Bristol Life - Issue 326

ISSUE 326 / DECEMBER 2022 / £3

ISSUE 326 / DECEMBER 2022 / MISTLETOE; DON’T WHINE

IT’S BS8, MATE VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED GOOD

BUY, BUY BABY PART I OF OUR FESTIVE GIFT GUIDE

DASHING THROUGH

THE SHOWS

THE SPARKLIEST BRISTMAS PLAYS

+

LOTS MORE FESTIVE STUFF TO GENTLY EASE YOU INTO THE SEASON

GUESS WHAT IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A TINY BIT LIKE...

EDITOR’S LETTER

© @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

L

Oh, Clifton tree...

13

What better time to reappraise ourselves with the delights of the Village than in the run-up to Christmas?

ook, we haven’t been silly about it. We managed to hold back in our last issue; OK, there were a few rather coy, larky references to Christmas, but we knew better than to push our luck. It was still early November, and the city was divided into two camps.

Camp One was of the belief that “it was still far too early”. It was shaking its head sadly at all the jolly festive songs and adverts, and cutting its eyes at the huge Cabot Circus Father Christmas – you know the one, he’s leaning forward with his hands behind his back, and looks exactly as if he’s just about to launch into a cover version of Wonderwall. Santa does karaoke.

Camp Two, on the other hand, was stridulating gleefully. It had already created its Christmas Day playlist and made deep inroads into the office Quality Street.

Us? Well, to be honest, we didn’t have much choice in the matter. We’ve been beavering away like little North Pole elves to make sure that this, the first of our Christmas issues, hits the streets, by which time even Camp One might be persuaded that ’tis, finally, the damn season.

We don’t mind a bit! Christmas in November is great! From this vantage point we can still amuse ourselves with dreams of a magical yule – a kind of Phil Spector’s Christmas Album come to life, with treetops glistening, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, a Frosty in every garden and the sound of sleighbells in the snow. In reality, of course, it’s far more likely to rain, and there haven’t been horsedrawn sleighs in Park Street since the early 1900s.

And surely nobody really likes roast chestnuts?

Has that daunted us? Not a bit. Draped in industrial amounts of tinsel, we’ve thrown ourselves with abandon into the Bristmas spirit to bring you the very best shows, along with part one of our festive gift guide.

And there’s plenty more where that came from in three weeks’ time. Until then, have yourself a merry little late November,

DERI ROBINS Bristol Life editor Follow us on

@BristolLifeMag;

@BristolLifeMag

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

6

Issue 326 / December 2022 ON THE COVER Roomset and decorations created with Annie Sloan chalk paint; see page 59

STREET LIFE

13 CLIFTON VILLAGE It’s BS8, innit mate

ARTS

22 CHRISTMAS SHOWS Just imagine; all some other

towns have to look forward to is a panto... e couldn’t fit into the Christmas sho s feature, along ith stu untarnished with tinsel 38 BOOKS Christmas gift ideas – but this is Storysmith, don’t e pect spino s from the telly 42 BRISTOL HEROES Everything is music. And we can dance along any time. . .

28 WHAT’S ON ll the stu

60

FOOD & DRINK

48 RESTAURANT n hich e finally ma e it to an , and

discover it was worth the wait

50 FOOD & DRINK The story of an urban cider orchard;

and the usual news, views and snippets

55 CAFÉ SOCIETY Rhubarb, rhubarb 56 EAT BRISTOL Buying better for the Christmas kitchen

SHOPPING

59 SHOP INTRO Christmas room goals 60 THE BIG CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE . . . Part I

BUSINESS

84

83 BRISTOLWORKS Supporting the Wharf, celebrating C4

and the future of Bristol Zoo

PROPERTY

90 SHOWCASE The boho charms of Richmond Road

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT 9 BRIZZOGRAM 98 BRISTOL LIVES It’s that lovely Jamie Rees

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, Joe Wheatcroft, Storysmith Books 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

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

SPOTLIGHT

Space sheep

ONE SMALL STEP FOR A LAMB Heritage

CRANES LIKE THESE The Stothert & Pitt electric cranes on rinces harf have een granted rade status. hile cranes li e these ere once used in every port in the orld, ristol’s uilt in are the only e amples still in or ing order. hey’re almost certainly the only ones to have grooved to music remem er Crane ance ristol In their time, the mighty cranes lifted everything from o es of utter to arrels of uinness, tractors, rolls of ne sprint and tim er. ccording to Historic England, the cranes

ere designed for utility, ut ith a resultant architectural and aesthetic uality ith a strong industrial character and distinction, speaking of the historic or ing doc s in the heart of the city . . . a highly prominent group of structures that are a focal point of the Floating ar our, and of a scale and monumental form that has conferred them ith em lematic status. hin of them as ristol’s ans er to the i el o er, ut four of them, and cooler. www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

IN BRIEF . . .

Banksy has laid claim to seven new murals across war-torn cities in Ukraine. Many of the new pieces juxtapose wartime images with those of civilian life, such as children riding a metal tank trap as a seesaw, a woman in her dressing gown in a gas mask, and a gymnast doing a handstand on a pile of rubble. The new pieces are Banksy’s first public murals in over a year. @banksy

Local graffiti artist SP: Zero was commissioned by heritage developer City & Country to create a mural at its Factory No.1 development in Bedminster, to honour fallen soldiers and commemorate Remembrance Day. The mural features a traditional Tommy silhouetted against poppies. www.cityandcountry.co.uk Multi-disciplinary artist Luke Jerram has unveiled his new environmental artwork Oil Fountain. The giant fountain sculpture flows with engine oil instead of water, and is intended to highlight how contemporary society is reliant on oil and the need to move away from this dependency. You’ll be able to see it from February 2023; date and location to be announced. www.lukejerram.com

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

In the most Aardmanesque story ever, Shaun the Sheep has o n to the moon.

The NASA Artemis 1 spacecraft carrying Shaun had lift o on ovem er.

It’s part of the European Space gency’s first mission to the oon since , ic ing o a programme hich ill eventually return astronauts to the surface.

Shaun ill y almost , miles from arth, ta ing him oldly further than any sheep has een efore. he spacecraft ill perform a y y of the oon efore propelling itself more than , miles eyond. here are no humans on oard, ut Shaun ill have the company of a Snoopy doll, ma on’s le a and some ego figures. ind of a cross et een Star Trek and Toy Story, then… h, and good ne s for the tender hearted as the Artemis launch ill e using a reusa le roc et, Shaun ill e happily reunited ith ardman once it lands. here are going to e some sul y faces on as Ferry oad hen allace and romit hear the oon isn’t made from cheese after all. . .

For more www.aardman.com

The Lollipop Be-Bop sculpture (hands up if you knew that was its name) outside the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children has been lit up for the first time in many years. It’s another act of kindness from Grand Appeal, working with Connected Light, who created the lighting solution, and Electrio, who installed it. www.grandappeal.org.uk

SPOTLIGHT

OUR FRIENDS, ELECTRIC

Built in 1951, the Stothert & Pitt electric cranes on Princes Wharf have been granted Grade-II status by Historic England. Quite right, too; along with Brunel’s bridge, nothing symbolises Bristol more than these four beauties

@eclcphotography

@michael_wetton

@emmadarnley

@rogerturner6

@sambinding

@kris.avery

@samuelgillies

@aishling_jana

@tomphotobrs

@livinbristol

@leonmook

@gertie.photography

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

1 Westway Farm Bishop Sutton Bristol BS39 5XP

30% off

Any non-sale item until the end of 2022 with this ad

Silk Road Rugs Free Rug & Interior Design Advice

01275 319950 | silkroad-rugs.co.uk info@silkroad-rugs.co.uk

STREET LIFE

BS8, MATE

Today, Bristol positively heaves with cool little neighbourhoods stuffed with lovely indie businesses. But before gentrification was rife, Clifton Village really was the OG des res – and it hasn’t changed a bit...

By Deri Robins Photos by Jon Craig; @joncraig_photos

Fun fact: Clifton’s annual Christmas tree is the biggest in any village in the UK

Only a small-minded pedant would query the angle of the accent over British Barber Company’s lovely porch

STREET LIFE

S

o good, that hen e first launched this magazine we named it ‘Clifton’ Life. Eighteen years later, this elegant Georgian ’burb perched high up on the Gorge is still as elegant, alluring and community-focused as ever . . .

AIS FOR ARCADE

f e had a uid for every time e heard someone say ’ve lived in Bristol my whole life, and I never knew it was there!”, we could almost a ord lunch at he vy. nd yet the eclectic range of businesses trading from tiny shops in the beautiful glass-ceilinged ictorian arcade sell some of the most uni ue goods in the city, from homeware to vintage clothing, books, art, plants, couture headgear and e ellery you can even get your u le tea fi here.

BIS FOR BIRDCAGE WALK (

AND THE BRIDGE)

veryone’s a are of the Clifton Suspension ridge, ut irdcage al is one of those you need to no it’s there’ charmers. shady tree tunnel, it’s an ed y a graveyard hich dates ac to the late 1150s; since then it’s been destroyed, rebuilt and Blitzed in typical ristol fashion. t features on the cover of elen unmore’s final novel, Birdcage Walk an atmospheric thriller romance hich o ers a fascinating insight into the building of 18th-century Clifton.

CIS FOR CAFÉS

residing over pedestrianised oyce’s venue is rimrose Caf , cited by many locals as their favourite; it’s also a bistro. Spicer Cole ta es its co ee very seriously indeed Foliage Caf , as you’d hope, verita ly drips ith greenery den Caf is a vegan’s delight, and there are more plant ased pleasures to e had at ast illage.

ABOVE: The Ivy, all baublicious for Christmas; LEFT: Quite a nice-looking bridge

DIS FOR DELIS

You’d expect somewhere as chi-chi as Clifton to have a decent deli or two, and it does, from the local branch of Chandos to The Mall. Just close your eyes and inhale all that foodie goodness.

EIS FOR EATING OUT

ou could easily dine out at a di erent place each night here for a fortnight. talian osemarino is a slee a air that’s orlds a ay from traditional trat tat for fish, it’s Fishers, for sausages, Clifton Sausage, both absolute institutions. Middle Eastern fast-food ninjas Eat a Pitta now reign from the old Boston Tea Party site, while superior spicy o erings come from he int oom, serving refined ndian dining, and Nutmeg, which strives for an authentic, relaxed approach to the cuisine. Noa serves modern and traditional washoku, while Japanese restaurant Kibou may be a chain, but it’s an irresistible one, with super fresh food, fa ulous coc tails and adora le sta , ma ing for a relia ly great night out. ther decent chains include iggling S uid and Côte, while The Ivy is one of the slickest foodie destinations in ristol, and no s it. See also for apas.

FIS FOR FASHION

Clifton has long been a fashionista’s destination, its upmarket indie shops eing a far cry from the chaotic unfight at ara. race & Mabel stocks high-end brands such as Baum und Pferdgarten and alene irger a e o ers the li es of French Connection and aison Scotch, hile family run chain int elvet sources clothing from the finest international collections. ven the charity shops are great St eter’s ospice is al ays orth chec ing out. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 15

STREET LIFE

GIS FOR GALLERIES

In addition to the extraordinary Hidden, selling everything from Banskys to Picassos, there’s Clifton Contemporary Art, with its emphasis on West Country artists; Portside, showing original work by artists and makers from across the UK; and Sky, which has grown from a quirky card and poster shop into a self-respecting little gallery that also handles all your framing needs. Don’t go looking for Clifton Fine Art here, though; despite the name, it’s down on Perry Road.

HIS FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Regent Street is hairdresser central; we love boutiquey Atelier, which takes pampering to stratospheric levels if you also book in for a treatment in the spa. There’s a good sprinkling of barbers, while on a more serious front, a n o ers revolutionary treatment for mental health and depression disorders.

IIS FOR INTERIORS

All those gorgeous Georgian homes don’t furnish themselves, you know, so no wonder it’s always busy at Bracey Interiors on Waterloo Street; if Alison and her team don’t stock a brand of wallpaper or material, it’s probably not worth having, and they have a strong reputation for interior design. Core and Ore stock beautiful stone and ceramic tiling, while if you’re the type to perve over colour charts, Farro all o ers richly pigmented paints and artisanal allpaper.

And exciting news for tile freaks: the renowned Bert and May have just opened on The Mall.

ABOVE: RYC: the longest Georgian terrace in Europe, apparently, and probably the most instagrammed in Bristol; BELOW: East Village Café; if the name conjures up images of Greenwich Village, that’s wholly appropriate (see panel on page 21)

JIS FOR JEWELLERS

Nicholas Wylde is a superb boutiquey designer and goldsmith: look out for the beautiful trademarked Wylde Flower Diamond.

Friendly Clifton Rocks carries an eclectic contemporary range from over 30 designers, while ceramic-fanciers should check out Clifton Ceramics and Fine Jewellery, for pieces you won’t anywhere else, including many by William Moorcroft; their jewellery is preloved, refashioned or handcrafted. You may even pick up a vintage Cartier, if you’re lucky.

KIS FOR KING’S ROAD

Over the past year or so, it’s become quite the cocktail quarter since Japanese restaurant Kibou opened next door to the equally irty loo ing irty ird, turning this uiet little dog leg of a side street into a riot of fuchsia neon and oral e cess a cross et een do nto n o yo, e ardens and an in uencer’s oudoir.

LIS FOR LIDO

uc ed a ay on a field lace is Clifton’s eautifully restored Victorian outdoor pool and indoor spa, with the additional lure of a poolside restaurant serving ood fired editerranean cuisine.

Some lucky pals have monthly membership, (£69), but manage your expectations: there’s a crazily long waiting list.

MIS FOR THE MALL

Not to be confused with the Cribbs Causeway retail metropolis, The Mall is Clifton’s very own bijou high street. We defy you to walk its length and not succumb to some trinket or other.

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

There are Clifton institutions, and then there’s Reg the Veg

CLIFTON CERAMICS & FINE JEWELLERY

FINE DIAMOND JEWELLERY – MOORCROFT POTTERY

For more information visit www.cliftonceramics.co.uk 0117 373 0256 • 58 The Mall, Clifton Village, BS8 4JG Open Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 11-4

STREET LIFE

RIS FOR REG THE VEG

As much a local institution as a greengrocer; everyone loves Reg the Veg on Boyce’s Avenue. See also Really Useful panel.

SIS FOR SHOPS

Again, far too many great places to cover here, but do check out Pod, the tempting gift shop on The Mall; if you don’t manage to get your Christmas shopping list tic ed o here, try the e ually gorgeous Truce. If buying pre-loved is your thing – and as well as being the eco choice, it’s an ideal ay to find truly one o items at a great price – head to long-established vintage store Focus on the Past, and spend a happy hour or so browsing its jumbled wares. Clifton is also home to some pleasingly niche shops, such as Otomi, devoted to all things Mexican; get your tortilla presses and nylon Frieda Kahlo bags here.

TIS FOR TAPAS

Bar 44 serves the best tapas in the Village, maybe anywhere, and brings the authentic Spanish vibes, while New Moon does the small plates thing in a distinctive, very charming way.

ABOVE: Looking fabulously spooky at night: Birdcage Walk;

BELOW: Kibou brings the glamour to King’s Road

NIS FOR NEWS

Obviously, we try to bring you the very latest news about the city in Bristol Life, but the expert on this ’hood is BID Clifton Village – your go-to for info on parking, special events, Christmas shizzle and open days – keep an eye on www.discoverclifton.co.uk.

OIS FOR OLD-SCHOOL

ecause Clifton isn’t ust a out outi uery and gastropu s it’s full of really useful places, too – see panel below.

UIS FOR UNDERGROUND CAR PARK

No, there isn’t one, but we keep hearing how much local businesses would love it if there was. The RPZ is less than popular round these here parts, you see.

VIS FOR VIEWS

They come as standard in Clifton, from the windows of the grand curving terraces clinging to the side of the Gorge, from the Bridge and the Observatory, and the huge terraces of The Avon Gorge Hotel – whose fairly recent takeover by the Hotel du Vin chain has made Clifton even chic-er.

PIS FOR PUBS AND BARS

Whatever your watering-hole criteria, you won’t go thirsty. There are far too many to list, but don’t miss The Coronation Tap, the oldest cider house in Bristol, and former 17th-century coaching inn he l ion, one of the first in ristol to put gastro’ into gastropu .

P also stands for Pedestrianisation of Princess Victoria Street; now permanently car-free, to the joy of some and consternation of others.

QIS FOR QUIZ

f the opinion that a pu ’s not a pu ithout a pu ui We’ve been directed towards Monday night at The Clifton, which, according to one rip dvisor revie er, is usually fre uented y posh public school types, and as there are more books than brains in the aristocracy, the ui is uite easy to in. e’re not uite sure what to make of that, to be honest...

REALLY USEFUL CLIFTON

Q: Do I ever have to leave Clifton Village?

A: No. A bit like Patrick McGoohan in The Prisoner, Clifton residents have absolutely no reason to leave the Village at all.

Unlike Number Six, you won’t be actively prevented from leaving – there’s no huge white ball waiting to squish you if you try – but when you have everything you need on your doorstep, and the living is so delightfully easy, why would you want to?

It’s not one of those overly chintzy places where all you can buy are dog beds and turmeric shots; there’s useful stuff too: a cobbler’s, a classic barber’s, chemist and a hardware store, a flourishing library, fruit & veg shop, a butcher’s and a baker’s.

Like we said – no reason to ever leave at all. Ever. * * But if you do, Miles Morgan travel agents may be able to help.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 19

Focus on the Past is a small Antique Centre on 2 floors buying and selling a wide variety of Antiques furniture and collectables for every taste from classic to quirky and traditional to kitsch.

FOCUS ON THE PAST

25 Waterloo St, Clifton Village, BS8 4BT. Tel: 01179 738080. Online: focusonthepast.org

STREET LIFE

Street life, golden terraces and café society: Clifton on a stick

WIS FOR WINE

Loved wine bars in the ’80s? Check out a fresh new example of the breed at 22 Clifton on The Mall; as well as being an ideal venue for buying and sampling wine they hold regular events. Just shopping? is an e cellent source for interesting ines and rare finds.

XIS FOR XMAS

Because Clifton has the tallest, biggest and best Christmas tree of any village in the and that’s official.

YIS FOR ROYAL YORK CRESCENT

Said to be the longest crescent in Europe; due to the hilly topography, the ground oor doors open to a railed promenade raised high a ove street level. t’s mostly een converted into ats, many occupied y ristol’s a uent students, and featured in the film adaption of former Bristol Uni graduate David Nicholls’ novel Starter for Ten. Celebrated author Angela Carter once lived here, too.

ZIS FOR ZOO

Yes, it’s closed; but there are very exciting plans for its future up at Wild Place. Turn to page 84 for details...

DID YOU KNOW? The name ‘Clifton Village’ was originally coined by folk musician Ian Anderson (no, not the Jethro Tull one, the other one). Back in the ’60s and ’70s, Clifton was a folk mecca, with many of the biggest names on the scene lugging their fiddles, pipes and bodhruns to the Troubadour Club on Waterloo Street. While drafting a poster for a gig, Ian came up with the idea of trying to evoke the atmosphere of New York’s Greenwich Village, by referring to the area as Clifton Village. And lo, it stuck…

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

“Puppets do a Movie: laying to rest any doubts that Die Hard was a Christmas film”

BRISTMAS SHOWS

While lesser cities attempt to lash themselves into a festive frenzy over a solitary panto, Bristol has an incredible range of shows to choose from over Christmas.

So, in goes our hand into that wool-white, belltongued ball of theatres resting at the rim of the carol-singing sea*, and out comes a talking nutcracker, the tale that inspired Frozen (but don’t hold that against it) and a bunch of nefarious muppets hellbent on ruining Christmas.

So if you really love Christmas, says JAMIE REES, come on and let it show... * Apologies to Dylan Thomas

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

BRISTMAS SHOWS

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year – and for Bristol’s theatres, it’s also the most important.

Last year, Christmas was cancelled in theatreland as Covid forced venues to close their doors, delighting nobody apart from the ghost of Oliver Cromwell. But now the local theatre scene is making up for lost time, with a packed line-up of festive fabulousness to suit all tastes – much of it made right here by Bristol-based theatre companies.

At Bristol Old Vic the creative team behind their five star smash A Christmas Carol brings us a bold spin on family favourite The Nutcracker – one of the most enchanting Christmas tales of them all. You may think you know this show – it’s more commonly performed as a ballet, perhaps most excitingly in the modern interpretation by Matthew Bourne. But pack away all thoughts of ballet shoes and sugar plums; this is Bristol Old Vic doing things in its unique and brilliant way.

Written by Tom Morris, as his last show as artistic director, and directed by Lee Lyford, The Nutcracker brings us toys that come to life at the stroke of midnight, a dastardly Rat King who must be stopped in his tracks, and a talking nutcracker like no other, with plenty of singing and dancing. The cast is full of familiar faces, including Tristan Sturrock and Patrycja Kujawska, who memorably co-starred in Kneehigh’s Tristan & Yseult; (we’ll eat our programme if Patrycja doesn’t get her fiddle out . here’s also yneth er ert A Christmas Carol) and uy ughes The Little Matchgirl), while Bristol Old Vic Theatre School graduate Denzel Baidoo plays the Nutcracker.

Younger audiences are covered with a new take on classic children’s story Belle and Sebastien. A beautiful story of friendship between a boy and his dog, it’s suitable for ages 4+ and plays in the Weston Studio in a co-production between Bristol Old Vic and Travelling Light – two of the South West’s leading producers of work for young children.

Across town at Tobacco Factory Theatres, there are two more productions that promise guaranteed snow, plenty of magic and even a visit from the big man in red himself. The Snow Queen – the tale that inspired Frozen, but don’t hold that against it – will run at the venue’s

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

FROM TOP: Belle and Sebastien; Robin Hood & Marian; The Nutcracker

main Factory Theatre from 1 December to 15 January, with Natisha Williams in the lead role of Gerda in her professional stage debut.

Heading out on her quest to the frozen north to save her best-friend Kaj from the wicked clutches of the Snow Queen, Gerda encounters a motley cre of characters along the ay, including a ying icycling reindeer. Other cast members include Joey Hickman, Stefanie Mueller, Alex Murdoch, Abayomi Oniyide and Samantha Sutherland; as well as taking on their roles this cast will also perform all the rich acoustic music in The Snow Queen, from an original score created by Bristol-based musical director Joey Hickman.

Father Christmas ill also e fitting daily visits to the streets of Bedminster into his busy schedule for BS3 Santa, in a special ‘theatre meets an audience with Father Christmas’ performance for kids aged 2+.

Over at Bristol Hippodrome, Christmas means oldschool entertainment with perhaps the most famous panto of them all, Cinderella. Craig Revel Horwood camps it up as

“The Snow Queen inspired Frozen, but don’t hold that against it”

the Wicked Stepmother – if you’ve ever love-hated him for every cruel jibe on Strictly, here’s a cast-iron excuse to boo. Bristol favourite Andy Ford is Buttons, Alison Jiear the Fairy Godmother, Daniel Norford is Dandini and Lauren Hampton is Cinders. A perennial favourite, this will be Bristol’s biggest Christmas show, with lots of audience participation. Expect spectacular production numbers and plenty of sauce and silliness from Mr Ford.

If you prefer your Christmas theatre intimate and kid-free, you can rely on The Wardrobe to pull out all the alternative certificate stops. For 2022 they’re laying to rest any doubts that Die Hard was a Christmas film Puppets do a Movie is a predictably anarchic, absurd, adults-only comedy mash-up from the team which brought you Little Women In Black, Drac & Jill, Oedipuss in Boots and, our personal favourite, Goldie Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

This time, it’s Christmas Eve, and high above the streets a German terrorist and his

BRISTMAS SHOWS

OK gnome, what do you have to say for yourself? Christmas Tales with Granddad

mob of terrifying furry accomplices have seized control of a 35-story skyscraper and are holding everyone inside hostage. As this villainous master criminal carries out his murderous plan of deceit, there’s one thing he didn’t count on a mysterious party crasher, a y in the ointment, a monkey on the drumkit, a pain in the ass – a grizzled, streetwise New York cop who’s extremely hard to die.

Another fantastic show made in Bristol by brilliant Bristolians, and this time very much for the younger theatre fan, Christmas Tales with Granddad features a feast of festive stories. There’s a feisty gnome who loves a chance to play havoc at Christmas, and who just might just be the reason randdad can’t find his favourite tree decoration. Creating a sense of the fireside in the theatre, Granddad will welcome imaginative input from the audience as he weaves his own brand of festive cheer.

Over at The Redgrave, they’re going to be busy bees indeed with no fe er than four festive o erings for families to en oy. ristol ld ic Theatre School are looking out for a hero, with Robin Hood and Marian bringing the swashbuckling power couple of legend to Bristol. Along ith their and of outla s, they ill try to outsmart the vile Sheri of Nottingham and greedy Prince John in an explosive musical adventure featuring sword-wielding, archery and highly inauthentic dragons.

The more traditional The Donkey’s Tale performs for one day only.

Picture a starry night, three kings and a very famous baby, as Donkey, Dog and Camel meet to tell their favourite story. Dog remembers his time with the shepherds, Camel, his time with the Wise Men, and Donkey – well, you’ll have to wait and see. Expect wonder, humour, music and magic in this tale as old as time, imagined anew for young audiences.

Wilda and the Winter Whirlwinds o ers an opportunity to cosy up ith a traditional Bulgarian folk tale before Redgrave’s panto Aladdin opens with West End performer Amanda Salmon as Spirit of the Ring in a sho promising ama ing special e ects and lots of laughter.

So that’s Christmas unwrapped across Bristol’s theatres this year; a pac ed o ering ith the iggest o on top confirming that no one does Bristmas quite like we do.

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

Keep an eye on our What’s On pages in this and the following issue for even more festive delights, from circus and cabaret at The Spiegeltent and oco lu to comedy improv o erings, films and Christmas music, along with the usual markets and ice-skating and so forth. Honestly, it’s enough to turn Scrooge. n

YOUR FESTIVE DIARY (AND WHERE TO BOOK) BRISTOL OLD VIC

The Nutcracker 24 November - 7 January Belle and Sebastien 2 December - 8 January www.bristololdvic.org.uk

TOBACCO FACTORY THEATRES

The Snow Queen 1 December - 15 January BS3 Santa 13 - 23 December www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com

THE WARDROBE

Puppets do a Movie 25 November - 22 January.

Christmas Tales With Granddad 16 December - 2 January www.thewardrobetheatre.com

BRISTOL HIPPODROME Cinderella 4 - 31 December www.atgtickets.com

THE REDGRAVE

Robin Hood and Marian 25 November - 2 December The Donkey’s Tale 26 November Wilda and the Winter Whirlwinds 28 November Aladdin 7 - 31 December www.redgravetheatre.com

’S

Looking back at you to see you looking back at me: A Swan’s Perspective by Mateusz Piesi at the NHM Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition

25 November-16 December 2022

EXHIBITIONS Until 27 November

NORTH BRISTOL ART TRAIL 110 artists show and sell their wares at venues in Bishopston, Redland, orfield, St ndre ’s, shley and Henleaze; northbristolartists.org.uk

Until 4 December

JOURNEY OF THE MIND isiting art sho at rnolfini com ining Si h teaching ith ne forms of storytelling, to help promote better mental health; ar lfi i r

Until 18 December

KAVI PUJARA: THIS GOLDEN MILE Kavi began to photograph the neigh ourhoods close to eicester’s olden ile as a ay to reconnect ith the city, its residents and his o n past after years in ondon. t F martinparrfoundation.org

Until 20 December

MORE THAN A NUMBER hought provo ing or y photographers from frica, caught et een modernity and tradition part of fri a ye at rinity Centre, afrikaeye.org.uk

PINK LADY® FOOD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR he orld’s leading a ards for food photography premi res its th e hi ition at oyal hotographic Society rps.org

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 enslaved sta no , at the same site, e ohang re ects on the legacy of colonialism as a shared history bristolmuseums.org.uk

Until 8 January

JOHN AKOMFRAH: MIMESIS: AFRICAN SOLDIER ohn omfrah uncovers the undiscussed story of Common ealth soldiers ho volunteered to fight in orld ar the ar of their colonial masters...

Bristol Museum; bristolmuseums.org.uk RWA ANNUAL OPEN he venera le nnual pen hi ition returns to the oyal est of ngland cademy for its th year, ith an eclectic, fascinating range of or rwa.org.uk

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

Until 15 January

international nature photography returns to Shed bristolmuseums.org.uk

LAWRENCE ABU HAMDAN: THE 49TH PARALLEL ma or ne film commission focusing on the as ell Free i rary and pera ouse a unique municipal site between the urisdictions of Canada and the S at Spi e sland, spikeisland.org.uk

ABORIGINAL ART Christmas e hi ition at the ’s first original art gallery coegallery.com

ROSEMARY MAYER: WAYS OF ATTACHING osemary is est no n for her gau y and colourful fa ric sculptures named after historical omen it ’s her first sho in the , and it’s at Spi e sland, spikeisland.org.uk

ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET: RAYMONDA a ing inspiration from the spirit of Florence ightingale and the omen of the Crimea, amara o o of creates a ne version of the classic allet. ristol Hippodrome, atgtickets.com

Until 29 January

BHARTI KHER collection of s etches, drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations, including a ody of previously unseen dra ings created during harti’s time in Somerset. t rnolfini, ar lfi i r

Until 29 May

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR he e hi ition of the orld’s est

6-22 December

SHOWS

Until 26 November

Until 2 December

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Red Rope Theatre brings a threehander Gothic horror inspired y the ic ens tale to rnos ale Cemetery eventbrite.co.uk

Until 2 January

ROBIN HOOD AND MARION t’s o to Sher ood Forest at he edgrave, for a sho filled ith s ord ielding, highly inauthentic dragons, venison pasties and lots of archery redgravetheatre.com

WHAT’S ON dining experience, followed by a DJ set, to Loco Klub; locoklub.com

1-4 December

DIANA: THE UNTOLD AND UNTRUE STORY Forget The Crown; Diana (current location: heaven) shares the untold and untrue tale of her life through drag, multimedia, audience interaction, puppetry and a lot of queer joy in a celebration of the People’s Princess that’s as hilarious as it’s tasteless; Alma Tavern, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk CLOCKWISE: Prohibition meets Turbo Island in Fairytale of Bristol, at Loco; Dr Neville Staple at The Fleece; Shaun in concert at Wills

1 December-15 January

Until 7 January

THE SNOW QUEEN In the TFT’s festive biggie this Bristmas, Gerda once again heads to the frozen north as she tries to save best friend Kaj from the icy, wicked clutches of the Snow Queen; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

THE NUTCRACKER This should indeed be a cracker for BOV; it’s been written by Tom Morris, directed by Lee Lyford, with former Kneehigh faves Tristan Sturrock and Patrycja Kujawska among the cast; bristololdvic.org.uk

2 December-8 January

Until 22 January

MDH: PUPPETS DO A MOVIE Wardrobe fans will know that MDH stands for Muppets Die Hard; they will also know what to expect, viz. a fast, smart, lo fi action thriller parody full of lols, plastic machine-guns and a talking pig; thewardrobetheatre.com

27 November

SHAUN THE SHEEP IN CONCERT A look at the life of Shaun; there’s a screening of The Flight Before Christmas with the score performed live by the Mossy Bottom Philharmonic Orchestra, all dressed as Aardman characters – dress up too, why don’t you? At Wills Memorial; eventbrite.co.uk

28 November

WILDA AND THE WINTER WHIRLWIND Puppetry, song and physical theatre in a festive tale about courage and community, at Redgrave; redgravetheatre.com

29-30 November

APRADHINI: WOMEN WITHOUT MEN ot into the festive stu Shivani’s stories of five omen at a omen’s prison in Northern India might appeal, then. Alma Tavern, almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

1-2, 8-9, 15-16 December

THE FAIRYTALE OF BRISTOL The Invisible Circus Presents a 1920s Prohibition-meets-Turbo Island immersive theatre and circus

BELLE AND SEBASTIEN Bristol Old Vic and Travelling Light’s festive show for children 4+; guaranteed to bring the magic bristololdvic.org.uk

2-31 December

CINDERELLA Bristol Hippodrome puts on the ultimate panto, with Craig Revel Horwood having a lot of fun camping it up as the wicked stepmother; atgtickets.com

10-11 December

ALADDIN It’s a magic carpet ride at Redgrave this Christmas, in its biggest panto ever; redgravetheatre.com

16 December-2 January

WINTER TALES WITH GRANDDAD Exquisite puppets and captivating storytelling in Wardrobe’s festive family show; thewardrobetheatre.com

MUSIC

26 November

DR. NEVILLE STAPLE The Specials legend and original Rude Boy is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Ghost Town, one of the band’s biggest hits, with an exclusive Two-Tone celebration tour that’s taking in The Fleece; th OSCAR JEROME Oscar brings an intoxicating blend of jazz, hip hop, and neo-soul to Trinity Centre; trinitybristol.org.uk

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

WHAT’S ON

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP:

Sam’s obliged to play it again for Bergman and Bogart: Casablanca at Bristol Film Fest; it’s about time for Mitch Benn at The Wardrobe; Say hi to Bjorn at Propyard, and see Olga at the Hen & Chicken

1 December

5 December

2 December

6 December

BILLY NOMATES Bristol singer-songwriter Tor Maries gives voice to the silenced, the disillusioned, the brokenhearted and the burnt-out; hear her at Trinity; trinitybristol.org.uk MYKKI BLANCO Blurring genres into a swirling pool of experimental hip hop that celebrates queer and trans experiences; at Trinity Centre; trinitybristol.org.uk

10, 14 December

EXULTATE SINGERS: CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Magical, atmospheric carols in the beautiful surroundings of Bristol’s oldest building, St James Priory; exultatesingers.org

16 December

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Starting in near darkness, the Bristol Cathedral choir proceeds down the aisle carrying candles; bristol-cathedral.co.uk

COMEDY Ongoing

CLOSER EACH DAY The world’s longest-running improvised comedy soap continues frothily at Wardrobe; thewardrobetheatre.com

26 November

OLGA KOCH The fast-rising Russian-born stand-up casts a satirical eye over British culture at Hen & Chicken, henandchicken.com

3 December

GARRETT MILLERICK The acclaimed comedian, writer and director brings his stand-up thing to Hen & Chicken, henandchicken.com

HELI LAUGHS Great Western Air Ambulance Charity presents a fundraising show with top local comedians, including Stuart Goldsmith, Dani Johns, Priya Hall and Morgan Rees; At BOV, bristololdvic.org.uk MITCH BENN: ABOUT TIME The country’s leading musical satirist is back, clock in one hand and guitar in the other. What’s the clock for? Only one way to find out head to ardro e thewardrobetheatre.com

7 December

MIKE WOZNIAK: ZUSA nother chance to find out ho Mike’s Great-Aunt Zusa made it from Poland to Luton with a war nipping at her heels, at Alma Tavern; almatavernandtheatre.co.uk

8 December

ERIC NEUMANN Manhattan-Jewish schtick from rising comedian Eric, fresh from headlining a US comedy tour; Hen & Chicken, henandchicken.com

10 December

STEPHEN BAILEY The potty-mouthed one brings his friendly, open, ‘annoyingly sharp’ brand of gossipy humour to Hen & Chicken. As well as being a working-class, ginger, gay, northern comic, Stephen also has a black belt in Tae Kwon-Do, a degree in languages and loves a conspiracy theory, preferably involving a celebrity and a cucumber. henandchicken.com

OTHER Ongoing

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL The almost-year-round fest with the something-for-everyone remit, many of them at site specific

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

WHAT’S ON Bristol locations, rumbles on.

Plenty of festive favourites coming up. rist lfilm sti al m

Until 20 December

CHRISTMAS SPIEGELTENT The lovely mirrored tent returns with the usual heady mix of circus, music, balls, drag brunch, cabaret, etc; hristmass i lt t

Until 23 December

© STEVE CAPEWELL

CHRISTMAS MARKET ’Tis the damn season, as Bristol Shopping Quarter’s streets play host to the familiar wooden chalets. The Jäger Barn Bar and the igloos are back; a m rist l mas

Until 24 December

ST NICK’S CHRISTMAS MARKET Festive shopping in Bristol’s most atmospheric quarter; rist l

Until 4 January

WINTERLAND AT PROPYARD Sugar, spice and everything ice at the St Philip’s venue for its Winterland extravaganza, including an indoor ice rink, ice bumper cars, and visits from animatronic polar bear Bjorn; r ar

26 November

WINDMILL HILL MARKET New Bristol market showcasing local creatives, food producers and other independent businesses; i millhill it arm r

26-27 November

SANTA SPECIALS 50-minute festive rides aboard the steam train. Mince pies, Santa, even donkeys (no donkeys on the actual train, obviously); a all rail a r

26-27 November, 3-4 & 10-11 December

MADE IN BRISTOL GIFT FAIR Three gift-packed shopping weekends at the Bristol Beacon, with 200 stalls manned by local makers; ma i rist lsh

27 November, 4, 11 December

BEARPIT FESTIVE MARKET Self-explanatory; ar itmar t

1-4 December

TREEFEST The annual spectacular festive display of Christmas trees within the splendidly othic St ary edcli e, celebrating the diversity of creative talent in Bristol; stmar r li

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

2-4, 9-11, 16-23 Dec

FUTURE LEAP CHRISTMAS MARKETS An alternative shopping experience, helping to grow the sustainable local community; t rla

3-4, 10-11 December

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS The ss r at ritai pulls out all the festive stops with the return of the Ragged Urchins and the ‘old-style’ Father Christmas, a glimpse of 19th-century Christmas life on board the ship, and actual falling snow; ss r at ritai r

3-4, 10-11, 17-23 December

SAIL WITH SANTA Fabulous festive family fun on the ferries; rist l rr m

3-23 December

THE FATHER CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE That FC, huh! He’s here, he’s there, he’s every*******where – including Ashton Court, apparently; magical, festive, etc etc. ti ts r

9 December

WINTER FEAST The MAZI project hosts a candlelit feast at Trinity with a r special guest indeed; see page 52.

11 December

FESTIVE FLEA AND CRAFT MARKET Vintage/handmade goods; Bristol n Folk House, rist l l h s

FROM TOP: The only guarantee of snow this Bristmas is at the ss Great Britain; get down with Crazy P Sound System and Horse Meat Disco at Spiegeltent; do the chalet thing at Bristol Christmas Market

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

Bristol Life team 01225 475800

EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS

Christmas has come to Storysmith, and our favourite booksellers have come up with a few recommendations – don’t go expecting any celebrity memoirs, mind.

Oh, and self-gifting is totally OK . . .

D

on’t you think we’ve done amazingly ell to hold o mentioning Christmas in our column so far this autumn?

It might be due to our scattiness more than deliberate withholding of the festivities, but either way: you cannot deny that it is finally here. Let steeple bells be swungen etc, for the time is now upon us to assemble a coterie of Yuletide bangers for your delectation and gifting delight and – as you should expect from us by now – barely a celebrity memoir in sight.

Liberation Day

by George Saunders In a time of global unrest and general perturbation, you really need a voice of cosmic reason.

Someone to reassure you, but crucially not to patronise, to tell you that there are easy answers.

George Saunders is just the man for the job, and in his long-awaited new collection of short stories he tackles modern issues and sometimes joyously experimental themes with the kind of careworn and homespun humour that only a difficult orld can inspire. magine Michael Palin describing the end of the orld and you’re not far o .

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

Just Sayin’

by Malorie Blackman OK: this is the closest we’ll get to recommending a celebrity memoir, and to be fair she’s famous specifically for eing one of the most lauded writers of her generation. She’s conquered storytelling (this much is undeniable) but her own story has remained untold, until now.

Just Sayin’ is just like Blackman herself: propulsive, entertaining, but eternally wedded to the power of the written word. She doesn’t spare the reader the more difficult aspects of her up ringing underneath the Windrush generation and the attendant struggles associated with a creative life, but for every shred of painful honesty there is an accompanying scrap of hardearned hope.

Haunters At The Hearth: Eerie Tales For Christmas Nights If you’re of the opinion that Christmas has become too commercialised, inoculated and divorced from the winter solstice, then we have an alternative for you.

This gorgeous little stockingfiller is full of decidedly sinister festive happenings from the learned pens of LP Hartley, DH Lawrence and Elizabeth Bowen, each tale a document of its era and the paranoias which decorate it (the stories date between 1864 and 1974). eer at it through clasped fingers or curl up with it in front of the crac ling fire and speed through it with relish: however you read this dastardly tome, it’s the perfect Christmas gift for someone who doesn’t like Christmas gifts.

“Imagine Michael Palin describing the end of the world and r t ar ”

Novelist as a Vocation

by Haruki Murakami You’ll doubtless know someone who is a major Murakami fan - it may even be you! The inimitable novelist has carved an idiosyncratic career from doorstopping novels of surreally blank prose and wild ideas presented as utterly plausible and commonplace occurrences.

But how does he do it? What compels one of the most in uential authors of the modern era to write? And why is he obsessed with The Beatles and characters that cook pasta? Novelist as a Vocation is a tantalising glimpse of the process of a master stylist, fascinating for fans or soon-to-be-fans alike.

Inevitably and inexorably we’re sliding into the busiest part of the bookselling year with equal excitement and trepidation. It’s a time of immense joy and stress, but we renew our annual promise to you nonetheless: if you’re in need of a personal gift recommendation, our booksellers will always come up with something to match with even the most o scure recipient profile.

It’s just what we do. Well, it is now that we’ve acknowledged Christmas is here, anyway.

Visit Storysmith at 36 North Street, Bedminster BS3 1JD 0117 953 7961 www.storysmithbooks.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

A FAMILY AFFAIR

This year marked a special milestone for HASKINS FURNITURE in Shepton Mallet, with the company appointing a fourth-family generation at the helm.

J

ade Farthing, managing director, officially took the reins at the beginning of 2022 and has been planning her own path for the family business that was first established some 83 years ago.

Rolling back the years to 1939, even World War II didn’t disrupt John Henry ‘Jack’ Haskins’ vision of doing something special with his furniture. As Jade explains, “Jack began supplementing his income as a cabinet maker by producing and selling a few items of furniture at his terraced cottage in Shepton Mallet.” The business then saw Jade’s granddad, A J ‘John’ Haskins take the reins before Jade’s dad, Kevin Haskins became managing director in the late 1980s. Jade’s Nan is still the company secretary at 86 years old. Its certainly a family affair!

Fast-forward to present day, and the business still operates in the town and has become one of the pillars of its community.

For Jade, continuing the family’s legacy has always been her dream ever since she started out at the business on £3.50 an hour. After spells away to find her own way, Jade rejoined the business in 2017, then became a director in 2020, and is now fully in the hot seat.

“My first year as director in 2020 was very turbulent, what with Covid and the closures that we had to abide by, but being made managing director for the group at the beginning of this year was one of my proudest moments, she says’’.

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

As part of Jade’s modern approach, she has rolled out a new tag line as well as shaking up its branding. This year there has been an overhaul in its fleet, following a lease end, bringing back the blue lorries that date back to the first design in 1950.

Other projects on the go include a constant review of trends, which can have a major say in how the store looks and feels.

“We follow the various trends which means there is always change,” says Jade. “New studios, new suppliers, new products for different seasons; I thrive on there always being something new and exciting happening.

“We have invested heavily this year, with a new Ercol, Orla Kiely and Enchanted House studio, and there is also a lot of decorating going on which will be done in time for the January sales” Being a fourth-generation family business is testament in itself on the values and evolution of the company, and for Jade, incorporating every employee as ‘one of the family’ too, is another key reason why they have surpassed eight decades.

“We have always been a family business and provided good employment. We sell furniture but we are not pushy salespeople, we go that extra mile for our customers and pride ourself on exceeding customers’ expectations,” says Jade. Under her leadership so far, business has been positive, and her enthusiasm and passion is clearly at the forefront of everything she does. n

Family picture, left to right: Jade Farthing, Managing Director. Kevin Haskins, Former Managing Director. Rose Haskins, Company Secretary. Graham Haskins, Director.

Chris Haskins, Director. Children; Amelie Farthing and Mori Haskins (5th Generation)

Haskins Furniture, 64 High Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AX Phone: 01749 340703; haskinsfurniture.co.uk

LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE Everything is music. And we can dance along at any time Words and pics by Colin Moody

1

N

BRISTOL HEROES

o, I hear you say; back that up. Sure; I can give it a shot. Everything is vibrating, down to the atomic chemistry, as we spin in ballet style in orbits all around the thing we call space.

OK, what’s he on?

Just wanted to take some time in this issue to appreciate the music. It’s back. I mean, really back. And we need to feel that again. Let it wash over us, and blow away the dust of a thousand cobwebs.

1

usic hero num er one comes ith a little it of infinity too, in the Venetian-sky ceiling at the Mount Without. Jimmy Galvin, he’s along in a minute, invited me down to hear his piano concert, and the vibes must have gotten to me.

I particularly like the way they’ve stripped this building back to almost Sicilian Godfather emptiness and then for one night only turned on the rince filter.

All for a good cause – the Bristol Drugs Project.

So hero one: the venue itself.

2 2 3

It’s all about the frequency right? If you can’t tune in, if you don’t know the frequency, it’s just not there for you. Jimmy Galvin played his Spiritual Data set at 852 Hz. It sounded good.

Maybe you have that killer album at home, preferably on vinyl, that you can put on right now and tune in. Give it a go. From Idles to Fleetwood Mac, turn the dial and lock on. Feel the music. You can’t e a hero until you loo after yourself first.

Image a direct follow on from the last one, at Mount Without.

3

Karaoke.

Yes or no? No? Are you mad?! It’s one of the best nights of music you can ever have.

And if you are lucky enough to walk into your local, and a geezer is hitting the deep tones of Sinatra just right, then pretty soon you might e oining in. o the men and omen ho al ays go up first and get the vibrations going while balancing a rum and coke on the monitor. Legends.

4

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

BRISTOL HEROES 5

6 7

4

Palms to heaven.

Another night under waves of bass.

Friends who only meet after dark.

Mobile phone socially-beige interactions left in your back jeans pocket.

Time to begin again. n the o orld colony.

Of clubland.

8

5 6

Last night a DJ saved my life.

Mama told you not to come.

So you had to.

I mean, Mama doesn’t know everything.

Hero 6 is every student who came to Bristol, and saw a gig, and felt that energy, and at the end of the night had a word on the house-lit stage, and is now running a night. Maybe on the way to producing something that will do the same.

The sustain on our night culture is strong.

7

If you make the gig happen… e ill e there.

Wishing him health and good beats for years to come, as he recovers.

8

Work hard, make music, tour, stay true to who you are, and one day, as you play that really big chord in the song, people will reach out for you in ways you never knew would be possible.

Idles at the Downs.

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

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

“Mama told you not to come.

So you had to. I mean, Mama doesn’t know everything”

SPONSORED CONTENT

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES WHATLEY MANOR HOTEL & SPA is the UK’s first luxury country manor house hotel to achieve Earthcheck’s silver accreditation

I

n an important milestone, Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, the five-star luxury hotel in the Cotswolds, has achieved Silver certification through EarthCheck, the world’s leading business advisory group specialising in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry.

Sue Williams, MI FIH general manager of Whatley Manor, welcomed the accreditation: “We are delighted to be the UK’s first Luxury Manor House Hotel to have achieved Earthcheck’s Silver Accreditation. This serves as a solid testament to the sustainability initiatives we have deployed at Whatley Manor since 2019.

“We are committed to continue this challenging yet meaningful and exciting journey, and we hope to achieve our goal of net zero carbon emission for Scope 1&2 by 2028, and Scope 3 by 2035.”

To avoid catastrophic climate change, the world needs to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.

Today, we are already at 1.1 °C and feeling the effects, meaning that the window for achieving

“THE HOTEL IS A VALUED MEMBER OF A GLOBAL GROUP OF TOURISM OPERATORS WHO DARE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” 46 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

our target and avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change is rapidly closing.

The very environmental values and cultural assets that attract visitors to destinations need to be protected and responsibly managed. The tourism industry and its operators are key to creating this change.

Stewart Moore, CEO and founder of EarthCheck, says that Whatley Manor Hotel has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability.

Mr. Moore says, “I would like to congratulate whole team at Whatley Manor on their achievement. The hotel is a valued member of a global group of tourism operators who dare to make a difference.”

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa has been leading the way in sustainability in the hospitality sector and as a proud member of the Pride of Britain Hotels (PoB) and as the chairman of PoB, Sue Williams is keen to share knowledge and encourage other hoteliers on their journey.

By working with EarthCheck, Whatley Manor has joined other industry leaders who are taking meaningful steps towards resolving some of the very real issues that face the planet. n

FESTIVE DINING AT WHATLEY MANOR GREY’S FESTIVE LUNCH MENU Two-courses - £34.50pp Three-courses - £42.50pp Seasonal a la carte menu is served Wednesday through Sunday.

GIFT IDEAS THIS CHRISTMAS Whatley Manor gift vouchers make the perfect present. Choose from dine and stay experiences, afternoon tea, spa days or a garden tour with lunch. Available as a digital voucher, or choose to have your voucher in a beautifully presented gift box.

Book online, call 01666 822888 or email: reservations@whatleymanor.com Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0RB www.whatleymanor.com

BANK

Cool cocktails, innovative small plates and a friendly welcome combine to create a box-ticker of a neighbourhood restaurant Words by Deri Robins Photos by www.benrobinsphoto.com

h r s a fi li t s tl rim tal a ra t it s that a tr a s ith as ”

RESTAURANT

T

he Totterdown massive are well served when it comes hog hen the price for the full set is goes to the a i pro ect to food and drink. The lucky denizens of this rainbowan, attuned to the eitgeist, has consciously reduced prices recently. coloured, hilariously vertiginous ’hood can now graze ’m sure there are plenty of provenance gee s in ristol ho relish their fill at at our reens, sup coc tails at Southside having their dinner served with a side order of information, waiting and stu themselves senseless on Sunday ith roast patiently in front of their rapidly cooling plates as the aiter rattles o at the Star and ove there’s also the ne , intriguing a list of local suppliers and e plains the star sign of every ingredient. sounding ru ed, hich morphs from a deli into a e are not among them. e ne an dre on seasonal ingredients supper clu after dar . cellent stu , all of it. ut if that as good enough for us. ll e anted as a nice cheerful person e ere locals, the place e’d head do n to most fre uently ould e the to ring us our dinner in short order, hich is e actly hat e got ith a a le, a orda le and versatile an . friendly, smiley Chloe the sta at an are e cellent and very can do. hese are dodgy times for hospitality if you’re launching a ne ga he menu is veg heavy, ith one fish and t o meat dishes. ach you can’t a ord to go o half coc ed. han fully, an appears to e features one seasonal star attraction, whether barbecued heritage carrots fully-cocked, which may well have something or gamey roast venison, elevated and made to do ith the careful, almost organic ay an e citingly comple y an eclectic array of O’Regan has evolved his business, gradually glo al avours. very eautifully presentedv DINING DETAILS opening up the original concept of a ar serving dish displays imagination and loving attention Bank, 107 Wells Road, Totterdown, BS4 2BS co ee and coc tails to an all day diner a caf to detail there’s a fine line et een su tly 0117 452 7536; www.bankbristol.com and runch spot y day and a small plates e perimental’ and deranged’ ho can Opening hours Wednesday-Saturday restaurant by night. forget the saveloy on a bed of lychees in Life 10am-10.30pm; Sunday 10am-3.30pm s you learn from his log, an anted to is Sweet ut it’s one that the an itchen Prices Small plates £7.9-£12.3 (£69 for 8); puds £6.5 hone his skills and knowledge before taking treads with ease.

Atmosphere Chilled and relaxed each step. First came the co ee he’s a trained he carrots and their plate mate of pic led Service Spot-on; friendly and efficient barista, and what he doesn’t know about fennel ere not content to merely plunder the Veggies Plenty of choice sourcing, roasting, grinding and percolating the cuisine of ndalusia, ith a puddle of nutty a o little ro n eans pro a ly isn’t orth no ing. blanco, but also came with the toasty, umami Drinks Imaginative cocktails, wines and craft beers e t, he egan to da le in ine, craft eer, ic of apanese shichimi tagarashi. ender and, ultimately, food, employing a crac team slices of venison were enhanced, but in no way of artenders, chefs and ait sta ho shared his vision. Covid put a s amped, y salted um uat and a hai li e tomato and peanut sauce temporary i osh on their plans, ut no an has come out on the other efore eing cooled do n ith yoghurt. similar tric as pulled o ith side etter than ever and udging y our visit, it genuinely hits every spot. strips of pin allo ay sirloin, festively accompanied y fried sprouts, the o start ith, it’s a great loo ing space. t’s housed, unsurprisingly, avour deepened y o chee us and per ed up y hite a e Sauce. ithin an old an , its interior no stripped ac and Scandi cool, ur favourite dish, and the one e ere least disposed to share nicely, as softened y comfy upholstery it’s light and airy y day, and felt cosy and the gnocchi arisienne toasty, pillo y, chou li e alls on creamy la neh welcoming when we stumbled in on a November evening, shaking the and celeriac pur e, ith sil y ing oyster mushrooms. rain from our hair like dogs, from a very cold and wet Wells Road. usually ta e a little phone snap as an aide memoire for each dish, he coc tail list is inventive and puntastic, from the li es of Corn of ut all have of the hipped curd as ue cheeseca e is a portrait of the ead surely an ardman film aiting to happen to on’t Stop me a o l scraped clean. ’m unli ely to enter it into the in ady Food Cacao. uic ly san a a e e p efore you o i, a delicately pin , hotographer ards. he speed in hich e inhaled this dessert as fruity te uila concoction, a ind of margarita ith enefits the enefit almost indecent more deconstructed than the usual sti slice of ca e, it eing that o i erries are a superfood, so that’s one of my five a day. came ith a dollop of mandarin curd, uicy poached lac erries and do try to heed iles Coren’s advice not to fall on the read li e a fo crunchy feuilletine crum . ’d come ac to an for this indulgent dish on a dust in, ut e ere properly hungry, and uic ly demolished a alone, and ’m not even a pudding person. ar ecued focaccia ith confit garlic and caramelised utter. he read could finish this revie ith a forced little o e a out an eing a was light, salty and warm from the grill, the butter stickily delicious, but good investment of your time and money, or ho ’d happily ta e out a slightly regretted our su se uent decision to rein in the num er of our standing order, ut ’ll leave the puns to the mi ologist. nstead, let’s ust small plates accordingly, ordering ust si from the eight strong menu. f re ect that inter is coming, it’s a dar , cruel orld out there, ut inside the other t o ere half as good as the ones e had, e missed a tric an the elcome is arm, the portions delicious and generous, and ’m still ondering a out the cod. t’s especially tempting to go the hole your only real pro lem ill e choosing et een the coc tails. n

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

FOOD & DRINK

THE FORGOTTEN ORCHARD

L

Ed Gibson is attempting to save Bristol’s only remaining cider apple orchard – but he needs our help Photos by Jon Craig @joncraig_photos

ocal scrumpy aficionados may ell have heard of Ed Gibson, who co-founded The Apple bar around 15 years ago – “just as cider was having its last big moment in the UK,” he says. “Like many people in the mid 2000s, I was rediscovering cider as the great drink it was, and thought it was ridiculous that Bristol didn’t have its own specialist cider bar – which is how The Apple came about.”

After a stint in America, where he launched ustin astciders, no a significant S craft cider brand, Ed returned home and founded ranch, creating some of the first ne ciders to be made in Bristol in many years.

“Bristol is the cider-drinking capital of the world, but the cider orchards around Bristol are rapidly disappearing,” says Ed. “We founded Branch when we discovered Bristol’s o n cider orchard could no longer find a market for its spectacular cider apples.”

Far Orchard is a beautiful 15-acre cider orchard hidden away behind Ashton Court Estate. Despite being so close to town, it’s almost forgotten. It was originally planted in 1951 by Redvers Coates to showcase some of the very best apple varieties for cider-making; Coates wanted to make the best-tasting cider possi le, and insisted that only Somerset cider apple varieties were used in Coates cider. o adays, the avours of mass produced ciders are so simple that they can be made with any old apples,” says Ed. “That’s why so many cider orchards are under threat.

“In recent years, Far Orchard has been singlehandedly maintained by Christopher Ackroyd. He’s now in his 80s; 2022’s harvest will be his last, and the orchard will soon have new owners.”

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

d and his ife Samantha stum led across Far Orchard one winter’s day in 2020. “We were blown away by how beautiful and rural it was, considering it was only minutes from town. My amazement turned to despair when we discovered that the orchard’s crop of incredible apples was just rotting on the ground. Christopher had een una le to find a market for most of them.

“After years of making cider in America, I knew just how rare and prized these apples were. It felt crazy to me that cider-loving Bristol’s own orchard couldn’t sell its apples, so we decided to do something about it. We promised Christopher that come next harvest

“Bristol is the ciderdrinking capital of the world, but the cider orchards around Bristol are rapidly disappearing” time we would buy as many of his apples as we could, and turn them into cider that showed just how special these apples are.

“We started Branch to make great cider that gets Bristolians excited about their local apples, to take their passion and pride and channel it into helping preserve our local orchards. We made some initial small batches of cider with apples from other local orchards last year,; the feedback was phenomenal, so we entered them into the British Cider Championships, where they won two gold medals.

“We’re now all set to start making cider on a bigger scale. With harvest time upon us yet again the apples are dropping at Bristol’s cider orchard. We can’t let these incredible cider apples go to waste, so we’re asking Bristolians to support us by chipping in a few quid to help buy this year’s crop – in return for some very tasty cider.”

Ed tells us that they’ll be harvesting until early December, after which the apples will be good for a few more weeks. “Help us buy these apples and turn them into cider that will make Bristol proud. We think we can turn Far Orchard’s entire crop into cider, so not one single apple will go to waste. If we reach our initial target of £5,000 we will keep taking donations until we cover the cost of the entire crop. Any further donations will go towards accelerating our plans to build a trailblazing zero-waste cider company.

“Think of the crowdfunder as a cider savings account – chip in for the apples now and get great cider later! Cider is part of Bristol’s cultural identity, but we can only have a truly thriving cider culture if we support local cider orchards. Make a down payment on some great local cider and help us secure the future of this wonderful Bristol orchard.”

Check out the rewards at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ support-bristols-cider-orchard BRANCH is a zero-waste cider company whose ciders are on tap in local Bristol pubs. They promote refillable flagons and plan to launch a returnable, refillable bottle and refiillable alternative to bag in box in the near future. www.branchcider.com

Ed and his wife Samantha first stumbled across Far Orchard in 2020; opposite page, far right: Current orchard owner Christopher Ackroyd

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

HAVE YOURSELF A MAZI LITTLE CHRISTMAS There’s something so very Bristol about the MAZI Project, which aims to empower and nourish Bristol’s disadvantaged young people by delivering recipe kits and cooking workshops.

In the run-up to Christmas, the charity is turning up the heat even further, with fundraising initiatives that include a candlelit four-course Winter Feast at Trinity Centre on 9 December.

The evening will celebrate the project’s achievements over the past year, with a performance from singer/ ambassador Charli Brix and a speech from a very special* celebrity guest, all in a wintry setting.

The team in the kitchen will be led by Summer Sharkey, former sous chef of Casamia, and 80% of proceeds raised will go towards The MAZI Project.

The joy of calabrase at Mazi HQ

*And when we say special, we really do mean special. Look out for our next issue for the full lowdown.

Sorry** to be a tease… **We’re not really; we love a good embargo, us...

Tickets from £65 each at www.yuup.co www.themaziproject.com

NO PLACE LIKE CASA

In typically low-key, no-fanfare fashion, the Sanchez-Iglesias family have quietly opened their new restaurant Casa on the old Casamia site at The General in edcli e.

It’s a far cry from the innovative but pricey Casamia, and serves contemporary, accessi le yet refined talian dining. he menu has een devised by Peter Sanchez along with executive chef Joel Breakwell of Paco Tapas, the family’s ichelin starred tapas restaurant ne t door. le ro nrigg ill e Casa’s head chef.

Casa looks back to the Sanchez-Iglesias’ original neighbourhood Italian in Westbury-on-Trym; some of the original paintings are back on the wall, while Peter and Joel plan to revive traditional dishes, from antipasti to pasta plates and tiramisu.

In place of Casmia’s dramatic black interiors, the dining room will be fully opened up to overlook the harbourside, with warm maple and birch fittings the open itchen remains, though.

For more www.casabristol.co.uk Gareth makes sure the plans are match-ready

HURRY, BOY, IT’S WAITING THERE FOR YOU… A new branch of the Afrikana chain has opened on Baldwin Street, offering “authentic, home-cooked African-inspired dishes” that rejoice in playful names such as ‘Coco-nuts about You’, ‘My Main Chick’, ‘We Goat Your Back’ and so on.

It’s playful then, and vibrant, and judging by the pics on the website you won’t leave hungry. Don’t expect any booze, though; it’s a teetotal joint. www.afrikanakitchen.com

GOOD LIBATIONS Following this summer’s successful Bedminster Beer Trail comes the 12 Drinks of Bedminster.

With Christmas lighting setting Bedminster Parade, East Street and North Street a-sparkle, the new trail hopes to inspire both locals

and visitors to hop (puntastically, though it’s not all about the beer, and it’s not all alcoholic) from 1-31 December between dozens of Bedminster’s best restaurants, wine bars, microbreweries, pubs and bottle shops as they aim

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

to complete their trail card with 12 stamps.

As an extra bonus, once they’ve handed in their fully stamped card into a participating venue, they’ll be entered into a big prize draw.

Instagram @bedminster beertrail

SWING CITY Par 59, the bar, restaurant and minigolf concept backed by footballer Gareth Bale, will open at Harbourside on 9 December. As well as the bar and restaurant there’ll be two mini-golf courses and a darts room; food comes from street-food traders Dirty Bird, with craft beers supplied by Bristol Beer Factory; www.par59.com/bristol

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

A game of two halves When cultures clash in the most delightful way . . .

B

een meaning to visit this co ee shop for ages. t’s Caf hu ar , an interesting loo ing oint high up the loucester oad, on the opposite side to shley o n oad.

For some reason, never got round to going until recently, hen as as ed to ta e one of the grand ids to a dance lesson. y a uir of fate, the dance place as only a fe minutes’ drive y motor i e, from this fine co ee

“The ceiling is festooned with football helmets, while th alls ar fill ith si s a rtisi th thrills ”

shop. hich as o viously all the e cuse needed. hen e arrived, it turned out e had over an hour to spare. hich, in my e perience, is almost unheard of hen small children are involved. ain thing is, it meant e could a ord to sit do n, rela and order hatever e li ed, in our o n s eet time. hich is al ays nice. s e al ed inside, my young companion announced that hat she really anted as a ca e and a drin , so agreed to eep her company y getting the same. o ever, after chec ing out the menu, hich features a hole host of, all day rea fasts’ along ith a lovely line in, things on toast’, ent for one of the highlights. he rincess Stac . stac of eggy read ith acon on top, all smothered in a pleasing so le of maple syrup. mm. Scared of missing out on the action, my granddaughter ent for the same. old move, ut it as the right thing to do, for oth of us. ur plates arrived, generously loaded ith everything a hungry heart could possi ly ish for. ot to e honest, ’m a ig fan of the traditional panca e stac ith acon and syrup. ut this as a hole ne all game. step up from the usual fare. oved it. asn’t the only one. y companion is usually a light eater,

ut she polished o nearly every morsel on the plate. nother thing hich is almost unheard of hen small children are involved. ny ay, that’s the food dealt ith. ig thum s up all round. nd a gold star too. e t item on the agenda is the d cor. t’s a doo y. game of t o halves. ou see, the outside of the caf leads you to e pect a ro ustly retro, fine vintage cafe, and the menu ac s up that e pectation eautifully. ut hen you al through the door, it’s li e entering a completely di erent orld. n merican foot all, sports themed, one, ith a fun y sideline in all art. he ceiling is festooned ith foot all helmets, hereas the alls are filled ith ancient metal signs advertising the thrills of co ee, mostly. t is an interesting clash of cultures. he lovely ladies ho ere running the place on our visit told me the place is o ned y a hus and and ife com o.

She li es the retro loo , he loves merican foot all. hich e plains the cultural mash up. nd may e the eggy read panca e s ap. ho no s ither ay. ’m a fan. n Find the café on insta at @thelycnorthst Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com

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

FOOD & DRINK

Girolles bring colour and flavour to every meal, while Stilton should take pride of place on every Christmas cheese board

EAT BRISTOL

A

It’s the time of year for stopping indoors and doing some proper wintry cooking, says JOE WHEATCROFT of local online food shop Source

s we move deeper into autumn with winter well and truly on its way, it’s time to stay indoors and do some proper cooking. Get the best out of this season by enjoying some incredible food available from our amazing, local producers.

For me, this time of year means full avours and slow cooking. Below are just a few suggestions and a few tips to help with your plans for Christmas.

are five of the est ild mushrooms availa le in the UK, we have ceps which are considered to e the finest of all, fetching very high prices and for good reason. Girolles bring a splash of colour and a urst of avour to any meal then there are Blewits or Pied Bleu, which grow well in orth Somerset this variety is est used fresh, not dried.

“Simplicity is key when it comes to cooking wild mushrooms”

Mutton. Perfectly suited to this time of year, mutton is older sheep which has had lambs. It is full of avour and usually has uite a it more fat than lamb. Mutton is complemented by other seasonal highlights such as pearl arley, s uash, root veg and leeks.

Mutton is perfect in the slow cooker as it needs a low, constant temperature to really break down the slightly tougher meat. The time and e ort are paid ac though ith rich, succulent meat. Why not make a Scotch broth, or use the diced shoulder as a replacement for goat in a Caribbean-style curry?

Our mutton comes from Hartlake farm near Glastonbury, where Kelly Smith’s family has been farming on the Levels for generations.

If you’re lucky enough to get some of any type, use them sparingly and dry any remaining pieces for risotto and pasta dishes later in the year. Buy from a trusted source and eat them when they’re fresh, or dry and use them throughout the year to add an umami taste to your dishes. I think simplicity is key when cooking wild mushrooms, so slice them thinly and gently fry them in butter with a little thinlysliced garlic. Serve them on toast for a very seasonal starter or snack.

Wild mushrooms. A real highlight of the culinary calendar, these magical beauties are not only fascinating but delicious too. There

Dry-plucked poultry. As we get closer to Christmas we start to plan ahead for one of the most important meals of the year. This year,

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

maybe more than ever, I think it’s important to support our local, independent farmers and retailers (of course, I would say that!).

I’ve worked with Russell and Angela Candy and their team for 17 years, and have been ama ed at the uality of the duc s, chic en, geese and turkeys. They produce Michelinuality poultry from their farm in radford on-Avon.

I think dry-plucking is important for poultry as it brings out the best in the skin, making it crispy and very satisfying to eat.

Stilton. A British classic which deserves a place on any Christmas cheese board. Bringing strong and s eet avours, our favourite here at Source HQ is Colston Basett, which is brilliant on its own and superb in dishes, adding a smooth, creamy texture. When cooking, pair it with beef, venison and root veg for a great balance of avours. s Stilton is fairly salty, e sure to go easy when adding salt to your dish.

If you like the sound of the produce, why not sign-up for our weekly newsletter and visit our online shop: for a discount code to use on your first order, use ristol ife .n Source is a sustainable, local, seasonal alternative to supermarket shopping, with a network of small producers and suppliers. www.source-food.co.uk

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

Annie Sloan paint from Surroundings of Thornbury www.surroundingsonline.co.uk

C

While the little kid inside us still feels nostalgic for multicoloured tree lights, paper streamers and balloons – hich, for the enefit of en , illennials and oomers, were the staple decorations of a ’60s and ’70s Christmas – things have got a little bit more sophisticated since then.

Take this dramatic room set by Annie Sloan, for example, in which the walls have been painted in Athenian Black chal paint efore eing ic ed ith ld hite to suggest a star-studded galaxy, making the perfect background for a set of rustic, rusty baubles.

Rather than rushing out to buy new baubles, Annie suggests updating e isting ones. ne set as painted in Emperor’s Silk chalk paint before being stippled roughly

S

ith arm old gilding a , ith more mperor’s Sil over the top. he others ere painted ith aris rey and stippled in the same manner, with Dark Silver gilding wax.

The rustic decorations were then hung from a branch at di erent heights using t ine, for a dramatic t ist on a Christmas chandelier.”

We quite understand if you don’t fancy repainting the whole house for Christmas, although we’d be terribly impressed if you did. And if you want to go the whole Sloan hog, you can source plain cracker kits and paint them to match the colour of the walls.

That said, we believe that balloons are still readily available. For more www.anniesloan.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 59

WHO’S A GOOD BUY?

GRAND APPEAL FIGURINES, FROM £35 All profits go to The Grand Appeal, supporting Bristol children’s hospitals.

Shauns, Gromits, Wallaces and Feathers McGraws available too... www.gromitunleashedshop.org.uk

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

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE As inescapable as Dot Cotton (RIP) on the sherry and Shane and Kirsty on the playlist, it’s Part I of our annual brantub of a Bristmas shopping guide. We’ve eased you in gently, with a round-up of decorations and home accessories – and yes, Santa says it’s totally fine to keep some for yourself...

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

Bristol Bauble, £4.50

By HappyLaneShop on etsy

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 1

3

6

5 4 2

CHRISTMAS HANG-UPS Should there be a star or an angel at

8

7

the top of the tree? The correct and obvious answer is that it should be a Christmas sloth. We’re embarassed you had to ask

9

SHOPPING LIST

10 11 12

13

14

1. Brass house decoration, £6, from The Bristol Artisan; www.thebristolartisan.com 2. Sass and Belle camping kettle, £6, from Mon Pote; www.monpote.co.uk 3. Bristol glass bauble, £30, from The Bristol Shop; www.thebristolshop.co.uk 4. Pack of six wooden baubles to paint, £20, from Prior Shop; www.priormade.store 5. Two glass Lucia baubles, £7, from IKEA; www.ikea.com 6. Knitted Diplodocus (other dinos available), £8, from Bristol Museum shop; www.shop.bristolmuseums.org.uk 7. Snow Tip Christmas tree, £10, from Truce; www.truceonline.co.uk 8. Felt Christmas sloth tree topper, £15, from Frankly Store; www.frankly.store 9. Christmas foxes pop-and-slot 3D scene, £5.95, from Bristol Museum shop; www.shop.bristolmuseums.org.uk 10. Mr Brunel embroidered fabric decoration, £13, from the ss Great Britain shop; www.ssgreatbritain.org 11. Birch ply robin, £10, from Soma Gallery; www.somagallery.co.uk 12. Moomin glass bauble, £10, from Fig1; www.fig1.co.uk 13. & KLEVERING space ornaments, set of three, £21, from Grace & Mabel; www.graceandmabel.co.uk 14. Glass Christmas puddings, set of four, £9.95; from Graham & Green; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

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

1

SHOPPING LIST 2 3

4

6 5

9 7

1. Felt dancing mice, £22, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk 2. Popcorn decoration, £12.50, from UStudio; www.ustudio.shop 3. Two glass Santa baubles, £9; from IKEA; www.ikea.com 4. Gromit ceramic bauble, £8.99, from the Gromit Unleashed shop; www.gromitunleashedshop.org.uk 5. Fiona Walker moose head with Christmas lights, £35, from Maze; www.mazeclothing.co.uk 6. Madam Stoltz papier-mâché doll, £9.75, from Fox & Feather; www.foxandfeather.co.uk 7. House Doctor car with Christmas tree, £17.50, from Fig1; www.fig1.co.uk 8. Three animal baubles, £9, from IKEA; www.ikea.com 9. Bristol ceramic baubles, six for £19.99, from ThePaperShedGifts on etsy 10. Two table decorations, £10, from IKEA; www.ikea.com 11. Two Madam Stoltz paper-pulp llamas, £12, from Fox & Feather; www.foxandfeather.co.uk 12. T-Lab wooden Christmas mouse, £12.50, from Maze; www.mazeclothing.co.uk 13. Skiing bear and fox, £11.50, from Pod; www.thepodcompany.co.uk 14. Sass and Belle T-rex on a bike felt decoration, £11, from Mon Pote; www.monpote.co.uk

10

8 12 13

11

14

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

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

THE HOME FRONT One for them, two for you. It’s

tempting to keep these lovely home accessories all to yourself, but do try to give at least some of them away as gifts, yes?

8 9

10

SHOPPING LIST

1. Faux-fur throw, £295, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk 2. Present Time candle holder, £17, from Mon Pote; www.monpote,co.uk 3. Window bird feeder, £21, from Graham & Green; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk 4. Fiorira un Giardino pair of bird candle holders in rusty iron, £28, from Maze; www.mazeclothing.co.uk 5. Devon salt pig, £48, from Midgley Green; www.midgleygreen.com 6. Sets of six mugs, plates and bowls, from £45.50, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk 7. Bloomingville brass advent candle holder, £18, from Mon Pote; www.monpote,co.uk 8. Bloomingville cocktail shaker, £23, from Mon Pote; www.monpote.co.uk 9. Thomas hot water bottle, £38, from The Artisan;www.thebristolartisan.com Bristol Artisan; 10. Willow log basket, £150, from Midgley Green; www.midgleygreen.com

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

om set Choose fr ild your u b r o s boxe ver 150 o h own wit urced locally-so by the e d a m treats -scale ll a finest sm artisans.

Tel: 07854239926 info@cliftonwineschool.com

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.

GET CHRISTMAS WRAPPED UP! Use EXCLUSIVE 10% DISCOUNT CODE ‘BristolLife10’ for orders placed before 30th Nov.

Get in touch and make your order at

www.boxlocal.co.uk

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

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

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 1

2

3

SHOPPING LIST

4

5

1. HK Living 1970-style tapas bowls, £7.50 each, from Fox + Feather; www.foxandfeather.co.uk 2. Three tealight houses, £75, from Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk 3. Aery candle with black fig leaf, vetiver and cedarwood, £27, from Frankly Store; www.frankly.store 4. House Doctor wild moss wreath, £33.50; www.mazeclothing.co.uk 5. Six sprout bingo crackers, £19.95, from Graham & Green; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk 6. Stoneware bottle vase, from £38, from Midgley Green; www.midgleygreen.com 7. Candelabra, £175, from Graham & Green; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk 8. Natural English sheepskin, £85, from Midgley Green; www.midgleygreen.com 9. Jade gemstone garland, £48, from Graham & Green; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

9

6

8

7

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

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 4

3

2

1

5 8

9

6 7

10

11

HEY, MISTER POSTMAN There’s nothing festive about an

SHOPPING LIST

e-greeting, and few things more exciting than a card through the door. We’re not saying you should send out dozens, but special people deserve special treatment. All cards here by Bristol makers, or sold in local indie shops 15

12

13

14

16

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

17

1. Octopus vs Bristol Suspension Bridge, £2.50, from DixonDoesDoodles on etsy 2. Bristol sayings cards, £2.50, from DottieWombat on etsy 3. Badger at Avoncliff, set of five cards, £7.50, from DruMarland on etsy 4. Schitt’s Creek Stevie card, £3.40, from ArtToHeartBySarah on etsy 5, 17. The Paragon by Susie Ramsay; £3.50; Royal York Crescent, £4.10, from The Bristol Shop; www.thebristolshop.co.uk 6. Chicken Gaze, £2.85, from UStudio; www.ustudio.shop 7. Driving Home for Christmas, £3.95, from Papermsiths; www.papersmiths.co.uk 8. Cat who Wants to Eat Too Much, £3, from HighlandJungle on etsy 9. 3D Advent Card, £6.25, from Pod; www.thepodcompany.co.uk 10. Christmas Sledging letterpress card, £3, from Fig1; www.fig1.co.uk 11. Hollow Tree Hideaway trifold Christmas cards, set of five, £7.95, from Bristol Museum Shop; www.shop.bristolmuseums.org.uk 12. Wallace and Gromit talking Christmas card, £4.95, from the Gromit Unleashed Shop; www.gromitunleashedshop.org.uk 13. Glitter card, pack of eight, £12.50, from Fox + Feather; www.foxandfeather.co.uk 14. Polar Bear on a Long Walk, £3, from Wolfe and Willis; www.wolfeandwills.com 15. Hearth Hound by Lisa Jones. £2.25, from Soma Gallery; www.somagallery.co.uk 16. Bristol card, £3, from LaurenHeimsothStudio on etsy

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE 17 ISSUES FOR

£45

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Never miss an issue of Bristol Life – get your own copy posted to you on the Friday the magazine comes out Get yours for £45 for UK subscriptions (17 issues)

www.mediaclash.co.uk/subscribe

AWARD WINNING LOCAL BUSINESS, PROVIDING JARGON-FREE FINANCIAL ADVICE SINCE 2010.

We are an Independent Financial Advisory firm, who help people with planning around Mortgages, Pensions, Investments and Protection to find solutions for you and your family.

Visit us: Storage Giant, Suite 9, 821 Bath Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5NL Tel: 01179 553791 www.elitefinancialconsulting.co.uk

OVERNIGHT STAYS Some of the best places in Bristol and beyond to enjoy a night away this winter

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

RETALLACK RESORT & SPA TEL: 03333 634189 AWAYRESORTS.CO.UK

Escape to Cornwall this Christmas and get the family together for a break filled with themed activities and experiences, toe-tapping entertainment, and festive food to bring on the Christmas cheer. There’s lots for the little elves to enjoy – they can meet Santa himself and say hello to his reindeer and help in Mrs Claus’ kitchen, cooking up lots of tempting treats. There's also a festive feast of entertainment, with a selection of themed activities and live acts performing between 22-24 and 26-31 December. Indulge in a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings in The Lookout Bar and Eatery, and round the year off with a ticket to our New Year's Eve party . . .

THE OLD STOCKS INN

THE SQUARE, STOW-ON-THE-WOLD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL54 1AF TEL: 01451 830666; OLDSTOCKSINN.COM Nestled in the heart of the picture-perfect market town of Stow is this beautifully refurbished 17th-century coaching inn, now a boutique hotel. Here, you’ll find stunning interiors and double AA Rosette-awarded dining, as well as quirky cocktails and friendly, unpretentious service. With the rolling Cotswolds on your doorstep, it’s the perfect place to explore the region’s hidden gems and historical attractions. Check out The Old Stocks Inn’s Cotswold Foodie Trails for a taste of what the area has to offer, or take advantage of one of the hotel’s midweek packages or off-peak escapes to sample Cotswolds luxury at a great price.

BERWICK LODGE

BERWICK DRIVE, BRISTOL, BS10 7TD TEL: 0117 958 1590 BERWICKLODGE.CO.UK On the outskirts of Bristol, set in stunning grounds, is Berwick Lodge. A privately owned and independently managed boutique hotel, restaurant, and wedding venue, it's a hidden secret just waiting to be discovered.

Conveniently located close to the M5, Berwick is perfectly placed, yet peaceful.

Priding itself on being ‘a home away from home’, Berwick’s inviting ambience allows you to feel at total ease, offering a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, delivered through first-class service. The interior of this beautiful Victorian building reflects historical British luxury and comfort, with a subtle Turkish twist. You’ll find original wood panelling, open fires, a sweeping staircase, and sparkling chandeliers – and that’s just in the entrance hall . . .

Choose from the collection of 14 luxury bedrooms, all of which have been individually styled with unique characteristics and curated with comfort in mind to ensure each guest leaves feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Build in a little time to explore the 18 acres of magnificent grounds, with their spectacular features and beautiful views across to Wales. Perhaps enjoy a cocktail in the cosy lounge; or experience the exceptional food from the 2AA Hattusa restaurant. However, and whenever you choose to visit, a warm welcome always awaits you.

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

SPONSORED CONTENT FLAG

TUCKED AWAY HOLIDAY COTTAGES VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COTSWOLDS TEL: 01242 346301; TUCKED-AWAY.CO.UK

If you’re after a luxurious boutique hotel experience, but with the comfort and space of a holiday cottage, check out Tucked Away’s unique collection of three properties. The cottages offer a classic Cotswolds idyll for guests and have been created to encourage visitors to ‘live like a local’, having been lovingly refurbished to combine quirky charm and period features with luxurious touches and plush interiors. Choose from the one-bedroom Stable Cottage in the hamlet of Ford in Temple Guiting (pictured); Parson’s Barn, which sleeps six, in Stow-onthe-Wold; or Cotswold Cottage – a character-filled cottage that sleeps five in the quaint village of Salford, Chipping Norton.

TO THE SHORE – FOREVER CORNWALL TEL: 01326 567838 FOREVERCORNWALL.CO.UK

Moments from Mawgan Porth beach in Cornwall sits To The Shore, a dog-friendly home offering coastal lifestyle at its finest.

Sleeping eight, this modern, high-tech retreat has been designed and built with luxury coastal living in mind, with a reverse level layout to give lovely views across the valley from the living areas and south-facing balcony. Generous bedrooms, ample facilities and carefully chosen furnishings make this holiday home a delight from the moment you step through the door. Just a stone’s throw from To the Shore you’ll find Mawgan Porth beach, one of the finest in north Cornwall. It’s long, flat and sandy with a stream running through and is surrounded by cliffs on both sides, making it popular with families and surfers alike.

YOUR STAY BRISTOL LTD TEL: 0117 9733046 YOURSTAYBRISTOL.CO.UK

NO.15 BY GUESTHOUSE, BATH GREAT PULTENEY STREET, BATH, BA2 4BS TEL: 01225 807015; GUESTHOUSEHOTELS.CO.UK/NO-15-BATH

Located on one of Bath’s grandest streets, within listed Georgian buildings of inherent beauty and grace, No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath is filled with interior design details, collections of art and objects that entertain the eye. No two rooms are the same, they all shine with playful British quality and luxury details that are sure to raise a smile. Dyson hairdryers, vinyl record players (and a whole record library), help-yourself pantry and the most comfortable bed, to name just a few details, will see you have the perfect stay and most relaxing slumber. Make your stay even more special with drinks and afternoon tea in The Bar, a delicious dinner in The Restaurant or an instantly soothing treatment down in the calm of The Spa.

74 BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk 86 IMEDIACLASH.CO.UK

Beaufort House is a refurbished Georgian masterpiece in the heart of Clifton and an ideal location for the Village, Whiteladies Road, Bristol University, Clifton College, The Downs and so much more. It's been lovingly restored to keep as many original features as possible, from the sweeping main staircase, sash windows, high ceilings and ornate fireplaces to the stained-glass windows on the internal front doors. On offer are a selection of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments on a serviced basis for both short and long stays welcoming corporate and leisure guests. Apartments are also available in central and North Bristol locations.

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

Book The Experience of a Lifetime with Sky High Ballooning MAKES AN IDEAL CHRISTMAS PRESENT

CALL: 01173 690402

www.skyhighballooning.co.uk

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 Construction of MRI and MBST devices

CASE STUDY 1 Lynne is a dear patient that I’ve been managing for low back pain over many years with hands on care. In the last 2 years however, her condition became much more painful and less responsive.

After some scans we found significant multi-level disc and joint degenerative change with associated forward slippage of her vertebrae causing severe sciatica.

Walking was extremely difficult and day to day pain was very high. The options were either surgical fusion or try disc AND joint MBST to attempt to naturally heal and stabilise her condition. We chose the latter/least invasive option to begin with and the results after 3 months have been life changing. Still early days so things should really stabilise over the next 9 months but her pain both in the back and leg is now but a minor issue. We couldn’t be more pleased at this stage and her prognosis is looking really good based on previous similar cases I’ve managed in this way.

CASE STUDY 2 Ann came to my clinic in May having suffered back pain for 30 years, getting worse in the last 10 years with arthritis to the facet joints and disc degeneration.

Osteopathy and massage were no longer effective and it was really impacting her mobility, sewing and life in general. We decided to go with a course of MBST to target healing of her joint cartilage and we’re glad we did. At her follow up in early October she’s 85% better. Standing, walking, mornings and most importantly seeing are all now possible without giving it much thought which is exactly what we wanted. Her back pain is very much now at the back of her mind and as you can see she’s pretty delighted by the result.

MBST is remarkable in that it reliably stimulates a natural healing process in a specific tissue that over time creates huge quality of life changes to patients for whom there are few other options.

It’s completely safe and a lovely process to go through.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH ORIGIN WORKSPACE Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the way businesses work. Whereas employees used to have their own desk, commute to the office daily and work fixed hours, the reality now is very different . . .

Sarah Bryers, Director of Live Experiences & Business Operations at TMW Unlimited

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

S

ome may argue that this shift was inevitable, but there is no doubt that the pandemic accelerated the trend. The team at Origin have noticed that most, if not all, businesses based in the space have adopted the hybrid approach: a blend of both in-office and remote working.

In response to this change, we have altered our original membership plans and introduced a higher level of flexibility. Now, businesses can purchase a set number of desks and use them interchangeably, which is perfect for teams that

embrace hybrid working.

This incredible level of flexibility has attracted many more members to Origin Workspace.

One of these members is TMW Unlimited, an integrated creative agency with offices based in London, Reading and Bristol. They have clients all across the world, including the likes of Unilever, Coca-Cola and Microsoft.

TMW joined Origin Workspace at the end of 2021 after realising that, like many other businesses, they simply did not need their vast office space anymore. Instead, they now occupy a large office within our coworking space and

SPONSORED CONTENT

working was no longer practical. With a stroke of good timing, TMW’s lease ran out on their building in the midst of Covid, so the decision was made to down-size and explore suitable options for coworking spaces.

SINCE JOINING THE SPACE

employees are given the freedom to decide when they would like to come into the office or work from home.

They have 72 passes to the space and a total of 30 desks, plus their own dedicated meeting area and breakout space.

TMW’S SET-UP BEFORE ORIGIN Prior to Origin, TMW occupied an 11,000 square foot building. This space was big enough to situate all of their workers, every day.

Their day-to-day work life was very different.

A lot of hours were spent travelling to meet clients all around the country with no meetings held virtually. As the pandemic caused the world to come to a grinding halt, this quickly changed. The team realised that this way of

Since joining us, TMW has taken advantage of the facilities available. They recently hosted a free event, South by Southwest by Southwest, in our presentation suite. As part of their package with us they also have their own dedicated meeting room space.

The team find that using the other areas of space around the building is also great for when staff members want a bit of time away from the office, such as for a one-to-one or a personal call.

“If you need a secure and quiet space for private one-to-one meetings with employees or to host an important client meeting, that’s what the ground floor meeting rooms are great for,” says Sarah Bryers, Director of Live Experiences & Business Operations at TMW Unlimited.

Sharing a working space with other businesses can often feel strange for those used to having their own office building. However, at Origin we believe that this enables a strong community of collaboration and support.

“We really value the community aspects, and this was a key consideration in choosing Origin.

Being part of a wider community is so important when hybrid working naturally leads to fewer employees being in the office at the same time”, says Sarah.

Our community hosts and wider Origin team also help to facilitate an environment that encourages collaboration. In Sarah Bryers’

words, this hospitality is “a great benefit on top that you can’t really put a price on”.

TMW also take advantage of the multitude of other facilities available, including the bike shed, on-site gym, lunchtime yoga sessions and the roof terrace for social activities.

FINDING SOLUTIONS One of the drawbacks people may find with coworking spaces is the lack of security. It’s only natural that an open space filled with glass walls can be a concern for people viewing the offices.

However, we’ve come up with practical solutions, such as glazing on glass walls and private Wi-Fi options. Onboarding these extra precautions has allowed TMW to maintain its ISO security accreditations.

ALIGNING VALUES Not only do we prioritise helping businesses succeed and cultivating a collaborative culture, Origin also maintains certain values: these include limiting our environmental impact and supporting Bristol’s local charities.

Sarah Bryers said these values are also important for TMW, adding that many of the company’s environmental initiatives were driven from the ground up by employees who want to be part of an organisation helping to create a better society and environment. n

We offer a range of flexible membership options. Join our community of thriving business professionals. Book a free day pass online and come and see for yourself. originworkspace.co.uk | 01174 400 400

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

An exclusive, purpose built, climate controlled, prestige car storage facililty.

BESPOKE CAR STORAGE chatham.vault@gmail.com | www.chatham-vault.co.uk | 07780 531 504

It’s the city’s business

BRISTOLWORKS

Scenes we hope to see at the Wharf this month

© @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

FAB AND FORTY

Precious Cargo

T

. . .along with the other, equally precious, traders at Wapping Wharf

he closure of Larkin Cen’s two Woky Ko sites at Cargo sounded a warning klaxon: the traders of Wapping Wharf have never been more vulnerable than they are at present, due to the temporary (but lengthy) closure of Gaol Ferry Bridge.

To boost trade, the Christmas lights switch-on at the Wharf on 17 November launched Bridging The Gap, a new initiative aimed at encouraging visitors.

As part of the campaign, shops will remain open until pm every hursday until ecem er, o ering an ideal opportunity to shop locally and support independent Bristol businesses.

There will be mulled wine at Corks, hot spiced

cider at Cider Box, seasonal snacks from Better Food and Clifton Seafood Company along with the usual smörgåsbord of global food available at the restaurants.

“Everyone in the Wapping Wharf community has felt the impact of the closure of Gaol Ferry Bridge,” says Stuart Hatton, managing director of Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf.

“We want to remind everyone of just how important it is to shop local and support small businesses this Christmas, as well as showcasing our amazing community and everything they do, while providing plenty of great festive activities for everyone in Bristol.”

Checkout the traders here: www.wappingwharf.co.uk

…that’s Channel 4 – and as part of a nationwide series of events, Channel 4 at 40: The TV Revolution in Bristol sets out to explore what C4 has contributed to UK broadcasting and its close connections with Bristol, from the earliest days to the present.

C first roadcast on ovem er . ailed as a TV revolution, its remit was to produce innovative, challenging programmes that appealed to audiences not catered for by the BBC and ITV. Through a series of talks and screenings on 3 December at rnolfini, ristol academics and filmma ers will discuss C4’s Bristol-based programmes across various genres – animation, factual/ documentary and drama, showing how innovative and distinctive they really were.

They’ll also consider how C4’s relationship to Bristol has changed over time, including establishing the Creative Hub in the city, and a look at the role it might play in the future, in Bristol and in the UK. For tickets: h a first rist l

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

PRIVATE CLIENT - FAMILY - PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL

© @JONCR AIG_ PHOTOS

Z

Bethany in conversation with Greg Ingham at the Bristol Life Business Club

BUSINESS CLUB

BRAVE ZOO WORLD Bristol Zoo Gardens is no more – in the form we’ve always known it, at least. But this doesn’t mean exotic animals have entirely fled the city.

At a recent Bristol Life Business Club, BETHANY GALLICHAN, the Zoo’s head of development, told us about plans for the new Bristol Zoo that’s set to open in 2024, when it merges with its sister venue, Wild Place

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

oos have had something of an identity crisis for as long as we can remember. Are they a cruel entertainment, or a vital resource? Which means, of course, that Bristol Zoological Society, hosts of the world’s oldest provincial zoo, on prime Clifton real estate since 1836 – a characterful site, but unavoidably cramped and Victorian – has been thinking about its purpose and responsibilities for longer than most.

In September this year, the 14acre Clifton site shut its doors for the last time, many of its residents – the western lowland gorillas and gira es, for instance decamping to the zoo’s new home, ten times larger and designed to better replicate specific ha itats. thers have een rehoused elsewhere.

“Wild Place isn’t just much bigger,” says Beth Gallichan, Bristol Zoo’s head of development, “but it’s a very di erent style of oo, less urban and more obviously set in nature, and etter re ecting the ay these animals interact in the wild.

“In Bear Wood, for instance, you’re looking at wolves, lynx, wolverines and bears all mixed together, and you feel like you’re in their world, rather than we’ve dragged them to ours. There’s a

classroom set inside the enclosure, and walkways above, looking down, so your atching them on’t a ect their behaviour at all. Next up, we need a big new gorilla enclosure, which is the next part of a massive building phase we’re undertaking.”

As you’ve probably guessed, the ecological message – always present at the zoo, which has notched up many conservation firsts in its time is now much higher in the mix.

“I believe we’re the people who originally coined the word ‘zoo’,” Beth says, “and we’ve certainly een helping define hat they can be for ever. But the emphasis on the education element at Wild Place, and at the upcoming new Bristol Zoo, is new. We will not only have lots of animals there, ut a agship conservation campus for children and students too, where you’ll be able to walk past people who are actually undertaking conservation right in front of your eyes.” ne little no n fact a out most modern zoos is that they don’t own their own animals at all.

“In fact,” says Beth, “they’re all part of specific species reeding programmes, where keepers each have stud books, and do their best to make matches as far from their own animals’ genetic material as possible. So, if you have a silverback gorilla ith lots of o spring, these

BRISTOLWORKS

CGIs of the new Bristol Zoo. Yes, they’re sticking with the word ‘zoo’: “That’s where animals live, right?”

on’t e as sought after as the o spring of a silver ac ho’s only red once or t ice. t’s all part of a co ordinated plan, ith di erent oos specialising in di erent animals, so all those that aren’t coming ith us to ild lace ill e rehoused at other locations ithin the British and Irish Association of oos and uariums net or .

Basically, they’re all going to the very best homes with the best possi le futures.

In the meantime, what will happen to the old Clifton site ousing is the simple ans er ne homes, ut of a particular sort, high uality, sustaina le, and uilt around many retained elements, including some of the old oo’s more iconic uildings and longest esta lished trees. t ill o er access to natural green space for anyone to visit, eth says, and e hope a conservation hu ill remain too, recognising the history of the oo. t should also e home to von ildlife rust, another reminder of all the history that started there. t’s not ust the location and the approach that’s changing, ut the ay the oo is funded, too. efore Covid, gate receipts contri uted of our income, ith the rest from trust and grants, conservation pro ects overseas also supported y grants, of course plus philanthropy, a mem ership model, and commercial activities

“AT WILD PLACE YOU FEEL AS IF YOU’RE IN THE ANIMALS’ WORLD, RATHER THAN IF WE’VE DRAGGED THEM INTO OURS”

on site. These days, however, gate receipts are becoming less and less important; basically, the more we ma e a di erence, the more funding ecomes availa le. used to or at ersey oo, home of the urrell ildlife Conservation rust, and only of the income there comes from the door. eth herself has a ac ground in charity fundraising, and sees the ways Jersey Zoo has developed over the years as something of a model for ristol, though the potential for our ne oo housed at the rade olly ood state, gifted to Bristol Zoological Society in the mid ’ s seems yet greater it’s four times the si e, for a start.

“Predicting exactly when everything ill e finished in the current economic climate is simply not possi le, eth says, ut e’ve a strategy through to . ild Place will be open all the way through, though, and you’ll e a le to see the transformation happen every step of the ay. e’re inviting everyone on the ourney ith us, and though there’ll e lots of obstacles to overcome, it’s going to e uite the ourney. he challenge is to create a new Bristol Zoo by around that is ust as iconic and loved as the old one, ut is more than ust a great visitor attraction.

And are they experiencing o ections to any of this eople naturally miss having us right in the centre of the city, eth

says, ut once they understand the rationale behind the move, they’re very supportive. actually met t o old men in the library here, whose fathers had een groundsmen at the old oo, ut hen sho ed them the new site, and explained the advantages, they immediately ought in. f course, the last fe years have een difficult, ut our future is oth righter and more sustaina le in the long term. e need to be a charity at the very forefront of changing ehaviour. ne thing that’s interesting is they’re stic ing ith the name oo’,

hich at least for a fe has ecome something of a dirty ord in recent years. ac at ersey oo, e actually changed the name to the urrell ildlife ar , eth says, and inside the organisation it came lasphemous to say the ord oo’. ut hat happened isitor num ers dropped o , ecause people didn’t know what it was.

Now they’ve gone back to the old name, and oo’ says it all. hat’s here animals live, right For more www.bristolzoo.org.uk

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

BRISTOL’S BIGGEST BUSINESS EVENT Sponsorships now available VIEW OUR HOW TO BENEFIT FROM THE AWARDS WEBINAR HERE

neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk #BristolLifeAwards ︱ bristollifeawards.co.uk A

Production

BRISTOLWORKS

© A ARON GEIS PHOTOGR APHY

Happy Frankly Birthday

AND THEY’RE OPEN… It is time: entries for the Bristol Life Awards 2023 are now GO! The Awards night will take place on 16 March at Ashton Gate, and promises to e another glamorous, vi rant, oy filled ceremony – the most highly anticipated business bash in the city.

There are a number of ways to get involved: • Enter the Awards You can nominate your business NOW at the website – it’s free, and really not time consuming or difficult e have a special page on the website to make it even easier). It’s the ideal opportunity to tell us about the amazing things you’ve been doing, your successes, the challenges you’ve smashed, the unexpected wins, the hard-earned milestones.

SPONSORS

• Sponsor the Awards With more and more interest in being closely associated with the most prestigious event in the Bristol business calendar, sponsorship opportunities are going fast. o find out more, please contact neil.snow@mediaclash.co.uk • Buy tickets Anyone can attend the event, whether or not they’ve been shortlisted for an award. With nearly 700 people attending, the networking and collaboration opportunities are on another level – with, of course, a chance to party hard after the ceremony itself.

For more: www.bristollifeawards.co.uk

Happy second anniversary to Frankly, Helen Symonds’ delightful store at Cargo.

After two decades of experience in retail, Helen believed that shopping should be eco-conscious, sustainable and ethical. She also believed in the importance of the physical retail experience, and the one to one customer service you can only find in a proper shop. She wanted to put her ideas into practice, and this is where Frankly was born.

“I started to lack enthusiasm and passion for the sector, something that I used to adore.

I heard there was an opportunity to open a shop in Wapping Wharf, and I jumped at the chance. as at first nervous about starting up and running my own business, but it felt like the right thing to do.

It meant I could give back to communities and charities and make a di erence ith the products I sold, all while owning and running my own business.”

Helen has now successfully run the ethical gift shop for two years; despite having to navigate three lockdowns, and the cost of living crisis, Frankly is going strong.

“We’ve been fortunate to have survived during the Covid lockdowns. We switched to boosting online sales instead of welcoming people into the physical shop. We managed to pull through, and we are now thriving.”

Frankly stocks ethical, sustainable and eco-friendly products that give back to various causes. All products at Frankly have a feelgood story behind them. Helen hand-picks lovingly made products from Uganda, Peru, Bristol and beyond to stock in her shop and enjoys the ‘giving back’ element that all of her products represent.

For more www.frankly.store

PROPERTY

RICHMOND ROAD Deep in the heart of boho Montpelier sits an exquisite Georgian home with a remarkable rooftop eyrie...

Words by Ursula Cole

T

hink ‘boho’ – at least, in a Bristol context – and you’ll probably think ‘Montpelier’. Not as edgy as the Croft, artier than Clifton, there are numerous reasons why this neighbourhood is regularly voted one of the coolest in the country.

Richmond Road, situated halfway between the Cheltenham Road and Ashley Hill, is a perfect example of its residential streets, being a charming mixture of Georgian terraces – some colourfully painted, others leaving their golden Bath-stone facades unadulterated – and brown-brick Victorian homes.

Number 98, an exceptional four-storey town house, falls into the ‘golden unpainted’ category. It has the considerable advantage of being an end-of-terrace, and the further bonus of far-reaching city views, of which it takes full advantage from its private rooftop terrace.

The house has been beautifully renovated, with an artistic air and attention to details that efits its creative locale. While many Bristol homes are proud of their immaculate fitted itchens and athrooms, rather too often these are much of a muchness; once you’ve seen one granite worktop and Quooker tap, you’ve seen them all. Not so in this characterful house, which you can quite easily imagine being featured in one of the more upmarket interiors magazines.

Let’s head inside. Steps lead up to the front door into the long hallway. A door to the right opens to a living room with a large sash window with working shutters and a panelled surround; the original ceiling cornice and rose are still present and correct, along with the original oor oards and mantlepiece.

Fans of quirk, and those appreciating a sense of history, will enjoy the butler’s pantry with its built-in dresser behind the staircase, which neatly links the sitting room to the kitchen-dining room at the back, where a pair of large sash indo s frame city vie s and fill this eautiful room with plenty of natural light. Here, old meets new, with sleek stainless-steel units contrasting with the rustic

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

PROPERTY

oor oards, decorative ceiling details and eautiful splash ac tiling. itchen island divides the room, ith an open fireplace at one end and ood panelling across the central all. central staircase lin s all four oors, ith ide concrete steps leading do n to the lo er garden level, here a room spanning the idth of the house has French indo s to the orangery and garden a dar ood oor and inglenoo fireplace add armth and atmosphere. he orangery itself has a all mounted elfast sin , a glass roof and partly e posed ric all oth garden room and orangery open to a pretty, south facing garden ith a herring one ric patio, a circular her ed surrounded y agstones and raised planted eds. hall ay leads ac through to the front of the uilding past a utility room to a e i le study, playroom or fifth edroom. dar ood oor contrasts ith the painted ric all, ith an original cast iron range coo er, hile a cloa room means that if this as used as an office space you’d e virtually self sufficient.

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

HOUSE NUMBERS

Bath and shower rooms

Where?

Outside Lovely courtyard garden and spectacular roof terrace

Guide price

Montpelier £950k

Reception rooms Sitting room, large kitchen/diner, study Bedrooms

4-5

2

For more: Elephant, 2 The Promenade, Gloucester Road tel: 0117 3700556; www.elephantlovesbristol.co.uk

The staircase sweeps (as only a staircase can) back up through the house to the first oor, hich has t o dou le edrooms and a athroom again, ceiling roses, cornices, fireplaces, ooded oors and sash indo s have been carefully preserved. The bathroom has ample traditional charm ith its rolltop athtu , high level cistern and pedestal ash asin, contrasting prettily ith the more contemporary geometric tiles. he stairs continue up to the second oor to t o more dou le edrooms, and a stylish sho er room ith a stri ing geometric tiled oor and metro ric alls. oth edrooms have a fireplace and ooden oor, ut it’s the ac room that ins in the vista sta es here, views across the rooftops stretch away to the green hills beyond the city boundaries. ay e e’ll have that office up here, after all, then...

And there’s still more to come – and it’s quite a considerable ‘more’. A timber ladder staircase leads up from the top hall ay to the roof terrace here, eneath a glass canopy, doors open out on the terrace ith incredible 360º views – a secluded sun trap for kicking back or entertaining. his eautiful, elegant home is close to all the popular caf s and shops of icton Street, ontpelier ar , and the cherished The Cadbury pub – yet it’s just a mile from the city centre. h, and it’s priced at ust under a mill.

Discerning buyers should apply at once.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 93

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

(0117) 934 9977

Portishead, BS20 TO LET – POA 1,395 – 4,964 sq ft

Cumberland Road, BS1 TO LET – £21.00 psf pax 1,342 sq ft (124.67 sq m)

Queen Square, BS1 TO LET - £26.50 psf pax 2,728 sq ft

Whiteladies Road, Clifton TO LET £21.00 psf pax 495 – 1,072 sq ft

Cumberland Road, BS1 TO LET - £8,000 pax 415 sq ft (38.5 sq m)

Lower Park Row, BS1 TO LET - POA 1,524 – 4,694 sq ft

A ground floor office suite which has been newly refurbished to provide modern, open plan space.

On-site bike storage, shower and changing facilities, and communal green space.

A refurbished office providing attractive accomodation in an excellent location. There are currently two suites remaining which can be available together or separately.

St Augustine’s Parade, BS1 TO LET – POA 987 – 1,363 sq ft

North Street, BS3 FOR SALE £225,000+VAT 695 sq ft (64.57 sq m)

Queen Charlotte Street, BS1 TO LET £17.50 psf pax 1,741 sq ft (161.65 sq m)

Warminster, BA12 FOR SALE - £850,000 Exl.

Two new-build commercial units forming part of the Harbour Crescent development to be fitted to a high standard. Use Class E – would suit a range of uses.

A ground floor office suite fitted out to a high and contemporary standard. The suite benefits kitchenette, meeting room, showers, secure bike storage and car parking.

A modern office suite which has been newly refurbished.

The specification includes air conditioning, bike storage, shower facilities, and two car parking spaces.

An attractive, Georgian office building with accommodation available on hall floor and first floor levels. The suites are due to be refurbished and offer excellent natural light and high ceilings.

Stunning offices located in the heart of the city centre, which have undergone extensive refurbishment and benefit private entrance, bike storage, shower facilities, and basement storage.

A prominently positioned, ground floor retail unit. The property has a large sales area which has been recently fitted out to a high standard and benefits from a fully glazed retail frontage.

An income-producing commercial investment opportunity with future development potential, subject to necessary consents.

Situated in a stunning, rural setting with river frontage and large parking.

A modern, ground floor office suite located in Bristol’s Old Quarter.

The suite is predominantly open plan and benefits shower, bike storage, and car parking.

• Sales/Lettings

• Development advice

• Acquisitions advice • Investment

Julian Cook FRICS

Jayne Rixon MRICS

Charlie Kershaw MRICS

Finola Ingham MRICS

Tom Coyte MRICS

Holly Boulton BSc(Hons)

Vicki Grimshaw BSc (Hons)

• Valuations

• Dilapidations

• Landlord & tenant

• Property Marketing

• Rent reviews

• Auction Services

Block & Estate Management Raising the bar in block and estate management services across Bristol.

DNA Property Management St Brandons House, 27-29 Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5QT Email: info@dnaproperties.co.uk Tel: 01179 200141

www.dnaproperties.co.uk Transparent property management offering genuine cost savings with no compromise on service level standards

BRISTOL LIVES

“Community theatre is such an important place for young people to find their voice” experienced the power of theatre that makes you laugh out loud and rips your heart out in an instant. I was hooked.

Bristol is a powerhouse in the theatre world. The

JAMIE REES

Our theatre (and occasionally rugby) columnist, Tobacco Factory Theatres (TFT) comms director, and the most enthusiastic, positive person we know, tells us about his new Bristol life

J

amie recently moved from Cardi to Bristol; and frankly, it’s Bristol’s gain.

“I’ve always loved Bristol,” he says. “While I as or ing in Cardi often ventured over the Severn to experience the amazing theatre here, with one or two nights out at the Queens Shilling thrown in for good measure. Then in 2020, Tinder introduced me to an amazing person called Chris from Kingswood. . .”

The rest, as they say, etc etc.

I’ve worked all my adult life in arts marketing, bar a short

stint in Welsh rugby. I’ve also ventured onto the stage as a performer in a one-man show about the life of Carry On star Charles Hawtrey, called Oh

Hello. It played two years at the Edinburgh Fringe, winning two Laurel Awards and being chosen as Pick of the Fringe. It was an honour to perform the life story of a comedy legend.

I’d rather forget the time I totally forgot my lines on stage. I survived it somehow with a lot of improvisation.

I first got into theatre via am dram. Community theatre

is such an important place for young people to find their voice.

I don’t know where I’d be if it hadn’t been for community amateur dramatics.

The first show that really made an impression me was

called Like a Virgin, produced by the Hull Truck Theatre Company. As an 11-yearold, it as the first time that

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

theatres here are asking the right questions with their work, and the city is training worldclass artists, too. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s version of The Laramie Project is probably the best thing I’ve seen from an ensemble cast in a very long time.

Chris and I live in Totterdown.

Colourful. Friendly. A lovely bar or restaurant on each street corner. We’re getting plenty of pub quiz practice in around here and there’s some fab live music, too.

For a special meal out I only

need to go to the end of my street. The Star & Dove’s lamb pie and their roast dinners are second to none. I also spend a lot of time at the Tobacco Factory Bar. More time than I should, probably.

I‘ll be accused of favouritism here, but Revealed, recently

My finest hour was sitting on

Theatre was hit hard by Covid, and independent theatre

The moment I would like to forget? Asking Warren

produced at Tobacco Factory Theatres, is arguably in the top five sho s ’ve ever seen. n t o hours it forces men to look closely at themselves. The Red Lion at Bristol Old Vic had a similar impact on me.

companies like TFT have had to attle e tra hard to find a ay through it. We’re now at a very exciting juncture, with our new CEO and artistic director, Heidi Vaughan, coming into post.

What makes the TFT special is its audiences. We’re based in south Bristol, and we produce theatre that is accessible and a orda le. ur et nvolved programme o ers something for people aged three to 103; there really is a welcome for everybody, so please come in, say hello, and give it a go!

Bristol Hippodrome is one of my favourite theatres on the planet. t’s here first experienced musical theatre, and there is a magic and grandeur to the place.

Warren Gatland (the Welsh Rugby Coach)’s lap in the ilton otel in Cardi telling him who he should pick for the forthcoming British Lions tour to Australia. He listened. They won the series.

Gatland to marry me on the same occasion.

I wouldn’t call it a secret skill as such, but I play the

piano and have started to compose again.

My most regrettable habit is

nicotine lozenges. I tried giving up smoking in lockdown but I’m now addicted to the lozenges.

If I didn’t work in theatre my dream job would be to coach

the Welsh rugby team. Worst job? I’d be an awful hairdresser.

I have very shaky hands and I really don’t care where you’re going on holiday this year.

Follow Jamie on Twitter and insta at @theatre_ jam