Bristol Life - Issue 327

ISSUE 327 / BRISTMAS 2022 / £3

ISSUE 327 /BRISTMAS 2022 / HAVE YOURSELF A MAZI LITTLE BRISTMAS

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AMAZING MS MAISIE

HOW THE MAZI PROJECT’S NEW AMBASSADOR IS STICKING FOOD INEQUALITY WITH THE POINTY END IT’S BRISTMAAAS! CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS! MARKETS AND FUN DAYS OUT! A BUMPER GIFT GUIDE! ANIMATRONIC POLAR BEARS!

EDITOR’S LETTER

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20

Merry MaziMas, Ms Maisie

No, you can’t buy these Maisie Williams baubles; if you could, we’d definitely hang them on our tree. But you can read our exclusive interview with Maisie about her involvement with Bristol’s Mazi Project in our exclusive interview on page 20 . . .

’m really happy with how this issue has turned out. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the yuletide glitz and glamour, all the food and shopping and decorating, that it’s easy to forget that somewhere, buried under all the tinsel and fake snow, there are real Christmas stories quietly asking to be told.

We live in a compassionate city; maybe a uniquely caring one. It’s a city that sprang into action to help vulnerable people during the pandemic, and still hasn’t taken its foot off the pedal in the post-lockdown world.

Launched in 2021 in response to the free school meals scandal, The Mazi Project sets out to feed, educate and empower young disadvantaged people in the city. The food insecurity crisis is increasing every day, and Mazi is doing its utmost to help – and to that end they’ve recruited Bristol-born actor Maisie Williams as their new ambassador.

From being a complete unknown, Maisie was rocketed to global stardom at the age of 13 after being cast as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones.

Thrones At 25, she’s a remarkable woman whose film and T is matched by her work as an activist and entrepreneur. It’s a massive bonus for Mazi to have her on board, and another reason for Bristol to feel proud of Maisie’s close connection with the city.

And that, we feel, is a real Christmas story.

You can read more about it on page 20, among all our other festive features – because naturally we’ve brought the sparkle and shine as well. Have a wonderful Bristmas, beauties!

DERI ROBINS Bristol Life editor Follow us on

@BristolLifeMag;

@BristolLifeMag

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

Issue 327 / Bristmas 2022 ON THE COVER Maisie Williams photographed

by Reuben Selby

26

CHRISTMAS 7

THAT’S WHAT WE CALL BRISTMAS ’22

Markets, wonderlands and a pair of bears

THE BIG INTERVIEW

20 MAISIE WILLIAMS Exclusive: an interview with the Bristol

actor, activist and new ambassador of The Mazi Project. She’s an absolute dude.

ARTS

15 ARTS INTRO A full-page festive photo – think of it as a gift

from us and Pete ri ths to you. ow buy the print

16 WHAT’S ON A truncated version of the usual guide, because

we’ve stuck all the Bristmassy market stuff on page

26 PHOTOGRAPHY The unmissable Wildlife Photographer

7

of the Year Exhibition has rolled back into town

30 BRISTOL HEROES We’re making Bristmas great again,

one twig at a time.

35 BOOKS The Storysmith gift guide part II; and this time we’re

doing it for the kids

FOOD & DRINK

38 RESTAURANT The name doesn’t mean ‘Cor’ as in

‘phwoar’, but it might as well

42 COCKTAILS Mix, muddle, shake it like a Polaroid picture 49 CAFÉ SOCIETY From boot to boutiquery

SHOPPING

51 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Buy buy, baby 58 FASHION Putting on the glitz 61 INTERIORS The Midas touch

BUSINESS

69 BRISTOLWORKS Snippets from the white collar sector

PROPERTY

80 SHOWCASE They had us at the words ‘babbling brook’

REGULARS

13 BRIZZOGRAM 63 SCENE Snaps of people at parties 90 BRISTMAS QUIZ Did you really think we’d run a Bristmas

13

issue without one?

Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Colin Moody, Stan Cullimore, Storysmith Books 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

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© JULIAN PREECE

SPOTLIGHT

We’ve got markets. We’ve got wonderlands. We’ve got animatronic polar bears and sailing Santas; turn the page for the full lowdown, then head to page 16 for all the best Bristmas shows, music and New Year’s Eve shindigs

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SPOTLIGHT

THOSE CITY LIGHTS

f course, the easiest way to soak up the festive vibe is simply to wander the streets, where Bristol ity entre BID, edcliffe Temple BID and Broadmead BID have joined forces to bring the festive sparkle.

Many other neighbourhoods are pulling out the hyper-local stops too; there’s loads going on in Bedminster, from events and workshops to visual installations and the 12 Drinks of Bedminster trail (bedminster.org.uk) while the traders of Wapping Wharf have the lights on and the shop hours extended – please support these lovely folk while they cope with the closure of Gaol Ferry Bridge (wappingwharf.co.uk).

FESTIVE SHIZZLE

WINTERLAND AT PROPYARD When? Until 4 January Where? Propyard, St Philip’s Sugar, spice and everything ice with an indoor ice rink, ice-bumper cars, apres-ski bar, covered crafts market and street food.

Is there a Santa? o, but there are visits from the very cute animatronic polar bear, Bjorn. propyard.co.uk CRIBBS WINTER WONDERLAND WITH PADDINGTON™ When? Until 2 January Where? Cribbs Causeway The marmalade-loving ursine returns to Cribbs along with the outdoor ice rink and a ‘magical journey with charming characters to meet in interactive scenes’. Ideal for bribing the rugrats to behave while Xmas shopping.

Is there a Santa? es, accompanied by marmalade-making elves we discern a theme here) and Alba the Owl. mallcribbs.com VINTAGE WINTER WONDERLAND When? Until 2 January Where? Millennium Square The old-school fairground rides and stalls return, as does the apr s bar, with film screenings, live music, D -led events and food stalls selling bratwurst, pizza, orkshire pudding wraps and crêpes.

BELOW: Mistletoe and Glühwein at Broadmead INSET: Sail with Santa: surely the most Bristol FC of them all

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Is there a Santa?

ep, he’s waiting for you in his grotto on weekdays; no booking necessary.

Find Vintage Winter Wonderland on Facebook THE SPIEGELTENT When? Until 20 December Where? Waterfront Square The lovely mirrored tent returns with the usual eclectic mi of circus, music, drag brunch, cabaret, etc. enuinely magical.

Is there a Santa? o, but there’s a Baby Disko on 17 December and Kid Carpet’s Noisy Nativity on - December. christmasspiegeltent.co.uk PISTE

When? Until 31 January Where? ing’s oad, lifton

A pop-up apr s-ski; all the amenities of a winter ski lodge without having to hit the slopes. Looks very pretty indeed.

Is there a Santa? o, there’s more of a grown-up vibe going on here. pistebristol.co.uk

© BRISTOL FERRY

t’s hard to suppress a small ironic twitch of the lips whenever you hear the words ‘winter wonderland’. The phrase has been forever tarnished by those infamously tacky and overpriced ‘attractions’ of Christmas past: who can forget the shonky grottoes in muddy fields, plastic ice rinks, chain-smoking elves and bad Santas in Poundland costumes? Crushingly disappointing for those visiting with kids, obviously, but a guilty pleasure to read about.

But forget all of that, because Bristol is bringing all the magic this year – and here’s where to track it down.

© JULIAN PREECE

ABOVE: xxxxxxx; BELOW: xxxxxxx

ABOVE: Frankie goes to Old City

INSET: Cable-car-cosy at the Bristol Market

sustainable traders, a workshop and entertainment. betterevents.org.uk

SAIL WITH SANTA When? 17-18, 20-24 December Where? From Cascade Steps Fabulous festive family fun on the ferries!

There’s a personalised gift for each child, festive snacks and sherry for the grown-ups, and a 45-minute trip around the harbour Is there a Santa? The clue is in the name of the event. bristolferry.com SANTA SPECIALS AT THE AVON VALLEY RAILWAY When? 17 -18 December Where? Bitton Station An ideal treat for dads of all ages accompanied by responsible children.

Is there a Santa? When you return to Bitton Station, kids will meet the man in red and receive a gift. avonvalleyrailway.org

MARKETS

BRISTOL CHRISTMAS MARKET When? Until 23 December Where? Broadmead ’Tis the damn season, as Bristol Shopping Quarter’s streets play host to 40 wooden chalets selling treats and gifts. There’s the Jäger Barn Bar, cosy igloo pods and even cable-car gondolas. bristolchristmasmarket.com BRISTOL POP-UP SHOP AT THE GALLERIES When? 17 November- 24 December Where? The Galleries Gifts from over 80 local makers. bristolpopupshop.co.uk

OUT OF TOWN

Still craving more? No problem at all. Hop in the car and head for this lot.

ST NICK’S CHRISTMAS MARKET When? Until 24 December Where? Old City The Christmas outdoor markets are back, selling crafts and street food in Bristol’s most atmospheric quarter; bristol.gov.uk FUTURE LEAP When? 16-18, 19-23 December Where? Gloucester Road.

Alternative and sustainable shopping. futureleap.co.uk BEARPIT FESTIVE SPECIAL When? 18 December Where? Bearpit, obv.

Support local businesses while buying stuff you’ll never find on the high street. bearpitmarket.co.uk BETTER SUNDAYS When? 18 December Where? Broadmead Ethical, local market with over 20 local,

Wookey Hole (until 1 January). Over 100,000 lights create an enchanting underground Christmasland, there’s a grotto, a circus show inspired by Elf on the Shelf and a D hristmas film. wookey.co.uk The Festival of Light at Longleat (until 8 January) brings Roald Dahl’s stories to life with over 800 lanterns. There’s Britain’s biggest singing Christmas tree, the Santa Train, and a Winter Safari drive-through; one of the pricier treats around, but guaranteed to be brilliant. longleat.co.uk Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park Avon Valley leaves no festive stone unturned, with shows, ice-skating and The Polar Express miniature steam train. After dark, the Christmas light trail (16-23, 27-31 Dec) leads you round the illuminated park; there’s also a festive disco. avonvalley.co.uk Santa also pitches up at Old Down Estate from 17-24 Dec (olddownestate.co.uk); Cheddar Gorge until 24 Dec (cheddargorge. co.uk); Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier between 19 -24 Dec (grandpier.co.uk); and at Slimbridge (17-23 Dec) for a wetland wonderland (wwt.org.uk)

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SPOTLIGHT

POSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST

By the time this magazine comes out it may well have snowed. But just in case, let’s delve into the archives and celebrate some of the best Bristmassy pics of recent years

@gertie.photography

@ellez.bristol

@mrbenadams

@l_bzn

@lbsmith_photography

@chrshill

@theperkspective

@ten_realms_photography

@chrshill

@danhodgephotography

@jameshholmes

@neiljamesb

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

Even without snow, this Park Street shot by Pete Griffiths is a wintry banger. Follow Pete at @petegriffiths80 on instagram and buy prints at www.petegriffiths.picfair.com

LEFT TO RIGHT: Muppets run amok at Wardrobe; the very best kind of festive schmaltz at Bristol Film Fest; interactive Santa at the TFT

W AT’S ON 16 December-6 January

For all the Bristmas markets, wonderlands and grottoes, flick back to page 7

EXHIBITIONS Until 18 December

KAVI PUJARA: THIS GOLDEN MILE Kavi began to photograph the neighbourhoods close to Leicester’s Golden Mile to reconnect with the city, its residents and his own past; MPF; martinparrfoundation.org

Until 20 December

MORE THAN A NUMBER Thought-provoking work by 12 photographers from Africa, caught between modernity and tradition; at Trinity Centre, afrikaeye.org.uk PINK LADY® FOOD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR The world’s leading awards for food photography, at Royal Photographic 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 staff; now, at the same site, ebohang re ects on the legacy of colonialism as a shared history; bristolmuseums.org.uk

Until 8 January

Rosemary is known for her gauzy and colourful fabric sculptures named after historical women; Spike Island, spikeisland.org.uk

Until 29 January

BHARTI KHER A collection of sketches, drawings, paintings, sculptures and installations, at Arnolfini; arnolfini.org.

Until 29 May

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR At M Shed p ; bristolmuseums.org.uk

SHOWS

Until 2 January

ROBIN HOOD AND MARIAN It’s off to Sherwood Forest at The edgrave, for a show filled with sword-wielding, highly inauthentic dragons, venison pasties and lots of archery; redgravetheatre.com WINTER TALES WITH GRANDDAD Exquisite puppets and captivating storytelling in The Wardrobe’s festive family show; thewardrobetheatre.com

JOHN AKOMFRAH: MIMESIS: AFRICAN SOLDIER John uncovers the undiscussed story of Commonwealth soldiers who volunteered to fight in World War I – the war of their colonial masters.

Bristol Museum; bristolmuseums.org.uk RWA ANNUAL OPEN The Annual Open Exhibition returns to the WA for its th outing; rwa.org.uk

Until 15 January

LAWRENCE ABU HAMDAN: THE 49TH PARALLEL A major new film commission focusing on the Haskell Free Library and Opera House; spikeisland.org.uk ROSEMARY MAYER: WAYS OF ATTACHING

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Another fine mess elf’s got him into; Winter Tales with Granddad

WHAT’S ON 31 December (obviously) ALL THAT GLITTERS Join the Milk Thistle for a night filled with elegant golden glamour, outstanding cocktails and entertainment; eventbrite.co.uk

IT’S DISCO, B*!&H Bambalan goes disco, with all-night D s, cocktails and naturally, plenty of dancing; eventbrite.co.uk

Not a creature was stirring, apart from this rat: The Nutcracker

Until 7 January

THE NUTCRACKER Written by Tom Morris, directed by ee yford, with B faves Tristan Sturrock, Patrycja ujawska and wyneth erbert joined by B TS grad Denzel Baidoo. Bonkers, and fabulously festive. bristololdvic.org.uk

Until 8 January

BELLE AND SEBASTIEN Bristol ld ic and Travelling ight’s festive show for children ; guaranteed to bring the magic bristololdvic.org.uk

Until 15 January

THE SNOW QUEEN In the TFT’s festive biggie this Bristmas, erda once again heads to the frozen north to save best friend aj from the icy clutches of the Snow ueen; tobaccofactorytheatres.com

Until 22 January

MDH: PUPPETS DO A MOVIE Wardrobe fans will know what to e pect, viz. a fast, smart, lo-fi action thriller parody full of lols, plastic machine-guns and a talking pig; thewardrobetheatre.com

Until 23 December (selected dates)

Until 31 December

CINDERELLA Bristol ippodrome puts on the ultimate panto, with raig evel orwood having a lot of fun camping it up as the wicked stepmother; atgtickets.com ALADDIN It’s a magic carpet ride at edgrave this hristmas, in its biggest panto to date; redgravetheatre.com

22 December

THE FLAMING FEATHERS CHRISTMAS CABARET Step back in time in the subterranean tunnels of oco lub; a candlelit stage show dripping in decadence, showgirls, juggling, comedy, burles ue and festive cheer. theflamingfeathers.com

3 January

SIR RANULPH FIENNES: LIVING DANGEROUSLY The world’s greatest living e plorer comes to thaw out brie y at The ippodrome; atgtickets.com

MUSIC

16 December

AN UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS At Bristol Improv Theatre, your suggestions will give the team uirky characters to riff on; improvtheatre.co.uk

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Starting in near darkness, the Bristol athedral hoir proceeds down the aisle bearing candles; bristol-cathedral.co.uk

Until 23 December

17, 19 December

BS3 SANTA An enchanting show with comic actor Stewart Wright as Santa, bringing improvisation and audience interaction, at TFT, tobaccofactorytheatres.com

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR The Bristol Ensemble and ity of Bristol hoir join bring the festive cheer through music and readings at St eorge’s Bristol stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

POP CON PRESENTS: VIVA LAS THEKLA Immerse yourself in the ity of Sin as Bristol’s favourite oating nightclub serves up just-for-fun casino style games, wedding chapel photobooth, egas cocktails, all the classic Pop on bangers from D Elvis and more; theklabristol.co.uk UP THE ANTICS This year’s Improv Theatre line-up ft. divas, five-star improv groups and sketch legends; improvtheatre.co.uk

20 December

FESTIVE FIESTA Another festive evening at St ’s, with favourite carols, hristmas choral works and orchestral pieces and a chance for a lovely singalong. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

NYE AT THE SQUARE CLUB An all-inclusive classic ollywoodstyle party; thesquareclub.com

21 December

NYE AT BRISTOL STABLE ate-night party ft. the pop, soul, funk hip-hop of ew rleans band orning lory; stablepizza.com

HANDEL’S MESSIAH There’s traditional, and then there’s St eorge’s does The Messiah traditional’. If choral stuff’s your thing this is festively unmissable; stgeorgesbristol.co.uk

NYE AT RACKS ate-night black-tie, free bar, live band, casino and feast, for the dedicated party animal; racks-bristol.co.uk n

COMEDY Ongoing

Belle and Sebastien; the mighty Felix Hayes plays Belle

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

17 December

STUART GOLDSMITH The award-winning comedian, writer, podcaster and host brings his smart, accessible stand-up to en hicken; henandchicken.com

OTHER Ongoing

BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL The almost-year-round fest with the something-for-everyone remit rumbles on. Plenty of festive favourites coming up. bristolfilmfestival.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE A handy guide to some of the glitziest shindigs in town.

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

www. bristolcityroofing.co.uk

“Fame is such a bizarre part of what I do, but it can be so helpful if used in the right way”

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

THE AMAZING MS MAISIE Bristol’s Mazi Project has big plans for the future – and new ambassador Maisie Williams will be playing a key role in making them happen

Words by Deri Robins; photos by Jack Abbott

W

e must have been good this year, because Santa has brought us an early Christmas present in the form of Maisie Williams.

She’s Zooming me from Paris, where she’s filming a new TV show, but we’re not here to talk about the job today.

We’re here to talk about an issue that’s close to her heart – and to many Bristolians’ hearts. The Mazi Project.

Mazi (the word is Greek for ‘together’) is a fairly new but mighty Bristol food poverty CIC founded by Melanie Vaxevanakis. It’s a visionary endeavour that seeks to educate, inspire, unite and empower, rather than just to feed, some of the most marginalised young people in the city. Disadvantaged youth in Bristol are suffering like never before, and The Mazi Project is at the frontline; they’ve seen referrals go up by 40% and now have a waiting list of people they’d love to help, but can’t – yet.

Mel set up Mazi in response to the 2021 free school meals scandal; today, it supports an ever-increasing number of care leavers aged 16-25, along with youths recovering from homelessness and asylum seekers in

supported accommodation. Every Tuesday, a group of volunteers delivers a box containing high-quality ingredients and recipes to their young people, the menus having been chosen in advance over text.

From the get-go, the project struck a very Bristol chord.

Many of the biggest names in local hospitality came on board, unstintingly offering their time, skill, space and ingredients. It’s growing nicely, having delivered over 9,000 meals to date, but Mel has ambitions to extend it even further – and to this end she’s invited Bristol-born actor, entrepreneur and activist Maisie, who herself experienced food insecurity as a child, to join her as the CIC’s new ambassador.

Maisie’s own teenage years were unusual to say the least. At the age of 13 she was rocketed to global, awardwinning stardom after being cast as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, where she quickly became the heart of the show. ill off the other characters, if you must’, we silently implored the showrunners; ‘but please don’t kill Arya’.

Sudden fame must be ba ing for child stars, who find themselves fawned over, feted and pigeonholed before they’ve had a chance to work out who they really are, or who they want to be. It’s not surprising so many end up spiralling into substance abuse, followed by rehab if they’re lucky, a tragic early death if they’re not.

In contrast, even as a young teenager, Maisie used her

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THE BIG INTERVIEW see a lot of my younger self in their lives. I knew immediately that I wanted not just to donate, but to help support the organisation in the most simple way I knew how. Mel suggested that I might come on board as an ambassador, and I loved the idea.”

To be an effective role model you need to be relatable, which is partly why Maisie has chosen now to speak up about her own experience of food insecurity.

“I had a lot of support from Barnardo’s when I was growing up,” she says. “It had an incredible, transformational impact on me. My fear dissipated; my sense of self started to rise. I took a dance class shortly after, which led to auditions, my role in Game of Thrones and everything else that’s come since.

“I spent five days with Barnardo’s with a bunch of other kids like myself, with these incredible helpers and carers. I remember feeling all of a sudden that I wasn’t alone with these feelings, these emotions that I just didn’t really know how to process or to work through.

“Later on I discovered cooking as a meditative way to find peace; because at the end of the hardest day, nourishing your body and giving yourself a meal is really the greatest gift, and something that absolutely every single person deserves to be able to do.

“What I loved about Mazi was the hands-on-slashhands-off approach, where they have incredible tools and recipes and ingredients that they give to young people so

fame to campaign for vulnerable people and eco causes.

A good deed in a naughty world, she spends a huge amount of her time campaigning for a fairer one.

She’s spoken out about cyber-bullying, thrown her name behind Black Lives Matter and supported numerous environmental and political causes. Mindful of her own life-changing career break, she’s created apps to help young creatives break into the industry. She was the World Wildlife Fund’s first global ambassador; she’s given a TED talk; the list goes on. Arya may have killed the Night King, but Maisie is still trying to save the world, sticking injustice with the pointy end one issue at a time.

It’s only when she gives her infectious giggle that you remember that she’s still only 25.

Maisie first came across The Mazi Project by chance when a friend invited her to a fundraising meal.

“So I went along, and had the most amazing evening, and ate the most delicious food. I hadn’t realised how many of the young people were going to be cooking in the kitchen and involved in the whole event. And I watched Mel get up and make a speech.

“In that moment, over dinner, it really struck a chord deep within me, and deep within my story, that I hadn’t spoken about publicly before. It was just one of those moments; like a calling, almost. I found this organisation to be so impactful to young people, and I could really

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ABOVE: Maisie at Mazi; the

CIC is always looking for volunteers to help pack boxes RIGHT: Prior experience of direwolves handy but not essential

“I found Mazi to be so impactful to young people, and I could really see a lot of my younger self in their lives”

THE BIG INTERVIEW they can make these dinners on their own. Being able to rely on yourself is such a powerful thing. The impact that a little nurture, time and care can have on young people is genuinely life-changing. That’s what The Mazi Project is providing for the young people in Bristol, and that’s why I wanted to get involved.

As the Mazi ambassador, Maisie won’t merely be lending her name to the brand or popping over to open the odd fete. Side by side with Mel, she actively wants to help grow the project.

“It’s not just about raising awareness about what Mazi does, but putting into action the things it needs to be sustainable. We’ve wanted to be really, really targeted in terms of the people Mazi helps, localised to Bristol; but as a format it can, in theory, be replicated in any city.

“We’ve spoken about doing a documentary and unveiling some of the work Mazi does. But my favourite part so far has been getting to meet these incredible young people and hear more about their lives, and how the work that Mazi does has helped them.

Thinking over the many causes that Maisie has thrown herself behind, I ask whether giving back to society is crucial to her own wellbeing.

“Definitely. I’d found myself with this incredible opportunity, the opportunity of my wildest dreams, and it fell right in front of me. And I was so grateful, but also definitely struggled to feel like that opportunity was for

MAZI AND MEL

Melanie Vaxevanakis started the Mazi Project in response to the free school meals scandal.

“We delivered our first box at the end of March last year. It was just very much me channelling my anger of the boxes that I saw, and the big realisation that food poverty is so much more than not having access to enough food; it’s actually not having access to that dinner table of fresh food, or a brownie from Harts Bakery as opposed to Tesco, to show you that beautiful difference.

“I wouldn’t have been able to get to the level that we’re at now without people like Josh Eggleton, who helped us by giving us the space to work; support from Bianchis, Pizzarova, Tess from Box-E and Pegs from Sonny Stores, who’s now one of our board members. All of these people are massively helping me to build the bridge between marginalised groups and the amazing food scene in Bristol. It’s not just like a food bank; we are doing something unique and

something that is connecting with the young people specifically that we’re working with. It’s actually helping them increase their self-worth.

“We need to be working as a community organisation and decentralising ourselves from what I believe to be a government which might not necessarily be very responsible for some people in a way it should be. Eventually I’d like to replicate the model across the UK, helping to get sustainable and nutritious food and food education to all marginalised groups, not just young people, in a way that gives them choice and control.

“Fundamentally, though, it’s about being leaders in conversations and research in conversation around the importance of food in helping deprived areas to come out of an endless circle. And that’s why I’m insanely grateful that Maisie has come in at this level. It’s so cool and exciting to have her joining me. The universe has brought us together and it feels just right.”

me, and to feel like I fit into that world. And I think my reaction to that has always been to try and open these opportunities up to more and more people, because it completely changed my life. And I do still sometimes uestion how all of this happened. But I know that it’s important for other people to be given the same opportunity as me. Fame is such a bizarre part of what I do, but it can be so helpful if used in the right way. And that’s what I intend to do with Mazi.

“I was raised with an understanding of society and the world that I didn’t necessarily share with a lot of people I was working with. And so I felt like I had this perspective; not that I would ever want to, but you just can’t ignore the fact that you know too much about the pain in the world to be able to just let it all go, and just forget it all.

“And so, yeah, it stays with me forever. And now I feel so fortunate to be at a point where I can look back at my life and not feel scared or ashamed or embarrassed of what I had to go through in order to get here. I can use it to help other people who are in that situation, and I didn’t know if I would ever get that full-circle moment. I think that it’s been healing on so many levels. ike many charities, Mazi is stepping up its efforts in the run-up to hristmas with the MaziMas campaign; by the time this magazine comes out they’ll have held a fundraising Winter Feast at Trinity with Maisie, and launched a T-shirt that she’s designed. h, she designs, too es, she does and she’s come up with a concept that’s simultaneously fun and touching.

“The way I e plored lu ury food when I was a small kid was through films; I used to love scenes of kids eating the most delicious foods, and I used to replay them. And so with my connection to the film industry, and Mazi’s connection with food, I thought it would be fun to draw an impression of some of my favourite scenes and compile them all together on a T-shirt.

Mazi has also launched a festive food and drink trail, with a map of local indie businesses which are supporting

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

them in different ways. Then there’s the winter celebration “the most e citing event, according to Mel for Mazi’s young people on December, with osh Eggleton cooking a big roast. It’s the first time they’ve run this event, but they hope to replicate it every year and grow it.

Maisie will be there too; she’s been dotting back and forth from Paris all year, where she’s filming the new Apple TV series The New Look, playing atherine Dior.

“She was an incredible woman, who had an insane story; she was part of the French esistance, fought against azi-occupied France, was captured and punished for it yet survived and went on to live a long life.

When I ask what she tends to look for in an acting role, she says it’s “really hard to define. This is also what my agents have asked me, and I wish that I could put it into words, because they would love to know as well. I don’t know; I think someone with humanity and someone who I can see a little piece of myself in, I guess.

Anyway, back to Mazi.

“This year has been spent filming and working with Mel. At the beginning of I set myself a word that the year would be about. I chose alignment. And through working with Mazi, and speaking up about more of my story, I really feel like the public version of myself and the real version of myself are becoming far more aligned. iven her youth and astonishing overnight success, it’s unsurprising that in her very earliest interviews Maisie came across as bouncy and e citable; a far cry from the poised, calm woman she seems to have become although I really hope she never loses that giggle . So at the grand old age of , has she found balance in her life “Absolutely. I think that this year has been healing for

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

Packing Tuesday at Mazi HQ; Mel is second from the left

“I didn’t know if I would ever get that full-circle moment; it’s been healing on so many levels”

HOW CAN WE HELP?

“Donate!” says Mel. “Money is a really big thing. Approach your company and ask them to become corporate sponsors. Volunteer every Tuesday on North Street; many people can’t really conceptualise what we do until they see it all happening. Help raise awareness of the issue, and follow us as we get ready for for the campaign we’re going to launch next spring.”

And of course, buy the T-shirt and merchandise, and check out the MaziMas food and drink trail.

For more www.themaziproject.com

a lot of reasons. And I do feel like now is the perfect time to be able to both work at the job and help other people, because I finally feel like I’m in a good place in my own life to be able to do that.

“The infrastructure Mel has been able to build and the impact she’s had is astounding, given that Mazi’s only been running a short time. I’ve seen the inner workings of charities, but they’re usually very large, and have been going for many years, but to see this one woman and everything she’s built, and to met the young people and see how much they love and respect her is really special.

It’s a grassroots organisation, and it’s been so eye-opening.

“I think you can feel powerless while you wait around for the government to implement change. Working together to build these communities is so important, and it’s also important in policy change. It feels really wonderful to be working on the Mazi Project because I can see the future in which it’s doing everything that it’s set out to do, and I think it looks really e citing. n

CALL OF THE WILD The world’s best nature photography exhibition will be open at M Shed until May. But why wait that long?

In our book, it makes the perfect antidote to all the tinsel and overindulgence of Christmas

T

he annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is unmissable on so many levels.

Mostly for the quality of the images themselves – some of them upsetting, others Pixar-level cute but also because they offer a sobering reminder of the precious beauty of our planet, shining a light on stories from all over the world and conveying the impact of human activity in ways that words – yes, even those uttered by the sage Sir David – can never hope to match.

As ever, we’ve chosen some of the least disturbing photos for our feature (the seal and mongoose both escaped, incidentally) because it’s Christmas, after all. n The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022, developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, is at M Shed until 29 May 2023 www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

ARCTIC AMBUSH By Theo Allofs

Theo had sailed for days through loose-pack ice before spotting the lone polar bear. Approaching the sleeping bearded seal, the bear dived down before rocketing out of the water, propelling its body onto the ice floe. It missed its target and the seal escaped into the water.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

“The photos remind us of the precious beauty of our planet in ways that words can never do”

A SWAN’S PERSPECTIVE By Mateusz Piesiak

Three curious mute swans peered down, nipping at Mateusz, who was lying on his back holding his camera above him. Usually this would have been a popular spot to feed the mute swans, but on this freezing afternoon, with the temperature hovering at -10°C, he was the only person on the riverbank.

The river runs through Mateusz’s home city of Wrocław, Poland, and the mute swans often gather along the banks in expectation of being fed.

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

POLAR FRAME

By Dmitry Kokh

As Dmitry’s boat approached the small, uninhabited island of Kolyuchin in the remote Russian Far East, the last thing he expected to see was a figure at the window of a house.

Gazing through his binoculars, Dmitry

was astonished to see more than 20 polar bears exploring the ghost town. It was too dangerous to land, so he used his low-noise drone to document the surreal experience.

Following the breakup of the USSR in the early 1990s, the small settlement on the island was abandoned and the weather

station closed. Polar bears are extremely inquisitive, and will often investigate abandoned places in search of food. With climate change reducing sea ice, it is becoming increasingly difficult for polar bears to hunt, pushing them to move closer to human settlements in order to scavenge.

TREEFROG POOL PARTY

By Brandon Güell

Plagued by mosquitoes, Brandon waded chest-deep into the murky water. At dawn, after torrential rain, thousands of female gliding treefrogs arrived at the pool to lay their eggs on overhanging palm fronds. They had been attracted by the calls of the waiting males, which were ready to fertilise their eggs once laid.

These spectacular mass breeding events occur in only a few remote locations, just a handful of times a year, and are hard to predict. Brandon had been up at four in the morning for days in anticipation of catching one.

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

THE BONOBO AND THE MONGOOSE

By Christian Ziegler

Christian tracked a group of bonobos which are being studied by the Max Planck Society. He set out each day before daylight, waded chest-deep through flooded forest and often walked 20 kilometres each day.

Catching up with the group, Christian recalls how “the bonobo held and stroked the little mongoose for more than an hour, carrying it carefully, as it climbed a tree to eat fruit”.

At first look you might think that this scene is sweet, but it likely has a darker origin. Bonobos are mainly herbivores but do occasionally hunt and eat small mammals. This mongoose pup was eventually released unharmed.

“The bonobo held and stroked the little mongoose for more than an hour, carrying it carefully as it climbed a tree to eat fruit”

THE OCTOPUS CASE

By Samuel Sloss

Samuel was muck-diving along the volcanic sands of Lembeh Strait, Indonesia, when he noticed this coconut octopus. He lowered the power of his strobe lamp so as not to distress it.

As he approached, the octopus quickly shut the lid of the shell, but then, to Samuel’s delight, it slowly opened it again, revealing a stunning array of colours and coils.

ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

1

Let’s make Christmas great again, one pine branch at a time . . .

Words and pics by Colin Moody

BRISTOL HEROES

2

1

Saw this in a shop window last year.

I Hate Christmas.

And I took a snap.

There was something quite sad about this tiny little tree. The message. And then I recalled all those hristmas films that I love.

Elf, the one in which Santa works at Macy’s. The original, of course.

And those films when things start to go wrong. and lessons need to be learnt. And at some point near the end, just when it’s all looking so bleak, like it’s all gonna go wrong, that’s the moment when things are pulled back from the edge of despair. The sledge ies, the disappointed become hopeful. immy Stewart steps off the bridge. ells bells; with the cost of living and war in Europe it seems the sad bit has been going on and on and on.

So I leave this here as ero . ate it, but hopefully some kind gesture, some little piece of joy comes your way, my little shopdisplay maker. And anyway, you made me smile, and think a little about the over-consumer -driven holiday, and pledge to just be a little bit nicer to everyone I meet until the whole trick’s over.

2 3

So staying festive, all these hristmas heroes are gonna grow on you. Because every one is a tree.

This one has been kind of smothered by a purple tinsel roll that probably was intended for a bigger tree. Here we are at BBC Radio Bristol on hristmas Eve. And just for fun I’m imagining this as an album cover for the festive season.

Whatever your thoughts about the o ce hristmas party, good luck. Remember you gotta work with these people after the holidays.

3

Ho ho ho.

It’s off to work we go.

At 20 miles per hour.

Remembering when the local authority launched its 20 mph campaign just before tinsel time?

I declare again the person who decorates trees for uses outside the family home has not done a bad job here.

You can always tell how much people care about the season by how they do the tree. And the big 20 at the top reminding us, by slowing down on the roads, that’s fewer angels sent up.

“Whatever your thoughts about the o ce hristmas arty goo l c . emember yo gotta or ith these eo le after the holi ays

4

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BRISTOL HEROES 5

6 7

4

Trees there in the background somewhere.

Some pub by Bristol Old Vic, this one.

And here’s hoping we don’t get a new shiny old president back in the White House next year.

Let’s make Christmas great again.

8

5

The wonderful Trylla shop Bedminster – she’s got a troll for every occasion. Summer picnic troll, space troll, but to put a warm fuzzy feeling in your Christmas Bristol Life just take a moment to look and connect with Santa troll.

It’s the moment you needed. Enjoy it.

6

Maybe I forgot the tree with that last one.

Ah forgive me; it’s Christmas.

Here is the gift that keeps on giving. The Christmas sprout.

This was the first ovid hristmas, hence she’s got the shield on in the background.

Dare say a lot of us have deleted the cancelled Christmas from our collective memory; however, I do remember that it still happened. Might have been one of the most important get-throughthis-Christmases there have ever been. And if sprouts can do it for you, then good on you!

7

Oh Christmas tree Oh Christmas tree What a wonderful gift You give to me. ou fill the house With scents so fine Your light look good After some mulled wine Oh Christmas tree Oh Christmas tree Your part of my pledge

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

To go plastic free.

To the heroes who grow the living-in-a-pot trees that you hire, give back and maybe rehire again next year.

8

Ah, ran out of tree pics.

Tell you what, here’s the plot twist.

Local legend sends a deep message.

Peace.

That’s what I want for Christmas.

Big shoutout to all the new krainians about to spend their first Christmas here.

Welcome. Let’s sit down and eat together, and toast to peace.

PS: taken on Turbo Island.

The last Christmas message from the island in its current state…

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

EMILY & DAN ROSS STORYSMITH BOOKS

Nash bring the magic of her new picture book, A Family Christmas, in which her artwork weaves around Alana Washington’s text.

A classic aesthetic with a proudly contemporary image of family, it’s the perfect bedtime read for anyone who’s excited for the big day. Decorating the tree, the stockings lined up ‘like sausage dogs’, the deluge of visitors, the obligatory postprandial walk: it’s all in there, and it’s all beautiful.

It’s Christmas – and it turns out that underneath that hardheaded, intellectual exterior our favourite booksellers are big softies after all

W

e are firm believers that Christmas really is all about the kids. One glance at the children’s section of our shop after a December Saturday will tell you that this is the case, and that the enthusiasm for stories really does increase at this time of year. It will also tell you that we desperately need to tidy up, but that’s a different matter which we’ll perhaps delegate to one of our booksellers).

Cynical, hardened purveyors of quality literature for 11 months of

the year, and then December rolls around and suddenly we’re a bit emotionally wobbly at the thought of all those magical stories finding new homes under their respective hristmas trees. And the offering this year is very strong indeed – here, in no particular order, are our favourites.

A Family Christmas by Alana Washington & Emily Nash If you’ve walked past the shop recently you will no doubt have stopped in your tracks and remarked on the glorious new artwork gracing our front window. We were fortunate enough to have illustrator Emily

who could wake up at any moment.

But, as you will discover, it takes more than that to stop Mummy Penguin.

The Grumpus by Alex T. Smith For slightly older readers who haven’t lost that sense of wonder, Alex T. Smith has created this delightfully anarchic new Christmas classic. The Grumpus is a charmingly weird creation, a taciturn, jumperwearing beastie who is vehemently opposed to all things festive.

But where does his distaste for Christmas come from, and what inspired him to hatch his ‘dastardly, dreadful Christmas plan’? It all goes back to one fateful Christmas Eve…

Joyful, Joyful by various authors, ed. by Dapo Adeola The title of this collection of stories from black voices should give you an idea of what to expect. A celebration of writers marginalised by the publishing industry, including the likes of Malorie Blackman, Sharna Jackson and Patrice Lawrence, these stories exude love and empowerment for all audiences.

Compiled and edited by awardwinning author and illustrator Dapo Adeola, this is a stunning gift book, a satisfyingly hefty hardback which will enchant anyone who is already in thrall to the power of a good story so, everyone .

“There’s nowhere better to be than a bookshop at Christmas”

Well Done, Mummy Penguin

by Chris Haughton We’re very happy to provide a recommendation through direct experience, thanks to our little boy and his new obsession with the bravery and derring-do spirit of Mummy Penguin in this stylish and heartwarming new picture book from Chris Haughton.

Mummy Penguin’s journey across the ice to get some fish for dinner is a gently perilous one, where she must negotiate the freezing waters, a precarious climb up the ice and some dozing seals

We hope that, whether you’re reading them or not, your Christmas is full of wonderful stories. We also hope that you’ll spend a few minutes with your local bookseller between now and the big day – we like to focus on kids’ books at this time of year, but we and our fellow booksellers across the city have the kind of specialist knowledge that really comes into its own in December. Task them with a recommendation, take them a mince pie, but most of all make sure to drink in that unique atmosphere: there’s nowhere better than a bookshop at Christmas.

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

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

COR

Oops, BS3 did it again: this late arrival on the 2022 food scene is our restaurant opening of the year Words by Deri Robins Photos by Louis Smith www.studiowhisk.co.uk

“Cor is so much where the local food scene is right now that there should be a gurt big arrow outside Temple Meads pointing visitors straight to Bedminster”

RESTAURANT

W

e sauntered across North Street in an unfeasibly sweet, almost lobstery punch into its crispy parmesan- ecked elegiac state of mind. Upfest had just breadcrumb shell; it may not have been the most visually arresting dish announced it wouldn’t be running in 2023 of the night, but it was one of my favourites. due to rising costs, and as we looked up at Burrata can be a bland little beast if left to its own devices, but its Sophie Rae’s mural outside Cor we were creamy softness proved the ideal foil for a lively dressing of fennel, chilli reminded just how important our streetand garlic oil scattered with crispy capers and pine nuts. Another top art festival is to this city, and how much dish was a large plate of shallots doused in brown buttery sauce with vibrancy it brings to the walls of BS3. crispy sage leaves and soft blobs of luxurious St Jude’s cheese. A wintry On the plus side, I guess, it means that Sophie’s mural is likely to stay sofrito of tomato, celery and fennel – Mark seems quite the fan of subtle up for longer; and although it was originally created while the site was aniseedy hits – was sharply spicy from the addition of pickled red onion. occupied by vegan café Flip, and Cor was still just a twinkle in owner Mark The corners of my mouth had turned down slightly when my dining Chapman’s eye, the style suits it very well. It’s energetic, colourful and fresh companion, the excellent Ms A, suggested the cannellini beans; most – adjectives that can equally be applied to Cor. pulses leave me cold. However, this lifelong There’s something about a corner restaurant prejudice was challenged after tasting Cor’s that looks immensely inviting on a cold version in lemon buerre blanc with oily globules DINING DETAILS December evening, its steamed-up windows of smoked caviar and crunchy panko: a riot of COR, 81 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1ES offering a tantalising glimpse of the cosy bustle textures and umaminess which when combined 0117 911 2986; www.correstaurant.com within. While the outside is Christmassy red, with the mild nuttiness of the beans added up to Opening hours Tuesday-Saturday midday-10pm Cor’s interior is crisp and cool, with white walls comfort food of the highest order.

Prices Small plates £3.5-£16.5; puds £4-£7.9 and oors, painted bentwood chairs and simple Finally, from the larger plates menu, came a little tables. There are lots of perchable points wonderful wild black bream, cooked to silky Atmosphere Convivial, laidback, local vibe too, from the people-watching stools at the sous-vide perfection and served with fat mussels Service Informed and friendly window to the comfy cane-backed chairs at the in a vermouth sauce. Ms A doesn’t ‘do’ mussels, Veggies Lots of choice bar; bag the latter, if you get the chance. so I wolfed the lot.

Drinks Carefully curated list of wines, beer, cider Cor – that’s as in the Latin for ‘heart’, not as Do leave room for pudding, and do make it and cocktails in ‘phwoar’, though we wouldn’t quibble if it the tiramisu. If you’re going to serve this dessert was is the first venture for Mark, who has amply you may as well go the whole Italian hog, as proved his cheffy prowess in recent years at Bravas, ambas and antina. these guys do, and use layers of panettone to add an exciting element of He’s Australian, but don’t expect the usual Mod-Oz melting pot of global chew. The kitchen doesn’t set out to win any beauty contests with this one, in uences; Mark is mostly drawn to the avours of the Med. merely dolloping a generous portion of creamy indulgence into a dish and His smiley team hit the hospitality sweet-spot the minute you walk in. contenting itself with a final grate-over of orange and nutmeg.

Everyone at or knows their stuff; had we been in the mood for wine If just one or two of the dishes at Cor had been good we’d have chalked they’d have been very happy to talk us through the mostly European list. up the evening as a success, but in fact each one was a standout. They were As it turned out, we were in the mood for mezcal. An ‘aperitif ’ of smoky so visually gorgeous and beautifully balanced that if they hadn’t needed agave, sharp lime, sweet cointreau and chilli salt went down so well that the table back we’d probably have ordered all the ones we’d skipped, and we just kept them coming – so shoot me, it’s Christmas. Besides, wine reordered all the ones we hadn’t so that we could eat them again. makes me sleepy, while mezcal perks me up no end. A tequila tasting Cor is the kind of place Bristol does so very well: a little place created menu is my idea of an ideal dining experience. with passion and air, mindful of sustainability but not ramming its Cor’s menu is made up of small plates, in graded sizes and prices that philosophy down your throat. It cares, but it cares quietly; it knows that range from bite-sized snacks to larger mains. In true tapas style they all dining out is meant to be fun. There are no earnest buzzwords on the come out of the kitchen when they’re good and ready. menu, no nerdy speeches from the staff. ust lovely, lovely food, at wholly First out of the traps was a mushroom canalé. This classic French reasonable prices: you could easily pop in for three plates and a glass of pastry with its dark, thick caramelised crust is said to have originated wine and leave with change from twenty-five uid. at the Renaissance Convent of the Annonciades: certainly the best Along with the likes of Sonny Stores and the Pony Bistro (soon to argument for taking holy orders I’ve ever heard. It’s traditionally served as close, but planning to reopen), Cor is so much where the local food scene a sweet; Mark replaces the custard filling with chopped mushrooms and is right now that there should be a gurt big arrow outside Temple Meads licoricey tarragon, garnishing with raw mushrooms and a tangle of herbs. pointing visitors straight to BS3. Restaurant opening of the year? That’ll Excellent though it was, the canalé had its work cut out competing be a hard yes from us. et along now before the nationals cop on, after with an absolute avour bomb of a prawn cro uette. It packed an which you’ll have to book three years in advance. n

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

Looking for exciting flavours?

Bristol’s global food scene is here to help THE MINT ROOM

12-16 CLIFTON ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL, BS8 1AF TEL: 01173291300 THEMINTROOM.CO.UK Our award-winning The Mint Room restaurant is situated a short walk away from the heart of Clifton Village.

Using only the finest of British produce, all locally sourced, we create innovative and unique dishes to present an exquisite Indian menu. Our fine-dining restaurant also invites guests to celebrate memorable occasions with their loved ones by indulging in an adventurous ‘Tour of India’ a six-course tasting menu – no visa required! The menu changes during seasons with paired wines expertly matched by an experienced sommelier to ideally complement each course.

Keep an eye out for our next exclusive supper club event to celebrate veganuary with guest chef Saurav Nath.

NEW MOON TAPAS

9 THE MALL, CLIFTON, BRISTOL BS8 4DP TEL: 0117 239 3858 NEWMOONTAPAS.CO.UK You’ll find two very unique restaurants in Clifton Village and Harbourside. The New Moon Tapas and New Moon on the Quay are owned and run by Takvor, a chef who always had ambitions to be a restaurateur. The menus are based on the Spanish tapas concept, but the flavour of dishes are not limited by borders. Chairman Mao’s favourite pork belly, Filipino coconut shrimp, and Italian-inspired artichoke Parmigiana are all on the menu – and if that’s not tantalising enough, Takvor presents a different cuisine from around the world every month, changing with each new moon.

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

KOUZINA

UNIT 3, CLIFTON DOWN STATION, WHITELADIES ROAD, CLIFTON, BRISTOL BS8 2PH TEL: 0800 888 6208 BRISTOLKOUZINA.COM The Kouzina was founded by two third-generation restaurateurs with more than 30 years in the food and hospitality business. Like anyone who loves truly good food, their favorite childhood memories were those spent with family and friends, crowded around a table for a meal made with care and love.

That tradition still remains today, with the same recipes passed from generation to generation, and prepared with the spirit of authentic Mediterranean hospitality where everyone’s welcome. We’ve made the dining room a little bigger to fit more guests, but you’ll always feel right at home among smiling faces in a bright cheerful atmosphere.

Our mission is to share the true taste of the Mediterranean in a fresh and contemporary way.

Kouzina is all about making your life tastier.

Authentic people, authentic cuisine, made with care and love.

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COCKTAILS

ALL WE WANT FOR BRISTMAS IS BOOZE

A

few decades ago, you were considered pretty damn sophisticated if you popped open a bottle of Cinzano Bianco at Christmas. Cocktails were mostly limited to G&Ts, snowballs and eggnog. Today expectation is a little higher, but no worries: Bristol's best mixologists and bar managers are full of ideas, and, in the spirit of the season, they're willing to share . . .

PHOTO BY LOUIS SMITH/STUDIOWHISK.CO.UK

Look, there’s no ‘wrong’ time to drink cocktails, but at Bristmas it's practically mandatory...

COCKTAILS KIBOU

KIBOU

Hazelnut Haku

“A truly festive, gingernut hit of a cocktail, with the sweet and zesty aromas of grilled oranges”; created by deputy manager Benjamin Salguero.

Both this and the recipe opposite feature premium Japanese spirits as base ingredients, to give your tipple a distinctive taste of Tokyo.

“An indulgent cocktail that combines the evocative scent of cinnamon with hazelnut, chocolate and coffee notes,” says bar manager Richard Hall.

What you’ll need: 20ml Haku vodka (Japanese vodka) 20ml Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) 10ml Kahlua (coffee liqueur) 30ml Half ‘n’ Half (equal ratio parts milk & cream) Garnish Chocolate powder cinnamon stick

Gingernut Highball

What you’ll need: 20ml 135 East gin (Japanese gin) 20ml Montenegro amaro (Italian aperitif) 20ml Belsazar rose vermouth 20ml ginger syrup 5ml lemon juice Soda Garnish Segment of orange What you’ll do: Add first five ingredients over cubed ice in a highball glass and top with soda.

Garnish with grilled orange. www.kibou.co.uk

What you’ll do: Pour the first four ingredients over cubed ice in an OldFashioned glass and stir.

Garnish with cinnamon and sprinkle with chocolate powder. www.kibou.co.uk

NO.1 HARBOURSIDE

Gingerbread Espresso Martini

“Wintry, Christmassy and perfect for a party,” says assistant manager Simon Jackson. “The addition of gingerbread syrup makes this very moreish.”

What you’ll need: 50ml coffee 50ml coffee liqueur (we use local Gin 77) 25ml gingerbread syrup What you’ll do: Brew up your favourite coffee and leave it to cool.

Pour the coffee, coffee liqueur & gingerbread syrup into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice and give it a really good shake. Then pour your amazing cocktail into an glass. www.no1harbourside.co.uk

OLD MARKET ASSEMBLY Turbo Ciderland

“A winter night special, served hot and boozy and designed to fuel an evening of indoor or outdoor fun,” says assistant manager PJ. “Warm up some cider (we use Iford Chai) with lots of lovely mulled goodies – think apples, orange, nutmeg, star anise, all the Christmas flavours.”

What you’ll need: A glass of mulled cider 25ml spiced rum 10 ml cinnamon syrup Cinnamon sugar Garnish A slick of apple garnish What you’ll do: Mix your spiced rum, and cinnamon syrup. Rim your favourite cocktail glass with cinnamon sugar, add the rum and fill with the mulled cider.

Top with apple garnish. www.oldmarketassembly.co.uk

CARGO CANTINA Clementine Margarita

THE CANTEEN Turbo Mimosa

“It’s Turbo Mimosa for two reasons: an ode to the beautiful space on Stokes Croft, and it will really put some fire in your engine!” says general manager Liam Stock.

What you’ll need: A shot of Buckfast Tonic Wine topped up with fizzy wine Dash of orange bitters Slice of orange What you’ll do: Grab a champagne flute. Add the shot of Buckfast, top it up with something fizzy and add a dash of orange bitters.

Couldn’t be more simple! www.canteenbristol.co.uk

GAMBAS

Miel de Cereza

“This cocktail is sweet and sour, very moreish, and can be drunk as dessert or just to start with,” says mixologist Ander Mendive. “You won't have just one.

Addictive…”

What you’ll need: 40ml Tequila Reposado 15ml manzanilla sherry 10ml honey syrup (just mix some honey into hot water to make it extra runny) 4 maraschino cherries Half-lemon, freshly squeezed What you’ll do: Smash two cherries in a cocktail shaker along with a bit of the syrup they're coated with.

Add the tequila, manzanilla honey syrup and lemon juice.

Add some ice and shake it vigorously.

Double-strain and garnish with two cherries, served in a martini glass. www.gambasbristol.co.uk

"Mezcal and orange are the perfect pairing, creating a delicious warming cocktail.

Who doesn't love a clementine at Christmas?" says mixologist 'Mezcal' Marcus

What you’ll need: Salt 35ml Mezcal (we use Momento Verde) 25ml Cointreau or Triple Sec Dash of Agave syrup 25ml lime juice 25ml clementine juice To garnish Star anise What you’ll do: Sprinkle a few teaspoons of salt onto a plate. Run a lime around the rim of a small tumbler, and then dip into the salt.

Juice the limes and clementine (we like to use a Mexican Elbow squeezer, especially if you're making a few!) Put the Mezcal, Cointreau, Agave syrup, lime juice and clementine juice into a Boston shaker, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Pour through a strainer into the tumbler and garnish with star anise. www.cargocantina.co.uk

COPPA CLUB Raspberry Mule

“This is our fruit twist on the famous Moscow Mule,” says bar manager Adam Friend. “The original drink was the product of a chance meeting in Hollywood between the owner of a (now very famous) vodka brand, a ginger beer producer, and a woman with 2000 solid copper mugs to sell!

The rest is history…”

You will need: 50ml vodka 15ml sugar syrup 15ml lime juice 3 raspberries 50ml ginger beer Cubed ice Garnish A little crushed ice (optional) 2 raspberries What you’ll do: Add raspberries, lime, sugar and spirit to a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.

Open the shaker, add the ginger beer and give it a quick stir.

Pour everything into a highball glass (or a copper mug!) and top with a little crushed ice. Place two raspberries on top for garnish and serve with a straw. www.coppaclub.co.uk

PHOTO BY LOUIS SMITH/STUDIOWHISK.CO.UK

COCKTAILS

Ander at Gambas shakes, shakes, shakes it like a Polaroid picture

Is your Business ready for Christmas?

Be prepared!

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

Is your Premises Licence fit for purpose?

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

Whatever your needs, contact us on 01454 419262 or hello@melrosegroup.co.uk where we will be happy to advise and help you along in this process.

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

Experience plant powered food as you never have before.

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

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

*Please always remember to advise us if you are planning on any structural alterations.

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

Business Plans

VAT accounts

Year Ends

Payroll

Stocktaking

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

COCKTAILS THE MILK THISTLE

BLAME GLORIA

“A hefty Christmas cracker sure to keep even the grumpiest of uncles content in the corner, away from the Christmas cheer they’d no doubt ruin,” says mixologist Sebastiano Fileccia.

"Using entirely Bristol ingredients we aim to collaborate with our local peers to deliver a simple, festive and delicious serve you can make at home, with no complex ingredients. Garnish with anything from a piece of candied ginger to your favourite Christmas selection box choccie, or maybe a burnt orange zest for those winter aromatics on the nose."

Mixologist Robi Golet reports that this little number is perfect for Christmas – “a firm favourite with guests and bartenders alike”.

Grumpy Uncle no.2

What you’ll need: 35ml Circumstantial Bristol Barley Whisky 15ml Bristol Cream Sherry 10ml Bristol Syrup co. Mulled Spice 3 dash coffee bitters Candied gingers

Honey Bee

What you’ll need: 35ml Four Roses (Kentucky bourbon) 35ml honey syrup 20ml lemon juice 20ml apple juice 25ml (about half an egg’s worth) egg white Garnish Nutmeg What you’ll do: Shake and double-strain into a chilled coupe glass; garnish with grated nutmeg. www.blamegloria.co.uk

What you’ll do: Combine all ingredients into a mixing vessel, stir to chill & combine (about 30 stirs) then strain and serve onto a large ice cube. Garnish with your festive item of choice. www.milkthistlebristol.com

HARBOUR HOUSE

COAL KITCHEN

A variation on a classic Manhattan by GM Ben Porter.

“As our building has a lot of connections with Brunel, we wanted to make a cocktail which symbolises him.

The maiden voyage of the ss Great Britain was to New York, and there is no cocktail you associate more with NYC than the Manhattan. We swapped the vermouth for Bristol Cream sherry as a homage to Bristol's heritage, and the bourbon for smoked rum, to honour Brunel's industrial revolution heritage and his love of a good cigar!"

“A delight to see and drink, topped with the snowy candy floss, candy cane and an edible snowflake,” says GM Zack Sheppard.

Brunel’s Favourite

What you’ll need: 50ml Cut Smoked Rum 25ml Harvey’s Bristol Cream 5ml Maraschino cherry syrup Couple of dashes of Fee brothers chocolate bitters Garnish Maraschino cherry Optional (though they’re surprisingly easy to source!) miniature top hat What you’ll do: Add the rum, sherry and maraschino syrup into a mixing vessel. Add ice, stir clockwise for 10 seconds and then anti-clockwise for 10 seconds.

Pour into a chilled tumbler or martini glass and top with the bitters. Drop a cherry in the middle and rest the top hat on a mini-peg on the side. www.hhbristol.com

Snow Globe

What you’ll need: 25ml white rum 25ml passionfruit liqueur 25ml orange juice 25ml cranberry juice 75ml lemonade Garnish Candy cane Candy floss Edible snowflake Sweet tree (made by adding a green belt sweet to a cocktail stick in a zig-zag to make a Christmas tree. Enjoy!

What you’ll do: In a large bowl glass over lots of cubed ice, add the rum, passionfruit liqueur, juices and lemonade and mix. Top with candy cane, and if using, candy floss, an edible snowflake and sweet tree. www.coalkitchen.co.uk

© PAUL MASSEY

CAFÉ SOCIETY STAN CULLIMORE

Des res

From boot factory to boutiquery: a little slice of heaven on Portland Square

T

his issue’s coffee shop of choice is a real beauty, a thing of delight. ike fine wine, an Old Master or songs about dancing around a Christmas tree, it rocks. And then some. Definitely one of the cooler coffee spots in this dirty old town of ours. I’m talking about The Artists Residence on Portland Square, though the modest entrance is actually just round the corner on Cave Street.

Going through an unassuming doorway labelled Boot Factory (its original purpose , a Pandora’s bo of tasteful-kitsch curiosities opens in front of you. And that’s before you even look at a menu.

“If a theatre set had sexual relations with a Hackney hipster haunt and the progeny was prettier than either parent it would probably look like this place”

If a café lives or dies by its interior and ambience, this place soars above mere mortal coffee houses. It’s a jewel bo of rooms, one leading to another, each filled with interesting and attractive things; whether furniture or funked-up street art, the place is stacked with stuff to look at and enjoy. If a theatre set had se ual relations with a Hackney hipster haunt and the progeny turned out prettier than either parent, it would probably look like this.

In fairness, it’s actually a bouti ue hotel, one of five dotted around the country, with a café/bar open to all comers, so comparing it to normal cafés is a bit disingenuous. Hardly a fair fight. ot many normal caf s have a quiet room that doubles as a library, after all.

My coffee companion and I dropped in for a hit of caffeine and toast on our way back from Cabot Circus, though if we’d known how lovely their menu was, we would have gone for a brunchtime treat.

They do various full breakfast variants, including pancake stacks and sourdough toast, with the usual avocado-associated suspects in full ow. Which is pretty much the perfect e cuse to return for dinner some day. The Korean chicken burger looks outstanding.

In the meantime, I’m going to go off-piste here. eave coffee

behind, talk about other things.

You see, many years ago, a mate of mine had a studio in Hackney.

Before it was cool. As the studio got better known, bands rented out rehearsal space.

To cut a long story short, soon several knackered old buildings nearby were being bought up by the likes of Coldplay and Blur.

They would throw lots of hard cash and good taste at the places until they became glorious and gorgeous hangouts, similar to the Artists Residence.

I wondered if something similar to that was going on here, but I then found out the hotel is run by a couple who fell into the business by accident, when one of their mums’ b&b needed doing up and there was no money. They got artists in to do up rooms in return for free lodging. Which is an even better story than the one I was hoping for. So thumbs up all round.

Either way, it’s one cute café in which to sip coffee and enjoy life. Can thoroughly recommend a trip. It’s a real piece of work.

Artwork, that is. n For more www.artistresidence.co.uk Former Housemartins guitarist Stan is now a journalist and travel writer www.stancullimore.com

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

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.

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

BRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

PRESENTS AND CORRECT Bought all the stuff in our previous shopping guide?

Excellent! Here’s more stuff, which we’ve festively arranged in all the best colours of the season: ice-white, sparkling silver and gold, holly-green and rich, berry-red…

POSTIE MCGRAW FIGURINE, £35 q. Didn’t we also open last issue’s gift guide with a romit nleashed figurine a. Yes. . Do we do this most years a. Again, yes. . Are we apologetic about this fact a. ope, not remotely; because every penny of profit goes straight to the Grand Appeal, raising funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital, and if that isn’t what Christmas is all about, we don’t know what is.

This year, we’re asking Santa for this new Postie McGraw figurine to add to our set.

From www.gromitunleashedshop.co.uk

BRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

HUDSON ARAN JUMPER, £125 Made from 100% British wool and knitted in batches of just 200 at a time From Peregrine Clothing; www.peregrineclothing.co.uk

WHITE CUDDLY SNOWFLAKE, £16-£25 rom o om any .the o com any.co.

FANELY WHITE BAG, £169 rom o eather .fo an feather.co.

HANDMADE CERAMIC MIXING BOWL, £27 rom ristol rtisan .thebristolartisan.com

BIALETTI ESPRESSO CUP, SET OF SIX, £30 rom ig .fig .co.

CREAM CABLEKNIT SLIPPER SOCKS, £35 rom int elvet .mintvelvet.co.

BLOOMINGVILLE TEDDY, £33 From Fig 1 .fig .co.

WHITEWASHED INDRA PANEL £70 (REDUCED FROM £175) rom o o .co an co .co.

DONNA WILSON HOT WATER BOTTLE + COVER, £56 rom race abel .gracean mabel.co.

ILSE JACOBSEN RAINCOAT, £164.50 (FROM £235.00) rom race abel . gracean mabel.co.

MERAKI SANDALWOOD AND JASMINE LARGE SOY CANDLE, £17.50 rom on ote .mon ote.co.

ELWYN POLAR BEAR, £50 rom o om any .the o com any.co.

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

GOLD SILVER BLOOMINGVILLE CLEAR GLASS COCKTAIL SHAKER, £23.50 From Mon Pote www.monpote.co.uk

STERLING SILVER FEATHERS MCGRAW CHARM NECKLACE, £50 From the Gromit Unleashed shop www.gromitunleashedshop.org.uk

18K GOLD-PLATED NECKLACE, £85 From Fox + Feather www.foxandfeather.co.uk

GOLD DINNER CANDLE HOLDER, £16.25 (REDUCED FROM £25), LARGE £19.50 (FROM £30) From Cox & Cox www.coxandcox.co.uk

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

HANNAH TURNER WILD BOAR PIGLET SALT AND PEPPER SET, £26 From Fig1 .fig .co.

DIAMOND SOLITAIRE RING, FROM £1,365 From Clifton Rocks www.cliftonrocks.co.uk

BEESWAX CANDLES, £12-£15 From Midgley Green midgleygreen.com

MADAM STOLTZ SMALL BRASS SPOONS (TWO), £18.95 From Fox + Feather www.foxandfeather.co.uk

GUCCI G-TIMELESS SILVER 38MM UNISEX WATCH, £1,420 From Watches of Switzerland, www.watches-ofswitzerland.co.uk

SILVER ‘EMERGE’ BANGLE, £234 From Diana Porter www.dianaporter.co.uk

BRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

GREEN

CLUB LAMP, £125 From Graham & Green www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

UPFEST BOOK IV, £19.95 From Upfest www.upfest.co.uk

BECKSONDERGAARD RALLO MINNIE SHOULDER BAG, £57 From Fig1 .fig .co.

GEO 100 LAMP, £104 From Prior www.priormade.store

FOREST GREEN BUNNY, £20.95 From Pod, www.thepodcompany.co.uk SKANDINAVISK NORTHERN LIGHTS SCENTED CANDLE, £45 From Truce www.truceonline.co.uk

MOROCCAN BABOUCHE SLIPPERS, £28 From Frankly Store www.frankly.store

VAN VERRE BORDALLO BOWL, £25 From Maze; www. mazeclothing.co.uk

JUST TRADE ‘RIVER’ RECYCLED GLASS EARRINGS, 16 From Frankly Store www.frankly.store

HK LIVING SET OF FOUR TWISTED GLASS SPOONS, £18.95 From Fox + Feather www.foxandfeather.co.uk

JAKKE KATIE FAUX FUR COAT, £240 From Harvey Nichols www.harveynichols.com

BLOOMINGVILLE FLORIE DECANTER IN GREEN, £22.05 From Mon Pote, www.monpote.co.uk

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

BRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

RED

KREAFUNK TOCHARGE II MINI-PORTABLE CHARGER, £30 From Ustudio www.ustudio.shop

WOODEN ROBIN, £14 From Bristol Artisan www.thebristolartisan.com

MARNI CALF HAIR MULES, £650 From Harvey Nichols, www.harveynichols.com

GINGERBREAD CHAI, £6.35 From Bird and Blend wwwbirdandblendtea.com

SOPHIE HOME REINDEER SOFT TOY, £28 From Truce www.truceonline.co.uk ALESSI PLISSE KETTLE, FROM £95 From Bristol Guild www.bristolguild.com

ROBIN ROBIN NEEDLE FELT KIT, £28 From the Gromit Unleashed shop www.gromitunleashedshop.org.uk

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

RED PRAWN MAKE-UP CASE, £29.95 From Pod Company www.thepodcompany.co.uk

MUSTARD LOWDOWN LOCKER, £289 From Truce www.truceonline.co.uk

PAUL SMITH LAMBSWOOL HAT, £65, GLOVES, £55 From Grace & Mabel www.graceandmabel.co.uk

S-HERTOGENBOSCH BY ROSALIND ROBINSON RWA SWA, OIL ON GESSO PANEL, £1,800 From the current RWA Open.

“The painting was made a few years after visiting an incredible exhibition marking the 500th anniversary of Hieronymous Bosch ’s birth in his home town of ’s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands,” says Rosalind. “I’ve carried images from his work in my mind ever since seeing the exhibition, and in my painting, figures from Bosch are carried on the head, while drawings decorate the neck.”

From RWA, www.rwa.org.uk

FASHION

PARTY PEOPLE

6

Phillip Laurence Parayno at Harvey Nichols casts a practiced eye over the best new festive trends

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parkling dresses and towering stilettos at the ready: party season has arrived, whether it’s a work gathering, evening with friends or family get-together.

Slip on a pair of Mach and Mach bow sandals before shrugging on a statement silhouette from the likes of In the Mood For Love or Bec and Bridge; accessorise with Christian Louboutin and Valentino for extra sparkle.

Think pink – it’s huge this season thanks to Pier Paolo’s collection for Valentino.

From dresses to coats, shoes and bags; from baby pink to bright fuchsia, this is the party palette to be seen in.

Sequins always make an appearance during the festive months, but for 2022 it’s all about upgrading the mini dresses and embracing shimmering maxi silhouettes.

From Rixo to ROTATE Birger Christensen, there’s plenty to choose from.

With designers including Versace, Dior and Gucci leading the way, the ’90s are back for 2022, but with a contemporary twist. Think slip dresses and babydoll silhouettes, shoulder bags embossed with logos or signature bows and show-stopping platform shoes. Go all out ’90s, or mix and match for a modern take on this much-loved trend.

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

SHOPPING LIST

1. Balmain embellished sequin mini-dress, £5,595 2. Bec & Bridge Lorelai open-back satin maxi-dress, £250 3. Valentino Garavani Rockstud 155 leather platform sandals, £890 4. Jakke Bailey faux-fur-trimmed vegan leather coat, £250 5. In the Mood for Love Marissa sequin halterneck dress, £490 6. Kitri Devon tie-front blouse, £115 7. Kitri Dylan midi-skirt, £115 8. Sister Jane Abalone pink polkadot jacquard wrap mini-dress, £155 9. Mach & Mach pink crystalembellished satin pumps, £950 10. Self-Portrait leather minishoulder bag, £350 All from Harvey Nichols Bristol www.harveynichols.com

A warm welcome awaits you this season.

Scan to view our festive menus.

Grey’s Festive Dining Two-courses - £34.50pp Three-courses - £42.50pp Grey’s festive set lunch menu is available for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to 18 December, Monday 19th December – Friday 23rd December.

Our full seasonal Grey’s A la carte menu is also available for dinner throughout the festive season.

INTERIORS

LET IT GLOW Midas got it right! Dani Taylor of Cox & Cox suggests going for gold this Christmas

2. Continue the journey through the house to make a winter scene.

There’s no need to add much; it might only take a Christmas doormat inside the front door, and house lanterns in the hallway.

1

D

ecorating every part of the home to create a gorgeous winter scene is easy if you think of it as a festive trend ‘recipe’,” says Dani. “We take one main tree, an alternative tree, decorations, accessories, lighting, wrap and ribbon, and collate them within the same scheme – that way, the decoration moves effortlessly through the house.

For more: www.coxandcox.co.uk

1. The story begins outside with kerb appeal – it’s important to set the scene for guests arriving. Traditionally this would be a wreath, but you can also hang a light-up winter motif such as a star at the window or the door.

2

6. The same ribbon can update your tree, garland, and foraged finds, and quite literally tie your look together

3

6

3. If you decide on one overarching colour theme it makes creating a pulled-together look even easier, because all the decorations blend in seamlessly.

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4. There’s always room for fairy lights – wind a string around a tree outdoors, or curl into glass jars indoors.

SHOPPING LIST

5 5. Another versatile look: jewelled garlands such as these pale pink gems on fronds of golden wire can be easily twisted into any arrangement, and used for the festive season and beyond.

1. Indoor/outdoor light-up star silhouette, £35 2. Burnished brass house tea light lantern, small £50, large £55 3. Dusky blush wreath, £75 4. Magical outdoor indoor hanging vine lights, £50 5. Blush jewelled garland, £35 6. Golden blossom silhouette ribbon, £12.50 7. Indoor/outdoor golden gypsophila light-up tree, £195 8. Large faux-gingerbread house, £85

8 8. Don’t forget the whimsy!

We shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously at Christmas, and adding a touch of fun to the decor, something nostalgic or charming, helps a winter scene come to life

7. As well as being a versatile choice for those with limited space, adding a second tree helps to create a winter wonderland.

Usually pre-lit, an alternative tree provides winter twinkle without additional decoration .

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

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

Niamh Cusack (Gertrude) and Finbar Lynch (Claudius)

Firdous Bamji (Ghost/Player King/ Gravedigger) Xxx

Billy Howle (Hamlet) and John Haidar (Director)

GOOD PRESS NIGHT, SWEET PRINCE

Big names big play: the cast and crew of Hamlet at Bristol Old Vic assembled for a party following the press night performance Photos by @JonCraig_Photos

New AD Nancy Medina and Jason Barnett (Polonius/Osric)

Maroius Kielczewski Mike Norton and guest

Nicola Masters

A GRAND DAY OUT

The Grand Appeal held a celebration for fundraisers and families to discover how their work has been supporting the hospital.

The event was hosted by Mike Norton, trustee, with Sean Clarke, MD of Aardman, paediatric neurosurgeon Mike Carter and Caroline Ferguson.

Photos by @JonCraig_Photos

John Wilkins

Sarah Wilmott

Deborah Hardy, Nigel Hardy, George Ferguson, Bernice Gollop and Geoff Gollop

Leigh Cecil, Jamie Kirkpatrick and Sarah Bacon

ART OF THE CITY

Leading wealth management and professional services group Evelyn Partners hosted a client reception at the RWA as the gallery’s 169th Annual Open exhibition got underway.

Simran Gill, Emily Lunt and Ryan Murray-Nobbs

Nick James of Evelyn with clients

The Bottle Yard team with Gamba Cole and Jayde Adams

Marvin Rees, Laura Aviles, Craig Cheney, Dan Norris, Karin Smyth MP and Helen Holland Gamba Cole, Stacey Olika and Asiya Sutton

A LOTTA (MORE) BOTTLE

The Bottle Yard Studios marked the o cial opening of its new TBY2 facility with an event that brought together leading UK film and T producers, local crew and companies, regional and national partners and supporters of the Bristol studio’s expansion.

Helen Holland, Craig Cheney, Dan Norris and Karin Smyth MP

SPONSORED CONTENT

FAIL TO PLAN, PLAN TO FAIL Your new employee needs an onboarding framework. By Helen Sanders, founder of YOUR PEOPLE PARTNERS

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

H

ave you ever gone through the pain of recruiting a new member of your team, only to find that they lose enthusiasm pretty quickly or jump ship, leaving you to go through the whole process again? It could be that your onboarding process is to blame. This is an often neglected part of bringing new people into your business. Do it right and it has been proven to keep employees happy, productive and easier to retain.

These nine statistics* related to new-hire onboarding will make you want to understand and prioritise it in 2023.

1. 88% of organisations do not onboard well 2. Great employee onboarding improves employee retention by 82% 3. 58% of organisations say their onboarding is focused on new employees learning processes and filling out paperwork 4. The average new hire onboarding experience consists of 54 activities 5. The productivity of your new team member is around 25% for the first 30 days 6. Addressing career development during onboarding increases satisfaction by 3.5x 7. Soliciting new hire feedback improves your relationship by 91% 8. One in five new hires say they are unlikely to recommend an employer 9. 70% of team members who had positive onboarding experiences say they have ‘the best possible job’ (*Statistics from various sources: Gallup, Kallidus, Bamboo HR, B2B Assets)

The fact that onboarding is done poorly by most companies is an opportunity. Get it right and you will find it much easier to retain your key members of staff, and you will be well on the way to having a business that thrives.

Here are some ideas that you can incorporate into your onboarding process. They will help your new member of staff feel valued and settle in as quickly as possible.

PRE-BOARDING

(and this has nothing to do with lining up for your next Easyjet flight!) Reach out to your new employee between them accepting the role and their start date. Mention how excited you are for them to be joining the team, and share some upcoming priorities. If you have a Christmas do and they are due to join in January, absolutely invite them to your Christmas party.

Do all your can to set them (and you) up for success. One way to do this is to create 30/60/90-day plans to keep everyone focused: a. 30 days - focused on learning b. 60 days - focused on contributing to the team c. 90 days - focused on owning some tasks.

Put together a document to track this. And if they’re part-time then pro-rate these plans so if they’re 50% of full-time, double these days to 60/120/180 days (ensuring you have a six-month probationary period to run alongside).

INTRO

Ask the new team member for a quick bio and photo that you can share with the team. This can then be included in a welcome email, which you’ll send out the week before they start and again on the morning of their first day. Nothing halts momentum like a new hire not feeling welcomed.

new employee to thrive easily and know their way around without a buddy. If you choose this route, then ensure the buddy is not in their team and definitely not a level above them. The best buddies are peers. Some companies we work with ensure their last person into the team is the buddy for the next new hire.

HOW ARE THEY DOING?

Have a weekly check-in. This doesn’t need to be a formal meeting. A coffee with them away from the desk or via Zoom is great. Two questions only. a. Tell me about your week b. Is there anything I or the team can support you with?

KEEP TALKING

Talk about the ‘big questions’ early in their employment and be consistent: a. What brought you here? b. What will keep you here? c. What motivates you?

Get your onboarding right and you could give your business a big competitive advantage. n

WHAT MAKES THEM TICK?

Identify interests outside of work. Dig a little.

What makes them tick? This can help build relationships that go beyond the workplace.

BUDDIES

Connect them with team members.

Friendships take time however, a buddy system works a treat.

Much like in scuba diving, you would not expect your

At Your People Partners we have integrated onboarding into our wraparound recruitment framework. We find you the right people, and help you onboard them well. We’d be happy to have a call with you if you’d like to know more. 0117 290 0211 and ask for Helen, Callum or Benjamin. www.mediaclash.co.uk I BRISTOL LIFE I 67

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 ALL PHOTOS ©BEN ROBINS PHOTOGR APHY

Winner, winner

B Keen to see more scenes like this? Check out our next issue, out on 6 January

ristol simply teems with clever property companies shaping our city’s destiny, and we celebrated this dynamic sector once again at a big awards ceremony on 25 November at Ashton Gate Stadium.

The annual Awards embrace everything from residential to commercial, from lettings to new builds, from civic buildings to bold reimaginings. Look out for a big review in our next issue; in the meantime here’s a taster of how it all went down.

Congratulations to all our winners, including our special Winner of Winners, Castle Park Energy Centre by Goram Homes, and many thanks to all our sponsors, partners, judges, speakers, contributors and everyone who made this such a memorable event.

Back again next year; watch this space.

Check out who won what at www.bristolpropertyawards.co.uk

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

PRIVATE CLIENT - FAMILY - PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL

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

© A ARON GEIS PHOTOGR APHY

BRISTOLWORKS

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 be another glamorous, vibrant, joy-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 di cult (we 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. To 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

Green machine Bristol Beacon has launched both its first branded e-van and the creation of its team of green champions The bright green electric music machine is soon to become a familiar sight on Bristol’s streets, as part of the music charity’s sustainability plans that encompass more than just the measures being introduced as part of the concert venue’s transformation.

In addition to the e-van, Bristol Beacon has appointed ten green champions from across its organisation to look at every aspect of what the charity does. The champions will be involved in developing a range of activities to support delivery of the Beacon’s oadmap to et ero, which

has been developed in partnership with locally based sustainability experts Hope Solutions.

“Changing our diesel van to one that runs on electricity is one of the important steps we’re taking as an organisation to make our work more sustainable, said ouise Mitchell, chief e ecutive of Bristol Beacon.

“Bristol Beacon is a symbol of hope and community in Bristol, and we believe passionately that we have a responsibility to deliver our programme of music and the arts in a way that gives thought to the environment. We want to be an environmentally inspiring venue for decades to come.” www.bristolbeacon.org

All about the ACE Bristol mechanical and electrical engineering firm Avon ombined Electrical Services has been ac uired by D P Infrastructure. A ES has been trading for more than years, with a client list that includes alliford Try, the Ministry of Defence and the S. The ac uisition sees D P take a per cent stake in the £15m-turnover business, which generates . m in EBITDA. Funding to assist the transaction was provided by SME apital, which was introduced to D P by TM Finance and Advisory.

For more www.aces-online.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE RECRUITER The brightest Bristol agencies skilled in “putting people together and making stuff happen” . . .

SPONSORED CONTENT

PATRICK MURTAGH

HELEN SANDERS

RYTONS ASSOCIATES LTD 0117 379 0990 rytonsassociates.com

YOUR PEOPLE PARTNERS 0117 290 0211; YourPeoplePartners.com

Can you tell us a little bit about the company philosophy?

I founded Rytons Associates 13 years ago as I felt that there was a better, a more human way, to do recruitment. In everything we do, we want to make a positive impact and act with inherent integrity. Although they’ve always been there, we recently went through a process to formally set that philosophy out and created our four core values – innovation, collaboration, transparency and purpose. Throughout our teams, all decisions are made with these values in mind.

Can you tell us a little bit about the company philosophy?

At Your People Partners, our philosophy is that recruitment can be enjoyable and very successful if we focus on the human aspect of hiring. It doesn’t have to be hard, stressful or a bit of a gamble on a CV and interview. We dig deeper, exploring the human being behind the CV so that we can best help people and the growing companies for whom we hire.

Patrick Murtagh

What areas do you specialise in?

We specialise in senior appointments in the real estate agency, predominantly on a retained basis.

We have been fortunate enough to build some strong relationships across the UK since our inception. Recently, we have expanded our operation internationally and have started working with real estate and investment firms in the Americas.

What do you love about Bristol?

Rytons Associates are passionate about diversity and that’s what I love about Bristol too. It is a real melting pot of different cultures, points of view and lifestyles that all seem to co-exist. It’s a wonderful city to raise children in and give them experiences that are unique to such a culturally diverse area.

OWEN O’NEILL

WEDODATA 0117 302 7500 wedodata.co.uk What makes you stand out from other recruiters?

We specialise in the Data sector, and have been working the UK Data market since 2016. We therefore have a lot of experience in this field, particularly in senior roles.

Can you tell us a little bit about the company philosophy?

To try to learn as much about our clients as possible so we work in partnership with them. With the majority of our clients we have been able to go on to place 10+ people over time as we’ve become accustomed to their business and the types of people they like to employ.

What areas do you specialise in?

Data, Insight, Analytics, Development.

What areas do you specialise in?

We specialise in helping business-owner-led companies where the founder/business owner/s is still very much involved in the day to day. They usually need our help to scale the team to enable business owner/s to step away from the day to day operations. Most of our vacancies are in sales, marketing, admin and tech although we have been known to successfully find brilliant ‘unicorns’ for our companies.

Why should a business use your services?

Our current partner companies would probably say that our industry leading 12 month guarantee helps remove the risk when they hire new employees. We also remove the transactional approach of most recruiters, and we stick around for the first 12 months to ensure the new employee thrives as the team grows.

Helen Sanders

How long have you been in recruitment?

I’ve been in the recruitment business for 23 years and Jay, my business partner, has been in recruitment for 15 years. Together, our company WeDoData has been running since 2016.

Why should a business use your services?

Because we don’t generalise in IT, we spend all of our time speaking to Data candidates, those looking and more importantly those not looking, so that we can assess who might be a great fit for your business and go after them on your behalf. Over 70% of our business is recruiting passive candidates into new roles (headhunting).

Above: Some of the team at our Spanish office

Why should candidates use your services?

Because we have access to many of the largest names in the South-West and London. We also only focus on Data and Development roles, which means that we won’t waste your time on irrelevant opportunities.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

We’ve got a lovely office on Whiteladies Road and we recently opened an office in Mallorca, enabling any of our staff to work from there if they wish to, when the weather in Bristol is a little dreary. And, we are recruiting!

What do you love about Bristol?

The creativity, the people, the fact that everyone thanks bus drivers!

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

SPONSORED CONTENT

years. Specialists for environmental friendly engineering and technology: renewables, electrification and industry 4.0. We are an independent and growing Bristol-based search-and-selection company; we enjoy what we do and the people we work with. We chose engineering because of the benefits it offers humankind. We were there at the start of offshore wind and are proud to have played a part in its growth.

Can you tell us a little bit about how you work ?

We collaborate with a select number of sector-specific clients to better understand their requirements and to be credible when explaining what they offer. We go after the very best candidates. So, if you’ve been approached about a potential role, take it as a compliment, and an opportunity to build a valuable relationship. We do what we say we will do. Authentic, honest and interested.

GEORGE JAMISON

CLAREHILL ASSOCIATES 0117 907 4736; clarehillassociates.com What areas do you specialise in?

Clarehill Associates have been successfully placing leading engineers globally for 17

CRAIG STEWART COGITO TALENT 0117 456 3390 cogitotalent.com

How long have you been in recruitment?

I have worked in recruitment for 18 months and at Cogito for 11 months. I joined Cogito because they are unlike most recruitment companies. We help businesses with longterm recruitment using data insights, research and strategy, providing bespoke training and development solutions to complement talent strategies.

Can you tell us a little bit about the company’s philosophy?

Our vision is to empower organisations to create evidenced-based and data-driven people strategies by blending industryleading talent solutions expertise with unrivalled research and analytics.

What makes you stand out from other recruiters?

Cogito approaches recruitment differently, offering a unique solution. Essentially, we analyse data about people to enable our customers to solve business problems. Our unique approach means that we will take

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

What do you most enjoy about the job?

I enjoy the challenge of putting people together and making stuff happen that would not have happened otherwise. I like talking to people about what they do and helping them out. I love to see how fast we can help a startup move from 1 employee to 100.

And it’s great to see that many industries genuinely want to reduce their carbon emissions. Recruitment often gets a bad rep. However the good ones are working much harder and faster than you might think: Gaining the trust of a client, creating a readable job description, searching for candidates, interviewing them, selecting a shortlist and presenting that to the client.

Then closing the deal (faster than the competition)….can be challenging.

Moving jobs is a big deal. If you’ve had a great Recruitment experience, you’ll probably find it was the individual that made all the difference.

What do you love about Bristol?

Bristol has a huge pool of talent in the engineering and technology space who are doing some genuinely amazing work. It is a privilege to be a part of. As a small city, it’s easy to meet for a coffee. Think globally, act locally. I like to help clean out rivers with SusWoT (Sustainable Westbury-on-Trym), coach mini-rugby at St Brendan’s and sponsor Shire Colts FC. (Yeah – not all heroes wear capes!)

If you are looking for good people, are one of those good people looking to move, or think you can do our job better, do get in touch.

full ownership of the recruitment function’s design, build and delivery, allowing us to transfer it back to our client at the end of the programme. I work on many transformation programmes in challenging markets and enjoy the variety of the roles we recruit for. I also enjoy the responsibility I have been given to work independently and as part of a team.

At Cogito, we don’t just try and fill a job; we spend time with the candidates to find out what will motivate them to make their next career move. From our robust process and meaningful conversations, we can capture the data and responses and present back the reality of the markets they operate within – we then take that data and support our clients to elevate their offering.

Why should a business use your services?

We take full responsibility for our customers recruitment and most importantly, save them money. On average, we save our customers over 30% on agency spending alone. We can help businesses improve the awareness of their brand, increase direct applicants, reduce reliance on agencies and improve candidate experience. We aim to create a world-class recruitment model for our customers that consistently delivers a return on investment.

Why do you enjoy working and living in Bristol?

Working in Bristol is great. The office is within walking distance from Bristol Temple Meads station and has excellent places to eat and drink.

SPONSORED CONTENT ALEXANDER WADDINGTON

CHARLIE SARGENT

Can you tell us a bit about company philosophy?

Relationships really are at the heart of our recruitment process. Without strong relationships with schools and candidates alike, you can’t truly understand the needs of either. Class People, formerly known as Cover Teachers, has been building relationships with schools in Bristol and BANES for more than 20 Years. Recently, my challenge has been to grow relationships with schools and raise awareness of our ever-growing SEND candidate pool.

What makes you stand out from other recruiters?

At Class People we pride ourselves on delivering a personal approach, in contrast to our more corporate competitors, using our experience and knowledge within education to ensure we work in partnership with each setting, rather than treating our clients & candidates as business deals or transactions.

Personally, having over five years of experience within the Education Sector, I have previously worked in a variety of roles from behavioural management and mentoring to education liaison in both primary and secondary settings - which really helps me understand the challenges schools are facing.

TA & SEN RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT CLASS PEOPLE 01179 735695; alexander@classpeople.co.uk classpeople.co.uk

PRIMARY RECRUITMENT CONSULTANT CLASS PEOPLE 01179 735695; charlie@classpeople.co.uk classpeople.co.uk

Alexander Waddington

Why should schools and candidates use your services?

Class People truly aim to be ‘Your Partners in Education’ by recognising that students need all the support they can get in school, especially after the disruption of COVID-19. We build relationships with schools to offer education support staff across the board; I specifically work with Teaching Assistants and 1:1 SEN support. We always aim to foster community in an industry where supply education professionals can often feel isolated. From social events with our candidates, to raffles and competitions with our schools, we aim to bring together a traditionally separate community.

Why should schools and candidates use your services?

As the Bristol Primary consultant, I enjoy making connections with new people as well as l maintaining strong professional relationships, ensuring I meet the needs of individuals and schools I work with. I am looking forward to expanding upon my experience and supporting teachers and schools throughout Bristol, working hand in hand to find the best solution to solve their unique requirements.

Charlie Sargent

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SPONSORED CONTENT

WHERE THERE’S A WILL

Kate Walsgrove of AMD SOLICITORS considers the dangers of homemade wills

M

aking a will is the only way of ensuring that your estate and assets are distributed according to your wishes.

If you die without a will, your estate will pass in accordance with the rules of intestacy. This could mean that your estate will pass to someone who you may not want to benefit.

Reasons clients have mentioned for not making a will include not having enough time, not wanting to talk about death and the cost involved. Concerns over fees may lead someone to prepare a home made will.

Although a will does not need to be prepared by a solicitor, there are inherent dangers in preparing one yourself.

INVALIDITY A recent example of this involves a husband and wife who had each prepared identical homemade wills. As far as they were concerned, from the time they had signed their wills to the date they instructed us to make new ones, they had valid wills. It was quickly spotted, however, that the wills had only been witnessed by one person at the time of signing.

Due to this small but vital mistake, these wills were invalid from the day they were signed.

CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCE If you decide to get married and already have an existing will, that will will automatically be revoked on your marriage, unless it was drafted in expectation of the marriage.

A professional would advise you of this but a lay person might not be aware of the affect of marriage if they are making a homemade will. Equally, divorce effects inheritance under a will.

DATES Another situation we have come across is an undated will. Although a date is not required for a will to be valid, it is your last will that 78 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“A SMALL BUT VITAL MISTAKE CAN MAKE YOUR WILL INVALID” must be proved on your death. If the will does not have a date then it is difficult to prove that it is the last will and often sworn statements are required from witnesses to provide evidence as to when they were signed.

INAPPROPRIATE CLAUSES If you try and take clauses from a previous will or use clauses from someone else’s will without fully understanding what those clauses mean and what their effect will be, you can end up with a will that does not achieve what you wanted, with the result that some or all of your estate may go to someone you had not intended to benefit. n

For advice on wills, inheritance tax, lasting powers of attorney administration of estates and all other private client issues please a member of our team on 0117 962 1205, email info@amdsolicitors. com or call into one of our four Bri tol office .

100 Henleaze Road, Henleaze BS9 4JZ 15 The Mall, Clifton BS8 4DS 139 Whiteladies Road, Clifton BS8 2PL 2 Station Road, Shirehampton BS11 9TT

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

PROPERTY

BROOK TTA E They had us at “it has its own babbling brook...”

Words by Ursula Cole

O

ne of the undisputed charms of Bristol is its easy proximity to the countryside.

This advantage can work both ways. You can live in town, enjoying a thrillingly urban existence, yet having green fields on your doorstep whenever you need a quick refresh; or you can go the whole rural hog and relocate to an idyllic cottage, knowing that the commute, if indeed you have to grapple with such an antediluvian concept in the post-lockdown world, is a wholly manageable affair.

The village of West Kington lies in a secluded, steeply wooded valley a mere 17 miles from Bristol. Here you’ll find Brook ottage, basking in a peaceful position in a bucolic setting surrounded by nature.

The exceptionally charming Grade-II home is surrounded by almost three acres of gardens, with the eponymous brook running along the northern edge.

And don’t be misled by the word ‘cottage’; this is a very sizeable, four-bedroomed home that comes with substantial outbuildings. Despite this, all the cottage charms you could wish for are present and correct, from open inglenook fireplaces and e posed beams to stone mullioned windows with leaded lights and shutters.

Leaving Wood Lane, a long driveway winds through a wild meadow and leads to gates that open to a gravel courtyard with space for several cars. A cluster of buildings form a hamlet of sorts. White wisteria winds around the door of the cottage, and climbing roses cover the studio.

Although the main entrance occupies a pleasingly symmetrical position in the front of the house, the current owners prefer to use the kitchen entrance close to the courtyard. Inside, the kitchen and dining room form a wonderfully light and convivial space, almost 40 feet in length, with open hearths at either end.

There are exposed whitewashed rafters, and window seats built into the deep stone walls under the leaded casement windows. The units, built by local company

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PROPERTY

Neptune, include a large central island with a double butler sink; appliances are neatly concealed behind cupboard doors. Both the dining area and the kitchen have open stone hearths; a wood burner is set into the former, a warming four-door Aga into the latter.

There are further whitewashed beams in the sitting room, along with a handsome open inglenook with stone surround and a working fire. Doors open to the terrace at the back, and internally to a drawing room with a large woodburner and a separate study.

There are two staircases, the oldest being a slim box stair that winds around the kitchen’s hearth in a traditional manner, while the main stairs are in the centre. The former opens to an oak- oored landing which leads to two bedrooms sharing a bathroom; a white-washed timber wall and plank door separate these rooms and provide a striking architectural feature.

The main central staircase leads to two further bedrooms, one en-suite, and a bathroom.

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

PROPERTY

HOUSE NUMBERS

Bedrooms

4

Where? West Kington, 17m from Bristol

Bath and shower rooms

3

Guide price

£2.5m

Reception rooms Sitting room, drawing room, study, 40ft kitchen/diner

Outside 3-acre gardens with brook; main studio, river studio, numerous outbuildings For more: Inigo Homes; www.inigo.com

Outside are two studios. The main studio houses a large double-height living room, kitchenette, shower room and spacious mezzanine sleeping area, while the river studio is a charming single-storey stone building with French windows opening to the brook. With its woodburner, electricity, Wi-Fi and water supply it’s a self-contained, working-from-home, riverside o ce of dreams; if you end up working on your laptop from a hammock slung between the trees, only the birds will know, and they promise not to tell.

The gardens are beautifully landscaped, with semi-formal stone terraces, lawns, a walled garden and kitchen garden. A steep grassy bank rises at the back up to Wood Lane; at the front of the house, beyond the brook, are further trees and open fields.

Wildlife surrounds the gardens, with birdsong carrying wonderfully through the vale in the morning and owls gently hooting in the evening.

There’s an orangery, too, positioned at the entrance to the grounds, with a steeply pitched glass-paned roof, stone oors, a grapevine and a woodburner, offering a fabulous retreat from the main house. Finally there’s a workshop, a pretty stone shed with a pitched roof , an exterior utility room, and a wood store big enough to use as a garage.

All of the above hopefully captures the feel of this irresistible home. We only have one last question for the owners: where’s the best place for the Christmas tree?

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

THE WINNERS 25 NOVEMBER 2022

ARCHITECT Sponsored by Halsall • AHR Architects

DEVELOPER Sponsored by Planning Portal • YTL Developments

CIVIC DEVELOPMENT Sponsored by YTL Developments • Merry Hill (Shaldon Road Development), Brighter Places

EMPLOYER Sponsored by Refine Property • Curtins Consulting

COMMERCIAL AGENT Sponsored by Spaces • Burston Cook COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT Sponsored by NE Appliances • Forge & Fern Café Bar & Restaurant, Vertex Investments COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGNER Sponsored by Bristol Life • Interaction CONSULTANCY Sponsored by Juniper Homes • Hydrock CONTRACTOR Sponsored by Marsh Commercial Joint Winner: • Halsall Construction • Missiato Design & Build COWORKING SPACES Sponsored by EntreConf • Square Works

FINANCIAL Sponsored by MDA Consulting • Mortgage Style ONE TO WATCH Sponsored by Alide Hire Services • Vyoo RESIDENTIAL AGENT Sponsored by Vertex Investment Group • HYBR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Sponsored by Shawbrook Bank • Castle Park View, Linkcity RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGNER Sponsored by Missiato Design & Build • Stylemongers Of Bristol RISING STAR Sponsored by Linkcity • Christiana Makariou, Goram Homes

SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES Sponsored by JAS Building Services • UK Lintels SUSTAINABILITY Sponsored by Willmott Dixon • Castle Park Energy Centre, Goram Homes TRANSFORMATION Sponsored by AWW • The Chocolate Factory, Generator Group WINNER OF WINNERS Sponsored by Lambert Smith Hampton • Castle Park Energy Centre, Goram Homes

HIGHLY COMMENDED COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGNER • Stride Treglown

SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES • Alide Hire Services TRANSFORMATION • St Mary’s Apartments, 56three Architects

NOVEMBER 2023 | BRISTOLPROPERTYAWARDS.CO.UK | EVENTS@MEDIACLASH.CO.UK

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

s a m t s i r h C y r r e M everyone 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

QUIZ

IT’S THE INEVITABLE, ULTRATRADITIONAL, ANNUAL BRISTOL LIFE BRISTMAS QUIZ! Brought to you, as ever, by the elves at Tangent Books

H

ow much do you know about Bristol’s rich history? Volume 2 of Manson’s Bristol Miscellany, full of interesting facts about the city, is out in time for Christmas. See how you fare with the following questions...

14

What did George Muller found in 1834 in Wilson Street, St Paul’s?

1

Which poet’s home is preserved close to St Mary edcliffe hurch

2

What was St Augustine’s Parade called after transport links were developed across Bristol?

5

3

4

9 10

5

11 12 13

Which Bristolian gave his name to the mark drawn on all cargo ships indicating the maximum depth to which they can be safely loaded?

The Bristol Boxkite was the fi rst plane to be made in Bristol. Where was its inaugural ight

6 7 8

What does BAC stand for?

In what area was Bristol’s fi rst airport

A temporary’ yover was erected at Temple Gate in 1968. What year was it in use until?

13

Which Bristol bridge is named after an enslaved servant?

In 1816 the general surveyor of Bristol Turnpike Trust published a booklet on how to surface roads. What was his name?

What was the name of Bristol’s ‘milkmaid poet’?

Bristolian Alexander Archibald Leach became famous under what name?

8

What was the name of the building described as “like a galleon in a modern port” that once stood on the corner of High Street and Wine Street?

14 15 16

What was Clifton Observatory originally built as?

Who was the author of the book Existencilism?

What did Felix Farley and other members of the Farley family produce in Bristol?

17 18

Approximately how many people made up the population of Bristol in 1600?

Architect Charles Holden designed Southgate Underground Station in London – and which Bristol building?

ANSWERS 1 Bath 2 The Tramway(s) Centre 3 MV Balmoral 4 Samuel Plimsoll 5 The Downs 6 Bristol Aeroplane Company 7 Whitchurch 8 1997 9 Pero’s Bridge 10 McAdam ( John Loudon) 11 Ann Yearsley 12 Cary Grant 13 The Dutch House 14 A windmill 15 Banksy 16 Newspapers 17 12,000 18 Bristol Central Library 19 St Werburgh 20 Orphanage 21 Thomas Chatterton

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

What Anglo Saxon Saint, celebrated to have brought a dead goose back to life, gave his name to a Bristol Church and district?

20 21

The Fire-Ball was the fi rst train to leave Temple Meads station, in August 1840.

What destination did it reach 32 minutes later?

What is the name of the sole survivor of the ampbell eet of ships that once operated around the Bristol Channel?

19

Bristol’s two independent publishing houses,Tangent Books and Bristol Books, have teamed up for the second year running to provide an intriguing mix of information about the city, written by local author Michael Manson. All the facts in this quiz and many more, can be found in Volume

2 of Manson’s Bristol Miscellany (£20 from

www.bristolbooks.org)