Bristol Life - Issue 322

ISSUE 322 / SEPTEMBER 2022 / £3

ISSUE 322 / SEPTEMBER 2022 / WE ROSE AT DAWN

YOUNG AT HARTCLIFFE

ROME HAD BICYCLE THIEVES. SOUTH BRISTOL HAS THE FENCE…

BLOW UP

THE BEST PICS OF THE BALLOON FIESTA (+ OTHER BRILLIANT SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS)

LIFE ON MARS

LOOK WHAT’S POPPED UP NEXT TO M SHED…

UPSIDE DOWN

DINNER AT CASTLE FARM BYERS

IT’S BEEN AN EPIC FEW MONTHS, BRISTOL!

EDITOR’S LETTER

8 A

Summer days, drifting away . . . . . . to uh, oh, those summer nights . . .

Epic photo of Bristol Balloon Fiesta by @matthewpriceartist

few weeks ago, I found myself at Valley Fest, listening to Travis singing Why Does it Always Rain on Me at the Lake Stage. Nine times out of ten, at any given Bristol summer festival, that title would have been eye-rollingly appropriate. Who could forget Massive Attack playing Pray for Rain in a biblical downpour on the Downs back in 2016? Unlike any of the scenarios suggested by Alanis Morissette, that genuinely was ironic.

But this year, it didn’t rain. Not a bit. Not for Valley Fest, not for Harbourfest, not for the Balloon Fiesta, not for Upfest. Possibly mistaking Bristol for California, the sun blazed down from cloudless cerulean skies. The rain forgot to show up for Elton and The Killers at Ashton Gate; it only briefly appeared, very half-heartedly, during Bristol Sounds.

Love Saves the Day almost got off scot-free; and what’s wrong with a bit of mud-surfing anyway, when you can go home for a hot bath afterwards?

So, as we reach the tail end of what by any standards has been a spectacular few months, and look forward to whatever September throws at us, we’ve devoted a few pages to the summer of ’22, with a special Bristol Heroes from Colin and a roundup of Balloon Fiesta images.

OK, now it’s time to talk about Christmas parties, which we do, extensively, between pages 48-57. You may mock now, but you’ll thank us in December, when you’ve bagged the hottest spot in town for your festive office bash and are basking in the warm admiration and gratitude of the team. In olden days, you had to slay a dragon before anyone called you a legend; now all you have to do is hit the ‘book now’ button. What a time to be alive . . .

DERI ROBINS Bristol Life editor Follow us on

@BristolLifeMag;

@BristolLifeMag

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

Issue 322 / September 2022

8 PHOTO BY @MAT THEWPRICEARTIST

COVER Bristol Balloon Fiesta by Colin Moody; more summer highlights on page 24

ARTS 13 14 18 20 24

ARTS INTRO All will shortly be Revealed WHAT’S ON A new season in the arts, that’s what BOOKS Hot off the press FILM Bristol’s answer to Bicycle Thieves. Well, sort of BRISTOL HEROES We know what you did

this summer

30 THE VERDICT The so-called ‘dark’ theatre season 32 PUBLIC ART Red or dead – could we survive

on Mars?

FOOD & DRINK

38 RESTAURANT We’re not quite ready to leave

20

Hawkins behind

42 HOT PLATES New openings, fond farewells and

some tasty bites in between

45 CAFÉ SOCIETY Oh, Starling 48 XMAS PARTIES You may laugh now, but come

December you’ll be thanking us

SHOPPING

64 EDITOR’S CHOICE What all the best Bristol desks

are wearing

LIFESTYLE

66 GREAT ESCAPES Boutiquery on the Bay

EDUCATION

72 SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT New term, new challenges

BUSINESS

83 BRISTOLWORKS Boosts to the local economy, the

office that’s also a gallery, and those lovely folk at KASK

PROPERTY

90 SHOWCASE Curves in all the right places

REGULARS 6 8

SPOTLIGHT BRIZZOGRAM The Balloon Fiesta and The

Luminarium? We’re spoiling you this month

98 BRISTOL LIVES Ashley Coates

32 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, Jamie Rees Commercial manager Neil Snow neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk Business development manager Craig Wallberg craig.wallberg@ mediaclash.co.uk Business development 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, Carriage Court, 22 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

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

SPOTLIGHT Fashion

OOOH. SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Film

Taking of OGs, the UK’s first, and only, Sustainable Fashion Week takes place at various venues between 16-25 September, with a series of events – clothes swaps, panel talks, upcycling workshops, screenings, augmented reality experiences, photo exhibitions and live stylings, along with a catwalk show on 21 September within the ethereal surroundings of The Mount Without. Drag artist Astro Zenica will bring all the glam and theatricality as the show’s lead host, while sponsor KASK will provide vegan, organically-sourced welcome drinks for the event.

“By showcasing how preloved and sustainable fashion can be worn again and again, in a variety of different ways, we hope to inspire visitors to look at what they already have in their wardrobes and get creative,” said the event’s founder, Amelia Twine. “Just by switching up your perspective on what you already have, or swapping for something ‘new’, you’re already disrupting the fast-fashion cycle.”

United under the four driving themes of regenerate, rewear, repurpose and reconnect, the week is supported by community partners Black2Nature, Wear My Wardrobe Out, City of Bristol College and Future Leap, working in partnership with clothing brand Lucy & Yak. For more sustainablefashionweek.uk

BEYOND BOND

He was the OG 007, and – sorry, Messrs Moore, Lazenby, Dalton, Brosnan and Craig – nobody has ever done it better.

Nobody looked sharper in an Antony Sinclair suit. Nobody drove a DB5 or wielded a PPK with more insouciance. Nobody ever raised an eyebrow more ironically.

But as UWE Bristol professor Andrew Spicer points out in his new book Sean Connery: Acting, Stardom and National Identity, there was more to the actor’s range than anything demanded by a slick spy caper. A range, for example, that took in the insubordinate military convict in The Hill (1965); the ageing, over-the-hill Robin Hood in Robin and Marian (1976); the British soldier on a mission to rule Kafiristan in The Man Who Would Be King (1975), and the ex-con thwarting a nerve gas attack in The Rock (1996).

To accompany the book launch, Watershed is holding a season of the above movies; you can also join Prof Spicer on 4 September, when he’ll discuss Connery’s career, including his TV work, his struggle to escape Bondage, and the gradual development of his persona, marred by misogyny.

Sean Connery: Beyond Bond runs 4-25 September; watershed.co.uk

Team SFW with Amelia second from right

Yet more fashion . . .

MAKE FESTIVAL YOUR EVERYDAY

TOP: Sean: the Aston Martin years; BELOW: The Rock: we’re going to need something bigger than a PPK...

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

Apropos, Relish Agency are also putting on a free sustainable fashion show on 15 September in Cabot Circus.

Expect repurposed festival-themed runway challenges, collaborations with Sustainable Fashion Week and local festival clothing brand Soul Sergeants.

There’ll also be a talk from Bristol fashion stylist Becky Barnes on ‘successfully shopping second-hand’ and appearances from charity partners Children’s Hospice Southwest and A Single Thread.

Anybody interested in fashion is very welcome to come along, watch the show and network with fashion professionals.

For more relishagency,com

SPOTLIGHT

BLOW-UP

August was a stellar month for fans of inflatable nylon structures. First, let’s take a look at some of the best pics from a bright and beautiful Balloon Fiesta; then turn the page to explore the Luminarium . . .

@richimal_roams

@craigderrick40

@mjballooning

@nicky.takes.photos

@darren_ridgway

@gothick

@todayimbobbi

@craigderrick40

@paddyo.11

@kruggy01

@always_looking_for_adventures

@colbiethepoo

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

@aishling_jana

SPOTLIGHT

No LEDs were required for Bristol Light Festival’s summer pop-up, which cleverly created the illusion of being inside a stained-glass window. (Or perhaps a James Bond credit sequence, depending on which bit you were standing in.)

@thehistoryb0yphotography

@zolaczakl

@bristol_light_fest

@zolaczakl

@andrepattendenpersonal

@thomasgreethamphoto

@steviecash

@bristol_light_fest

@andrepattendenpersonal

@zolaczakl

@diveinmydreams

@thomasgreethamphoto

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

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

ALL WILL BE REVEALED Tobacco Factory Theatres is making great, important theatre right here in Bristol, and this autumn it’s bringing us two world premières: Beautiful Evil Things in October, co-commissioned with Bristol theatre company Ad Infinitum, and the poignant and powerful drama Revealed, which opens on 22 September.

Developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme, and described by the TFT’s artistic director Mike Tweddle as “a hugely important new production, hurtling from the devastating and shocking to the hilarious and charming”, this family three-hander is set against the backdrop of an uprising, following an incident in police custody that stuns the nation.

An emotional story that highlights issues of racism, homophobia, sexism, domestic violence, gang culture and mental illness, the play stars Everal A Walsh (Rockets and Blue Lights at the National Theatre, Doctor Who and Oscar-nominated The Favourite); Dylan Brady (Coronation Street’s Danny), and the play’s writer, Daniel J Carver (Henry VI Parts 2 and 3 at the Royal Shakespeare Company).

Revealed runs from 22 September-8 October. Tickets start from £12 and can be booked online at tobaccofactorytheatres.com or by calling the box office on 0117 902 0344.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 13

WHAT’S ON 2-23 September 2022

EXHIBITIONS

approaches have changed too; RWA, rwa.org.uk

WAKE THE TIGER Boomtown’s ‘amazement park’ is now open in St Philip’s, offering one of the most visually fascinating and thought-provoking attractions in the city; wakethetiger.com

Until 18 September

Ongoing

Until 4 September

GRAYSON’S ART CLUB Art by Grayson and Philippa Perry, along with guest celebs and artists, featured in the TV series of the same name; at Bristol Museum, bristolmuseums.org.uk VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE Step into over 300 of Vincent’s drawings, and paintings, via floorto-ceiling digital projections, VR headsets, roomsets and more; at Propyard, vangoghexpo.com

Until 11 September

EARTH: DIGGING DEEP IN BRITISH ART, 1781-2022 A look at how attitudes towards the landscape have evolved over the centuries, and how artists’

ERIC BAUDELAIRE & ALVIN CURRAN Documentary installation exploring Curran’s life and work against a backdrop of radical political movements during the 1970s; Spike Island, spikeisland.org.uk AMITAI ROMM The first UK solo exhibition by Amitai explores how scientific modelling relates to more openended forms of world-making; at Spike Island, spikeisland.org.uk LOAN CROSSINGS: COMMUNITY AND REFUGE Made from the remnants of a refugee boat, the cross carries messages about kindness, community and the indifference faced by many refugees. Alongside the cross is a display of 12 tiny boats

by Syrian-born artist Issam Kourbaj and a series of audio interviews from refugees and migrants in Bristol today. At M Shed; bristolmuseums.org.uk

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

Until 25 September

TESSA BUNNEY: MADE OUT OF ORCHARDS A new body of photography exploring the cider industry today; at Martin Parr Foundation, martinparrfoundation.org

Until 2 October

FOREST: WAKE THIS GROUND Explore the interconnected layers above and below the forest floor in an immersive exhibition of sensory delights from a group of international and intergenerational artists, writers, filmmakers etc; at Arnolfini, arnolfini.org.uk

Until 30 October

THINK GLOBAL: ACT BRISTOL Bristol has declared climate and ecological emergencies. How did we get here? What’s our city’s role in it, and how can we help get out of it? What does a just, green future look like? Big environmental questions are tackled at M Shed; bristolmuseums.org.uk BUILDING A MARTIAN HOUSE Public art project in the form of a prototype of a real Martian house.

See also page 34. Outside M Shed, bristolmuseums.org.uk THE WORLD REIMAGINED Groundbreaking national art education project aimed at transforming how we understand the Transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, and its impact on all of us.

The Bristol trail consists of 10 globe sculptures: one for each of the nine themes of the Journey of Discovery and one created in collaboration between artist Michele Curtis and local people and communities of Bristol. theworldreimagined.org SEE MONSTER (Closing date tbc; currently end of October). The oil rig-turned-artinstallation has a serious purpose; it wants to talk to us about the weather, and what we can do with structures we inherit. At Weston-super-Mare’s Tropicana; seemonster.co.uk

Until 31 December

LEBOHANG KGANYE: LEAVE THE LIGHT WHEN YOU LEAVE FOR GOOD The Georgian House was once home to a sugar trader and his

WHAT’S ON 2-7 September

KIRK V MING The return of Bad Vs Evil’s exciting, subversive, sci-fi-dragcomedy, with laser beams, ill-fitting costumes and fluttering false eyelashes. At The Wardrobe, where else; thewardrobetheatre.com

3 September

THE NIGHT SHOW Astronomer Adrian West, aka VirtualAstro, presents a gloriously visual and thought-provoking experience for everyone who looks up and wonders; at Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com

7-10 September

OPAL FRUITS Armed with pick’n’mix, politics and UK Garage, Holly BeasleyGarrigan is here with an anarchic reimagining of the selfcongratulatory solo show, and a wry look at faux-working-class cultural trends. BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

14-24 September

OUTLIER Another chance to see this moving autobiographical piece of gig-theatre, with the powerful poetics of Malaika Kegode, the exhilarating music of Jakabol and dynamic animation. Genre-defying and hopeful, Outlier explores the impact of isolation, addiction and friendship on young people coming of age in the often-forgotten places.

At BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

22 September-8 October REVEALED See page 13; at TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

20-24 September opposite page: If you don’t know that this is Wake the Tiger, you haven’t been paying attention; top: We really want what Self-Esteem’s wearing; above: No wonder Wilder looks pensive; it’s our very last chance to visit Bristol Zoo Gardens

enslaved staff; now, at the same site, Lebohang reflects on the legacy of colonialism as a shared history; bristolmuseums.org.uk

10-11 September

SOUTH BRISTOL ARTS TRAIL Wander through BS3 to discover new artists and creatives, at various venues; southbristolarts.co.uk

15 September-8 October NAOMI MUNUO: CHANGING FACES Still lifes, interiors and figures

in the mid-century style, partly inspired by the modern masters; at That Art Gallery, thatartgallery.com

SHOWS

Until 10 September

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Jason Donovan remains the most famous of all the Josephs, but now he’s getting on a bit he’s playing Pharaoh. Hopefully he’ll manage to fit in a kebab or two while he’s in town, know what we’re saying?

At Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

SIX From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales in an 80-minute celebration of 21st- century girl power. At Bristol Hippodrome, atgtickets.com

MUSIC

2 September

THE HANDSOME FAMILY Husband-and-wife duo Brett and Rennie Sparks have written some of the most haunting songs in American music, transforming the mundane landscape of modern life into a place of mysterious portent.

Need an example? They wrote and performed Far from any Road for True Detective, surely the best tune ever to

grace any TV credits.

At Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com

3 September

SOCCER MOMMY aka Sophie Allison, whose alternative/ indie music is packed with clever nods to synth-filled sub genres such as new wave and goth. At Trinity, trinitybristol. org.uk

3-4 September

FORWARDS The new two-day music festival on the Downs, with discussion, talks and debate at the Information hub; the heady line-up includes The Chemical Brothers, Jamie xx, Little Simz, Caribou, Sleaford Mods, Róisín Murphy, Self Esteem and loads more. forwardsbristol.co.uk

8 September

KATY PEARSON A magnetic blend of soaring, widescreen melodies and warm, intimate storytelling, old-fashioned country heartache and dancefloor romances. At Trinity Centre, trinitybristol.org.uk GLENN TILBROOK The raspy-voiced vocalist from Squeezed has become a proper songwriting/guitar-playing solo star in his own right; hear him at St George’s, stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

11 September

LES FILLES DE IIIIGHADAD Enchanting vocals, mesmerising guitar patterns, and rhythmic percussion, as Les Filles draw on ancient village choral chants and desert guitar folk; at Trinity Centre, trinitybristol.org.uk

14 September

LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III The Grammy-winning singersongwriter and ‘six-string tragicomedian’ comes to St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

15 September

DENNY ILETT AND CRAIG CROFTON QUARTET Guitarist Denny, the organiser of Bristol Jazz & Blues Festival, is the rare kind of musician who can play convincingly in almost any style, while Anglo-American Craig is hardly less unique; come and find out what sounds they make together at Hen & Chicken, henandchicken.com

17 September

ROY AYRES: UBIQUITY The legendary American soul and jazz man, one of the most sampled artists

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

Come and Fly With Us Champagne Balloon Flights over Bristol, Bath, and Gloucestershire

Book The Experience of a Lifetime with Sky High Ballooning

www.skyhighballooning.co.uk

BOOK A FLIGHT

0117 369 0402

WHAT’S ON

8-11 September

TIM KEY: MULBERRY Ruminations about the great indoors, with a bit of stamping around. Velour tracksuit, continental lagers, some ‘poetry’...

In a crowded field, this could be the greatest comic response to lockdown you’ll see. TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

9 September

LA VOIX: EIGHT WONDER OF THE WORLD The diamanté diva and Countess of Comedy counts Ian McKellen, Joanna Lumley and French & Sanders among her devoted fans; find out why they love her at Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com above: It’s him Alan!; below: Weird, wonderful and misunderstood (not difficult), Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me at Bristol Film Festival

11 September

BRISTOL SEA SHANTY FESTIVAL Shanty bands perform across various venues in the harbour and across the city; facebook.com/ BristolShanty

17-18 September

TOKYO WORLD Five fields of music featuring over 100+ artists, including Apex, Faithless, Busta Rhymes, Honey Dijon, Jon Hopkins, Pendulum, Roger Sanchez and Joy Orbison,.

Eastville Park; tokyoworld.org

Ongoing

CLOSER EACH DAY The world’s longest improv comedy soap has recently performed its 200th episode, and continues to bubble away twice a month at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

4 September

ED GAMBLE: ELECTRIC All charged up and ready to flick the switch on even more nights of attention seeking; at BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk

17 September

ALFIE BROWN Alfie headlines this Stand Up for the Weekend, bringing his trademark firebrand style of comedy forged from years of pushing boundaries and experimentation; at Hen & Chicken, henandchicken.com RUSSELL KANE LIVE: THE ESSEX VARIANT Yet more LOLs at the Hippo, as Russell, like most everyone on the circuit, takes a look back at the last two years; atgtickets.com

12-13 September

JAMES ACASTER The star of four Netflix stand-up specials, Taskmaster and the Off Menu podcast headlines Live at Bristol Old Vic, bristololdvic.org.uk

15 September

COMEDY

JACK DEE: OFF THE TELLY The drollest guy in the biz brings his latest grumpy stand-up schtick to Hippodrome, where nothing is sacred; Extinction Rebellion, charity fundraisers, second-hand shops, electric cars and smashed avocado, they all piss him off.

At Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

ALFIE MOORE: STEALING A LIVING Fair Cop Alfie explores theft and honesty, while leading us through a real-life investigation from his police casebook; At Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com ALAN CARR: REGIONAL TRINKET A lot has changed since Alan’s last tour; including Alan. Nowadays, it’s all about finding happiness and joy in the small things: why be a national treasure when you can be a regional trinket? Indeed.

At Hippodrome; atgtickets.com

in the biz, struts his funky stuff at St George’s; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

good to book early. Redgrave, redgravetheatre.com

DARA O BRIAIN: SO... WHERE WERE WE? Dara’ll hardly mention the last year and a half, because, Jesus, who wants to hear about that, but will instead fire out the usual mix of stories, one-liners and audience messing; Hippodrome; atgtickets.com LUKE KEMPNER: MACHO MACHO MAN Yeah, if you say so, Luke. The Spitting Image man came up with the title while listening to his Les Mis album for the 28,000th time; now he tries to work out what masculinity really means, at Hen & Chicken, henandchicken.com

16 September

HAL CRUTTENDEN: IT’S BEST YOU HEAR IT FROM ME His previous sell-out tour Chubster was extended four times, and has only added to Hal’s uncontrollable ego, but it does mean that it’s always

18 September

OTHER Ongoing

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL The almost-year-round fest with the something-for-everyone remit.

Screenings at various Bristol locations; bristolfilmfestival.com

Until 3 September

THE BIG SUMMER SEND-OFF AT BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS It’s the last few months for the Zoo at its Clifton site, and they’re pulling out all the stops, not least with a giant wooden interactive gorilla called Wilder. bristolzoo.org.uk

12 September

ENTRECONF Networking, live interview with a leading entrepreneur and an excellent dinner at Avon Gorge Hotel; entreconf.com/dinner

16-25 September

SUSTAINABLE FASHION WEEK How clothing is produced has a significant impact on the planet, and SFW is back to raise awareness; see page 6. sustainablefashionweek.uk n

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

EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS

location is the grand palazzi of 16th-century Italy, and it’s quite the place to lose yourself.

New term means new tomes. For the newly liberated grown-ups, that is . . .

T

hat back-toschool feeling has very much arrived. The contrast with the beginning of the summer, when kids would drag their harried parents through the shop in search of a book (any book!) to take with them on holiday or simply see out the afternoon, is painfully stark.

Roles have reversed: the kids are rueful and cagey, the parents skipping merrily back towards the adult books so they can finally pick something for themselves. And with those people in mind, namely anyone who might be experiencing a sudden post-holiday burst of bibliomaniacal energy, we have assembled a classful of new books for the autumn term…

The Marriage Portrait, by Maggie O’Farrell If you’re among the very select 300-or-so people who eagerly chomped up your tickets for our forthcoming event with Maggie O’Farrell in Bristol’s majestic St Mary Redcliffe later this month, then your preparatory reading has arrived! If you’re not among this hallowed cohort, then we do implore you still to read this most effortlessly enjoyable of historical novels.

As with her previous novel, the award-winning and publishingindustry-conquering Hamnet, O’Farrell demonstrates her ability to make the seemingly remote and arcane seem suddenly transparent, eminently understandable and emotionally quite devastating. This time, the

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

Small Fires, by Rebecca May Johnson A flurried, breathless and unexpectedly affecting mix of memoir, food writing and philosophical deep-dives that has as its anchor a selection of humble recipes. Interweaved with Johnson’s experiences of cooking these recipes (and be warned that you will want to make the tomato sauce as soon as you read about it) are diverting ruminations on the function of recipes themselves, their role as communicator and influencer, rulebook or source of mere suggestions. The simple act of frying sausages will hold a different resonance for you once you’ve tackled this beautiful mini-epic.

Afterparties, by Anthony Veasna So These fizzing short stories from the late Anthony Veasna So (he passed away in 2020 aged just 28) are a thrilling and deeply-felt insight into the Cambodian-American experience, with chiselled humour and effervescent imagination

“O’Farrell has an ability to make the seemingly remote and arcane seem eminently understandable and emotionally quite devastating”

coursing through every page.

Expect affably brash stories about badminton, unexpected affairs with app developers and drunk brothers on a mission at a wedding, all of which is delivered with an undercurrent of inherited cultural weight, the sense that these lives are being lived in a different context to those around them.

Checkout 19, by Claire-Louise Bennett We were completely sucked in by this gem of a novel, just out in paperback, and its incredibly deft mingling of lived experience and flights of fancy. Narrated by an unknown woman as she navigates her 40s in a variety of forms and style, we particularly love her use of lists and the irresistible references to other books (you’ll finish this one with a long reading list). It’s a thoroughly unique reading experience, but her techniques don’t feel forced or contrived, such is the hypnotic, uncanny effect of the seemingly meandering prose.

Quite unlike anything else around at the moment, and all the better for it.

Whether you’re dreading the return to post-summer routine or relishing a bit of order amid the end-of-holidays chaos, all we can do is gently push you towards a more regular reading schedule and if you’re in need of a more bespoke reading list, you can always pop in and chat to one of our booksellers. Seeing as it’s too early to start thinking about Christmas (definitely too early, most definitely too early), we wish you nothing but uninterrupted reading until at least half term.

Storysmith, 236 North Street storysmithbooks.com

YOUNG AT HARTCLIFFE

Rome had Bicycle Thieves, but Hartcliffe has The Fence . . .

Originally an awardwinning short, William Stone’s film has now been turned into a fulllength feature; it has south Bristol running through it like a stick of rock, and features a few familiar faces . . .

Words by Deri Robins

Nice wheels: David Perkins as Steve right: Will Stone on location

W

ARTS

illiam Stone. It sounds like a director’s name, which is handy enough, given that Will’s a 27-year-old independent filmmaker specialising in writing, directing and producing.

After having an online viral hit with his short film The Fence, he’s now expanded the story into a full-length feature, and it’s currently screening at the Showcase at Cabot Circus.

Will is Bristol born and bred; he lived in Hartcliffe until he was nine, when the family moved to Whitchurch. After school, he studied film and cinematography at Bournemouth University; but if that suggests a lifelong obsession with the movies, think again. As he admits, he could quite easily have chosen another career route.

“To be totally honest, filmmaking was something I picked up a bit later in life, when I was about 19,” he says. “Up until that point I had wanted to be a few different things, but always had a passion for creative subjects.

“My favourite film has always been Jaws; after seeing it at the age of three it sparked an obsession with sharks, and I would always be drawing them as a child.

They were probably the first things I ever drew, and that was the beginning of my creative side, I guess.”

His university course culminated in his graduate short film The Fence – the tale of a young skinhead whose new bike is nicked on the day he bought it.

Comparisons are never especially helpful, but perhaps if you picture a mash-up between This is England and This Country, set in the early 1980s, you may get an inkling of the style; better still, watch it yourself on You Tube. It’s only xxxxxx 20 minutes long.

So, Will – why this story, and why this era? “For a while, I had the idea of making one of my dad’s childhood memories into a little film, because they were often really funny,” he says. “He grew up on a council estate in Hartcliffe, and The Fence was a true story about how he had a motorbike stolen the same day he bought it, back in 1983, and I thought it had all the element of a good short story.”

Most of the film’s expenses – the crew, kit and insurances – were covered by Bournemouth University. “I scraped together about £1,500 to make the short, and kept costs down by begging, borrowing and only purchasing things from second-hand shops, stuff like that.

“I entered it into a lot of film festivals, but had next to no luck at all, with only two festivals taking it. After that disappointment I chose to just throw it up on YouTube, with no additional marketing or anything, and it somehow blew up! Getting 11,000 views overnight and going onto a million in six months, I think.

“To date, it has just shy of 4.5 million views on YouTube, with 90k likes. It won the Lion Award at the British Independent Film Festival in 2018. It didn’t really do much on the festival circuit but thankfully found its audience on the internet, which I’m insanely grateful for.”

So why expand it into a full-length feature now?

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

ARTS “It had crossed my mind back in 2018, when the film started gaining traction online, with many people asking for a Fence 2. I had created a pitch for a series version, which I sent it to all the UK production companies. However, nobody was interested in me or the project, so I decided to put it to one side and continue making more short films in different genres, eventually circling back around to the idea in early 2020. Doing so because I felt I had maxed out my capacity for short films, after making seven, and really needed to step things up if I wanted to seriously pursue a career in film.

“It’s worth mentioning that I’m joined in this venture by my buddy and collaborator, Adam Pickford. We’ve made all our films together, and are effectively the co-creators of this new film. So I haven’t been entirely alone on this journey, and without that team element I doubt this would have ever happened.

“Without sounding too dramatic, every single step of the project has been incredibly challenging. Raising the money on our own, learning about the business side of the industry and trying to We wouldn’t recreate the 1980s on what’s want to mess categorised as a ‘micro-budget’ with Joe Sims . . . has truly stretched me to my personal limits.

“At this level, the bottom line is that “the film needs to be good.” I can’t just say, “Oh well, that was a good learning experience”. There’s a real responsibility to do a great job, and do right by the people backing this film, and I suppose that’s often a stressful factor for me to deal with.”

Let’s talk about the era the film is set in. The 1980s seem to be having a bit of a moment…

“Yeah, they seem to be everywhere in pop culture right now.

I’d been planning the short film before Stranger Things came out in 2016 though, so I stand by that it was never my intention to jump on a trend; it just seems to have worked out that way.

“Creating the era is very hard work, especially at our budget level where we can’t build sets or close down an entire section of a town.

We have to be really careful and clever about what we show and what we hide. But the main attractions in our film are the motorbikes, cars and the soundtrack. We relied on local vehicle owners to bring their machines to the set for free, which was insanely generous, and I still can’t thank them enough.

“To top it off we have an amazing soundtrack featuring works by Madness, The Selecter, Bad Manners, Nik Kershaw and Motörhead, just to name a few. The artists and the record labels took very kindly to our little movie and were unbelievably good to us. None of which would have happened without the amazing work of our music supervisor, Karen Spearing.”

Of course, there’s more to evoking the ’80s than sticking a nice bit of Two-tone on the soundtrack. To feel truly authentic, a movie needs to echo the spirit and beliefs of the time, however much they might grate on sensitive Millennial audiences . . .

“Having not lived at that time I felt a great deal of responsibility to get things right,” says Will. “I spent months researching and speaking to people who grew up on south Bristol estates in the ’70s and ’80s.

Learning about immersion heaters, rent-a-tele, CB radios, party phone lines, how much a pint of milk cost and all sorts of little details of the

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

top: On location; middle Eugene Simon (yep, they bagged themselves a Lannister); bottom: David Perkins, Deshaye Gayle and Gabriel Howell

from clockwise: Bet you know these faces:

Sally Phillips, Jayde Adams, Paul Cooper

era. It might not be perfect, and you won’t please everyone, but the team tried its best.

“In regards to not offending contemporary audiences, I made the decision to rank authenticity above all else, meaning that I didn’t dial anything back for fear of upsetting a younger generation. The language is ‘colourful’ and the characters behave in a way that would be mostly unacceptable today. But like I said, I felt a responsibly to get things right, and I’m not in the business of sugarcoating history. If anything, I feel it is a positive demonstration of how far we’ve come on some topics. The film has a BBFC rating of 18, if that’s anything to go by!”

While The Fence is a social comedy and a fun ride – certain scenes certainly had me laughing out loud – it doesn’t fight shy of tackling underlying serious issues and morals.

“The film is mainly very upbeat and positive,” says Will, “but I did try to incorporate topics such as drugs, dysfunctional families and violence.

When I started the feature project I hadn’t imagined touching on these points, but after the research period it was quite clear that these things were common in people’s lives, and it seemed disingenuous to leave them out entirely.

“That said, I also felt that estate dramas are far too often pretty down in the dumps, and don’t show how good most of the people are. So it was always key to have the film swing towards positivity and good within those communities, showing how your friends and family can come together to help you solve a problem – like a stolen motorbike.”

While characters in the short film were mostly played by friends – in fact, Will took one of the main roles himself, making a very credible ’80s skin – there are some more familiar names among the credits for the full-length feature, from Paul Cooper and Joe Sims to Sally Phillips.

Will says he was as surprised as anyone by this. “I had always thought we’d never get anyone even slightly recognisable because of the size of our project, so when I heard Sally Phillips was willing to do it, I could have fallen to my knees. With Sally, I believe she connected with the story because she has two sons, and the film revolves around two brothers, with her character being their mother.

“I was really taken aback by the way all the actors responded to the

script. They really liked the story, and the topic, and were willing to support me and the film based on the quality and popularity of the short. They certainly weren’t doing it for the money! I have to give credit to our casting directors Frazer Meakin and Matthew Bailey for doing a super job.”

Harking back to those unhelpful comparisons – does Will ever see himself expanding the characters and the setting into future films, or even a TV series? We’re thinking of This is England and Shane Meadows again…

“I’m not trying to get too far ahead of myself. This film has been so all-consuming that I haven’t really thought much about where The Fence goes after this particular story. I think that’s up to the audience really; similarly with the short, where people really liked it and the demand was there.

If the same happens again then the sky’s the limit!

I’ve left parts of the story open enough that further exploration is certainly possible. Not to mention the piles of notes (stories) that never made it into the final film.”

In fact, Will’s very realistic about what the future may hold. “It’s a scary fact that 98% of first-time feature film directors never make a second one. So fingers well and truly crossed. But if I were to be so lucky then I would love to make another film, for sure. Being a massive Jaws fan, I’d never leave a sea monster movie off the table…

“I have quite a wide taste in topics and styles, I’d hate to end up pigeonholed in any way, so I’d probably look to make something a little different. But I feel that comedy, drama and action will always be key ingredients in any of the work I do. Emulating the career of someone like Tarantino would be the dream. I have a few ideas… if anyone wants to hear them?”

If the above has piqued your curiosity, and we really hope it has, you can watch The Fence exclusively in Bristol cinemas from 2 September.

“We are currently guaranteed to play in Showcase Cabot Circus and Avonmeads. Hopefully we will get Vue, Odeon, Cineworld and the other local theatres like the Watershed on board soon…” n

“Being a massive Jaws fan, I’d never leave a sea monster movie off the table...”

The Fence is currently showing at Showcase Cabot Circus For more thefencefilm.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 23

SUMMER OF ‘22 Three little words.

They will get you anywhere you need to be.

What about COME – TO – BRISTOL. Especially in the summertime.

Words and pictures by Colin Moody

BRISTOL HEROES 1

H 1

ow many places did you get to explore this summer? How many destinations that you locked into, and had a thoroughly good time? Where did you hook into the collective experience this summer?

Come with me now, and let’s take a look back over the amazing summer we’ve just had, at some of the festivals and events that make our city punch above its weight.

Here’s Colin – not me, another Colin; we don’t get to meet up very often, we are a rare breed. This Colin is inspecting the inside of the canopy before flight. The insides of these balloons made here in Bristol are incredible; I have visited less spacious cathedrals. That orange glow you see is created by the morning sun at 4:59 am, just over the brow of Ashton Court Estate, hitting the balloon. It’s art, it’s science, it’s magic, it’s emotional, it’s Bristol.

BRISTOL HEROES 2

3

2

A crew member of this Virgin balloon (other balloons are available) at Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta. Basket so big that if it was a room, you could fit a double bed in it.

The balloonist is holding up three fingers. Three minutes to hot inflation? Three ice-cold lattes please for the crew? Don’t know.

3

Insane 51.

Not the temperature we got up to this summer; but jeez it was on its way there…

That’s the artist who painted this piece for Weston Walls.

It’s been a real pleasure to shoot for Upfest these last years, and appreciating what public art does for a space, the people around it, the artist and more. It’s community art, and it’s alive and well.

Upfest expand out to Weston for this event, and artists are doing new radical things, like Insane here does. You need 3D glasses a-la Jaws 3D style to see the work in full effect. Open and close your eyes one at a time to see the hidden work within.

Here he is, mid-spray, in a white top with no spray residue on at all, which is quite frankly ridiculous, such is the precision here as he progresses, checking the plan on his iPhone.

Personal fave moment for me was talking to the lady on a bench outside the place opposite, who watched the whole thing with a brew, enjoying every moment. Pop in to the 49 Social Club – it’s above on George Street – and ask the nice woman at the bar for a pair of 3-D glasses, and have a look-see.

4

Jammy’s Sky Juice is the party.

You might have seen him bringing the flavours and tunes to Harbour Festival from his portable juice bar. All the flavours over crushed ice while he drops beats from his speaker. A one-man carnival.

Good to see him back, it’s been a while. God knows we all needed a snow cone in this heat. I’m going large.

5

Pride.

It’s back.

And booom-shaka-lacka, it was amazing.

People turned the rainbow up to 11, and against a backdrop of a world not so far away, raging against liberal tolerant society, is there a more important time to stand up and be proud?

Love. It’s for everyone.

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

4

5

7

6

Love Saves the Day. Hell yeah!

Heroes, especially those who were mud-surfing on day two.

A bombastic, go-get-it twist upside the membrane sunny energy explosion of fun, sun and sensation, at Ashton Court for the first time.

When I was a kid, somebody once told me go large or go home.

Love Saves goes beyond supersize.

It seems to me it’s the place a whole lot of us just gotta be, and while laptops out in coffee shops and a bit of a browse at the vintage is enough for some of us, others can feel their heart beating in their bodies, and want to blow the lid right off all that…

7

He was a sk8er boi. I went past the Posca wall when it was black and white, and said see ya later boy.

Look at what these young artists have done here.

Sure, it’s colouring-in right? But today’s junior colourist starts decorating his or her skateboard, then their mates want one, and before you know it we’ve got another artist on our hands. Took just three hours for this wall to be full, north to south, east to west.

How long will it take to fill all the walls? Just asking for a friend.

6

8

Bristol Beacon Presents: Rivertown.

Lee Fields is a living soul legend, and there he was at the Fleece. You could just reach out, reach out and touch his hand.

They always talk about the Bristol music scene, but we also need to talk about the Bristol audience scene. Those take-a-punt heroes who cruise out and get involved. Add them to the diehard fans of legends playing locally and it takes it all the way up, up, up. A good music night out like this, and you are so high you will be flying.

8

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

BRISTOL HEROES

9

11 12 10

9

These are the wellies that hold the feet That get the hops To go in the thing That with the stuff And some love and care Got to make the beer That goes into the can That goes to the Craft Beer Festival That goes in you In the sunshine On the deckchair By the harbour.

Bloody nice.

10

Backstage, just before Groove Armada comes on at Siren Festival. I always like it when bands let you shoot backstage.

I’ve got photo books full of photographers hanging with The Beatles and Marilyn Monroe. In a world of carefully controlled media images, it’s a rarity these days. But I had the privilege of shooting them earlier in the year at an interview for the telly, and they were easy to talk to.

They were so excited to be playing this gig.

And it elevated the audience on waves of joy.

The world wants to play Bristol, and we are ready.

11

“It’s coming home” “It’s still coming home” “It’s…”

Lionesses, half a century later: “Ffs, we’ll get it ourselves.”

Not technically a Bristol event, but here, the day after the historic win, we see a view of a back garden from the basket of one of the community launches at this year’s Balloon Fiesta press launch.

Somewhere in the suburbs, two balls in the back of the net, and if you look over the fence, that’s one in the neighbour’s yard, so I guess that’s Germany 1. England 2.

This win changes everything. Look forward to more girls playing the beautiful game now in back yards, youth teams, squads and nationals.

This is just the beginning.

12

It’s back, baby.

Summer with the best weather.

Lots to do.

But with all these amazing festivals it wouldn’t mean a thing if we didn’t all embrace them.

So this hero slot, the last one this issue, is for you – for dressing up, for showing up, for being there.

From silent disco on the Thekla at Harbour Festival, to glitter-fuzz joy with your mates at the beach, to carnival to kid creations at the Arnolfini. From multi-launch balloon wonderland to pints down the pub. It’s back baby. And don’t we know it.

Colin Moody; content creation, online images Twitter @moodycolin Instagram @colinmoodyphotography colinmoodyphotography.wordpress.com

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

THE VERDICT JAMIE REES

Full throttle

Les Mis – so much more than just a show

Go over to the dark side? Not on Bristol theatreland’s watch . . .

S

young Jim Hawkins taking on the high seas and some pretty dodgy characters in a coming-ofage story like no other. There’s love in the air as a mermaid ungraciously lands on board, providing the funniest scene of the night as Jim and said mermaid (Matt Freeman) talk in Mermaid Tongue; hilarious and silly, and the audience loved it.

If the jokes in the songs didn’t always land, the script was razor sharp, delivered impeccably by this small, hard-working cast.

Over at the Hippodrome, musicals ranged from the sublime Les Misérables to the ridiculous Bat Out of Hell.

There’s not I can say about Les Mis that hasn’t already been said, apart from the fact that this is the

© CHRIS DAVIS STUDIO

ummer is usually the time when theatres begin to wind down, going dark in August before gearing up for a busy autumn ahead.

This wasn’t the case in Bristol, though, with a number of fine performances to hold us over until September.

At Bristol Old Vic, summer panto Treasure Island was camper than Christmas. With a cast of thousands, though with only four actors in the cast, there was as much humour for grownups as for the kids, even if most of it flew over the heads of the little people, landing brilliantly like a cream pie on the faces of adults. I mean; the play was set on the Jolly Todger after all…

This breathless adventure sees

Dead ringers for love: Bat out of Hell

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

best version of this show I’ve ever seen – and I’ve seen quite a few.

I see a lot of shows, it’s my job. Rarely do I not enjoy the experience, the awful Pretty Woman in the West End being a notable recent exception. But to call Les Mis a mere ‘show’ is doing it a disservice. Over the years, this musical has been distilled like the finest cognac by producer Cameron Mackintosh, who was in Bristol on press night. Even the sound, a perennial challenge in musical theatre, is set to the perfect level, every single syllable of Kretzmer’s haunting and beautiful lyrics audible and aided by a cast who understand the importance of diction when telling a story. The story is one for the ages, empowering and integrous, the music utterly beautiful, and I would go as far as to say that this is the finest musical of all time.

Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell on the same stage a few weeks later, on the other hand… In a dystopian world where some people don’t age beyond 18, Strat falls in love with the mortal Raven. As their

love grows, so does her concern that their love will fade as she ages and he remains forever 18.

Spoiler: she realises age is just a number, they live happily ever after. The end.

From Dead Ringer for Love to You Took the Words Right out of My Mouth and I’d Do Anything for Love, there are some incredible songs here. You need a strong cast, with outstanding voices, to deliver this show and for it to fully succeed, and that is where this production comes into its own, not least with Bristol’s own Martha Kirby as Raven, who effortlessly belts every single one of her numbers with stunning range.

There’s so much wonderful theatre to look forward to this autumn, including two world premières, Revealed and Beautiful Evil Things at Tobacco Factory Theatres, Billy Howle giving us his Hamlet at Bristol Old Vic, and Disney’s Beauty & The Beast at the Hippodrome to name just a few. Race you to the bar in the interval...

“Over the years, Les Mis has been distilled like the finest cognanc”

Follow Jamie on Twitter and Instagram @theatre_ jam

LIFE ON MARS It looks a bit like an Airstream in a puffa jacket, and it’s pitched up next to M Shed. But why is the Martian House here, and what does it want?

© LUKE O’DONOVAN

Words by Deri Robins

PUBLIC ART

© LUKE O’DONOVAN

Could plants be grown hydroponically? The Martian House is not a fixed project, but a research centre that will continue to evolve

M

ars. As the Rocket Man sang, it ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids; in fact, it’s as cold as hell. A hostile, freezing planet, blighted with radiation. So, could humans ever live there? And even if the answer turns out to be ‘no’, could research and conversations around the topic teach us how to live more sustainably here on Earth?

That’s the idea behind The Martian House – a public art project in the form of an actual prototype house on Mars. It’s led and conceived by artists Ella Good and Nicki Kent of Watershed’s Pervasive Media Studio, working with Pearce+ and Hugh Broughton Architects, who, as experienced designers of polar bases know a thing or two about keeping humans alive in harsh conditions.

The house brings together the skills, imagination and perspectives of many people, from rocket scientists to artists, engineers and schoolchildren; their input is acknowledged in Andy Council’s murals on the outside of the house, along with cutaway illustrations of the interior. Look, this may be a Martian House, but it’s a Bristol Martian House; there obviously needs to be street art somewhere.

Although Ella and Nicki are the creators of the concept, they say that what really excites them is seeing the investment in the idea that other people have made.

“The project would never have happened without the enthusiasm and generosity of the many people and organisations who’ve got involved,” they say. “It’s a really exciting and optimistic act; it’s like a demonstration of the themes of the project in action – seeing the scale and ambition of what you can make when lots of different people work together.”

The main aim of the house is “to see how the scenario of living on Mars – a resource-limited place where you’d have to fix everything when it breaks – might relate

the house, and see some of the ideas that are being developed in response to the project.

Because as Ella and Nicki explain, the house is not a fixed exhibit, but a research centre: “It’s been built as an empty shell, and will fill with ideas and experiments across the next couple of months”.

And because a house is not a home without a few plants and throws, many of the ideas will relate to its interior decoration.

“We have a group of about 30 people in Bristol who have volunteered to be part of our interiors team, through an open callout. We are working with them on developing their ideas around what the objects of everyday living in a resourceful, zero-waste community might look like, and filling, decorating and personalising the house with what they make.

So what visitors see next week might be quite to our lives on Earth here and now. How different to what they might see in October. those restrictions might help us to imagine “The team have been running family differently. workshops across this August, looking at “A house on Mars would need to operate textiles and how someone might decorate and in a completely closed loop system – all waste personalise the house if they were far from would have to go back into the system. There Earth and unable to have deliveries.” is no bin collection on Mars, no landfills, Thought your Amazon parcel was taking its nowhere to hide your rubbish! Everything own sweet time? It takes seven months to get a you’d use for everyday living would have to be package to Mars. made with these principles in mind.

“They’ve been looking at using natural dyes, “You also wouldn’t be able to quickly replace using vegetable peels and flowers that could be things that are worn out or broken, like we do grown to decorate textiles. These textiles are on Earth. You’d have to be able to repair and being used to decorate the bed-pods. reuse everything, from Martian toothbrushes “There will also be workshops, led by Bristol and soap to Martian clothes.” artist Katy Connor, who has created our Of course, among the many challenges hydroponics area in the top floor of the facing anyone planning to live on Mars house. These workshops are both is the thin atmosphere, meaning about the science of how plants exposure to high levels of cosmic Fun facts can be grown without soil, and and galactic radiation.

On Mars, sunsets also about the way that plants “This house is designed to are blue. And here’s one for the Lionesses: gravity make you feel, including a tea protect the people that live in is about a third of that ceremony that involves drinking it,” say Ella and Nicki. “The on Earth, so you could teas made from some of the lower floor is designed to be kick a football three herbs grown in the house. underground; maybe in the lava times further. . .

“We’re also doing a series of tubes that are already on Mars. talks, the first being a design team It could be prefabricated on Earth, talk on 1 September at M Shed, with reusing life support systems from the the scientists that have advised on the project, rocket, and dropped into the ground and architect Hugh Broughton.” on arrival.

In fact, the project has been timed to tie in “It contains a special Environment Control with Think Global at M Shed, an exhibition and Life Support System room with all of the exploring the climate and ecological systems required to keep you alive on Mars. emergencies; because as well as being utterly The upper floor could be sent flat-packed and intriguing in its own right, the Martian House inflated on arrival, making it as light and small is a brilliantly imaginative way to turn a sharp as possible to transport. lens on our life on Earth, and our fraught “The walls would be filled with the Martian relationship with consumerism. soil (regolith) on arrival, making use of local, Act now, in other words, and we may never readily available materials. This soil could be need that damn red planet at all... n solidified using a bacteria that has been tested in the Sahara desert to solidify sand, to create thick walls inside the inflatable form work. Our You can visit Build a Martian House, next to prototype uses air, instead of regolith, so that M Shed, on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 30 we can reuse it.”

October. Free entry, though booking is required and Visitors will be able to glimpse the inside of donations welcome; bristolmuseums.org.uk

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

THE VOW FACTOR

Some businesses for your little white book . . .

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

BRISTOL EVENT CATERING

PHOTO BY REBECCA ROUNDHILL PHOTOGR APHY

HELLO@BRISTOLEVENTCATERING.COM TEL: 0117 462 1778 BRISTOLEVENTCATERING.COM Bristol Event Catering Company was established in 2020 by our MD, James Caesar, with the idea of making event catering a little bit more modern and a whole lot more fun. We are here to break the mould of tradition, and allow our personality to shine through into our service.

BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN

GREAT WESTERN DOCKYARD, GAS FERRY ROAD, BRISTOL, BS1 6TY SSGREATBRITAIN.ORG/WEDDINGS For a truly unique and memorable celebration, the SS Great Britain is the perfect venue for your wedding ceremony, reception and evening party. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in 1843, the beautifully restored ship lies in the heart of Bristol’s harbourside and offers some of the most spectacular views in the region. Steeped in history, with versatile spaces both above and below deck, the ship will be available after hours for you and your guests to exclusively enjoy. Let us help make your dream wedding come true and ensure you have memories to cherish and last a lifetime.

THE MEWS BRIDAL

21 THE MALL, CLIFTON VILLAGE, BRISTOL, BS8 4JG TEL: 0117 973 8784 THEMEWSBRIDAL.COM The Mews Bridal is not your average bridal boutique. Stocking a stunning collections of the leading French bridal couture designers, The Mews provides a beautiful alternative to the more traditional wedding dress – dresses that are modern enough to feel like you, traditional enough to never date.

KATHERINE BARNES PHOTOGRAPHY TEL: 07531671042 KATHERINEBARNESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

Katherine is passionate about capturing amazing memories of the bride and groom’s special day. Katherine used to be a photographer in the glorious, sunny Mexico capturing weddings, couples and families in various resorts across the Riveria Maya. She returned to the UK to gain a BA in photography in Bristol and then set up her own business as a freelance photographer. Katherine captures the fun, emotion and laughter of every wedding she approaches while also focusing on the key special moments of the day.

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

35 YEARS OF WYLDE It’s a big year for NICHOLAS WYLDE – the Bath shop turns 35 in the jeweller’s 60th year

W

ith a team of talented goldsmiths who have many years of experience, Nicholas Wylde has created and repaired a wide variety of jewellery and objet d’art.

Since realising his dream of starting his own business in 1987 and opening his first shop in Bath at 13 Northumberland Place, Nicholas Wylde has celebrated industry achievements for his reputation and service within the jewellery trade. He has been praised for his success as an independent jeweller and has been awarded a national UK Jewellery Award for the Bath boutique. In 2010 he opened a second branch in Clifton; both shops work well together and have established the brand name in the local luxury market.

“I set out to stand out from the crowd, to bring creative and unique jewellery to my clients and to give a professional yet relaxed service,” says Nicholas. “My motto is, if we can’t do it then no one can. We have been at the forefront of technology, always investing in the business and the staff. Over the years we have won two national awards for being the best independent jewellers in the UK, which I’m extremely proud of and work very hard to make sure we maintain that achievement.”

Bath’s leading designer jeweller has built up a superb reputation for designing outstanding jewellery, from one-off commissions to larger corporate orders, all handmade, with great passion, in the workshop on the premises.

But the ‘Wylde effect’ encompasses many aspects – from pushing the limits of artistic expression with unique bespoke commissions to the pursuit of sustainable practice. The brand promotes ethical conduct by ensuring that all materials originate from reliable mining companies committed to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.

Embracing the objectives of the No Dirty Gold campaign, which establishes standards for the extraction of gold that retail jewellers can use for responsible mining sources, and fully supporting the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for all its diamonds, it ensures that Wylde creations are beautiful in every single way.

THE BLOOM OF THE WYLDE FLOWER DIAMOND Since launching the Wylde brand in 1987, Nicholas’s goal was to have his own cut of diamond – something very few jewellers in the world have, due to the huge cost and commitment involved. But Nicholas kept pushing – selling a diamond that millions of other stores sell was not what Wylde was about. The Wylde Flower Diamond® was born in 2012, just in time for Wylde’s 25th anniversary – when Nicholas linked up with a cutter in Antwerp and together they designed the amazing round diamond that sparkles like no other. With 81 precisely cut facets – 24 more facets than any other round diamond – the unique beauty of the stone lies in the stunning flower cut into its base.

Each Wylde Flower Diamond® is hand-picked from hundreds of rough crystals before it’s handed to a world-class diamond cutter for spectacular transformation. Wylde employs Krochmal and Lieber, world-renowned diamond cutters who have been cutting stones for over 100 years in Antwerp. Each piece comes with its own unique number, and the Wylde Flower Logo laser-etched onto the girdle of the stone.

Having his own bespoke cut established Wylde’s place among the top diamond designers in the world. “I have diamond number one, my wife has the 100th, and I have

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

THE UNIQUE CUT Table This clever cut means that its sheer fire and brilliance can often make the stone appear bigger than its actual size.

Pavilion The WFD is the ultimate token of true love. This sparkling gemstone brings together two symbols of love and romance – flowers and diamonds!

Together Every gemstone has 81 precisely cut facets including the eight perfectly cut on the base to reveal its stunning flower.

an order for the 1,000th,” says Nicholas. “It is cut from 0.25ct with the largest being, at the moment, 3.65ct“ Available from two bespoke shops in the world Heritage City of Bath and the exclusive Clifton Quarter of Bristol, this exquisite diamond is a testament to Wylde’s success, and truly a signature piece to be cherished by anyone lucky enough to wear it. ■

Nicholas Wylde, 12 Northumberland Place, Bath, BA1 5AR; 01225 462826; bath@nicholaswylde.com; www.nicholaswylde.com; Find us on social  

CASTLE FARM MIDFORD WELCOME TO HAWKINS: A STRANGER THINGS SUPPER CLUB

Upside Down, you‘re turning me: there are many excellent reasons to visit Castle Farm Midford, but we may have found the best one of all...

Words by Deri Robins Photos by Ben Robins

Y

RESTAURANT

ou can, of course, eat perfectly well in Bristol without Slurpees duly slurped, weʼre led inside by young staff wearing Scoops ever straying beyond your own postcode. However, there Ahoy and Surfer Boy tees. Iʼm relieved to discover that weʼre seated at our are always a few good reasons to dine out of town, one own table, since supper clubs have a reputation for squeezing people onto of the most persuasive being Castle Farm Midford; a communal benches, forcing them to make small talk and break bread together. Iʼm an only child. I donʼt do sharing platters. unique, beguiling place that more than justifies the halfColoured fairy lights blink out their messages against an ʼ80s soundhour hop down the A4. track. Totoʼs Africa prompts a brief spontaneous singalong – or maybe Which of its many guises to focus on here? The supper clubs, which thatʼs just us? – as the Demogorgonzola Fritters arrive, buoyant in the have ranged from the relatively safe bet of a Tuscan feast to a more knowledge that theyʼve bagged the best pun of the night. Theyʼre fat, niche Wes Anderson-inspired menu? The legendary Sunday roasts? golden, gooey and profoundly cheesy, and one gulp instantly disperses The hugely popular Friday-night curries, cooked by part-Indian any sneaking fears that Castle Farm might be planning to coast on the co-owner Pravin Nayar? Castle Farm is many things to many people, novelty of the theme alone. Theyʼre a fabulous starter in anyoneʼs book. itʼs always booked up way in advance, and the locals are going to be Surfer Boy pizzas are served in their box, the ‘Try before you absolutely livid when they find out Iʼve been spreading the word. denyʼ slogan warning us that ready or not, these bad boys come with The restaurant is a family affair, run by Pravin and wife Leah, and pineapple. A Mindflayer Salad serves up fat tentacles of octopus, if you didnʼt know it was there you might drive right past it. It sits on a cooked blackly in their own ink, lurking menacingly beneath a pile of not especially decorative organic farm, which provides the kitchen with leaves. Theyʼre wonderfully soft and tender, and definitely donʼt require much of its fruit and veg; thereʼs no attempt to prettify these growing the wittily OTT monster-slaying knife supplied. This oneʼs for you, Barb. fields, although the views of the valley beyond are spectacular.

The next course whisks us off to Neither does the restaurant, housed within Kamchatka jail. Weʼd break in tomorrow if an old tractor shed, look especially promising, it meant we could dine on Prison Rations – until you push open the barn door, at which DINING DETAILS creamy, porridgy risotto beneath crunchy point something extraordinary happens.

Castle Farm Midford, Midford Road, BA2 7PU tobacco-coloured crumb. A side dish of Because while itʼs not remotely posh inside 07564 783307; castlemidford.co.uk monkfish is aromatic with dill and umami– thereʼs mismatched furniture, corrugated Price Stranger Things supper club £85; cocktails £8. See tastic with caviar, and weʼre tempted to bang walls, a concrete floor – the room is nothing website for brunches, roasts, curry nights, supper clubs our empty metal tins with spoons until the short of magical. The absence of windows Marks out of 10 Eleven – obviously . . . guards bring us second helpings. and the twinkling candlelight add to the Luckily we donʼt, because here come the sense that youʼve entered a secret world; Eggos! Hopper-sized portions of fluffy waffles topped with succulent thereʼs a genuine warmth to the welcome, the service is the kind thatʼs fried chicken and quail eggs, served with maple syrup and duck liver so proficient you donʼt even notice it, and an infectious energy emanates parfait. I surreptitiously undo the top two buttons of my mom jeans, from the open kitchen next to the entrance. reflecting on how much the ʼ80s would have been improved by the ready Speaking of portals to alternate worlds – seamless link – Castle availability of harem trousers. Thereʼs barely room to fit in Dinner at Farm brought deep, deep joy to our nerdy little hearts this month by the Byers: savoury meatloaf with supremely smooth mash. announcing that two of its supper clubs would riff on the TV series Having a second stomach for dessert is an actual thing, although if Stranger Things. We were intrigued. How would a serious kitchen interpret a a Demogorgon had materialised after weʼd polished off our Starcourt cult sci-fi show set in mid-1980s small-town Indiana, in which the cuisine Mall Scoops Ahoy Sundae thereʼd be no way we could have waddled never soars much hauter than waffles, sundaes and pizza? to safety. Instead, clutching our goodie bags of trick-or-treat candy, we Guests, we read, are encouraged to cos-play. As the sons and I arrive stagger out to one of the outside tables – itʼs 11pm, but still balmy – and at the car park, admittedly not screeching onto the gravel at 90mph in discover that – who knew! – we also have a third stomach for Twizzlers. a Chevrolet Camaro Z-28, we spot the early arrivals – one Eddie, two Weʼd had a terrific evening of fantasy fun and creative culinary Elevens, a Dr Owen and a lot of generic checked Midwestern shirts – fireworks; looking at the pics on my phone later, even my eye-rolling checking out our own sartorial efforts.

Stranger Things-refusenik partner admitted heʼd have demolished the Weʼre all served welcome drinks outdoors – an Alexeiʼs Boozy Slurpee, food and drink. Obviously the theme would have been wasted on a fabulously fruity concoction made with vodka and cherry granita. Weʼd anyone blind to the life-preserving properties of Kate Bush, but with have ordered seconds, possibly thirds, but there are five more cocktails on new clubs every month, youʼre bound to find one that calls to your own the menu and we want to drink them all, from the zingy, tequila-based inner geek. Though for Vecnaʼs sake, donʼt tell the locals I sent you . . . n Hellfire Club with its hot chilli rim to the cleverly ombré Upside Down.

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

Summer at the Mow Bristol’s most award eligible chef™, Will Roth has joined forces with Bristol Beer Factory to bring a tasty new menu to The Barley Mow in Barton Hill. Cord Kitchen offers delicious bites to pair with a pint Tuesday to Saturday with a world beating roast on Sunday (booking advised).

We offer a small but perfectly formed menu of banging burgers, pub classics and bar snacks with a focus on fresh, local, sustainable produce.

THE KITCHEN IS OPEN... & Wed, 12-3 & 5-9 Thu, Fri & Sat, Tues 5-9 & 12-5 on Sunday

A FRESH AND SIMPLE APPROACH From wedding catering to private dining, we are here to help you create your perfect event

0117 462 1778 | hello@bristoleventcatering.com

@cordkitchen

bristoleventcatering.com

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

Say ¡hola! to a new natural wine bar, and ¡adiós! (though not quite yet) to a North Street favourite: it’s all about the fresh beginnings and fond farewells this month. That, and some tasty Spanish food and beer pairings, and a very sassy, very pink new cocktail bar…

CERVEZA, POR FAVOR

Lovers of Spanish food and beer rejoice, for Estrella Galicia is bringing back its Gastronomy Month during September.

Clifton’s Bar 44 is taking part in the UK-wide food festival again, not merely with tapas pairings but a special cookery masterclass led by co-owner Owen Morgan.

As a guest at the hands-on cookery class on 30 September, you’ll assist in the preparation of the menu for lunch, focusing on key Spanish ingredients and learning simple techniques to elevate your cooking. Next, you’ll be able to try your hand at Estrella Galicia’s ‘perfect pour’ under the watchful guidance of Estrella Galicia’s brand ambassador, as the lunch menu is finished by professional chefs in the kitchen.

Finally, you’ll get to sit down to enjoy the menu with Owen, with each dish paired with Estrella Galicia beer. ¡Será estupendo! estrellagaliciabeer.co.uk/events/cookery-bar44

THINK PINK

(AND NEVER MIND THE HISTORY)

Hot on the heels (pink, stiletto, six-inch) of recently opened cocktail bar Blame Gloria, and not a million miles away in Old City, comes a sassy new rival.

The sixth in a chain, Josephine is due to open on Baldwin Street on 30 September as a “female-friendly, late-night cocktail bar where the drinks are strong, the vibes are immaculate and the interiors are [wouldn’t you know it] instagrammable”.

It also promises to bring us “wild events, from Harry Styles brunches to Drag Bingo afternoon teas”.

Rather enjoyably, when it gets to the history behind the bar’s name, the press release becomes a little economical with the facts. “Tonight Josephine, named after Empress Josephine Bonaparte, takes inspiration from the heroine’s wild travels across America*,” it begins.

“Josephine started as a nobody**, but with sass, hustle and a little bit of luck, she became the Empress of the French.

“Her motto became ‘c’est la vie’*** and she didn’t hold back.

We are the Bande De Filles, Josephine’s gang. Here for a good time. Cocktails forever.”

We’re always here for a good time too, but we have questions. * What wild travels across America? We’re happy to be proven wrong, but we’re pretty sure this was not a thing. ** Not quite a nobody. In fact, Josephine came from an aristocratic family in Martinique. *** Did it, though? Is there any documented evidence for this?

Does it really matter? Oh, probably not. We’ll have a Stardust Boogie, if you’re buying, which you’re probably not, because nobody likes a pedant. tonightjosephine.co.uk

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

© SHOTAWAY

© ED SCHOFIELD

HOT PLATES

LAST ORDERS

It was only ever intended to be a pop-up; and now the Pony Bistro on North Street will close for good on Christmas Eve this year.

Eggleton siblings Josh and Holly have explained that while the bistro was an important part of the group’s post-lockdown comeback, all energies now need to be directed into the reinvention of their original site in Chew Magna, now called The Pony Chew Valley, into a restaurant, wedding and event venue and cookery school.

“For us, Pony Bistro represents a few things: a fun pop-up project, a chance to have a restaurant in Bristol, and the ability to create a space that is more modern, which is reflected in both the menu and atmosphere,” says Josh. “The Pony Chew Valley needs our full focus now, and we’re really excited to get back to the flagship, our home. Our time at the Bistro ending is bittersweet, but there are still a few months in which guests can come to enjoy lunch or dinner with us.”

Don’t be too glum, BS3 chums; the family is eyeing up a new North Street site for the future.

Pony Bistro will be back…

For more theponynorthstreet.co.uk

AMUSES BOUCHES… Bristol Loaf has gone into the wine bar biz, extending its Church Road bakery in Redfield into new bottle shop and wine bar Native Vine – “the home of natural wines” – with “a diverse menu of small plates that champion fermentation, preservation and seasonal produce. There will be a changing menu of 12 wines by the glass and room to get tasting with our wine flights and cheese pairings,” they say. nativevine.co.uk Chicken tonight? Wing Fest flutters back into Lloyd’s on 10-11 September, turning the Amphitheatre into a poultryeating, music thumping, axe throwing, beer- and bourbondrinking space of epic proportion. Find out who makes the best wings in the UK – will it be current UK champ, Bristolbased Gurt Wings, for a second year in a row? Only one way to find out. wingfest.co.uk/bristol

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

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Bird food

In which a new independent café in Clifton has Stan all a-flutter

M

ust admit, I do love writing these columns.

This week’s coffee shop of choice is a perfect example of why it is all so enjoyable. Apart from anything else, it gives me a great excuse to visit new and intriguing cafés I might otherwise not have found.

In this case, it was Starlings.

A brand, new, shiny happy place, that had only just opened a few days before our visit.

It sits on Queen’s Road, at number 99. If you get to the

“There’s a sign telling you the place is dog-friendly, but in truth, you don’t need to read it to know that this place welcomes everybody in”

Victoria Rooms, head up towards Clifton and stop when you get to the big block of Art Deco flats, you’re there. Can’t miss it.

Out front there’s a cool courtyard giving lots of outside space, with covered bits in case you want to avoid the sun or rain.

Which was great on the day we visited, as the sun was blazing fit to burst. There’s also a wide ramp leading up to it, making it accessible for all.

When you get inside there’s a lovely wide-open feel to the space too. Everywhere you look there are warm woody tones, along with subtle plants hanging around and making the place feel homely.

There’s a sign telling you the place is dog-friendly, but in truth, you don’t need to read it to know that this place welcomes everybody in.

You might have gathered by now that I’m a bit of a fan. And I am. The owner is a young bloke called Ed Starling. Hence the name. His enthusiasm and knowhow is infectious. Long may it last.

Cheered me up just giving him our drinks order.

The brunch menu is a twist on the usual sourdough suspects.

All done in the very best possible taste. Took us a while to choose.

But eventually, along with a perfectly pitched iced coffee, I went for the Nordic sourdough, which involves smoked salmon, pickled cucumber and crème

fraîche. Everything was spot on, tasty and a perfect example of what a top-notch café should be doing. My coffee companion went for the bacon butty on toasted sourdough and declared it absolutely delicious, which is a five-star review, in her terms.

As if all this excitement wasn’t enough to get you running there right now, they’ve also got a few shelves of deli goods against one wall. As far as possible they source stuff locally.

We treated ourselves to a bag of the house-blend coffee beans, roasted locally, along with some other bits and bobs to nibble. Next time, think I might get myself a couple of their local beers or maybe an English wine. Mmm. Ed tells me that they’ll also be opening up for evenings, transforming into an atmospheric bar selling a wide selection of local beers, organic wines and innovative cocktails, which sounds like a great idea. Can’t wait.

So, if you’re in the mood for a spot of loveliness, with coffee, cakes, brunch and deli treats involved, flap on over to Ed’s place. I can thoroughly recommend it. n For more starlingsuk.co.uk Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer stancullimore.com

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

Is your Business ready for Christmas?

Be prepared!

If you have any events during the autumn & winter that involve licensable activities not covered by your licence, arrange your TEN today! Christmas parties or New Year’s Eve celebrations & Late Night Entertainment. Contact us to ensure it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Is your Premises Licence fit for purpose?

Situations change over time and your premises licence might be due a review!

Whatever your needs, contact us on 01454 419262 or hello@melrosegroup.co.uk where we will be happy to advise and help you along in this process. *Please always remember to advise us if you are planning on any structural alterations.

With 30 years of experience, Melrose provides full accountancy services to businesses specialising in the hospitality trade: APLH Personal Licence Course & Liquor Licencing

Business Plans

VAT accounts

Year Ends

Payroll

Stocktaking

Tel: 07854239926 info@cliftonwineschool.com

Welcome to Koocha, a friendly, cosy escape that brings a taste of Persia to Bristol.

Experience plant powered food as you never have before.

Vegan or not, you’ll love our fresh, colourful and creative dishes. Step inside for a taste of mouth-watering Persian mezze and a signature gin cocktail.

Serving lunch and dinner and everything in between, come visit us for good times and great food!

A very warm welcome to Clifton Wine School!

We are a local wine school hosting events in Bristol at the Hotel du Vin. Choose from our Cheese and Wine Matching night, a Fine Wine tasting, Wines of the World evening courses, Steak and Red Wine night, 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!

203B Cheltenham Rd, Cotham, Bristol BS6 5QX. koochamezzebar.com | 0117 9241301

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

LET’S TALK TURKEY

HEY, DID THAT WAITER JUST SAY ‘COLLIE’ CHEESE...??

“Get your first venue choice booked up pronto, before some other pack of hounds beats you to it”

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

We know what you’re going to say. It’s not remotely beginning to look like Christmas – hell, it barely resembles autumn. But in terms of booking up your festive bash, ’tis most definitely the season…

Words by Deri Robins

Thanks to Pieminister for this pic of a hungry Toby hound

S

ee Toby there, over on the opposite page? This is a dog who neglected to book his colleagues’ big Christmas party in September, and now has to break the news that it’s going to be a few pints down Wetherspoons or nothing.

Only kidding! This is a supremely wise and organised dog, who knows that in just a few moments all his Christmas dreams will come true when a bottomless festive feast is laid on his table, because he sealed the deal months in advance!

Be like Toby. Get your first venue choice booked up pronto, before some other pack of hounds beats you to it.

Not really feeling the festive vibes? Break out the sweet sherry, stick Feed the World up on Spotify, and work your way through the suggestions on the following pages. You can thank us later, when everyone in the office is calling you a ‘legend’...

AZTEC HOTEL

The hotel has just been judged ‘Best Boutique Spa’ in the UK in the Good Spa Guide – so why not stay over after the festivities and spoil the team properly ?

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Feasting, luxury, occasion, ball, memorable.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Decadent festive classics, and some delicious latenight snacks to refuel for yet more dancing.

What’s the vibe?

Our party theme this year is the luxurious Christmas Ball; a special evening promising fabulous entertainment with delicious food served in style, from your greeting on arrival to the closing dance. aztechotelbristol.co.uk

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

CHRISTMAS PARTIES BAMBALAN

What d’you mean, Middle Eastern food isn’t Christmassy? You do know where Bethlehem is, right?

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words

Fun, fresh, perfect for parties.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Bam’s Christmas offering will be ideal for sharing, showing off mezze plates, slow-roasted shoulder of lamb, and some great veggie/vegan options.

What’s the vibe?

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

BRISTOL AEROSPACE

There are USPs, and then there’s the ‘dining beneath the wings of the world’s last supersonic airliner’ USP… Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

First-class Christmas under Concorde!

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Rolled turkey breast, rosemary-roasted potatoes, mapleroasted root vegetables, brussels sprouts and pancetta, sausage and cranberry stuffing, Pedro Ximénez jus.

What’s the vibe?

Begin your evening with a glass of fizz on the balcony overlooking the last Concorde ever to fly, then enjoy a first-class dining experience under the wings of the jet, before dancing the night away at one of Bristol’s most unique and exciting venues. aerospacebristol.org

above: Mezzes and DJs at Bamblan; opposite: The most beautiful venue in Bristol?

Discuss...

THE CANTEEN

The super-sustainable Stokes Croft favourite will be pulling out all the seasonal veggie stops.

Please sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Great veggie food; live music.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu..

Try our mushroom and blue cheese Wellington, or squash, cranberry and lentil muffin/loaf. Served with lots of seasonal veg, including our sweet and sour sprouts.

Just make sure you save room for pudding – another big plate of sharing treats, such as pumpkin gingerbread pie.

What’s the vibe?

Our friendly team will help to create the best Christmas party in Bristol, with amazing food and booze followed by free live music. canteenbristol.co.uk

COSY CLUB

A touch of timeless glamour, with festive menus and packages for a sparkling work do, catch-ups with loved ones or other big celebrations.

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Fresh and modern festive favourites.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Roast turkey and smoked bacon pie with creamy mash, maple-roasted carrots and parsnips, buttered sprouts and chestnuts, pigs-in-blankets, sage-and-onion stuffing and red-wine gravy. Finish off with our decadent desserts, including our rich chocolate cheesecake with salted caramel and honeycomb crumb. We also have options

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

“What d’you mean, Middle Eastern food isn’t Christmassy?

You know where Bethlehem is, right?”

for larger parties, including festive sharing feasts in our rather special private dining rooms.

What’s the vibe?

During the festive season our atmosphere of relaxed dining and drinking takes on extra sparkle. Experience warm, welcoming service, amazing interiors and exceptional food and drinks, all while enjoying the opulent surroundings for which Cosy Club is famous. cosyclub.co.uk

THE CHRISTMAS STEPS

The nearest thing to partying in an actual Victorian Christmas card, though obviously with a bang-up-todate menu...

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words

Most Christmassy pub in Bristol.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Organic lemon and thyme-rolled turkey; stuffed Hokkaido squash, lentil, fruit and seed roast.

What’s the vibe?

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

DE VERE TOTWORTH

How about heading out of town and making it a sleepover? Maybe at a drop-dead gorgeous historic manor house in 30 glorious acres north of Bristol?

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Beautiful, historic, luxury, inviting, scenic.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

28-day-aged Casterbridge beef fillet with wild mushroom fricassée, potato terrine, beef brisket, arancini and port

CHRISTMAS PARTIES HYPE AT THE MOUNT WITHOUT

All the glamour and a glitz of a show with a meal, at the city centre’s most beautiful new party venue.

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Après-ski-inspired winter paradise.

Tempt us with the menu...

An indulgent winter feast of chicken and confit duck terrine; braised shin of beef, parsnip purée, and rosemary fondant potatoes; decadent puds.

What’s the vibe?

© JAMIECORBIN.CO.UK

Start with a welcome drink in The Crypt, which will be transformed into an après-ski bar straight from the slopes of the French Alps. Next, you’ll dine beneath the Infinity sculpture in the upstairs room for a three-course meal, packed with seasonal ingredients and indulgent flavours, while enjoying a show-stopping secret performance. Finally, head back down to The Crypt for the afterparty. hypeagency.co.uk

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

CHRISTMAS PARTIES FOUR WISE MONKEYS

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

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words

Funky, fresh and totally unique.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

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

What’s the vibe?

Inspired by downtown Tokyo and bringing a little bit of an ’80s vibe, Four Wise Monkeys is fast-paced, fun and perfect for those wanting to let their hair down and have a great night out. Resident DJs bring you an upbeat soundtrack of hip-hop, funk and house to get you in the mood; and why not challenge your friends to a round of Street Fighter or Space Invaders on 4WM’s bespoke retro arcade machine? fourwisemonkeysbristol.com

HYDE & CO

Bristol’s original speakeasy-style bar; enough said...

Sum up the Christmas offering in five words

Classy cocktails; Prohibition bar surroundings.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

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

What’s the vibe like?

The perfect spot to escape the festive madness; lowlit and atmospheric, bringing a taste of golden-era NYC to Bristol. Hyde & Co is available for exclusive hire for up to 60 people, but is also ideal for couples or smaller groups looking to indulge in expertly made classic cocktails and seasonal specials. hydeandco

MILK THISTLE

Old City’s venue for the discerning drinker, where Bristol cool collides with classic gentleman’s club vibes Sum up the Christmas offering in five words

Private dining, parties, classy cocktails. jus; or brie, cranberry and mushroom Wellington with sautéed mushrooms, cranberries and seasonal spinach with hazelnuts, seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Trust Old Market Assembly to bring the twinkle

What’s the vibe?

Home from home; luxury yet comfortable, vintagecontemporary. devere.co.uk

FLOUR & ASH

Pizza for Christmas? Your point being?

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Festive Italy-meets-Miami vibes.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Expect Flour & Ash’s signature sourdough pizzas (with a festive special or two for sure!) alongside delectable small plates and Italian-inspired pasta and mains, all served up with Hyde & Co’s famous cocktails and an impressive wine selection.

What’s the vibe?

Instagrammable to the max – pastels, plants and neon come together to create a simple yet stylish aesthetic, which is effortlessly laidback. flourandashbristol.com

For private dining you can get stuck into a decadent three-course festive menu, including roast confit duck; there’s also a large indulgent buffet feast, all catered for by sister restaurant The Ox. What’s the vibe like?

“Pizza, for Christmas?

Your point being . . ?”

High-end yet laidback. Expect outstanding service, a buzzing atmosphere and multiple spaces for private hire, including private dining in The Attic, cocktails and canapés in The Lounge and whisky-tasting in The Vault; or hire the entire space for parties of up to 120. milkthistlebristol.com

NADU

Traditional Tamil cuisine with a modern twist, and a menu of innovative late-night cocktails.

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Vibey Sri Lankan dining; cocktails.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

With the best of classic Sri Lankan dining in the heart of Stoke’s Croft, Nadu exudes atmosphere and excitement.

With space for big groups it’s ideal for festive sharing

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

CHRISTMAS PARTIES feasts for those looking for something a bit different; or why not swing by to sample their punchy cocktail menu and impressive selection of rum?

What’s the vibe?

Bright, buzzy and energetic, Nadu brings you unique and delicious dishes with an upbeat party-style atmosphere. nutmegbristol.com

NUTMEG

Is Indian food your favourite cuisine? Why not indulge at Christmas time courtesy of Raja and Saravanan?

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Exceptional Indian dining in Clifton.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Known for showcasing the best of India’s 29 states, Nutmeg offers high-end Indian dishes using the best local ingredients. For Christmas they’ll be treating you to a festive Indian-style tasting menu, complete with a wine pairing.

What’s the vibe?

Stylish and opulent with effortlessly slick service and a casual, laidback atmosphere. Expect top-notch cocktails and some of the best Indian dining in the city. nutmegbristol.com above: All the Christmas meats at The Ox; below: Eyes on the Pieminister pies

OLD MARKET ASSEMBLY

A lovely, welcoming place, set over two floors in a beautiful former bank in Old Market.

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Decadently delicious; made for sharing!

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Sharing starters for the table, before moving on to your individual main dishes. Our pithivier of Portobello mushroom, tarragon, spinach and Bath Blue cheese is divine; or onglet steak open Wellington with mediumrare Hereford Cross Gloucestershire beef steak, all served with crispy potatoes, seasonal Christmas veg and loads of gravy. Followed by decadent desserts, including dark chocolate torte with cherry couli and pine nut crumb, with all our little extras making it special.

What’s the vibe?

Relaxed, informal and incredibly delicious. With room for big or small parties, loads of twinkly lights and a big old Christmas tree, here’s the place to get festive. oldmarketassembly.co.uk

THE OX

Few interiors are more geared up to bring the Christmassy glamour than those of the candlelit The Ox on Corn Street.

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Decadent; no turkey in sight.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Traditional British fare with an alternative Christmas menu of meat, fish and vegetarian and vegan options.

What’s the vibe?

The lowlit and opulent dining room is one of the most atmospheric in town. Semi-private dining is available in the Green Room for up to 30, while the main ruby-red dining space can be booked for groups up to 80 for exclusive hire. theoxbristol.com

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

CHRISTMAS PARTIES

What’s the vibe?

Dark and mysterious, with a surprise around every corner. Resident performers including magicians, burlesque dancers, tarot readers and live musicians. Step upstairs and discover The Conspiracy; a private event space with a private bar and sound system for up to 600. theravenbristol.com

THE RED CHURCH

A relatively new venue and eating and drinking establishment serving the people of St George, Whitehall, Redfield and Easton.

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Contemporary, fun, stylish, pizza, cocktails.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Special pizzas for the season, plus super-festive cocktails.

What’s the vibe?

Fun and casual, with DJs providing a relaxed soundtrack through the vintage cinema sound system on Fridays and Saturdays. theredchurch.net

SAY YUUP

Not just one option, but several, all excitingly different, from Bristol’s brilliant ‘experience’ booking guys.

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Extraordinarily unique and wonderfully unconventional.

What’s on offer?

Go for a tour inside the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and then finish off with a gin-tasting masterclass at a microdistillery that started in someone’s basement.

Or make pottery mugs at an award-winning artisan beer tap room. Or take part in an actor-led murder mystery party in a speakeasy. Or go sheep-trekking out in the country. If you can name it, it will probably be on Yuup!

What’s the vibe?

Extraordinary experiences that introduce people to parts of their city they didn’t know existed. yuup.co

PIEMINISTER

You know what’s even better than Christmas dinner?

Christmas dinner in a pie!

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Bottomless festive feasts are back!

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Any pie and mash with parsnip crisps, a stuffing ball stick, carrot and swede mash, gravy and a festive pud, with two hours of bottomless fizz.

What’s the vibe like?

Still to be confirmed so let’s talk more about the pies! We have the usual festive contenders, with a festive footie special called The Beautiful Game: wild British venison, bacon, red wine and lentil… pieminister.co.uk

THE RAVEN

Dark and deliciously different …

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Performance + cocktails = expect the unexpected.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

High-quality, creative cocktails, with an impressive selection of rums as part of the exclusive rum club.

The Raven knows that there’s only one way to go

SEVEN LUCKY GODS

Fancy turning Japanese down Wapping Wharf ?

Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

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

Christmas dinner in a pie!”

Sushi, cocktails and izakaya vibes.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

7LG will be staying true to its Asian-fusion style, with small plates and sushi for Christmas.

What’s the vibe?

Busy and buzzing, with a great fast-paced atmosphere.

Sit inside or on the heated outdoor terrace, and take in the twinkling lights of Wapping Wharf. 7luckygods.com

THE SPOTTED COW

Is there anything cosier or more welcoming at Christmas than a truly great gastropub? (No.) Sum up your Christmas offering in five words

Warm, comfortable country-pub feel.

Tempt us with a bit of the menu...

Venison Wellington with spiced plum jus; chilli and basil line-caught pollock; mussel, clam and saffron broth.

What’s the vibe?

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

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

TE CHRISTMAS CELEBRA THE CUBAN WAY Located on Bristol's Harbourside, Revolución De Cuba offers a unique, exotic and tropical escape this festive season.

Expect delicious tapas with a festive twist, fun cocktails and incredible live entertainment throughout November and December. Revolución De Cuba's exclusive secondary bar, The Havana Lounge, is the perfect place to host your private Christmas party of 300 plus guests.

Email: Bookings-Bristol@revoluciondecuba.com for more information and availability or enquire via the website www.revoluciondecuba.com/bar/bristol

www.inplaygolf.co.uk

nicky@ipgolf.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

THE NINE YEAR WAIT FOR BABY OLIVIA

Having waited nine years for their IVF baby to arrive, Sky News editor Emily Deeker and husband, BBC Points West’s Will Glennon, are urging other couples with fertility issues to be patient and keep trying if they can.

A

fter welcoming baby Olivia into the world on 10 December 2021, Emily posted on Instagram ‘Nothing worth having comes easy,’ together with a touching tribute to the team at BCRM, who worked so hard to enable her and Will to have a baby of their own: ‘Thank you, Bristol Centre For Reproductive Medicine, from the bottom of our hearts.’

“Will and I fell into the huge group of people who have ‘unexplained’ fertility issues,” explained Emily.

“We had 11 rounds of IVF, and a lot of exploratory procedures in between.

“Olivia was our next-to-last chance. We had 12 frozen embryos available to us, and she was number 11, so on paper she was not the strongest embryo.

“Will and I both had Covid in January 2021, just before we were due for an embryo transfer. The virus knocked us for six, and we had to delay treatment until the end of March.

“And then, finally, there was the positive pregnancy test.

“Let’s be honest - you don’t want to be going to a fertility clinic in the first place but if you have to go to one you want to have faith in them, and we did have faith in ours.

“It says a huge amount about the team at BCRM that we decided to stay with them throughout our entire IVF journey, all nine years of it.

“We trusted and believed in them. Their research is second-to-none – look at Valentine Akande’s work - and we had faith in their knowledge, their reputation and the amazing care they gave us throughout.

“To us, Valentine is peerless, and we owe him so much.

“And it was genuinely freeing to walk into the nurse’s room and have a good cry if I wanted to, while she held my hand. I know they were doing their job, but it always felt so much more personal and human than that.”

BCRM www.fertilitybristol.com is the longest established fertility clinic in Bristol, helping people from throughout the South West and Wales with fertility treatment for both private and NHS patients. The clinic is involved in innovative research and has one of the best success rates with IVF and other fertility treatments in the UK. n www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 63

OLA ‘OTTI’ BOXES, SET OF TWO, £17.50 (REDUCED FROM £35) Medium and small, and perfectly sized to hold documents up to A5 and A6. Because sometimes, an Excel document just doesn’t feel hands-on enough.

From Truce, 54 Princess Victoria Street truceonline.co.uk

TINBOT ROBOT, £20 Adorable small aluminium storage tin with magnetic limbs, that doubles as a posable desktop robot. Described by its creator as a “multi-functional desktop accessory for storing memories,” which is kinda cute.

From U Studio, 115 Gloucester Road ustudio.design

DESK BUDDIES

NEWGATE CLOCK, FROM £35 Clock-watching becomes a positive delight when you have one of Newgate’s cheerful timepieces; choose between desk numbers like this one for £35, or wall clocks, £55-£125.

From Pod, 24 The Mall, Clifton thepodcompany.co.uk

The new term has begun. Beaming rather too broadly, you’ve waved the kids back off to school, bags stuffed with shiny new stationery. But why should they have the monopoly on all the fun stuff ?

EAMES PLASTIC ARMCHAIR, £POA If you have to sit down for the best part of the day, let it be in something that lifts your spirits – Vitra’s classic mid-century style plastic Eames chair, for example, with its varied upholstery options, and that all-important, fingertips-together, Bond-villain swivel function.

From Oskar Furniture, 47 Whiteladies Road oskarfurniture.co.uk

POSCA GLITTER PENS, PACK OF 8, £20 Posca’s water-based paint markers produce vibrant colour that can be used on almost any surface – fabrics, glass, metal, paper, card, wood... stone; so whether you use them in the office for actual work, or illegally outside, is entirely up to you.

From Upfest, 198 North Street upfest.co.uk

RUTH BROADWAY RETRO TYPEWRITERS A4 PRINT, £25 Sure, you’d feel more like Hemingway if you bashed out your latest report or feature on a Remington, but you and I both know you’ll be using a Mac. This print may help to spark the muse, though…

From Ruth Broadway rubyandthepaperparade.com

ED’S CHOICE THE COMPLETIST DAILY JOURNAL, £10 Need somewhere to jot down your inspired thoughts? How about this one, with its vibrant Miami design? The inside pages are ruled, and there's a small triangle on the bottom corner of each page for you to number them individually – organised, right?

From Papersmiths papersmiths.co.uk

CARAN D’ACHE CLASSIC LINE BALLPOINT PEN, £21 Speaking of inspired thoughts (see notebook, left) the ideas are guaranteed to flow if you’re holding a Caran d’Ache pen, with its ergonomic hexagonal shape and ultracomfortable proportions. More to the (ball) point, it can write up to 8000 meters. That’s 600 sheets of A4, people.

From Papersmiths papersmiths.co.uk

TOKYO STEEL TOOLBOX, £30 A Japanese storage classic; pressed from a single steel plate and completely seamless, creating a robust, incredibly sturdy yet lightweight and stackable tool box with a clean aesthetic. Ideal for tools, pencils, art or craft supplies; or, we guess, even a very small packed lunch.

From Fig 1, Unit 9, Gaol Ferry Steps fig1.co.uk

PANTONE ERASER, £4 We all make mistakes. Effortlessly erase them with one of these stylish Pantone rubbers.

Unless you used a pen instead of a pencil, in which case we can’t help you.

From U Studio, 115 Gloucester Road ustudio.design

PLANET PINS, £32 Expect the unexpected at Bristol designer Duncan Shott’s studio, from witty stickies to pointless yet hugely desirable desk toys.

These hand-painted solar system push-pins manage to be both fun and useful.

From Duncan Shotton Design Studio dshott.co.uk

RAINBOW PENCILS, 3-PACK £6, 5-PACK £10 Made not, as you might assume, from wood, but from from recycled paper, creating beautiful paper rainbows when you sharpen them.

From Duncan Shotton Design Studio dshott.co.uk

‘BASTERUD’ WORK LAMP, £13 The Scandi name’s a clue: this is one of IKEA’s bargainsome work lamps, in cheerful orangelacquered steel. The arm can be rotated 360°, making it ideal as a reading lamp.

From Ikea Bristol Eastgate Shopping Centre ikea.com

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

BAY WATCH Fancy an overnight stay at a swish hotel with a luxurious spa, overlooking the former docks? Well, as Bristol doesn’t have one of those just yet we’re heading over the bridge to Cardiff, where Lisa Evans enjoys the full panoply of delights on offer at voco St David’s

PHOTO BY TOM DAVIES, @TOMAESH

Hey Bristol, can we get one of these?

With one of those sail thingies on the top?

PHOTO BY SIMON CALL AGHAN PHOTOGR APHY

GREAT ESCAPES

left: Meander through the warming

T

water corridor and experience the powerful swan-neck massage fountains above: A suite at voco, featuring panoramic views of Cardiff Bay

hings that are good for the soul: total relaxation, full-body pampering, delicious food, and four strong margaritas in a row. I experienced a full day of this luxurious combination yesterday at voco St David’s Cardiff hotel.

It’s now the morning after; there’s a warm glow running through me (that’s probably the tequila), a satisfied smile is smudged across my face and my fingers are at half speed while typing this. I am content, I am chilled – no easy state to reach as a constantly wound-up mum to a chaotic preschooler.

Upon arriving at the hotel with my lucky plus-one (the husband), we were shown through to the treatment area for massages; my choice was the hot stone variety, and his was deep tissue. I wanted to swap – mainly because I was worried he’d landed the better treatment – but before I had a chance to weigh up both options, our respective masseuses whisked us away (into separate rooms thank god; I’m not one for the awkward romance of a couple’s massage).

The hot stones were, in fact, piping hot – not gently warmed as I’d expected. It’s a shock when they first touch you – I just know my back must have turned a Pantone-worthy shade of pink – but the therapist moved swiftly across the skin; you get used to it and the heat fades pretty quickly. When they did start to reach an ordinary, more soothing temperature, I actually found myself looking forward to them being reheated, ready to glide over and scorch the next section of my body – a heavenly ‘hurts so good’ feeling, and a far more pleasant way to ‘feel the burn’ than when my PT demands back-to-back Bulgarian split squats.

My masseuse worked my body like she was Paul Hollywood preparing focaccia, stretching out the knots in my back, neck, and legs, and kneading deep into the muscle layer with those smooth pebbles until my body felt unrecognisably relaxed and supple.

Upon drifting out of the treatment room in a doughy daze and into the softly lit relaxation lounge, cucumber-infused water in hand, I spotted the husband lounging in one of the armchairs in his dressing gown, looking rather smug. I casually enquired about his treatment – eager to compare and to check if I’d won. “Probably the best of my life,” he said, hands behind his head, chest inflated. “She used her elbows the entire time and put her full weight on me.”

That sounds like my paradise; I do love a kindly man-handling once in a while. I couldn’t complain though, I was in too blissful a state for that; but I did manage an eye-roll and a tut.

We then took our yawning bodies to the spa, a luxurious playground complete with an invigorating 15m pool, bubbling water beds, a hot

tub, a hydrotherapy pool, a dry-heat sauna, a warming water corridor, massaging swan-neck fountains, and a gym – the latter I respectfully ignored in the name of respite.

After being thoroughly steamed, baked and simmered until suitably prune-like, we were glad we didn’t have to think about driving home; our spacious king bedroom awaited upstairs. And what a view to be greeted with when opening that third-floor door; sunlight coruscated on the surface of the water in the Bay surrounding us, panoramic views of which were offered through the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.

We headed straight onto the balcony, gazing out over the boat-studded expanse where millions of moving sparkles danced.

Although weary, it all looked so inviting that we decided to pop back downstairs and into the heart of the Bay for an hour.

Mermaid Quay – packed with bustling restaurants, bars, businesses, pop-up street food stalls and entertainment hubs – while tempting, wasn’t the vibe we needed; instead, we took a 30-second stroll from the hotel to the Wetlands Reserve on its doorstep, and immersed ourselves in the calm of nature.

Come evening, it was time for a faultless three-course meal at voco’s restaurant, The Admiral. Crab cakes and cured salmon to start; pea and mint ravioli, and garlic and herb Welsh lamb for mains; and dessert was Bara Brith bread-andbutter pudding and honeyed Welshcake cheesecake, all washed down with plenty of ice-cold Olmeca Blanco cocktails while taking in more of those luscious waterside views.

If you’re craving a reset as much as I was, you should give voco St David’s a try too. Braggart plus-ones optional. n For more stdavids.vocohotels.com

“I do love a kindly manhandling once in a while”

THE DETAILS

THE LOCATION: voco St David’s Cardiff, a landmark luxury five-star hotel, with striking ship’s sail architecture, sits right on the water’s edge in Cardiff Bay, about an hour’s drive from Bristol THE PRICE: An overnight stay, with breakfast and use of the spa facilities included, starts at £109 OUR TREATMENTS: Ishga Hot Stone Massage, 50 minutes, from £85; Ishga Deep Tissue Massage, 50 minutes, from £85 DINNER: Starters £7- £18.95, mains £10-£38.50, desserts £7-£18.50

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

10

%

of

f

Em s po ele ri ct um ed w i it t h em th s i is n t ad h e ve rt

!

the in thert s n s ai dveert iteem m d s t e i i dv eccttedith tthhis a l e f s le w h Offf rsieum wit % O 100% mpoorium 1 Emp E

Happy 1st Happy 1st Birthday!

Birthday!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY

EAST EASTST STEMPORIUM EMPORIUM EAST ST EMPORIUM

@the_rockshow_emporium

@secondtimearoundns

@the_rockshow_emporium

@secondtimearoundns

@botanicalboop @botanicalboop

@madebyibi @madebyibi

@wisteriaworkshop @wisteriaworkshop

@weaveloveamy @weaveloveamy

@nookcreations @nookcreations

@poisonoakapparel @poisonoakapparel

@luminous_revivals @luminous_revivals

@vintagevillagesomerset

@ciskacollection @ciskacollection

@wayneyedge @wayneyedge

� � � � � � � �

@vintagevillagesomerset

@belleislebotanicals @dorenev_creations @belleislebotanicals @dorenev_creations

@jowhiteland @jowhiteland

@madebymeeex @madebymeeex

@rainbowglasscreations @rainbowglasscreations

@infomackboutique @infomackboutique

Independent Creative Traders - Over 65 Stockists Independent Creative traders - Over 65 Stockists Independent Creative Traders - Over 65 Stockists Monthly Outdoor Artisan Market - Next one: one: 24th24th September (12.30-4pm) Monthly Outdoor Artisan Market Next September (12.30-4pm) Monthly Outdoor Artisan Market - Next one: 24th September (12.30-4pm) Events Space Host Venue for South Bristol Arts Trail (10th & 11th September) Events Space- Host - HostVenue Venuefor forSouth SouthBristol Bristol Trail & 11th September) Events Space ArtsArts Trail (10th(10th & 11th September) Workshops Next one: Beginners Weaving with @weaveloveamy (2nd October 2-5pm) Workshops Next one: Beginners Weaving with @weaveloveamy (2nd October 2-5pm) Workshops - Next one: Beginners Weaving with @weaveloveamy (2nd October 2-5pm)

EAST ST EMPORIUM EAST STStreet EMPORIUM 127 East 127 East Street Bristol BS3 4ER Bristol BS3 4ER Tel: 0117 4527757 Tel: 0117 4527757

OPENING TIMES OPENING TIMES Tues - Sat Tues--5.30pm Sat 9.30am 9.30am - 5.30pm

@eaststemporium @eaststemporium East St Emporium East St Emporium eaststemporium.com eaststemporium.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT James Scrimshaw of CURA CLINICAL explains how new technologies are providing effective answers to people’s pain and suffering

M

BST stands for Molecular Biophysical Stimulation. It uses exactly the same technology as MRI scanning, just without the detectorcoils and imaging software. MBST was discovered by a German doctor who noticed that some of his MRI patients had reduced symptoms following their MRI scans. He then assembled a team of biologists and physicists to research these positive effects at a cellular level.

Cells that had not functioned properly due to damage, were stimulated in such a way by the energy transfer that they could again fulfil their original tasks. It does this at cell level in a number of ways: • • • • •

Optimising cell oxygen levels Improving cell energy production Optimising intercellular signalling pathways Reducing inflammatory mediators Readjusting cell circadian clock-leading to less cell death and cell reproduction.

To you and I, this translates to a healing process in the tissue which the energy is applied to.

This leads to a reduction in pain and an increase in the natural mobility and lifestyle of the patient without any need of invasive therapy.

Obviously there are limitations of the effects relating to a number of factors such as severity and complexity of a patient’s case, however the technology is constantly being improved and we’re getting better at selecting the right patients and conditions in order to get higher success rates and better overall results. n

CASE STUDY 1 I’ve just discharged Kate (left), five months following treatment for her arthritic knees (she’d already had a half knee replaced). She’s now pain- free, and I anticipate these results will last a number of years.

CASE STUDY 2 The results we’re seeing now in patients with varying injuries and conditions is really remarkable. Rob (above) is a great example of how MBST heals cartilage in a moderate to severe arthritic knee.

15 months after his MBST therapy he now runs, plays racket ball and golf without any pain, and that’s without his braces. He’s recently undergone a course on his severe arthritic neck, and after three to four months has significantly less neck pain and improved mobility. Over the next six months I expect his condition to reach over 90% improvement.

SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT Schools and colleges are preparing for the new term, bringing with it both rewards and challenges

By Ursula Cole

‘Live adventurously’ is at the heart of the Sidcot ethos, with great importance being placed on extra-curricular activities

F

EDUCATION

rom primary schools to halls of higher learning, the new term promises to be different this year. Covid restrictions have largely been relaxed, but many of the changes made during the pandemic and lockdowns are still with us. Furthermore, it’s likely that a new education minister will be in place, once the new PM is installed in September. . .

MINISTERIAL MANOEUVRES

We asked schools in the area what would be on their wishlist for a new minister of education.

Iain Kilpatrick, headmaster at Sidcot School, explained the dichotomy facing those in education. “As the headmaster of a non-selective independent school, I often find myself torn between the desire for outstanding exam results and the need to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in the world beyond school.

“Children do not grow by measuring, so I would challenge any new minister to release the pressure valve on exam results and focus on ensuring that students are better equipped with skills such as individual thought, questioning and exploration. It is these characteristics that will enable them to build fulfilling and purposeful lives.”

Jeremy McCullough, head of Collegiate, explained that the school is currently in a period of transition, having changed its name from Colston’s School following the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, which also led to the removal of the Colston statue, the renaming of Colston Hall as Bristol Beacon, and Colston Tower as Beacon Tower.

Jeremy believes that hot topics in education might include funding and behaviour. “My suggestion, he said, “relating to both topics, would be to try and get schools more generally to recognise the value of the co-curricular side of education.”

He added that a wide-ranging and highquality extra-curricular programme supports good attitudes to school and “promotes academic achievement as well as instilling healthy and fulfilling life-long habits”.

Creative college Boomsatsuma’s ethos is based on the well-founded and axiomatic belief that the UK’s creative industries are globally important. “They are the fastestgrowing sector in the UK and contribute

“Our message to the new education minister is ‘stop talking down the arts’”

We’d love to see what he’s seeing: Boomsatsuma

hugely to the economy,” said executive dean Dr Susan McMillan.

“The British Film Institute reported that film and high-end TV production has climbed by 29% compared to 2019, worth £5.64bn in 2021 – and growth is still on the up.

“Our message to the new minister therefore is this: ‘Stop talking down the arts. We need to support investment for more courses and training for talented, creative young people who will help strengthen and grow our future creative economy.’

“What did we all do during the pandemic?

Watched TV and films, read books, played computer games. Creative education is fundamental to our future happiness, and will play an important role in Bristol’s future economic success.”

COVID AND AFTER

The most seismic shock to education – and of course to the community at large – was the pandemic and resultant lockdowns. These affected every aspect of school and college life.

At Badminton, acting head Stuart Dalley believes that the school has managed to be flexible through innovation.

“We were able to continue with many extracurricular activities during lockdown, but had to be creative about making these work online,” he said.

“For us, extra-curricular activities are a key part of school life, and allow students to learn about themselves and to develop their knowledge and skills in a variety of different contexts. Our provision in this area has now been enhanced by some new opportunities which came about during lockdown.”

Stuart believes that one benefit derived from the lockdown is that all students now have greater IT proficiency; a definite plus both during education and beyond.

“We have built on approaches to independent study which formed a major part of our strategy during the pandemic,” says Stuart. “Our application of digital tech in lessons continues to benefit from some of the best practice from the lockdown period.

Students now show far more advanced digital literacy, and we are able to use this to our advantage when it comes to creative approaches in class.”

At Sidcot School, Iain Kilpatrick believes that Covid underlined the key importance of activities beyond the classroom.

“As a school with the strapline ‘live adventurously’, extra-curricular activities have always been a fundamental part of our offer, and we have been able to restore and even enhance some of our programmes,” he said.

“At the beginning of the 2021/22 academic year, we launched a new approach to Wednesday afternoons in the Senior School, known as the Programme of Activities for Sidcot Students. The concept was to create a comprehensive programme of activities that lived out our Quaker values and supported our approach to learning.

“From climbing to yoga, ice-skating and kayaking to horse riding, skateboarding and sustainable crafts, students can select a new activity every half-term. Students come off timetable for the whole afternoon, get dedicated time away from screens, have their health and wellbeing boosted, try new things but also develop their soft/employability skills

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 73

EDUCATION

Duke of Edinburgh challenges at the newly renamed Collegiate

and get to mix with other students from all year groups; especially important as we moved away from Covid year-group bubbles. It’s been a great success.

“The swift move to online learning during lockdown necessitated a significant change to both how we as teachers, and our students, interacted with technology. It was a steep learning curve, but one which has significantly enhanced the way in which we teach, share information and resources, and provide feedback to both students and parents.

“Our students are now highly confident in using software such as Microsoft Teams, OneNote and SharePoint, which can only help them in later life. Since we’ve returned to the classroom we have consulted with students and parents to make the most of these technologies, while ensuring there’s not an over-reliance on screen time.”

Jeremy McCullough remains satisfied that Collegiate’s extensive agenda of

“Although students are now back face-to-face, they can quickly move to online if needed; there’s so much more flexibility”

co-curricular activities has either continued or been reinstated, from their House Song Competition to school sports fixtures.

“The whole-school production of Grease, rehearsed with dual casts during Covid, right through to Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, have been uplifting. These opportunities to learn away from the classroom are an integral part of our holistic education, and see our students acquire a wide array of the soft skills that universities and employers are so keen to see in their recruits,” he said.

“Like most schools, we made a huge number of innovations during the challenges of Covid, and some of those, our ‘Covid keeps’, will be maintained moving forwards. So, for example, some remain keen to have work submitted electronically, some will continue to use collaborative tools to allow students to work together, and, for parents, we will continue to hold some of our parents’ evenings online.

“As a result of the advances made in our use of technology, we are extending our one-to-one iPad programme so that all GCSE students will have their own school-owned device from September.”

At the City of Bristol College, Rebekah Wilkins, director of marketing and sales, said that during the last academic year all extracurricular activities were up and running, with more students engaging than ever before.

“We have a strong student group that enables them to set up their own groups and activities. There’s a range of sports and clubs that students can engage with around their lessons; these include debate club, sign

language, film club, football, basketball and many more. Students also get to go on lots of trips and visits that relate to their course – or at times, just for fun. There are often fundraising activities taking place in college with fun activities, so there’s always something going on outside of the classroom.

“These activities are incredibly important.

They enable students to learn new skills, make wider friendship groups, gain confidence and in some cases, support their applications to university and for employment. They are very much valued by students, and each year we respond to the activities that students would like to see offered.

“There are some changes which were brought in during the pandemic which will be retained. Of course, lessons and meetings moved online, and although students are back face-to-face, they can quickly move to online if needed for other reasons, and students can easily access any work that they might miss. If they want a catch-up meeting with a tutor this can be done online – so much more flexibility.

“Staff do not travel around for meetings as much as they did before the pandemic, so we continue to use online platforms where possible. This supports our sustainability programme and reduces travel costs, as well as saving time!

“The amount of cash used on campus has also been massively reduced, and generally, students and staff prefer to pay by card or load money onto their ID card to pay for items in the food hall and vending machines.”

Boomsatsuma was quickly out of the

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

EDUCATION

“We believe that small is beautiful and we only teach our college courses and degrees in small cohorts” blocks after Covid. “We held a big networking event with creative employers as soon as the lockdown ended,” explains Dr Susan McMillan.

“We continue to connect our students to industry and employers, weekly. Since the end of the lockdown, they have worked with the BBC, Aardman Animations, Plimsoll Productions and the Royal Photographic Society, to name just a few. We’ve had top professionals as guest speakers, from the director of Netflix’s The Crown to the art director from Alien Resurrection. This networking is key, and combined with our practical training, enables our students to develop the skills that Bristol creative companies are looking for.

“At Boomsatsuma, we believe that ‘small is beautiful’ and we only teach our college courses and degrees in small cohorts. This allows us to be a ‘family’, guiding and caring for students through their learning experience.

“We strengthened our bespoke, personal and supportive approach during the pandemic, making sure students were not ‘alone’. We now believe that all teaching must be in person.

And I stress that. No more online teaching.

Our young people need to learn and develop their skills by being with other creative people – not on a computer in their bedroom.”

At the University of Bristol, Professor Sarah Purdy, pro vice-chancellor for student experience, said it was fantastic to see the campus buzzing with activity again.

“The last few years have been tough for everyone across our community, but with a return to more normality, I think we can look to the future with confidence.

“Over the last 12 months we have seen a return to in-person teaching, but we’re always building on our innovative study experience.

We aim for students to benefit from the lessons we’ve learned through the pandemic, which includes delivering additional material and activities online to enhance their study experience at the University of Bristol.

“It’s also been pleasing to see student societies and groups getting back together in-person. Extra-curricular activities are an important part of university life for a lot of students, so they can take time out away from their studies and meet new friends.”

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

top: Sidcot School; middle: City of Bristol College; bottom: Boomsatsuma

ST BONAVENTURE’S PRE-SCHOOL IS NOW TAKING ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2023 INTAKE We are open term time only, Monday – Friday 8:15 – 5:30.

Please contact us if you would like further information or to request an application form.

Email: admin.stbonaventures.ey@bristol-schools.uk Instagram: @stbonspreschool | Phone: 0117 3532887

www.stbonaventuresearlyyears.co.uk

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS Back in business

BID initiatives have included the Love Bristol gift card and the Bristol Light Festival

T

he encouraging data comes from three of Bristol’s central Business Improvement Districts – Bristol City Centre BID, Redcliffe & Temple BID and Broadmead BID, which examines how people are choosing to shop, eat, drink and experience the city centre and its businesses.

Initiatives from the BIDs, including the recent introduction of the Love Bristol gift card scheme, supports and boosts the city centre economy by encouraging local spend. Freeto-attend events and activities are also proving to be significantly important in terms of high street recovery, driving footfall and spend into city centre businesses and so supporting economic growth.

The night-time economy sector has also seen a significant boost across the first half of 2022, boosted by the return of Bristol Light Festival, which brought an additional £3.4m revenue to city centre businesses and 170,000 visitors to the event across its duration.

“In Q1, the city centre economy started to show signs of recovery, with more people wanting to visit and spend leisure time in the city,” says Steve Bluff, Head of Redcliffe & Temple BID. “However, while we are seeing reassuring signs of recovery and quarterly increased

spend in the city, there is still more work to be done.

“We know that when comparing Q2 of this year to Q2 2019, there is a difference and shortfall of over £50 million in spend; if the city is to fully rebound and return to the levels seen before the pandemic, then businesses need continued support through local, international, and online spend.”

“This data shows that in Q1 we were heading in the right direction for a more prosperous year for our city’s businesses, particularly retail and hospitality that were hit hard by the pandemic,” says Vicky Lee, head of Bristol City Centre BID. “As we headed into Q2, the cost of living and inflation has had an impact on businesses and how they operate, but thankfully the data so far shows that these concerns have not affected consumer spend in the city centre.

“While it is likely that consumers’ disposable income may have reduced, the importance of smaller ‘pick-me-up’ purchases, and experiences such as shopping, meals out with friends and family and a night out in the city, are still high on people’s agendas.

“We will be using this data to understand and monitor the spend trends in the city centre, to ensure we can continue to support businesses in the second half of the year.”

For more: bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk

© ANDRE PAT TENDEN

The city centre’s economy has reported positive signs of recovery in the first half of 2022, with increased spend across the city centre

IF YOU BUILD IT, YOU SHOULD COME The Bristol Property Awards returns to Ashton Gate Stadium on 25 November. Thinking of entering? Nominations close on 29 September. It’s free to enter and you can nominate your company in any category you think is relevant. Check out the Top Tips on the website, to help make your nomination stand out. bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

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

PRIVATE CLIENT - FAMILY - PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL

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

Bristol Life team 01225 475800

BRISTOLWORKS You can view the work of artists such as Jim Starr (below) and Inkie (bottom pic) on the online gallery

At Here, every wall is a gallery

RIGHT HERE; RIGHT NOW HERE workspace has launched an online gallery to showcase its growing number of artworks When Ashville Property set out to transform the decommissioned ITV West studios on Bath Road into a contemporary workspace, they stripped the dated office suites back to plain walls, and they left it that way.

But the 1960s building isn’t a barren stack of breezeblocks; it hums with the creativity of nearly 50 enterprises, from smalland medium-sized agencies, tech startups, and thought-leaders who have decided that a physical place of work still matters.

Creativity isn’t concealed behind the doors of office suites; it’s on show in the atrium and in every communal area, corridor and stairwell.

What started as a show of support for a handful of artists has now expanded into a Guggenheim-like gallery, home to more than 50 works from both up-and-coming and established artists, all of them Bristol-based.

None of the profit from sales is retained by Ashville; while a typical gallery might command a 50% fee from the artist, HERE

provides its walls free of charge.

“With HERE we’ve succeeded in creating what you might call a ‘gallery of enterprise’,” says Ashville director Gareth Edwards.

“It’s not just a space with pictures on the wall, but a place where each room is a blank canvas filled by the founder of a thriving business. The city of Bristol has earned its reputation as a creative hub, and the centre is right HERE.” Art lovers can now visit the online gallery at herebristol.co.uk/art-is-here

POP THE PROSECCO… Congratulations to Samantha Bell of Hair at 58 on Cotham Hill, who has been chosen as a finalist in the British Hairdressing Awards 2022 in the Wales and South West category.

“The last few years have been incredible,” says Sam. “I’ve been very fortunate to have experienced such opportunities as working on Celebrity X- Factor, winning International Female Editorial Hairdresser of the Year in the Spanish Live Fashion Hair Awards, creating and producing a show that represented Aveda UK in Minneapolis and also working at London, New York and Paris Fashion Weeks.

“To be a finalist in this year’s British Hairdressing Awards means the world to me; it’s the Oscars of hairdressing, and for my work to be shortlisted alongside some of the most prestigious names in our industry is amazing. I can’t wait to share my new collection of work with everyone once the judging is done!” hairat58.co.uk

Superstar stylist Sam

Also, big congratulations to Atzec Hotel and Spa, announced as the Best Boutique Spa in the UK in Good Spa awards 2022, which are shortlisted by the Good Spa Guide and then voted for by the public. aztechotelbristol.co.uk

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

BRISTOLWORKS

OUR JUDGES SAID: “This clever bar pivoted excellently through a tough period, with innovative virtual wine tasting events for Redbull and Microsoft a clear standout. An organic success story”

economic conditions! But we’re in this for the long term, so we’ll adapt and do all we can to ensure that customers come through the doors. © @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

What’s currently on the KASK drinks menu?

Our menu changes every week, but we’ve been serving a lot of chilled reds, and wines from countries we don’t see much of in England, such as Slovenia, Romania and Hungary. Our wine-tasting kits remain the most popular product on our website – five small bottles of different wines and the option to have a selection of cheeses makes for a great birthday present.

BRISTOL LIFE AWARDS 2022 The winner of Best Bar was KASK – an innovative wine bar at 51 North Street, which is now about to expand its offering by opening Kitchen by KASK…

W

What’s the best bit of business advice you’ve ever been given?

Don’t stop, never give up, hold your head high and reach the top! You’re singing it now, aren’t you…

BAR WINNER hen they opened KASK in 2019, Natalie Johnson and Charlie Taylor already had extensive experience in hospitality and marketing to draw on.

“We’d talked a lot about opening a bar, and putting into practice for ourselves what we had long-since done for clients,” says Natalie.

“Owning our own bricks-andmortar space had been a forever dream, and so we started looking for suitable properties.”

What’s the bar’s USP?

KASK is a bar serving organic wine from producers who think of themselves more as farmers than winemakers. It’s important to us that KASK is seen as a local, whose main product happens to be wine and not beer; but just like pubs have wine, KASK has a range of beers from Bristol’s best breweries and ciders from the West Country. We also have a focus on pairing drinks

with our cheeses and charcuteries.

Following a Covid pivot, we now offer DIY wine-and-cheese-tasting kits, as well as privately hosted tastings, in the bar, or even on Zoom.

We’ve also recently hosted a number of wedding receptions in the bar, which has been so lovely.

We set out to build a space that we would want to visit. The customer experience is our number one priority, be that in the bar, at home or online.

And now you’re opening a restaurant at number 36…

KASK is the wine we love to drink; Kitchen is the food we love to eat.

There are tons of incredible streetfood traders in our city, so we’re handing over the keys to the kitchen (quite literally) to them, and we’ll make sure the drinks pair with the food perfectly. Expect pop-ups and month-long residencies from Bristol’s best, with cocktails, wine and beer to match. We’re excited…

Kitchen by KASK will also be the new home of The Mazi Project, a CIC that challenges food inequality in the city by connecting

How did it feel to win a Bristol Life Award?

We were, and still are, over the moon. The award has pride of place behind the bar. It feels so great to know that people really like and respond to what we’re building.

This was a big win, so thank you Bristol Life.

disadvantaged young people to Bristol’s rich food culture. Every Tuesday, Mazi’s food boxes and recipe cards will be sent out from the venue, we’ll host events to help fundraise money for the CIC, and opportunities will be provided for routes into working in hospitality.

What made 2022 your year?

What are your biggest challenges at the moment?

Rising energy prices and costs from suppliers, combined with the rising cost of living impacting customers’ disposable income. We opened KASK six months before lockdown; we’re opening Kitchen

by KASK in less than ideal

“OPENING A HOSPITALITY BUSINESS JUST BEFORE A GLOBAL PANDEMIC WASN’T ON OUR BUCKET LIST”

Despite opening in October 2019, 2022 has actually been the first year we’ve been able to open as we’d planned to – as a bar with opening hours we could actually stick to.

It’s been a weird ride – opening a hospitality business just before a global pandemic wasn’t on our bucket list. We had to adapt and diversify while the business was still in its infancy, and we think that’s probably what impressed the judges.

Where would you like to see the business in five years’ time?

We think there’s probably space for one more KASK in another district in Bristol. We’re always on the hunt, but if you have any suggestions…

For more kaskwine.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 87

SPONSORED CONTENT

FAIR SHARES

Grant McCall of AMD SOLICITORS discusses shareholders’ agreements and how to avoid shareholder disputes

W

hen advising private limited companies, one of the first documents to discuss is an agreement between the shareholders.

This is because in most private limited companies we work with, the directors and shareholders are one and the same. The same tends to apply in family-run businesses.

The relationship between the shareholders of a business is vitally important if a company is going to succeed. A shareholders’ agreement allows you to define the relationship between shareholders, set out the rights and responsibilities of each shareholder and provide for how the shareholders must act in certain given situations, for example on death or longterm illness of a shareholder who also works in the business.

DRAFTING SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENTS Shareholders’ agreements should be carefully drafted and tailored to meet the bespoke requirements for the company. This will ensure everyone’s rights and obligations are clear, allow the company to operate effectively and minimise the potential for disputes.

Typically, an agreement will cover at least the following: • Shareholders’ duties and entitlements • How the company will be managed • How directors will be appointed • How board and shareholders meetings will operate and how often • How decisions will be made between shareholders • What will happen if a shareholder wants to leave the business • The existing shareholders having a first right to purchase a leaving shareholder’s shares • Shareholders’ rights to information • How the exit of shareholders will be managed (including the need for non-compete clauses) • What will happen on death of a shareholder

REVIEWING AND AMENDING SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENTS In the same way business terms and conditions may need reviewing over time, shareholders’ agreements are flexible documents that can be amended with the agreement of the parties.

When a company starts out, as long as it has two or more shareholders, an agreement should be considered. Over time, new shareholders may join the business or the roles of the shareholders may evolve. These are just two examples of when a need may arise for reviewing and updating an existing agreement.

My role is not just to reflect my clients’ objectives but also to work with my clients and plan for the future growth of their business, for example if funding needs to be raised and how this may affect the existing shares in issue.

SHAREHOLDER DISPUTES A shareholders’ agreement cannot prevent a dispute arising between shareholders but it can set out the mechanics for what should happen in the event of a dispute, or even define certain actions that could make a shareholder a ‘compulsory leaver’. Shareholders’ agreements can also set out a dispute resolution procedure which shareholders must follow before disputes are escalated. ■

To discuss how our corporate lawyers can help with shareholders’ agreements and corporate compliance, please contact us on 0117 9733989 or by email to: info@amdsolicitors.com.

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

PROPERTY

AHEAD OF THE CURVE The Paragon: could there be a more appropriate name for Clifton’s loveliest terrace?

Words by Ursula Cole

I

n an estate agent’s particulars, the phrase ‘for sale for the first time in 30 years’ can mean one of two things. Either its ageing owners have gradually let the place go to rack and ruin, creating what’s known in the trade as ‘a bit of a fixer-upper’, or the house has been the pride and joy of a family who have loved it sufficiently to spend three decades of their lives here, and have maintained it to the nth degree.

No guesses which of the two categories this immaculate home falls into. After all, if you owned a home on The Paragon, you’d be likely to cherish it too, wouldn’t you? In a closely contested field, it may well be the most beautiful of all Clifton’s terraces; it’s not the longest, but then size isn’t everything. Focus instead on that line of beauty, the golden convex curve, jaunty with its striped tented balconies, jutting out over the Gorge, its windows gazing far over the city to the hills beyond.

And this is just the back of The Paragon; remarkably uniform for a Georgian row, where rear elevations are so often higgledy-piggledy with add-ons and afterthoughts.

The front of the terrace is arguably even lovelier. Here, where the row curves around a private residents’ garden, the distinctive bowed porches with their colourful doors, the tall windows and immaculately painted railings, turn the everyday act of coming home into an event.

Once you cross the threshold, you’ll be struck by the extraordinary amount of natural light, both here and throughout the house. Another thing that may surprise you is its sheer size – it’s obvious from the exterior that this is a pretty substantial affair, but you may still not be fully prepared for a full five floors, not counting the basement, each with two substantial rooms as well as auxiliary areas.

The proportions are charmingly quirky, the curve of the row meaning that all main rooms are wedge-shaped.

Here at Number 6, the hall floor ‘wedge’ makes up the kitchen and dining room, each with underfloor heating; the dining room spans the full width of the house and leads out to the terrace– a communal space in which taking your morning coffee feels a little like breakfasting al fresco at an exclusive boutique hotel.

From the hall, a curved balustrade staircase with a carved finial leads up to the first floor, where an elegant

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

PROPERTY sitting room and drawing room are linked by original wedding doors; as with much of the house, there are many period feature to admire, from shuttered sash widows to marble fireplaces and decorative ceiling plasterwork. The drawing room opens to the private canopied balcony, with even more jaw-droppingly lovely views than the terrace below. Just add a few hot air balloons overhead, and you’ll achieve peak Bristol.

Bored (unlikely!) by that particular vista? Just wander back to the front of the house, which occupies a midway spot in the terrace, and you can gaze across at the Suspension Bridge instead. Should the day ever come when you tire of both views, to invoke Dr Johnson, you’re probably tired of life.

Further up, four double bedrooms and two bath/shower rooms occupy the top two floors. The current owners use the second floor as a private suite, with a master bedroom, en-suite bathroom and a dressing room.

The lower ground floor includes a versatile family room, but could easily be made into a self-contained flat, since it also has its own kitchenette, bedroom and en-suite, with separate access to the rear courtyard. Finally, in the vaults, a pair of cellar rooms are ideal for wine storage or a workspace, or could even become yet further accommodation, subject to consent.

Outside, Number 6 shares beautiful communal gardens with a large lawn and tiered terraces running down the Gorge – yet another USP for this extraordinary home.

Three vaulted courtyards, one of which is used as a garage, seal an incredible deal.

“Should the day ever come when you tire of both views, to misquote Dr Johnson, you’re probably tired of life”

HOUSE NUMBERS Where The Paragon, Clifton What?

Beautiful entire Grade-II house

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

Guide price

£2.5m

Receptions

4

Bedrooms

5

Bath/shower rooms

3

Outside Terrace, balcony, fabulous communal gardens, courtyard Contact Rupert Oliver 14 Waterloo Street; 0117 452 3555; rupertoliver.co.uk

BRISTOL LIVES

“If you are into politics, the parliamentary estate is like Disneyland” When I came back to Bristol,

ASHLEY COATES

Do you know 365 facts about Bristol?

Ashley does; and he’s thoughtfully listed them all for us in a new book . . .

G

rab yourself a copy of Know Bristol, and you’ll be fêted by every pub quiz team in the city – it contains a total of 365 facts, ranging from the surprising to the just plain weird.

It’s been compiled by Ashley Coates, who combines a day job working for the Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs with journalism and book writing; he also has three books for children in print.

I grew up in Horfield, Bradley

Stoke, Coombe Dingle and Leigh Woods before going on to have a career in journalism and communications in London. A very difficult eye problem brought me back to Bristol. I can’t manage long periods in front of a screen anymore, so I had to go parttime, forcing me to return to my parents’ house. I was very lucky that Defra has an office in Bristol, so I was able to transfer here.

I currently live in Leigh Woods.

I’m fascinated by its history, but if I had to pick the best thing about this area it’s the bird life. I’ve counted 32 species since I got back here, just in the garden, including red-listed marsh tits.

I worked in the House of Commons office of Sir Bernard

Jenkin MP. This was 20152016, when the EU referendum was the big issue for us. It was a fascinating place to work. If you’re into politics, the parliamentary estate is like Disneyland – all these famous characters just walking around you!

My eyes struggle with screen use nowadays. Foolishly, I

thought children’s fiction would be an easier job, as it doesn’t require research, but in fact you have to read and re-read everything, as every word counts when you are writing for children.

It’s fantastic escapism, and so much fun.

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

I was keen to re discover the city and see it afresh, rather than settle into past routines and go back to old haunts and habits. The main motivation for writing Know Bristol was to present facts about the city in a clear way, to open people’s eyes to things they may not have thought of, and hopefully to inspire further exploration.

Just a few facts I discovered:

Britain’s first American consulate was in Bristol (the port recognised the USA before London did); Stalin’s daughter lived here; and part of New York is built on rubble from the Bristol Blitz. Finding out that an Ice Age hyena cave had been uncovered on The Downs in 1842 was probably my favourite fact. Partly because it underlines what’s so amazing about Bristol’s historic landscape – it’s the many layers of history, and how much you can still see, which makes it such a compelling place.

One part of the city I’m interested in at the moment is

the Avonmouth docks. If you get a chance to book a tour of the Port of Bristol, grab it! There’s a huge amount of activity that goes on there which few people get to see.

For a special meal out, I’d choose a glass of fino sherry at the Lido, and a few items from their poolside bar menu.

When meeting friends for a drink, I’m very fond of the King William Ale House on King Street; I like the feeling of hanging out in places where people have socialised for centuries, and that connection with Bristol’s maritime past.

I have a tendency to get sucked into hobbies. At university I was

one of those people who fi lled a lot of time with extra-curricular stuff.

I have to be wary of not taking on too many things , especially because my eyes can’t manage the extra screen time.

My eye health has forced me to rethink things. My view of it now

is not exclusively negative. It’s a challenge, and part of my life story.

We all have to do the best with the cards we are dealt, so I tend not to let the situation frustrate or upset me; my focus is on making the best of the circumstances I am in.

I’m combining my love of nature and history for my

next book. It’s a bit depressing, looking at species we have hunted to near (or actual) extinction. I feel it’s important to document what we’ve already done to the natural world, as well as being concerned with the future.

Immediately after answering these questions I’m going for a

run around Portishead Marina – possibly with a trip to those fantastic bird hides at Portbury Wharf – and if I really want to treat myself, half a pint of lager at La Marina, overlooking the estuary. But let’s start with the run. . .

Know Bristol costs£12.50; available at Arnolfini, Pod and ss Great Britain For more ashleycoates. journoportfolio.com