch

• Prime location

• New leases – low rent

• Rare opportunity

• Ample on site car parking

• 650 Sq Ft

• Excellent road links to city

• New lease

105 WHITELADIES ROAD

REGENT ST, KINGSWOOD

• Good size unit

• Shop &2 upper floors

• Suit shop and other uses

• 2,241 sq ft

• New lease

• Established trading site

• Rent only £20 k per annum

• New lease – rent on application

BARNACK TRADING ESTATE, BEDMINSTER

54/56 PARK STREET, BS1

• Industrial unit

• Suit many commercial uses

• Excellent offices

• 802 sq ft • Established estate

• From c 1,245 sq ft to 2,454 sq ft

• Only £12,000 pax

• Flexible leases

A STUNNING OFFICE LOCATED IN A COUNTRYSIDE SETTING

FRANKLYN STREET, ST PAULS, BRISTOL • A converted Victorian end of terrace house comprising: • Offices 1,259 sq ft / Stores 291 sq ft / Open store 1,549 sq ft • Suit various commercial uses • To rent (might sell)

• 2,874 sq ft • Ample car parking • Self contained • 5 min from Clifton and City Centre

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

• Sales/Lettings

• Development advice

• Acquisitions advice

• Investment

• Valuations

• Dilapidations

• Landlord & tenant

• Property Marketing

• Rent reviews

• Auction Services

BRISTOL LIVES

“Someone at Bristol City Council called me a catalyst, which I thought was a massive compliment”

BECK PRIOR

Need a jolt of contagious energy in your life?

Five minutes with the unstoppable Beck should do the trick – especially if you get her onto the topic of her latest venture . . .

L

ike most creative business owners, I have many hats and spin many plates,” says Beck. “I get excited about so many different things, and find it hard to sit still.

Whenever I’m asked what I ‘do’ in a social situation, my friends fondly chip in, “Well, it’s easier to ask her what she doesn’t do...”

I am the founder of both Priormade and Prior Shop.

I’ve been in Bristol since 2004, when I started my art degree at UWE. In 2011, I began Priormade, creating minimalist, eco-conscious homeware and jewellery. I run workshops in design and fabrication, and I also make props, signage and interactive displays for events, theatre and film. Previous projects and installations include the huge wooden REUSE letters at Avonmouth recycling centre, and the Cosy Club sign on Corn Street.

As a child, I loved all the Get Set! craft kits. I also became obsessed with cooking elaborate meals. I used to get up in the middle of the night and attempt to cook a threecourse dinner, because I knew I’d have to ‘ask’ in the daytime.

Today, I specialise in making

colourful birch plywood sculptural homeware. I’ve been called the ‘ply lady’ many, many times. I love history, and putting great materials back into circulation. The earrings I make include wood from Bristol’s George Brewery, and original floor boards from the Thekla.

We opened Priorshop, a

not-for-profit retail and workshop space in Old Market, in 2019.

I’d met so many wonderful, responsible product designers over the previous 10 years that opening a shop that showcased a collection of consciously made homeware, accessories, jewellery and skincare

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

was a no-brainer. My plan was to curate a space full of exceptional craftsmanship, selling sustainable products. I asked (and still ask) each artist/designer to fill out a form for transparency that they have been as responsible as they can, from idea to production.

back section of the shop will be for workshops in design, craft and business, and also rotating art exhibitions. It will be a real creative hub for the Bristol community.

We hear daily ‘this shop is so lovely and calm’. When you have

businesses that match their life ethos. Everyone wants to connect to real-life people, too. I want more than just fashion and trends; I am looking for products and brands that align with my personal values.

We stock rich, organic textiles, unique, contemporary

I live in Redfield, and love my BS5 community. All my friends are reachable by foot or bike. I love that about Bristol in general. You feel connected to everyone.

a shop full of so many beautiful things, with everything created by hand, with so much care and intent, it radiates into the space.

lighting, statement plant hangers, original artworks, a wellbeing collection and eco and fair-mined silver and gold jewellery, We have a zero-waste collection and even a recycling service.

We are going to have many workshops, bookable through

Yuup. Expect candle-making, garment-making, basic wiring, social media courses, macramé, crochet, weaving and so much more.

Old Market is close to my house, and we got married at

Trinity Centre. Old Market has so much character, both in buildings and people; it’s always referred to as up-and-coming, but it 100% knows itself and doesn’t seem to bow down to trends as quickly as other areas.

We are supersizing our little shop and bringing it to the city centre in September. It

will have over 150 responsible independent brands all under one (massive) roof! The main section of the shop will be retail, and the

I’m finding that people are now looking for a shopping experience and gravitate towards

I really love empowering people with skills, watching them

change and their confidence grow.

At Arnolfini, Young Bristol and the community projects I run now, I always want to bring something different through big ideas and projects. Someone at Bristol City Council called me a catalyst, which I thought was a massive compliment.

My favourite Bristol pub is The

Old Duke. I started work there in 2004, and my fondest memories were created within those walls.

Any other secret skills?

I’m a qualified hairdresser.

My most regrettable habit is

not stopping until a task is done, no matter how late, how tired, or how unachievable it is. Oh, and leaving washing on the line for weeks.

For more: priorshop.uk