Bristol Life - Issue 309

ISSUE 309 / BRISTMAS 2021 / £3

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY MEN LITTLE CHRISTMAS AND OTHER TOP SHOWS TO BOOK ASAP ISSUE 309 / BRISTMAS 2021 / SIMPLY HAVING A WONDERFUL BRISTMAS TIME

THE BEST OF THE FESTIVE

MARKETS, LIGHT TRAILS AND OTHER BRILLIANT WAYS TO BRISTMAS

CLAUS ENCOUNTERS OF THE SECOND KIND

IT’S PART II OF OUR BRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

PRECIOUS CARGO

HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE LEGENDS OF THE WHARF

GUESS WHAT IT’S STARTING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE…

EDITOR’S LETTER

PHOTO BY COLIN MOODY

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13

Bristol is LIT

New lights up Park Street, and 13 more ideas for getting your best Bristmas on

f it’s getting too repetitive, think of it as a drinking game. Every time someone utters the phrase “Last Christmas was cancelled, so let’s make this one count!” (and they will, relentlessly, we’ve done it ourselves) take one shot of sweet sherry, or Baileys, or whatever floats your festive boat. It takes the edge off, honestly.

Last Christmas wasn’t all bad. It had its moments, in a Blitz-spirity kind of way. We’re still reminiscing mistily about our Pony & Trap Christmas Day dinner box – it cut the kitchen chores by roughly 80 per cent, tasted better than any home-cooked roast we’ve ever had, and we’re tamping mad that Josh hasn’t brought it back for 2021.

But even the most cheerful little elf would have to admit that all in all, Christmas 2020 was a bit pants. Even if we did manage to round up key family members for the big day, the sparkle was dimmed. We missed the markets; we missed the Christmas shows. We missed popping into steamed-up pubs for a quick one while the turkey was overcooking.

And nothing takes the joy out of festive shopping more effectively than having a thermometer gun pointed at your head as if you were caught up in a heist.

So yes; at the risk of causing rolled eyes, let’s do it: let’s grab this Christmas by the reindeer horns, rock around the Christmas tree and head out to enjoy the best festive delights the city has to offer. If you’re wondering what they are, you’ll find them on page 13.

Merry Bristmas, my lovers. Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any tiers

DERI ROBINS Follow us on Twitter @BristolLifeMag Instagram @BristolLifeMag

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Issue 309 / Bristmas 2021 COVER Step into Chris-mas! Lush cover photo by Chris Hill, on instagram at @chrshill – DM for prints and collabs

BRISTMAAASSSS

13 BEST OF THE FESTIVE Lights! Shows! Ubiquitous

Santas! All the Bristmas action!

ARTS

27 ARTS INTRO 2020, huh: what was it good for?

Well, there was this...

28 WHAT’S ON Your festive almanac 32 BRISTOL HEROES What did you expect at this time

of the year, Easter heroes?

36 BOOKS Don’t expect to find novelty books here just

because it’s Christmas

FOOD & DRINK

40 TAPAS Y COPAS Sherry’s for life, not just for

Christmas. That said, just wait until you try Bar 44’s sherry trifle cocktail 45 CAFÉ SOCIETY Stan’s talking Turkey – and we don’t mean the festive fowl ,

SHOPPING

46 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Any colour as long as it’s a

Christmas colour

STREET LIFE

58 PRECIOUS CARGO Winning at the Wharf

BUSINESS

71 BRISTOLWORKS Feeling the white collars of the city

PROPERTY

76 SHOWCASE We’re mentally dressing this Hotwells

house for Christmas

REGULARS

8 FESTIVE QUIZ It just wouldn’t be Bristmas Life without it 11 BRIZZOGRAM Bristmas Steps 67 SNAPPED Famous people rubbing shoulders with plain

ordinary folk like you and me

90 BRISTOL LIVES Our annual Bristmas interview with a

fictional entity. You’ll either find it vaguely amusing or a bit irritating

Three Bristmas images we really wanted to include, but couldn’t squeeze in anywhere else. from top: Bex Glover’s art for this year’s Visit Bristol campaign; Jenny Urquhart’s Gloucester Road in the Snow print, £24-£40; Wild Goats, Avon Gorge by Ruth Malloy, from the Bristol Guild Christmas card collection, £2.50 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, Storysmith Books Advertising manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk New business manager Craig Wallberg craig.wallberg@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Jake Horwood jake.horwood@mediaclash.co.uk Production/distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bristol Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a 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

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 7

QUIZ

THE BRISTMAS QUIZ Think you know Bristol? Here’s your chance to find out, courtesy of RICHARD JONES of Tangent Books

T

his year’s quiz is drawn from Tangent’s newly published Bristol Miscellany . No Bristmas stocking is complete without one.

19

8

What was the name of the monastery in the centre of Bristol that was dissolved by Henry VIII?

TEN MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

1

In the 1950s, crowds gathered on College Green to look at two mysterious figures which had been delivered to the construction site of the Council House. The architect returned from holiday to say they were to go on the roof. What did the figures represent?

2 3 4

In what square is there a replica of part of the Bristol High Cross?

In the early 1960s Guy Bailey was turned down for a job on Bristol’s buses – why?

In what year did John Cabot set sail from Bristol in The Matthew to seek the land of America?

20

From what island in the Bristol Channel did Marconi send his first radio transmission?

LAW, ORDER & TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

10

Which Bristol building was used for the first time on 3 August 1858, replacing a previous facility in Guinea Street?

REALLY OLD BRISTOL

11 12

What area of Bristol was known as Abonae in Roman Times?

The name Bristol comes from the Anglo Saxon words Brycg and Stow. What do they mean?

13

What is the name of the central Bristol pub named after flat-bottomed boats that sailed across to the River Wye?

14

Besides the Avon, what other river flows through Bristol?

4

5 6

7 8 9

Elizabeth Blackwell was born in Temple Back, Bristol in 1821. What is her claim to fame?

What was the surname of the family who owned Ashton Court?

Where might you find Western Spike Speedwell, Fingered Sedge and Autumn Squill?

5

21 22

In which Bristol pub was the Pie Poudre Court?

What building constructed in 1880 was loosely inspired by Carisbrooke Castle and helped with Bristol’s law and order?

23

In what district was a prison built on the site of a pleasure garden following the 1877 Prison Act?

24 25 26

Where in 1793 did the militia open fire on a crowd of people, killing 14, during riots?

What was the function of the boat named the Pyronaut in Bristol?

What name is given to the ‘counting tables’ that stand in Corn Street, where merchants would conclude their deals?

AND JUST A FEW MORE…

27 28 29

What kind of business did Charles Heal & Sons operate in Bristol?

What chemical element gives Bristol Glass its distinctive blue colour?

The oldest known Mikveh in Europe, dating from 1100, is situated in Bristol. What is a Mikveh?

25

What type of vehicle is a Bristol Type 401?

13

15

In what book was Knowle valued at 40 shillings?

POWER & POLITICS

16 17

Which King created the county of Bristol in 1373?

In 1949, the then-biggest aeroplane in the world was made in Bristol – what was its name?

30

Harvey’s Bristol Cream sherry was a new blend in the 1860s – what was the original sherry dating from the 17th century called?

What building in the centre of the city was not included in the county and remained part of Gloucestershire until 1629?

18

After the battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, King Henry VII made a pilgrimage to Bristol to give thanks for his victory at a Holy Well. Where is it?

ANSWERS 1 Unicorns 2 Berkeley Square 3 Because he was black 4 1497 5 Cobalt 6 A sacred Jewish spring or well – it is Jacob’s Well 7 She became the fi rst woman doctor in America 8 Smyth 9 Avon Gorge – they are all very rare plants found in the gorge 10 Bristol General Hospital 11 Sea Mills 12 Bridge and place 13 Llandoger Trow 14 Frome 15 Domesday Book 16 Edward III 17 Bristol Castle 18 St Anne’s 19 St Augustine 20 Flat Holm 21 Stag and Hounds, Old Market 22 Bedminster Police Station 23 Horfield 24 Bristol Bridge 25 A fi re boat to put out fi res 26 The Nails 27 Fairground owners and showman 28 A car 29 Brabazon 30 Harvey’s Bristol Milk

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

The biggest local publishing event of 2021 saw Bristol Books and Tangent Books join forces to produce Volume One of Manson’s Bristol Miscellany by local historian and novelist Mike Manson.

The Miscellany is packed with interesting facts and curiosities about the city, making it the perfect gift for a Bristolian this Christmas. £18 from bristolbooks.org

SPOTLIGHT

STEPS INTO BRISTMAS

Every town that possesses an ancient twisty lane claims it as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. But where did JK Rowling grow up? That’s right. Near Bristol. Just saying.

@kruggy01

@tjphillips76

@rogerturner6

@gertie.photography

@jespionne_avec_mon_petit_oeil

@chrshill

@lz.bristol

@petegriffiths_photos

@lz.bristol

@chrshill

@lz.bristol

@chrshill

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

BRISTMAS

HAVE YOURSELF

A MERrY MEN

© PHOTO AND ART BY BEN ROBINS

LITtLE BRISTMAS

Not quite in the zone yet? Turn the page to get your festive on . . . www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 13

BRISTMAS

B

ack in 1660, the restoration of the English monarchy saw King Charles II being popped onto the throne and the end of republican rule. To the delight of nobles and peasants alike, the Merry Monarch promptly set about reviving all the things that the joyless Cromwells had banned. You know, things like: Theatre. Sport. Dancing. Fun.

Christmas.

Not a dissimilar situation to the one in which we fi nd ourselves now, then, but instead of ‘Puritan spoilsports’ read ‘pandemic lockdown’.

And while we’re not quite out of the Covid woods yet, at time of going to press it looks as if we can go about our usual festive business – taking the kids to the shows, knocking back Glühwein at the faux-German market, and gazing in rapture at the latest light trails.

So, with this in mind, celebrate good times – come on….

1

HAPPY TRAILS ARE HERE AGAIN Back in fun-free December 2020, Bristol BID came up with an idea to make us smile: a festive light trail that saw the jolliest Christmas lyrics and phrases projected onto the sides of citycentre buildings.

Instagram promptly lost its mind, and it’s about to do so again, because the Christmas

Adventures are back, with movie quotes joining the song lyrics, and an expanded area covered with the addition of Redcliffe and Temple BID. Projections have already appeared in the city centre; the full trail launches on 1 December when the Harbourside and Old City projections are switched on.

Until 28 December; trail map at bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk

2

BRISTOL IS LIT Look ma, new lights up Park Street! Bristol City Centre BID’s Christmas lights are now fully lit, with over a mile of festive lighting and 25,000 LEDs bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk

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

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THE LITTLE ST NICK Another market – it gets its own entry because of its festive name, and because all’s fair in love and Christmas. It’s always fabulously atmospheric, with over 60 indoor stalls selling gifts, fashion, books, records etc, along with some of the best street food in the city. The Christmas-themed outdoor markets are an ideal place to discover handmade crafts and enjoy yet more excellent street food. Open until Christmas Eve. bristol.gov.uk

4

DECK THE STALLS The markets are back, so don’t shilly-chalet; get over to the big Bristol Christmas Market at Broadmead (until 23 December) where around 40 stalls sell seasonal shizzle, crafts and gifts, along with the Jäger Barn Bar and (new!) private, cosy igloos. bristolchristmasmarket.com Even more on-brand for indie-lovers, the Bristol Local Christmas Market is also at Broadmead, with makers and producers selling handmade wares along with locally produced food and drink. bristollocalchristmasmarket.com On 9 and 12 December, catch the Winter Fairs at Estate of the Arts, including the all-new night markets; local makers stalls, live acts, open studios, food, drink and an animation cinema. estateofthearts.co.uk.

Know also that between 4-5 December and 11-12 December you can shop cosily indoors at the Made in Bristol Gift Fair, where up to 200 designer-makers will take over the Beacon foyer. madeinbristolshop.co.uk

Pick up a penguin.

Actually, don’t, you’ll get nicked

5

MAST CHRISTMAS It’s time to hit the sails; no, we’re not talking the annual postChrimbo discountfest up at Cribbs, we mean the fabulous Victorian Christmas at Brunel’s ss Great Britain – the only place where a white Bristmas is guaranteed.

In a wintry dockyard transformed with Christmas greenery and falling snow, you can meet a cast of historic characters including guests from the Ragged Victorians living history group.Father Christmas also makes his inaugural appearance at the event, confusing the easily confused by wearing Victorian green robes. Stop him for a story about Victorian Christmas traditions, or maybe just ask him why he’s green.

Weekends 4-19 December; ssgreatbritain.org

“The ss Great Britain is the only place where a white Bristmas is guaranteed”

BRISTMAS

6

BIG WHEEL KEEPS ON TURNING Remember the mighty Milton Keynes Winter Wonderland of 2013? If not, Google it up; it’s always good for a laugh. Anyway, be assured that there’ll be no swearing Santas at the Vintage Winter Wonderland in Millennium Square.

Along with the big wheel and the Après Bar, you’ll fi nd dodgems and chair-o-planes, and food stalls serving the likes of German bratwurst and Yorkshire pudding wraps. There’s no ice rink outside We The Curious this year; save your boos for the panto, though, because the Bump Roller Disco at Redcliffe Wharf is far better for the planet. Until 3 January, excluding Christmas Day On Facebook at vintagewinterwonderland

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COURT FAVOURITE This looks pretty, though not exactly cheap. At Light Up Bristol at Ashton Court you can stroll around an illuminated walking trail, and if that sounds far too energetic then just plonk yourself down, gorge on mulled wine and hot chocolate, meet Father Christmas and maybe spot some of his reindeer in the grounds. Well, they’re probably just the usual Ashton Court deer, but you know… yuup.co/light-up-bristol

8

GOING ON A BEAR HUNT “No, you’re not having a Burger King, No, I’m not buying you that; put it down. Don’t hit your sister. Don’t run off ! Behave, or no Paddington…”

Shopping at Cribbs with kids just got easier with the arrival of a new, eminently bribeworthy attraction. Good children can meet the marmalade-loving bear and his pals in interactive scenes; very good kids can hang out in the Grotto for story time. If they’ve been spectacularly good, you could fi nish with a skate on the newly-opened Planet Ice – and yes, possibly a burger…

Until 24 December; mallcribbs.com/Christmas

9

All our memories of the Masquerade Ball are a bit like this

THE SPIEGEL HAS LANDED The Spiegeltent arrives on Harbourside every November, like a magical visitor from Christmas past, and here’s simply nothing quite like it.

On 4 December MC Rocky Patch and DJ Nick Terrific host the most uplifting family rave on the planet; other highlights include The Puppini Sisters, Laid Blak and the Smerins Anti Social Club, where you can eat a roast, boogie on down and generally let it all hang out.

New for this year is family-friendly drag show Tuck Shop, with its parcipitative talent show, and Bring Me Sunshine, a contemporary circus/ cabaret crossed with a 1970s TV Christmas special. For us, though, it has to be the The Roaring 2.0s Masquerade Ball on NYE, featuring the Dutty Moonshine Big Band and a host of cabaret and circus delights. christmasspiegeltent.co.uk

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BRISTMAS

10

BOOETH AND HISSETH In 2020 we all had to watch online Christmas shows at home; this year there’s going to be no stopping us, as we head back into the theatres for our live festive fi x. Let’s begin with Bristol Old Vic’s new offering, Robin Hood: Legend of the Forgotten Forest.

It’s co-produced with The Wardrobe Ensemble, so you can verily expect them to cheekily play fast and loose with the legend. The mead flows freely, the harps play sweetly, bards roam the land and the Sheriff of Nottingham’s as dastardly as ever. But lo! Robin’s a girl, and she’s in love with the kickass ‘Mad Dawg’ Maryan (more on p 90).

Until 8 January; bristololdvic.org.uk

11

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME During last Christmas’s lockdown, Tobacco Factory Theatres gamely took its actors to the streets of BS3, where they performed directly to the neighbours.

This year, they’re back in the main theatre with Oz. It’s nothing to do with the 1960s counter-culture magazine – we’ll leave that kind of thing to The Wardrobe, thank you very much – but a cheerful trip down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City (until 16 January). Co-produced with female-led, Bristol-based company Pins and Needle, Oz promises a bold new reimagining of the classic tale for grown-ups aged 6+’.

For the actual grown-ups, Douglas Walker (right) unwraps the shocking true origins of Santa Claus in in Of Christmas Past, a one-man epic taking in 100 years of history and almost as many characters in a festive story that spans the entire 20th century, with a cast ranging from Rasputin to Pablo Escobar, Edward VIII to Elvis.

Until 23 December; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

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RING OUT, RING SOLSTICE BELLS St George’s is the classic choice for traditional Christmas feels. There’s Septura (10 December), a dazzling brass ensemble performing pieces from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and Handel’s Messiah; the Children’s Christmas Carnival on 19 December, with music from The Snowman; while Awake Arise! on 23 December brings five of the English folk scene’s most inventive artists to celebrate winter traditions, and the power of music to bring joy in the darkest season.

Throw into the mix the annual jollity of Maddy Prior’s Carols and Capers on 7 December, Cara Dillon’s fragrant Upon a Winter’s Night on the 15th, The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s Christmas Crackers on the 17th, a Christmas Spectacular from Bristol Ensemble and City of Christmas Choir on the 18th, and quite a bit more, and aural Christmas satisfaction is guaranteed. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

ALSO…

The Hippodrome’s annual pantofest is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (4 December - 2 January) with Lesley Joseph as The Wicked Queen and Rob Rinder as The Man in the Mirror. Ideal for anyone allergic to Christmas show revisionism.

Arnos Vale Cemetery hosts an outdoor production of Hansel and Gretel (until 1 Jan) that’s ‘deliciously dark yet family-friendly’.

Redgrave is sweetly excited about its ‘real ponies’ in Cinderella (14-31 December), while the students of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School return to the same stage on 4-5 December with nativity tale While Shepherds Watched. Expect to see wise men (and not so wise men), talking sheep, angels, shepherds (obv), camels, a horrible Herod, and carols old and new. Hey, it’s not every day you get to see the Oscar winners of tomorrow dressed as sheep ...

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FESTIVE FILTH If you’re shocked at the liberties being taken with Robin Hood at Bristol Old Vic then (a) you’re probably easily shocked and (b) just wait until you hear what’s The Wardtobe have done to Little Women.

In their trademark adults-only alternative to festive family fare, the anarchic evil geniuses behind such

parody mash-ups as Oedipuss In Boots and Goldilock, Stock and Three Smoking Bears bring you 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 must swap their needlework for neuralyzers.

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

Think Louisa May Alcott’s sugary classic, but with all the added guns, gore and sweet 1990s soundtrack you never realised were missing.

Until 16 January; thewardrobetheatre.com

“It’s Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale, but with all the added guns, gore and sweet ’90s soundtrack you never realised were missing”

BRISTMAS

14

HERE COME THE MEN IN RED (ALSO GREEN) Santa’s everywhere. You can catch him in his grotto at Cribbs, Ashton Court and Cabot Circus; Avon Valley Railway have booked him for its Santa Specials (avonvalleyrailway.org), while Bristol Ferry have him onboard for Sail with Santa (bristolferry.com). We even have a rather unconvicing Santa of our own (p 33).

We understand, of course, that the whole ubiquitous thing is done by magic, but we’re still gobsmacked when we see a huge biker gang of Santas roaring through Bristol (4 December, santasonabike.org.uk) or when Santas on the Run unleashes hundreds of Santas of all ages and sizes onto the streets in aid of CHSW (5 December, chsw.org.uk).

And if you’re wondering why the green-robed Santa at the ss Great Britain looks more like the Ghost of Christmas Past than the usual jolly red FC, get along to their Victorian Christmas and all will be revealed. n

“If you’re wondering why the ss Great Britain’s Santa looks more like the Ghost of Christmas Past than the usual jolly red FC, get along to their Victorian Christmas and all will be revealed”

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

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SPONSORED CONTENT

SAY YUUP THIS CHRISTMAS Experience the extraordinary with YUUP. Discover memorable and unique things to do in Bristol with passionate local people, independent creators, and small businesses.

I

Finola, Ridgeway Studios in Fishponds is a buzzing hub for resident ceramics artists and the home of low-key and casual pottery workshops.

Take a spin on the wheels as resident ceramics artists Meredith and Naomi show you how to morph raw materials pulled from the earth into works of art. When you are not sculpting on the potter’s wheel you’ll be hand-building pottery with stoneware clay. This is a relaxed affair with refreshments available throughout.

From £40 per person

f you are looking for heartfelt, unique, and out-of-the-ordinary gifts you’ll find unforgettable experiences with Yuup.

Give someone the gift of our city from a whole new perspective: from tasting masterclasses to woodland foraging and from pottery workshops to world cookery classes. Get some inspiration from this gift guide and give them something they’ll always remember:

FOR THE ONE THAT LIKES NATURE:

THE SHOWSTOPPER:

A wildlife safari through the Forest of Dean

In the Forest of Dean, the creatures of the night come out to play in this evening wildlife safari.

Wild boars, fallow deer, bats, foxes, otters, and the odd pine marten all call this beautiful and mysterious ancient woodland their home.

Be their guest as your host Ed guides you through the greenery to discover the shy residents of the forest. Listen out for their cries and warbles and learn how to differentiate different birdsong and identify our native wildlife.

From £40 per person

Take a champagne flight in a hot-air balloon

FOR THE FOODIE ONE: Taste the fruits of the world with DBM Wines

Taste the mountain soil, the sea breeze, and bursting sun-drenched berries in this gastronomic experience that will take you across the globe, with DBM Wines – an independent, personal wine merchant in Clifton with over 30 years of experience.

Taste wines that have been specially selected by a Master of Wine (one of only 370 globally) in a relaxed and approachable atmosphere. It’s exclusive without being elitist, allowing you to discover that expert wine knowledge can be found just at the tip of your tastebuds.

From £20 per person

FOR THE ARTY ONE:

Embrace the ancient craft of pottery with Ridgeway Studios Created by husband-and-wife team Max and

Is there anything more romantic, more fantastical, more iconic, or more Bristol than being transported through the air by hot-air balloon? Setting off from Ashton Court, this is an unforgettable sky-high experience that will give you a view of Bristol from a whole new perspective.

A hot-air balloon flight raises the bar when it comes to great gifts. Perfect for special occasions like Christmas (or simply something to cross off the bucket list!). The best bit about this gift? They get to share it with you.

From £160 per person

With over 350 unique local experiences you’re sure to find something for everyone.

Discover more great experience gift ideas and gift vouchers at yuup.co

© RICHARD ANSET T

THE ARTS D 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

uring the Great Lockdown of 2020, artist Grayson Perry (above left), wife Philippa ( above right) and Kevin the Cat (not shown, probably off skulking somewhere) hosted a weekly TV show from their home studio.

During the show, Grayson spoke to artists and creatives about how they were spending their time, and invited them to respond creatively to the pandemic. Members of the public also shared thousands of pieces of art, from paintings and photography to ceramics and textiles.

Some of these works have now gone on show at a unique new exhibition at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. There are pieces by Grayson and Philippa, work by celebrities from Boy George to Johnny

Vegas, and by artists from David Bailey to Sir Frank Bowling. Added together they offer a powerful and personal response to the pandemic, providing a lasting artistic record of 2020. Before you consign the year to the rubbish dump of history, go along and check it out.

“I am honoured and delighted that the exhibition will be held at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery,” says Grayson, flatteringly. “I am especially pleased that all the artists who have contributed will get to show their work in such a prestigious venue in a great city.”

We love you too, Grayson.

Grayson’s Art Club runs at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery from 4 December 2021-4 September 2022 bristolmuseums.org.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 27

WHAT’S ON 3-30 December 2021

© STEFANO UNTERTHINER, WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Flick back to page 13 for this year’s Bristmas big-hitters

EXHIBITIONS

with goddess culture and witchcraft; Spike Island; spikeisland.org.uk

PINK LADY® FOOD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Love food? Love photography? Want to see the best food photography in the world? Hie ye to RPS pronto, for the Pink Lady exhibition; rps.org

PEGGY AHWESH: VISION MACHINES Single-channel films and video installations forged in the ruins of originality and authority, probing the critical potential of play; Spike Island; spikeisland.org.uk

Until 12 Dec

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

Until 13 February

Until 3 January

Until 5 June

BRISTOL PHOTO FESTIVAL The most excellent biennial festival continues to show across the city – and it’s all free. bristolphotofestival.org

Until 16 January

SUTAPA BISWAS The British-Indian artist engages with questions of identity, race and gender in relation to time, space and history; Arnolfini, arnolfini.org.uk WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Back at M Shed with a new set of extraordinary images; lots more in our next issue bristolmuseums.org.uk

STEPHEN GILL: COMING UP FOR AIR The Bristol photographer gets a major retrospective at Arnolfini, leading us from the flea markets of Hackney Wick to his home in the Swedish countryside. arnolfini.org.uk

4-5 December

LUCY STEIN: WET ROOM Building on a lasting engagement

GRAYSON’S ART CLUB Artworks chosen by Grayson and

guest celebs during his TV series of the same name; at Bristol Museum.

See page 27; bristolmuseums.org.uk

SHOWS

Until 18 December

IN BETWEEN TIME: THE RUPTURE Bristol’s renowned performance organisation IBT hosts its ninth festival, inspiring audiences through thought-provoking, interactive work.

Various venues. inbetweentime.co.uk

Until 23 December

3-4 December

QUEEN LEAR Shakespeare’s epic Lear, pared back and told in a new light at Alma Tavern; tickettailor.com

4 Dec-2 Jan

SNOW WHITE The Hippo does its entertaining panto thang; see page 13; atgtickets.com

OF CHRISTMAS PAST Douglas Walker’s festive one-man show for grown-ups; see page 13. tobaccofactorytheatres.com

10 Dec-9 Jan

Until 6 January

16-18 December

LITTLE WOMEN IN BLACK The Wardrobe’s annual festive mashup; see page 13; thewardrobetheatre.com

BSPOKE16 This new artists and makers trail launched across North East Bristol last year; now it’s back, with around 100 makers on board; bspoke16.co.uk

Until 8 January

4 December-4 September

SHERLOCK IN HOMES III: MURDER AT THE GAMES Interrogate the suspects and attempt

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

to unmask a murderer, as you pit your wits against some of the UK’s most talented performers and improvisers.

Online; bristololdvic.org.uk

ROBIN HOOD: LEGEND OF THE FORGOTTEN FOREST BOV’s festive biggie; page 13. bristololdvic.org.uk

OZ TFT hits the yellow brick road; see page 13 tobaccofactorytheatres.com PYGMALION Shaw’s most enjoyable play is revived by Duckgoose Theatre, with a contemporary setting, at Alma Tavern. Don’t expect Lerner and Loewe tunes; do expect razor-sharp Shavian wit. tickettailor.com

16-23 December

A WONDERFUL MAGICAL CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH ALL THE USUAL STUFF Local legend Kid Carpet returns with

WHAT’S ON sidekicks Noisy Animals for a family show with music, games and a wonky dose of imagination, at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Bristol Ensemble and City of Bristol Choir do what it says on the tin.

Carols, traditional and European music; think a jolly atmosphere akin to Last Night of the Proms but without all the jingoism; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

MUSIC PHOTO BY BEN ROBINS

4-23 December

opposite page: Antlers aweigh: going Head to Head at M Shed above: Wyll Scarlet being jaunty at Bristol Old Vic left: Noisy Animals bringing the anarchy at The Wardrobe below: Craig Charles delivering the funk to 02 bottom: Resistance is futile: Love Actually’s at Bristol Museum

WINTER WARMERS Gig season at Ashton Court. Described as Fleetwood Mac meets Roni Size, Paper Dragons have been riding a meteoric rise to the forefront of the electronic scene in UK; catch them on 4 Dec. Check out the website for other acts; count us in for Interstellar Circus Drag Disco Cabaret on the 23rd; artspace.uk

19 December

7 December

5 December

WE ARE SCIENTISTS The NYC rockers are flying high in the wake of the ‘50th anniversary’ of debut album With Love and Squalor, and if that sounds a bit unlikely, know that they like to incorporate comedy into their performances.

At Trinity trinitybristol.org.uk

10-22 December (selected dates)

12 December

BJORN AGAIN There’s only one thing camper than Christmas and that’s peak ABBA. Catch their best tribute band at O2; academymusicgroup.com

13 December

THE LIBERTINES Pete and the lads head out on what they’re enchantingly calling the Giddy Up A Ding-Dong Tour. It’s stopping at O2. academymusicgroup.com

15 December

CARA DILLON The Irish folkstress brings her annual Upon A Winter’s Night to St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

THE CRAIG CHARLES FUNKY CHRISTMAS PARTY Fortify yourself before the family Christmas with a dose of Craig’s signature soul and funk; at O2, academymusicgroup.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS! (DESPITE THE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES) How many ways can the festive season go wrong? The Grinch whisks away everyone’s presents; terrorists take over Nakatomi Plaza; Alan Rickman gives a gold necklace to his vampy secretary instead of that nice Emma Thompson. Luckily, Bristol Improv Theatre has assembled a crack team of comedians and musicians to take the edge off; improvtheatre.co.uk

12 December

SOPHIE HAGEN One of British comedy’s most exciting talents (although she’s Danish), cult podcaster, and the author of Happy Fat comes to BOV; bristololdvic.org.uk

OTHER Ongoing

THE ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT The OAE bring their festive Christmas Crackers to St George’s, featuring some of the Baroque era’s greatest hits; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

18 December

COMEDY BOOTHBY GRAFFOE An evening in the company of an artist thought to be of one of the best at whatever it is he does; mostly singing songs and talking nonsense. Surreally funny, and the musicianship’s great. thewardrobetheatre.com

MADDY PRIOR: CAROLS AND CAPERS The queen of folk and her Carnival Band bring the festive party to St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

17 December

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL Bristol Ensemble bring the seasonal tunes, including The Snowman, for a family show at St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL The screenings continue up to the end of the year. Does Love Actually make the festive cut?

Does Santa wear a red hat? If you’re interested, it shows on16 December, at Bristol Museum... bristolfilmfestival.com

Various dates

BRISTOL SPIEGELTENT The brilliantly atmospheric venue is back, with its usual brantub of shows and parties; see page 13. christmasspiegeltent.co.uk. n

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 29

1

BRISTMAS RAPPING

Grab that discount Santa disguise. Don that Moscow head warmer. Go spread cheer for all to see and hear . . .

Words and pictures by Colin Moody

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BRISTOL HEROES

A

nd lo, under a star. Well, at least, at the Star and Garter. Let’s look at some festive heroes – and here’s the first one, coming at you quicker than mince pies flying off Hart’s shelves in December.

1

It’s the grotto at the Star and Garter, and I don’t know what they’ve got planned this year, but this before-Covid snapshot of Christmas past gives you hope. Hats off to the Star, for during lockdown it was one of a host of pubs which helped get food boxes out to people who needed them. Together they have raised thousands for charity, and kept the fire of hope burning.

2

2

“I could only marvel at the maverick genius of it all, working on several levels that would make Freud choke a little” 3

4

Did I share this Christmas cracker of a shot with you last Christmas? I can’t remember, because we didn’t really have a Christmas – well, maybe a kind of mashed-up muppet of a Christmas. So forgive me, but I do like it when the people who want to make merry on the streets, and move from hostelry to hostelry, finally stop, ’cos one of the wise men needs a… rest, and it gives me time to get in there and meet what I can only surmise is both the baby Jesus and Mary all in one, with genuine crib.

I could only marvel at the maverick genius of it all, working on several levels that would make Freud choke a little. I’ve never seen its equal. So there’s a challenge to you. I will be hitting the streets, around the time you’ve heard Last Christmas just a few too many times; so bring it.

3

Now, let me see if I can find any shots from last Christmas, ’cos the one above was waaaaay before that whole Covid year. Hmm; what’s that down the bottom of my streetphotography stocking? Ah, there you go.

East Street, in the days running up to Christmas, when men in suits in panelled rooms told us we weren’t actually getting one that year. After all that bluster and huff and puff about how they were not gonna be *that* government which cancelled Christmas, they called the whole thing off.

And it was then that some of the local charity shop dudes, just as the doors were about to shut, put on what I can only call a good face. I’m gonna wear my party hat sideways as a tribute to this spirit of… ‘you may take our freedom but you ain’t never gonna stop this feeling’. Or something like that.

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

BRISTOL HEROES

4

And there’s another one.

Some top marketing executives will make you want stuff all year round, but they really hone their samurai swords of persuasion over Christmas. But whatever sponsored ad pops up to tempt you this Christmas, remember that even if the elastic on your Poundland Santa beard leaves you a tad low in the ’tash-and-beard department, it’s on the inside where we live, and where we really feel it. So grab that discount Santa disguise, and don that charity shop Moscow head warmer, and go spread cheer for all to see and hear.

5

5

Dear Santa. Define naughty.

I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna go for it this year. I mean, full tilt. Don’t we need two Christmasses-worth of celebrating to make up for the Mary Celeste of Xmas past?

If you are having something with bells on, go with my blessing, but I also think it’s in helping others that we need to go large this year.

Let’s have a look at some positivity from the first wintry chills that occurred during Covid…

6

Here’s to all the heroes. The people who volunteered when it got cold to make sure no-one, if possible, was out in the Covid Christmas. It seemed to start as it got cold, and furloughed businesses started turning their kitchens into NHS and key-worker foodsupport hubs. It will never be forgotten by any who got involved. Here’s one guy, his hands bitterly cold on his way back again with some decorations to make sure the dinners got out right in one of the hostels near Jamaica Street.

So while having a large one this Christmas, can we make it a bit larger for everyone?

6 7

7

This is not a pub crawl; this is not a Christmas party. This is one bloke, while all the shops were shut, taking his 20m walk with that on his head. He knows what he’s doing.

He’s on the good list. When you walk down the street, when it’s all shut down, and he boldly strides by, he’s lit a spark that will never go out.

Covid can get stuffed.

8

8

Now, can I see one more snap down the bottom of my festive stocking?

Don’t worry; someone else was driving… home for Christmas.

So as it’s that magical, special, expensive time of the year, may I just take this brief moment to thank all the heroes we’ve featured during 2021. Santa is on his way – the A38, I think it was, he was heading north, it was two weeks before Christmas if I recall – so probably back to the workshop to check it was all in order.

And that’s a Christmas wrap.

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

“Some marketing execs will make you want stuff all year round, but they really hone their samurai swords of persuasion over Christmas”

Merry Christmas to you all. Seek the warmth of humanity, and take stock, and then best foot forward, y’all.

Colin is available as a ‘mini-mobile PR/marketing/ social media unit’, to shoot striking street-style photographs at live events. Fees start at £100 for a two-hour package. email: mrcolinmoody@gmail.com Twitter: @moodycolin; Instagram @moodycolin319

EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS

Y

Stephen Fry has just published a book about ties; Dan and Emily feel sure it’s perfectly fine. They also reckon you can do a bit better than that when it comes to Christmas gifting . . .

ou may have noticed this already, but the publishing industry actually starts Christmas in September, releasing all the chunkiest hardbacks into the wild to seed their irresistibility in the marketplace.

The heavy-hitting likes of Bob Mortimer, Dave Grohl, Miriam Margolyes, Billy Connolly, Bernardine Evaristo and Ai Weiwei all have major memoirs out already as part of the seasonal giftathon, and you may be familiar with a struggling new crime author by the name of Richard Osman, for whom we hear big things are on the way...

Don’t get us wrong: these all make wonderful gifts for the right person. We are not so naïve as

to think every extended family member is really hankering for some obscure experimental Czech translated novella to get stuck into on Boxing Day. But for your slightly more off-beam relatives, your friends who seem to have already read everything this year and are still unsated, may we make some suggestions?

“We’re not so naïve as to think that every family member is hankering to get stuck into some obscure experimental Czech translated novella on Boxing Day”

This is the Canon: How To Decolonise Your Bookshelf by Joan Anim-Addo, Deirdre Osborne & Kadija Sesay An approachable and passionate book about books, this lovingly collected but urgent reading list takes a truly global approach and asks why so much of what we read is written by white people. Each chapter centres on a different novel from around the world to build a new canon of essential reading material; you’ll find arguments for familiar names like Chinua Achebe, Zadie Smith and Jean Rhys alongside lesser-known gems from Dinaw Mengestu, Sam Selvon and Buchi Emecheta. If you know someone who claims to be well-read, this is the one for them.

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Murakami T by Haruki Murakami Did you know that Stephen Fry has written a book about ties? We’re sure it’s perfectly fine, but this year’s best ‘my life through garments’ title has to be this, from the Japanese powerhouse novelist Haruki Murakami. In beautiful detail and with not a little nostalgia, Murakami shares photos of his favourite t-shirts and reveals just why he’s ended up with so many, and accompanies each with an essay. The essays are charming, naturally, and for anyone who’s already a fan of one of the world’s most celebrated and beloved authors, it’s a whole new way to consider his work and life.

Slime: A Natural History by Susan Wedlich An in-depth study of the biological, medical and cultural history of oozing substances might not be the most obvious gifting choice, but we are surprised and charmed by this rigorous and entertaining book. Wedlich deftly guides us through the persisting presence of slime in ancient and modern life, its uses, its natural occurrences, its effect on those who shy away from it or are inspired by it (there’s a very good section on Lovecraft, for example). A little breakout hit, it’s been lovely to see it do so well in the shop.

Black and British: An Illustrated History by David Olusoga (illustrated by Jake Alexander & Melleny Taylor) Alongside his television work, local legend David Olusoga has quietly been publishing some very influential and important books in the last couple of years, all springing from his original Black And British history book for adults. In this latest incarnation, a spectacularly illustrated and very approachable picture book for younger children, facts and social history are mingled with maps, timelines and portraits of pivotal figures in black British history.

Any child with an inexhaustible appetite for knowledge will find plenty here to keep them busy.

Christmas is one of our very favourite times of year. The shop becomes a little more twinkly, the customers a little more cheersome and tipsy, the booksellers a little more determined in their quest to match book with reader – we hope you can join us in our new shop for some perfectly relaxed browsing and gifting. After all, we’ve been ready for this since September.

Storysmith, 236 North Street; storysmithbooks.com

TAPAS Y COPAS Bar 44 fans rejoice: Owen and Tom Morgan have brought out their first book in time for Christmas – and it’s everything we’d hoped for, and more

By Ursula Cole

O

wen and Tom Morgan’s new Tapas y Copas book is almost too beautiful to use – we’re a bit scared of splashing PX over that gorgeous cover, with its intricate Andalucian tile design and shimmery metallic highlights.

But we’re not going to let that stop us.

Every page of the cookbook brims with the Morgans’ love for all things Spain – a passion that began in childhood.

“When we were kids, we discovered a lot of backstreet Spain with our mum and dad, who insisted we went there as much

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as possible,” says Owen. “Eating sardines cooked next to the fire in sand-filled fishing boats became the norm, as did eating various blood sausages in different villages.

We were a very food-focused family, so sitting down for meals around the kitchen table for hours at a time was the norm.”

It was at just such a family meal, though several years later, that Owen, Tom and sister Nat had “the crazy, wine-fuelled idea of turning an old social club in Cowbridge into a tapas bar – something which didn’t exist in many places in the UK at that time, let alone in a tiny Welsh market town.”

Four months later, the Morgan siblings’ lives had changed forever.

FOOD & DRINK

THE TAPAS BARS

A FEW OF OF OWEN’S FAVOURITE RECIPES “Jamón Ibérico croquetas and tortilla are favourites from the classics. They’re lifted by using tried-and-tested methods, and the very best ingredients, as well as by being exacting”

potato bun, with apple and fennel, and our piquillo pepper ketchup is a dish that started with a cult following, but grew to us spending two days each week preparing it!”

“Wild prawn and crab bisque churros with crab alioli – it’s fun, gives you a challenge but it’s not too difficult; it’s a savoury take on a classic sweet Spanish breakfast dish, and bangs with flavour“

“Roast Jerusalem artichokes with a roast garlic crema, finished with black truffle, is a wonderful winter dish”

“Confit duck and smoked black pudding ‘pringa’ in a

“Our cheeky take on a trifle from Bar 44 Bristol – chocolate, mango, a sherry cream”

“It was crazy, organised (ish), chaos,” says Owen. “We hired five chefs in the first month; none of them turned up for work. Tom and I were cooking with one hand, pouring drinks with the other. Waiting tables, cleaning at the end of the night, doing the books; everything you could think of. We’d often sleep in the bar, because it was 2am, and we’d need to start the next day’s prep at 6am. We wouldn’t change it though; we gained ten years experience in six months.”

That was back in 2002; over the course of the last 16 years, the Bar 44 empire has grown, with branches in Cowbridge, Penarth, Cardiff and Bristol. The food offering has also continued to evolve since day one.

“We put our heart and soul into the sourcing of the very best produce you’ll see anywhere in the UK, and the world’s finest Spanish produce,” says Owen.

“We try hundreds of types of the same ingredient to find the best for us. Not all jamóns, cheeses, chorizos etc, are made equal…

“Techniques have also changed dozens of times, even in the simplest of dishes such as patatas bravas, which involve a two-and-a-half day process. Over the years we’ve gained a reputation for executing the classics to a high level, but also for our own take on Spanish dishes.

“We travel all over Spain extensively, though we have a particular love for Andalucia and the Cádiz province; but from the Basque country to Asturias and Galicia, then down into Castilla, there’s pure magic to be found everywhere. Everything we do is very much our take on Spain. We do everything we can to do its traditions, history, and culture justice. But in doing so we also inject our creativity and personality into everything.”

. . . AND NOT FORGETTING THE COPAS

The drinks side of the operation has always been important, says Owen.

“Our offering is pretty unique and diverse, but all from within the world of Spain. The seasonal and Spanish slant on our cocktails has been incredibly important, and we push our bar teams every day, to bring out their creativity.”

Consider yourself a cider fan? Not by Basque standards, you’re not.

“The appreciation of sidras in Asturias takes things to another level.

I believe we were the first bar in the UK to serve Spanish cider on tap many years ago.

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

Join us this winter for a festive feast at Broken Dock 2 Courses £27 | 3 Courses £34

d So eat, drink an s be merry with u k at Broken Doc E: info@brokendock.co.uk T: 0117 325 0898 W: www.brokendock.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

SHERRY TRIFLE

“This is all about the fun and nostalgia. We put it on the menu as a bit of a laugh, and were surprised by how many we sold” 3 raspberries 25 Larios 12 gin 12.5ml Licor 43 25ml cream sherry 5ml vanilla gomme 12.5ml freshly squeezed lemon juice 50ml double cream 1 tsp grated chocolate Muddle the raspberries in a shaker tin until pulped. Add all the remaining ingredients except cream and chocolate; fill with ice and shake well. Doublestrain into your glass. Whisk the cream lightly and pour gently on top over the back of a bar spoon. Sprinkle with chocolate.

“There’s not a day that goes by without me talking about sherry, teaching about it, writing about it or drinking it” “Our wine list is also extremely personal and special to us. We know many of the producers personally, and are honoured to call them friends.

We produce our own white and red, too, and we’ve had our own pale ale since 2015, which is very close to our heart.”

And did we mention that Owen is an official, qualified, fully paid-up sherry master? No? “When I first immersed myself into the depths of a sherry bodega it was like being put into a trance, which never left me – I’m still in it!

There’s not a day that goes by without me talking about sherry, teaching about it, writing about it or drinking it. I’m very proud that we bottle our own Manzanilla with good friends in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Everyone needs a bottle of that in their life, preferably in their fridge door.”

Naturally, you’ll find sherry cocktails in the book. For Christmas, Owen suggests a spiced blueberry sherry cobbler – “or a cranberry and orangeinfused Old Fashioned which is perfect in front of the fire…”

THE BOOK…

“It’s definitely not just a cookbook,” says Owen. “Hopefully it will also give people a real understanding of our passion, knowledge, experience and creativity. There are drinks chapters, and stories from our travels.

We hope it’s both a coffee table book, and something which inspires people to cook, and also to visit certain parts of Spain too, as well as expanding their drinks cabinets.”

Finally, Owen’s keen to point out that it’s a family effort – and that includes the Bar 44 team.

“So many of them had an influence on the book – from helping develop recipes, both the food and the drinks; helping on photography days; testing the dishes at home, and just being amazing in the restaurants every single day.” ■ Tapas y Copas costs £25; buy a copy at mercado44.grupo44.co.uk

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

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Turkish delight Stan’s talking turkey, but not the Christmas variety...

T

his issue’s coffee house is Bake Away Bristol, a modest little café tucked away on that most pleasant of thoroughfares, Chandos Road.

Now, before we go any further, I have to confess that I am biased.

I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for this particular part of town. Or rather, a very large soft spot. Mainly because I used to live there, in a beautiful Victorian church which was turned into flats a while back. My flat was an architect’s

“Imagine a Yorkshire pudding crossed with a croissant, flirting with a cheese scone while pretending to be a soufflé”

delight, with huge feature windows, glorious cubbyholes and lovely views over the rooftops of Redland.

One of the very first things I learned about this part of town is that it has a big heart. There are always interesting shops, bars and cafés springing up, giving the whole place a friendly village vibe which draws me back time and time again. And I’m clearly not the only one.

The day I visited was one of those soggy half-cut affairs we have so often at this time of year.

The sun was winking a watery eye at the world, but dark clouds were massing round the back of the bike sheds.

I was out for a quick stroll, taking a trip down memory lane, with no thought of coffee, cake or anything remotely tasty. But then the heavens opened, the clouds changed and I suddenly found myself walking in a vertical river with slots in. Not good. Especially since the brolly was at home.

Luckily, when the raindrops began to hammer, I was virtually next door to Bake Away, so was able to nip inside and shelter from the storm. First thing that hit me was the smell of fresh baking.

Mmm. Very nice. Next thing I

noticed were the smiling faces of the two folk who run the place.

A man and a lady from Turkey, which explains the home-cooked Turkish treats on offer.

After asking a few questions, I went for the cheesy borek. First time I’ve ever had such a thing.

It’s a savoury pastry made with a local version of feta cheese, according to the very pleasant lady who made it. Must say, it worked very well with my black coffee. If you’ve never had one of these snacks, imagine a Yorkshire pudding crossed with a croissant, flirting with a cheese scone whilst pretending to be a soufflé. The whole package was as satisfying as the place smelled. Very, very nice indeed. Would definitely be up for having one again some day.

As if that wasn’t enough joy, by the time my plate was empty, the clouds had passed and the sun was back in business, allowing me to continue on my way, refreshed and happier than ever.

So if you find yourself in that pretty part of town, why not pop in for a taste of Turkish delight?

Or even take away a bake away. n Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer stancullimore.com

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

BRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

CLAUS ENCOUNTERS

(OF THE SECOND KIND) Part II of our Bristmas gift guide is brought to you by all the best colours of the season: snowy white, sparkling silver and gold, holly green and rich, berry red

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SNOW GROMIT FIGURINE, £45 Raymond Briggs’ Gromit is our favourite from the pack. Buy him from the Gromit Unleashed Shop, and help The Grand Appeal raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital in the process gromitunleashedshop.org.uk

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

BRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

ARNIE NECKLACE, FROM £190 Fancy stealing Gabby’s style?

This necklace worn by Eleanor Tomlinson in The Outlaws is made

by Bristol jeweller Jane Kenney, and comes in various finishes From janekenney.co.uk (PS You can also see the Diana Porter necklace shown opposite in The Outlaws, too...)

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

GOLD SILVER

MADAME STOLZ BRASS BELLS, £8.50 From Movement Boutique, 5 The Mall movementboutique.co.uk

FAUX-FUR HOTTIE COVER, £30 From Pod Company 24 The Mall thepodcompany.co.uk

SILVER THREE-SIBYL NECKLACE £168.60 From Diana Porter 33 Park Street dianaporter.co.uk

ROUND HALO RING WITH A YELLOW ROSE-CUT DIAMOND, £2,578 From Clifton Rocks 31 The Mall; cliftonrocks.co.uk

JONES AND MODHA NO.1 PERFUME, £69 From Jones & Modha jonesandmodha.co.uk

BLOOMINGVILLE CILA RECYCLED COTTON THROW, £27 From Movement Boutique, 5 The Mall movementboutique.co.uk

LINE BOWL, £109 From Bo Concept 51, 53 Merchant Street boconcept.com

SILVER AND GOLD BANGLE, £245 From Philip Kydd Barrow Lane, Barrow Gurney philipkydd.co.uk

FERM LIVING BRASS CANDLE EXTINGUISHER, £25 From Truce 54 Princess Victoria Street; truceonline.co.uk

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

BLANKET SHIRTS, FR0M £195 Peregrine’s beautiful pieces are for life, not just for Christmas; the premium fabric and heritage styles add up to wardrobe staples you’ll cherish for years, if not decades peregrineclothing.co.uk

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

BRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

WHITE

HANDMADE LAVENDER & PATCHOULI SOAP, £5 From Midgley Green 26 Alexandra Road, Clevedon midgleygreen.com

MAGNOLIA SCULPTURE, £159 From Bo Concept 51, 53 Merchant Street boconcept.com

SASS & BELLE UNICORN SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS £6.50 (FROM £10) From That Thing 45-47 Stokes Croft thatthing.co

& KLEVERING RHINO POT, £32 From Grace & Mabel 32 The Mall graceandmabel.co.uk

THREE TEALIGHT LANTERN HOLDERS, £75 From Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk

UMAGE EOS FEATHER LAMPSHADE, £99 From Mon Pote, 217 North Street monpote.co.uk

HOUSE OF DISASTER TRICERATOPS LAMP, £36 From Mon Pote, 217 North Street monpote.co.uk

FERM LIVING SPECKLE POT, £49 From Truce 54 Princess Victoria Street truceonline.co.uk

MOONBEAM LIGHT, £17 From We The Curious 1 Millennium Square wethecurious.org

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

RED ENAMEL COPENHAGEN CHERRY NECKLACE, £63 From Fox + Feather 41 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

ROBINS MATCHES, £8 From Bristol Artisan 3 Lower Redland Road thebristolartisan.com

SASS AND BELLE CAMPING KETTLE BAUBLE, £10.50 From Mon Pote 217 North Street monpote.co.uk

STAR JUMPER, £69 From Mint Velvet 44 Regent Street mintvelvet.co.uk

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

LACE BOYSHORTS, £35 From Grace & Mabel 32 The Mall; graceandmabel.co.uk

MENG SATIN PJ SET, £980 From Harvey Nichols 27 Philadelphia Street harveynichols.com

BAD IDEAS NOTEBOOK, £16 From Papersmiths papersmiths.co.uk

MINCE PIE RUMHATTAN, £25 From worldofzing.com

NUMBER ONE FIRE-ENGINE RED CLOCK, £85 From Pod Company 24 The Mall the podcompany.co.uk

SCOOTER PIZZA CUTTER, £4 From ProCook 167 Whiteladies Road procook.co.uk

BRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

GREEN

BIG GREEN EGG BBQ, VARIOUS SIZES, £POA From Kindle Stoves, Glenavon Farm 331 Bath Road, Saltford kindlestoves.co.uk

BLOOMINGVILLE SAVANNA PLATE, £19 From Fig 1, Unit 9, Gaol Ferry Steps fig1.co.uk

NKUKU MILA CHAMPAGNE GLASS, £12 From Fig 1, Unit 9, Gaol Ferry Steps fig1.co.uk

SUGARHILL BOUTIQUE ANIMAL PRINT JOGGERS, £54 From Fox + Feather 41 Gloucester Road foxandfeather.co.uk

STONEWARE BOTTLE VASE, £35 From Midgley Green 26 Alexandra Road, Clevedon midgleygreen.com

SKANDINAVISK SKOG CANDLE, £24 From Truce 54 Princess Victoria Street truceonline.co.uk

PAUL SMITH FAUX-FUR COAT, £395 From Grace & Mabel, 32 The Mall graceandmabel.co.uk

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYEBALLS OF THE BEHOLDER

BY LUCAS ANTICS, £40 From lucasantics.bigcartel.com

AMERICAN VINTAGE PINOBERY CARDIGAN, £260 From Grace & Mabel, 32 The Mall graceandmabel.co.uk

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

Try a more holistic and sustainable approach to skincare Gorgeous Ayurveda based handmade products, 100% natural, made with organic and vegan friendly ingredients. Each product is thoughtfully created and sold in eco-conscious, widely recycled packaging.

www.spardhasnatural.co.uk

Tel: 07854239926 info@cliftonwineschool.com

A very warm welcome to Clifton Wine School!

We are a local wine school hosting events in Bristol and Bath.

Choose from our Cheese and Wine Matching night, a Fine Wine tasting, Wines of the World evening courses, Gin tasting, and so much more.

We also do unforgettable hen parties and corporate events.

We don’t sell wine, we give you confidence to choose the best wines for yourself.

You can purchase any course or tasting as a Wine School Gift Voucher starting from £30 the perfect present for any wine lovers!

party@homecocktails.co.uk www.homecocktails.co.uk

Tastings, courses and events now also available online. www.localwineschool.com/bristol

PRECIOUS

Cargo first landed on Harbourside five years ago. Now it’s impossible to imagine the city without it . . .

Words by Deri Robins

PHOTO BY CHRIS HIL @CHRSHILL

CARGO

© LOUIS SMITH, STUDIO WHISK

@JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

© @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

I

f you look at old photos of Harbourside – and we’re not even talking mid-century old, just a few years ago – it’s just plain weird to see the gap where Cargo 1 and 2 now stand.

Remember when this was just a gravel pit? A scruffy cutthrough, where the prison used to be?

Of course, Cargo – the converted shipping containers which now house a community of independent restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and studios – is just one element of Umberslade’s Wapping Wharf development.

There’s also Gaol Ferry Steps; fairy-lit like Christmas all year round.

There are the handsome apartment blocks. But it’s the cheerful blue containers that have really come to symbolise the spirit of the Wharf, elevating it above its new-build waterfront neighbours. In what has been a patchy, if mostly successful, regeneration of the docklands, Wapping Wharf is the place everyone wants to be.

In creating Cargo, Umberslade MD Stuart Hatton had a flash of savvy intuition: to impress fiercely indie-conscious Bristol, all the units would be let to small, local businesses. Many of the new tenants were start-ups, tentatively testing the water; some had evolved from festival vans and pop-ups. Others were cautiously building on other branches in the city.

Cargo 1 opened in October 2016, and was such a hit that Cargo 2 followed in May 2017, with a further extension in November.

While some of the shops and restaurants have remained pretty much the same, a fluid philosophy has kept things fresh. Josh Eggleton, for example, closed Chicken Shed when he realised that the high-grade

Never knowingly undersparkly: Cargo has a festive feel all year round

chicken he was committed to using just didn’t lend itself to deep-frying; instead, with zero fanfare, he opened the excellent, award-winning, plant-focused Root. Loop Massage expanded and moved to Rope Walk. Pure Yoga became Elevate. Spuntino became Gambas. The Mighty Quinns Flower Emporium rebranded as Bush Bristol.

Gopal’s and the Pickled Brisket are no longer there, nor are Temple Cycles or Mabboo, but other businesses have opened, such as Buxton & Bird’s pie shop, Loki Poke, Jigaraki and The Choux Box Patisserie.

Dog Town is a collab between Alex of Squeezed and Henry of Beer Necessities. The Jolly Hog recently launched its HQ in the former Wapping Wharf Living marketing suite container.

Every year, the offering becomes more eclectic and quirky; the newest kids on the Cargo block are Keynsham legends Longwell Records, and another indie bookshop for the city, Bookhaus.

“The cheerful blue containers really symbolise the spirit of the Wapping Wharf development” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59

STREET LIFE

Cargo has proved to be the ideal place for these young businesses to test the water and hone their offering. For us punters, it’s a relaxed and mostly affordable place to eat, drink and shop. Throw in a beautiful waterfront setting, and it’s little wonder that over the past five years this has become one of the most beloved leisure destinations in the city.

As for the community vibe – let’s just say that everyone we spoke to fell over themselves to tell us how highly they rated and appreciated their neighbours. In fact we could hardly container the love in the room. See what we did there? Oh come on, it’s Christmas...

THE CARGO ORIGINALS

Andrew Cooper of Wild Beer recalls that his first meeting at Cargo was held in a building site, with no shipping containers to be seen.

“But we believed in Stuart Hatton’s vision for Wapping Wharf, and were excited to align ourselves with what we felt would be a haven for Bristol food and drink creativity; an area with flavour at its heart.

“The first year was tough. It took a while to create a reputation in the area, but every year since has become more and more interesting and exciting as various containers have tweaked what they do. The variety and quality of food and drink here is now unrivalled. It’s amazing that Cargo has got through the pandemic, pretty much in one piece, with no small thanks to Umberslade and the help they offered their tenants.”

“While not physically located in a container we’re honoured to be considered part of the Cargo crew,” says Graham of Bertha’s Pizza.

“What attracted us was the character of our building, originally the stables for the jail; the central location, and the other potential tenants at the time – a lovely bunch of our favourite independents. During our first viewing, the whole development was a building site. As we started

“We used to joke it was a bit like a village down here, and we just needed a butcher, fishmonger etc.

But then all those businesses did join the community” SHARE A STANDOUT MEMORY “Olly from Jolly Hog lugging our gigantic three-door commercial fridge up our stairs when we were fitting out! It was the moment I realised that you could literally ask your business neighbours to help with anything at any time and they would be willing. I loved serving dinner to Hayley in her flower shop (then The Mighty Quinns, now Bush), all decked out with candles. And having a mermaid on our terrace for Harbour Festival was pretty unique!” – Tess, Box-E “We’ve got lots of memories here, from sampling our new products, after-work drinks or Olly helping Tess and Elliot carry a huge fridge up the stairs into Box-E!” Olivia, Pigsty

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

“Our barrel-tasting event was a standout. It was very rewarding to get back to what we love, sharing good beer and good times after the pandemic” – Andrew, Wild Beer “Our Giro events, with a whole new menu produced for the night; customers don’t get to order their pizzas, but instead claim (shout/ clamour) as the toppings are announced” – Graham, Bertha’s Pizza “The day after lockdown – everyone standing far apart, shellshocked and not knowing what was going to happen, but looking out for each other and being supportive. The definition of community” – Polly, Loop Massage “Our party, when the extension to Cargo 2 was opened We had a queue stretching

from the counter all the way down the road.

In contrast to this I spent a snowy day at Squeezed in 2018 when not a single customer came through the door in over six hours... and that’s a true reflection of what running your own business can be like” – Alex, Squeezed “A meal at Tare as soon as they opened after lockdown is my standout memory. Heaven!” – Oliver Smith, Bristol Cheesemonger “The opening – this was our third store, and first in five years, so a really important time for us” – Matthew, Better Food.

“Woky Fest. Over the years it’s been such an amazing experience to get all the traders involved in a massive traditional celebration of Chinese New Year” – Larkin Cen, Woky Ko

HUMANS OF CARGO: OPPOSTE PAGE FROM TOP: Larkin Cen of

Woky Ko; Jess Knights of The Cider Box

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: Jayne and Kevin Ramage of Bookhaus; Meatbox get the Christmas boxes in; Lidstones, meet the Lidstones – Elliott and Tess of Box-E: Iain of Longwell Records with Kate of Something Elsie; a good boy hopes for sausages; Rob Howell at Root

STREET LIFE building our restaurant there was only one other business open – thankfully it was Mokoko, who virtually fuelled our build.”

Box-E was one of the first restaurants to move into Cargo 1. “It was love at first sight,” says Tess Lidstone. “Seriously. We saw the architect’s mocked-up image in the evening paper, and instantly knew we wanted to be a part of it. There was one unit left in Cargo, and it’s the one we would have picked. It was fate.

“We used to joke it was a bit like a village down here, and we just needed a butcher, fishmonger etc. But then all those businesses did join the community, and the choice of shops and dining has reached a new level. Thankfully, it’s still retained the same unique vibe.”

Like Box-E, Pigsty was an instant favourite. “Cargo has really diversified since we’ve been here, solidifying it as a place for Bristolians to visit as well as tourists,” says Olivia Bennett of The Jolly Hog group.

CARGO 2

Polly of Loop Massage first came across Cargo when the first businesses were doing their fit-outs. “I’d never seen shipping containers used like that before, and the area had such a lovely buzz. Everyone was so friendly; even then you could tell it was going to be something special.

“Now, we’ve become a destination. It’s nice to feel like a fully embraced area of Bristol. We’ve a whole new street!

“I’ve also been given the chance to grow my business. While I started at Cargo, I’ve recently made the leap to a new purpose-built studio, which I don’t think would have happened elsewhere. The sense of community has grown, among the businesses and also our regulars – I think everyone who lives, frequents and works around the Wharf is very protective of that.”

WHAT MAKES CARGO SO SPECIAL? “The mature trees, and the amount of bird and wildlife they attract. The pedestrianisation. The proximity to the water. The love and care that the businesses put in to making the space welcoming” – Tess, Box-E “The independent shops and places to eat feel like a holiday destination within Bristol, it’s great to have such a wide selection of interesting choices on a lunch break” – Andrew, Wild Beer “The magic comes from the collaboration between the businesses and the atmosphere when the area’s packed. Whether it’s a summer evening, Woky Ko’s Chinese New Year, Harbour Festival or just a bright Sunday, the area is full of happy faces as people meander between the traders and along the Harbourside” – Graham, Bertha’s Pizza “It’s the cornucopia of good ingredients that make it such a great place. You’ve got 30+ independent businesses, many of which are still owner-run. Mix that with a lovely location along the harbour, that sees beautiful sunsets along the train lines where people congregate and an outside feel. It’s a full house” – Alex, Squeezed “I love the eclectic mix of people; it’s been so great having tourists back and loving our city. Cargo utilises its amazing Harbourside location, but not in a contrived way like so many developments do; everything feels organic, independent and real. You can’t manufacture that!” – Helen, Frankly

“I could see that Cargo was going to be an explosive area for the Bristol food scene” - Alex Hayes Since launching in a tiny original container in Cargo 2, Alex Hayes has won a national award for his burger bar Squeezed, expanded into a larger site in Gaol Ferry Steps, and co-founded Dog Town, doing for hot dogs what Squeezed does for burgers at Cargo 2.

“I could see that Cargo was going to be an explosive area for the Bristol food scene, and its position on the harbour and links to the centre and BS3 were ideal,” he says. “It also enabled me and my fellow indies to start out on affordable terms, as we jumped into the abyss of running our own businesses. I wasn’t sure if Squeezed was going to work out, so it seemed like a good place to dip my toes.

“The area has changed; the nucleus has spread, but it’s definitely retained its original feel, and that’s testament to the developers and the traders alike. It still feels, and is, an area of independents, and that’s what makes it a special place to be.”

Helen Symonds tells us that she wanted Cargo to be the home of her ethical gift shop, Frankly, “because it’s got such a brilliant, fiercely independent spirit that’s just so Bristol. It’s great being surrounded by other small businesses; running your own business can be lonely, but here you feel like you have colleagues. The local community is so supportive as well; I have really felt the shift towards people wanting to shop locally and independently.”

Kieran Waite of the Season+Taste group now runs two restaurants at Cargo 2 – tapas bar Gambas, and Mexican-flavoured Cargo Cantina. “What first attracted us was the imagination of the development,” he says. “The shipping containers help start-ups, and I liked the mix of different businesses it attracted.

“When it first launched, it was a destination that people visited on sunny days to be close to the water. Now it’s a fully established neighbourhood and community in its own right.” @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

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

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Not that Longwell Records is new, of course; the Keynsham branch is a legend in its own lifetime, with owner Iain Aitchison even having a cameo in The Outlaws. “We opened our cute little second shop down in Cargo in 2021 and became part of the Umberslade family,” says Iain. “I love the way Umberslade have supported us and other indies, and the footfall down here is second to none. Being a born-and-bred Bristolian, it was very special to have a record shop actually in BS1, although Keynsham will always have a special place in my heart.”

Bookhaus manager Kevin Ramage first visited Cargo during lockdown, “but even then, it was alive. Such a vibrant collection of independent shops, bars, restaurants. Then the developer told me he had this big new shop unit. What a location for a bookshop! We opened in August. It’s been non-stop ever since, and we are now really getting to know regular customers.

“The harbour and the waterfront means that pedestrians and people on two wheels rule – the absence of traffic makes it amazingly peaceful for a city centre location. It’s a really relaxing place for a wander, to do some quality shopping, followed by a coffee, beer or a meal from cuisines from almost anywhere around the world.”

© @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

TO BE CONTINUED…

Flavours from all around the world: izakaya-style bar Seven Lucky Gods (above) and Mex, not Tex at Cargo Cantina (left)

BIG UP THE NEIGHBOURS “Life would be sadder without iced lattes from Little Vics, massages from Loop, mezgronis from Cantina, the Umami Bomb from Bertha’s, Pennard Vale from Bristol Cheesemonger, vintage dresses from Something Elsie, cinnamon buns from Mokoko, superkraut from Every Good Thing...” – Tess, Box-E

“Squeezed is a solid favourite among our staff; they sell out often, so we’re lucky to be just across the way and ready to put our orders in as soon as they open. Fig1 is a lifesaver when we need a quick birthday present. And of course restaurant Box-E, who serve delicious food and also stock our beers” – Andrew, Wild Beer “Little Vics and Mokoko for coffee, Bristol Cheesemonger (who supply our specialty cheese), Clifton Seafood (a gem of a fishmonger) and Box-E; we’re long overdue dinner there)” – Graham, Bertha’s Pizza

The story is far from complete. Cargo Work is currently being built, offering cool and creative office space for up to 230 people, while planning permission for Cargo 3 has been submitted, proposing four units between NRXA and Jubilee House along Museum Street. On the residential front, work will begin early next year on 83 affordable homes next to the Phase 2 building known as Abel Yard.

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

“It’s been wonderful to see how warmly the city has embraced Cargo,” says Stuart Hatton. “From the start, we were committed to support people as they tried out new ideas and concepts, so they could flourish, collaborate and expand. It’s now grown into a unique community of independent businesses with a strong customer base.” n For more, see wappingwharf.co.uk/cargo

“I have to mention our next-door neighbours at Chopbox. Ben is a top guy who cuts the hair of half our staff. The team at Little Victories all keep us caffeinated. There are also some great new additions to the area too, like Ben at Jigaraki; and Iain at Longwell Records is a geezer” – Alex, Squeezed “For takeaways, Dog Town and Jigaraki; to keep me healthy (and sane!) my next-door neighbours at Every Good Thing fermentary.

To eat in, Seven Lucky Gods, which my kids love. And I am currently obsessed with The Choux Box’s divine choux buns, they just make me so happy!” – Helen, Frankly “My favourite place to grab a healthy lunch is Loke Poke, and dinner is tapas at Gambas.

I also love browsing the shelves of Frankly’s ethical gift store. I’m also an illustrator, and you might find some of my printed tea towels among the beautiful, sustainable gifts” – Jess, The Cider Box

“Jiguraki, a wonderful Levantine-inspired takeaway. Then there’s Bush for house plants, Fig 1 and Frankly for gifts and things for the home, and Longwell Records for really special vinyl. All go so well with books!

Another immediate neighbour we have a special relationship with is Corks, who supply the wine for our regular book launches and events” – Kevin, Bookhaus “We love the amazing fish and chips at Salt & Malt” – Matthew, Better Food “Box-E is a huge part of the Cargo community. Our neighbours at Bush bring a little oasis to the row, and what Josh has done with Salt & Malt and Root makes Cargo a great food destination” – Larkin, Woky Ko “Box-E for a special meal, Jigaraki or Woky Ko for a lunch time treat and Wild Beer for afterwork drinks. We’re also fans of a choux bun on a Friday from The Choux Box Patisserie” – Olivia, Pigsty

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

Runner Up - Best Independent Shop in the UK

Independent Retailers Confederation’s Best Small Shops Competition 2018

We BUY record collections We stock 1000’s of new and used vinyl cds and our own very special tees and hoodies, which we have collabed with local artists such as Inkie, Andy Council, Phil Riley and Adam Higton If you are thinking of selling your record collection please call us on 07795472504 or email longwellrecords@gmail.com

We have had several big names play at our shops including:

Jade Bird, Amber Run, Razorlight, Billy Nomates & The Allergies.

GET IN TOUCH

We also pride ourselves on supporting the local music scene stocking local music in both shops when space permits.

Longwell Records

36 Temple Street, Keynsham, BS31 1EH & Unit 20, Cargo 2, Gaol Ferry Steps, Wapping Wharf. 07795472504. longwellrecords@gmail.com

BRISTOL COLLEGE of MASSAGE and BODYWORK Professional Massage Training and Low Cost Massage • Remedial & Sports Massage Diploma Course MTI Level 5 Diploma - apply now for April 2022

• Indian Head Massage Certificate Course MTI Level 3 Certificate - apply now for 2022 • Holistic Massage Diploma Course MTI Level 4 Diploma - apply now for March 2022 • Two day Holistic Massage Introductory Workshops • Exciting CPD programme for therapists from in-house, national and international tutors Low cost massage every Thursday from our qualified graduates just £25! Book online www.bristolmassage.co.uk/clinics Covid-secure procedures in place Lower Ground Floor, 109 Pembroke Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3EU - 0117 946 6371 enquiries@bristolmassage.co.uk - www.bristolmassage.co.uk BCMB has been providing high quality training since 1987. We are accredited by the Massage Training Institute (MTI). Our courses exceed the training standards of the General Council for Massage Therapy.

We buy for cash

SCRAP GOLD & PLATINUM Simply bring your old jewellery to our showroom in Bristol or send it in to us by special delivery. (Please give us a call for more details) On your behalf, we can also sell re-saleable, unwanted jewellery items in our windows on a sale or return basis. Photo ID required in all circumstances.

KEMPS OF BROADMEAD T: 0117 926 4888 | Email: kempsbroadmead@gmail.com | www.kempsltd.co.uk 33 Union St, Broadmead, Bristol BS1 2DJ

SNAPPED AC ROSS BR IS TO L , O N E SH I N D I G AT A T I M E

Stephen in conversation with Jayde Adams

THE OUTLAWS

The cast: Charles Babalola, Rhianne Barreto, Stephen Merchant, Eleanor Tomlinson, Darren Boyd, Jessica Gunning and Gamba Cole

Stephen Merchant and Darren Boyd

Watershed rolled out the red carpet for Stephen Merchant as he launched his Bristol-based comedythriller series The Outlaws, accompanied by most of the cast. Watch it on iPlayer now. If you’ve watched it already, watch it again. Like Rhianne Barreto’s dress, it’s mint.

Photos by the BBC

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

Nandi Bhebhe (Moor), Ash Hunter (Heathcliff), Katy Owen (Little Linton), Lucy McCormick (Cathy)

Catherine Morgenstern (BOV Senior Producer), Caroline Lang, Sian Weeding (BOV Projects producer)

Actor Lucy Tuck and TJ Holmes (Robert, Wuthering Heights)

BRISTOL OLD VIC

Marking a full return to live theatre, Bristol Old Vic opened its autumn season with Wise Children’s intoxicating new production of Wuthering Heights Photos by Ben Robins benrobinsphoto.com

Director Emma Rice with Deri Robins

Musician Renell Shaw and actor Patrycja Kujawska

Musician Renell Shaw and actor Patrycja Kujawska

Poets Katie Grant and Edson Burton

Nandi Bhebhe (the Moor), Witney White (Young Cathy)

DJ Krust

A surprise appearance from Kate Bush. Kind of.

VANGUARD M Shed’s epic street art show closed with an equally epic party and auction at Lost Horizon, raising £181,510 for Temwa and Aid Box. Daddy G contributed two Banksy prints from his own collection, which sold for a record £78,100 and £77,000.

Artist Nick Walker, Grant Marshall (Daddy G) of Massive Attack, artist Inkie

Photos by Jon Craig @joncraig_photos

Jeremy Chaz, Abi O’Grady, Laura Jackson, Paddy Magnall , Katie McInnes, Chris Hoare

Auctioneer Richard Madley

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS © @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

SHOP LOCAL

© @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

Yes, yes, we know we always say this, it’s our mantra; but it’s extra important at this time of year. And to that end, the Shop Bristol Independents Christmas campaign has returned.

“Last year, the campaign helped each independent bricks-and-mortar shop to access a larger audience, with each featured business reaching around 32,000 page views during November and December,” says organiser Beck Prior, who has brought back the four-week poster campaign and online directory to promote the initiative. “It’s amazing how many people want to support local businesses but aren’t aware of all the independents on offer.” Give them some love: shopbristol.co.uk

Building a reputation

T

he Bristol Property Awards returned to Ashton Gate on 12 November. You’ll find lavish coverage in our next issue, but for now turn to page 88 to see who won what.

The top gong – the Winner of Winners – went to Wapping Wharf Phase 2, developed by Umberslade and Muse.

“This exemplar scheme was delivered ahead of schedule, establishing a thriving community of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, with the exciting energy of new homes,” reckoned our judges. “It’s a shining example to attract investment into the city.”

Through fabulous planning on our part, aka a lucky coincidence, we happen to have a big feature on the Wharf on page 58...

For more: bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

BRISTOLWORKS

“CONSUMERS ARE LOVING THE WAY ELECTRIC BIKES ARE GETTING THEM ACTIVE AGAIN”

Nice wheels

A bike’s for life, not just for Christmas, although it’s a perfect gift, too. Ribble makes it easy to choose the ideal model …

F

raser Hamilton is Head of Commercial at Ribble, responsible for the commercial performance of the business, both online and through their brand showrooms – including the new showroom in Bristol.

When was Ribble founded, and what was the intention and philosophy behind the company?

Ribble are one of the oldest bike brands in the world; we’ve been hand-building British bicycles since 1897. We still design, test and hand-build our bikes with the same philosophy and intention of making the best bikes in the world. This approach has helped Ribble grow into a global brand via our digital, multi-channel business model supported with

experiential brand showrooms, such as our new showroom at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.

What is your most popular range?

Our award-winning range of electric bikes.

We’re seeing that consumers are loving the way an electric bike is getting them active again, making that morning commute a little easier, or just simply looking for ways to ride further, for longer. Our lightweight designs really make them a great choice for those wanting to get into cycling.

There appears to be an overwhelming choice of bikes. Where do we start?

We understand how overwhelming it can be when newcomers start their journey to find their perfect bike. At Ribble, we’ve got lots of

different ways to learn more about cycling, and which bike is best for your needs. We advise you to start your journey by looking at our website to view our entire range from home; we also have a virtual showroom where you can join a one-way video call to get advice from our experts. From there we would recommend visiting our showroom, where we sit you on our sizing bike so that our experts can advise you on your perfect bike build.

Tell us about the online ‘build your own’ option…

Customisation is at the heart of every Ribble bike. Everybody is unique in what they want from their bike, and we understand that having a bike customised to your body shape and cycling needs will offer a much more enjoyable experience than a bike taken off the shelf.

Along with the customisation options of the specification of the bike, every bike has the option of our Custom Colour tool, which allows you to design your bike in over 400 million different colour combinations, ensuring it not only performs but reflects your personality, too. Our customisation and personalisation experience can be done online, or in our brand showroom in Bristol.

If we want to come to see the bikes, where is your showroom?

Our newest brand showroom can be found at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway. We’re open seven days a week, allowing you to see our awardwinning bike range, get expert advice and fully experience the Ribble brand. Our team can’t wait to welcome to you at our brand showroom!

For more ribblecycles.co.uk

Offices in: Henleaze, Whiteladies Road Clifton Village, Shirehampton 0117 962 1205 www.amdsolicitors.com

PRIVATE CLIENT - FAMILY - PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL

© TIM WOOLF

BRISTOLWORKS

In it to win it

Oops, they did it again! The Coconut Tree at the 2021 Awards, proving it’s entirely possible to win more than once...

As Bristol Life Awards nominations open again, it’s time to reflect on your winning qualities

N

ominations for the 2022 Bristol Life Awards are now open. It’s completely free to nominate your company or organisation for an Award – and you can enter as many categories as you like. We’ve got one covering just about everything, from charity to business services, art to education and beyond.

The Bristol Life Awards are judged by a fresh

crop of impartial judges every year, and the names of those you’ll be looking to impress will be announced soon. Our judges will assess your nominations from a range of different angles, taking in evidence of excellence and response to the pandemic, the quality of the nomination (no one-sentence answers please!), distinctiveness of offering, community engagement (think civic, charity, or ecological moves), and testimonials – yes, you obviously know why you’re great, but we want to know why other people think so too.

If you want advice on crafting the best,

sparkliest, most stand-out nomination possible, then head to the Bristol Life Awards website, where we’ve shared our top ten tips for putting together a winning argument.

As we wind down another unprecedented year, what better way to reflect on all you have achieved than sitting down and writing it all out for our judges?

The Bristol Life Awards returns 12 May 2022.

You’ve got to be in it to win it.

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

PROPERTY

DOWRY SQUARE

We head, alliteratively enough, to the heart of historic Hotwells, and the former home of Sir Humphry Davy

By Ursula Cole

We’d love to see this room decorated for Christmas...

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

D

owry Square: it sounds like it should be the title of an 18th-century novel. And in fact, it’s not remotely difficult to picture a cast of colourful Georgian characters passing through this beautiful Hotwells home, especially since the current owners have taken such pains to protect and enhance all the original features that date back to this loveliest of all architectural eras.

Built by George Tully, then one of the foremost architect-surveyors in Bristol, Dowry Square is enclosed on its north, east and west side, being purposely left open on the south to get the sun and views of the river. Most of the houses were built to provide lodgings for fashionable visitors taking the spa waters at the nearby Hot-Well, though the Square became best known to the medical world as the address of noted chemist and inventor Sir Humphry Davy, who lived right here at number 6.

People don’t come for the waters any more, but it’s still a very special corner of Bristol, with families spending many summer evenings in the exclusive residents’ square.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 77

PROPERTY

HOUSE NUMBERS Guide price range £1.2m-£1.3m Receptions 3 Bedrooms 4 Bath/shower rooms 3 What else? Ample cellarage; very private 46ft garden Outside Charming private residents square; close to waterfront Richard Harding, 124 Whiteladies Road 0117 946 6690; richardharding.co.uk

Sir Humphrey Davy once lived here (yes, the chap who invented the Davy Lamp)

Like many of its neighbours, Number 6 is a strikingly attractive and characterful Grade-II* town house; it also has the added bonus of being end-of-terrace. It’s larger inside than its dolls’ house facade suggests, with three exquisitely pretty reception rooms, a kitchen-breakfast room, four bedrooms, two en-suites, a family bathroom and two large cellars, all spread over five storeys.

All the main rooms have beautifully preserved original features, from period fireplaces to panelled walls, sash windows, slate flagged flooring and ornate moulded plasterwork. We’re guessing the current owners have creative talents, as each charming room is skillfully enhanced by a bold and beautiful colour scheme.

At the back of the house, a 46ft garden is enclosed on three sides by a combination of stone and brick walls, offering a remarkable degree of privacy and seclusion.

A sunken patio offers plenty of space for garden furniture and a barbecue, along with the SUP and canoe gear you’re going to need to make the most of your handy riverfront location. Steps lead up to the main section of garden with its circular lawn and deep shrub borders, sitting area and flowering plants.

A well as exuding a genuine sense of history, Hotwells is uniquely well-placed to live your best Bristol life. It’s an easy walk to Ashton Court, a short if steep hike up to Clifton Village –and if there’s a more charming commute in Bristol than the Hotwells to city centre ferry, we have yet to come across it.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 79

SPONSORED CONTENT

Kafferiet Cafe, interior,

by Clover Studio

Henrik Vibskov’s flagship store in Copenhagen, by Clover Studio

AN ARCHITECT’S EDEN After designing sleek Scandi homes in Copenhagen and grungy Shoreditch clubs in London, Harry Clover explains why he chose Bristol as the new home of his architecture practice CLOVER STUDIO

L

ondon-born architect Harry Clover and his Danish fiancée Nina, a dentist, were in search of their ‘best-of-both-worlds city’ after stints working in both Copenhagen and London. But visiting Bristol for the first time together a year ago finally broke the deadlock.

“We were instantly taken with Bristol, so we upped sticks and relocated here within the year. We felt Bristol offered us the scale and lifestyle of a Scandinavian city combined with the cosmopolitan vibe of London. We felt this was an ideal place to base our life and my architecture studio long term,” says Harry.

“I enjoy entwining the Danish love for beautifully finished natural materials with more mischievous design themes and colours. I have worked on everything from Paris fashion shows and nightclubs to rural housing projects.”

3D Model of a Wimbledon flat re-configuration

TRANSFORMING A COMMERCIAL SPACE

“We workshop each concept with the client and respond to the brand ethos.”

“From sport resorts in Egypt, music venues in London to micro-cafés in Copenhagen, working in a variety of sectors and scales keeps us excited about our work. Again, it’s all about the people behind the businesses and responding to their brand. We workshop the concept of each project with the clients and then make sure this runs throughout. From building façades to door handles, the design of each item should stem from that original conversation - creating immersive and unique spaces for businesses.” n Interior sketch of The Lion and Lamb club, Hoxton

Harry is excited to share how his studio’s design ethos, and affordable, practical approach to design could help Bristol- based homeowners and businesses transform their space...

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

“Each square metre is precious”

Harry with his fiancée Nina

“I love to be out and about meeting clients in their homes and on site in order to understand their aims, personality and how they want to improve their homes. With the average property size getting smaller, each square meter is increasingly precious. Clover Studio excels in designing multifunctional spaces that hide away clutter, inject day light, use sustainable materials and a playful aesthetic.”

Clover Studio is looking for local clients and would love to offer a free consultation on your next interior design or architectural project hc@cloverstudio.dk cloverstudio.co.uk | 01172510402 www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 81

BRISTOL LIVES

“Our latest change. org campaign is for all pantomime horses to be released back into the wild” the greenwood again, living off organic root veg and berries, etc.

And venison poached from Prince John’s lands?

Well, yes, that too.

So you see yourself as a kind of eco-warrior...

ROBIN HOOD

Born in the 1190s. An outlaw by 1225.

Dead by 1247. A legend by 1261.

Appearing at Bristol Old Vic in 2021. . .

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obin Hood: folk hero or petty thief? The hopelessly romantic Victorians saw him as a rebel with a cause, fighting oppressive overlords with the help of a feisty band of woodland guerrillas, but earlier accounts depict him as little more than a common criminal. Before we all go to see Robin Hood: Legend of the Forgotten Forest at Bristol Old Vic this month, perhaps Robin could clear a few things up for us?

Perhaps...

members of the clergy and pocket the cash you nicked?

Some accounts describe you as a sword-wielding social anarchist who robs from the rich and gives to the poor.

Others just have you down as a sword-wielding anarchist.

Which is it?

No, you’re good. Let’s talk about your coats of Lincoln green. Do you wear them all the time?

Well, I suppose you could describe me as an outlaw; but a good outlaw.

Isn’t ‘good outlaw’ a contradiction in terms?

Tell that to Stephen Merchant.

How about all those early stories in which you start forest massacres, castrate

What do you want, the truth, or something beautiful?

You’re first mentioned in the 1300s poem Piers Plowman.

A good read?

It’s not exactly a page-turner.

Oh, go on, give us a bit.

“And lat hern ligge overlonge And looth is to chaunge hem Fro lenten to Lenten he let his plastres bite”... Shall I continue?

Yes, unless the Sherrif’s chasing us.

Then we put on British racing green, which is where the expression came from.* [*Editorial note: No it didn’t.]

Doesn’t living in a forest get a bit parky at this time of year?

We don’t advertise the fact, but being a mediaeval outlaw is something of a seasonal occupation. We prefer to overwinter in halls fitted with central heating and shag-pile rugs. But come spring you’ll find us hanging out in

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

Absolutely. Our latest change.org campaign is for all panto horses to be released back into the wild.

Do you have any special skills?

Eagle-eyed archer. Nimble horseman. And I have an excellent memory.

Give us an example...

Of what?

Funny.

Oh come on; we’re talking about a panto here, after all...

We’re not sure Bristol Old Vic want you calling their Christmas show a ‘panto’.

But hang on: aren’t I played in drag, like a principal boy?

No. In this version you are, in fact, a girl.

So is Maid Marion a burly, wellfavoured youth?

Unlikely. He’s not Hans Holbein.

But you never know; after all, you do share the same name

Hood? I didn’t know that.

Many folk heroes have been depicted in film and TV. What makes you special?

I’m the only one to have been played by both Sean and Jason Connery, Frank Sinatra, a fox, a Muppet and a member of Monty Python. In different versions, more’s the pity.

In Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves you were upstaged by the far sexier Alan Rickman as the Sheriff. He won a BAFTA, MTV Award and Evening Standard Award. You didn’t win a thing.

I was robbed. Ironically.

What music would you put on at the end of a trying day?

Ev’rything I doeth, I doeth f’r thee.

Only kidding. Literally anything other than that.

Any tips for audiences coming to see the show?

Turneth off thy phones. Nay to rustling crisp packets. Cheereth, booeth and hisseth, but nay to the hurling of turnips.

No, she’s a girl too. She’s even more kickass than you. She’s also your love interest.

Why the sudden lapse into archaic English?

Merry crew, not merry men.

This isn’t the Middle Ages.

We’d better let you get on.

What are you doing after answering these questions?

I’m strangely down with that. How about my merry men?

Doesn’t rhyme with ‘riding through the glen’, tho’ . . .

Speaking of Bristol, is there anybody you’d like to meet while you’re in town?

I have a fancy for Bansky painting my likeness.

That’s my sulking voice; I’m still very cross about the ‘sexier Alan Rickman’ comment.

I’m off to the greenwood room. I have a mince pie and mead delivery arriving any minute by Uber.

Robin Hood: Legend of the Forgotten Forest is at Bristol Olde Vic until 8 January; bristololdvic.org.uk